smarter by the minute

I am shocked with the new things that you comes up with daily. It went from saying doggie to making every animal sound imaginable to treating your baby doll like a real baby to praising yourself (saying good girl) and opening the fridge to tell me what snack you would like. One of your favorite things to do is find all of my moles and touch them, because it drives me crazy. I'm scared you will flick one of them off so I squirm and try to get you away from them which only makes it more fun for you.

You know the body parts eye, ear, nose, lips, teeth, tongue, hair, arm, leg, knee, big belly, nipple, toes, feet, and of course your private. You know all your pieces of clothing and love to put on socks, shoes, and hats all day long.

The pool just opened in our building and you love the wawa. We've been swimming every day but one in the week and a half that the pool has been open. Mostly you love sitting in the hot tub with dad, but occasionally you will jump in the pool with me and kick your legs as hard as you can.

You have made best friends with Sophia, Nate Nate, Derde, Melinda, and Amber. Every time they are around you talk to them and Sophia and Amber are allowed to read you books. You love that I watch baby Jackson too and try to give him hugs and kisses all day. He also kisses you back every time you put your arm in front of his mouth, which you do frequently.

I hope you keep amazing us with your intelligence and humor and we love you more that we thought possible.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVE!

Oh, how I wish you could come and trick or treat at grama's house this year!
I know you are having a blast at Hilloween. I'm waiting by the phone so your mom can tell me what you did. Here you are in your Doggie costume. I hear you say Bow Wow to everyone when they mention how cute you are as a doggie. I have also been watching all the new videos of you and how much you are talking now. I actually heard you say tricycle as you were rocking on the new toy. I must tell you how excited everyone is about your family coming to Kansas for Christmas! This is going to be the very best holiday all of us have experienced in a very long time!
Don't eat tooo much sugar tonight - I'm sure your mom is keeping track
I love you and will see you soon!
Grama

4 teeth, doggies, and dancing

Hello miss Eve!!
I have been meaning to write you about our visit in Tulsa recently and grandpa Tim's house, but I am just getting around to it. Well for starters you were the entertainment for all of us even the "doggies". You were talking up a storm repeating everything your mom said and I think you know about every animal sound possible. My favorite is your lion growl because you really make it sound scary and put a lot into it!!! The funniest thing was that you absolutely love to brush your 4 teeth!!! Your mom said you brush them every night after your bath and you loved it. I wasn't sure at first but you proved me wrong. You ran around naked for about twenty minutes brushing your teeth until your mom took it away!! It was soooo cute. You still aren't sure about me holding you yet, but I could still make you smile and that meant a lot to me. You got several toys while you were there, but Lily, grandpa's dog, kept taking them away and chewing them up. You didn't seem to mind sooo much because there was always a book to read. Even Aunt Erin read you a book!!! You are also really improving on your dancing skills. Your bounce is becoming more defined!!! Keep it up kiddo!!! I am sure come Christmas there will be all kinds of new things to keep us entertained with!! I can't wait to see you again. Love you!!!!
Aunt Jill

Meetin in Oklahoma

Hi Eve!!
I am so looking forward to seeing you and your momma tomorrow! You have spent the last 4 days in Oklahoma seeing your aunts and grandpa Tim. Everyone was amazed how smart you are! You can imitate any animal. So, I am meeting you and taking you and momma to the Tulsa Zoo!!! I doubt if you remember but we tried going to the National Zoo in Washington, DC last summer but it was just tooooo hot. So I am expecting an awesome visit and just can't wait to see you! I will write again after our zoo trip.
Love you,
gramasortore

