9 months going on 2

Apparently developing opinions is one of the first developmental steps in a child's life. Ironically enough, becoming "submissive like unto a child" seems to only apply to adults. I guess I never got the memo that I'm the clay, not Carli. As you can guess, Carli never gave in, so I've spent the week being the one to deal with the "cold turkey" quit (physically, emotionally, etc). It didn't seem to affect her much - I guess that's a good thing. It must have been an easy decision for her to make, it sure was a quick one. If only I could get over it that quickly. . .

I realized that this is the first year ever that back-to-school has had little to no effect on me. It's kind of exciting! But, it has made me miss teaching a little bit too. We have had a few changes though. I just started working with a program for autistic children. I am training to be a therapist and I have loved it so far. I work with a 4-year-old boy who is adorable and I've already learned a lot. The training hours have meant that Carli has gone to play at other people's houses, and she's learned a few new tricks. She's on her knees more often (thanks to her 10-month-old friend), working on pulling herself up, and today when I was playing the cello she was dancing! It was the cutest! Luckily, after next week she and her dad will have some quality time while I go for just a few hours a week.

Our sleeping schedule has been somewhat interrupted with the Olympics. We can't get enough of them and we'll be sad when they're over on Sunday. Those athletes are all so amazing. It's made me think though - would I ever want my children to dedicate their lives to one thing like that? I haven't decided yet. . .

A Snapagus on Strike

The concerned look of a Snapagus on strike.

How has she been wronged? Workers' rights violations? Mistreatment of Snapaguses?

Sources say it could have been brought on by any number of situations - teeth, hormones, self-weaning - but the Snapagus isn't talking.

This is the second of such movements and most likely will not be the last. The last was successful and her demands were met with complete surrender.

Unfortunately, only one side can win in these situations, and the past record indicates the victor is sure.

(Hopefully this one doesn't last as long as the last one. Any suggestions? She insists on using a sippy cup, not even a bottle, and even further, she screams if you try to help her, she has to do it herself. Is this a vision of the future?)

Another Carli Video

You might find this boring, but watching Carli feed herself is one of my favorite pastimes.

Finally something fun to look at. . .

I finally got new batteries for the camera, so here are some updated pics and a video.

I was trying to get a picture of Carli's two little toothies, but she insisted on putting things in her mouth right when I clicked. Is there a sense of humor in those eyes, or what?!

What a cute little grin with her daddy's grooved chin!

This is the how-are-you-going-to-react-Mom look she gives me when she's doing something she's not supposed to. I had just cleaned up her room and left for a second only to come back and find her emptying the shelf again.

This is a video of her army crawl. She's just started to rock on her knees and to try to pull herself up on things. She's moving right along!