Daddy's proud

People keep telling me that Kierally is smart. I'm not sure how to react to that, mostly because I don't have a reference point to measure against. What I DO know is that kids in general learn a lot faster than adults. I read in a children's reference book that once you show a child something three times, they've usually got it. Personal experience would support that. It varies both ways of course, depending on the topic, concentration level and current mindset, but I am constantly amazed at how quickly little minds lock onto things, whether it be a new word, activity, instruction or warning.

An example is in one of the videos in today's post. Kierally has a world map as a place mat at the table. Just for funs, I've been pointing out different countries and seeing if she'll remember them. The thing is that no-one told Kierally that it was just Daddy passing the time and playing little experiments on his child, so she had diligently retained these 'pearls of wisdom' that Daddy has been passing her way. The result is that I'm starting to run out of sizable countries on the map to add to the list of places she can now recognise by name. The second side-effect of my experiment is that now Kiearally wants to do the countries game at the end of meals. I didn't see that one coming. I should have, but I didn't. Sometimes I wonder who is messing with whom.

Yesterday and today we went to a nearby shopping centre where they have a water fountain for children to play in. It's a marvelous idea: the parents get to have a sit down and relax while the kiddies run around like mad things getting all excited and wet but in a very safe environment. Oh, and it's free. I like that. Well the video shows Kierally's first time playing in the fountains and as you can see she rather took to it.

And, by the way, we like mangoes...

This is a catch-up post of the videos that should have been uploaded over the last couple of months but never made it.

So here they all are. Thanks for indulging me. I'm horribly biased about my little girl and I think she's a champion.

Halloween

Now, just to be straight up front, I'm not a fan off Halloween. In fact, I come pretty close to being a total grinch about the whole thing. A 'holiday' that involves training kids in extortion, based on very dark and dubious traditions, seems to be a good candidate for a boycott.
But, if there's a chance to dress my little darling up and make her look cute, then I tend to be a bit of a sucker. It just so happens that in the piles of clothes given to us when Kierally was born was a cute little ASU (Arizona State University) cheerleader outfit. Here I come across another problem. I do NOT want Kierally to grow up to be a cheerleader. President of the Maths club, sure, but not cheer-leading. Goodness no!
But if she looks cute... You get where I'm going.

So here are a couple of videos of Kierally, Halloween and cheer-leading. *Sigh*
(But she's awfully cute!)

Summer & Water - It's a good combination

Summer is slowly leaving us and while it's still very hot in the middle of the day, the evenings are almost livable. It's certainly nice outside if you've got a stream of water to play with, as Kierally found out to her delight this week.
Here are a couple of photos of her discovering running water and puddles and associated delights.

Kierally walking and hiding

Here a some videos of Kierally as she continues to grow and learn new skills, the most impressive this time being walking. Yes, she's up and about and loves to toddle all over the place. She hasn't got herself into any trouble yet, but I'm sure that's just around the corner.

Carrying the puppies

Hiding the yellow ball

Just being cute

Thanks for watching.

Kierally's First Birthday

A whole 12 months has passed since Kierally enterred the world. It's one of those short/long time experiences. It seems like so long ago, but then again as though it happened only recently.

Lois and I are extremely grateful that we've been blessed with a healthy, adorable, sweet, happy and charming child. She's not perfect, which we neither expected nor wanted, but she's pretty close and that'll do just fine.

God is good.

To celebrate the day we escaped the heat of Pheonix and drove to Payson for the day and spent most of it near the lake under the shade of the large trees there. It was very peaceful and relaxing.

Kierally was able to open her presents, with some help, and a good time was had by all the family.

Here are a couple of videos and photos of the day.

Walking is such a useful skill

We've been waiting expectantly for Kierally to start walking. Her Daddy, me, was a little slower than average to get up and going so there was some interest in when Kierally would show some interest.

Over the last week she's made some significant steps, pun intended.

Here are some videos...