the fabulous adventures of little miss maia

Springtime!

2010-03-18T14:00:00.001-04:00

It's springtime! Flowers are here! I had to check and see how they smelled.

Big Girl Bed

2010-03-11T16:34:00.004-05:00

This week I got my new big girl bed! Bapcia and Opa bought it for me for my 2nd birthday. Mommy bought me new blankets and put some super-cute decorations on my wall - it's a whole new room!

I LOVE sleeping in my new bed. I get right in at bedtime and go right to sleep. And in the morning, I get out of bed and call for Mommy and Daddy: "come in! come in!" Sometimes I yell "hurry!" too.

18 Months: word count!!

2009-08-20T21:49:00.000-04:00

I am talking up a storm these days!
The list is getting too long, so here are the new words I've picked up in the last 2 months:

57. giraffe
58. morning/good morning
59. cold
60. bear
61. chair
62. froggie
63. pool
64. beach
65. duckie
66. mouth
67. kisses
68. off
69. splashies
70. "ashes, ashes, down!" (Ring Around the Rosie)
71. horsie
72. chickie
73. bug
74. nice
75. pretty
76. green beans (kind of like Mommy used to say it..."ming means")
77. banana (sounds like "mean-ya")
78. wash
79. thank you
80. you're welcome ("welcome")
81. please
82. all gone
83. go
84. peas
85. yogurt
86. popsicle ("pa-co")
87. help
88. on
89. outside
90. cookie
91. treats
92. inside
93. downstairs
94. garbage
95. bunny
96. car
97. toes
98. mouth
99. wake up
100. get up
101. swimming
102. raining
103. shovel
104. bucket
105. chicken
106. toot-toot
107. choo-choo
108. book
109. ding-dong
110. backpack
111. thumbs
112. hungry
113. ant
114. moth
115. fingers
116. hands
117. tickle
118. bus
119. airplane
120. "munch" (lunch)
121. window
122. hair
123. head
124. itchy
125. ow
126. boo-boo
127. fork
128. spoon

Ricky vs Little Miss Maia

2009-08-11T21:21:00.002-04:00

Progress Report: 16 Months

2009-07-01T21:46:00.038-04:00

I know it's been a while since you heard from me--another whole month has gone by! I've been very busy this month.

First, my friend Hazel came to visit. Here we are getting ready for our baby eat-off. I think I won, but we tied in the cuteness contest. We had a lot of fun playing together!

I've found that the dog bed is a fun place to play.

This month Mommy planted a vegetable garden. Here I am helping Daddy next to the garden. I have my hat and glasses on so you know I'm ready to help!

I got to go to TWO zoos this month! The first one was called the Zoo at Forest Park. They had a special place where kids could feed the animals. I was very brave and fed crackers to goats and a camel.

I got to meet my new friend Joy this month. She doesn't do much yet but I was showing her a few tricks.
This month I went to Chicago again to visit Grandma and Grandpa. Both Mommy and Daddy came with!

First we had a Father's Day party. Here I am with Mommy, Aunt Maggie, and Great Grandpa Sonny.

Everyone wanted to take pictures with me on their laps outside, but all I wanted to do was run around.

I got to play this fun beanbag game with Daddy.
I liked sitting on the step with my cousin Ashley.
Aunt Mimi helped me and my cousins blow bubbles! I love bubbles!
I love Aunt Mimi too!

I got to spend a lot of time with Pa Pa on this trip. He made breakfast for me every day.
Here I am trying to get down and run around while someone was trying to take my picture.

I guess we didn't get the best Father's Day picture, oh well!

Glasses!

Mommy was very jealous that she didn't get to go with us to the Choo-Choo.
It's a restaurant where all your food comes out on a little train. I had a good time and ate a big cupcake with sprinkles. I kept my train whistle, even though I'm not quite sure how to blow it yet.

When Mommy finally had a day off from work, we went to the beach. It was my first time! I didn't really like the Lake Michigan waves, but I LOVED playing in the sand.
The next day, Mommy, Daddy, and Maggie took me to Brookfield Zoo. We got to ride the carousel--Mommy and I rode an aardvark.

With Mommy in the monkey house. Mommy says I'm her little monkey.

Me and Aunt Maggie in the kangaroo pouch!
We watched the giraffes together. I liked them a lot.
Here's the whole family together at Grandpa Sonny's house.

This is my very good friend Harley. He let me hug him and kiss him and pull on his little stubby tail all the time. I love him very much.

I also love this little chair that Grandma bought for me.
Here I am with Pa Pa, Grandma, and Aunt Maggie in front of their house.
Back to the beach one more time...we brought Daddy to show him that Lake Michigan is bigger than Long Island Sound. Too bad it was so windy, we all got sand everywhere! What a great trip!

This month I have been learning lots and lots of new words. Look how long my list is now!!

mama
dada
kitty
fish
shoes
baby
eye
ball
doggie
socks
bup-bup (Mommy and Daddy pronounce it "fruit")
cheese
duck
hi
this
foo-foo (as in, "little bunny foo-foo", and accompanied by the appropriate finger gestures)
teeth
uh-oh
NO
apple
up
tweet tweet
grandpa (pa-pa)
mine
milkies (milk)
more
glasses
wow
water
pants
elephant
octopus
owl
ears
blue (as in "blues clues")
Elmo
all done
down
bee
flower
bye bye
ma-ma (grandma)
harley (grandma & grandpa's dog)
eggies
night-night
binky
hat
pee-pee
bathtime
Maia
Mimi (great-aunt)
Maggie (aunt)
keys
hot
monkey
eat

I love to try to sing, and I can do the hand motions (sort of) to lots of songs, like Itsy Bitsy Spider, Where is Thumbkin, and the Blues Clues theme song. I love to give hugs, even to strangers. I like to run and when I fall down I just get back up and keep on going. I like to make you laugh with my silly faces and I love to chase the kitties around and give them hugs, even though I get a face full of fur afterwards that makes me cough.

See you soon, bye bye!

Progress Report: 15 Months

2009-05-20T20:08:00.028-04:00

Oh boy, it's been a whole month since I've let you know how I've been doing! My excuse this time is that I've been too busy WALKING everywhere to do much of anything else. That's right, I finally let go of Mommy and Daddy's hands and took off on my own, and I'm having a great time going anywhere I want.

So, here's what else I've been up to. I went to a really cool park with Mommy and Daddy and saw a bunch of neat birds. I was just starting to walk a little bit...

Then we had a picnic outside on the grass.

Mommy has been excited for the weather to get nicer so she can dress me in all my cute spring and summer outfits.

So, here you might think I'm doing "Blue Steel" but really I'm just puckering up for a kiss. I like to pucker up. A LOT. And I always have someone specific in mind that needs to come kiss me...I wait, all puckered up, until the right person delivers.

Did I mention that I especially love kisses while I'm eating?
I always get what I want!Here I was getting my first taste of ice cream cake...yum!
Mommy showed me how to lick the frosting off my hands.
And how to lick the plate.
Yay for ice cream!!!
Afterwards I really needed a bath. I was getting too big for my baby tub so I got to have a bath in the big tub, with bubbles! I tried to eat them.

This month Mommy and I went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Ritz in Chicago. They had some new things at their house for me to play with, like this awesome princess scooter!
We got to go to the park. I love to swing on the swingset.

Not really a big fan of the slide just yet, but we tried.Another new discovery...WATERMELON! I ate so much that Mommy and Grandma thought I might explode. I couldn't even finish a piece without yelling for the next one.
YUM!!
I got to ride the train to Chicago with Mommy and Grandpa.
And we got to walk around downtown a little bit too.

Of course, it's always nice to hang out back at the house.

Back in Connecticut, I got to go to my first union rally. I clapped a lot and got to meet some nice dogs.
Nothing like hanging out in your bathrobe. It doesn't look like it here, but I had a good time prancing around in it.

New words to add to the list this month:

mama
dada
kitty
fish
shoes
baby
eye
ball
doggie
socks
bup-bup (Mommy and Daddy pronounce it "fruit")
cheese
duck
hi
this
foo-foo (as in, "little bunny foo-foo", and accompanied by the appropriate finger gestures)
teeth
uh-oh
NO
apple
up
tweet tweet
grandpa (pa-pa)

I can also point to all the different parts of my face when you say them (eyes, nose, mouth, chin, hair, neck) and I even know where my hands, fingers, arms, and feet are! I know, it's impressive.

Little Miss Maia Likes to Read (and pretend to blow her nose)

2009-04-22T20:25:00.002-04:00

Progress Report: 14 Months

2009-04-20T21:23:00.007-04:00

This month was full of exciting things! First, Mommy and Daddy went away in an airplane and I got to stay with Babcia and Opa for a few days. They took me to meet the Chief of Police and the Easter Bunny, and let me stay up late.

Then when Mommy and Daddy got home we went to see the Easter Bunny again, only they thought it was my first time. Now they know why I was so excited when I saw him!

This month I've been working on this walking thing. I've taken a few steps by myself, but mostly I like to walk holding hands with somebody. Don't worry, I'll show you exactly where I want to go--you better listen, too!

Pretty soon I'm going to be ready to let go...watch out!
Other than that, it's just the usual mischief.

