17 Months

The bumps and bruises continue as we strive for greater economy and efficiency of movement...a real struggle for the mastery of locomotion.

Alexandra took a header off a lawn chair cushion she was playing on. Though the cushion was on the ground, the brick pavers were hard enough to cause the bruise you see on her forehead. My parents' dog, though sympathetic I'm sure, found opportunity in her misfortune to reclaim the cushion as a bed of his own.

Annellice has managed that fine shiner by tipping over her walking/riding toy. The first time she was trying to get off the toy by going over the handle bars. Turns out the toy wasn't designed for that much weight over the front and it tipped her over. The second time the toy slid out as she tried to take a wicked fast corner. Both times the toy popped her right in the eye.

Both girls manage to fall hard on their diaper padded bottoms. Sometimes the thud is so loud and the jolt looks so severe that I fear compression injuries to the spine...at least I know that is what it would mean for me. Luckily enough they are none the worse for wear. Matching skinned knees from running and stumbling outside complete the picture.

Clothes have become an interesting exercise of trial and error. In girth, both girls are quite comfortable in sizes as small as 6 months. In length, however, 24 months or bigger is most appropriate. If we match for length, the clothes won't stay on. If we match for girth, pants become shorts and dresses become belly shirts. Occasionally we pick the right combination and we feel like a winner for the day.

The girls have mastered some knew skills such as saying and waving bye-bye; they can locate their heads, eyes, mouth, and ears; they understand open and close, yes and know; they can carry their used diapers to the trash and throw them away. But no new skill is as funny or interesting to them as is the ability to put their finger(s) up their nose...and ours.