Continual Change

With each month that passes I think back at the way our life has changed in just 30 short days. Most of these changes are directly related to Phoenix’s social and physical developments. While I knew before she was born that she would change our lives forever, I didn't really expect our lives to be in a constant state of adaptation.

This month Phoenix has dramatically improved her physical capabilities. She has completely mastered bath time. A few months ago she graduated from the small bathroom sink to the kitchen sink. When she first started using the kitchen as a bathtub she wasn't able to hold herself up in the water. Now she is not only able to keep herself in a sitting position, but bend forward to get toys out of the other basin and sit up again. Last night I got upset with her because she was grabbing the side of the sink attempting to stand up!  She was able to get her legs straight, but because her hands were on the sink she didn't get her back inline. Thankfully we have the good habit of ALWAYS staying with her when she is bathing. 

I am a dinosaur! Grrr!

Bath time is the Best time!

She has also improved her ability to get around the house. Last month she was rolling over and turning clockwise circles. That was a big change for us since it meant that when she lost interest in a toy she could turn her body to discover a new one. It also meant that hiding something behind her was no longer a valid way to remove it from her reach.  Now she is able to army crawl, pushing off with her toes to get where she wants to go. I understood that her crawling would mean that we would have to baby-proof the house and that her toys would start being scattered all over instead of just in the living room.  What I didn't expect was that it would mean that I am no longer out of reach, regardless of where I am. For example, Phoenix was happily playing with Daddy. Then she saw me leave and sit in a chair in the entryway to go paint my toenails. So, she army crawled right over to me. Now whenever I leave the living room she will leave and follow me. Following me doesn't always mean that I have to entertain her; she will discover that the new location has a smorgasbord of fun things to play with.

An illustration of this occurred one Saturday morning. I left her in the living room with her toys so I could sneak off to use the restroom. While I was gone she discovered my water jug, scooted across the floor dumped it over. When I returned I found her splashing in the puddle. This has now become a favorite game of hers. Thankfully I am able to use this to my benefit. I needed to get some hot items out of the oven, and she wouldn't stay where I put her. So, I dumped a cup of water on the floor and let her splash around. Jack noted that it had the added bonus of mopping the floor since eventually she will lie down on the floor and pull herself through the water.

Added to this new found freedom of movement and water play, our sweet girl is drinking from cups, eating pre-chewed food from our plates instead of baby food, dancing, laughing at funny things we say, and patting us on the back. I love my sweet girl, and I am excited for the new things that happen each week, even if it does mean constant changes in my life. 

Meeting the nice goat. She is sure we should take this one home.

Please, Daddy, lets not leave yet! I want to stay!