my world, my true

At almost 3 years old, Knox knows about familial relations.

Knox (playing his piano): Okay, I am going to sing a song about when Mommy was born.

Me & Tarrell: Oh sounds good, lets hear it!

Knox (singing): Mommy was a wittle baby in my tummy…

Me: In your tummy?

Knox: Yes, sometimes you were so tiny you could fit in my belly and den you comed right out when you were born!

Me: Wow, so you’re my Daddy or my Mommy?

Knox: I’m your Mommy!!

Me: Aww, that makes me love you even more!

Knox: Yes, and sometimes you were so wittle that Lately thought you were a baby just like her!

Me: So is Lately my sister?

Knox: Uh-huh! She is!! Lately is your sister & I’m your Mommy. That’s how you were born!

I’ve been collecting lots of party ideas here recently, so I thought I would share some of the images and colors that have inspired me to get to crackin on Lately’s first birthday party. I don’t have any details ironed out, but I’m a sucker for a theme party, so whether we gather in our front yard, with lots of people or just a few, there are a vew things I am envisioning for sure: strawberries (her favorite), balloons, a picnic, music and flowers.

1. Bowls via decor8blog. {Color Inspiration}

2. Basket image found here

3. Envelope via poptasticbride

4. Baby on picnic blanket image via coreymoortgat

5. Mini picnic baskets via BlueLilyEvents (love this whole wedding!)

6. Balloon picnic image found here

7. Daisy cupcakes via YummyMummyKitchen

8. Strawberry Gingham Bubble Romper

My plan is to keep things somewhat lowkey (ha! those of you who know me are laughing right?), at least so that I am not a stressball beforehand. I’m going to throw some mini-parties instead of trying to get everyone we know together in the same place at the same time - that always makes me crazy. Wish me luck!

As Lately’s first birthday approaches, that desire to make it special and perfect begins to set in. We are so blessed to have received so many gifts and hand-me-downs over the years, that neither of our children want for anything. But, of course, when the big day rolls around, it’s tough to resist finding that perfect present that you know they’ll just love. Since I’ve worked with young children for a while and now have two of my own, I often have friends ask me for gift suggestions for their own children or for a friend’s child, so I thought it would be fun to put together a list of things that I think any one year old would love as I scout out Lately’s first birthday present myself.

1. These blocks are the usually the first thing I recommend to pretty much anyone with a young child. Knox received them as a gift from my parents on his second Christmas and it has been something that he has played with almost daily ever since (and Lately already enjoys them, too). Pretty much every child who has visited us has played with these blocks, including my 12 year old nephew who visited recently! I remember playing with these type of blocks growing up and I feel like they will be a long-lasting gift that have many uses, not to mention the rich educational value they hold.

2. Music-related gifts are always a safe bet for this age group (and beyond). Music is one of Lately’s favorite things, and we have quite a few things she loves to play with already including a mini piano, egg shakers, castanets, triangle, jingle bells, rhythm sticks, whistles and, the most used - drums. I have looked at a few different types of drums for her to add to the collection. Michael Olaf sells a great percussion set (although we have many of the items in it already, it would make a great gift for someone just starting out their musical instrument collection). I told Tarrell maybe we should just get her an iPod for her birthday (ha!). 

3. Puzzles are the perfect gift for toddlers. Engaging, fun, educational and usually pretty, too! I’m looking at this set or this puzzle for Lately, but there are so many puzzle options. Keep in mind when picking one out, that knob puzzles are best for this age group.

4. Books. Of course, we can’t forget the most popular, everlasting gift of a great book. Our shelves are overflowing and still books are one thing I will never have enough of for my children. I have my eye on a few in particular for Lately, but I think the best books for 1 year olds are tactile books and books with real (or realistic) pictures. I love the DK Touch & Feel Books, which you can find pretty much anywhere, and there are SO many to choose from! Knox and Lately also both love this book, which seems to be a great book for toddlers. You also can’t go wrong with a good bedtime story. I love this bedtime book that someone gave to Knox as a baby. He still loves it and if I were being honest, I might tell you that I cry every time we read it.

5. Art supplies are tricky for 1 year olds because they are still in an oral stage. Lately loves to eat play-doh and clay, and, even with strict supervision, she still ends up with it in her mouth, so I don’t think that’s a good choice, but she has recently started trying to color and paint. Bathtub paints might be a fun option for a young toddler, or large crayons for little hands, which are easy to make like this. There seem to be plenty of simple recipes online (like this one), so this would be a great handmade gift. I love the idea of upcycling for an eco-friendly gift! It also means so much to me to receive a handmade gift - there’s just a touch of love that a store-bought gift can’t quite achieve. I’m not much of a crafter, but I try my best to make gifts when possible.

