Azaleas & Bubbles

I wanted to take a few more pictures of Kiran before this month was out but, alas, she fell asleep. So here is one from last weekend.

Cheap

"Little girl with flowers" is a cheap way of getting a good picture. But I'll take it.

Sticks

The most interesting sticks anyone has ever found.

The Life

Kiran enjoying a cool drink on a warm afternoon.

4-Wheeler

Kiran likes to sit on her 4-wheeler, but hasn't quite figured out how to make it move yet. Thankfully, the three boys who live across the street came over to show her how it's done -- backwards down the hill at top speed. :-)

Martian

I think Kiran may be in the market for new parents who won't make her do undignified things like Chess-Piece Martian.

Top Deck

Kiran peeking out into the yard from our top deck.

Determination

A girl on a mission.

Almost walking...

...but she still likes a helping hand or two.

Handstand

This kid loves to be upside-down.

Innocent pose

I'll bet she posed like this so I'd remember how innocent she is the next time she tries to bite the kitchen table, unplug the computer, or stick her hand in the dog bowl.

Out to play

Crawling in the backyard on this beautiful evening.

New lens

My new lens arrived today! I can't wait to put it through its paces this weekend, but in the meantime, here's a quick shot with the new equipment.

Tire

If the whole Future President thing falls through, Kiran can always become a stroller mechanic.

Typical Washington

I bring the kid to the park, and all she does is check her email.

Future President

Kiran, looking very powerful in DC.

Mini Duck

Kiran has recently decreed that Mini Duck must be in her mouth at all times during a bath. There are apparently no exceptions to this rule. I have learned the hard way that it must be considered an emergency situation if he happens to fall out (which, of course, happens approximately every seven seconds).

Discovery

Every kid discovers it sooner or later -- today was Kiran's day. This is the 'caught in action' snapshot version. But I'm thinking I need a naked, black-and-white, serious-baby-photography version, too. Stay tuned.

Cake

Kiran is getting very good at eating cake. I think she'll be disappointed that a birthday party doesn't happen EVERY Saturday.

First birthday party!

Cake and sushi for Kiran's cherry-blossom themed Japanese tea party!

Kiran versus Tulips

Kiran - 1, Tulips - 0.

Beach

Kiran in her Easter best on the beach.

Easter

Kiran in her Easter best at church.

First birthday!

Today is Kiran's first birthday, and we celebrated with a cake smash!

Crying

Well, they can't all be happy. :-(

Front yard

I may have made an embarrassment of myself in the name of photography at the garden store, but there was really no need -- we've got some beautiful flowers right in our own front yard. Kiran had a great time picking them and giving them to her Dada.

No Shame

I have no shame when it comes to baby photography -- I readily admit this. Richard went to the garden store tonight to buy mulch, and I tagged along to do a photo shoot in their flower beds. We got a few weird looks, but it was worth it!

Edith Ann

This one goes out to Kiran's Nanny, who also does a stellar impression of Edith Ann.

Easter eggs

If not bunny ears, then maybe Easter eggs?

Bunny ears

This is the third day in a row that I have attempted to get a cute, happy shot of Kiran wearing bunny ears in anticipation of Easter. But she is just not having it (I also tried putting these on each of the dogs, but they weren't having it, either). I think it's time for Mommy to admit defeat on this idea and settle for the grumpy, resigned picture.

Spoon

Of course, just when I say that I have to squeeze out every last moment of Kiran's infanthood this week, she goes and uses a spoon herself at dinner. Where is my little baby?!

Last week!

This is Kiran's last week as an infant. On Saturday, she'll turn one year old. I've got to get in as many 'baby' shots as I can before she officially becomes a toddler!

Cheerleader

Don't tell her Daddy, but I think Kiran might one day enjoy cheerleading...she's got the bloomers and everything!

Willow

All the willows in the neighborhood seem to have popped today. Kiran got a little pensive when sitting under the one in our yard.

Tall grass, little girl

Out to play in the beautiful weather this morning. We have never been so happy for Spring to arrive!

Sad eyes

Does this picture say, "Mommy, I don't feel well," or what? Poor thing. But fear not, she perked up again when I gave her green beans and bananas.

iPhone

Although I'm a big fan of my fancy Nikon, I think this picture proves that nice photography is possible with even the least-sophisticated camera (such as that in an iPhone, or any phone, for that matter). The key is to find some natural light and then turn off the flash, regardless of the camera. Look how beautiful her face looks illuminated from the side!

Ear infection

So, it turns out Kiran's fussiness has been due to an ear infection (poor thing!). Here's some iPhone photography of her sitting in a 'big girl' chair at the pediatrician's office.

Sleeping

Kiran has been VERY cranky for the last few days (teething? growing pains? gas?), but I caught her during a RARE peaceful moment.

Manicures

Both of us could use a little help with our manicures, but I like this one nonetheless!

Kimono

Kiran modeling the other awesome present her daddy brought back from Japan -- a perfectly Kiran-sized kimono! Despite her sour face, she really did enjoy wearing it ( I think she was just impersonating a Sumo wrestler).

New swing!!

We broke out birthday present number two! Kiran's new swing is now hanging under the deck for maximum play, rain or shine.

Firsts

Well, we've essentially treated today like Kiran's first birthday. She got one of her presents, she started drinking milk instead of formula (ka-ching!), and she started riding in her new, front-facing, car seat. Here are Kiran and Molly (we named her after Molly Ringwald, for obvious reasons) ready for their first front-facing ride.

Mommy & Me

Richard caught this sweet moment between Mommy and daughter (photo taken by Richard and edited by Erin). And -- oh, yes -- she's wearing the backpack.

Hello Kitty Backpack

Richard traveled to Japan the week before last and brought back this perfectly Kiran-sized Hello Kitty backpack. She loves to wear it!

Skeptical

Every time we have Kiran try something new, she gives us this skeptical look that we can only interpret as, "What am I doing in this contraption? You guys are such bad parents!"

New Trike!

Mommy and Daddy couldn't wait any longer to give Kiran one of her birthday presents, especially since it's so nice outside today. As soon as Daddy and Kiran finish building it, we're going outside!!

Flower

The first of what I'm sure will be many "little girl with flower" pictures I'll take of Kiran this spring.

Grass!

It's been a REALLY long time since we could see the grass, let alone go out and play in it. What a beautiful day!

Hi-Tech

Kiran is extremely curious about our computers, maybe because she's wondering what her parents are always doing on them. Kiran cried this afternoon when I looked at my Blackberry -- maybe the technology / real-life balance is a little off in our house. So with that, I'm signing off for tonight!