Week 45-February 23-March 1-On Wednesday, we drove over to our friend's house, Melanie and played with her two daughters, Mikaela and Naomi. Melanie and I packed all three of you into her minivan and drove to Mount Baldy. The idea was to have you play in the snow, but it was so foggy and windy that we didn't even get out of the car. It worked out though because by the time we got up the mountain, all three of you were sleeping. Going back down, was another matter. You began to cry and I didn't know why, until I felt my own ears pop. I figured that was what was happening to you. So I gave you water from a sippy cup to drink while we slowly wound our way back down the mountain. Each time you wailed, poor Mikaela cried as well because her ears were sensitive to loud noises. Naomi slept through it all.

On the 24th I realized that your hair is now long enough to really brush it for the first time. Each time you go through a change, such as from hairless to hair, I think I am going to miss what was, but I find myself so enamored and taken with your new abilities that I am too overwhelmed to miss the past. I find myself too stimulated with the present.

You love to move things like our laundry drying rack, our kitchen stool and rugs. It gives you a sense of strength, independence and control. Your assertiveness is beautiful and we wonder if it is a baby developmental thing or a personality thing, only time will tell.

You are now standing up for longer periods of time. Your little legs and feet are growing so strong, as is the rest of you.

Your teeth are so sharp right now-like razors-if something is in your mouth and we need to get it out, it hurts! Lately, when you are sleepy, you have wanted to be held and not put down, so I am holding you a lot.

I have been getting you ready for bed a little later than usual, and so, when I lay you down on the bed to change your dipe and put on your pajamas, you cry and fuss. It is hard for you to lay down when you are so overtired.

You intentionally go where I ask you not to go, such as the fireplace, near the computer cords and to the head board of our bed where you like to scratch (it makes the worst noise!). You are very independent now, you can play alone for long periods of time, although you and I both like it better when we play together.

One day I was looking for a toy that you had thrown. I looked everywhere and couldn't find it. After watching me for a few minutes, you crawled over to the dresser and reached under it, and got your toy. Needless to say, I was amazed! You knew exactly what I was doing and when I couldn't do it, you helped. You also help me pust the stoller and grocery cart when we are in the market. Mama's best helper!

One day we needed to go somewhere in the car and I had so much to carry, so I put you in the stroller and carried everything else to the car. When I took you out of the stroller to put in the car seat, you began to cry and I realized that you thought we were going to go for a walk. I apologized and now never put you in the stroller unless we are going to go for a real walk. I had no idea until then, how much you truly enjoy them.

You are fearless. It is a trait Papa admires very much. Even when Zed growls at you, you just continue doing what you do! Your toys are being spread out much more than ever before. I find them in the far corners of the house which tells me that you are becoming more and more mobile.

My baby is growing up so quickly. We love you so much.