Happy Halloween!

Her costume? A picture's worth a thousand words...


Kyle and I spent two evenings making this! After sewing the shorts, dyeing the stockings, razoring out the "S" shape, and making the cape, we wondered if maybe we shouldn't have just BOUGHT the darn costume. But seeing how cute she looked in it made it worth the work.

Isabel Goes Mobile!

October 18th, 2006 - A day which will live in infamy! It was on this day that Isabel crawled for the first time. This explains the lack of posts since then... we've been too busy chasing after her. It's so amazing to us; one day she couldn't crawl, the next day she could! Now that she's discovered this new ability, where does she choose to go? The trashcan, of course. We've had to put up the childproof electrical outlet covers (they're very nearly adultproof, too!) and the cabinet locks will be going up soon.

Here she is, mid-motor:

Lessons

There’s a lot we can learn from babies. Sure, walking, talking, and using a toilet don’t come to mind, but I’ve learned as much from Isabel as she has from me. Her most recent lesson to me was philosophical in nature: the pleasure of being truly in the moment. Last weekend we took her to the park for the first time. (First time? We’re the worst parents ever!) We put her in the baby swing, gave her a gentle push, and let her fly. The look on her face was indescribable and priceless. I can still picture it (it helps that I have this handy picture)… the wind in her hair, the smile on her lips, the look of happiness in her eyes as she soared back and forth. She wasn’t thinking about the fact that the weekend was half over, or that there were chores to do when we got home, or anything at all, really, except the supreme joy of swinging.

I’ve found myself getting stressed out over small things lately, because I feel like I can’t keep up with work, friends, chores, everything, and sometimes that keeps me from fully appreciating the fun things we do. Next time I find that happening, I’ll picture Isabel, swinging happily, and remember what she’s taught me about enjoying the moment.

New Tricks

Ok, you can't tell from this photo, but Isabel has learned a new skill... sitting up! She's been able to sit for a while now, but only if we put her there. Now she can sit up on her own (sometimes).

Her other new trick is much less helpful, but presumably much more fun for her. She has been able to make a "pbbbbt!" sound for a while now. Unfortunately, she has discovered how to do that while there is food in her mouth. Then she immediately looks up to see my reaction. When I saw, "No, Isa," she giggles as though this were the funniest joke in the history of the English language. I can tell we're going to discipline issues.

Birthday Parties!

Last weekend, we attended two birthday parties for two-year-old girls. The first was at a friend's home, and there were at least a dozen children under the age of 5 in attendance. I don't think their house will ever be the same again! We all had a lot of fun, and Isabel was mesmerized by all the activity around her. She had so much fun she fell asleep within two minutes after leaving. Here she is in her party dress, pre-blackout:

From there, we drove directly to Cleveland so that we could spend the night and be there for Isabel's cousin Kierstyn's party. Kierstyn was so sweet with her little cousin; she shared her books and toys and even threw a little tea party for Isabel and I. There were a ton of people at this party too, so Isabel had a very stimulating weekend.




It was a busy but nice weekend. However, it brought to mind the good ol' days, when two parties in one weekend meant a killer hangover Monday morning!