That's Ms. Squirrel, if you please!

One of Franny's new favorite activities is being on look-out for who we have affectionately, and very creatively, dubbed Mr. Squirrel. Franny is also enjoying watching the birds, but nothing quite beats Mr. Squirrel. Throughout the day, we are continuously on the lookout for our new friend, and fortunately, he visits quite frequently and sometimes brings along a companion, which is always a welcome treat. Ironically, from the looks of some key equipment, I think Mr. Squirrel is actually a female... But she will remain Mr. Squirrel to us!

Wish come true

Since Monday, Franny has been going to the window, looking out, and coming back doing her sign for her Auntie Noelle. So, I've been telling her everyday, Auntie is coming on Wednesday. And this morning, to her tremendous delight, her wish came true, and they had tons of fun. She left just in time for lunch and naptime, since we have learned--from painful experience--that both are impossible if Auntie is anywhere near! Unfortunately, all afternoon, she repeatedly signed for her Auntie while giving me the saddest looks. All afternoon. Poor girl--she'll just have to wait until next week!

Franny sporting her Auntie's glasses

Book worm

Here's Franny kicking back with a good book. She loves to pull the cushion forward on the couch. Most frequently, it's to play peek-a-boo behind, but in general, she seems to just prefer it that way. I think of it as her booster seat for the couch.

Franny rides again

There was a day when I thought that nothing would ever top dogs on Franny's list of favorites . But I do think that horses are about to take over that lead spot. For months, Franny and Grandpa--Bampa in Franny-speak--have been making frequent trips out to the barn. Grandpa moved very slowly and patiently with her, and now, what began with only very cautious looking, has developed into enthusiastic petting, feeding, and even riding of horses. Franny, in her fearless way, didn't hesitate for a second when Grandpa pulled her up on Gator for her first ride. Ever since, horses have been Franny's passion.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of that first ride. But, Franny was so taken with it, it was only a short matter of time before I knew she would be back in the saddle again. Friday morning, during her morning snack, Franny pointed at the horse on her plate, looked at me very seriously, and very emphatically stated "Bampa!" At that point, I knew it was time, and we loaded up and headed out to Bampa and Mm-ma's (Franny's word for Grandma). And what a time she had! But who had the most fun, I'm really not sure...

Franny, using her sign for "horse" to request a ride


And they're off...




Franny and Bampa enjoying their ride


Franny and Mm-ma giving Gator a pat on the nose

Sweet nostalgia

On Monday, after Franny awoke from her afternoon nap, we settled on the couch for our transitionary wake up time, and before I knew it, she had drifted off again! It has been a long time since Franny has just fallen asleep in my arms. And, once I had gotten over the shock of it, I have to admit I relished in the sweetness of having her asleep against my chest, as she so frequently did as a newborn. It is one of the simplest, yet also one of the most serene and sweetest joys of motherhood. And on this particular day, a welcome cure for the Monday blues.

Perspective

Peek-a-boo--it just never gets old!