hi baby

That is one phrase that I must use often, because whenever you see me squirt, you say hi baby to me. You are talking away, which is a little uncommon for kiddos your age. Some of the many animal sounds you make are the cow's moo, kitty's meow, frog's ribbit, sheep's bah, horse's neigh, pig's oink, owl's hoo, goldfish's glub glub, duck's quack, and chicken's bak. You also say shoes, car, gargoyle, doggie, dada, mommy, kitty, bunny, pig, cord, no, cheerios, banana, eye, teeth, toes, nose, milk, juice, and whatever else you can manage to mimic. It amazes us every day and we laugh all the time. You love getting in your stroller and we find you just sitting quietly in it from time to time, just waiting to go outside in it. You just got a wooden toy wagon that is big enough to hold a doll, and you insist on me putting a handful of cheerios in it and your milk and you crawl into it and sit and eat all the them. You have discovered how to walk backward and you get the silliest grin on your face when you do. You love bellybuttons and dad's nipples. You love pointing to our eyes, noses, ears, and teeth and saying it outloud. Usually you poke really hard in the eyes and we don't play that game for very long. You love to feel mom's hair and say hair too, and usually you are pretty good about not pulling too hard. You still get up every day before 7, regardless of what time you went to bed. You eat everything or at least try it. You actually took bites out of a vidalia onion a few days ago and kept wanting more. You also ate a few forkfuls of sauerkraut. You seem to have a stomach made of steel like your dad. You are still reading books constantly and can actually finish our sentences before we read them. I think you have most of them memorized. Dr. Seuss is a favorite of yours. You dance all the time, and not just when you hear music. If dad and I even tell you to dance, you will gladly. We're getting ready to go to Tulsa to see your grandpa, aunt E, and aunt Jildo. There should be some fun there, because you love all the doggies and made good friends with Jess last time. It will be so much fun and I guess we need to start preparing you for the little brother or sister that will be headed your way in April/May. Love you baby.

Reflections after 1 year

Hey squirt,

It's been a year already. I can already see the wrinkles on your face. Fortunately for you, you seem to be aging pretty well.

I enjoy your company more now than ever. I appreciate that you and mom wait for me in the hallway when I come home. I especially enjoy how you pretend that you have been working when you see me coming (even though I know better). I like it when you help me read books. Your sound effects are priceless.

When you throw tantrums, I know that is because your mom has been spoiling you while I am at work. After dad is home for a little while on the weekends, you are always a perfect angel.

After looking through your first year of photos, I have noticed that you have gotten prettier. I didn't think that was possible when you were just a few months old. You have also gotten quite a bit smarter (amazing I know). Your vast intellect coupled with you amazonic height causes quite the confusion for the ladies at the playground. They can't believe it when we tell them you are only 1 year old after you have recited the complete periodic table (caution: possible hyperbole).

Here's to many more years of good times assuming your mom doesn't take me out so she can cash in my life insurance and move to barbados. Peace and Love from your pops.

Party Girl!!!!

Eve,
I came to visit and help you celebrate your FIRST BIRTHDAY! It was the best visit ever!
I got to see your new condo and we played for a whole week! You have gotten sooo big and you aren't a baby anymore. You are definitely a full fledged kid now! Your mommy and daddy brought you to the airport to pick me up and you grabbed my finger and we just walked out of the airport together! You are getting really ticklish now (especially under your arm and on your neck - just like your mommy) I took way to many pictures of you and even brought Aunt Jillie and Uncle Noah's video camera with me. The family now has about 2 full hours of you just running around and dancing and talking! I showed everyone I know your pictures and even had to drive to Joplin the day I got back to Kansas to show your Aunts the video (they couldn't wait a second more) I came and got you every morning and we ate breakfast together (we let mommy sleep in every day) We even spent a couple of evenings alone together; reading books and playing with the barnyard and running up and down the hallway, while your parents went out on the town. I had the best time! Grama even taught you how to do the Indian call. At first, every time I would pat your mouth you made no noise; but after a few more attempts you started making a sound and now you know how to play Indian! One of our outings was to the Chuckie Cheese pizza restaurant. You had a blast there, climbing and sliding and riding all the rides! On my last day was your 1st birthday party. It was on the air force base where you used to live. You had all kinds of presents and your little friends were there along with a whole lot of adults to celebrate your first year of life. I was the proudest Grama that day! You loved the balloons and carried them everywhere you went. Your mommy made you a strawberry birthday cake and we all sang Happy Birthday to you. Don't worry if you don't remember - I have it all on tape!HA But just in case, this picture is my favorite. It doesn't show how your cute little outfit kept getting longer and longer.
About 3 days after I got home, your parents made a short little video with you as the star (of course) announcing that you were going to be a big sis! Oh my....are you going to love that new baby! Just remember to give your mommy a break now and then. Instead of going 90 miles an hour all the time; try slowing down to at least 65. That's the legal limit these days!
I love and miss you and had an awesome time in DC. I can't wait for Christmas. Grama will have to get some things ready for you (especially some new books!) I hope your front teeth drop down some more because we are going to take a big family picture! No more tantrums OK?
Love you!!! GramaSortore

