WALKING!!!!!! and Matching

Elise walked for the first time today! We are finally getting over that huge plateau of waiting! Unfortunately neither Jeff nor myself got to witness this historic event but we gladly give that up in order for Elise to move forward. We are excited, relieved, and happy that this day has come- just a few days shy of 15 months (but only 13.5 months adjusted age!).

The big event happened multiple times (yes, multiple!) during her physical therapy appointment this morning. Ann, Elise's therapist, was able to walk with Elise to an item of interest- a toy box. Then, just a mere few steps away, she stopped. Elise, who was determined to get to a toy, purposefully (that's how I imagine it!) took those last 2 steps forward alone! Now, if we can motivate her like that at home- Jeff and I will get to share in the joy too. Knowing that Elise can't be tricked into doing anything she doesn't want to do, will probably make us wait for a week or two before showing off her new skills. The agony of more waiting...

On a more cerebral level, Elise is starting to match up her Leap Frog magnet animals (video provided). She grabs both pieces to make up one complete animal. Her little fingers need help placing them into the 'barn' in order to play music-- but its her mind that figures out what she needs. So smart-- I think we have a future neurosurgeon or rocket scientist living in our house.

Dear Elise....

Dear Elise,

I love the way you you wave when I tell someone 'bye' on the phone. I love the way you dance when I ask you if you want me to turn on some music. I love the way you squeal with excitement when we pull out the vacuum cleaner. I love the way you scamper to the bathroom when it's time for your bath. I love the way you want to kiss me every time we sing 'Rock-a-bye Baby' on the rocking chair. I love the way you want to help me turn on light switches when we walk into a room. I love the way you brush your hair before going to bed. I love the way your eyes light up and you say 'Dada' when you hear your daddy's ring tone on the phone. I love the way you point at the dog bowls when I forget to pick them up off the floor. I love the way you sleep-- legs curled beneath you and your bottom up in the air. I love the way you smile with your big toothy grin. I love the way you hand me each piece of fuzz or lint you find in the house. I love the way you are enthusiastic about drinking a glass of water. I love the way you look in your sunglasses on a sunny day. I love the way you hug our dogs when you don't know I am looking. I love the way you enjoy reading books with me before going to sleep. I love the way you make me see life in a new, refreshed, exciting way. I love the way you make me want to be a better person.

I love you for all of these reasons and millions more!

Love, Mommy

First Cold (boo!) and Talking with Signs (yea!)

Elise woke up this morning with her first cold. I guess we are lucky to have avoided one this long! The poor thing has a super runny nose. She's coughing and sneezing but trying to stay in good spirits. One second she's walking along the couch smiling and babbling, the next second she wants to cuddle on my lap. Unfortunately, she's on a nap strike-- maybe it's too miserable laying down. Hopefully it'll run its course quickly. We won't be running any errands today but will take advantage of the warm weather (61 degrees today) with a long walk. The dogs will be happy!

We continue to work with Elise on some signing so we can communicate better before she's speaking. Nana babysat yesterday and taught her the word and sign for applesauce. Well, its actually the word 'apple' but we are using it for 'applesauce'. Not only is Elise signing the word, but she's attempting to say it too! We'll count this as another word in her vocabulary! You be the judge in our video! Now that we can say and sign 'apple/applesauce', we have it for every meal and snack!









Just at lunch (about an hour ago), Elise signed and said another word! I asked her if she wanted more puffs (a favorite snack) but she signed the word for water and said 'wah'! Unbelievable! I've been signing water for months and unprompted, she signed it back to me! Wow! Elise is the smartest baby in the whole world! Sorry to all the other mothers out there....

Standing!!! Playgroups and Olympics

It finally has started! Elise is standing!!! Well, she stood just once but it means it's the beginning! Just this morning, Elise was pushing a toy around the living room while I was singing 'If you are happy and you know it, clap your hands'. She stopped to clap her hands- first holding onto her toy. Next thing I know, she lets go and stands totally alone, clapping her hands!!! In my world, it lasted an eternity but in reality, it was probably 4-5 seconds before she stopped and started walking again with her toy. Amazing.

We have officially survived Toledo's second snowiest February in history. I think we missed the #1 spot by a mere half inch but I can't say for sure. Regardless, I've tried extra hard to get Elise out of the house- not just for my sanity but hers too! The Wednesday before Valentine's Day, we headed over to the Hebeka's home for a playdate. George and Julie have three children: Thomas (almost 4), Eliza and Anna (twins, 2). Sonia Brujic also brought her daughter, Zoe (almost 2) over to join in the fun. Elise had a blast- mostly with all the 'new' toys but by watching all the older children buzzing around.



We also have joined a playgroup that meets weekly. This playgroup was recommended to us through Help Me Grow and is a structured 2-hour playtime. They meet from 12:30-2:30 so we had to duck out of the last half hour so we could make it home for an afternoon nap. Unfortunately we missed the snack and singing time. All the children are between 1 and 3 years old- although Elise is once again the youngest. Luckily she hasn't noticed the slight age gap and enjoys playing with all the other kids. She is secure enough to attempt to leave me in the dust so she can scamper off to play matchbox cars with the big boys or play in the kitchen. Elise thought it was hysterical to put the rubber peas into the cabinet. Luckily, Elise let me push her around on a little bike and to take her by the hands so she could walk. Guess she'll be needing Mommy a bit longer.





With the winter Olympics ending, Elise is looking ahead to competing in 2014. She is still figuring out in which event to compete. Her ankles have been taped so she can begin conditioning (her physical therapist tapes her ankles to provide additional support as Elise gets strong enough to walk on her own). Some events she has considered entering include:





1. Competitive Block and Animal Sorting (She loves to sit on her OSU potty and play with her toys. We are contemplating putting her potty away in fear that when she is older, she will refuse using it for her 'real business'!)

2. Downhill Stair Slalom (Elise has just mastered going down the stairs a mere 3 days ago. She is amazingly fast and has somehow avoided getting rug burn.) Elise will be working with a clothing designer who will design a uniform that will prevent wedgies!


We are ready for spring.......