Learning and Growing

Not only is she trying to escape.

But she may be choosing a new or additional "lovie"

She has her "kitty" that hangs out in her bed. But these days she wants 

"Oliver" all the time. He's even been going to the doctor with us.

Fort in the living room.

(a/k/a operation distract Piper from her ever present teething...)

Which includes morning ventures to the park.

There is a very friendly kitty there.

Who loves hugs!

The teeth continue to bother her a lot. And she's still sticking her finger in her ear. 

We have an early morning doctors appointment tomorrow to follow up.

BUT

She's picking up her tub toys when she's done in the bath and understands so many words she can now point out a ton in her books. She can even help with cleaning up the living room!

"Piper can you please get me the red ribbon"

and off she goes...

She's still not saying much, but she understands so much its a bit scary.

Gettin' There

Please, no photos.

Things are looking up around here. An upper molar is on the move causing some issue.

But the ear seems to be better.

We'll know more at the end of the week with another doctors appointment.

But for now sleep seems to be better, the clinging is less, 

and activity is up!

Dear Sandra stopped by with this sweet little purple chair for Miss P.

I'm trying to catch her, she flings her leg over the arm rest -

but every time the camera comes out she moves.

Okay. Maybe not on the mend...

Tough times over here.

We are just back from the Doctor again and wouldn't you know it.

The double ear infection she had lingers in the left ear.

Two Molars have come in and she's sporting a cold.

So more meds.

great.

Coughing.

and coughing and coughing and coughing

As soon as she goes down to sleep (which takes awhile these days with the ear)

she coughs herself awake. 10 minute naps all day.

One 10 minute nap that is.

So we have an overtired, pained toddler on our hands.

Fun times.

I have to say though, for all she's going through she's a trooper.

I even get giggles out of her once and awhile.

All she wants to do sometimes is read. That kid is probably getting 2 hours of reading time day!

I don't know what I'd do without Grammy and Grandpa and a very involved Daddy.

They make it possible for me to get a breath once and awhile which is so so vital.

I find my well of patience knowing I have their support through this time.

It takes a village.

And while we wait it out, we'll do what we can to ride the wave...

Like finger painting the dishwasher with a teething biscuit.

Or *gasp* hanging on the counter helping Mom cook.

(she found a love of raw onions *shudder* I didn't offer, she grabbed and loved them!)

Until she stood up

and then operation "Distract Piper" had to be redirected to much safer ground.

Is this over yet?

nope.

Not yet.

On the Mend And In Need Of Dancing Music

Easter

Luckily Piper's medicine did some magic before Easter.

Josh's Jujitsu Sensei and his wife got Piper her Easter dress. She rocked it!

What did the Easter Bunny bring Piper??

Early building toys that have entertained Piper AND her Daddy.

And edible crayons, finger paint, and sidewalk chalk.

All wheat free, dairy free and vegan :)

Vegetable and spice based. Kinda cool!

Still rather early but when its basically an artistic salad, why not?

Grandma Les made Piper the most adorable Sheep named "Beep"

Josh used to call Sheep "Beep"

Grammy and Grandpa came for brunch and we had a lovely meal.

Afterwards they took Piper for a little walk.

And who should come when she was gone?

The Easter Bunny!

He left eggs filled with toddler gummy bears!

Once shown how it all works Piper was a natural in Easter Egg Hunting!

In the bucket!

Ooo...she sees one!

Watching her walk around picking up eggs and putting them in her basket...so sweet.

What was also so sweet were those Gummy Bears.

Too sweet.

She'd put them in her mouth and spit them out.

I'm still finding gummy bears stuck all over the house.

Peas, Green Beans, Broccoli?

Heaven.

She's taking after her Aunt Charlie in that regard.

She'll throw pasta and chicken out of the way to get to those peas!

A special moment enjoying a book with Grammy and Grandpa.

Very inquisitive.

And demanding books all day!

She'll track me down, book in hand and cry until I read.

The dishes can wait Mom!

Lately the Raggedy Ann doll Grandma Les made has been showing up all over the house.

Molars and First Ear Infections

To say it has been a rough week would be an understatement.

Piper started getting up in the middle of the night screaming unconsolably.

For hours.

Then she wouldn't go to sleep. Wouldn't nap.

The child who doesn't want anyone near her when she falls asleep,

would only sleep on Daddy's chest. He loved the snuggles, but something was wrong.

Short fuzed and overtired we didn't know if it was the two to one nap transition, developmental, teething, or what.

I suspected an ear infection, but with no visible signs what do you do? So off to the Dr. we went.

Dr. Wheeler said it was bad. And we had an added bonus.

Her molars are coming in.

We are 24 hrs into meds and already seeing some improvements.

She's a tough cookie.

Before this week's storm hit we had a lovely day in the park last Sunday...

Walking Walking Walking

It's her preferred mode of transportation these days.

Aunt Amy sent some books that went a long way in making her feel a little better.

We let her open a few Easter things early to take her mind off the pain...

Late To The Party

A couple of weeks ago was Jonah's 1st Birthday.

Before the party Piper took a nap. She's been trying to move herself to one nap a day. Striking naps and lengthening the one she's got.

Upon waking (and at diaper change time) she likes to look at the painting Jonah's Mom Sarah made for her for her Birthday...

It's of her swinging in the tree across the street.

There's an owl, and the mountains, and she loves it.

The party was a "wild things" theme and we were told to dress accordingly.

So, her purple ball gown from Aunt Amy (as well as the well loved lace pants) and the jacket from Laura with the bunny ears it was.

Jonah loved her outfit.

Sarah had made edible finger paint.

And seeing as I was instructed by Aunt Amy to let Piper do "whatever" in this purple dress

So we got to work!

But one taste and Piper was over it.

So she danced on every one else's art work instead.

Piper knows all about balloons now.

So she showed Jonah.

And danced some more.

So we then stripped them down because it was getting a bit out of hand.

Food time.

And it was an "eat on the table" kinda party.

(don't worry the table was a foot off the floor)

So Piper joined in.

And being a crazy warm day we decided a dip in the pool was in order.

Fun times!