Happy Birthday Eve

Hello Eve-
Or in your newly famous gretting, "HI"! I wanted to wish you a happy birthday a little late. I figured I would call you on your birthday and wish you happy birthday, but I didn't think about writing and since you probably won't remember your first birthday you are gonna think your Aunt Jill forgot your birthday, but don't worry I didn't! It seems like you are gonna be quite the Girlie Girl now. Your Grama told us that you are totally into purses and make up and kissing yourself. That is sooo funny to us because your mom isn't at all, but you could definately change. Maybe you will take the road that Aunt Erin did. She was the nastiest, dirtiest, and the most smelliest kid growing up. Her nickname was "Stinky"!!!!! But now she has grown up and looks so lovely and cares a lot more how much she smells and takes a lot better care of herself. But you on the other hand may be outta luck if you change like that. You may grow up and stop showering. I hope not, but we will love you no matter what. It seems like you are into just following your mom around the house doing exactly what she does. You are getting a little more mischevious I hear and it is soooo much fun to be mischevious, but even more fun with a little brother or sister. I think you will be a great big sister and it won't be too long at all. Well I hope you had a good birthday little one and I can't wait to see you Christmas.
Love you tons!!!!
Aunt Jill

happy birthday

Since today is your big first birthday, I thought it an appropriate time to write. We had a birthday party for you on Saturday and Alivia, Brett, Mia, and Dana were all there. Alivia even got a bloody nose at some point during the party. It was some party let me tell you. Some of your adult friends were there too like grama, dad, Becca, Dan, George, Tony, and Melinda. You had such a good time and received so many wonderful gifts. You had a blast with the balloons thanks to grama and ate cake. While grama was here we went to the zoo, swimming pool, park, toys-r-us, and Chuck E. Cheese. You really had a great time with grama and she even babysat you two nights so your dad and I could go out together. We have moved into our new condo now and you love it. Everyone that works here and lives here calls you by name and talks to you whenever they see you. Carl, the building manager, even gave you a dollar bill for you birthday. You got a package from grammy and poppy today in the mail and a cow in the mail from Aunt Teen. Grandpa sent you a photo album with some funny pictures and keeps adding to it, which you love looking at. You've started telling me no when I tell you no. You understand many more words now and can tell us when you want milk or juice. You kiss your stuffed animals and yourself when you look in the mirror and I am working on you learning to blow kisses. You clap your hands when you are excited and love to sing and dance. You say hi to people all the time and your favorite part of the day is seeing daddy for the first time when he comes home from work. You get so excited that it makes his day. You make us laugh all the time with your new developments and I can't believe that a year has passed already! I love you baby and happy birthday!

checkered flag

What I mean by checkered flag is that you are in final lap mode all the time now. You no longer crawl or walk. You only run. You are in a hurry to get anywhere you go and as a result, you take a lot of face first falls. You jump back up again however and keep running. You've been playing with your new friends Olivia and Bret a lot and just follow Olivia around and the two of you yell at each other in gibberish and it keeps us entertained. You run laps around the house and occasionally stop at the front door to bang on the glass to go outside. You are still eating everthing you can get your hands on, so we are proud of you trying new things. We've been to the pool a few times and you enjoy it. You have a great tan already and definitely don't have your momma's pale skin. You still only have two teeth, but that doesn't stop you from biting every once in a while. You did catch a bumblebee in your hand two days ago, but it didn't sting you. I made you cry when I told you "NO" and made you let him out of your fist. It's funny now, but I was scared that you'd been stung. We're getting ready to move out of your first house and into the condo. Don't worry, you'll still have your own room to play in and lots of space to run around. We won't forget your friends either and will come back to the base to play with them frequently. Your grama is coming out in about a month to celebrate your first birthday. That should be a good time. We'll be travelling home to Kansas for Christmas this year. Your dad decided that, so you'll get to see everyone again! Your friend Kayden is getting ready to move away from us, so that will be a sad day because you two are so fun together. You get so excited to see each other and just sit and steal each other's toys while you play. You still love doggies and airplanes and reading books. We made dad breakfast on Father's Day and you were extra lovey with him. I think you knew it was Father's Day and made hime feel special. Last night he was receiving important phone calls from work and you would follow him around the house and yell DA at the top of your lungs because he wasn't paying attention to you. Keep us laughing and we'll try to keep you fed and clothed. Love you baby.

