Photogenesis

Awhile back, Amaya started learning that it made us happy when she smiled for the camera. She even figured out that phones are cameras too. So now, even when she's upset (second to last picture) or has something in her mouth (the last picture), or even mid-eating (second picture) she will stop and smile for the camera. It makes me so, so happy to see her little smile.


my favorite smiling picture


mid-eating








very, very happy to see the camera


upset, but smiles for the camera


Even with something in her mouth

Mobility!

Amaya finally realized that if she puts all of her rolls together she can get somewhere! Out of the blue yesterday she rolled all the way across the room. John was in class, Lisa was at the store and Mom is in Mexico. I had no one to tell the good news too. Oh well, Amaya and I celebrated on our own.



She's been scooting a little bit, but she realized that on the tile she can go a lot faster, but it makes her little belly so cold!


Still no interest in crawling or walking, but at least now she can get somewhere.

Family Fun

We were pretty excited to hear about the Art Walk in Chandler, after going to the Art Walk in Park City a few times we were expecting quite a show, with a meals worth of free appetizers and stunning art. Chandler and Park City are not quite on the same level as far as being an art Mecca, but at least it was a night out and it was free (!).

Amaya was surprisingly cheerful, which might have just been because she loves, loves Emily, and there was this very talented marimba symphony from one of the local elementary schools.



The Marimba Symphony


Loves to point






Amaya loves the cupcake book Emily got me for Christmas.

Crib Habits

Amaya has been becoming more interactive with her crib. Before we left she started doing this:



She realized that she could lift up the bumper and see around the room, and more importantly, she could see one of us as soon as we walked in the room.


And then, while I was in Washington, John sent me these pictures. Apparently Amaya has realized that she can roll and scoot all over her crib. Which makes for some interesting wake up positions.





And now, this little powerhouse has discovered that if she has her legs held down she can do a full sit up on her own. Wow.

Lately

Amaya at church



The self-feeding improves.



A real bath at the hotel in Phoenix



Weather Phoenix vs Utah (the same day, the drive home)




Bedhead and teeth!


Our Thanksgiving dinner, vs. Amaya's Thanksgiving dinner





A new place to hang out



A new winter coat!

Halloween

S'Mores!


Not the most comfortable costume for extended sitting.




I planned to do "Black and White movie star" as I did the day before for work, but ran out of time to do my make up, ("Really paint my whole self gray just for the trick or treaters?") So (for the 4th time) I just grabbed the little crown and 2nd place prom queen sash. John was a rock star, and if I had to guess, I'd say Lenny Kravitz.


I first thought of this costume for her months ago when her marshmellow-esque thighs were at full bloom. Since she's started eating solids/moving around so much (but not yet crawling) she lost weight! Ack! So we had to use a little extra stuffing, just spandex would have been more of an impact, but oh well. In a completely un-literal way, I could just eat her.

Amaya loves her Daddy

Self-feeding and a Sharing Habit

Amaya still prefers to throw the little cheerio-puff things, but if I give her a big chunk of a banana she will cheerfully gum off little bites until it's pretty much gone.






And my sweet little baby already loves to share. As an extention of her new favorite trick, putting her toys in our mouths, she offers us some (slightly slimy) banana.







And I looked at her today and realized she is not my tiny baby anymore.
When did this happen?

Just Because

When I'm at work I miss looking at her cute face, thank goodness for the internet.


Practicing for Senior Pictures




Right after she toppled and bonked her head, can you see those little tears in her eyes?

The Scarecrow Festival

Amaya's favorite thing was the table cloth, to be expected.




Uncle Cody


Pumpkin Patchery





And then came home and took a bath (my favorite part of this picture is her little toes sticking up).