A Visit from Erika

My niece, Erika, left yesterday, an event which included going to the wrong airport, getting stuck in traffic on the way to the correct one, and barely making the flight. After about a week and a half of dusting, ironing, scrubbing wallpaper glue off of our kitchen walls, doing dishes, mowing the lawn, and helping make dinner, you would think that she would be ready to leave. However, her trip also included a few trips to Marble Slab Creamery and Braums (which left me ready for an ice cream fast, not to mention a couple of pounds heavier), watching movies most nights (she saw her first R-rated movie -- The Patriot), painting until almost 2am one evening, and becoming addicted to Timothy's computer games. Over all, I think she had a good visit. We enjoyed having the extra help, and I enjoyed having someone other than Kristen to talk to at night while Timothy was working.
I think that Kristen was wondering where she went because she kept looking around today during lunch, as if she thought someone was missing. She probably misses the extra attention and love that she received from her cousin.

This was such a cute scene. I had to take a picture. Daddy and daughter brushing their teeth.  

Look, Mom, I'm Standing!

The past week, Kristen has been letting go of whatever she has used to pull herself up. She can only stand for a couple of seconds before she falls on her well-padded bottom. (Diapers are good for more than one thing.) She has started to do this more and more often, and, yesterday, she tried standing up on her own (without pulling up on or holding onto anything). It was a mostly unsuccessful attempt, but it was admirable, nonetheless.

All Conversations Lead to K

Well, those of you who know me know that I used to be able to hold an adult conversation without once mentioning a child's name. Since almost 8 months ago, I have become incapable of performing that once-simple task. All of my conversations eventually lead me to relate an anecdote or other update about my baby girl, K. If all roads lead to Rome, all conversations (at least mine) lead to K.
Now, you may wonder how I could relate a topic as broad as, say, world news, with plenty of other avenues of discussion to pursue, to a little girl whose whole world revolves around me (and vice versa). Well, believe me, it is possible. Yes, that is right, I have become one of those parents who talk about nothing but their kids. So, instead of trying to avoid the inevitable, most of my postings will blatantly be about Kristen and her latest achievements. Consider this a warning for those who get sick to their stomach when people's musings are solely focused on their children.