Here's a photo from our rained out camping weekend: Roxi having a big time in the fish (aka fuh, fuh, fuh) section of a local pet store. You can imagine her utter delight two weekends later, when we took her to ...

THE AQUARIUM!!!! (in Denver)

Our girl literally RAN from tank to tank, pointing and screaming, "Fuh! Fuh! Fuh!" She is mid "Fuh!" in this picture. The little cut under her eye is courtesy of one of our cats, who will not be getting any fuh! or fuh!-like kitty treats anytime soon. No worries though - Roxi's sweet face is healing up just fine.

Roxi was VERY excited about the otter tank.

If you look to the left of Rob's hand, at the bottom of the tank, you can see an otter making his/her approach towards the glass.

Ye old otter, mid-flip.

Checking out the big tunnel tank.

By the time we got to the giant Japanese crabs, Roxi was pooped. So many fish, so little time ...

15 Month Checkup

Another visit with Nurse Rhonda and Dr. P. Another set of reassuring statistics and kind words. Another two vaccinations (measles/mumps/rubella and chicken pox), plus a toe prick for an iron test. Another opportunity to be impressed with our tough nugget Roxi, who cried for a grand total of 15 seconds after all the needles.

Without further ado, here are the numbers:

• 23.125 pounds - 50th percentile
• 32 inches long/tall - 90th percentile
• 18.75-inch head circumference - 90th percentile
• Just enough iron in the blood to count as "normal", so Dr. P recommended a small dose of daily iron supplement.

It was another fine doctor's visit, complete with plenty of compliments that Rob and I accepted with grace on the outside and giddy glee on the inside. She's developmentally right on target, if not ahead of the game ... and in the peak of sassy health. Roxi also impressed Dr. P by climbing on his lap and discovering new screens and noises on his computer.

New Favorite Word

daw-bih-dee (emphasis on the first syllable), which means strawberry

After many months of ambivalence towards her throng of stuffed animals, Roxi is starting to show interest. Her favorite friend, by far, is Turtle. She won't take naps or turn in for the night without him, and she spends a fair bit of her day time either carrying him around or talking about him. Often times we know Roxi has woken up from a nap when we hear gentle murmurings of "tuh-toh, tuh-toh" through the monitor. The picture above was taken at 11 p.m. one evening (with no flash so as to not wake the sweet pea, thus the grainy quality).

Turtle is especially loved when Roxi is sleepy.

Pals.

Tent-tastic

Roxi had her first camping adventure this weekend. We went to Hermit Park - a private facility for HP employees that includes rustic cabins and lots of camp sites - with Roxi's Colorado aunts and uncles (Mike, Jen, Scott and Renee).

She spent the night in a tent, ate strapped to a picnic table, played with lots of sticks and went bathless. Roxi's a budding outdoorswoman, I tell ya.

I wish I had some pictures to show you, but our adventure was cut short by unseasonably cold and wet weather. We woke up Saturday morning to thick fog and a forecast full of rain. So Roxi's introduction to the wonders of camping was short and sweet.

We spent a soggy Saturday evening back in Fort Collins at the mall, which is actually one of Roxi's favorite places these days. The pet store has a whole room full of aquariums. She ran from one glowing tank to another last night, pointing and shouting "fuh-fuh-fuh!" (aka "fish!"). She also enjoyed "woof!"ing to all the puppies.

Last weekend, we drove up the Poudre Canyon for a picnic lunch and some outdoor wackiness. Roxi would have nothing to do with her food until she properly explored the river.

Roxi had to be in the water, even if it was f-f-f-freezing.

Roxi looking sassy eating her picnic lunch.

Woo hoo!

We spent the rest of the afternoon at Gateway Park - a different spot along the Poudre Canyon. There were lots of wide open spaces and shady areas. We also took a short hike to explore future swimming spots ... the perfect opportunity to employ the backpack with spiffy new sun shade.

Rompin' and also stompin'.

Happy girl.

