Draya speaks?

There are now a few words that we think Draya might be saying…
“Mama” or “Mommy”
“Daddy”
“Dat” (Cat)
“Hi”
She also points at some things when she wants them, like her sippy cup and certain toys.
She has recently gotten way more mommy-centric. When I’m available no one else will do. It’s not a constant issue but it’s popping up way more often. Especially when she's tired!
And, while we're on the subject of tired, two nights ago Draya slept straight through for 9 hours. Last night she was restless, fussy and constantly waking up. I caved and brought her into bed with us. She was STILL restless and fussy and constantly moving. My stomach was kicked a lot. None of us got much sleep.
Even in her crib she is a very mobile sleeper. I’ll put her on her stomach near the center of her bed and she’ll scoot up to the top, while still asleep, and mush her head into the rails.

Not so happy bath time

My little water nymph is now terrified of the tub. She slipped and feel in it last Thursday. Didn't hurt herself badly, just got a quick dunking and scared herself silly. So, last night she wouldn't even bend her legs and sit down in the water. And boy how she howled! I had to hold her up while her daddy washed her. Even singing her usual bath-time songs didn't stop the screaming for long. We'll try again tomorrow night or Wednesday and see how it goes. I hope she gets over it soon! I bought her bubble bath for her birthday.

A Sentimental Moment

As Draya sleeps on my shoulder I am able to write another post...
These next photos are particularly special for me. The bear she is playing with is Michelle. Michelle has an actual wind up music box in her that plays London Bridge, not an electronic chip like so many toys today. A big fan of music, Draya dances when I wind Michelle up. Why is this so extraordinary you ask? Michelle was MY teddy bear when I was little. When my little brother was born she was MY baby. I used to carry her around constantly, sing to her and put diapers on her. Now I have passed her on, along with all of my other treasured stuffies. Watching Draya dance with Michelle, hug her and play with her, makes storing and saving my treasures all the more worthwhile.

More Baby Labour

Always wanting to be helpful, Draya unloads the dishwasher...

Bumpity, Thump, Thump

So far this week Draya has fallen down a stair or two, off one of her blue fuzzy chairs (she was standing on it) and off the step up to the tub. Daddy and Great Uncle D put the baby gates up at the top and bottom of the stairs last night to protect her from major accidents but if she never takes the little tumbles she’ll never learn. Still no bruises or lumps so I think she’s usually more startled than hurt. Mommy or Daddy always kiss and cuddle everything better. She moves so FAST these days! I just hope she HAS actually been learning!

So Very Soggy!

My daughter's mouth has been a faucet tonight! I don't think she drooled this much even when she was a wee baby. She's also been somewhat out-of-sorts and cranky. There's a hint of a new tooth in her upper gums. At this rate 2 wouldn't surprise me!
And, Draya has a new trick... stair climbing. She got up 10 this morning under Daddy's watchful eye. She was chasing a kitty.

Update: She also fell down her first stair later in the evening. No visible lumps yet.

Baby's First Bruise

Draya got her first playtime lump this weekend. We were over at L & P’s and the girls were all playing together. Used to being able to get physical with her big sister, G planted her palms squarely on crawling Draya’s butt and shoved. Chin hit floor and tears happened. G was NOT being purposefully mean, so no major blame was laid. The girls continued to play all night and as far as I know there were no more “incidents”. The next morning a little purple bruise showed up right on the bottom of D’s chin. It will probably be the first of many “battle scars”.

Learning to drink from a straw

A few quick notes

Draya slept through the night last night! Mommy woke up for an hour at 5:30 am but baby slept from 11 pm till after 7 am. Now it might be because she was over tired because she didn't take a nap last evening, we were out socializing with friends, or it might be because I put her on her stomach instead of her back. We'll find out tonight.
On another note - she Does NOT need more clothes for her birthday (just shoes, socks and diapers). The friends we were visiting last night have a 2 year old daughter and we came home with a blue-bag FULL! If anything we need more storage bins.
On still another note, Draya is now pulling herself to standing on a regular basis and her newest "trick" is blowing bubbles in her mouth with her spit. I hope I can get a picture!
She currently won't stop playing with the mouse so I think we're going to go sort clothing.

Helping Mommy with Laundry

Well, she's got to start doing chores sometime...

Birthday Wish List

So it's officially one month to Draya's first birthday. WOW! Where has the time gone?!
Party plans are still up in the air. We think we'll have an afternoon and evening open house with cake & munchies on March 4 but we need to organize with both sides of the family before we make anything official.
In case you're wondering what the little princess might need/want for this momentous occasion (you only turn one once after all) here are some ideas and links.

BOOKS
Mommy lives by the philosophy that you can never have too may books (just look in our basement, and that's only half of her collection) On that note here are a few that we'd really like to read to Draya...
First Book of Sushi by Amy Wilson Sanger
Yum Yum Dim Sum by Amy Wilson Sanger (there's even a discount if you buy the 2 together)
Any other board book by Amy Wilson Sanger
Any board books by Sandra Boynton (except Not The Hippopotamus & Belly Button Book, we already have and love those ones)
Any Raffi Board Books
Any Dr Seuss Board Books (except Cat in the Hat, Wocket in My Pocket and Go Dog Go)
Any Soft to Touch Books
Any other age appropriate books that you think Draya might like

TOYS
Contrary to my post earlier this week, Draya already has LOTS of toys. She doesn't really need too many more. Here are a few specific ones that would actually be valuable additions to her collection...
An Activity Walker
Boomerings (3rd down)
Rock & Rattle
IKEA Minnen Toy Box
Please, no more stuffed animals (for now)

CLOTHES
Draya needs 6-12 month size socks
Robeez size 6-12 months OR 12-18 months Pink Kitties or Cream Party Bows or Navy Sandals or Purple Butterflys
L & XL Cloth Diapers
L Reusable Swim Diaper
If you would like to purchase other clothing for her please remember she is almost 18lbs and 28 inches long - 9 or 12 month sizes are best. She does have a lot already though!

OTHER
Size 3 disposable diapers
A Toilet Seat Lock
Once Upon A Child Gift Certificates (if they have them)
IKEA Gift Certificates

Berry Fresh Baby Breath

Draya brushed her teeth for the first time tonight! We bought her a special teddy bear toothbrush and special baby Berry Blast toothpaste (no fluoride). Mommy thinks the toothpaste tastes kind of icky, Daddy thinks it's okay. Jury's still out for baby. She didn't love it but didn't hate it too much.

We captured the moment on film... of course...

Dinging Draya to Distraction

This is Draya and her LeapStart learning table. It plays over 40 songs and melodies. It has fun flashing lights. She LOVES it & plays with it TONES, it's definitely one of her favourite toys! It's great for keeping her occupied or distracted. We bought it using christening/Christmas money from my aunt & uncle. YAY! We also got her one of the IKEA wire/bead toys.
Draya loves pretty much anything that makes noise. The good news it that so far nothing is driving us crazy (yet:). She has a piano that makes music and animal noises and a 'shake rattle and roll' ball (see photo in previous post). Her talking Wish Bear usually makes her smile, as does mommy's talking Stitch. Even her favourite stuffed bunny plays a lullaby.
Don't get me wrong, Draya likes her not so noisy toys too. Her Clemmy blocks and roll-a-rounds are favourites as is her Angel Bear and all of her books.
Hummm... I'm debating getting her the roaring dinosaur or musical gumball machine to use with her roll-a-rounds for her birthday. Or some Fisher Price Little People. The new Little People are very cute but I will always love the original ones more!
I think a toy shopping expedition should be scheduled soon...