kansas and back again

It's about time to document your personality, because you are growing up so fast. We just back from our second trip to Kansas last Thursday. Your grandpa bought us a ticket so we could visit and we got to spend Mother's Day and Aunt Erin's birthday in Kansas. You kept me very busy on the flight to Tulsa, but luckily there were a bunch of grandpas around us to keep you occupied. We met grama at the airport and after you studied her for about 10 minutes you decided that she was okay. We met Aunts Jildo and Erin when we got to Coffeyville and luckily you didn't cry when you saw them. You LOVED Wilson, Zoie, and Harley the cat. You actually said your first word other than mama and dada which was doggie. It sounds a lot like dada, but there is definitely a difference. We spent that first weekend in Tulsa and you LOVED Lillie and Trouble. You were spoiled rotten getting to spend so much time with animals. If only we weren't moving into a condo, maybe we could get a dog for you to love on. Of course, you and I both got sick while we were there, but they were short-lived colds. You celebrated your great papa's 78th birthday with him. Your grama got to show you off to her friends at the middle school and you put on a show for everyone. You went to Joplin to celebrate Aunt Erin's 21st birthday and you broke a plate at the restaurant we ate lunch in. Your grandpa took you to the aquarium in Jenks and you had a blast banging on every pane of glass to every animal display. The flight home went well and you actually slept for 1 1/2 hours on the flight on my lap which is unheard of for you especially since both seats surrounding mine had people in them. You were unsure of dad for about 5 minutes, but soon remembered how much you love him and have been loving on him since. We took you to an air show today, which you really enjoyed. You know the word airplane and would look up in the sky every time we pointed and said airplane. You watched every person that walked by and stared at every kid you saw. It's like you have a staring problem. You have to study every single person that you see. You got to see F15 jets and the Navy Blue Angels, plus a lot of other very cool things. We have had a blast the last few weeks and you are close to walking. You will stand on your own, but haven't actually taken off and walked yet. You are eating everything you can get your hands on, even though you still only have two teeth. We are moving into a condo in a few weeks, so hopefully everything goes smoothly with that. You have so many people that love you. Hopefully we will be moving closer to them, so you can love them back.

Can't wait to see you!!

Hi Punkin Head! I thought you would like to see the picture of you and me during my spring break visit! I love this picture because you are so happy! My visit to your house was sooo much fun! You are really growing up and changing every day. You really like going out in the stroller and just looking at everything around you! The funniest thing is when we all were at a restaurant and the waiters/waitresses try to make you smile at them. You always stare at them and watch everything they do but you won't smile! I got to feed you and babysit a couple of times. You were happiest in the bathtub! The last night I was there, you cuddled with me and crawled all over me and your Momma on the couch. This made my whole trip! Now, you and Momma are coming to Kansas again! Just can't wait! Even though you and your parents live thousands of miles away, we still get to see you about every 2 months. And everytime I see you you have grown and changed so much! I do think the next time I see you (in early May), you will be walking and waving bye-bye! I have been busy getting ready for your visit! Dustin and Noah had to move the mattress down in the crib so you wouldn't climb out! I also found a few toys for you to keep at my house! But the best thing is I bought you a swing to put up on my back porch because I know you love to swing!!! Aunt Erin and I also found you a swimming pool because it is alot hotter here in Kansas! I think you will just love these toys! Did you know that you will be coming to Coffeyville on your great grandfathers birthday? When we get back from the airport, we will have to stop by and wish him a happy birthday! Just wanted you to know how excited I am to see you again! I will find some good books to read to you - maybe a book about Babar the elephant! That was one of your Momma's favorites to read with her grama! Keep working on taking that first step and I will see you soon!

Love,

Gramasortore

WISHKAH

well I did it!! Here he is!! This may seem real stupid, but I love him like my child so therefore you guys are cousins!!

Aunt Jill

it has been awhile

Eve-
Well it has been a while so I thought I would give you a shout. I hear you are growing and growing and growing!!!!! I just can't wait to see all your new tricks. Your mom tells me about 3 times a week that you are doing something new. It sounds like you are a little trouble maker, but your grama says it is just normal. Your Grama told me you only really like your mom and dad right now, but it is understandable because you don't see us very much. I hope that when you come and see us I will at least get an aunt moment, even if you chose me to hit or something. Your mom and I and aunt E use to fight a lot when we were younger so there will be no hard feelings if you decide to hate me for the time being. If it works out like me and them, then we will have no problem being buddies. I have decided to send a picture of my little ferret, who I always talk about because you won't get to meet him when you come to see us. I don't know if I am smart enough to send one but I will try. Well I can't wait to see you!!!! Keep being bad!!!!
Love you!
AUNT JILL

lot going on

A lot has happened since the last time anything was written. The visit with your grama went really well. Of course you were a real mama's girl for the first few days of the visit, but you did make some special memories with grama. The night before she had to leave, you snuggled and loved on grama.