6. Push and ride toys are great for this age because their walking skills are emerging. We have a few different ones that were gifted or handed down to us, but I love this zebra toy for a child who is learning to walk. A similar option would be a wagon, which will last years and could be shared by siblings. I love the classic metal Radio Flyer wagon, but I think one with seats would be great as they get older, too.

7. Lately has also begun putting cars onto her ball tracking toy (also a great gift for a 1 year old) in hopes they will race down like the balls do, so I thought she might enjoy something like this.

8. Lastly, Lately has recently starting showing an love for dogs. She really likes the bunny puppet she got for Easter, so I thought of adding this cute puppy puppet to her little collection. I like the realistic quality of this brand of puppets.

9. I’m also hoping to begin some more practical life activities with Lately as she gets older and becomes more able to participate. A lot of materials needed for these types of activities are found in my house somewhere already, but there are also materials that can help toddler practice skills such as folding, dressing, cooking, washing, etc. This lock box is fun, or a cooking set of some kind. We’re also working on a garden this year and getting ready for some baby chicks to join our little family, so I’ve been on the lookout for something she can use to help out with those responsibilities, too.

10. I think dolls and stuffed animals are almost always a safe bet when it comes to little ones. This may be the one thing that actually motivates me to learn to sew (or crochet?). I desperately want to be able to make a beautiful doll or a cute stuffed animal, I just think it would be so fun to create something like that for a little one. Meanwhile, I swoon over all of the Etsy dolls knowing I’ll never fork over the dough they’re asking for!

So, there you have it. A little list of ideas in case you have a little toddler-to-be on your shopping list this year. Do you have anything to add? I would love to hear more ideas! 

I wonder how long we will call Lately “Baby?” I hope long after her baby days are over, especially since they are technically coming to an end here very soon. I can’t imagine Knox not referring to her as “Baby,” I think we all use that term more than we do her actual name.

But, all of the climbing, talking, dancing, singing, running, pointing and (most of all) personality tell us that she is turning into a toddler right before our very eyes. She’s fearless and strong-willed, loving and funny, and she’s certainly becoming a little attention magnet.

She’s started to express opinions regarding her clothes and accessories already, if you can even believe that. I have to say I’m surprised by this, considering how “typically girly” it is of her. To this day Knox could not care less which shirt or pants he wears as long as they fit and are comfortable on him (though he does often prefer to go without clothes at all), but not Lately. She will tug at her dress, pull on her PJs until I unzip them and change her into something else. She will chose from 2 outfits if I hold them up in front of her (again something Knox has never done), she even loves hair bows suddenly! The other night we had some family over and she put on her cousins headband and pranced around like a little princess. She would accidentally pull it out and then insist it be put back on immediately….and everyday since then has done the same! It’s pretty adorable, I must admit, especially since I haven’t really put many bows on her so far, assuming she’ll just pull them out or that they’ll be uncomfortable on her.

Other than being a little fashion queen, she still loves music and dancing and requests we play her favorite songs for her constantly so she can dance (and gets mad if Knox gets too close to her while she’s performing!). She is just too much.

I’m excited to celebrate 1 year next month with her. Of course my mind is racing with ideas and I think I’ve figured out just what she will love to have on her special day…I can’t wait to make her dreams come true, on her birthday and always.

{The Children’s Easter Baskets}
DIY Easter Baskets (Adapted from this idea)
Knox’s Basket: Lego Bunny Set | Sticker Book | Handmade Bunny Tail Glitter Globe (adapted from this idea) | Beautiful Printable Puzzle | Foam Flower Paintbrushes in Felt Bags
Lately’s Basket: Pat the Bunny | Handmade Bunny Tail Glitter Globe | Rabbit Puppet | Foam Flower Paintbrushes in Felt Bags

{Easter Gift Bags}
Handmade Bunny Tail Glitter Globe | Gift Tag Printable

Treat Pouch Printable | Stickers Printable | Foam Flower Paintbrushes

Yarn Bunny in Felt bag | Homemade Bunny Tail Glitter Globe

{Egg Dyeing}

{Egg Hunting}

She knows the way…

Who needs candy? The wrapper was enough for her.

Focus.

{Easter Love}

Happy Easter!