Bring on the Steak

Eight, count 'em, eight teeth. Roxi's second bottom right incisor broke through her gums on Thursday, giving her four teeth straight across the bottom. This latest bit of teething was not accompanied by a runny nose ... which was quite a treat for all of us.

Roxi is using her eight fabulous chompers to gnaw on the occasional steamed carrot. Yes, carrot! An actual vegetable! And not even shredded and hidden inside pasta sauce! She will also eat corn ... but only if it's freshly cut from the cob and buttered. No frozen or canned kernels for this girl.

A little pre-bedtime reading. Roxi is pointing to a sheep, saying "baaa" here. And check out her cute little belly (full of hot dog and macaroni and cheese from dinner).

Roxi went to her first fair today - the Larimer County Fair to be exact. She really liked the corn dogs, but her favorite part was the petting zoo.

It was a good day.

Doda Versus Dodo

Doda equals stroller. Dodo means dirty.

Lately

Just a sampling of the exciting adventures Roxi has had recently: Cheering on Daddy and his softball team. Going to the end-of-season after party for dinner and drinks (just water for the sweet girl) with the team. Hanging out with and learning how to high five from Gamma. Playing Bocce with Aunt Ren, Uncle Scott, Aunt Jen and Uncle Mike. Pointing out every umbrella within a 20 yard radius. Running, running, running, running. Going to music class and loving every minute.

Roxi already has some good press.

The Difference Between Hada and Haba

Isn't it obvious? Hada means hot dog or high five. Haba means umbrella.

STRAWS

ARE

FUN

Another picture from the beach, compliments of Aunt Christa. This is the technically advanced, beach-ready Roximobile. Granddaddy and Uncle Tyler built this masterpiece: an old carseat bolted to a boogie board, embellished with a life jacket, swim noodle and Tarheel flag. You couldn't ask for a better ride.

This Is What I Think of Your Stinking Carrot

In a continuing effort to introduce some vegetables into Roxi's diet, I gave her a piece of cooked carrot to munch on earlier this week. She studied it, squished it between her fingers and then put it on the floor ... where she proceeded to stomp on it.

Seven!

It's been a sleepless week at the Tusselwupper household. And a little feverish. Not to mention a snot factory. Two teeth in one week. Holy smokes.

We are pleased to introduce Roxi's second left incisor, which now gives her four teeth on top (plus three on the bottom). Chomp-tastic!

Six!

Hello and welcome to the world, right second incisor (between the right front tooth and future canine). You join the proud ranks of Roxi's other five teeth, who like nothing more than chomping down on hot dog pieces, cheese-filled pasta and grapes.

Lovin' the beach.

Lovin' the sand.

Yum.

Lovin' the ocean.

From the Mouth of Babe

Roxi's vocabulary is increasing exponentially. I'm talking new words every day, people. It's wild stuff.

Granted, you have to listen somewhat creatively and be paying attention, since "ba ba" could mean bottle, baby, belly button or sheep (as in what a sheep says). "Wa" means either water or watch. "Ba" generally means ball or bath, but could also mean any number of things (it's the new guk). Her repertory now includes the aforementioned as well as cracker (still a favorite), Daddy, Mama, quack (for ducks), roar (for lions), hiss (for snakes), meow (for kitties), woof (for dogs), kitty, hippo, dinosaur, cookie, pasta, hot, brrrrr (for cold), Teton (our big black cat), more, moon, car, hat, window, teeth, nose, whiskers, eye and probably a lot of other things I'm forgetting.

Plus she'll attempt to mimic just about anything you say.

My favorite pronunciation right now is banana, which comes out "ber-BLEH-ler" with a generous tongue flick. A close second are fan and fish, both pronounced "fuh-fuh-fuh" because I was trying to teach her how to make an F sound and she's not interested in bothering with the rest of the word after that. Sharing third place are "toh-toh", which means tortilla, and "doh-doh", which means dirty.

North Carolina Is Fun Because ...

