Peyton's Place: 13 Months Old!

After Peyton turned one, I debated if I would continue the exhausting monthly task of dressing her up in a seasonally appropriate outfit, positioning her perfectly on her rocking chair, repositioning her multiple times after she inevitably moved, snapping about a zillion pictures while Martin makes silly faces behind me in hopes of enticing our model to smile, catching her as she lunges off the chair trying to grab Gizmo, then sorting through said zillion pictures for the perfect shot. I was 99% sure I was going to forgo this arduous ritual, but then I found this adorable red and pink tulle heart shirt and precious heart tights that are just too perfect for her 13 month birthday - which falls on February 13, one day before Valentine's Day.

One year and one month old - despite our desperate attempts to stop time and freeze Peyton as a baby forever, she continues to grow every day. She took her first step on January 23. And promptly fell down. She has taken several more baby steps since then, and today, she took a good five steps in a row. Peyton also continues to learn more sign language - adding book, Mommy, more, and shoes to her vocabulary. She gives kisses like they're going out of style - to Martin, me, and even Gizmo - open mouth, and if you're really lucky, full of slobber and a little bit of tongue. And she's a goof ball. Her personality is coming out more and more each day - she loves to hide from us, giggles at everything, and even started putting her hands on her hips when she doesn't get her way. Hmmm. This could be trouble. Just as she has done every other month, Peyton melts our hearts on a regular basis, and makes us count our blessings every day for having such an adorable, sweet, and amazing daughter.

Here is the 13 month winning shot:

And the outtakes:

"The fart noise was funny, like, last year, Daddy. What else you got in your bag of tricks, clown?"

"I am much older and wiser now. Because of my new level of maturity, I will cooperate, give you beautiful shots, and try to have a little fun. So let's get a move on, lady."