Queen of the Mountain

Since she turned 13 months, Alexis Jane has learned to walk. Finally we have an independent walker! We were beginning to wonder if she would ever do it on her own, but now when she drops my hand it makes me sigh a little. I failed getting any of the Frankenstein on a real video camera though, sadly. Hopefully I'll make up for that.

She also started this demanding high pitch scream, which has the uncanny ability to elicit suicidal thoughts. Not going to lie, at one point we were both screaming.

At least she begins with a dropped jaw gruntsqeal, and as annoying as that can be, it at least warns me about a full-out tantrum scream that will ensue if I do not pay her attention - the one that comes with the arched back; tell me you know it. I don't give her everything she wants when she wants it; what kind of mother would that make me? But at least I know when to pay her a little attention if she feels ignored. I can become a zombie to the computer, phone or book if I allow myself.  Ugh and I hate myself for it. But seriously you can only play with blocks or a fake phone for so long before you want to scream yourself. Finding the balance is what we struggle with. That's why the first time mother must cherish every nap time minute. You've earned it and will earn them. You won't get them again. Bask in their glory. No shame.

Focus. Lexi has also conquered the indoor slide. She is a little dare devil climbing to the top in all her glory and just standing there ready to do the chest pump. She is definitely at that climbing phase and finding all the closets to explore, etc…

She started calling Eric Pa-pa for a little while there . . . he's taking whatever crumbs she throws at him. I think she is starting to say other things, or at least the first part of them, but it's hard to tell, you know. 

Sometimes she is obedient when I say no. And other times it's as if I am egging her on. I also think I can give her anxiety when I just say her name. So she knows when she shouldn't be pulling e.v.e.r.y wipe out of the container.

We were under the weather for quite some time. 1.5 weeks seemed like forever. And although we've recovered, she has remained my little cuddle bear. And she loves eskimo kisses. Just when I didn't think I could be wrapped around her little finger any more… she gives me kisses, pats my head, claps when I get excited, laughs when I laugh, puts her head to my chest and wraps her arms around me.

I really wish someone could document all those cute moments for me.

I feel like there are other things I'm supposed to be documenting, but I can't think of anything. She is becoming a little woman y'all, the squeezable size.