We can't keep up...

...to the changes that Gwendolyn is going through -- by the minute, it seems. Her language skills are literally exploding, her personality is really coming into its own and she's getting more and more bold with her exploration of the world. It's beautiful to watch, and we wish we could film and photograph every second of it. Alas, our mental cameras often witness to some of the most precious moments. Here are a few to share:

• "Again" has become a favourite word -- as in "do it again" (put that toque on your head again, Daddy), or "see it again" (can we go back to the window and look for another helicopter?), or "read it again" (I want you to read The Very Hungry Caterpillar to me for the sixth time in a row, please), or "eat more of it" (may I have another spoonful of that tasty cheesy pasta and cauliflower?).

• Just when we thought "No" would rule the day for the foreseeable future, the word "Yes" has thankfully made an appearance -- contextually correct, and often followed by a confident and vigorous nod of the head and an all-knowing look. "No" is still king, though, and "No do that" is a favourite phrase.

• The girl is beginning to recite some of her books and songs. This evening, Mama showed Daddy her latest: chanting "five! four! three! two! one! BLASTOFF!!" from a song called Zoom Zoom Zoom (We're Going to the Moon), which she's heard many times in her story sessions and singalongs at gym time. Seriously. Clear as a bell. Counting back from five to one. At 14 and a bit months. What's up with that?!?

• Two of Gwendolyn's favourite activities: swinging and watching tennis. Yes, you read right: watching tennis. Luckily there is a park nearby where we can do both at the same time.

• The family photo album seems to be having its desired effect. Gwendolyn has been heard reciting the names of her cousins, aunts and grandparents, like she's going through the photo album in her mind, while sitting in the stroller on walks with Daddy.
  

• She's a little joker! When she does something that makes us laugh -- making a funny face or saying something unexpected, perhaps -- she'll keep on doing it like she knows she's on to something. We laugh again, she keeps doing it, we laugh some more, she does it again... Great fun for everyone.

And that literally isn't the half of it. As you can see, there's never a dull moment around here. And we love it -- even the frustrating and trying bits. We are so blessed to have this little person showing us how to live life to the fullest.

(By the way, that's a mango she's eating in the first photo -- the latest fruit that she refuses to allow to be cut up for easier consumption. Who cares if it's as big as my head? Let's have at 'er!)