Keeping up with the Shorty

Whew. This kid runs now. I can't tell you how many photos I have that show a small, purple/pinkish blur as the whirling dervish trucks along. Her new favorite thing is to look up brightly when she wipes out and shout "Woah". Woah indeed girlfriend. 45 minutes at the gym ain't got nothing on spending a day with you.

We've just returned from time away at the Maine house. I wouldn't say travel with a small kid is relaxing, but it is a change of scene. The only problem with this scene is it isn't remotely babyproofed. There are some plug covers, but no gate for the stairs, a landing at the top with rails far enough apart that a tiny little 14 month old whirling dervish COULD squeeze through and topple 20 feet, 5 bathrooms with toilets with no locks, a Gigundous stone hearth and glass topped coffee table, not to mention a 4 year old in residence with an obsession for Barbie and all the mini parts that go with. You get my drift. I don't think I sat down while we were there until after she was in bed each night. I must have climbed those stairs with her 900 times a day. The lure of Grandma's tub that has steps up to it was also too much for this kiddo.

Regardless we had a good time. Didn't sleep a whole lot, but whatever. Being in a big house was nice as it allowed her to run out her energy. It makes me hope for either a short or warm winter where we can spend time outside. My rule last year was as long as it was above freezing we went out. Every day. Yesterday was 33 so we bundled up and trekked to the library where she could run through the stacks and play with the stuffed animals and I could get some exercise by walking.

I love all the advances she has made physically and verbally. Her little vocabulary seems to grow daily and now she can almost climb up onto the coffee table unassisted (um, that's, um, great...). She'll take her fork and stab at food, often with success and gleefully put it in her mouth. However, do not darken her little fingers with cream cheese or beware the hollering until it is wiped off.

Next week we're starting a music class that I'm hoping she'll love. There's groove in this girl and it is super fun to see. No matter what's going on, if she hears a beat she'll stop and get her dance on. It is, hands down, one of the most hilarious things I've ever witnessed.

As we march closer to two, I'm hoping the "NO" stays good natured and the spirit continues to grow in a cheerful way.

For now though, Momma needs a nap.