High Fives and Fist Bumps

Ever since Matilda began to high five, we tried to take it to the next level.  Now she can finally give some dap with a fist bump.  Of course, "blowing it up" always comes with a "Boom!"  And just like high fives, if she gives one, she has to give one to everybody.  Check out the video of Tilly high-fiving and fist bumping!

Pigtails!

After Matilda's hair fell out by 5 months, we didn't know when it would ever be long enough for pigtails.  Well at 17 months it is finally long enough!  They aren't the longest pigtails, but they'll do okay for now.  Check out a few more photos of Tilly's first pigtails.

Climbing Ladder

Like every other baby her age, Matilda has started climbing everything.  Here's a couple videos of her climbing the ladder and step-stool.  Go Tilly Go!

Puzzle Pro

Matilda is starting to get pretty good at her puzzles.  Here are some pictures and a video of puzzle time.  The video is a couple minutes long and not super exciting, but you can see the wheels in her head turning as she figures out where they go.  At 16 months, she's really figuring out her colors and shapes.  She even throws in a high five at the end!

Sickies

Today Matilda had her first real sick bug.  She's had some runny noses and normal little colds, but this was a steady high fever with vomiting of anything she tried to eat or drink.  As such she didn't get to eat or drink much all day.  Once she started keeping the water down she moved on to crackers.   Despite being miserable, she did enjoy watching a Yo Gabba marathon.  It took a few days for her to get back to her normal self.  "Read on" for more photos of Tilly during her first real sick day.

Climber

Matilda has been climbing onto the couch for awhile now, but now that she mastered getting up and down on the couch, she want's to climb everything.  She's now started climbing on the step-stool.  The first time she made it up and down with no problems.  Only later did she sometimes get a little scared and ask for "help" coming down.  But now she's definitely got the climbing thing figured out.

Couch Dismount

One of the first things we tried to teach Matilda, was how to turnaround and slide off the couch and beds. She picked it up quickly, and it's been really nice not having to worry too much about her as she begins to climb up onto things. We finally got a video of her demonstrating a smooth dismount from the couch. Enjoy!

First Birthday!

Today Matilda turned one year old.  To celebrate her birthday we went to the zoo.  She got to see lots of animals and had a great time with Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Stephy.  After the zoo, we went to dinner where Tilly got a free sundae and happy birthday song!  We can't believe she's already one year old.  She's learned so much this past year, and we can't wait to see what she does next year.  "Read more" to see a ton of pictures from Tilly's first birthday!

Bookworm

Matilda loves books and her new walking skills make getting them easier than ever.  When she wants to read, she will bring you a book and sit in your lap.  And if you ask her to bring you a specific book by name, she totally knows which one to bring you.  She really loves her 'Gruffalo' book that her best friend Vivienne brought back from Ireland.  Check out the videos of Tilly getting books to read!

Fork this, not that...

Earlier this month Matilda began using a spork as long as we would stab the food for her.  Well today she decided she wanted to have a fork at dinner, and rather than bang and wave it around, she proceeded to eat with it.  She ate for quite awhile with surprising skill.  Here's a short video of her doing big girl stuff!

Walking

Matilda has been walking quite a bit since she took her first steps back in January.  For awhile she wanted help and would just stand in place until you gave her your hand.  Now she is all over the place and all by herself.  The only thing she hasn't quite mastered is standing up consistently without an object to help.  No worries, she just crawls to the nearest wall and away she goes!  Check out her walking skills!

Spork

Matilda has preferred to feed herself for awhile now. Today she put food into her mouth with a fork and was very excited about it. She hasn't quite mastered getting stuff onto the fork although she's really trying. If we help her stab it, she'll gladly eat it. She has also scooped up grapes onto a spoon. Go Tilly Go!

Kisses

Tilly has been doing "nose kisses" for awhile but has just now figured out what real kisses are.  It's super cute to see her trying to lay one on you.  They started out kinda sloppy, but she's now very good at giving kisses.  Check out the video!

Look Who's Walking!?

Matilda has been cruising around holding furniture for awhile now, and yesterday she started walking all around the house while holding on to our fingers.  Today she was testing her ability to stand and balance without support, when she decided to start walking on her own.  We were wondering what would define her first steps, but we're pretty sure this is it.  So much for stumbling out of the gates.

Stand Alone

Today Matilda stood alone and balanced unsupported for 12 seconds before slowly squating to the ground.  She's been cruising along furniture for a while now, but with her new balancing skills, she has also began walking everywhere with support.  As long as she can hold on to your fingers, she will take you where she wants to go.  Here's a little video of her getting some practice.

Growing

Matilda is growing like crazy.  It's so hard to even remember how small she used to be, but going back through pictures can be an eye-opening reminder.  Here's a comparison from less than a month to just over nine months.  Go Tilly go!

Say Kitty!

Matilda has been learning so many new things, but today she said what we consider her first word.  Other than mama and dada, she's just been babbling, but today she said "kitty" while trying to get closer to the cat.  We were lucky to catch her saying it a couple times on video.  She's known what "kitty" means, and now she can finally say it while chasing the cat around the house.  What a way to start off the new year!

Peek-a-boo

Matilda loves peek-a-boo! She started playing by herself with some newspaper, and we didn't realize what she was doing. Once we realized and started playing along, she wouldn't stop. Check out some videos of peek-a-boo below!

Dancing

Matilda can now officially "shake it."  It started with a sway back and forth, but Tilly soon began bouncing and rocking to the beat.  She doesn't like to follow the internet trends, but we tried Beyonce's "single ladies" anyway.  She responded with some awesome moves.  Check out the progression of her skills in the videos below.

Eskimo Kisses

Matilda has learned how to give nose kisses.  If you ask for it, she'll lean in and touch noses.  Sometimes, she'll even lean in when you aren't expecting it.  She even gives "noses" to herself in the mirror.  So cute!