Evelyn at 11 months and a few other summer happenings.

We started month eleven lounging by the pool, but there hasn't been much relaxing for Evelyn this month.  She is on the move and curious about everything!  She began really walking on June 19th, taking multiple steps around the room as she inched closer to the TV.  Now she is pretty fast, and I would say that walking is her preferred way to get around.  Those first few weeks of toddling steps go way too fast.  She is eager to run and play with Harrison and Lily.

It doesn't work, but this is the video of her first steps.

Evelyn is also saying mama regularly and making many more vocalizations as she tries to say new words.  One not so good (for our ears) development is that she screams quite a bit now when we tell her no, or remove her from an off-limits space.  I can't remember if Lily ever had a temper tantrum (I'm thinking no), and I remember Harrison had one big one when he was three, but I'm not so sure that Evelyn will have "just one" or none at all.  We might become one of those families that you see sprawled out in the middle of a toy store or grocery store aisle one day because she didn't get what she wants.  Time will tell, but I'm beginning to wonder if there is a thing called The Terrible Ones. She is definitely strong-willed.  The shrieking...oh my aching head.

On a brighter note, she loves glasses and found a pair of 3D glasses left from a trip to the movie theater that she wants to wear.  She will bob her head around like she is dancing as she wears them.  I guess she thinks she is pretty cool.  She also loves hats so we pulled out one of Harrison's VT hats for her.

We had friends visit over the week of July 4th.  It's always fun to have the Marszaleks here.  Justin took Lily and Harrison down to the street to the green space to see some fireworks, but we didn't venture out to see any others this year because of the rainy weather.

Evelyn loves to find soft, comfy places to rest.  One of her favorite spots is Lily's huge emoji pillow that she won from Dave and Busters.  This might be her happy place.

Evelyn also LOVES to play football with Harrison.  She wants his ball and is happy to tackle him or chase him if he lets her.  She also enjoys a good race.  If she hears Harrison say, "on your mark, get set, go!" she will crawl as fast as she can, giggling all the way, with him crawling right next to her.  And since he is such a sweet brother, he usually lets her win.  (And you know that is a big deal for Harrison).

Just like Lily and Harrison did, sometimes she just has to get some work done on her computer.  She needs a comfortable work space though.  That little tongue comes out when she is concentrating sometimes.

Last weekend we said goodbye to our dear old "red van" and hello to a new one!  We like it a lot.

Lily got a cute new summer 'do to match her American Girl doll, Kit.  Here they are together with a photo bomb by Harrison's hand.

Lily also enjoys helping me cook.  One night with very minimal assistance from me, she made us spaghetti and meatballs, rolls, and a salad.  Delicious!  Can't wait for this to become a more regular event. Thanks, sweetie!

Pool days are fun!