She's just getting so big!

I am late posting these pictures from when Em was 1 year old. I just can't believe that she is getting so big and maturing this fast! Less than 4 short months ago, we had these pictures taken. She was just starting to walk.

Everyone says that once they start walking, your life changes. This is very true. Our life with Em just keeps getting better - and so far - easier. I love that she can walk now and do more things on her own. She understands almost everything I tell her and even communicates back! She mimics people (which can sometimes be a bad thing), so now I hear her telling the dogs, "No! Bad dog!". The "Bad dog!" is not as easy to understand as "No!", but you can still tell what she is saying. She does a little sign language, and that is pretty fun. Last week, she showed me the sign for refrigerator, which by the way - I had no idea that she knew that sign (thanks Baby Einstein)! She loves to watch the Wonderpets on tv and gets so excited when they fly off in their frisbee. She could play in the pantry for hours and even started using a box of K-cup coffee to sit on while she "works". Her favorite thing is still to read. She's obsessed with books! I wonder when she'll tire of taking all the books of her shelves, because she STILL does that almost every day. She loves to be outside. Once we get on the porch, she immediately gets Maverick's ball and hands it to me so I will start up a game of fetch with the dog. She likes to slide, but is kinda bored with the swing. Our baby loves water! I can't wait to take her swimming in GrandPa's pool this summer! Nowadays, I can let Em roam throughout the house without constant supervision. She has a few hot-spots: Our closet (where she takes dirty clothes out of the hamper and puts them on her head, around her neck and anywhere else she can get them), the nook (where I file stuff, and also where she has a special drawer of toys), the pantry, the laundry room and the corner of the living room (where she tears up magazines), and of course, the windowsill (so she can talk to Maverick). Recently, Em figured out how to super-size peek-a-boo, and now she actually hides from us, then reemerges moments later! I might have to put a bell on her, though, because she's almost too good at hiding!

I'm always nervous that Em is going to get her fingers caught in the doors, so a long time ago, I taught her to knock on the door when she wants it open. As I knocked, I would say "knock, knock". Now Em knocks on everything she wants off or open, and says, "knock, knock". I think it is so cute!

I know I've been posting a lot of videos lately, but you guys have to see this one!