You are now cruising on all the furniture in the house. You can stand on your own for seconds at a time. You are eating everything that you can get into your mouth. You are now saying mama and dada. Your first tooth came in. You won your first trophy.

We have tickets to go back to Coffeyville in May to celebrate Aunt E's 21st birthday. Grandpa bought our ticket so we wouldn't miss E's big day. She thinks we'll have some big shindig, but we'll have to just see what happens. Seeing as how you still don't even come close to sleeping through the night without being fed, I don't see how anyone could babysit you for an evening. Nonetheless, I can't wait until everyone can see all the very fun things that you are doing now. You keep to so busy that I don't even know where the days, weeks, or even months go.

I should elaborate on the trophy winning. You were entered in a diaper derby. You had to race a little 7 month old boy by crawling 25 feet or so. Well you sure did it and won a trophy that is taller than you sitting up. You also won a package of diapers and wipes. I called everyone in the family, but you daddy was on a submarine and couldn't see the trophy for an entire week. He didn't even know for a week that you had said mama or that your first tooth had come in. Poor dad missed so much in just a weeks time. I don't think he would have left had he known what all would have gone on.

We just went to the Cherry Blossom Festival with Joy and Kayden and had a wonderful time. You and Kayden have so much fun together and you even goy your first sunburn. You were a hit with everyone that saw you and wore one of the many adorable outfits that your grama picked out for you.

I've been sending so many pictures to your aunts and grama and grandpa. I feel bad that we live so far away and they can't see how cool you really are. They will get to see soon enough.

Getting ready to come see you

Eve, my trip to come to your house is less than a week away! I am soo excited to see you and your parents! Right now, I am trying to get my house clean and everything put in its place, so I don't have to worry about things when I'm gone!
I have been talking to you on the phone lately. You really talk back! I almost bought you your own Fisher Price cell phone today so you could play like you have your own but I thought it would ruin our conversations! Everytime I talk to you, Wilson, my dog, gets real excited because he thinks I am talking to him!!! I love it when you have something to say to me!
I hope the weather in DC will be springlike so we can go for lots of walks and play outside. I know you love the outdoors (just like your momma). I've been getting new pictures of you and you think you are America's next top model! Well, I think so too, because you are smiling and posing in every pic! I always thought you looked more like your daddy but I recently went through some old pictures of your momma's and you two could be twins! She even tilted her head like you do! Don't worry, she didn't have alot of hair either! This will change in time.
Well, I just wanted to tell you that I was thinking of you and that I will see you real soon!
Always remember how much grama loves you!

Missing you so much

Hi Eve!
I'm counting down the days until I get to come to see you! Your momma has been sending some great pictures! I just love talking to you on the phone! You usually have a little something to say to me (even if you are really just trying to eat the phone!) I got to hear you babbling dadadada the other night! Your moma says that you are really LOUD but doesn't she know that you just want to be heard and recognized as a regular person? You may be only 6 and 1/2 months old but you think you are about 2 years old.
Your Aunts Jillie and E are on a mission to get you back to Kansas! I think they are going to have some type of telethon or maybe put jars at stores for the Eve coming to Kansas Fund. I know you would just love another 2 hour plane ride but everyone just misses you so! Today is Aunt Jillie's birthday and she is 23 years old.
I think when I get to your house we should just send momma and daddy out on a date and we will just hang out and read books and practice walking. They need to be with each other alone and you need some spoiling from grama. Does this sound like a good plan to you?
I hear you just love big people food but tell your parents to quit telling everyone that you are eating Fancy Feast! That kind of food is for Harley and Zoie (grama's kitties) It may smell like cat food but tell them to keep it to themselves!
See you soon! Love, grama

All About Eve (You Know Like the Movie)

Well, mom finally did it. She left me alone with strangers for more than an hour and a half. I was left with a woman that played with me all day and my best friend, Kayden. He likes to hold my hand, but I would much rather grab his feet or his face and squeeze. He doesn't like that very much though. I also got to see my first Superbowl. I looked for daddy on TV, but I never saw him. He was excited to see me when he got back to Pittsburgh. Of course the night before he left for Detroit, I didn't let him sleep more than two hours. I tried sleeping in my own bed and it didn't work. I also tried sleeping with mom and dad, but dad kept rolling over and I touched his shoulder every time he moved. Mom just laughed all night at me.

