It Was The Best Of Times, It Was The First Of Times!!

Since Easter weekend, our schedule has been packed.  We have been fortunate enough to spend quality time with family and friends and to experience some new firsts with L'ie Bear!

In April, the Shafer Family came to visit.  Their daughter, Elizabeth, had a softball tournament nearby and we were excited to spend the weekend with them.  After watching E play softball, we headed over to the nearby playground with their son, Matthew.  It was great to have him there, because L'ie is a playground novice.  She had previously enjoyed swinging in the baby swings, but that was the extent of her experience.  Matthew quickly showed us around and then demonstrated how to properly go down a slide.  Then is was L'ie Bear's turn.  She was very hesitant at first, but it was not long before she realized how fun a slide can be.

                                       

Unfortunately, that particular weekend ended with another first for the Bear...a stomach bug!  (I promise that I will not post any photos of this milestone)  Over a period of 24 hours, L'ie had a fever of 103-104, she could not keep anything down, we had multiple outfit changes, along with multiple carpet cleanings, and all she wanted to do was sleep in our arms.  Watching her go through that was horrible, but I have to admit that the cuddles were very nice.  

Also, in the past month, L'ie has mastered the art of pulling herself up to standing.  One afternoon she was playing by the coffee table.  I went to put her bottle in the kitchen and when I got back into the living room, she was standing up.  I couldn't believe it!   She refused to do it again for another week or so.  But now she can pull herself up with anything.  She particularly likes to use our legs for support.

Of course, with all of this mobility, we have discovered another new development.  L'ie enjoys being on the move and does not want to remain still.  Especially during diaper changes.  And boy is she strong!!  On a regular basis, we wrestle to get a diaper on the her and if we are not quick enough, a naked Bear escapes!!

Those milestones were great, but two of my favorite moments from the past month occurred in May.  First, we took L'ie to Glen Echo Park to ride a carousel horse!!  Once it was our turn, I placed her on the horse, strapped her in, and waited for the ride to start.  As the horse began to move, L'ie seemed very uncertain and scared.  Her lower lip began to quiver and she was on the verge of crying.  But then she suddenly relaxed, unclenched her hands and enjoyed the rest of the ride.  It was very fun to watch!

And this past weekend, we met up with the Ackermanns and the Bloughs in Washington DC for a picnic/playdate.  The National Mall was a perfect backdrop, the weather was gorgeous, and the kids all seemed to have a great time.  L'ie enjoyed seeing Baby Jack, ate a ton of Ritz crackers and loved Sophie's kite.  I look forward to many future get-togethers as the kids get older.

   








This has been a busy, exhausting and wonderful month!  To sum it all up...These were far, far better things we did, that we have never done before; and it is a far, far better future that we look forward to, than we have ever known!!