An essay by Roxi

• I can get just about anyone on an airplane to stick their tongue out if I flirt enough.
• Aunt Christa and Uncle Ray have bubbles and kitties at their house.
• My parents are suckers for Tarheel merchandise.
• Eating out all the time means I get a lot of grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Popsickles are yummy.
• Granddaddy, Mimi, Uncle Lee and Uncle Tyler know how to have a good time.
• The ocean is just like my swimming pool ... except a million billion times better.
• Sand tastes really good and adds a satisfying crunch to any appetizer or entree.
• My diaper can hold a remarkable amount of sand. Really. Even more than you'd think.
• Nanna and Great Aunt Pat make very convincing animal noises.
• The halls in Gigi and Poppop's building were clearly built for my running pleasure.
• Sometimes you bump into a grown man dressed like a gorilla when you least expect it.
• I have lots of family, and they're all deliciously crazy just like me.

Inside the ball castle at her pal Hailey's first birthday bash.

Supersonic

Last weekend we went to Seattle for my cousin Meg's wedding. Meg helped me get a handle on family tree nomenclature (at least a better handle than I had before), and so I can say with some certainty that she is Roxi's first cousin once removed.

After a sleepless but happy flight (Roxi flirted with everyone on the plane) and an uneventful cab ride, we were greeted by a mass of relatives at the hotel. Wackiness ensued for the rest of the weekend. Roxi got to see her Nanna, Uncle Lee, Gigi, Poppop, Great Aunt Pat, Great Uncle Bill, Great Aunt Suzanne, cousins Meg, Nathan, Bill, Angi, Billy and Joe, and many more ... in fact, more relatives than anyone could shake a stick at (even a whompin big stick). Our sweet girl took to everyone, smiling and laughing and giving leg bear hugs to whomever would stand still long enough.

Roxi had a big time. Not much napping. Lots of being chased around and held by giggling family members. Ample hotel bed jumping. A healthy dose of crackers. It was her kind of weekend.

Uncle Lee helps Roxi accessorize.

On Saturday, we took a tour of Seattle's newest library, which can only be described as amazing. Here Roxi is enjoying one of the many puzzles in the gigantic children's section.

All dressed up at the wedding and having fun with her Great Great Aunt Betty.

This was the part of the evening when we were giving Roxi anything and everything on the dinner table to keep her occupied (Note that the cute little bow in her hair is LONG gone.). After quickly chucking spoons, napkins and wedding favors out of her field of vision, she settled happily on this lemon.

Hey, wait a minute ... this actually tastes a lot like yuck.

Happy family.

Daddy head bongo playing NEVER gets old.

Here's Roxi sporting her shiny new bike helmet. Stylish!

Chart Buster

Roxi had her one-year checkup this afternoon. She got another glowing report from Dr. P, with gold stars in the areas of growth, development and cuteness. She's doing magnificently ... even if she won't eat any vegetables. Rob and I knew this already, but it was pretty swell to hear it from the doc himself.

Roxi had a good time - waving and smiling at everyone, playing with the spiffy bead table, discovering the air conditioning vent, untying Dr. P's shoes, exploring every nook and cranny of the examining room - until her 2 shots were administered. Even then she was a trooper; she was grinning at nurse Rhonda mere moments after the second needle left her skin.

So, without further ado, here are Roxi's latest stats:

• 21 pounds, 5 ounces - in the 60th percentile
• 30.75 inches tall - in the 90th percentile
• 18.75 inches head circumference - in the 99th percentile

We had a small party to celebrate Roxi's birthday last night. Jen, Mike, Tori and Chris (some of her Colorado "aunts" and "uncles") were on hand to witness the obligatory cake demolition that should accompany every first birthday. As you can see from her expression, Roxi wasn't quite sure what to make of her cupcake.

But she figured it out pretty quickly.

And soon realized that it was not only edible, but downright tasty.

I am Roxi, Queen of All Cupcakes!

Feeling a little sheepish about making such a big mess?