I am learning so many new words! Here's a list of all the words I can say:

mama
dada
kitty
fish
shoes
baby
eye
ball
doggie
socks
bup-bup (Mommy and Daddy pronounce it "fruit")
cheese
duck
hi
this
foo-foo (as in, "little bunny foo-foo", and accompanied by the appropriate finger gestures)
teeth
uh-oh

I like the songs "Little Bunny Foo Foo" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider", and I ask for them to be sung to me by showing you the moves.

I also really like watching "Blues Clues" in the morning while Mommy and I get ready for the day. Daddy can make sounds like Blue, it's so funny!

Little Miss Maia Meets the Easter Bunny

2009-04-12T11:29:00.008-04:00

Yesterday Mommy and Daddy took me to the mall to meet the Easter Bunny. I spotted him with the other kids while we were waiting in line and I was very excited for my turn. Once I got on his lap I got very serious but I finally smiled a little bit.
Then, this morning, I saw what he brought me!

He even left me some bunny ears!
Daddy got pretty silly with them...
I also got a little chick that hops...maybe someday I'll get a real live one??

Progress Report: 13 Months

2009-03-25T07:48:00.011-04:00

You've missed me, haven't you? Sorry it's been a while since I've updated you all on my fabulous adventures. Want to know what I'm up to now that I'm 13 months old?

Well, I have lots of new toys, and there are a couple of things that I especially like. Mommy and Daddy bought me a farm toy with lots of little animals--the pink piggy is my very favorite. I always pull him out and carry him around. I like to chew on him a little bit sometimes, but I promise I don't hurt him. See?

I still love our real animals, too. I'm learning how to pet them nice and gentle.

Sometimes those tails are just too tempting though!
Last weekend Grandma Ellie came to visit. We had a good time hanging out.

She brought me this bunny that sings and wiggles its ears.

Everybody in the house has his song memorized now!

I'm such a big girl now that Mommy lets me have a snack on the floor sometimes. I love my baby goldfish crackers!

As hard as I try, I can't spill them with this magic cup. I'll keep working on it. I know how to say "uh-oh" now so it's ok if I drop things.
I'm too nervous to walk by myself yet but at daycare I took a couple of steps and sometimes I can stand without holding on to anything. I'm learning lots of new words: cheese, fish, yeah, duck, shoes.

Bye bye!

Progress Report: 1 Year

2009-03-02T20:51:00.004-05:00

Now that I'm a year old, here are some things you should know about me!

I love music and I love to dance. When I hear music I like to bounce, wiggle, and shake my head back and forth. Sometimes I even wave my hands in the air like I just don't care.

I like to feed myself, and I love my veggies. Peas are still my favorite, but green beans, broccoli, carrots...I like them all. No matter what, I will always eat cheese. And bananas. I can drink from a sippy cup but I like straws better. I know what to do with a spoon but I just need some more practice to make it work.

I can say some words: mama, dada, kitty, "this" (I like to point at "this" and "this" and "this" all day long - it's a fun game for Mommy and Daddy to guess what I'm pointing to), hi, doggie. I understand a lot more words than that though. And I am learning animal sounds too. The owl says "booooo" and the kitty says "meow" and the cow says...well I don't know how to spell it out but I can make the sound pretty good just like my farm toy [a low, rumbling "mmmmmmm"].

I can crawl so fast now it'll make your head spin! I can walk pretty good too if I'm holding on to something but I'm not quite ready to let go yet. I like to walk around pushing my car toy. I can climb up the stairs too if Mommy or Daddy watches me.

Right now I have 2 and a half teeth (the third one is only halfway out!) all on the bottom. But there are 4 on the top that are ready to pop right now. Pretty soon I'll have a big smile with lots of teeth to brush.

Let's see, what else? I can wave hi and bye-bye, I can put my finger to my lips and say "shhh", and I am learning how to put the right shapes in the right holes in my shape sorter. I am learning new things every day! I can't wait to keep sharing them with you.

Little Miss Maia Has a Happy First Birthday

2009-03-01T11:07:00.040-05:00

Can you believe I'm ONE?! It's been so much fun sharing all my adventures with you this year. To celebrate my birthday, we had some family and friends over for lots of food and cake.

Babcia and Opa were the first to arrive - they helped Mommy and Daddy get ready for the party. Daddy went to pick up some big balloons, and Opa let me see them up close. I thought they were pretty cool for a while until they started moving by themselves, and then I got a little scared.

After everyone got to our house, it was time to eat. I had ziti--yum!

Me with Babcia and Sara (from daycare). Aunti Wendy and Cousin Cory in the back.
Me with Opa and Uncle Kris.
Everybody eating.
Me and

Me and Uncle Butch.Adrienne, Great Grandma Smith ("G.G."), Great Uncle Dean, Great Auntie Paula, Jen, Uncle Mikey.

I was so happy Sara could come to my party! We usually hang out at her house.
Daddy with Phil, Tracy, Chrissy, and Dave.

Here's the Hello Kitty Cake Babcia made for my party--aren't I lucky?!

I wore this dumb tiara just long enough to get a picture with Mommy and Daddy.

I wasn't sure what was going on, and then everybody started singing...to me!

Babcia tried to get me to blow out the candle but I didn't know how. Maybe next year.

Then, it was time to eat cake!!

Next, we opened presents. Everybody watched to see what I got. It was so nice of everybody to bring me something for my birthday!

Of course, every girl loves something green!Both the paper and the Hello Kitty bank were very exciting.

I got lots of cute clothes that I'll be able to wear when it's warmer.

I don't know what's inside this one but I'm so excited about it!

Thanks everybody!!
Bye bye! See you next time!

Little Miss Maia Turns One Year Old

2009-02-20T21:18:00.005-05:00

Special guest post by Mommy!

Dear Punky,
A year ago tonight, we met you for the first time. Even after 9 months of waiting and preparing and hoping, I don't think we ever could have known how much you would turn our lives upside down in the very best way.

You have changed so much in your first year. During the first few days of your life, you wanted to sleep and sleep and sleep. I had to resort to (at the nurses' suggestion) putting cold washcloths on your face to wake you up and get you to eat. Thankfully you have kept up with being a sound sleeper, but these days you have no problem shoving fistfuls of food into your mouth as fast as possible.

I am still amazed by you, every single day. I would do pretty much anything to hear you laugh (and thankfully there is not yet any video proof of that)! I love watching your personality unfold and I'm so excited to see what else you have in store for me.

Happy first birthday, Punky! We love you thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis much. And more.

Little Miss Maia Contributes to Science (Again)

2009-02-19T23:08:00.004-05:00

On Monday Mommy and I went back to the Very Big and Impressive University so I could help the Very Smart Scientists with some more Very Important Research.

This time I got to watch some monkey puppets eat green beans and graham crackers. One monkey liked the graham crackers best, and the other monkey liked the green beans. Then I was supposed to pick which monkey I wanted to play with. I wanted to play with both at the same time but they really wanted me to pick just one. Oh well! Then it was my turn to pick between graham crackers and green beans. I didn't see why I should only have just one so I put one hand in the bowl of crackers and the other hand in the bowl of green beans at the same time. I dug around in the bowls and finally decided to eat a green bean. And that was it--we were done! I don't understand all this Science stuff but Mommy is impressed with my budding research skills.

Here's a picture of me with the 2 Very Smart Scientists whose experiment I helped out with. Of course my favorite part of visiting their lab are all the toys they have for their research volunteers to play with.

Little Miss Maia Returns to the Windy City

2009-02-16T20:20:00.010-05:00

Last weekend Mommy and I went on another airplane ride to visit Grandma Ellie and Grandpa Ken in Chicago. I enjoyed reading the SkyMall catalog, and then tearing it into tiny pieces.
Here I am getting a bath in the kitchen sink! Grandpa Ken let me play with a wooden spoon, mostly to keep me from grabbing all the other stuff on the counter.

Grandpa Sonny and Great Aunt Mimi came over to see me while I was in town...I promise I'm smiling under that binky!
Grandma Ellie and I hung out together while Mommy went to work downtown.

But of course my favorite part of the trip was getting to see Harley!
On the ride home, Mommy and I were stuck in a window seat and the mean lady in front of us put her seat all the way back so I had no room to move around. Mommy let me kick her seat the whole way. I wanted to pull her hair too but Mommy stopped me. I was very cranky until the last 20 minutes of the flight, when Mommy and I played the best game ever! It was called "I will pull the window shade down and then Mommy will put it back up immediately so I can pull it down again." When Mommy wasn't fast enough I grabbed her hand and pulled it over to the window shade to show her what to do. Really, Mommy, it's not that hard of a game. I'm sure you'll do better next time.

Little Miss Maia Goes Climbing

2009-02-02T09:59:00.003-05:00

Now that I'm crawling all over the place, I keep finding new things and places to explore. The other day I wandered over near the dog dish (I keep trying to get the dog's Puffs out of the bowl but Mommy keeps saying no!) and I found this:

Then, with a little trying, I realized I could climb it!

I made it all the way to the top (Mommy had to stop taking pictures so she could follow me). And when I made it to the top, I turned left and went up 2 more steps right into Mommy's office. I can go anywhere now!

Progress Report: 11 months

2009-01-27T20:37:00.016-05:00

Only one month to go before my first birthday--I'm 11 months old!

This month I really started getting around. I am crawling almost fast enough to catch the dog, and just fast enough to make it to the cats' water dish and splash my hand in a few times before Mommy catches me.I've also been working on using these leg things...turns out I can actually pull myself up on things and stand, who knew?!

