Ayla's 13th Month

Ayla is our independent, curious, silly, expressionate, and happy little girl. I say "little," but she is quite the opposite- she looks like a monster when she plays with our friend's babies who are about the same age, give or take a few months. I feel bad when she is completely unaware of how big she is and just plows over her little-er playmates. 

With the amount of food she consumes it's no wonder she is so big, the girl loves to eat! When she sees me open, or hears the word, "bread" "banana" "milk" or "apple" she starts squealing and flapping her arms with excitement, those are her favorite foods. 

She makes all sorts of noises, in addition to the hungry squeals, and seems to try to say some words, but "Mama" and "Dada" are probably the only words she can currently say. She does makes the "B" sound when she sees a bottle/sippy cup, bread, TJ (brother?), and book. She seems to have invented her own sign language and has specific signs she uses to get what she wants. I always tell her, "say ___" instead, but only sometimes will she even try. 

TJ sharing blueberries with Ayla in the back yard.

Ayla boarded her first cruise with Kaeme, Papa, Mom, Dad, and TJ.

We took a smaller boat to get to Cococay, which Ayla enjoyed.

Once on the island, Ayla enjoyed playing in the sand.

And in the water with Kaeme.

Diaper change at the "Look Out Point"

And nap time in her stroller (shaded by a beach chair).

Ayla got all ruffled up for formal night.

In Nassau, Ayla made a friend.

And some sweet little lady made her a purse from scratch.

Here she is with the finished purse, and TJ's matching hat.

Ayla loved playing in the kids play area,

and on the jet ski, during our day-at-sea.

After four days of cruising, Kaeme packed Ayla up so that we could go home.

TJ and Ayla played at Ormond Beach after Trent interviewed in Palm Coast. And you'd think we'd get sick of the beach.

Side note- although we really liked Palm Coast, as well as Orlando, in the end Trent decided to accept an offer to work in Tallahassee at Family Dentistry at Southwood. We are sooo excited to have that hard decision behind us, and look forward to moving to the capital city this summer!