This is the new little learning corner that I mentioned in an earlier post. We are trying out a little more structure when it comes to “school time” for Knox. He will be 3 in June and most of his peers are in a structured preschool program (or will be soon). We have decided that, instead of enrolling him in a preschool-type program, I will continue to guide his learning at home at least until Kindergarten. Knox has  been exhibiting a need and a desire for just a little more structure, so I’m trying out a few new things. 

To the left of the table is a basket of “busy bags.” There are a million and one ideas (and names) for these little activity bags. Here are a few that are sitting in his basket right now. 

1. Color Sorting Box

I pinned this idea a while ago from this website and just adapted it a little bit. I just took a box from this stamp kit (which we already had) and painted the inside. I found some pom poms and pegs of the same colors and put them all together in a large busy bag. He knew just what to do. I have since added the tongs to add a challenge to it since the sorting part is pretty easy for him.

2. Color Progression Star

I have just begun to introduce color progression to Knox. This activity is my version of the Montessori Color Tablets - part of the sensorial materials used in Montessori classrooms. I made another, different type of set for matching the first 3 colors when Knox was younger and posted about it here. I felt like these were a good next step for him. I made a red and blue version just like this yellow one and they have proven to be a challenge, but a fun one, for him (both the fine motor pinching and the matching aspect). I’ve seen this clothespin idea in a few other places (including here), but used what he had on hand to make it our own.

3. Cutting Strips 
With long strips of cardstock paper with toddler-safe scissors, I used the same ideas that my favorite Montessori blogger does here.

4. Pattern Blocks
I cut out patterns with construction paper and included the same color megablocks in the bag. I demonstrate the activity for him and ask him to repeat it. It is still a bit challenging for him and good practice and introduction to math skills.

5. Sticker Activity Books
I’ve mentioned these before, too. They are fun and keep Knox busy. They’ve also quenched his thirst for unending knowledge about any and all animals. There are lots of exotic animals and uncommon animal stickers labeled in these books and he loves to play with them and identify animals. We have also begun to talk about what animals eat, where they live (land, water, and even part of the world), and whether they lay eggs or grow babies in their bellies, thanks also to this awesome map that I happened to find on Zulilly as a Christmas present last year.

I have also begun introducing the concepts of Calendar/Weather/Time.

So far, drawing on the calendar with the marker is much more interesting than discussing dates, weather or time, but he’s still a bit young for this, so I’m just keeping it up as a tool and I know he will begin asking questions when he’s ready to learn more.

These activities are advanced for Lately, but as I have mentioned before, children learn by watching, and I know that she watches everything he does. I know these new changes will benefit both children. There are also a few other things on the horizon for both of them. Knox and one of his playgroup friends will be meeting once a week for a short, semi-structured “school activity” morning which I will be leading along with my friend, her mother, who is a fellow teacher. She also has a baby a little younger than Lately, so this is an attempt to keep the babies entertained so that the older children get a little lesson without too much distraction. I’ll post more about that after we begin, but so far I’m enjoying the new things we are doing and I think the kids are as well.

Lately is moving right along as usual, picking up new tricks like clapping and climbing, even puckering up for a nice open-mouthed kiss every now and then. She has become quite the little flirt, flashing her squinty smile at anyone who looks in her direction, waving hello and goodbye at anyone coming or going (or just putting on a jacket) and just being generally cute and attention-worthy. She’s still just as busy as she’s always been and can now even take on a flight of stairs like a champ. She even taught herself to go backwards downstairs, thank goodness, although stairs and her climbing, in general, continue to give me mini heart attacks on a daily basis. Her dance skills are ever-expanding (now including some crazy head-shaking, which I NEED to publicize asap), along with her communication skills (more head shaking here when she is not having any of it). 

She and Knox are becoming quite the little pair. Their twin-like giggles, the funny games they play and the dynamic they are creating is the greatest blessing I could ask for. Watching them bond together the way they were meant to leaves me speechless most days. 

She’s a ray of sunshine, this one. She keeps me always on my toes and at the edge of my seat waiting to see just what she’ll figure out next, truly a joy to watch her grow and learn. It’s all gone by in a short breath, but she knows how to keep me looking forward to the future so I don’t pine too much over the blur of time that has been the past 10 months. Just a couple more and we’ll be lighting a birthday candle. Happy 10 months, my sweet, sweet girl!

{Lately, mustering a smile despite her sickness}

“We are all four in the same room, and we are all breathing. Do you know how amazing that is?” Tarrell asked me dramatically with tears welling up in his eyes last Sunday evening as we sat on the floor of our bedroom playing with the kids. He makes powerful statements like this when he’s feeling sentimental. They’re usually very simple words, but they always kind of shake me to the core and put me right there in the present moment like nothing else can.

