The end...a new beginning

I have not had much time to post lately. I have been busy making curtains for Ben's work, sewing, studying my physio stuff (I can't believe the dates on my note are from 8 years ago!), preparing to start promoting Norwex products, taking care of Aryana, trying to get all dentist/doctors appointments completed before returning to work, crocheting receiving blankets, maintaining a household etc.

I cannot believe my little girl turns 1 year old in 5 days. I asked Ben yesterday, "Could you imagine if we had lost Aryana?" (I was reflecting on my pregnancy, surgery, bedrest) He quickly snapped, "I don't even want to think about it!"

She has been such a blessing. Her smiles and laughter are amazing. My favourite thing about Aryana is her pure joy and wonder of everyday things. For example, she played with broccoli for a whole hour which allowed me to make supper, her highlight every morning is playing with her empty yogurt container, she laughs uncontrollably when she hides in the curtain to play peek-a-boo and her favourite "toy" is a Winnie the Pooh SLIPPER. I'm kinda dreading returning to work and listening to people COMPLAIN all day. I think that was the hardest thing for me to deal with in my profession.

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Aryana is such a good eater. I am so happy about that. Last night she enjoyed a rice dish with mushrooms, onions, spinach and feta! She was getting mad at Ben because her wasn't feeding her fast enough!

Aryana is kissing the monitor receiver. I was in her bedroom speaking into the monitor. She didn't know where I was! She could hear me through the receiver so she gave it a kiss!

She is not so sure about the vacuum cleaner. Ben got this great picture of her peeking aound the bed to watch me vacuum!

Aryana enjoying her empty yogurt container!

Aryana is slowly learning to walk. The longest distance she has walked has been about 6 feet. She is a very determined little girl and knows what she wants. If you're holding her she will steer you to where she wants to go. Below is a picture of her pushing a kitchen chair around as a walking aid.

She also knows a few words "mama", "dada", "jus" (juice) and "sh" (shoe). Although she will not say the words on command or repeat you yet. She still does not enjoy cuddling but she will sit in our laps for a bit to read books, this is another of my favourite things.

I don't have too much else to say. I'm nervous about returning to work next week. I am so thankful it is not full time and Grandma and Oma will be babysitting Aryana and not a stranger. I am also VERY thankful that we are provided with the wonderful benefit of a 12 month maternity leave! I could not imagine returning to work after 6 weeks (like in Minnesota). Thinking back I couldn't even sit when Aryana was 6 weeks old!

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My friend said to me the other day, "Wow, Aryana is the type of child that sucks you into having another!" Well put.

Laundry

Aryana loves to "help" with the laundry. She will ignore the giant pile of clothes/towels and crawl to where I have folded a few items. I have learned to fold a pile for her and then put each individual item away when they are folded. For the video I obviously put the folded towels by her. Notice how she doesn't want the towels when they are in a messy pile.

Aryana work out

Aryana is having a blast playing with Grandma. Ben and I say we should design an Aryana work out video. Seriously, try flapping your arms around for 10 minutes. It's exhausting!

Smiles

Aryana discovered the cold air return vent. She keeps looking at daddy (Ben) and smiling. She's getting into more trouble now. She will have a fit if I don't let her play with our entertainment center. She's spunky.

Lost in Translation

Let me translate...
da da da DA, da da da DAAAAA, DAAAA, da da, DA.
I think she means it too.

Sooooo close!!!

Ben caught a great video of Aryana trying to crawl. She is sooooo close, but not quite there!

Giggles

Usually children get cranky when they are tired, and Aryana does too. But, when Aryana has the giggles we know she is tired. Here's a video of Aryana before we're going to give her a bath. Whenever I'm lower than her she thinks it's hilarious!

As for milestones she is sitting really well and on the verge of crawling. To get around now she just rolls. If she is on her tummy she will push forward with her toes. She looks like a little mermaid, it's so cute. She has also mastered saying, "dada", "baba" and "mama".

Oh, I'm starting to worry about going back to work so...if anyone knows of a part time physio job please let me know.