That's me standing up in front of my karaoke center. It is still one of my favorite things to play with. I love dancing to the music and making faces at myself in the mirror.
I'll make music with pretty much anything you give me. I've got mad skills with the pot and spoons.Here's a picture of me and Daddy hanging out.
And here's a picture of me being tormented by Daddy. Well, not really, but he did put me on the floor like that just so he could take this funny picture of me in my big puffy snowsuit.
Of course, no Progress Report is complete with out the food update! I still love my broccoli pancakes--which you can see smeared all over my face in these pictures.

I keep surprising Mommy by eating almost anything she gives me. I've tried grilled cheese, pasta with sauce, mac & cheese with broccoli, fish sticks, cantaloupe, and cucumber. One time she tried to give me a veggie burger--I didn't like that very much! I love to eat veggies and my favorite is still peas.

Here's a picture of me on the day I turned 11 months old - January 20th. I was sick with a cold and a fever that day so I couldn't go to daycare. So Mommy and I got to hang out together, and since it was a special day she let me watch a little TV. It was a pretty good day, except for all the nose-wiping.

I'm learning so many new things every day. For one, I am getting better at pat-a-cake. Whenever Mommy says "let's do pat-a-cake" I start to clap. I also start to clap when says "do you want a pancake". Just covering all my bases. And, when we get to the part where we "roll it, roll it", I can roll my hands. Now I just need to learn what to do when we say "throw it in the oven" and I'll be a master!

Pointing. That's another thing I like to do a lot of. Point and say "dis". Point at the lights, point at the cup, point at the binky, point at the container of Puffs on the shelf that Mommy thought she hid but that I can still see even though there's a bunch of stuff in front of it.

See you next month!

Little Miss Maia has a Merry Christmas, Part 2

2009-01-10T11:27:00.030-05:00

OK, so where was I? Oh yeah, Chicago. We got lucky to make it home in between all the bad weather, and soon it was Christmas Eve. I was a good helper while Mommy wrapped the last of the presents. I had a good time playing with the wrapping paper tubes!

Mommy got me dressed in my Santa Baby dress so of course I puked on it right away. I don't think Mommy understands that I'm just trying to start a new holiday tradition. Anyway, I got cleaned up and then Mommy tried to pose me under the tree for some pictures but I was more interested in removing the weird mind-reading device they'd strapped to my head. What a coincidence that it should match my dress!

Then it was off to Bapcia and Opa's house for the Christmas Eve festivities.

I got to meet lots of new people.
And I made sure to check them all out very thoroughly.
I even got some presents!

Cousin Rebecca made me this bear and bib for my first Christmas!
When it was time for the Yankee Swap I was getting tired so I put my PJs on. I helped Auntie Paula decide not to keep the giant remote. After the Swap, we went home and went to bed to wait for Santa!
The next morning, we came downstairs to see what Santa brought! Well, actually, first Daddy had to go to work because the jerks at the phone company called him and told him they needed his help. So Mommy and I waited and then when he got home, we came downstairs to see what Santa brought.

I like to go right for the bows first.

I think it looked better on Daddy's nose.
Then, the paper comes off bit by bit. I need to wave each piece around in the air for a while.
What's inside? My first puzzle!
Another bow AND a box I can climb on!

I had a lot of fun with my "Glockentoddler" glockenspiel!
What could this one be?
It's a Ball Popper! I waited patiently while Daddy put it together. The box helped keep me occupied.
Whoa! Ball popping action! The best part is watching Mommy and Daddy chase the balls all over the room.
After opening presents, it was time to go to Great Grandma's house for Christmas dinner. I got to put on my fancy dress again.
I like to think I provided a little entertainment for everybody.

Finally, we went back to Bapcia and Opa's house to see what else Santa had left for me there. I got my very own rocking horse!
And, this cookie jar that sings to me when I put the pieces in or take them out. I really like this one!
How are Mommy and Daddy going to get all this stuff home? Oh well, that's not my job!

Progress Report: 10 Months

2009-01-04T21:56:00.009-05:00

I'm really going to have to talk to Mommy about her being so late to help me with my updates. Where were we? Oh, that's right, I'm now over 10 months old!

This month I started trying a lot of new foods, especially foods I can eat with my hands. Some of my favorite things to eat by myself are vegetable pancakes, pasta, puffs, peas, green beans, bananas, cheerios and cheese. Here I am having eggs and toast.

Sometimes I like to sit and play with my toys--or read a book--by myself.
Giving kisses is more fun through the screen. Maybe the Mormons are on to something!

This month Mommy took me to a Very Big and Impressive University so I could help out with some Very Important Research. We visited the Yale Infant Cognition Lab where I got to be part of a psychology experiment. Experiments done by the lab have been on TV on a show called "The Baby Human" that Mommy liked watching while she had me in her belly. In the experiment I was in, I got to watch a puppet show about a bunny playing ball with 2 different doggies. One doggie always stole the ball from the bunny, but the other doggie always shared and gave the ball back. After I watched the puppet show a bunch of times (with a computer camera watching me to see when I started to get bored), I got to pick which doggie to hug first. And that was it. Science is fun! Here I am with the t-shirt I got for helping out at the lab.

I felt very smart after doing all my Very Important Research so I thought I'd show the cat a thing or two.
"See this thing here? I'm just showing you what NOT to do."I like to show off all my smarty pants new skills now. I learned how to use some new signs this month, like "all done" and "more". I also like to point at everything, and if it's something I want I just screech or yell "na na!" If it's something I'm just interested in, I point at it and say "dis". When I hear somebody say "bye bye", I wave, and when someone says "how big are you?" I put my hands up. I mean, I think it's pretty silly but the grown ups seem to get a big thrill out of it. When Mommy says "let's do pat-a-cake" I start clapping, and if you say "peekaboo" I might try to cover my eyes with my hands or a blanket.

I am crawling (using both knees, not the one knee/one foot method I used last month) now. It's great how many itsy bitsy pieces of stuff I can find on the floor while I'm crawling. Mommy is turning on the noisy floor cleaning machine all the time now. I like to shriek at it while it's running, just like I like to shriek at barking dogs. Aaah!!

Little Miss Maia has a Merry Christmas, Part One

2009-01-02T21:15:00.030-05:00

I am a very lucky girl, because I got to have two Christmases this year! Mommy and I went on the airplane to Chicago to visit Grandma Ellie and Grandpa Ken. But first, I helped Mommy and Daddy with some decorations at home.

Daddy gets a big kiss for letting me help with the lights.
Grandpa Ken was very happy to see me. I hear he's turned into a big softie now that I'm around.
All of Mommy's family came over to help me celebrate my first Christmas. Mommy put a fancy party dress on me, and I made sure to puke on it just a little bit right away. Mommy cleaned it up and then we took some pictures.
Grandpa Ken is as tall as the trees! OK, well at least this tree.
Great Aunt Ummy, Great Uncle Greg, and cousins Whitney and Audrey came over a little early to meet me.

Here I am with Grandpa Ken, Grandma Ellie, Aunt Maggie, and Mommy.
Aunt Maggie and I had a good time together. She wanted to take me out drinking but Mommy said no.
Here I am with Great Uncle Big George. He's funny.
I showed my cousins my new karaoke setup and we jammed out to "The Wiggle Song".
Cousin Jackie helped me open presents.
Here I am with my Great Grandpa, and all of the grandchildren (and great-grandchildren) except for two (Julie and Matt). Girls rule!
Another family picture...I guess they wanted one with me wearing this fancy new head bow!
Here I am with my Great Grandpa!
We had so much fun opening presents and playing, but soon it was time to put on my Santa PJs and go to bed.
The next morning, there were even more presents to open! I guess Santa made a special trip to Chicago to find me at Grandma and Grandpa's house. I liked climbing on the presents more than opening them!
I got some books, and a cool musical cube from Aunt Maggie.
What's this?!
It's Elmo!
And he laughs and falls over when I tickle him!
Silly Elmo!
The best way to end a morning of opening presents? Napping on my favorite Aunt's lap.

Happy Holidays from Little Miss Maia

2008-12-24T16:01:00.006-05:00

Mommy wanted me to let you know that it is all her fault that the blog is a little behind. I have been wanting to tell you about a lot of things, like turning 10 months old (and all my new tricks), visiting Grandma and Grandpa in Chicago, and volunteering for important baby research at a Very Big And Impressive University.

But for now, I hope that you all have a very nice Christmas, Hannukah, Winter Solstice, Kwaanza, or FESTIVUS! Mommy and Daddy have told me that some guy named Santa is coming tonight but I don't know why it should matter to me since I go to bed at 7:00. I guess I'll find out...

Little Miss Maia Jams Out

2008-12-08T21:16:00.002-05:00

Here are some funny pictures my Daddy took of me.
I really like music. When something comes on that I like, I start to dance. Here I am doing the Hustle, or something like it.
Let's boogie!

Little Miss Maia Does Thanksgiving

2008-12-05T22:03:00.018-05:00

Last week we had a very special time putting on our nice clothes and eating all day long. Mommy and Daddy say it's called "Thanksgiving".

Here I am in my fancy dress showing Auntie Dawn my new stuffed dragon.

And hanging out with GG before dinner. (Good thing we hung out before dinner, because I caught GG napping for a long time after dinner---shhh! don't tell anyone I told you!)