Minutes later, I noticed a mark behind Lately’s right ear as I was about to put her to bed. I asked Tarrell to look at it and remarked that it looked like a strange spider bite. We decided it would be best to keep her up a little longer and keep an eye on it just in case. Within moments, the entire right side of her neck and face were red, covered in bumps and swollen. My stomach dropped and my breath stopped. In a haze of fear, I reached for the Benadryl quickly and fumbled around trying to figure out the correct dosage. We gave her the medicine and sat her down to observe her. She seemed to be having trouble swallowing and was making a strange coughing noise. Should we page the doctor on call? Should we go to the ER? Should we wait? We both struggled to answer the questions until finally I made the call to 911. Thankfully, she checked out fine and the medicine had done it’s job to keep the reaction from worsening.

It was a long, scary week full of more strange bumps, fevers, questions, doctor’s visits, worries and fears. We felt as if we were constantly on the verge of an emergency situation and poor Lately was pumped full of steroids, anti-histamines and fever-reducers for days on end. After much observation, as far as we can tell she had a bad reaction to a virus. Fingers crossed we won’t see those bumps again.Thankfully, my girl is healthy. My girl is strong. My girl is safe, and she’s breathing.

We take this breath for granted. The thing that keeps us from being more than just a stone is so often overlooked and very seldom appreciated. Our week was maybe a tiny sliver of what some people experience everyday. Whenever my children are unusually sick, this is always my first thought.

As I listened to Knox’s terrified screams through the door of the X-Ray room, I stood in the hallway, pregnant and crying, and imagined tiny cancer patients enduring rigorous medical testing on a daily basis, and parents in waiting rooms all over the world with white knuckles and anaesthetized, disease-ridden children in beds under scalpels and bright lights; parents waiting to see if their children would breathe again. And hours later, I was told that an x-ray showed that my son was breathing.just fine. 

Or, when Lately contracted the flu and I cautiously checked for signs of pneumonia; propped her up nightly, listening obsessively to her breathing, swayed and rocked back and forth for hours in the steam from the shower, laid my hand on her sleeping back one last time before sleep to feel the rise and fall of her healthy breath. Just as I began to feel sorry for myself for the lack of sleep, I remembered those mothers who never got to meet their babies; mothers who would never, ever sleep the same way again because their dreams and nightmares would be riddled with images of their lost child; and women who wake up every morning, take a deep breath and wish with all of their being they could conceive a child and become a mother and endure all of the good, the bad and the difficult things that I endure everyday.

Though it may seem heavy-handed and melodramatic, especially considering the smallness of the medical problems we have seen, this is where my mind goes. This is how I deal with the stress of it all, how I put it all into perspective and thank God for it all. I am thankful that this is the sickest I’ve ever seen my baby, thankful for her strength, and most of all I’m thankful that we are all here now, together, under the same roof and breathing.

The last post I wrote documenting our daily routine really helped me to take a good look at how was managing it all when I felt we were stuck in a bit of a rut. It helped me find new ways to navigate our days and give everyone all of the things they need.

I find it therapeutic to see it all laid out on the page in front of me like a perfect little story. It also helps me to see the happiness that happens sometimes without my even noticing. I love to capture moments that seem mundane, but are really hugely important…moments I will soon miss, moments I skim over in the all-too-busy life we lead these days.

So, here it is…an update. It’s been 6 months and oh, so much has changed.

{6:00 a.m. | Wake-up, Breakfast}
(a.k.a. Time to start destroying the house)

{8:00 a.m. | Farewell Daddy}
(after one last story)

{8:15 a.m. | Encourage independent playtime while I attempt to conquer daily goals}
(I encourage independent play for Knox by providing “busy bags” - post coming soon!- or setting up a play area with him. These sticker books in his busy bag are big right now. Lately doesn’t do much independent play and ends up playing for a few moments then following me around or bothering Knox until I include her in what I’m doing.)

