Pajaro Dunes

Our friends Sara and Nigel (and their little boy Hunter) invited us to their family house earlier this month at Pajaro Dunes, a small community between Santa Cruz and Monterey. Once Calista warmed up to the ocean, she had a blast calling out "bubbles!" and letting the waves rush over her feet. She also had a great time taking long walks outside and climbing stairs (just like me when I was a baby, apparently!). She actually climbed a few stairs without holding onto anything - a bit scary for her mama. Scott and I had a great time hanging out with Sara and Nigel and their friends, eating lots of food and playing Taboo past our bedtime. Hopefully we will be invited back! :-)

A Beautiful Girl

Michelle gave Calista her first "do" last week and I had to take photos. I feel like you can start to glimpse what Little Miss Punkin Brady will look like when she is older in these shots. Thanks to Nonnie for the darling dress too. When I took her for a stroll outside so many people stopped to say how cute she looked. One person even told Michelle, "she has it going on!" when they were out earlier.

You can kind of see she is doing her sign language for more/help in the photo next to the "car" and that is definitely the look she gets when she wants something.

Also, I always knew she had a mind of her own, but I do declare she has just weaned herself. So, as her mommy, I am also getting a first glimpse of what it means to respect my daughter's choices when I am not necessarily in agreement. Here's to parenthood, and all that lies ahead!

Nonnie and Aunt Kirsten's Visit!

My mom and sister came to SF for the 4th of July weekend. We had a blast taking Calista to the Bay Area Discovery Museum on Saturday (followed by a lovely glass of wine and juice box at the newly opened Cavallo Point), and the SF Zoo on Sunday (where she showed us how big she is in comparison to the guerillas). We also went to Chow for brunch on Sunday, and Calista walked a bunch of the way home. One morning, while Scott and I slept in, my mom and Kirsten took Calista to a local playground, and taught her how to say "swing." Amazing. They also sang "Old MacDonald Had A Farm" with her a bunch and now Calista can chime in with more animal sounds --including sssss for snake. I think my mom was pretty happy because she said "Nonnie" too. Calista also played telephone with them a lot -- it's quite amusing how she sticks the antenna in her ear! Little missy was clearly in heaven all weekend (despite not napping much -- too much excitement going on!). It was such a treat to see Nonnie and Aunt Kirsten, and I can't wait for my trip to Ashland later this month.

Little Missy in her Big Girl Nightgown

Michelle got her this darling nightgown, and she looks so grown up in it! 16 months old - where did the time go? Calista also loves to drink her sippy cup of milk in the morning on her chair, or take it up to the over-stuffed chair we have and nestle in its big cushions. She can climb on everything now...Finally, I love the photo of Calista and Scott at the computer. Calista loves to do grown-up things, especially if they involve her daddy!

Bunny Slippers from Grandpa Charles

My Grandpa Charles gave these slippers to Calista when she was first born. They are so cute! And I love Calista's little legs in them!