And we're walking

Seriously, time seems to be spinning out of control.  Sundays blend into Mondays and by Tuesday I'm thinking it's Friday.  Happy Hour, anyone?

In the midst of it all---the chaos, the fun, the tantrums---I've blinked and my baby has evolved into a toddler.  Literally, a toddler.  As in one who toddles around.  She took her first steps a week after her 13 month birthday and has been teasing us with a few steps here and there for weeks now. 

Finally, this past weekend, girlfriend really stepped up her walking game.  She's got this sort of zombie gait {think MJ in Thriller} that gives off the vibe she's been swigging from Mommy's sippy, if ya' know what I mean.  Relax, I do not give my kid booze...unless you count the Jack Daniels I rub on her gums at night to numb the pain.  I kid.  I kid.  Though I can't guarantee my in-laws haven't tried it.

And, because I suck and haven't uploaded any videos yet, I'll just have to leave you with a picture of my big girl.  The only thing cuter than a new-to-walking toddler....one in Crocs and a jean jacket.  I die. 

Rolls and Giggles

Elena is officially rolling over.  I'd be lying if I said I hadn't been waiting for her to do this for weeks. Now that it has, I have a twinge of sadness at how fast my girl is growing up.  She is clearly not a baby anymore. I mean, duh, she's a baby, but not a baby-baby.  She must have gotten quite a work out from Eleanor at PT yesterday. I'm thinking it greased up her baby parts nice and good because there was no slowing girlfriend's roll today. We were doing tummy time on the floor and she cocked her head back and the rest of her body followed.  She was supremely pleased with herself.  Paul and I were hooting and hollering and cheering like whack jobs.  Not sure how tummy time works now that she knows how to get out of it.  Hmm. 

In other firsts, she also hysterically giggled for the first time the other night when I was getting her ready for bed.   It is absoultely priceless.  I love how she gets pissed when I stop.  Unfortunately, I could only email a portion of the video, so it isn't the whole thing.  Certainly enough though.  Love this kid.

20 week you

Dear Elena,

Mommy @ 20 weeks

20 week YOU

I can't wrap my brain around how fast time is passing since you were born.  When I reached the milestone of 20 weeks pregnant, I remember how LONG it felt to get to that point--the day where the u/s tech told us you were a girl.  Now, 20 weeks have happened in the blink of an eye and you are not a newborn.  You are an infant--a beautiful, curious, silly, pre-occupied-with-everything, lovable, delicious, sweet little being.  20 weeks of getting to know you has been the funnest job on Earth.  I look forward to waking up every morning to see your sunshine smile.  My heart melts.  You are the greatest joy and Daddy and I are in awe of you.  Staring at you has become our favorite past time.  It. never. gets. old.  Here are some fascinating things about 20 week old YOU...

• you continue to love your swing 
• you still rock a mullet/comb over/tail that is hilariously adorable (pics to come!)
• you got your first sniffles
• your piggies are starting to interest you
• you have diaper blowouts daily and I am seriously considering cloth diapering at this point
• you are in love with your Very Hungry Caterpillar
• you love to pull on my bra and play with my shirt, necklace, face,hair anything you can get your hands on while you nurse.  I adore it.  
• you stop traffic wherever we go...people commenting on what a doll you are.  You really are.  I know if Nana were here she would call you Dolly.  I know it
• you have no form of stranger anxiety what-so-ever and will gladly smile for whoever comes into your view
• you still see Ms. Eleanor at PT 1x/week for your tort and you NEVER cry.  You make all the stretches and exercises look so easy.  I'm the one who cries.  Every week.  When I watch you and Ms. Eleanor stretch and play because I am just so proud

I could go on but Mama's gotta grab a shower before it's time to take you to PT and get ready for Dadda to come home from Cleveland.

 Love forever--to infinity and back,
Mommy