Spring has sprung

Such a proud little girl...and excited, too! The weather warmed up to almost 60 today, so after a loooonnngggg winter, we finally got outside. Lily went wild!

The minute I told Lily she could actually step over the threshold of the door, the spot normally only crossed in the safety of Mommy's arms, she smiled from ear to ear. It got better and better. As she walked outside, it was like Christmas all over again. A slide! A swing! A picnic table!

Lily quickly mastered the rock climbing wall up to the slide...the spot she didn't even know how to pull up on when I put it out there. She beamed as she stood at the top, so proud of her accomplishment. She went down the slide and began climbing right back up it. Minutes later, she climbed to the top of the "big girl" picnic table (to Mommy's horror!!).

As if this weren't enough, I had another trick up my sleeve, a new (used) wagon. The rest of the afternoon was spent climbing in and out, working the door and riding around the block. As soon as Lily learned that standing up while moving was not allowed, she stood up over and over with a big smile each time. I couldn't help but laugh to myself...imagining a smiling girl of 16 sneaking out with the car keys.

The first day my little girl walked, climbed and played in warm spring air...a day to remember.

A battle of wills

Over the last few weeks, I've told you about a little bit of 'tude that Lily has been developing along with her walking. Little pushes to signal you're in her way and head (or whole body) shrugs have become a staple in our house. Today, she upped the ante. My little angel officially found her stubborn streak and I have a feeling it's here to stay.

It all started with putting away toys. Or the lack there of. Lily didn't want to and showed this adamantly with head shakes and by stomping away.

No biggie. I brought her back and asked again. This time it escalated to throwing her body against the floor and some tears.

Still no biggie. I asked again. This time it was war. Daddy was there and Lily was going to get him involved. No luck... so she did all that she could do...my little angel turned into a green eyed monster.

She kicked. She screamed. She threw herself on the floor. She cried like I've never seen her cry before... Cries of terror! Remaining cool has never been so hard.

Alone, Lily would've given up quickly, but this time she had an audience. This went on for at least 10 minutes. It felt like years.

Finally, Daddy persuaded her into placing a single block in the box by making it a funny game. Game over, right? Wrong. I try to hug Lily and she emphatically shakes her head no and instead marches over to hug everyone else.

Team Lily=1, Team Mommy=0. Who taught who the lesson?

Finally, Lily gave in and let me hold her before bed, but she occasionally looks over at me as if to say, "remember what you learned today." This whole parent thing might be a little harder than I thought. ;)

Growing up girl

I can't help but love all these precious pictures of my little girl sleeping. So peaceful and cuddly. Everything's so perfect in the world when she decides to climb up in my lap and snuggle, falling asleep in the perfect safety of my arms.

Lily has grown so much in the last few weeks... Really becoming more and more her own little person. With walking has come confidence and a little attitude. Watch out world, here she comes! If you get in her way, she'll let you know by pushing you out of the way. Such a funny experience to have a little munchkin letting you know you're in her path.

Lily's still sweet as ever. She gives hugs and kisses in pairs, never kissing one person without including the other. She also babbles incessantly totally expecting that you understand every word she says. She is absolutely the light of our lives.

Video: Lily Walking

By popular demand... Lily walking :)

We do not eat crayons...

It took everything in me not to laugh. Thank goodness they were washable and non toxic!

More sleeping adorable-ness and other Lily fun

I know everyone's probably sick of seeing pictures of Lily sleeping, but I just can't help myself. She's just too darn cute. Today, I woke her up, though. So... this might be the last one for a while. Lily needs her beauty sleep!

Lily's new love? Coloring! Crayons are her favorite thing ever and now we're conquering the task of teaching her where to color! So far, the toilet cover, cabinet and couch have all fallen victim to her newfound hobby, but a new coloring book should help.

Our girl is still a huge climber, too. At play/band class this week, she climbed a ladder on a slide that was twice her size. She's the only kid able to do it! The other Mom's were looking on terrified that she was going to fall, but she pushed on and got to the top herself. She also loves to climb Grammy's rocking chair-- Grammy is NOT happy!

But something Grammy is happy about? Lucky and Lily-- best buddies. :)

Sleepy Girl

Lily's been walking so much she wore herself out... She took TWO naps today!!! Highly unusual.

It was a nice day, though (45 degrees), so we headed out to the zoo. For the first time ever, she really noticed the animals. She pointed at the camels repeatedly and smiled. If only I knew what sound a camel makes...

After the zoo, Lily napped in the car and we had dinner at Grammy's with the Trunsky family. Lily did great. It took a little while for her to warm up, but once she did, she walked with Jami, played ball with Lily (Trunsky) and even discovered Grammy's baby size rocking chair (pictures to follow). By the end of the night, she was even walking up and down the step with Lily's help. She's normally very shy, so seeing her blossom with new people is such a joy.

Can't wait to see what tomorrow holds! :)