We've been trying new foods and I really like meat. The more it smells like Fancy Feast, the more I love it. I also like the veggies, but the fruit thing isn't working. My favorite is Cheerios! I could eat them all day!

I am also very crazy about doggies. I could watch them all day long and when they are around, that is all I do. I like to pet them and I really like when they are hyper and run around like crazy.

I would love to see all the animals that have joined the family. Grandpa got 6 new puppies, Aunt Jill and Uncle Noah got a birdie, and Aunt E and Dust got a new puppy too. I say they all have to come out to see me and bring the new relatives. Grama is already coming and I can't wait. She'll be here for a week, but I get to talk to her on the telephone all the time, which I really like.

Love you all and I'll talk to you soon.

Sup Kiddo

Eve dawling, it is getting close to my bedtime, but I couldn't help myself from saying a few words. I wanted to comment on your superb modeling skills. They keep improving miraculously. I mean the way you angled your chin towards the subject(the plant your mom set you in front of for effect) in your most recent snaps, was simply brillant. May I also comment I think every new picture I recieve becomes my new favorite(and everyone's desktop or screensaver). So keep it up because you keep smiles on our faces.
Love you Dawling!!!!!
XOXOXOXOX
Your auntie Jill

nervous breakdown

You succeeded in giving mom a nervous breakdown, squirt! Yesterday afternoon, during a routine meal you threw up all over me. I caught most of it on my lap and stood up and you threw up again. I'm not talking just a little spit up either. We had to take a bath to get it all cleaned up and you threw up in the bath and a few more times while I tried to get you dressed. By this time your little body was exhausted and I had to take you in to the clinic to see your doctor. Of course, your dad's truck is not running and he wasn't answering his telephone at work so I had to flag down a neighbor to take us in. You did throw up in her car, but I mostly caught it in my hand as there wasn't much left in your little belly. They tried to tell me they didn't have any appointments at the doctor's office, but believe me, I threw enough of a fit to get my doctor's nurse to run back and forth between the myself and your doctor in some training session. Turned out that you had a 24 hour stomach virus that's been going arounds. I have no idea how you got it, but I was worried that maybe you gave it to Kayden so we called Joy when we got home from the doctor. You slept for 3 hours or so, with me checking on you every 15 minutes and I called Joy and told her all about it. Not only do you slobber on and share toys with each other, but you were actually sucking on his toes the day before, so I figured if one of you got sick, so would the other. As of today he still has no symptoms, but we'll see. After you woke up last night you didn't throw up anymore, but we took special care of you and made sure everything was okay. I've never seen you so exhausted as you were after throwing up a few times. It took you every ounce of energy to do it and you'd be so limp afterwards that it scared me to death. I guess I should look at it as a good thing, since your immune system is getting stronger, but so far there is nothing worse than having a sick child when they can't tell you what is wrong with them. Try not to scare me too bad for a little while, because I need some recovery time. Your dad was really worried about you too and came home in a hurry after work with some apple juice in case you needed some more liquid to keep you hydrated. Fortunately you were feeling better and gave him a big smile like usual when he walked in the door. Your grama, grandpa, and aunts all know about your incident and were sad to hear you got sick, but they know how tough you are and cheered you on for how good you were through it all. Aunt Erin has moved into a house full of boys this semester, so she is learning how hard that can be since they aren't really concerned with buying food for themselves or cleaning up after themselves. Her and Dust did find jobs though, so they can save up to come back out and see you again. Aunt Jill and Uncle Noah bought a bird because they are crazy. They should just open an animal shelter out of their home and you can have a crazy cat lady for an aunt. Grama bought her ticket to come out and see you for her Spring Break in March and we're excited about that. Who knows what you'll be doing by then. Now we just need to get your grandpa out here. When he gets some time, I'm sure he'll try, but until then he'll have to keep printing off those pics I send him and add them to your collage of pictures he already has. Keep us laughing and we'll keep you informed on the latest going on.

