Walking and Talking, Clapping and Tapping

Someone said a wise thing to me recently. "Walking is a long process." As new parents we were convinced several times (starting at nine months) that she was on the verge of walking. She'd pull herself up or take a step around the couch and "she'll be walking any time now!" We laugh now at our naivete. We're in no rush for her to walk; we're enjoying the stages as they come. But we eagerly await every little thing she does.

It's amazing how each day brings something new. As I was saying in this post, Emily recently learned to clap. She even knows the word for it. If we say "clap" or "yay" she'll often clap in response. A couple of weeks ago (you know, when I started writing this post) she was just starting to stand for a second or two by herself. Then one day, she pushed herself up and clapped with an excited smile before quickly holding on again. It's crazy how such a "little" thing is such a big, happy, proud moment for all of us!

Yesterday we played a game where I tapped my feet, then clapped, then raised my hands and said hurray. I kept doing it and encouraging her. She thought the tapping was fascinating, kept pointing or patting my feet to do it. Then she would clap and put her hands up with me. I could almost see the wheels turning in her head.

Yesterday was a big day because she also became a standing pro. She was crab walking (another newish thing) and pushed herself to a standing position and stood proudly for about 10 seconds. She did this all afternoon, sometimes practicing, sometimes doing it unconsciously. She even picked something up without holding on. There's so much we do without thinking, but it's so new and wonderful for them (and those of us watching).

I was thinking that she might really, truly be on the verge of walking. I was also thinking, I hope her Daddy is around when it happens because he is just as excited about everything she does as I am. So this morning, I get up and Daddy proudly tells me that she took two steps! Little stinker, she did it without me!!

To make up for it, when she saw me, she crawled over using her first word "Mama-mama-mama." Music to my ears.

Happy Spring!

As a full-time SAHM, it's easy to lose track of what day it is. With the weather so wonky, it's even more so. If I didn't look at a calendar it would be easy to think it was the first day of summer rather than spring! Not that I am complaining, I am a pretty big wimp when it comes to cold weather.  I am especially glad for the warmer weather now, because in addition to a solid case of cabin fever, our house has been fighting round two of let's-share-our-bugs-with-each-other. Poor girl had an ear infection/cold/fever for two weeks while the adults fought our own bugs. Then because that was so much fun, we did it all again, this time with a double ear infection. Still, I am thanking my lucky starts it wasn't worse. We finally feel we are all healthy (enough) to enjoy the beautiful gift of sunshine.

And here is another ray of sunshine...

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

Today would have been Dr. Seuss's 108th birthday.

In honor of today, here is a Seuss book we enjoy. I thought I knew most of his work, but I had never heard of this one.

 My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss, (paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher) is an introduction to feelings for a young child. It is told in the delightfully positive way for which Seuss is known. Each day is a different color/emotion/animal. We have the board book version, and while it's not very concrete for a very little ones, neither are emotions. In some ways the actions and associations ground emotions while still being silly and lyrical. I love the language in it, it's one I don't get tired of reading to her. For now she likes the color in it. I can imagine when she's older asking, "Are you having a yellow day ('a busy, buzzy bee')?" or a "Green day ('cool and quiet fish')?"

As for today, have a "Bright Red Day" and "kick your heels" for Dr. Seuss's birthday!