Opa and I helped Bapcia set the table. Sort of.
OK, we didn't help at all.

Mommy had to make sure we got lots of pictures of my Thanksgiving dress!

Mommy said to tell you that she certainly did not try to coordinate our clothes, and she has no idea what you could possibly be talking about.
When it was time to eat, we all sat at a fancy table at Bapcia's house (well not me, I was in my highchair)Turn me around and sit down already so I can get my hands on some turkey!Mmmm...that's better.
After dinner, Uncle Mike and I provided some light entertainment. But first, I had to fight to get my guitar back from Opa. He really loves that thing.
Uncle Mike didn't have too much Grown Up Juice, he just looks like he did.
The next day, we were all pretty tired.
BUT...I still made a trip to meet Santa! I'm not so sure if I liked getting my picture taken with him, but I have a feeling he's still going to bring me some good presents. I *have* been a very good girl, after all.
P.S. Daddy took a lot of nice pictures at Thanksgiving but he didn't give them to Mommy yet so she will have to post them later for me!

Get well soon Hazel!

2008-11-28T20:35:00.004-05:00

Please pray for my friend Hazel. She is in the hospital. She got very sick from swallowing a battery and had to have an operation to take it out, but it was in there for a while and made her insides get hurt.
Get better soon Hazel! We love you!

Hazel's doctor said that lots of babies get sick from swallowing batteries--especially the kind that are in greeting cards that play music. Please don't send any cards like that to me or anybody else who has a baby in the house!

Little Miss Maia Says "Gobble Gobble!"

2008-11-27T09:35:00.003-05:00

Today, I am thankful for lots of things. Especially Puffs.

Progress Report: 9 Months

2008-11-25T21:19:00.011-05:00

I've finally spent as much time on the outside as on the inside! Sure, floating around in the warm dark was nice, but out here there are kitties, milk, blueberries, and rides on Daddy's shoulders. Pretty good deal!

This month Mommy had to go on some trips for work, and Daddy had to take care of me all by himself. He did a pretty good job!

He was pretty tired by the time Mommy got home though...

I've been learning lots of new things this month: waving hi and bye-bye, how to make the sign for "milk", and how to get my tongue onto the floor really fast before Mommy sees me do it.

I haven't learned to read yet but we're working on it.

This month I also battled a giant lobster.

Don't worry, I won.

9 month stats: 21 lbs, 9 oz; 28 inches tall!

Little Miss Maia has a Blueberry Breakfast

2008-11-16T22:08:00.010-05:00

This morning Mommy and Daddy gave me something new for breakfast--waffles with blueberries! The waffles were just my size and Mommy poured blueberry juice on them to make them soft and sweet. Even so, I liked the plain blueberries even better. Once I ate one, I couldn't get enough. I made a big mess, too, so it was tasty AND fun!

Think you can handle even more cuteness? Check out the video!

Little Miss Maia Gives Kitty Kisses

2008-11-16T21:55:00.003-05:00

Mommy says that our kitty Bisoux is really good at putting up with me. I'm not sure what she means, but here's a video of me playing with Bisoux. He's one of my very favorite toys. (P.S. for my fans, there's a little Wiggle Dancing thrown in too!)

Little Miss Maia is Stylin'

2008-11-06T13:28:00.003-05:00

Last weekend Mommy and I went shopping. I was a very good girl while Mommy picked out clothes for me. Then she tried to look for some things for herself and I cried. So I was the only one who went home with new threads. Here's one of my new outfits--coolest velour tracksuit ever!

Little Miss Maia's First Election

2008-11-06T13:12:00.003-05:00

On Tuesday Mommy and Daddy took me to the school that I'll be going to in a few years. But we didn't go to class, we went to vote! I got to sit on Mommy's lap while she filled out her ballot. She said she wished there was a lever for me to pull, but now they have fancy new bubble sheet ballots so I couldn't help.

That night, after I went to bed, history was made.

Little Miss Maia says...

2008-11-04T14:37:00.004-05:00

PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TODAY!

Little Miss Maia does the Wiggle Dance

2008-11-03T23:30:00.002-05:00

Behold...one part Stevie Wonder plus one part "the back of my head itches" equals one funny baby dance. It's even better when performed flat on one's back.

Progress Report: 8 Months (ok, almost 8 and a half...)

2008-11-01T22:54:00.011-04:00

The last month and a half have been lots of fun but also very busy here at our house! Let me catch you up with everything I've been doing lately.

Even though I'm not crawling, I've figured out how to get around using my own special mix of rolling and scooting. Mommy only has to turn her back for a few seconds before I've got my mouth on a magazine, my socks, or the carpet. Sometimes I get up into a crawling position just to tease Mommy and Daddy. The look of excitement on their faces is just precious, but then I ruin it for them by collapsing onto the floor and crying. Works every time.

I am still trying lots of new foods and I actually like to eat most everything I try now. My very favorite thing is still yogurt mixed with bananas, I can't get enough! I am really good at eating Cheerios and "puffs" now, and sometimes Mommy even gives me other things to try that I can pick up and eat by myself. Yesterday I tried tofu. It was kind of hard to pick up, so I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. Daddy doesn't like tofu, but Mommy said that she would not try to bias me against tomatoes if Daddy would just keep his trap shut about the tofu.
I am talking all the time now, but I don't think Mommy and Daddy understand me most of the time, except for when I say "Dada" and "Mama". They get pretty jazzed when they hear me saying those. I like to yell "Dada" a lot, just for fun. I am also trying really hard to say "kitty"...I think Mommy and Daddy finally heard me the other day.

I still only have my 2 bottom teeth, but they have gotten a lot bigger. Just waiting for the top teeth now! If you look really close, you can see my teeth in this picture of me and cousin Maddie. (I'd already gotten my own socks off so I was working on setting her feet free next...)

Here are some other things you might want to know about me:

Favorite musician: Herb Alpert

Favorite book: That's Not My Bear

Favorite cat: Bisoux, because he doesn't run away when I maul him

Favorite foods: yogurt with bananas, pears, minestrone soup

Favorite toys: Daddy's old 80's keyboard, Swirlin' Surprise Gumball Machine, maracas

Favorite time of day: bath time

Least favorite time of day: putting PJs on before bed

Favorite things to do in public: stare at strangers for an uncomfortably long time; smile back at anybody who smiles at me

Favorite things about Mommy: her hair; her necklaces; when she makes animal noises (especially owls and pigs); she feeds me

Favorite things about Daddy: his tattoos; his funny voices; when he lets me ride on his shoulders and we chase Mommy around the house together

Favorite things to say to dogs...watch this video and see for yourself:

(This actually went on for quite a bit longer..."bark!" "aaaaah!!!" "bark!" "aaaaah!!!"...you get the idea.)

Little Miss Maia goes to Cape Ann

2008-10-30T23:05:00.000-04:00

First of all, Mommy would like me to tell you that she's very sorry that she hasn't let me post anything new in a while. She has been very very busy and we have been spending our free time snuggling instead of playing with the computer. But now it's time to catch up!

A few weeks ago Mommy and Daddy took me for a long ride in the car. When we finally got out, we were right next to the ocean! Mommy and Daddy told me that we were on vacation. I'm not sure what that means except that we all had to sleep in one room together and every morning I got to go out on the balcony and watch funny birds squawk and fly over the water.

Here is where we stayed:I was happy to get out of the car and into our room. Do you like my "traveling outfit"?
After we got settled in, we went for a walk.I told you we were right by the ocean!Here I am with Daddy in front of some red building that people really, really like to paint and take pictures of.
The next morning, we went out on the balcony to look at the ocean.
Then, we got back in the car again, and drove a little while to this place:
Daddy and I had fun posing around the town.
By the time we got to the graveyard, I was getting a little cranky. Don't worry, it wasn't because of the witch ghost spirits, I was just hungry.We also went to the Salem Witch Museum, where we saw a show about the witch trials. I was very good during the show, and I even helped make it scarier by yelling in my gravely exorcist voice during the parts of the show about "the afflicted" girls. Then I tried on some new gear at the gift shop.

The next morning, we went for a walk on the beach behind our hotel.I had a good time watching the birds.
Then, we went for a little trip to visit some of Mommy's friends who have babies the same age as me! We ate lunch at the pub in Ipswich.
Then, we had tons of fun playing on the floor at my new friend Hazel's house. Here's a picture of me and Hazel playing maracas.
I had to check Hazel out REAL good, just to make sure....well I don't know what I was trying to make sure of but it sure made for funny pictures.See what I just did to her? I do that to the cat, too. Luckily he doesn't seem to mind. Actually, Hazel didn't seem to mind either.

Here's our other friend who came to play. You're not going to believe this, but her name is Maia too! How crazy is that?
Before we said goodbye, we all squeezed into the armchair for a group picture. Baby pile!
On our last day in Rockport, Mommy made sure Daddy took some nice pictures of me and Mommy.
Before we left, I took some time to stand out on the balcony and watch the birds some more.
What a fun vacation!

Little Miss Maia Tells It Like It Is

2008-10-20T13:13:00.002-04:00

This morning, like every morning, I heard some strange noises coming from Daddy. So I thought I should let everyone know.

I said, "Dada pppttttthhhhhhh! Dada pppttttthhhhhhh! Dada pppttttthhhhhhh!"

