Pump It Up, Pumpy

As you can imagine, I get to play with all sorts of toys at day care, even some that I already have at home. Take, for example, the swing. It was one of my very first big toys at home, and I used to play in it quite a bit. That is, until I got my bouncer; then my tummy-time mat; then my exersaucer. For the most part, the lowly swing now sits unused in a remote corner of our living room.

However, at day care, I am what some might call a frequent swinger. In fact, I am such a prolific swinger that I have figured out how to pump my little legs and torso so hard that I can make the swing go faster and faster. And, I know how to reach for the bar to stop the swing when I’ve had enough. Mommy learned all of this about me just the other day when she decided to let me revisit my old swing at home. Oh, you should’ve seen the look of amazement on her face when she saw me in action!

Then… just this morning, while I was playing on my birdie mat (that’s my tummy-time mat with an electronic bluebird that chirps and flies overhead), I showcased another of my impressive moves. While on my belly, I pull my legs all the way under my body so my little bottom goes in the air, then I propel myself forward. I can only go a few inches at a time, but my parents think this is definitely the precursor to crawling.

Other than these exciting advancements in my development, I’ve just been growing and learning at my usual pace. Is it just me, or do my eyes get bigger and brighter by the day? One of my day care teachers told Daddy that I am everyone’s favorite baby in my group because of how sweet and happy I am all the time. No joke. See, my parents aren’t just being partial when they say how great I am. I really am quite extraordinary.

We just came back from a wonderful weekend of merriment with my birth family. It has been nearly four months since we’ve seen each other! I got to see my birth parents, FIVE generations of grandparents, aunties, cousins, and lots of other lovely people who have been eager to meet me. As my wise Auntie Noellie once said (this isn’t an exact quote), A child can’t have enough love. The more love a child receives, the more she is able to give in return. Well, if that’s truly the case, then ya’ll are in for a big love fest because I am, quite possibly, the most adored child on Earth.

Back to my weekend: We all went out to breakfast, then to an old-fashioned pumpkin patch on Saturday. It was such a perfect fall day! Mama Ashley took me inside the petting zoo and I got to pet (and drool all over) a pot-bellied pig, and I even got to “ride” a goat while Mama Ashley held me. It turns out that I really love animals. I’m completely enamored with our cat, Norman. And I’m quite fond of Benji’s dogs, Ruby and Murphy.

Anyway, it was a very exciting and fulfilling couple of days. I’ve been a bit crabby since the weekend ended because I went completely off my schedule the whole time we were gone (hey, you’d be cranky if you didn’t nap for two straight days, too). But, I’m easing back into my usual routine and feeling a lot better because of it. Babies love structure, right? Unfortunately, my parents learned that the hard way.

Tonight, Grandma Jan is coming to spend a couple days with us. Tomorrow, I get to play hooky from day care and spend the entire day with her, all by myself! I’m looking very forward to the ensuing spoilage. Until next time… adios amigos.