The urine incident

Though this might be embarrassing for you some day, I have to relate this story because it was pretty funny at the time.

Often when we are getting your bath ready for you each evening, we will let you run around naked for a little while.  Usually after having to remove a soiled diaper.  We figure you enjoy the fresh air and you are so doggone cute running around naked that we can't stop ourselves from watching and smiling at your hijinks. 

Now, sometimes, if we're not paying close enough attention, you will squat and pee and suddenly there's a spot on the carpet or a puddle on the wood floor.  No big deal - easy to clean up.  And our fault for not watching you at all times. 

But two nights ago this usually harmless situation got just a bit out of hand. 

I was setting up your bathtub in the kitchen sink.  I think your Dad had stepped away for a moment.  When he came back in, he asked incredulously, "Did she pee? Is she playing in her own pee?!"  That's when I looked down and saw that, yes, in fact, you were running your hands through a puddle that wasn't there moments ago.  We had a good laugh at that. 

Then I quickly got a towel to wipe the floor (and you) with, but I wasn't fast enough.  You took a couple of steps through the puddle and your feet flew right out from underneath you and you fell backwards, landing with a splash and unfortunately, bonking your head on the hardwood floor. 

Needless to say, you were very upset.  We're not sure if you were more upset about your head or from sheer embarrassment...

Luckily, the bath distracted you (and cleaned you) and you were no worse for wear.

So busy

Yes, the title of this is my excuse for not updating this blog recently, but it is also a description of you these days, Socha.  You are one busy little girl.  There are so many things grabbing your attention and you are constantly on the move.  Every day your walking gets faster and your balance improves.  You fall down less - but definitely still fall down, and get pretty angry about it sometimes - and you walk with purpose.  I love hearing your footsteps coming down the hall or towards my office.  So full of gusto!  You've been walking long distances too.  Still not entirely in the direction(s) we would like to you to go, but we get there eventually.  Every leaf, pile of dirt, candy wrapper, bird, squirrel, stick, mulchy area, bush, set of stairs, apple core, orange skin, flower, rock, toy, other child, bike, golf club bag (I have no idea what those are actually called), scooter, fence, brick in the sidewalk, piece of paper, pile of grass, piece of cement, etc. grabs your attention and practically stops you in your tracks.  And you definitely put a lot of these things in your mouth, often to immediately spit them out, which is pretty funny to watch.  You love being outside and now that Spring has finally sprung, outside is the best place for us all to be.  The sun is shining, the air is warm, the birds are singing, the trees are blooming, your parents are sneezing.  Oh the trees around campus are gorgeous!  So many flowers and so much pollen.  So far (knock on wood) you aren't showing too much of an allergic reaction.  Maybe some swollen eyes in the morning - but that could simply just be waking up.  I so hope you don't end up getting allergies like your Dad and I have.

There are bunches of things you've started doing recently.

• passive resistance such as going completely limp when we try to get you to walk in a different direction
• grown out of trash can obsession
• chewing on books as a game
• helping close the gate at the top of the stares
• pushing on doors to get them to open
• climbing on boxes
• magnets
• banging the table like a drum
• you love dogs - to the point that I'm a little worried you might get nipped
• sign language - sort of: diaper change, happy (clap), all done
• learning body parts - head, hair, ears, feet
• playing chase - your giggle when we do this simply warms my heart
• swim lessons, and you just walked right into the frigid Deerfield River last weekend
• splashing in the bath
• drinking from a sippy cup
• transitioning from formula to milk
• asking for shoes to be put on
• begging for bread, then actually eating some of it
• eating some solids like pasta, squash, chicken, carrots
• showing us Bonnie the bear when you are ready for some milk
• temper tantrums - sometimes you have a really short fuse
• hugs to stuffed animals, and kisses
• asking for specific books at bed time (for a while it was Goodnight San Francisco, then The ABC's by Charley Harper, and now it's Going on a Bear Hunt)
• singing when you're content
• stacking blocks
• kicking balls
• pointing at things in books
• riding on Dad's bike
• soon to be riding in your new bike seat (this coming weekend!)

I'm sure there are many things that I haven't included here, but I'll use my allergy headache as an excuse for not remembering everything.

Here's the most recent photo album that shows you doing many of the things I've described above...



And finally, this is a nice letter written by some little girl's dad (our cousin, Elizabeth, found this - Thank you!).  I would like you to read and take these words to heart, Socha.  And I would add that if "he" turns out to be a "she", the same rules apply.  :)