The big zero-ONE

Some quiet contemplation outside before the the festivities begin.

It's my birthday: I can squeeze in a nap (or two).

By afternoon, Mom has realized how cool it is, so I have been dressed properly to enjoy the rocks and neighbors' pets.

Birthday meal: pork loin and cauliflower.  Mom's favorite is my favorite. Hey, wait a minute...

The Bassetts all very intent on getting that single candle lit.

Phew! What a relief that got done, and we can all relax enough to smile.

After a slight hesitation, I decided Mom and Dad were not going to yank the cupcake, so I dug in.

Bleary-eye birthday girl, still enjoying the festivities. 

The blue bunny and Aunt Tami make for a cozy snuggle.

Now that I am one, I can pick out my own acorns.

Carefully inspecting each bulb for quality and clarity.

Practice makes perfect - on the second go around, I am ready to enjoy this rare opportunity!

Then, 4 days after I turn 1, I have a new cousin: Luke!!

From all counts, 1 looks like it will be a good year.

The Pumpkin Patch: Year 1

This was a pumpkin patch preview at the fall festival in Fort Worth. Oct 14th.

Then, Nana and Papaw came to visit from Boerne.

After a quick visit to Daddy's work...

We went to the Hall Johnson Pumpkin Patch.

Trouble deciding on a pumpkin.

 And trouble sitting still for a photo op.

 No trouble striking a dance move, however.  

 Naomi was called "he" one time too many, so we made sure to keep a bow in her hair.

 Strutting her stuff by the corn stalks.

   

Doing Papaw proud, messing around on the tractor.

Loving grandparents and pink cowgirl boots, what more could a girl ask for?

Horses. Mules. Cows. Alpacas?

 While Grandma is in town, exciting things occur.  At an exciting financial aid conference, I got text updates, about walks, getting lost, and one about stumbling upon llamas.

The animals turned out to be alpacas, but what a fantastic discovery.

Naomi and Grandma took the scenic (and most direct!) route to show Opa.

 Not only family is interested!  Here Naomi's friends have joined us for the excursion.

Naomi finally has the chance to show them off to her dad one Sunday afternoon.

Naomi telling me she wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. Or maybe just that she was just hungry.

We are taking reservations for any interested parties who want to take a walk with us to see the herd.  Plus, in the past couple of weeks a baby alpaca was born in Colleyville.  How often do you see that?!

The great outdoors

Here is a spontaneous outdoor excursion where we are simply enjoying the porch.

 

Regular planned field trips include: a) Taking a morning walk. b) Picking up the newspaper.  c) Watering Basil. d) Throwing away particularly offensive diapers. e) Checking the mailbox. f) Meeting Daddy at the crossroads after work.

 Naomi's excitement for each of the above 'outings' is mimicked here in the thrill of putting the lens cap on the camera.  

This was an unexpected treat: a new recycling trashcan!!! Given that it will never be this clean again, Naomi took a moment to sit on it and watch a passing car. 

 "Now, give me a second..."

 "There.  This is the best I've got."

Eating

We do a lot of it in our house, and Naomi joins us in the festivities nicely.

 Dutch saying: Hunger makes raw beans sweet.  Naomi is checking it out.

 Now, activity is required to continue constant, delicious eating.

 Labor day: last day to swim in the Woodland pools.  

 Phil's 1st French masterpiece: crispy, crackly almond-apple tart.  [Un]Fortunately, we were warned by Dorie Greenspan not to let any last until day 2, so the four of us ate it in one sitting.

 When breakfast isn't delivered quickly enough, Naomi becomes resourceful.  

 Checking out a new phenomenon: looking down at Opa.

 Remember the raw beans saying? Enter raw potatoes.

Phil's French masterpiece #2. My 28th birth year may be where I gain 28 pounds.   

Practice run for November 16th.  Thank you Jones family!

A little post-dinner laughing (or a lot) helps with digestion.

Undeniable proof as it were

What an excellent day - a brisk early walk, three hour morning nap, and then another hour and a half nap after lunch.  I accomplished hours of uninterrupted work, and Naomi woke up giggling.

 After admiring many amazing baby pictures, I thought I would do my best in our backyard. I have been in the backyard five times in the 4+ years we have lived here, so we are both exploring.

 Interesting, dilapidated structures are scattered around the dying yard.

Naomi searches for the perfect pose. 

"Is this edible?" Followed by a taste.

Look carefully as this is a picture of the end of an era.

Naomi has gone mobile - vertically!  The camera was thankfully at the ready.  She will no longer be measured in length, and shoes are no longer an accessory.  We are nearly as pleased as she is. 

Afternoon nap??

Naomi down for her afternoon nap.  I am back to work.

Only, I start noticing a foreign clicking sound that I can't place.

Off to investigate...

This also explains why we would sometimes find picture frames in the crib: 

Naomi has elastic arms.