Little Princess

Well hello again little princess! I haven't wrote since we last visited you, but your grama summed it up pretty well. You were so amazing. Me and Erin would go and get you every morning we were there because you were so good in the mornings. Your smile would make anyone in the world happy. Especially when you smiled so big that you wrinkle your nose and open your mouth as wide as you can. Everything was wonderful except two things: 1-your diaper is a lot nastier to change Whoa!! and 2-you are getting heavier and harder to carry, but honestly I didn't care one bit. Although I did get a little noodle armed when I had to hold you for 3 hours while your mom was helping your dad at the hospital when he had surgery. So your uncle noah didn't get a chance to see you, but he sure did enjoy the video that we shot of you. We sure do miss you all the time. I hope someday we get to live a little closer. We love you so much and can't wait to see you again. Love Jill and Noah (wishkah, crosby, queenie, nico, and the crab #1 and crab#2)

2006

Eve,
I couldn't have asked for a better start to a new year. Your Aunts Jillie and Erin and I were at your house in Washington DC to welcome 2006! We had such a good time! We went for walks and went shopping and to the grocery storeand to a museum! You even let me give you a bath and rock you to sleep! The crib your Daddy made for you is awesome! It kind of reminds me of the crib your Grandad made for your mom.
I must tell you that I just finished talking to you on the computer! No one else could decipher what you were saying except me. This will be our little secret!
Your Momma can't believe all the new things you are doing! She calls or emails me with all kinds of fun stuff. Just keep doing it! Show her all the moves you have and then really throw in a good one! This keeps Grama laughing!
I am trying to plan another trip to come see you. Hopefully, I can come out around the middle of March. By then, you will probably be walking!
Keep smiling, it lights up the whole room and everyone who sees it!
I love you!
GramaSortore

teeth are the enemy

Let's see what all has happened since I last wrote. You had an allergic reaction to your last set of shots. You broke out in a rash on your chest, back, arms, and face. We set up an appointment with the allergist to isolate your next set of shots. Whew, I know you must be suffering with your teeth hurting and all, but please give me a little rest honey. Not only are you biting me constantly while you eat, but you can't keep anything out of your mouth and you are back to eating every three hours at night again. I have had to resort to feeding you from bottles because you are abusing me so badly. Last night you cried for an hour and a half when you woke up. It was torture. I have had to resort to feeding you from bottles because you are abusing me so badly. Your grama and aunts would disagree, however, seeing as how you can't do anything wrong in their eyes. They just spent a few days with you after Christmas and we all had a lot of fun. Everyone fought over who would get to pick you up out of bed in the mornings and after your naps since you are in such a good mood at those times. Grama even got to go through your evening routine and bathe you and feed you and put you to sleep. You surprised her with how much you enjoy your routine and she didn't realize that after your bath and a meal you are ready for bed!! No playing or anything else, but bed. You had a wonderful Christmas and received too many gifts of course. From your dad and I, well mostly your dad, you received a crib, which you have been breaking in. It is so beautiful and your dad since such a good job making it. Your room now looks complete and he was only 5 months late! That's okay, it worked out fine, because you were about to not be able to sleep in your basinette any longer. You received a lot of books which we have been reading. You really like them, especially the ones that you can feel textures on. You can't keep ANYTHING out of your mouth, so I suspect we'll have teeth before too long. You didn't get to see grandpa over Christmas, but hopefully we'll see him soon enough. He is due for a break and maybe he'll make it out east in the near future. Your dad just got shoulder surgery so he is struggling with not being able to pick you up and love on you. You get to sit on his lap for a little while each evening and you grab his face and he gives you a kiss. I know it breaks his heart to not get to hold you and play with you, but his recovery is progressing and he'll be able to again soon. You can now suck on your own toes, which you don't do very often and you are getting close to sitting up without any support. You love standing and I think you will be crawling within a week. You are all over the place in your crib and you won't sit still for a minute on anyone's lap. You don't giggle as much as anyone wants, but when you do, it is well worth it! You really like dogs and want to touch them and you like to laugh at them. We went to see your friend Cayden today and before we left you grabbed his hand. It was so cute. You two just looked at each other and smiled and talked for an hour or so. I wish so much after the visiting we got to do over Christmas that I lived closer to family. It's nice to get a break every once in a while. As long as people keep coming out to visit you though, I think we'll be fine. I think grama is planning on coming out for Spring Break, but we still need to get your grandpa out here. He's been having a little trouble with foot rot though and he has a finger that may quit working on him. He's a crazy cat and hopefully everything heals up sooner than later.