16 months (whew, not 16 years yet!)

A sunny day in Seattle and an extended afternoon nap means I have a little time and enthusiasm for blogging a bit. Toriana really protests when I use the computer, usually insists on sitting on my lap, and then proceeds to hit so many buttons that the machine goes into shock or some other useless state!
So a few random observations, questions and things that have made me chuckle as I've lived a Mom's life this week.
1) As you learned already, I enjoy hearing unusual kids' names. The kicker was at story time at our library Thursday (attempt #2 - it was just as out of control as the last time when I went and vowed to never go again!) ... at any rate, poor little Deuteronomy is going to have to learn to write her name when she gets to kindergarten. No Joke. Her sister Naomi has a much easier road ahead!
2) We look forward to playdates with our new N. Seattle baby friends ... this fall we will get to welcome Brazill twin girls in September, a Smith boy in October, a Gunter baby in Nov. and a Nap baby in Dec. ... That should mean it'll be easy to find accompaniment on our Green Lake stroller treks!
3) A clerk at TJMaxx said to her co-worker "I've worn a skirt for the last week and my legs still aren't tan" to which her co-worker replied "But you've been working inside ... " Did she really think... ?
4) The center of a gift wrap roll - the big long cardboard tube - is a fantastic toy, good for many many minutes of toddler enjoyment!
5) So far I've come up with a bag of hair scrunchies, stickers, and lift-a-flap books. Please share other ideas for keeping a 16 month old busy at convention!!! Chelan's just around the corner.

So Toriana and I went to see the new Woodland Park penguin exhibit - here she is making a grand introduction ... I was amused that they pulled in a Latin American band and the members all dressed in white pants and black jackets and looked suspiciously penguin-ish.

Mike, Tawn and Gwyndolyn visited one weekend ... what fun to have a playmate!

What a cutie pie!

Sun shining in Seattle ... nice! The next weekend ... Mother's Day ... here's my little munchkin making fish lips and NOT wanting to stop for a photo with Mom !

We did manage one family photo before she took off again

So, we've got a little climber on our hands ... she asks to be held and then promptly wants to climb onto the counter, table, or whatever high surface she can now access from her new perch in your arms ... so this video is NOT one to show your kids if you've successfully taught them that crawling on the counter is illegal ... as for us, well, it provides entertainment so it is occasionally allowed with close supervision! For your viewing pleasure ...