crawling backwards

If the saying "2 steps forward, 1 step back" is accurate, then we are really IN FOR IT, when she starts going forward--Amara is motoring backwards at break-neck speeds!

Eric caught these shots of her last night...Amara was crawling around while I was straightening her room and within seconds, she had wedged herself backwards underneath the bookshelf in her corner! She wasn't mad that she couldn't get out, just enjoying books and her shoe--those top 2 teeth are really trying to come in now!

Swim class

What this is NOT: one of those things you see on the tv/ internet where you "teach" your child to save themselves in the water, should they ever fall in.

What this IS: fun time in the pool with the family ;) She never leaves our arms, and it's really just to get time in the pool to get her used to water and see what she thinks.

We go every Saturday morning (these pics were courtesy G'pa and G'ma Young, during class 3 yesterday) from 9 to 9:30 at the Grove City Y. The ironic thing is we spend at least twice that long getting dressed and then undressed before and after the lesson! Ha! I tell myself summer will be easier...

But, she really seems to love it so far--she already has started putting her face in the water all on her own, no attempts to go under or get our of our arms or anything like that, but she kicks and splashes and tries to get the ducks and other toys in the pool the whole time. She especially seems to like the "pool version" of ring around the Rosie we all do at the end as well. We figure we'll keep it up as long as she seems interested.

Oh, and visitors ALWAYS welcome and encouraged!

curious

Amara has gotten REALLY curious lately...what happens if I drop this on the floor? give this to Ily? throw something? you get the picture--

it's great to see her little mind start to turn and develop. Incredible is more appropriate--the way she moves food around her mouth, uses her teeth to bite puffs, drink from a glass (only when we are drinking from them mind you), splash in the sink or pool...we really can't keep up with how quickly she's learning and changing everyday.

Pink cowboy hat

I have to admit, one of my guilty pleasures is Gymboree. Their clothing is adorable...and one of the best parts is the clearance section in back! Also...we discovered they have a bin of socks, hats, and just odds and ends things, none more than a few dollars--so luckily, Eric insisted we get this hat during our last trip, it was too great to pass up.

Since she got a new bike/ rocker for Christmas, I figured she should wear her cowgirl hat--she clearly loves both. Lucky us. She pretty much has a hat on all the time, since she's still a little "thin" up top, so we're taking advantage of it while we can!

Playing

Amara and Ily have been close since day 1, so it should be no surprise that they have started playing together. Ily has been so gentle and patient with Amara swinging at her and grabbing her toys, it's adorable! We're thinking that it's just a matter of time before she actually is playing toss with her--lord knows she is trying already~in fact, Ily proactively brings Amara toys as if to say "play with me!" ...it's really cute.

Christmas dinner at G'ma & G'pa Young

We had a fun Christmas dinner with the Young family in Lancaster--everyone was there, including Charlie the dog--he was helping everyone open presents as you can see. Everyone seemed to love the pink dress, tights, and snowboots, so here is one for the memory book.

It was a good thing Ily stayed home for this trip--trust me, she was still recovering from Christmas anyway...

What's up doc?

Who needs teething rings when you have jumbo carrots? If you look closely...you'll see the two bottom chompers in there--these carrots come in handy! She got the 2nd tooth on Christmas day and was a trooper--we barely knew!

2 teeth and counting...we think she's already working on the top ones, and for SURE is learning to chew--she definitely will take whatever is on your plate or in your glass, thank you very much!

Looks like this kid may like a LOT more veggies than her mom (thank goodness!)