Toddler Crack

Even her little toddler crack is cute.

First Time Out

Vera earned her first time out today when she showed a bit of her sassy side and hit Griffin in the face (a light smack). The time out lasted approximately 30 seconds. It was 10% sad and 90% adorable to see her sitting on the step.  She had to go "apologize" to her brother by giving him a hug.

Totally Walking

Vera's gone from zero to sixty on the walking thing.  Just a month ago she was teetering next to the couch, holding on with one hand.  Now she walks more than she crawls.  

This past week we were in Maine for Christmas, and that probably sealed the deal.  Cousin Cameron (love that guy) was walking all over the place at Grandma and Grandpa's, and we think V just wanted to fit in with the big kids.  Its awesome.

Highlights:

• Walking by herself up and down the 2-step staircase into the living room.
• Trying to walk full upright up the full steep stairs to the second floor, especially if she has an adult's hand to hold.
• Walking away from Mom or Dad a few steps, slowly turning around the room, realizing that she's among less familiar faces in the room, and then returning back to start.
• Carrying toys that look comically large and that should throw her off balance.  Notably picnic basket and Ikea dog.

Mom's sleeping in

I love being a dad.  Mornings like this.

Good morning Grandpa and Mom

Nose Blower

Vera actually got some snot blown out of her nose today into a kleenex.  She's been watching Griffin and she does a great job huffing and puffing.  Today it finally turned productive.   She's been snotty because of cutting teeth.  So we've been wiping her nose a lot and coaching her on the nasal action.  It all came together today!  Yay!

When She's Upset

Last night v woke up at about 10:00 coughing and scream-crying.  We gave her a few minutes per our normal "let em cry it out" philosophy.  But then it got louder and we know she is teething and snotty.  And really, its just sad when she's upset, like I want to protect her from every bad thing in the world.

So I went into her room and picked her up and we danced around and I hummed.  Not much difference.  I wiped her nose and got the sweaty mat of hair brushed back behind her ear.  I carried her downstairs  to get some milk, teething tablets, and a little ibuprofen.  Plus a big snuggle with Mom.  Hard to say which one worked the best.   Back upstairs she laid with mom on our bed for a minute, then distracted herself with the red glow of alarm clock.  And then I put her back down in her crib, realizing that the biggest underlying problem was exhaustion.  She rubbed her lovies on her face, popped a paci into her own mouth, and settled in to sleep.  I love that lil' girl. 

She Walks!

Vera took two steps yesterday - her first ones ever.  Saturday November 16.  She's been threatening to do it for a few weeks - mostly by standing up on her own two feet with no support.  And she's done plenty of finger grab walking and pushing around the toy shopping carts.  All of which is adorable.

But yesterday she officially took her first steps.  We were in Griffin's room after he woke up from nap and she took her two steps to get to his toy shelf.  Way to go peanut!

This is a snack the whole family will enjoy, Dad

Yup.