she's walking!!

Big news- 'lil Miss is finally walking by herself. Sometimes. She can walk sevearl feet unassisted, but still prefers a finger. And she would also like you to go where she would like to go.




She started pointing last week. Very deliberately. Often it's towards the door because she loves to be outside. One of her favorite things is my flower beds. How long before she can help weed? I didn't get to any of my (many) beds last year and it is obvious! She's usually in bed by 7pm and it's still light out so I may be able to get some done in the evenings. Except that I'm also trying to get things done inside. So many things to do!

Obligatory photo:

What I've been up to:



My MIL was here last weekend. She does alot of handwork so I picked up The Man's sock. I couldn't believe when I picked it up it was all set to turn the heel. My absolute favorite part. I feel so clever when I make this tube bend. I got together with my gal pal L saturday and did some more. And now I want to do it all the time. It's going to be carried around in my purse again (instead of hiding in a corner of my office) so I can do a round or two here and there.



I also started a Nursery Bag for 'lil Miss. The fabric I found is fabulous. It's got orange, yellow and browns. Big flowers and butterflys. Cute but not cutsey. I'm trying to cross-stich her name on the front but I am remembering why I HATE to cross stitch. Yuck-O. I didn't want to pay $12 for a book with alphabet patterns. I didn't find anything on line I liked so I printed her name in huge font and stapled it to the cross stitch fabric. The back is a bit of a tangled mess. So far I have this much done. "/"



Today is try-to-get-as-much-house-work-as-possible-done-before-things-get-crazy-busy-day. My chore list includes preping meals for the week, lots of laundry (which The Man helped with this weekend- he rocks!). I also went through some of the clothes that aren't fitting Miss. Those need to go into the bins downstairs and I'll "shop" in the next size bin. I also want to get my office cleaned up so it's easier to work on my projects. You know, when I get my chores done!

Junk Day

Our little city has a Spring Clean Up Day. The City will pick up all the junk you haul out to the curb. Even appliances. I think the only restriction is leaves and grass clippings!! (Those get picked up on a separate day)

So last night The Man cleaned out the garage and created a big pile at our curbside. Not only did we get rid of a lot of space-sucking-stuff, we also found the rake! (last weekend I had to use the one with the heavy metal tines- it should be used for weeding or breaking up rock-hard earth, not raking leaves).

Last evening, through the night, and still this morning there are trucks and minivans, and even a car with a trailer, cruising up and down the streets picking through our "treasures". I wasn't surprised when a couple people picked out some scrap wood. But when I started seeing several trucks every 15minutes or so...

Our junk pile is noticeably smaller this morning. The stream of trucks has slowed, but the speed they drive past has increased.

First Steps!

Last night I called my parents and told them how 'lil Miss went from standing up against the cupbard door to monkey-crawling, then crawling. She first carefully put one hand flat on the ground (while holding tight to the cupboard with the other hand). She stood up and then cautiously put both hands on the floor and monkey-crawled a few steps (keeping her legs straight) before crawling on hands and knees.

Today she begain standing by herslef for several minutes at a time.

And tonight she took 3 steps! Then she leaned forward and put both her hands on the floor, keeping her knees straight. She held that position for a couple seconds before getting onto her knees and crawling. She lowered herself forward instead of onto her bottom like many babies. She certainly has a mind of her own! (I wonder she gets that?)

something new everyday

A couple weeks ago she started crawling. She just took off as if she'd been doing it for weeks already. She doesn't crawl much- instead she cries and whines for you to come hold her hand(s) so she can practice walking. She is cruising along the furniture, but hasn't pulled herself up yet. (any day now)

This morning she pushed herself around on her little car and she stood up and held on (but hated doing it). She can stand alone for several seconds and she's starting to take a quick-little-half-step, but then falls forward for you to catch her. She's very determined, but cautious and careful.

Miss is eating big-girl food. She is done with oatmeal! She still likes applesauce and yogurt, but everything else should be put on her tray for her to pick up herself. She loves cheese- even extra sharp cheddar!

She is often sitting up, on hands and knees or, more and more, standing up holding onto the railing of her crib. She says a sharp, high pitched ! HI ! when I walk in to get her. (one of the best things ever)

She knows "mamam" and "dada" or "dady" says "hi" and waves goodbye. She signs "all done" and understands "milk" but hasn't done it herself yet. She can use a sippy cup but prefers you hold it for her.