Mommy said, "Yes, Maia, that's right, he did."

Little Miss Maia goes to the Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-13T22:05:00.018-04:00

This weekend we went to the pumpkin patch to pick out pumpkins. Turns out I was the cutest pumpkin in the whole patch!

Little Miss Maia Goes to the Fair

2008-10-04T12:04:00.029-04:00

Last weekend was very exciting--I went with Mommy, Daddy, Babchi and Opa to the Big E! The Big E is also called the "Eastern States Exposition"--it's a big fair for all of New England (that's Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Maine for all of you back in the Midwest). See how much I'm learning?! While we're on explanations, maybe I should tell you that "Bapchi" is my Grandma Stock--she wants me to call her Babchi because that means Grandma in Polish. And Opa is my Grandpa Stock. Opa is German for "grandpa". I'm getting early lessons in multiculturalism over here.

So, anyway, last weekend we all drove up to Massachusetts for the fair. I want to show you what a good time we had!

Everybody was hungry when we got there, so I did some people watching while everybody else had lunch.
Mommy and Babchi had the Fair's famous baked potatoes. This is just one of the many yummy things at the Fair that I won't get to try until next year :(

We saw lots of animals at the Fair. First, we checked out the Budweiser Clydesdales (the dalmation from the commercial that makes Mommy cry was there too!) while Daddy had a beer in their honor.
Then we enjoyed some music from this strange trailer full of moving dolls.
It's not a fair without ponies...

...and of course we had to stop at the petting zoo. Mommy, Daddy, and Babchi fed the animals and made sure I didn't reach out and pull anybody's fur.

I was promised an elephant ride in a couple of years.

Daddy was super-excited when we stumbled upon the free concert by Esteban! Mommy and Daddy thought he only did commercials, not real concerts. His daughter played the fiddle in his band.

Who doesn't love a giant corn dog? We thought they were better to look at from far away...

Then it was time for the parade. It was raining so we had to huddle under the umbrella to watch.

Daddy's favorite part of the parade was this:

After the parade we went in search of the Fair's famous cream puffs. Even though I couldn't have any (really, is this fair?) I had a lot of fun watching them being made.

Mmmm...maybe I'll just pretend I'm eating a cream puff.

Nope, I'm pretty sure my fingers don't taste nearly as good. I can have one next year? Really?!

If you know anything about my Daddy, you know he can't pass up the Midway at the fair!
Lucky for me he doesn't quit until he wins a prize. Those carnies really love him.

I can't wait to go back to the Big E next year!

Progress Report: 7 Months

2008-09-21T22:52:00.027-04:00

Whoa! Can I really be 7 months old already? This month has gone by so fast. To commemorate this occasion, here are some adorable pictures of me taken in the last month (of course, they're all adorable, I know).

Don't mess with Little Miss Maia!

Who is more wobbly?
Avant garde posing.
7 months to the day, but sad because I have a fever.Kitchen stuff provides endless minutes of entertainment.Hmmm, what could I be up to?
I AM the cutest!
I've got something to say to YOU!
Getting ready for that Vogue cover.
Little wood nymph.
I was lucky to get to see lots of people who love me this month!

Of course, there's Dada, whose name I say all the time now.
Aunt Maggie, who I would love to see more of.
Grandpa Ken, teaching me to be a Cubs fan.
Grandma Ellie giving me a big hug.
Grandma Ellie and Grandpa Ken taking me around for visits.

Here's Opa mediating the baby-face off between me and cousin Maddie.
I got to see my Great-Auntie Dawn too.
Here are all the girls--Cousins Cory, Julia, Jaime, and Maddie with me and Mommy.
Here I am thanking Uncle Butch for all the presents he brings me.
And I made sure to play some music for G.G.!

And here I am with Babchi, trying to get her jewelry. Luckily she has lots of other things for me to play with at her house!

And here I am getting piggyback rides from Daddy and Mommy.
This month I've tried a bunch of new foods. My favorites are bananas, yogurt, apples, sweet potatoes, and squash. Mommy and Daddy have started letting me feed myself sometimes. They gave me these fun things called cheerios. I thought they were just for playing with but it turns out you can eat them, too! Here's a video of me learning about cheerios.

See you next month!

7 month stats: 20 lbs 5 oz, wearing size 12 month clothes already.

Little Miss Maia 3:16

2008-09-14T19:52:00.009-04:00

Little Miss Maia Doolittle

2008-09-14T16:34:00.016-04:00

Oh boy, it's been a while since I posted! I guess I've just been having so much fun that the time has really flown by.

Lately I've been getting to know some of our furry family friends a little bit better. I get really excited when the dog or one of the cats comes near. I am lucky that one of our cats, Bisoux, is so desperate for attention that he doesn't care what I do to him, he sticks around anyway.

Whether it's grabbing his head...

Pulling his fur...

Or a little of both...

He doesn't even seem to mind when I try to eat him.

He just hangs out and sometimes we have a little chat, too.

Now, cats are cool and everything, but I really go nuts for dogs. Two weeks ago Mommy took me to visit Grandma Ellie, Grandpa Ken, and Aunt Maggie. I had SO much fun with their dog, Harley! Here are some pictures of me playing with Harley and Aunt Maggie.

I tried to eat him, too.

He was very protective and laid near me while I played on the floor. I heard he was pretty happy when I left, though. He's used to being the baby at his house!
Take a look at the way Harley made me laugh.

I hope I get to visit him again soon! I guess it would be nice to see Grandma Ellie, Grandpa Ken, and Aunt Maggie too...

Little Miss Maia Goes to Marlborough Day

2008-08-30T21:35:00.013-04:00

Our town is pretty small, but we couldn't pass up this year's "Marlborough Day"! It was held at Blish Park, on Lake Terramuggus. That's right, our town has its very own lake with a funny name!

Here I am in the pavilion, enjoying the entertainment...

We got there too late to see the animal magic show, but we did catch a kids' martial arts demonstration, as well as this local ladies chorus. They sang funny songs--I think my grandmas would have liked their show!

Then we wandered over to see the fire truck-- can you see the big stream of water in the back of this picture? That's where the firemen were letting kids spray the firehose into the lake. Maybe I'll have a turn in a couple years.

I was hoping the ducks would come a little closer...

I got to listen to a little show by our town's very own Fife and Drum corps.

Then, we went over to the Playscape to check out the newly-added toddler area. Pretty cool!

Oh boy did I like the swing!See?

It was a long afternoon, so I had to sneak in a nap.

Then we listened to some jazz by "Mister Roger's Neighborhood Jazz Band" before heading home. Hooray for Marlborough Day!

Little Miss Maia Discovers That Bananas Are Tasty

2008-08-24T22:41:00.006-04:00

Today I decided to stop giving Mommy such a hard time with this "food" stuff. Since the bananas she was giving me were actually pretty tasty, I thought maybe I could give her a break and actually open my mouth to let the spoon in. Yum!
Look, I opened my mouth, OK. And see, there's the banana, right there on my tongue. I'm eating it, fer cry eye! Now get that camera out of my face already! Can't you see I'm busy here?

Progress Report: 6 Months

2008-08-20T21:14:00.032-04:00

I am 6 months old! As I predicted, there's a lot to tell you this month. So, Mommy helped me prepare a PowerPoint presentation to help you follow along.

Let's start with something that was brewing a month ago...
That's right, sitting up! I am a semi-pro sitter by now. I can't get into a sitting position by myself, but once I'm there, I only fall over once in a while. Like when a cat walks by and I *really* want to pull on his ear but he's just too far away. That's why Mommy still puts a pillow around me when I play......even though I really only need it when I feel like lounging.I even used my new booster seat when we went to Pop's last weekend with Opa and Uncle Butch.
This month has also brought some so-called "culinary adventures".
I am still not digging this whole "solid food" trip Mommy is on, but at least she gives me an extra spoon to play with when she puts me in my highchair. So far I have tried rice cereal, bananas, pears, sweet potatoes, and oatmeal. I like the taste of the pears and sweet potatoes OK but Mommy still has to sneak them into my mouth when I let my guard down. One day she gave me some frozen banana in a mesh feeder and I had a lot of fun squishing and licking it.
Now that I am sitting, there are a lot of new toys to play with! I figure them all out right away. Mommy is impressed with my superior aptitude. Here's a video of me playing with my gumball machine toy. Mommy only had to show me once how to push the lever.

I also like to play with my stacking rings and my little piano!

A few more to go...
This one is kind of self-explanatory. My favorite silly face this month involves scrunching my face up tight and breathing like a gorilla. No one knows where I came up with it, and I'm not telling.
I saved the biggest news for last.
OK, to be fair, you can't really see them yet (so there are no pictures), but yesterday Mommy felt my bottom teeth just starting to poke through! No wonder my chin is always full of drool.

I hope you found my presentation informative and enjoyable. Now, enjoy this bonus blooper video!

Little Miss Maia Tries Rice Cereal

2008-08-06T21:59:00.018-04:00

Something strange has been going on this week, and I still don't understand it. Mommy keeps putting this weird-tasting thing in my mouth and I end up a mess. What is the point of this?

What's that? You want some more rice cereal action? Well then, enjoy this video!

P.S. Now I eat in my high chair, isn't it cool?

