Miss Independent

I always knew deep down that Haley would someday walk, and would do so independently. I knew she would walk without a cumbersome walker or holding out hands. But the uncertainty of how long she would be tethered to someone or something remained a mystery……an agonizing mystery.

She began taking independent steps several months ago, but still required us to be near by to hold her hand to go any significant distance. Today she has proven that she can walk independently wherever she wants to go. We have known that for a long time, I think she just lacked the confidence that she could actually do it. Her teachers at school have been telling us how much she walks at school, but this is the first that she has done this much walking at home.

We ate dinner at my mom and dad's house tonight and she just started walking a little farther and a little farther. Then she walked down the hall to her bedroom, then to the kitchen, then back to the living room. She continued to do this for over 30 minutes. Walking. Completely. INDEPENDENTLY. For. 30. Whole. Minutes!!!!!!

Here is a short video of her showing off her independent walking. The noise she is making is her imitation of a chicken….”bok, bok, bok”. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did tonight!!!!

Time Flies……

……when you have a busy toddler.  I was just looking back at the blog and was appalled that I have not posted in 2 MONTHS!!!!!!!  Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s have come and gone.  Hopefully I will be more diligent this year in updating on Haley’s progress.

So, what has she been doing?  Her speech has really REALLY improved.  She is saying more and more words, some of them very clearly, and even saying some 2 word phrases.  Of course, true to toddler form, her favorite word is “no”, but she says a cute, high pitched “doh”.  Its cute for now, but I’m sure the cuteness will fad soon.  My mom got a really good video of her talking, but she is in the bathtub.  I had thought about posting it here, but then decided against it….too many creep-o’s out there.  Maybe I can get another video in a more modest setting LOL. 

Speaking of the bathroom area, we are trying to up the emphasis on potty training.  We take her to the potty every 2-3 hours to “try” to potty.  Sometimes she goes willingly, other times we have to bribe her with her favorite treat, mints.  She has not “produced” yet, but she is at least warming up to the routine.  I put “big girl panties” on her for the first time yesterday and she promptly peed in them.  At least I know she won’t tolerate being dirty.  She immediately whined and cried to be changed.

She is becoming more and more mobile.  We all totally think she could walk wherever she wants to, but either is too afraid to, or just chooses not to for some reason. 

Christmas was very fun this year.  I think she actually “got it” somewhat this year.  She knows who Santa is and that he brings presents.  Says ‘ho ho ho” every time she sees a Santa now.  Her big present was a train table, which she absolutely LOVES.  She could spend hours playing with it I think. 

For those of you that I did not manage to get Christmas cards out to, I apologize….just ran out of time…but here is our belated card from our family to yours:

Well, those are pretty much the highlights over the past two months.  I leave you with a few pictures….enjoy!