Iris Walking?

She's not walking yet.  However, it would appear that this child will be taking off in the near future. At various times over the last few days she has let go of what she is holding on to, stood for a long time, and even tried to take a step forward. Part of me can't believe she's trying to do this when she is only 9 months old. On the other hand, I'm glad primarily because Ainsley and Iris are starting to play together. With Iris able to walk, she'll be able to keep up with her big sister and they will be able to bond and play together even more. Ainsley, watch out!

On a separate note, I took Ainsley to Lockeland Design Center, where I am student teaching in Kindergarten, for their family math night. She had a blast and we were able to share some one-on-one time together. I needed that after yesterday. She had woken up from her nap and was really sad. She came and curled up in my lap and didn't want anyone else to be around me. I just held her for a while, not sure of what was wrong. I finally asked her if she wanted to come with me to get the mail. Her response was "Yes, because I'm sad." I asked "Why are you sad." Her reply, "Because I missed you all day." Talk about melting your heart in an instant. Thus, it was great to bring her with me and let her feel like a "big girl" at school, helping her mama. Jenny (the amazing Kindergarten teacher that I have had the wonderful privilege of sharing a class with for the past 8 weeks) was so sweet to let her be there and allow her to play with the puppets and read her books. Ainsley also helped clean up afterwards by picking up all the glue bottles and wiping off the tables.

After Family Math Night, I decided that Ainsley and I should do something special. We stopped at the drive-thru of McDonalds and picked up some shakes to bring home. Once we got home, we enjoyed them with my Mom while watching American Idol (my mom's favorite!). If I had been following my normal routine, Ainsley would've had to go to bed immediately afterwards because it was already past her bedtime. I'm learning though, and sometimes you just have to be flexible and enjoy life. I was having too much fun with her to let her go to bed! We did exercises in the floor, giggled (a lot!), rolled into each other, and then read several stories.

I can't fully explain the change when you become a mother, but it truly has been the best thing that has ever happened to me aside from marrying the love of my life. I am reminded each day of how truly blessed I am to have this amazing little family.