Little Miss Maia Goes Campin'

2008-08-06T21:21:00.016-04:00

Last weekend, Mommy and Daddy took me on a camping trip. We went to Salt Rock State Campground in Baltic, Connecticut - not too far from our house.

Mommy made sure no bugs got on me! (Really there weren't too many bugs around anyway).

I had fun hanging out in my stroller at the campsite.

Playing on a blanket under the trees...

I liked pounding on the table while the grownups waited to eat breakfast.

Bumbo in the forest!

I helped Daddy wake up (that is a HARD job).

And, I got to go swimming with Mommy!

Camping does sure wear a girl out. I took a nap in Mommy's lap while we waited for the rain to stop.

Later on we went for a "stroll" on the "foot path". Mommy said that the reason the "stroll" turned into an hour-long hike was because the campground map was SOOOO not to scale. She wished she hadn't worn flip-flops...sometimes the path got so bumpy that Mommy and Daddy had to pick up the stroller and carry me like the princess that I am. I fell asleep halfway through anyway.

So, when do we get to go camping again? I'm ready!

Little Miss Maia Has Galloping Fun

2008-07-29T20:39:00.007-04:00

Grammie Stock's very nice friend Judy sent me a new toy! Here I am trying out my Galloping Fun Jumperoo for the very first time. I really got a kick out of the horsey noises. I haven't quite figured out the jumping part yet, but that's OK, I'm still having fun!

After a few days, I'm getting a *little* closer to figuring out what all this "jumping" is supposed to be about. Of course blowing raspberries makes everything a little more fun!

Progress Report: 5 Months

2008-07-23T14:21:00.020-04:00

It's hard to believe that I'm already 5 months old! There have been a lot of changes this month. Well, one thing hasn't changed--I still love my feet!I'm getting a lot better at using my hands. I can pick up toys and put them into my mouth (actually I will put *anything* into my mouth). I've also gotten good at pinching and pulling hair, but I don't think Mommy and Daddy fully appreciate those skills.

I really love Mommy's hair. I love to touch it (and pull on it) and I like it when it tickles my face. Mommy says I'm getting my own hair now, and that my bald spot is finally going away.

Here's someone else who has hair that I love...our cat Bisoux. This month I started to notice these non-humans who live in our house, especially the kitties. I like to grab their fur and their ears. Bisoux is kind of lonely so he doesn't run away too fast when I grab him. I like to pet our other kitty, Monty, too, but he always wants to lick my hands and Mommy doesn't let him. He also runs away faster when I try to grab his fur.

Another thing I like to do with my hands is make music. I love my little piano that makes lots of different sounds. I like to bang my hands on it as fast as I can. I try to bang my hands on everything I see, just to see if I can make sounds come out. I also love splashing in the bath.

This month I got to go swimming, and I really like the water. I have this cool ladybug floaty to chill out in.
I mostly like to chew on it but it's nice to float in the water, too.
Grammie Stock and Mommy helped me enjoy the pool.

I loved when Mommy bounced me up and down and made waves.
And Opa made me laugh while I was getting dried off.
Finally, Mommy wants me to let you know that I am THIS close to sitting up all by myself! I can do it for a few seconds, but then I tip over. I can sit and play in my Boppy pillow for a long time because it helps me keep my balance.
I think there will be a lot more to tell you next month!

Little Miss Maia Plays Piano

2008-07-23T14:20:00.001-04:00

Little Miss Maia Goes to Mystic

2008-07-16T11:29:00.012-04:00

Last week, my Grandma Ellie came to visit me. One day we went to Mystic, Connecticut. Mommy lied and said we were going to see the fishies at the aquarium. When we got there it was too crowded so Mommy and Grandma told me they'd take me another time. Oh well, I don't even know what fishies are anyway!

Here we are at the beginning of our afternoon in Mystic.
First, we went to look at the water.

In this picture you can see the drawbridge behind me. Later on it made some very loud noises when it went up, and I got scared and cried.
It's OK though, because then we went shopping at the toy store.

Grandma Ellie bought me these cool finger puppets.

While Mommy and Grandma Ellie ate lunch, I was a very good girl.
I played with my bumblebee toy.
I tried to eat lunch, too. Mommy fed me later.
What a fun day!

future's so bright, I gotta wear shades

2008-07-14T11:27:00.003-04:00

Little Miss Maia Blows Raspberries

2008-07-12T18:59:00.001-04:00

My favorite thing to do lately...

Little Miss Maia Rolls Over

2008-06-29T10:41:00.000-04:00

I did it! Today I finally got that pesky arm out of the way and rolled from my back onto my tummy. No stopping me now...soon I'll be rolling all the way across the room!

Progress Report: 4 Months

2008-06-27T21:03:00.013-04:00

This has been a big month for me--I've been learning to do a lot of new things. I can roll over on to my side and I like to sleep that way, and, it's really easy now to roll from my tummy to my back. I can reach for things that I want, even when they're kind of far away. And I love to grab just about anything that I can, including Mommy's hair and Daddy's nose.

When Mommy puts me on my playmat I like to scooch around and end up far away from where she put me down. When Daddy saw this picture of me he told Mommy to staple some Swiffer sheets to my clothes.
I'm having fun with a lot of new toys, especially things that make noise when I hit them or shake them.
And of course, everything still goes in my mouth, especially my hands!
I still love to grab my feet whenever I can, and I can almost get my toes into my mouth now.
I love to show off my toothless grin, and Mommy and Daddy like finding ways to make me laugh out loud.
I like finding ways to watch TV, because I'm not supposed to. Mommy and Daddy hang this piece of fabric over my playmat so I can't see the TV, but once I found a way to pull it away and watch anyway. Mommy caught me and took a picture of me peeking out.
This month I've become quite the social butterfly. Here I am with my new friend Noel. She came to visit with her Mommy, who is my Mommy's friend. We had a fun time together.

Apparently I am very popular at daycare, too. The older girls are out of school now, so they get to spend the whole day with me when I'm there. The second day I spent with them, one of them made this for me:It is supposed to be a lamp (even though the girls weren't allowed to put a light bulb inside). It's decorated with Bratz stickers and says "Queen Maia." I don't know what I did to become the Queen in just 2 days, but I must be doing something right! They always tell me how pretty I look when I get there in the morning, and then they give me hugs and kisses when I leave in the afternoon.

Even though I'm so popular now, I still have time every now and then to take a nap with my Daddy.

4-month stats:
24.5 inches (just over 50th percentile)
16 pounds, 6 ounces (95th percentile! Dr. Hine says "that's some Grade A breastmilk"!)

Little Miss Maia Goes for a Swim

2008-06-25T20:43:00.021-04:00

I love bathtime, so I was excited that summer is here so I could go for my first swim! There was a lot of preparation involved. Grammy Stock had a whole swim ensemble for me that needed to get put on.

Then, Mommy put on my sunscreen.

Grammy helps with the finishing touches...
And I'm ready to swim! (I have to take my matching sandals off first, of course).

Every stylish girl needs a hat in the sun.
OK, I'm ready!

Wait a second, something just felt funny on my toes...
Hey, this is a lot colder than taking a bath! Grammy and Opa Stock forgot to put a heater in the pool!
Well, maybe it's not SO bad. As long as you don't put me in past my ankles.

Dipping my toes in the pool was hard work. I needed to take a break and have a nap.

Hey, this little pool feels a lot better!

I think I'll stay in here a while . Can't forget to grab those toes!
Mommy showed me how to splash.

Whoa! No one said anything about messing up my hairdo!

Alright, maybe this isn't so bad.

Ahhh, this is the life!

Coppertone baby, you ain't got nothin' on me!

around we go!

2008-06-20T21:34:00.008-04:00

Finally, Mommy and Daddy decided I was big enough for my Bright Starts Around We Go!
Daddy put it together for me while I watched.

There were a lot of parts in that big box.
Somehow Daddy managed to figure out where everything went.
See? I told you he could do it! Here I am waiting to try it out while he puts on the finishing touches.
Right now I like the keyboard best.
When I press the keys, they light up, and lots of different sounds come out!
I have to concentrate hard to get my hands to press the keys. Sometimes my hands don't listen to me and they go into my mouth instead. It's fun to drool on the keyboard, too.
I can't wait until my feet touch the ground so I can move myself around to all the other stuff on this toy!

I'm not coughing, that was funny!

2008-06-10T18:13:00.002-04:00

Yesterday seemed like a good day to start laughing. There's no shortage of things to laugh at with Mommy and Daddy around. Here are the things I've laughed at so far:

Mommy chanting "Winnie the Pooh! Winnie the Pooh!" That was funny yesterday but not today.

Mommy making funny noises while bobbing her head back and forth. I laughed a lot at that today!

I am Little Miss Maia...

2008-06-06T15:34:00.004-04:00

...and don't you forget it!
Apparently, I am also a hot tomato!

P.S. I sure do love getting comments on my blog!

Feet and stuff

2008-06-06T15:24:00.004-04:00

I've really been getting excited about these feet I found. I finally learned how to grab them, so now I do it whenever I get a chance!

However, I still can't figure out how to get an entire toy into my mouth at one time. It's really frustrating me.

Mommy's helpers

2008-06-06T15:12:00.008-04:00

Since Mommy started working again, she's had to get some help to take care of me. She and Daddy (and I!) are so lucky to have found some really great people to help out.

This is Sara. I go to daycare at her house. She takes very good care of me.

