Sunny Sunday Chores ...

After working a track & field event all Saturday, Daddy's Sunday was dedicated to vehicle maintenance ... 

the squeaky wheel gets the grease ... or new break pads ... or new calipers ... whatever

and of course it helps to have a little helper

... helping daddy jack up the car

 

She rolled that tire back and forth a couple times ...

Poor Poppi ... Della tried to feed him lunch which was more of a tease than actual food delivery.

 After Della tried to put these pink socks on her already sock clad feet I assisted by putting the socks on her hands which she found amazingly entertaining.

High-Five's for Daddy!

This shot was taken just moments after she laid on her belly to eat crumbs off the floor because, obviously, she couldn't use her hands.

So entertaining to discover what she finds entertaining

General update (just for you T) ... 

 As mentioned previously, we have grand plans to put the house we currently live in up for sale but we first need to complete two tasks ...
1. Finish our pre-listing punch list of items such as touch up paint, wash windows, and complete all those pesky little been-bugging-me-for-4-years repairs that any reasonable buyer will see immediately. We were on a hot streak checking things off our list but these last two weekends have shown no further improvement ... hopefully we'll get the house listed while the market still favors the seller!
2. Finish the remodel on the home we will move into. Previously Stark's childhood home, and most recently where Nana lived, it is overdue for some updates that will make life there with a toddler safe and comfortable. We are hashing out the final details of our contractors bid and work should start in the next week or so.
We will be very sad to leave our safe and friendly cul-de-sac neighborhood but we have big plans to reduce debt, save money, and buy our permanent home in the next 2-4 years. Cross you fingers we make this happen before the summer so we can enjoy our warm weekends doing something other than working on houses.

Every day, a little bit older ...

Every day, a little bit older ...

My baby is now 15 months old! 

Her daddy and I were chatting the night before about how babies fit so seamlessly into your life ... 

as if they were always there ... a part of your family. 

I'm so thankful that I'm her mama and that I get to watch this little person discover herself, and the world, a little more each day. 

This week we ...

... watched some Winnie the Pooh on our tablet while reclining in comfort

... learned to steal the Popsicle away from daddy if he didn't return it quick enough, 

... used two hands to ensure the best position for chewing off the end

... enjoyed a little upside down reading of her favorite book

On Saturday we ...

... took Nana to the zoo (even though she'd been there the day before)

my baby strutting her independence ... she'd much rather walk than be in a stroller

 ... played with the toadstool

 ... feet off the ground

 I've just completed two weeks with my new company and am happy to report that I remain pleased with my decision. As I tackle this transition and the attached learning curve,  I'm thankful for my mother who watches Della during the day allowing me to focus on work knowing my baby is safe, loved, and happy. I'm also thankful for my husband who is pulling more than his share of morning drop-offs, afternoon pick-ups, and dinner making, so I can put in the hours needed to support this transition. I'm thankful the sun is finally back so we can enjoy time outdoors on the weekends. And I'm thankful that my little girl is healthy, happy, and thriving.

A duck, crackers, and toys ...

Normal Life ... These Past Few Weeks

Della pulled out her duck costume and asked (for the first time) to put it on. Not much cuter than a baby with a duck butt.

  She made herself at home in our bed and munched on some crackers ...

 I picked up a barn with animals thinking she was a little young for the toy but for the price I had to get it. Turns out, Della is the perfect age to own a farm. She loves playing with the animals and opening the gates.

 Scooters, on the other hand, are still for pushing and not yet for riding.

It's amazing what kids pick up. For example, we don't own a land-line and rely completely on cell phones yet Della somehow knows how to not only speak on a traditional (toy) phone but also how to hang up after her conversation!!!!

Her creative, playful personality is showing more every day. I'm challenged to find ways to keep her busy and interested. It's an amazing process watching baby's grow ... sad, amazing, and thrilling all at once.

March Madness ...

After a brief hiatus to recover from a horrible 3-week cold, the all consuming process of deciding whether or not to switch companies and career tracks in the midst of a recession, and prepping our house to sell ... 

I'm happy to say that we're back!!!

I'm finally feeling better

I left my employer of 9 years

started a new job

and our house is nearly ready to put on the market.

So, now I get to focus on documenting Della's life in motherly detail. 

Between jobs Della and I spent a whole week together enjoying a few mother-daughter field trips. 

First up was a visit to Alki Beach in West Seattle. Once Della caught sight of the Ocean my task was simply to prevent her from walking in and swimming away, which I believe she might have done. Instead I taught her to stomp on waves and throw rocks into the ocean. She LOVED the beach. 

Next up was a lunchtime visit to a lake-side park to meet daddy for lunch. While waiting for him to arrive Della enjoyed her very first baby-seat swing ride and attempted to catch a few ducks. When chased, the ducks would run off of a bulkhead and land in the lake ... Della attempted to copy the maneuver and was very displeased when I wouldn't let her go swimming.

We went to the Zoo and enjoyed having the place nearly to ourselves. Della very studiously looked for each animal I pointed out but remained very serious and quiet until we hit the playground, at which point she simply headed off on her own to explore ... mommy's not required. 

 Her favorite discovery was the plastic slats that cover the entry into one of the exhibits ... there was quite a bit of in & out ... 

 Little spider ... big web

And of course there was a slide ... 

We also enjoyed some down time where Della practiced her reading skills, block building talents, and appeared to transition from a baby to a toddler right in front of my eyes. 

Della ... thanks for spending the week with your mommy. I enjoyed every minute of it.