No way!

Since today was officially Roxi's big day, we celebrated by going out to lunch, visiting two parks, eating dinner outside and opening presents. Not to mention the usual cat tackling, cracker requesting and dirt smearing.

Being one rules!

Sporting fancy ribbons after opening her birthday presents.

One

Our baby isn't a baby anymore. She's a full-fledged toddler, and she's one whole year old. Holy smokes, did that ever go FAST. Here are a few of Roxi's latest cute new skills:

• Recognizing Rob's voice on the phone and answering machine, and saying "Da Da!" when she hears him.
• Activating her toy that plays "Oh Susanna", waiting for us to start singing and clapping, and then performing a magnificent arm flapping, body swaying dance.
• Patty cake marathons.
• Wanting to go on the slide at the playground over and over.
• Asking to take a bath every time she's naked. "Baaa?"
• Waving at everyone who will give her the time of day (and many who won't). We get all kinds of special treatment at the grocery store.
• Chasing us around the house and laughing big belly guffaws when she's being chased.
• Visual memory: She'll point out balloons, kitties, bees, butterflies and ducks in her books, among other things.
• Picking out a book, bringing it to one of us and sitting in our lap so we'll read it to her.
• Following basic commands: bring me your shoes, put your bear in your toy box, have a seat, etc.
• Kicking and throwing balls - by herself and on command.
• Sporting more teeth. Roxi's fifth tooth, another right lower incisor, made its debut on Memorial Day.

Less cute has been her waking time for the past week - between 4 and 5 a.m. But hey, I can almost forget it's still dark outside when I walk into her room and see that smiling face waiting for me. We're a bit on the sleep-deprived side, but we couldn't be happier with our big one-year-old girl. Happy birthday Roxi!!!

Faces and Rainy Spaces

I've been remiss about sharing the faces in Roxi's life lately. In March, she was treated to a visit from her Aunt Christa, Aunt Bean (who is technically her second cousin Joy, aka Joybean) and Aunt Bean's beau Shawn. We had a big ol' time, including lots of watching Roxi be Roxi and a party to celebrate her momentously cool relatives.

Then Gamma Rose visited over Memorial Day weekend. It rained mercilessly and we couldn't have cared less. We explored the playroom at the local mall (mayhem, total mayhem). We stomped and played and screamed and laughed and cavorted around the house. We ate out a lot. That part of the weekend led us to this discovery: Roxi will eat much more at a restaurant than she will at home, particularly if there are aquariums full of fish and/or small children sitting nearby. The girl who will often turn her nose up at everything non-cracker was suddenly eating shrimp scampi (Red Lobster, dinner) and Vietnamese chicken (Young's, lunch). Maybe she was trying to impress her Gamma. Methinks it worked.

Another new face in Roxi's life is her regular babysitter. Melissa is a student at Colorado State University, full of energy (which Roxi loves) and very responsible (which Rob and I love). Plus, she's a lot of fun. She's been coming once a week - 3 to 10 p.m. - for the past couple of months. I generally catch up on freelance projects or run errands for the first few hours and then Rob and I have date night. Everybody's happy :)

The Thing About Saying Cracker Is

You better darn well have an actual cracker to back it up.

Already Walking the Walk. Starting to Talk the Talk.

Roxi's latest and greatest walking skill is being able to get on her feet solo. Previously, she would need a hand, table, toy, cat or something to pull up on. Then she'd get her balance. Then off she'd toddle. A few days ago, she learned how to stand up all by herself - no props necessary. She goes from sitting to hands and feet to standing in a matter of seconds. Bada boom. And yowza, that girl can move FAST.

And guess what else? She's starting to talk.

To be fair, Roxi has been holding lengthy conversations in her own language for quite some time. Her vocabulary now includes a few understandable English words. She mostly mimics them but will occasionally pop out with them on her own: Daddy, bottle, cracker, breakfast, kitty. It is unspeakably cute.

Taking lovely walks in the park.

Strolling ...