12 month update

Dad keeps throwing out this rhetoric. He’ll say things like, “talk minus action equals zero young lady,” or, “you got to give the people what they want.” I can hardly take these remarks as words of encouragement; I’m the type of person who favors a gentle nudging when it comes to doing something. If you haven’t guessed already I’m referring to this little blog here, and the fact that I promised bi-annual updates to my friends and family. I could pinch myself for pledging my time to such a thing. I would you know. Pinch myself. But being only a week past my first birthday I’m still lacking the skill to form a proper pincer.

It’s not that I didn’t want to write you all. It’s just that lately I haven’t been at the top of my game. First of all my schedule was thrown off by a weekend get away to Southern Utah. Despite my disdain for the car seat I did remarkably well. I only insist that one of my parents share the back seat with me at all times, to keep the boredom bug from biting. This requires more than just sitting: funny faces must be made, books must be read, and my entire toy collection must be kept in constant rotation. I know it’s a little selfish on my part, but it benefits all parties involved, trust me. On Saturday May 10^th we hiked to calf-creek falls, it was quite the undertaking for my parents. For me, I sat comfortably in a pack taking in the sights and sounds. The beauty of that country is truly awe-inspiring. If any of you have spent time with me you know what I’m talking about. If my eye spies something I find to be curious two things take place: my index finger extends toward the location, and a vociferous, ‘AWE’ jumps from my mouth.

IT WAS A GREAT TRIP!

In the weeks that followed our return to the city I had some trouble sleeping. I don’t really know why. I think I might have been a little stressed out by the idea of turning one. To have an actual numerical value assigned to my age. There is a lot of responsibility wrapped up in that milestone: the pressure to walk, learn to say a few words, handle a sippy cup. For about a week and half there I just couldn’t get comfortable. I tossed and turned waking up every couple hours for a bite to eat. My parents looked on the bright side, they hoped my new appetite might get me to the coveted 20 lb marker, at which point I could sit forward facing in my car seat, have a view of the open road, maybe allow mom to sit shotgun. But it was not to be. I weighed in last Friday at a mere 18.5 lbs; it seems I’m destined to stare at the synthetic grey upholstery of the back seat, as for my parents, they will continue conversing as though in the cockpit of a fighter-jet, dad keeping us on coarse while mom scopes the target. So goes life I guess.

Fortunate for us all my erratic sleep pattern seemed to right itself before my party. Oh what a grand affair it turned out to be. Thirty people showed up to shower me with smiles and gifts. Mom went above and beyond the call of duty. She made enough Brisket to feed an insurgency, and painstakingly decorated the most fantastic cupcakes. Thanks to the generosity of so many friends my library has expanded to include some very fine volumes, and I’m fairly confident I won’t have to buy any clothes until Kindergarten. Thanks to my Great Grandpa Hilton I’m rolling through the avenues in a pretty sweet ride, who knew the man had such great taste in cars. My mom gave me the best gift of all though, a summer membership to the Little Gym. If there was ever any doubt among you as to my future star status, I ask that you catch one of my workouts. I am a fast and eager learner, the first to accept any challenge the instructor gives to the class. You just might see me at the Summer Games of 2024.

In closing I am happy to be here with you all. I love learning about this world and look forward to exploring it with more evermore independence. God bless you all, and until next time, Addie Mae.