Do it MYSELF!

Persistent, obsessed, manic...these might be the words to describe Claire's new found insistence on independence. Any attempt to help is met with foot stomping, eyebrow scrunching and an adamant - "I do it myself!!"

The latest battle of wills is over zipping up the coat. I'm doing my best to leave time before outings so Claire can work it out herself. Most of the time, with a bit of time and patience (usually needed on my part), she succeeds.

Self-sufficiency here we come!

PS - Are you all tired of photos of Claire in the snow? Mother nature dropped another 2 feet yesterday and I'm wondering if I should post ANOTHER snow man entry. I think I need some topic ideas here...

or maybe I'll just post a video of Claire playing her favorite new game, "Baby Bird." She flaps her wing and runs around the house skipping and shouting "tweeeeeet tweeeeet! I a baby bird!" Heehee.

Bubbles!

The word “bubbles” is one of Claire’s favorite things to say. She loves to watch bubbles floating down the creek near our house and is thrilled to play in tons of foamy bubbles in the tub. Claire squeals “BUBBLAS!” whenever she sees ‘em.

Claire was really desperate to try blowing some of her own bubbles outside. As a result, I got to see a little of that toddler frustration everyone has warned me of. Claire was trying so hard but mastering the long exhale with pursed lips proved tough for her.

Did she want her mommy’s help? Nooooooooooo!

   

So I stepped back, and let her experience some frustration as she tried to figure it out herself. With a few foot stomps later (and much flying spittle) she did manage to blow a bubble – just one. It was enough to make her happy though and I quickly filled the yard with some for Claire to chase after. Crisis avoided.

In Praise of the Humble Avocado

Oh Happy Day, I have found something Claire is super enthusiastic about eating!

Here are some sweet pictures of her chowing down on an avocado. In addition to being loaded with tons of good fats - it comes with its own serving container! Although I don't have any dishes to wash it seems someone needs there hair washed, oh well.

I was a bit skeptical about avocado since I hate guacamole, but even I enjoyed a sample of today's dinner, I can only describe the taste as "neutral," there didn't seem to be an overwhelming flavor at all. Claire ate nearly a quarter of the fruit, which has to be the most solid food she's ever had in a sitting - I'll let you know what her diaper looks like tomorrow!

It's been a while since I posted about what has been on Claire's menu. Some of her favorite things right now include sweet potatoes, inch long macaroni (shared with Daddy of course), carrots, cheeries and bananas.

Pears, prunes and pureed foods top the current "yucky" list. Claire loathes being spoon fed unless it's something we're eating. Maybe she's suspicious we're feeding her mashed cave crickets? :-)

It seems these first finger foods are a "taste" of independence for her, and they make for some fantastic photos. Want to see more avocado photos? Click here to view the online album.