This was the month of sock puppets. Rarely a day went by when you didn't insist on wearing a sock on your hand. If we forgot to bring an extra sock with us, you immediately stripped off your shoes and socks, and put a sock on your hand. Sometimes you even replaced your shoes which was an unexpected bonus. I can't count how many sock casualties we've had this month.
One of my favorite sounds is your singing. When we are in the car, you'll sometimes sing The Farmer in the Dell, and while washing your hands, you'll often sing the A, B, C song or the Happy Birthday song because that's what we use to estimate how long to wash our hands. On your birthday, you wanted to call people so that they could sing to you or so you could sing Happy Birthday to them. You also have clear preferences for songs and versions of the same song. I wish I could capture your voice.
You've been enjoying swimming and gymnastics as well as music this month. You also like the programs at the nature center and like the art projects that you do there.
Over the holidays, we made a mountain (almost literally) of zucchini and banana bread. I suppose we would have made even more if my proficient helpers weren't so proficient at helping themselves.
We celebrated New Years Eve in style, and you had a great time blowing horns and wearing a tiara. In this photo, you are actually not blowing a horn, however, but tasting a globe toy - yum.
Here's a horn photo though.
You are still experimenting with the potty this month and very eager to use it. You also like to ask for privacy when you're in the bathroom. It's not uncommon to hear you chirp "privacy please" while you totter forward to try to reach and shut the door while you're on the toilet. So far, you have only fallen off once that I know of trying to reach the door from that position. This would all be far cuter by the way if you routinely had to use the bathroom when you asked to be taken to the toilet. Instead, at least half the time, you are just looking for a field trip, and you know it's one we won't pass up if you ask.
Your crib looks so empty! It's a very strange feeling to walk by at night and not see you in it. You just moved in to a twin bed in the same room with Zoe last night. Now, we just need to keep you in it. I need to start sleeping with a camera under my pillow so I can quickly catch a photo of you appearing in my doorway at 1 am. Although, I'm trusting that in a week's time, you'll opt to stay in bed and not wander the halls - right sweetie?
You grew in so many ways this year Mia. Dad and I were surprised to see that you were at the 97% for height for your age and about the mid-mark for both weight and head circumference. When did you sprout? You now piece together short sentences and more complex thoughts too.
You continue to have a generally happy and active temperament. You showed little reaction to getting a shot at the pediatrician because you were so happy to receive a band-aid sticker as compensation. With so much change (e.g., move to a big bed, potty training, birthday planning, new baby planning, new car, etc.) you've been such a trooper.
You and Zoe have so much fun. When I'm trying to finish a meal or get you two in bed, I have to remind myself to let you have your giggle fits and play time and not rush through an activity. When you can't communicate as clearly as you want, Zoe helps you out by starting to speak in gibberish and then you both gibber away in constant giggles.
Happy, happy birthday Mia! Love you!
Mom
Six inches of snow goes a long way towards a fun day! Here are a few shots from the weekend. 
A slide full of snow is a great way to have fun and get a wet bottom...
Mia, you were a much more polite eater than I could have possibly imagined.
Just a few smudges of the strawberry sauce topping on your dress. It blends.
