Trouble afoot

The crib bed has been lowered

Milepost

Less than two weeks after Claire crawled for the first time (July 1st, to be exact), she pulled herself up into a standing position. It happened yesterday. Our babysitter called Sarah at work to inform us of the feat. Claire was playing in her playpen at the time, grabbed hold of the top of the side and -- viola -- was suddenly standing.


This morning, it happened again. Twice. I was sitting crosslegged on the kitchen floor. Claire crawled up to me, put her hands on my legs and hoisted herself onto both her feet. She looked me directly in the eyes and started sticking out her tongue.


Sarah is now speed reading "The Happiest Toddler on the Block." Cause that's what she's starting to look like. A toddler.

Wedding belle

Last weekend, we drove 2 hours to a wedding at a remote, forested ranch south of The Dalles. Claire came with and tried to steal the show.



Now firmly entering that separation anxiety phase, Claire let few wedding guests hold her. She eventually got those watery eyes and trembling lip even in Robin's arms.



About the only person she allowed to hold her was Ryan, and that's because she was fascinated with his beard.



Later, as Mark and Carol exchanged vows, Claire began hollering, as if cheering the couple on. Sarah tried to quiet Claire with a pacifier, but Claire would have none of it. She hollered right over it. Someone standing next to me whispered: "It's a beautiful sound. Let it go."



Afterward, someone mused that the next time I attend a wedding, I could be giving Claire away. Hope it's not that soon.