Why I've delayed.... I like to journal. I think blogs as a replacement to journaling perpetuate a superficiality whether its intended or not. No matter how socially appropriate one's feelings really even are one is going to filter naturally at the prospect of another reading the information. But I guess journaling and blogging can be their own separate venues and I will spare you my internal struggles, and venting about society, Brett, and my inability to progress how I would like and focus on the things you really want to hear about... My lovely daughter's antics and growth. oh... also I really like the end product of past photo books and I feel like blogs won't give me that and will take time away from creating those... but realistically do I really want 60+ photo books for ever year of Brett and I's lives together plus some trips? feedback on this please... I guess it is more condensed than boxes of photographs like the old generation...
Okay... So this is what I had written today in my journal before I decided to switch over-
5/6/13 Wanted to update regarding Azure especially since my mom told me I need to write things down (when I told her the latest with Az). Also I just looked over my good friend Kelsi (Remund) Olsen's blog and she does an amazing job documenting their lives. So new with Az:
1- Today took her first "real" step. Prior to this she has kind of stumbled/ran into someone's arms as they have encouraged her, but today without any encouragement or provocation except maybe from Cado, she tested a step. She gave me a big shy grin after (which she has been when we recognize her for standing along time). Although I'm slightly concerned now because now she throws a frustrated fit if I try to let her hands go when I'm helping her walk whereas before she would just go to her bum or stand for a minute and then crawl. I can't tell if this is a good or a bad thing. When she stepped though I hadn't even been holding her hands so maybe she just is so done with crawling she doesn't want to let go of my hands. wow that was #1.
2- While she doesn't walk yet she has been climbing on the couch for a couple weeks now. First she used Cado or something as a booster, then she learned how to get up herself and most recently I taught her how to get down herself which she was super proud of herself about. She kept doing laps on and off the couch. Now sometimes she gets complacent and I have to watch when she tumbles.
3- The same day as her couch excursion... start of blog... earlier that day we went swimming with our friend's Jenna and Avery. Avery has been a great swimmer since 18 months just jumping in no tubes or adults needed. Well it had been awhile since we went to the pool since the beach is so close now, but Azure was really into watching Avery jump in from the side. For some other reason I sat Az on the side of the ppol, and then when I helped her stand up somehow I knew she wanted to jump in. Previous to this she always coped in a variety of ways with going under (gasping, crying, or just being wide eyed) but on the times she went under when she jumped in she didn't seem to be phased she was just ready to go again. I was SO excited for this development because I seem to place her confidence in the water on my ability to empower and just realistically make it to the pool/beach enough.
4- She bites. Out of frustration and affection to only people she feels comfortable with (mostly me, sometimes Brett). At least this is what our childcare provider has presented thus far cuz she hasn't had any issues at daycare of which we are aware.
5- She sings. She has been doing this for a couple months and I didn't think much of it but every time I tell someone or someone hears her they react surprised so I guess its pretty special. She sings when she plays, on walks, or in her carrier on hikes especially. A few weeks ago and tonight actually she has looked at me and given me my starting note for her goodnight song "Autumn Day." She does it when she is in a really ready mood for bed but not overtired yet.
6- She blows. She has had some pretty renowned abilities as she has been blowing on my lifeguard whistle since around 8 months old. Now she blows on her food, and blows a kiss even though she hasn't learned to kiss her hand yet.
7- She hates diaper/clothes changing. She is so strong. I'm not sure when this started or why on a rare occasion she doesn't throw a fit, but Great Grandma and Grandpa pretty much just wait for the pick up person if they babysit because if not they are looking at a messy toddler spreading doodoo around their house.
8- For the past couple months she has learned to cock her head to the side and smile for attention, to manipulate... all of the above. Still melts me.
9- She says the following inconsistently: Dog, Hereyago, Mom, Consistently: Dad
10- She signs: More, All Done, Bye-Bye, Food (with help), Please (with help)
11- She climbs. More than just the couch she likes to climb on her bigger toys (stable or not), and today we had an avid lava rock climbing session at the tidepools.
12- She is a very hearty eater and drinker as to be expected. She loves her veggies and prefers water to milk (coconut). She astounds me with the diversity of water bottles she is proficient with (straw, tilt and suck, tilt and gulp, etc.)
13- Along with her being able to drink from a cup she can maneuver a spoon pretty meanly too. (mean in Hawaii is like "dope, wicked, cool, right on")
Az has a variety of other endearing behaviors that I am not recalling at the present moment so this entry will end. Sorry apparently Az goes naked more than I realized. Also of note:
head tilt
Easter basket... have her dress and egg photos somewhere...
Beach
Dog Dishes... yep she knows how to drink out of this too to my dismay
Camping Bath
Baby in the tummy beginning to kick... fluttering for several weeks now. 
