Talking Up a Storm

Hello, loyal readers! Do the short, dark days have you feeling down? Are you stressed out planning for the holidays? Let me take your mind off things and tell you what I've been doing and what I've been saying.

Last month I got my first haircut. Just a little off the bangs, please.

I wasn't in the mood to try any new foods at Thanksgiving dinner, but I entertained everyone at the table. I'm thankful for captive audiences.

It hasn't gotten too cold yet, so Nana and I got outside while we still had the chance. Check out my cool walking stick!

My vocabulary is growing by the day. Here is an excerpt from the Riley Phrasebook:

Ah goh: All gone or all done

Bee: Roscoe (short for "puppy")  

Bee Bee: Baby

Bee Bee Bee: Yo Gabba Gabba

Binky: Pacifier

Clock

Code: Cold or coat

Dada

Hi, Bye (See video below)

Mama

Mayman: Mailman

Mo: More

Nana

Papa

Sheesh: Cheese

Shoosh: Shoes

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Here I am practicing entrances (and exits).

It probably won't surprise you to hear that I love the camera. Daddy's iPhone lets me see myself on the screen while it's recording, which I find delightful.

I really crack myself up sometimes.

Enjoy your Christmas, everyone! If you see Santa, tell him to keep me on the Nice list.

Fall Festivities

I hope you like my latest batch of photos. They're of my trip to the Brookfield Zoo, Lake Katherine, the playground, the pumpkin patch, the Kidswork Museum, and my second Halloween.

Click here to view these pictures larger

Just the other day, I figured out how to put a leash on my beloved Roscoe. It was the greatest, and Mommy caught it on video.

Down South Again

I sure had fun visiting my grandparents in Alabama and Mississippi. By now, I'm a seasoned road warrior. Ten hours in a car seat is no joke!

At a rest stop in Tennessee, I checked out some modern art...

and met some of the locals.

I had fun with Mom, Dad, Aunt Brooke and Grammie at a science museum in Birmingham.






Then we got to hang out at an awesome pool at a resort just down the road from Grammie's house.

At Pop and Susu's in Mississippi, I got to see Pop's dogs and I tailgated in the Grove for the very first time!

Well, it's back to work for me! See ya next time.

I'm Ready for My Close-up

Hey, everyone! I'm taking a well-deserved vacation down South. I will have lots of fun pictures to share from that trip soon.

For now, please enjoy the following four videos, each of which showcases a different talent. The categories are as follows:

Athletics

Dance

Acting

Visual Arts

Thanks for stopping by!

Turning One and Summer Fun

Hello, everyone! Sorry it's been so long since my last update. I've been out enjoying the nice weather. I have so much to tell you.

I officially turned one year old on June 15, 2011. Mommy marked my height on the Winnie the Pooh wall chart Aunt Jenni made me. It's in my newly renovated room!

Aunt Jenni also painted this beautiful mural for me! I am one lucky girl.

I had my first birthday party (see video below).

I got so many wonderful gifts, including a table and chairs from Nana and Papa (great for climbing)...

a wagon from Grammie McCarthy...

and a swing from Great Grandma and Grandpa O'Connor!

Did I mention I love being outside?

I went to my first Cubs game with Mommy and Daddy. It was so hot!

Let's get out of here, Dad. The Cubbies are down 6-0 and it's only the third inning!

Mmm . . . cake . . . nom nom nom

Catch ya later!

Riley's Mississippi B-Day

Hey, y'all! Sorry it's been so long since my last post. I spent Memorial Day Weekend way down south in Mississippi. I got to see Oxford, the Ole Miss campus, I swam in the pool, and Sue Sue had a little early birthday celebration for me. It was fun! Sue Sue took so many great pictures. Check 'em out!

Click here to view these pictures larger

Spring Has Sprung!

Big news - I have a new cousin! I'm not the littlest anymore now that Colin Matthew is here. I also have a new second cousin, Patrick John O'Connor.

Guess what? I'm going to Cali with Mommy and Grandma! I sure will have some great pics to share after that trip. Stay tuned . . .

I hope you all had a good Easter. I had fun hanging out at Grandma's house. Do you like my dress? My Great Grandma McCarthy made it for my Aunt Brooke. I like it even though it slows me down when I'm crawling.

What do you mean this isn't a phone?

What do you mean it's facing the wrong way?

Roscoe, what are you doing on my Pillow Pal?!

I know most of you have seen this video already, but you know you want to watch it again (and again):

It's important to take time out during play time to rest and rejuvenate.

I think I'm really getting the hang of this whole walking thing. Not bad for 10 months!

See you next time!