when in doubt, blame Shrek

In learning cause and effect, Ashima throws many things off the changing table: clothes, diapers, anything left in her reach. I ask her, "Who threw these things?" One day, I started giving her an option of blaming Shrek. Now she blatantly blames every nefarious deed on the hideous ogre, waving her finger, saying, "No,no, no" because I chastise Shrek, of course.
She still enjoys singing, dancing, reading, running, and just moving around. Her appetite for learning is insatiable, which I do my best in taking advantage of by constantly making time for learning moments. I really should instill more advanced material and include some religious stuff, what a bad mommy I really am. My mom taught her to pray, not me...I should kick myself in the pants for that one. But in my defense, I did teach her who she's praying to. That's gotta count for something.

Six months later

Slacker, slacker, slacker me! Just haven't found the time to share all the fun renovation fun we've had. The house has been steadily coming along...Ashima has been growing by leaps and bounds. She gratefully had no problem adjusting to her new home & is taking full advantage of her backyard. Returning to work has proven a challenge for everyone, but somehow all family members have gone above their call of duty in making sure Ashima is well taken care of. Somehow,though, she's turned into mommy's little girl.
Today She was given a shopping cart and had a blast pretending she was shopping! At the grocery store, she constantly helps me pick out items she thinks we need. The other day at Toys R Us, she took a diaper genie refill, put it in the cart without my knowing until checkout. We needed it, what a good helper.

In the midst of hustle and bustle

   In the midst of all the madness with our new home, Thanksgiving and Ashima's first birthday came and went in a blur.  Thanksgiving was relaxing at the NJ Yabut's, and Ashima enjoyed her turkey dinner.  

   Shortly afterward, we had a quiet day for her first birthday.  It's not b/c we don't think it's important, b/c it is the most important date in our hearts.  We wanted to just enjoy her company without bells and whistles everywhere.  Ashima loves being social, and we know she prefers doing her favorite activities.  We took her to the Kew Forest Park, where she was all smiles playing, running, and interacting with other children.  Even though she cries at adult strangers, she rarely shies away from kids.  Tita Myra was coming home from a business trip, and she cut Ashima's  cake with us.  Let's not mention they spelt her name wrong...but Ashima had her first taste of birthday cake!

   Later this month, we will have a small family gathering for a more formalized birthday "party".  We made the executive decision against inviting 50 plus adults to a restaurant where we know Ashima will not be at her best, or even truly happy. She will be around those she loves the most in her life, which is what counts.  As parents, we celebrate her birthday everyday, for we are grateful to have such a special girl in our lives.