I'm being watched!

A couple weeks ago Reese and I were playing on the floor.  I was trying to entertain her with the dozens of toys she has, but of course she was interested in the one "toy" I wouldn't let her play with. My cell phone! Thanks to the copious amount of apps out there, I found one that is perfect for the mom of a toddler who loves cell phones. Toddler Lock, which allows her to play with my phone without me worrying about her making calls.  She was happily pressing the touch screen and watching the cute shapes appear on the screen and then all of the sudden it happened. She put the phone up to her ear and tilted her head toward it.  At first I thought this was a fluke, but then she did it over and over again that day, and with other phones too.  I never taught her to do this, so it hit me.  I am being watched!  My every action, expression and word is being watched and absorbed like a sponge.  This simple act of picking up a phone and pressing it to her ear made me really start to think about the small things I say and do on a daily basis. 
For the most part, Chris and I abstain from swearing. Its never been something either of us have done on a regular basis, so that has not been difficult to keep out of our house. OK, except for when I might stub my toe or do something else that causes a quick jolt of pain. Still working on that!  However, I do think of the other words that might not necessarily be "bad", but would not want my small child repeating.  Take for instance douche bag.  Definitely a regular in the Holcomb household.  Probably need to cut that one out!  I also think of the other things I say and do. When I get ready to go out and comment about how fat I feel, or how disgusting I look. These are just words I throw around flippantly, but do I want my daughter picking up on them? No way!  I want Reese to see me as having a healthy confidence about myself and my appearance. I want her to see a strong mom who puts others first, and is kind.  I want her to mimic positive attributes.  I think this creeps into every aspect of my life.  Do I grab a handful of chips and then feed Reese pieces of fruit? If I want my daughter to eat healthy and be active, than I need to be the example of healthy eating and exercise.  I realize that you can't be perfect all the time, but I think it is so important to do your best and constantly examine your own behavior. Even the smallest actions! As my little girl grows up, this will become more and more important and I think I am up for the challenge!
Speaking of growing up. It is amazing how turning the big 1 has brought on instant changes. I think she knew her birthday came and went, because literally the next day she started walking quite a bit more.  She was still very tentative to go off on her own, and now she has been walking all over! She is still about 50/50 with walking versus crawling, but I don't have to coax her at all anymore. She just goes! Over the past month or so, she has also started to "feed" me.  I give her a piece of food and then she tries to give one back to me.  She also expects to eat anything that I am.  So as I eat my bowl of cereal in the morning, she now walks over and says "yum yum" which has become her word for food. It is too cute!  I am loving being the mom of a 1 year old so far and am excited to see what she does next! So I will be putting my best foot forward to ensure it is something worth mimicking!

Here are some pics from her birthday!

She is climbing on EVERYTHING these days!

 

 

 

Are we done with pictures already?

A kiss for the birthday girl from her best pal!

Cleanest first cupcake I have ever seen! She's a pro!