Walk the Walk

That's right - Miss Jennie Anne Mosca is walking! Well, she is trying really hard to walk as much as possible. She isn't a champ yet, but she is making fast progress. Her first controlled steps were on February 3rd, and by now she walks holding onto toys, usually can make it over a threshold without tripping up, and also can pivot and change direction when walking. Not bad for a newbie! She still reverts to crawling when she needs to get somewhere  fast, but otherwise she tries walking first to get places.

Just a few days ago, Jennie realized that she could cart her beloved Blankie around when she is walking (her Grammie's prediction came true!) It was so cute seeing her try to figure out how to carry Blankie and not trip on it. It was like she was giving Blankie a tour of the apartment. I can't upload more than one movie in a post, so you will need to follow this link to view it on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7VCWF6jDhg

I have to say, diapers make a great cushion for her little bottom! There are so many plops and drops down to the floor, and I swear she would be in tears more often if it weren't for that squishy padding on her tush. There is certainly something to be said for babies being durable and resilient. Nothing can knock this little girl down! She always gets right up and starts again! I wish I had that kind of drive and motivation. I mean, jeez, I haven't even posted to this blog in over a month! And to be honest, when I am feeling a little sore, or the weather is just a bit too cold, I totally bail on running. And my determination not to eat the Girls Scout cookies that just arrived? Forget it! Jennie, on the other hand, never gives up. She falls down, bumps her head, trips on her sock.... and still gets right up and keeps trying this walking business.

Jennie is quite dedicated to lots of other things as well. For instance, Jennie is very dedicated to not eating her vegetables. She puts on quite a show of it, too, with real tears, throwing her spoon, and dropping carrots on the floor. I try not to laugh at her plight, but it is hard not to. She can be such a drama queen. I wish there was a way to talk reason with a 14 month old. But, you know what? Soon enough I will be able to reason with her, and she still won't eat her veggies, I am sure! I suppose I shouldn't complain too much - she readily eats peas and corn and an absurd variety of fruit. She is generally a healthy eater, but I would love to see her eat a green bean...

Seeing the "eye of the tiger" in my little girl is really something special. Although she sometimes has that look of determination when getting into things she shouldn't (like trying to uncap Daddy's deodorant, or pulling out every plastic baggie from the box, or attempting to eat Mommy's chewing gum that she swiped out of my purse) she also has the "eye" when learning new things and trying hard to figure stuff out.  Jennie sticks her little tongue out when she is concentrating on trying to open my compact make up mirror. She has a devilish little grin on her face as she tries to climb up the wrong way on her school bus slide. She even grunts a little when she is reaching up on her tippy toes to get the items on the higher shelf. I hope that she sticks with it - this whole working hard, and learning, and being curious business. It is adorable, and amazing to watch!