{Prepare snacks for the day}
(The ice cube tray buffett has been popular around here lately)

{My Laundry Helper}
(still not dressed)

{9:00 a.m. | Lately’s First Nap/ Knox and Mommy Time}
(On this day, we stayed home and made bread and created this scale that didn’t work very well. I try to do at least one learning “activity” during this solo time if possible. Often times it doesn’t happen and we end up doing something of his choosing or just playing imaginatively. I have a feeling this time is about to disappear as Lately will be switching to one nap per day very soon. Most days we will leave the house around this time to go to a playgroup, library, errands or other activities and Lately naps in the car, so sometimes he doesn’t get this time to himself anyway)

{10:00 a.m. | Lately Wakes/ Snack Time}

{10:30 a.m. | Outdoor Play/Nature Walk}
(The weather was nice, however, when it’s not we usually spend this time indoors in the playroom or in Knox’s room if we are at home)

{12:00 p.m. | Daddy’s Home}
(We are so lucky Daddy works across the street and almost always comes home to spend his lunch break serenading and playing with us)

{12:30 p.m. | Lunch}

{Soaking up a few more minutes outside after lunch and before nap on this beautiful day}

{1:00 p.m. | Nap Time}
(Yes, thankfully, I have managed to thus far coordinate nap schedules! My time to catch up on chores or work…every now and then I even get to blog!)

{3:30 p.m. | Snack Time}
(Lately typically wakes up at least a half hour earlier than Knox in the morning and after nap. This is when we get solo time and I try to fit in reading, learning activities, music and dancing time or even just some one-on-one snuggles if she will let me. It doesn’t always happen but it’s always a goal)

{4:00 p.m. Playtime}
(We played on the porch until it got chilly and then headed inside. Sometimes I will schedule playdates in the afternoon to keep us busy. Today we were at home all day.)

{5:00 p.m. | Daddy’s Home!}
(A little playtime with Daddy before he starts cooking dinner)

{5:30 p.m. | Bath Time}
(We’ve been doing bath before dinner because Lately’s bedtime is sometimes early and unpredictable if she’s overly tired)
{6:30/7:00 p.m. | Lately Bedtime/Dinner}
(I read a very short book if time and patience allows before nursing Lately to sleep in our bed. After she is fully asleep I move her to her pack and play so she doesn’t roll out of bed. She usually sleep there until around 11 p.m. when I move her back into our bed where she stays the rest of the night, typically waking at least two more times to nurse).

{??? p.m. | Knox Bedtime}
(Bedtime is inconsistent right now. We usually start the process around 8 assuming he’s had a nap. He typically asks me to lie down with him, which I do if he asks, and sometimes isn’t completely asleep until 10:00).

Well, it looks pretty simple all laid out on the page. Of course, there are no pictures of the stressful moments, as I don’t have time to break out the camera when I’m trying to teach Knox how to hug instead of choke his sister, or when I’m handling a trying tantrum or cleaning up a spill. And, no pictures of the spontaneous smiles and kisses and sweet looks and words…but all of those exist within our days as well. Seeing it here puts it all into perspective and makes me realize just how good we have it. It also allows me to see what changes need to be made to make things run more smoothly. I think the main thing I’m taking away from this is how separate Lately & Knox are all day. My goal is to find ways to bridge their age gap and coordinate all of our schedules and activities so we are all enjoying our time together more.

9 months is awfully close to 1 year. With all of her new skills, she seems pretty ready to leave her baby days behind her, and, I guess I’m coming to terms with that since she’s really left me no choice. She’s already got the toddler stuff down pat, so neither of us should have much trouble adjusting.

Lately is the most curious little girl I’ve ever met. She’s “walking,” but still crawls (and falls) a lot, too. She gets braver by the day & can walk indefinitely on an even surface when she wants to. She has also begun climbing (AKA giving Mommy multiple heart attacks everyday), talking (just last week she started saying “bye-bye”, “Da-ee” (Daddy), “Mama”, and, of course, “NO!”) and waving. I forgot how fun it is to watch them figure all of this stuff out. Her little voice is so cute, it reminds me of Knox’s at that age (and he was about the same age when he said his first real word, “Kitty”). Oh, and have I mentioned she has 6 teeth already?!

She loves to explore the outdoors. Eating grass, swinging on the swing, sliding and trying to climb up the slide, using her little push toy to walk around the yard…all current favorite pastimes. Nothing beats dancing to her favorite tunes with Daddy. She’s still loving rap but has expanded her taste to include reggae and kids music now, too.

She’s still not loving the car, but she loves getting out and about, so she has to suffer through the ride to get to a new place she can discover. We’ve gone to a couple of playgroups and she has had fun getting to know other babies (even though she tries poke their eyes out).

She and Knox, however, are working hard to find some mutual ground at the moment. The bigger (and more mobile) she has gotten, the more rough he has gotten with her and she’s not loving that. I am hoping the gap between them gets smaller and smaller the older they get.

