Walking changes everything

Our middle has always been the snuggliest baby we have.  She still would sit for hours in my arms just to nuzzle and cuddle.  I am not going to argue with that.   This disposition lead her to be less than impressed with our decision to have baby #3.   We knew this, but her increased vocabulary has given us a few supporting clues.

First, when we told A around February that we were getting an exchange student to live with us and we were going to pick her up, she told Brendan "Not another babyyyyyyyyyy."  Whew, she sure was pleased with the woman that came.  College age, could read, write and did not steal any lap time from her.

Then, as R transitioned into a walking and talking baby, A said "R is a toddler.  That is much better than baby.  She can now come with me to daycare."   Huge step because I have been talking about this potential transition (B to school, A and R to daycare) for approximately 8 months.  Two months ago it became a possibility.   

Well, R has been walking for at least 4 months with her first steps falling around Christmas time.  She is a complete trouble making machine (as I hear is typical for third children in this family).  We have a bar height table.  She crawls right up on that bad boy.  She enters her cars Dukes of Hazard style and prefers to stand on things that rock, swing or have wheels.  A particularly likes this spunk. 

Last night,  the girls were supposed to be SUPER tired.  They went swimming and all gave it a full workout.   They were whiny and hungry in the car and really mellowed out with a huge imagination bedtime story in the car.   Well, hunger won out.  We had dinner #3 at 8pm.  Then the fun began.

B and I were taking care of some business. The other two could be heard giggling and running.  R would run into the room and sure enough here comes A chasing and imitating her walk.  R found that hilarious and tried to walk in a completely different way.   A would mimic and run away.  In and out, shutting the door between each appearance.   B was so very patient, she would hear them coming and crack the door and welcome them back in.  This happened for about 15 minutes.  Running, playing, laughing.

Finally A stopped R and said "thanks for being so funny.  Kiss me."  Then she said "get to bed so we can rest and do this again tomorrow.  I love you sister."   Whew.  R has finally earned her sister merit badge.