Back To the Grind

I'm sorry if I don't sound like my usual, cheerful self as I write this post today. I'm feeling a little low because, after six weeks of staying home with Mommy and me, my daddy had to return to work this week. He says it hurts him more than it hurts me, but I'm not so sure about that. I was really enjoying the way Mom and Dad took turns caring for me during the day. They each have their own special ways of feeding, changing, loving, and playing with me, but I kind of liked how they mixed it up. Mom does a good job and all, but I sure miss my dad when he's gone. Mom says we'll go downtown to visit Daddy for lunch each week, so I'm really looking forward to that. In the meantime, I eagerly await Daddy's return home each night so we can cuddle, play, and talk about our day.

So, that reminds me, I've been talking a whole lot lately. Most people think I'm just babbling and cooing, but according to my parents' books, I definitely have my own baby language. I am especially vocal when I want to play. I love to look at faces, including that of my new, singing Leap Frog toy. In addition to talking, I am smiling up a storm. Some people might think it's gas, but I'm definitely smiling (with my eyes and mouth wide open)!

I smile the most when Grandma Jan talks to me. She came to visit me last week. We went shopping ALL day and I was so good. I'm a born shopper. It's a good thing because almost everyone I know likes to shop 'til they drop. I'm also an excellent traveler. Mom, Dad, and I took a trip to Southern Oregon at the end of last week. It was really fun (and hot). My parents were a little worried that the trip would be hard on me, but it was actually harder on them. They sure have to pack a lot now that I'm in tow! On the way there and back, I got to see my cousins Rubie and Brenden. Rubie and I were wearing the exact same watermelon outfit, so our parents took loads of pictures of us. The pictures are pretty funny because I'm still a little wobbly and Rubie thinks I'm a toy.

Later this week, I'm going out to lunch with my mommy and her friend. Then, this weekend, Uncle Chris and Aunt Nini are coming to visit. On Sunday, my Great Aunt Kathy from Idaho is coming to see me. Wow, I am a very lucky girl to have so many people to love me!