Baby of the World

In the profession of teaching, one comes across many different types of parents. Some good, some bad, some horrendous. The absolute worst is the non-existing parent. They never show up for anything, they never sign anything, they just do nothing. A close second to the bottom is the parent who thinks their child hung the moon. Their baby can do no wrong. Anything the child does is GREAT!

I have become one of those parents. I can't help it. John and I sit there and look at Rebecca and say, "How did we create someone so wonderful?"

Everything she does is fantastic. Well, accept the fact that she can not stay still to have her diaper changed. But that is only because she wants to turn around and look at herself in the mirror. Who can blame her? Have you seen how cute she is?

I know I sound obnoxious, and I am partially kidding. I will try to get a grip before Rebecca's school years start. Until then though, Rebecca is "The Baby of the World!" (Thank you Kevin Henkes.)

Here are some pictures of the Baby of the World from our past busy, busy weekend:

playing with Ari and Joshua

She went down for her nap yesterday a crawler, and woke up a walker. It is probably because of her new walking shoes.

helping Mommy blow out birthday candles

her first real babysitter, Ally

playing in her dollhouse (Daddy calls it a fort)

playing peek-a-boo

after eating blueberry pancakes for breakfast

Rebecca and Fletcher

her first meal at the Varsity

Eleven down, one to go

Today Rebecca turned 11 months old. So here are 11 quick facts about my girl:

1. She loves to climb.

2. She loves strawberries and blueberries.

3. She hates egg.

4. She has a way of getting into everything, especially the things she should not get into.

5. She loves to open and close the garage door.

6. She loves to read books.

7. The only way to get her to wear a bow in her hair is to sneak it in there and pray she can't feel it.

8. She likes to pretend to pick her daddy's arm hairs and then eats them. Sometimes she shares.

9. She can not stand for her face to be wiped.

10. In order to change her diaper, you have to give her two toothbrushes to keep her occupied. Otherwise, she can not be still.

11. She is the sweetest, cutest, smartest, most lovable baby in the world. (I am biased.)

Now as promised, here are some pictures from the past several days.

helping mommy put together a chair

playing with Caroline at my Uncle Sid's birthday party

trying out one of Uncle Sid's new beach chairs

pushing Julie in my walker

licking a coaster

swinging with Daddy

climbing on top of the couch

"What? I'm just eating my snack!"

one of the few times she has worn a bow (notice the messy face)

Brags

Today was an exciting day in the Kimball household. Rebecca graduated from Level 2 at Gymboree. We will start Level 3 next week. To get to move up to Level 3 you have to be standing confidently and beginning to walk. Rebecca is not quite there, but she is too busy for Level 2. I spend the whole time at Gymboree chasing Rebecca and spotting her while she scales the slides. She is a monkey, and refuses to sit still for singing, bubbles ,or parachute time. Hopefully things will be easier in Level 3, but I doubt it.

Another exciting thing that happened today was that Rebecca took about 3 steps all by herself, without any prodding. I was sitting on the couch. She was standing up, holding on to the remote control. Next thing I know, Rebecca takes off toward the TV. It was so exciting! I think I scared her by my squealing. I couldn't help it. I was sooooo happy.

I am scared to share the most fabulous thing. I am worried that if I brag about it, it will be jinxed. Oh well, here it goes. Rebecca slept from 7:30-6:30 last night. She has had 3 really good nights in a row. Hopefully this is the start of something new. Now, I just need to work on getting myself used to sleep. Last night I woke up at 4:30, 5:00, and so on until 6:30. I am just not use to sleeping through the night. But don't worry, it shouldn't take me long to get back into the swing of things.

Sorry I don't have pictures to post. Check back soon!