Despite the challenges, being Lately’s mom has been such a blessing. I feel like her personality is really starting to shine this month and I feel like we’ve gotten really close, too. I can dry her tears, calm her fears and make her belly laugh like no one else, and that makes me super happy and thankful. Having a daughter really is all it’s cracked up to be, and my beautiful little lady helps me to realize it more and more every single day.

{blurry Instagram}

The challenges of being a mother of two are currently overwhelming me. Life is constantly changing; pulling the rug out from under me on a daily basis, throwing me for loops, slipping through my fingers, keeping me on my toes (I’m sure there are more idioms I could list, but I’ll stop there). I know Tarrell feels the same way, we’re both just trying to keep our heads above water (there’s another one) most of the time and it’s got me constantly thinking and working (mostly in my head because, you know, time) on ways to make things easier on us all.

Maybe if I organize the closets, stick to a cleaning schedule, create and follow a daily routine for the kids… then maybe I won’t feel so out of control. Because really what it all comes down to is a lack of control, a lack of order, a lack of independence. My mind tells me that if I fix all of these little things that are bothering me, then my life will be easy. My mind is a liar, and I know it. It tricks me all the time, so why do I continue to trust it? Because it tells me who I am. It helps me cope with my stress, it gives me purpose and strength and goals to work towards. I crave structure and cleanliness and routine, as much as I would like to forget that part of myself and just go with the flow, it’s not who I am.

But, I recognize the need to find a balance. Practicality is what my family needs me to be okay with. Imperfection is what they need me to accept about myself, my house, and, most of all, about them. I’ve never been good at letting things go, I cling. I obsess. I analyze. I question. But, when it comes to my family’s well-being I’ll do just about anything. So, my new promise to my family, and to myself, is to (gradually) let it go. Maintaining balance, of course, I’m recognizing the needs of those who need me most and putting them before my own. I know there will be plenty of things I can not change about myself. There are those habits that are so engrained in me that I cannot imagine living without them, and accepting myself is an important part of that balance, too. Finding a place for the things I can’t control and learning to be at peace with them, that’s where I need to be.

Make room for the chaos…my new philosophy. Won’t you join me?

Lately Violet is 7 months old today. Seven. Months. Seven months since she appeared to me like a little dream first squirming and squealing then bundled and calm. Baby Girl. This has unintentionally been my nickname for her since I first saw her and it’s stuck around quite naturally. The truth is, though, she hardly acts like a baby anymore. Snuggly is not quite the way I would describe her -instead she pushes away and reaches for anything and everything in her sight as soon as I pick her up. 

This month was a tough one for Lately and I. After giving her a very hard time for most of this month, her first little tooth has started to break through the gums today, on her 7 month birthday. She has also remained discontent for the majority of these past few weeks because she wants nothing more than to be able to GO somewhere, anywhere. She’s been army crawling for a while and has recently begun to crawl a little for real, but it takes so much work for her pudgy arms to drag that chubby little body around. So, instead she uses her highest pitch scream to let me know she would prefer to use my fingers as puppet strings as she moves from place to place, exploring each and every centimeter she passes. Poor Lately just wants to walk on her own two feet and catch up with that brother of hers that she adores so much. And, poor Mommy just wants to give her back a break every once in a while. It’s getting better - easier, the stronger she gets. Yesterday she really turned a corner and can now get around rather quickly on the floor, though she really would rather be upright. I don’t have any doubt in my mind that she will follow in Knox’s footsteps (pun intended) and will be taking independent steps by 8 months (or possibly even earlier. I know, it’s ridiculous, but I promise you - if you could see the way she moves you would agree). 

Despite her lack of cuddliness, she sure is as lovable as can be. Her laugh and smile  charm all of us, including Knox and especially Daddy, whom she now has safely wrapped around her little finger. And, every now and then, if I wait patiently enough, I get a little snuggle here and there. Yesterday at the doctor’s office, when he walked in the room to greet us and she seemed a bit unsure of his presence, she wrapped her little arms around me and laid her head on my shoulder like a little baby monkey and I just about died. The doctor probably thought I was crazy but I couldn’t stop laughing because it was just so cute…and RARE. Hopefully I can convince her to slow down a bit and snuggle up more often, but in the mean time, I’ll take what I can get. 

As always, I love watching her grow and learn, and especially watching the bond between her & Knox begin to form. I truly, truly can’t imagine life without my little Baby Girl, and I really do love her to peices….we all do.