So inspired was she by the muscles, the motion, and the sheer athleticism on display at the Beijing Olympics, Lily J. could not help but drag her parents straight to the local Y, sign up on the spot, and start running, bouncing, and swimming her way into peak physical toddler form.
Here she is in a brand new suit, gearing up for her first swim at the Y.
Tooth number seven is on its way in!
But don’t worry. There has been a little bit of brightness in this cloudy, toothy, painful day.
The hat, although silly, is totally necessary today, because it is currently 47 disappointing little degrees in Tacoma. However! Lily has all but mastered the art of walking, AND she’s actually eating solid food three times a day, AND she learned how to clap on Monday. AND she’s a very good cuddler on these cold, cold nights.
Though little (sorta big, actually) Lily still prefers mother’s milk over most other forms of sustenance, she is taking to our daily solid-food experiments like ants to a picnic. Many thanks to Grandpa Frank for helping us elevate these primitive repasts to somewhat more high-class affairs. Before G-pa Frank came around with the high chair, food mostly got sat on. Sometimes crawled on.
After G-pa Frank’s generous purchase, I dare say we’re having civilized meals again. Here is Lily, enjoying her first beet.
Well, well. Lily has officially been out of the womb for as long as she was in it, plus some odd days. She has changed so much since she was a zygote. Now she “cruises,” walking along with the aid of couches, milk crates, window ledges, and when I’m on the carpet in the baby pit, my knees, back, shoulders, or hair. A few times she has even let go of all aids to balance and managed to stay upright for a moment on her own. But she’s too quick and my camera is too slow, so here she is on her nine-month birthday, using the couch for support.
Teeth five and six are ready to push on through, despite my prayers for a reprieve from such painful signs of progress. Praying, pleading, begging, or no, the forces of nature will not be squelched.
I thought I’d try to get a photo of the offending (though awfully adorable) incisors, to this effect:
Finally, here is the young wild one, come to confiscate a camera:
Teeth have been cut, baths have been taken, high chairs have been purchased, and food has been eaten. Sort of.
To catch you up, here is Lily…
taking a leisurely bath,
antagonizing a cat,
eating some egg,
basking in a sunbeam,
discovering the world outside,
and taking a much-needed nap.
That’s it for now. Could you really handle any further cuteness?
