Fake Christmas

And now the pictures we set up next to our fabric tree 2 weeks after Christmas. You know, for posterity. And because there was no way we were going to wait in line to get one of her screaming on Santa's lap when we can do basically the same thing right here in our own apartment.

NervousNow she's sad, maybe give her a doggie

 

Sorta okay with the distraction of her earsMad that we're trying to trick her into smiling

Then tons of fake cryingThis one's pretty good. We'll pretend it's the only one we have.

Christmas in Maryland

Not pictured: train delays, baby Rhoda!, Cafe Rio, BANG, our fancy date night to Medieval Times, delicious Christmas dinner, lots of cousin time, perfect baby Finn, Gwen finally saying mama!

Tellin Stories

Gwen does this a couple times a day and it's my current favorite thing. Sometimes she's talking to me, sometimes one of her buddies, but always with this much enthusiasm. What is she talking about?! Who cares! Also, this video has made it clear that it's time to cut off the wispy mullet. Baby's growing up.

Halloween

Gwen was a bat this year. Mostly because it required minor cutting and sewing on my part and because it was basically normal clothes which increases the odds of her cooperation. I think she needs a little cap with every costume she ever has, it's always my favorite part.
Church party:

Maryland cousin party:

She was stalwart about carrying her bucket full of miscellaneous toys from home

First candy bar. Now any metallic wrapper sets her off to the chance of something delicious being inside.

Baby Talk

Part 1:
When people talk to Gwen in a baby voice and ask her questions that she obviously can't answer, is it my responsibility to respond for her? My favorite way to answer is just to ignore it or shrug at them like "yep, she can't talk." but sometimes I am tempted to use a baby voice back to them and answer in Gwen's proxy. "I'm 15 months old, yep gettin so big!" Don't worry, this mostly only applies to strangers.

Part 2:
Gwen's been saying some words consistently and it's just the cutest. So far it's mostly: "Uh-ew" (uh-oh), "doggie", "daddy",  "this this this this this" (this covers anything she ever wants, smart move learning that one first), "baby", "up". Sometimes a crystal clear "oops" or something pops out of her jabber and it's shocking and awesome and unrepeatable. She also pretend reads books now and, you guessed it- it's so cute.