We all went for a Pizza Party at her house last weekend with all of the other daycare families. Here's our family picture!
Here I am with Sara and all the other kids she takes care of. Most of those kids only go to Sara's house before and after school, so she gives me lots of attention. The older girls love it when I am there!
Sara has a swing in her backyard that's small enough for me!
This is Apryl. She comes over to our house to play with me. Isn't she lucky?

Progress Report: 3 Months

2008-05-26T22:17:00.012-04:00

Sorry this update is a few days late, but Mommy started working again so she hasn't had as much time to help me type up my blog entries.

I'm 3 months old now, and getting big! My biggest adventure this month was going on the airplane to visit Grandma Ellie, Grandpa Ritz, and Aunt Maggie, but I already told you all about that.

My favorite sound to make this month was "bbbbbbbb!" I can also say "oooh", "a-goo", and "mmmm", among other things, but "bbbbbbb" came out on top this month. I even experimented with crying with my lips shut tight because it sounded like "bbbbbbbb" too. Mommy and Daddy were amused and perplexed.

I rolled over for the first time this month! Only tummy to back though--when I try to roll from my back onto my tummy my arm gets stuck. I've *almost* got it, but I'm still working on it...

This month I discovered that when I see a toy I like, I can make my hands reach out and play with it! Here are some pictures of me playing and grabbing stuff:

I've been trying really hard to get this whole Hungry Caterpillar into my mouth, but I haven't been able to do it.

Most of the time I'm a pretty happy girl. It's not hard to make me laugh.

But, like anyone else, I have my moments. (Mommy would like me to add that I was crying *before* the teddy bear turban was placed on my head. It really only added another few seconds to my outburst).
Recently I started noticing something interesting--my feet! They're kind of like hands, but I'm not really sure what they do. I think I can grab things with them. Right now I just like to look at them once in a while. I'm sure I'll find a way to get them into my mouth soon.

Here I am looking at my feet while sitting in the new swing Mommy and Daddy bought for me after I tried out my cousin Maddy's and really liked it. It has a light show, what more could the daughter of two hippie-wannabes ask for?!

Daddy is very happy when he gets to hang out with me. He's gotten really good at putting me to bed lately. He rocks!

Little Miss Maia goes for an airplane ride

2008-05-16T22:08:00.023-04:00

This week I had a very big adventure! Mommy and Daddy took me on an airplane to visit Grandma Ellie and Grandpa Ritz and to finally meet my Aunt Maggie. Here's me and Mommy at the airport, getting ready to go.

First I had a snack and a cuddle with Mommy.

Then it was Daddy's turn for some cuddles.

It was my first time on a plane, so I made sure to follow along on my safety instruction card while the flight attendant talked.

I found out that the SkyMall catalog is a very good read!

Luckily, I didn't need to use the barf bag.

Instead, I pooped right through my clothes so Mommy and Daddy had to strip me down right there in their laps! And they thought I was going to make this easy for them...

Finally, we got to Illinois. Here I am with my Aunt Maggie!
I also got to meet my new friend Heide. I was jealous that she got to eat ham and peas at the table and drink from a sippy cup.

Later that night, I rolled over halfway all by myself. Two days later, I rolled over all the way for the first time!

I let Mommy dress me up all froo-froo because it was her first Mother's Day.
I tried very hard to be good at brunch, but I had a few grumpy moments.

Did you catch that face I made? It took a lot of work to contort my lips like that.

Here we are with Mommy's family.

Congratulations Aunt Maggie, who graduated from the University of Illinois! I sat through her whole graduation ceremony without crying.

This cool Very Hungry Caterpillar toy Grandma Ellie bought kept me entertained all weekend.

When we got back to Grandma and Grandpa's house, Daddy and I really needed a nap.

Daddy held my hand to help me sleep.

Good thing I rested, because then we had visitors. Here I am meeting my Great Grandpa Sonny for the first time. I really liked sitting in his lap.

The next day, we got to visit Mommy's office.

We also visited my Great Great Aunt Marge. I don't know how well she could see me but she still said I was super cute. Someone must have told her.

That night, Mommy, Grandma and Aunt Maggie left me with Daddy and Grandpa for a little while. When they got home, I was on the floor watching a show called American Idol. Grandma tried to pick me up but I got very angry and cried until she put me back where I could see the TV. See what happens when you let the boys babysit?

Before I knew it we were back on another airplane heading home.
What a fabulous adventure!

weekly adventures: 11 weeks

2008-05-07T15:25:00.007-04:00

This week I started to notice that I can actually *grab* the bright fun things Mommy and Daddy wave at me and hang above me all the time. Not only that, but sometimes I can get them in my mouth, too! Here's a picture of me with this cool rattle toy that has a claw on one end (to attach to my crib or carseat or stroller) and on the other end lots of stuff that spins and makes noise. I was grabbing it but then Mommy got the camera out and I didn't feel like performing anymore. When daddy saw this toy it wasn't attached to anything and he got really excited and said "Maia got a CLAW toy?!?". But Mommy just laughed at him and told him that the claw was just for attaching, not for playing.

On weekends we all hang out in bed first thing in the morning, and Mommy and Daddy read books to me. Last weekend Daddy read me "The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher" by Beatrix Potter. It was his favorite book when he was little. I like when Daddy reads to me because he makes lots of silly voices.

It's been very warm outside so Mommy has been taking me out for lots of walks. Don't I look cute in my stroller?I can ride sitting up in the stroller now because I can hold my head up a lot better than last month. See me here having tummy time? It's all fun and games until somebody spits up. That somebody is usually me.
Sometimes Mommy and Daddy put me in front of the mirror, and what do you know, but there's another baby in there! Today I smiled at the baby and the baby smiled right back at me.

weekly adventures: 10 weeks

2008-04-30T20:25:00.009-04:00

Today I am 10 weeks old. I can't believe how much I've done already! This week Mommy and Daddy took me for a walk in the backyard. I got to ride with Daddy.

I fell asleep pretty quick.
Good thing, because Daddy wanted to take pictures, and when I was awake, I wanted him to keep on moving.

Mommy and Daddy's friend Jenny bought me this cool seahorse rattle. It's the only toy I feel like holding on to for more than 3 seconds. I even try to get it in my mouth sometimes--I'm not sure what else to do with it. Hitting myself in the forehead with it isn't much fun.

Remember my Bumbo seat? Here I am sitting in my Bumbo helping Daddy make salad. I think I'm trying to tell him he's doing a rockin' job.
I held this burp cloth for him while he chopped things. I'm going to be a very good helper someday.

we are family

2008-04-25T16:41:00.013-04:00

Hi everybody! I've had a very busy week. First, I helped my Great Grandma (aka G.G.) celebrate her birthday. I look pretty comfy in her lap, don't you think?

Here's a picture of Grammy and G.G. talking about how cute I am. I'm sure they could spend hours on that topic!

My Uncle Kris was in town to visit. We got in a few good cuddles before I spit up all over his designer shirt. I sure didn't do that on purpose. No way. *wink*
Uncle Mike and Uncle Kris wanted to make sure I get a jump start on learning all the important things in life.

And look! Opa actually looks kind of comfortable with me in his arms. I knew he'd come around.

A few days later, Grandma Ellie and Grandpa Ritz came to visit. Here they are making me feel better after I got my first set of shots .
I was a much happier baby later on that day.

2 month portraits

2008-04-24T17:30:00.003-04:00

Progress Report: 2 Months

2008-04-21T13:17:00.005-04:00

I can't believe I'm already 2 months old! A lot has happened this month. First, you might have noticed that I've started writing my own blog posts. I'm one smart girl!

I mentioned before about my big discovery this month--my hands! Here's a video Mommy and Daddy took of me examining my hands one morning a couple of weeks ago. I think you'll enjoy how it ends.

One of the biggest changes that has happened this month is that I've learned that I like to PLAY! Here's a video of me playing on my rainforest play mat. I really like to dance to the music. I talk and smile even more now than I did a week ago when this video was made!

I went to 2 more yoga classes with Mommy this month, and I hardly cried at all! Last week I could hear the other babies talking so I looked over and talked back. Mommy is learning the songs we sing in class to sing to me at home.

Even though I've been talking and smiling so much lately, I've been secretly torturing Mommy and Daddy by aiming most of my babbling and grinning up at the ceiling. This morning I decided to surprise Mommy though...when I woke up and she came to get me, I looked right at her and gave her 3 of my biggest smiles in a row. I think she liked it.

P.S. Want to see an extra-silly video Daddy made starring ME? Click here.

2 month stats: 12 lbs, 13 oz. 23 inches long

"First of all, everything's OK"

2008-04-15T13:38:00.002-04:00

visiting the ER, originally uploaded by sarah~stock.

"First of all, everything's OK." That's how Mommy had to start the phone call to Grandma Ellie this morning to tell her what happened to me last night. I was feeling fine except for all this gunk stuck in my nose, but Mommy found out that I had a fever so the doctor said we had to go to the emergency room because I'm so little.

Everyone at the ER was very nice to me, even when they had to poke me and collect my bodily fluids. I cried hardest when Daddy had to hold my arms so they could take pictures of my insides. Getting my blood taken wasn't so bad because I got to have some sugar water while they were doing it. In the picture you can see where they taped the catheter to my hand.

Next time I get to stay up that late I hope it's for a party instead. Can I get the sugar water again without the needles?

