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.......