Thirteen Months

Well, our high-speed Internet is being temperamental again.  I managed to get this one picture uploaded, but then it decided to go on a coffee break or something and won't let me upload any of the other cute pictures I was going to share with you.  If any of you would like to call Roadrunner and complain for us, I'll be more than happy to send you the phone number.  Maybe if legions of Walt's fans weigh in, they'll get a little more serious about fixing the problem.  Ugh.

Editor's note:  Way to go, fans!  We're back in business . . . for now.

Anyway, so Walt is thirteen months old today.  I always told myself that I was not going to be one of those moms who gives my child's age in months forever.  I should just say that he's one, right?  I mean, I don't go around telling people that I'll be 367 months on the 22nd of the month, do I?  Well, no.  But then, my monthly achievements are more like getting the electric bill paid on time and remembering to change my contacts.  But when you're Walt,  new and exciting things are happening every month!  Like learning how to tip your sippy cup back! 

This may not seem like a big deal to you adult-types who have long been able to tip your own sippy cups, but if you're thirsty and Mommy's busy doing something else, believe me, it is a very big deal indeed. 

Some might argue that a thirteen-month old ought to be walking.  Well, Walt has never been one to conform to the narrow expectations of society.  He has decided that he will walk on his own when he is good and ready.  And apparently that is not yet.  For now, he is making good use of his push toys and the furniture to get around.   But don't let his lack of walking skills lull you into complacency -- the kid is fast!  Aunt Harriet babysat on Monday while I went to work and by the time I got home, she looked like she had just run a marathon.  She probably had . . . just around our house instead of on a course.  Walt had a ball with her . . . dancing to the Old McDonald CD she brought, playing funny Dutch baby games and pulling on Evie's scarf.

Ane speaking of Harriet, she is already sorely missed by one particular member of our family.  Poor Evie, who kept Harriet warm in bed at night while she was here, spent a good portion of last night walking around the house . . . little toenails click-click-clicking away.  I think she may be looking into some sort of Boston Terrier exchange program.

Finally, I have to brag a little on Walt's daddy -- he scored big points yesterday for Valentine's.  After dropping Harriet off very early at the airport, he went on to work, which I thought was a little strange because, as many of you know, Josh is not exactly a morning person unless there is running involved.  But then, he showed up back at home around 11 a.m. with the news that he was going to stay home with Walt for the rest of the day and I was going to the day spa for a facial, manicure and pedicure! 

Walt inspects the strange red things on the ends of Mommy's toes.

I arrived home just in time to join in on a quick trip to the park where we met and played with Jack and Maryn (13 and 23 months, respectively).  After putting Walty to bed, we enjoyed our lovely Valentine's dinner of filet mignon, goat cheese mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, and chocolate chunk bread pudding (which was fabulous, if I do say so myself -- let me know if you'd like the recipe).  All in all, it really couldn't have been a nicer day.  I sure do have it good.