P.S. I feel better today. No more fever!

Little Miss Maia goes for a hike

2008-04-15T13:30:00.002-04:00

Maia's first hike, originally uploaded by sarah~stock.

On Sunday we headed over to Gay City State Park, which is only about 5 miles from our house, for a nice hike. I slept through the whole thing, but I heard Mommy and Daddy saying what a nice park it was, and how the trails were great for taking me along in the carrier. I'm sure we'll be heading back again sometime when I'm awake!

an amazing discovery

2008-04-10T20:30:00.005-04:00

You will not believe what I've found, everybody. Apparently there are these wavy things attached to me that Mommy calls "arms", and at the ends of them are the coolest things ever...fingers! They move and bend and when I manage to get one or two in my mouth, well that's heaven right there. They keep running away but one of these days I'll get them to stay in there, even if it means whacking myself in the face one more time. Every morning I wake up and I can't believe it, but there they are again--fingers! I doublecheck to make sure by trying really hard to get them in my mouth. Once Daddy even caught me trying to pull my own finger. He thought it was hysterical but I'm not sure why.

it's Bumbo time!

2008-04-10T20:25:00.003-04:00

Guess what everybody? I can sit in my Bumbo chair that my Aunt Maggie (who I am still DYING to meet) bought for me. It says it's not for babies as young as me but Mommy has been impressed that I can hold my big cranium up all by myself so she let me try it out. It kind of bends me over a little too much when my tummy is full so I spit my milk out all over the place but I still thought it was fun to sit in.

Little Miss Maia schools you: Lesson 1--What's in a Name?

2008-04-07T17:54:00.003-04:00

Many of you may be wondering how Little Miss Maia got her name. Well, it all started when Mommy and Daddy got married and went on their honeymoon in Belize. While they were there, they visited some amazing Mayan ruins. They even went back the following year to see some more. So, the name "Maya" popped up in the baby name search. Mommy didn't want to be quite so referential to the Mayan civilization, so she looked up the alternative spelling "Maia" and found some interesting stuff.

According to wikipedia, "Maia in Greek mythology, was the eldest of the Pleiades, the seven daughters of Atlas and Pleione. She and her sisters, born on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia, are sometimes called mountain goddesses, oreads, for Simonides of Ceos sang of "mountain Maia" (Maia oureias) "of the lively black eyes". Maia was the oldest, most beautiful and shyest. Aeschylus repeatedly identified her with Gaia. She and her sisters were pursued by Orion, and turned into doves to preserve their safety. According to the Homeric hymn to Hermes, Zeus in the dead of night secretly begot Hermes upon Maia, who avoided the company of the gods, in a cave of Cyllene. After giving birth to the baby, Maia wrapped him in blankets and went to sleep. The rapidly-maturing infant Hermes crawled away to Thessaly, where by nightfall of his first day he stole some of Apollo's cattle and invented a lyre. Maia refused to believe Apollo when he claimed Hermes was the thief and Zeus then sided with Apollo. Finally, Apollo exchanged the cattle for the lyre. In Roman mythology, Maia was identified with Maia Maiestas (also called Fauna, Bona Dea (the 'Good Goddess') and Ops), a goddess who may be equivalent to an old Italic goddess of spring. The month of May was named for her; the first and fifteenth of May were sacred to her." (Count back 9 months from February, when Little Miss Maia was born, and you arrive in May! Just sayin'...)

Being that the constellations are linked to mythology, there is also a star named "Maia" in the constellation Taurus. Wikipedia informs us that "The Pleiades (star cluster), the Seven Sisters star cluster (one of two naked eye clusters that belong to Taurus, the other the Hyades (star cluster)), twinkle high in northern hemisphere autumn and winter skies, while shining closer to the horizon in the skies of southern hemisphere spring and summer. Maia, a proper name, is one of the seven mythical daughters of Atlas and Pleione. Shining at bright third magnitude (3.87) from a distance of 385 light years, she ranks fourth brightest after Alcyone, Atlas, and Electra. A blue-white class B (B8) giant star, Maia radiates 660 times more energy than does the Sun from a warm surface with a rather uncertain temperature of 12,600 kelvins. Its radius of 5½ times that of the Sun gives it true giant status.

An astrophotography website (you can see a picture of the Maia nebula here), says that "One of the most stunning deep-sky objects is the Pleiades open star cluster in Taurus, a celestial gem which has been cited by Homer (Illiad, 750 BC; Odyssey, 720 BC), Hesiod (700 BC), various ancient Greek astronomers as well as several references in the Bible."

So that's the story of Little Miss Maia's first name.

What about her middle name, Ellin? Well, that's easy. Little Miss Maia has 2 wonderful grandmas named Ellen and Linda. Ellen + Linda = Ellin!

Namaste* from Little Miss Maia!

2008-04-04T08:25:00.005-04:00

Little Miss Maia went to her first "Mom & Baby" yoga class yesterday. She liked when Mommy joined in with the other moms to sing the silly songs and when Mommy bounced her on the big exercise ball. She cried the rest of the time, but Mommy is sure she'll do better next time.

*The divine peace in me greets the divine peace in you

hunting time

2008-03-30T15:45:00.003-04:00

Deep in the jungle of our living room, Mommy crouches low, attempting to capture the elusive and never-before-seen first smiles of Little Miss Maia on camera. (Click the picture to see a bigger version).

Success at last!

nothing says a good time like...

2008-03-30T15:39:00.005-04:00

...farting in your party dress.

(this one is dedicated to Chrissy!!)

chip off the old block

2008-03-24T14:23:00.004-04:00

Post-Easter dinner naps. Can you spot the resemblance??

Progress Report: 1 Month

2008-03-24T12:02:00.003-04:00

Little Miss Maia hit the one-month mark a few days ago. A lot has happened in her first month of life!

At first, Little Miss Maia had a hard time doing anything else but sleeping (kind of like her Daddy!) We had to make sure we woke her up every few hours to eat, and we had to put cold washcloths on her face just to keep her awake long enough to finish a meal. Now, she wakes up on her own when she's hungry (though she still sleeps for long stretches at night, which Mommy and Daddy really appreciate) and her waking-up ritual is one of our favorite parts of the day: first comes the grunting, then the succession of strange faces, then the stretching, and of course, the farting. I could write an entire paragraph about this girl's farting skills, but suffice it to say that she produced a sound the other day that prompted someone to ask if Mommy had done it.

Now that Little Miss Maia spends more time awake, she's started to enjoy a few of the many, many toys she has already accumulated. She especially likes her rainforest play mat and her rainforest waterfall soother. She also likes to look at lights and at the black-and-white art in our living room (her favorite artists are Philippe Halsman and Uncle Mike).

Punching Daddy in the face and spitting up are a few of Little Miss Maia's other favorite pastimes. She has spit up down Mommy's shirt and onto Daddy's face. Fun times!

Mommy and Daddy enjoy making up bizarre nicknames for their daughter. This month's nicknames include "Punkinhead" and "Little Arby Cheddarhead" (pronounced: Lil' Aaaah-bee Chee-da-heed). Don't ask, really.

Little Miss Maia hits the road

2008-03-19T11:50:00.000-04:00

Little Miss Maia took her first road trip this past weekend. We drove from Connecticut to South Carolina to visit some of Mommy's relatives. It was a LONG drive.

When we got there, Little Miss Maia got to debut her first pair of jeans, paired stylishly with her "Little Peanut" onesie. The outfit was a hit during the short time she was able to wear it without spitting up on it.

Little Miss Maia poses with her extended family. She's obviously the highlight of the photo...

Little Miss Maia's first hotel stay was at the Holiday Inn in Winchester, Virginia. She enjoyed the large selection of pillows but wishes the people in the next room could have kept it down in there.
A trip of many firsts...here's Mommy trying not to spill enchilada sauce on Little Miss Maia's head during her first restaurant outing in Winchester. Little Miss Maia particularly enjoyed seeing all the men in cowboy hats and women in tube tops, and wishes we could have stayed for the band that was setting up as we ate.

Daddy shares a cuddle with Little Miss Maia at the Vince Lombardi rest area in New Jersey. Almost home!
Somebody's getting just a LITTLE tired of being strapped into that carseat...

meet the family

2008-03-19T10:51:00.000-04:00

The first grandchild on both sides, Little Miss Maia has become very popular over the course of her first four weeks.

Mommy and Daddy were totally smitten from the start.

Grammy and Opa Stock were anxiously awaiting their first meeting with Little Miss Maia.

Great Grandma (aka GiGi) Smith came to visit in the hospital too.
Uncle Mike and Uncle Kris were excited to meet their first niece!

Grandma Ellie came to help out Mom and Dad for a whole week. She made sure they didn't starve and kept their house from filling with dust bunnies. She also used her Grandma magic to keep Little Miss Maia from crying during the "fussy time". Mommy and Daddy sat on the couch eating ice cream while Grandma Ellie walked around bouncing the baby.
Little Miss Maia took her first road trip (more on that later) to South Carolina to visit Grandpa Ritz's side of the family. Grandpa was SO excited to meet her! He and Daddy worked together to change her diaper and her clothes. They were afraid of breaking her so they took a lot longer than Mommy does.
Here's Little Miss Maia with Mommy, Grandpa Ritz, and Great Grandma Ritz...4 generations together!