New tricks while we're on our own

This week Josh has been in Paonia without us.

The first morning he was gone when I went to get Piper after she woke up she looked around and cried. She wanted her Daddy. I was not who she expected, he has the morning shift. I didn't take it personally, I understand. I missed him too. But we've made it through three days and two nights on our own and have some new tricks to show Dad in the morning.

Her crawling is getting more pronounced. On her hands and knees she rocks back and forth and has even take a few "steps" in that position.

It's a bit of a pathetic effort, but Piper has also been waving. When parting from Aoife and our friend Krissy she takes her arm and does the wave movement without fully lifting her arm.

It's pretty stinking cute.

Aoife told me she did it to some of her little friends up at Shumei today

when they came up for a visit.

In general Piper just seems more alert in the last three days.

She's in her body and eager to MOVE!

She's playing on her own quietly but also lunging off my lap to grab at books. Taking her to the post office is a bit of a struggle, as she's grabbing for what's in my hands

as I'm trying to maneuver the load.

She's all over the place these days.

Here she is crawling to Aoife

She crawled right out of the frame!

This new tick is wonderful. The whining on the floor has lessened immensely.

She can reach her own toys.

And she's pretty excited about that.

And I'm pretty proud of her.

Aoife

We've hit the jackpot.

Meet Aoife.

Aoife will be watching after Piper a bit during the week so I can get in some office time. Seeing as Piper isn't much into large chunks of daytime sleep, the whole work from home plan has been a bit stressful as of late. But already, just days into training - I'm relieved and excited for Piper. Within 30 minutes Piper took to Aoife in a very big way. Maybe it's the accent (she's from Ireland) or maybe its just Aoife is just so much fun! The difference in Piper is astounding. Her little time with her new friend has opened her world and suddenly she's smiling more in public and even reaching to be held by strangers. She naps for her like its nothing and other than some..ehem...projectiles today - all went smashing! Aoife's care for Piper is so touching. She even checked in later today make sure she was okay.

Piper shows Aoife her tree across the street. Boy this kid loves trees!

And here are some shots Aoife took while I was hanging a new art show up at Shumei.

I know, crazy amounts of toys. What can I say?...she takes after her Dad.

Ya, she's happy. And we are too!

Sweet Pea in her Pea Pod

What we really need...is more baby gear.

I laugh at myself now, I had been so determined not to have the kid stuff take over.

But when they're here - well that is a different story.

The next chapter in our tale is of more travel and adventure. After the first trip we took it was obvious we needed some kind of bed to travel with. Something we could camp with or take back east. Something we could get Piper used to ahead of time. After much research I got a Pea Pod. So far its a hit,

now lets see how she sleeps in it.

More Family

The house has been a buzz with Grandma Kane, Aunt Kim and visits from Grandpa and Grammy. Then Aunt Amy came! Aunt Amy drove all the way from Denver to see Piper for a couple of hours, just to drive the East Coast crew back up to Denver.

She came bearing tub toys and jammies- Thank you!

Piper was full of smiles.

She and Aunt Kim really had a chance to bond, it was so sweet. Kim could get her to smile and giggle in a flash.

Piper's first "peek-a-boo" experience was very exciting. She could barely contain herself!

Aunt Amy hearing bling was at the rage came decked out and ready. Took Piper a moment, but she obviously remembered her and thanked her with a big slobbery kiss.

And the giggles just kept coming.

Piper is getting to that point where playing and interacting, sounds and tickles are all just so fun she can't contain herself.

6 Months Old

Piper turned 6 months old this last week. I can't believe it. She's a different child, and so quick! So many changes these days. The tub crawls have given way to living room explorations. I fear childproofing our home, filled with not so child friendly items, is going to be quite the task. But it has to happen, and soon. Right now we're in the middle of a Grandma Kane, Auntie Kim visit. Days are filled with smiles and good food.

Not a bad way to welcome the fall and Piper's half year birthday!

So there are a lot of photos to go through, so I'll start with the... early crawling efforts...

Piper drags herself across the floor to get to my wedding ring.

Bling is the ultimate motivator.

But sometimes she just motors around on her own.

So proud!

Here is a great little series...I caught Piper discovering the newspapers in the coffee table.

Pay no attention Mom, I'm not up to anything.

Just out of reach.

For now.

Lounging with Ansel after such hard work, showing off the super awesome sweater Cousin Betsy knitted for her. Perfect for this early fall chill.

So Happy!

Aunt Kim!

Toys and Bling!

She's doing raspberries - this is the beginnings of it.

Its happening on and off as commentary through the day.

Piper has a new chair at the dinning room table. She loves being a part of the grown up action.

And loves eating! So far she's loved everything we've given her.

She even calls out if we don't feed her fast enough.

Just hanging with toys in the living room.

Some sitting practice.

Jumperoo with Gramdma, fun times!

And a pretty dress Grandma brought.

Snazzy new hat from Aunt Amy, perfect for an afternoon walk with Grandma.

Another super cool hat came in the mail from Aunt Amy. Thank You!

And then...

Finish the day off with some Butternut Squash

Yum!