First Pizza

This blog is obviously full of firsts... and here's yet another one. Yesterday I was out for a few hours at a luncheon, and when I returned I was greeted by this scene -- a stripped, wild-haired Siena posing with a half-eaten Imo's pizza. Daddy had decided while I was out that now was as good a time as any to introduce her to this famous St. Louis treat. Apparently she figured out fairly quickly how to suck the cheese off while saving the crust for later. She also loved spreading the cheese in her hair, hence the impromptu sink hair-washing.

Siena's First Word

Based upon my requirements that Siena's first word be 1) consistent with an object or event, 2) recognizable as an "adult" word, and 3) found in the dictionary, it looks like her official first word is "uh oh," which she says almost every time she drops something. In fact, she's gotten so good at saying it that she'll say "uh oh" even BEFORE she drops something as if to warn us. Other runners-up for her first word include "dada" (which isn't especially consistent) and "ah DAH" (Siena's word for dog, which doesn't meet requirements 2 or 3). Here is a little video:

More Fun with Dylan

Siena and her pal Dylan have had lots of fun together these past few weeks, including this trip to the Missouri Botanical Gardens. They have a GREAT children's "garden," which is more like a huge collection of tree houses, rope ladders, forts, and fun play areas for kiddos. Siena and Dylan had a blast, and I know they'll love it even more as they grow.

Playing with a leaf (always a favorite!) in front of one of the rope bridges. She'll love climbing around this place someday!

Where are we going in this steamboat, Captain Dylan?

Dylan and his mommy Samantha

Playing with fruits and vegetables at the "county store"

Siena was here...

Our "little tornado" is at the stage where she will destroy everything in her path, leaving Mommy and Daddy to constantly pick up toys, books, towels, stuffed animals, and pretty much anything else that isn't locked in a cabinet. Again... and again... and again. I guess we'd better get used to it (or used to a messy house!). I'm beginning to miss the days when she would just lie in one place all day long. :)

Spaghetti!

We had some spaghetti leftover the other night, so I figured it was a good time to introduce the yummy stuff to Siena. She stripped down to her diaper and went at it. Although it was a big hit, I'm not sure we'll be feeding her spaghetti again any time soon -- the clean up is just not worth it!

before...

... and after!

Birthday Candle Practice

Siena's Uncle Patrick's biggest claim to fame is the fact that he blew out the candle on his 1st birthday cake. We're starting Siena's training early so she might accomplish the same feat. Here's a picture of Daddy and Siena in the midst of training. Although her aim needs some work, she's definitely getting the blowing action down. I even hear her practicing at random times throughout the day -- she's a determined one!

Our little climber

Siena figured out how to climb stairs a couple of weeks ago, and it's all we can do to keep her off of them now! We installed a gate at the top of the stairs last week, but not yet one at the bottom of the stairs. We quickly realized this was a problem on Thursday night when we were putting away dinner. Siena was in the other room playing (or so we thought), but when we went to look for her a few minutes later she was nowhere to be found. Where did she turn up? At the top of the stairs, looking down and laughing at us!! Thank goodness she didn't fall and break her neck... Needless to say we'll be installing another gate soon! Baby-proofing is never done, it seems.

New Playground

We've been busy getting out and about this week, including a visit to a new playground just a few minutes away from our house. Woo hoo! Siena had a great time playing with our neighbor Samantha and her son Dylan, who is 6 months older than Siena. Although she's not yet walking, Siena had a ball climbing up the stairs, crawling through the tunnel, and coming down the slide (with help from Mommy!). Of course, the biggest hit of any playground these days are the swings, of which she can't get enough.
Push me higher, Mama!

These two are going to be good buds

Siena posing while Dylan looks on

First Bike Ride Addendum...

Ideally the helmet would arrive before the first bike ride, but not so in Siena's case! Here she is modeling her new helmet... Look for it in future bike ride pictures, if she can tolerate wearing it for more than five seconds!