Walker, Texas Walker

A couple of years back when I worked for the American Heart Association’s National Center, my department participated in the Heart Walk. This particular year, we had what I thought was a pretty clever team name - “Walker, Texas Walker” a play on “Walker, Texas Ranger.” Get it? Maybe you had to be there...

Anyway, I’m happy to announce that Matt and I have our very own Texas Walker! Yep, Patty’s walking!! She started last weekend and is now up to about six quick steps in a row before she proudly takes a seat and claps for herself. I can hardly believe how quickly this kid is growing up!

To my Gran’s horror, we decided to let her learn to walk sans shoes. We did some research and learned that babies learn better when their bare feet can grip the surface and they aren’t bogged down with those big, high-top walking shoes! And, they’re so unattractive! I’ve yet to find a cute pair!

From System of a Down to Strauss (and most things in between)

Matt and I have a pretty eclectic taste in music; we love all types - everything from Blind Melon to Beyonce. In fact, the only genre we both find intolerable is Country! Neither of us has ever been a fan of classical music either (although, working for the opera wore me down a bit and I did begin to develop a slight taste for it). Having Patty has really encouraged us to add classical music to our already diverse mix since we don’t want to limit her exposure based on our preferences (except for Country – I have to draw a small line somewhere!). Besides, it’s pretty relaxing and really seems to calm her down when she’s being a grouch.

We make it a point to play a mix of R&B, alternative, classical, pop, rap, folk, etc. during Patty’s bath time, while riding in the car, cleaning the house, playing and so on. She seems to be developing a taste for music because she now dances when a song she likes comes on. She even dances when I sing (this makes my day because it’s pretty rare that anyone finds joy in my singing)! Her favorite song from my voice box is “Weenie Man” which was taught to me by my very own Aunt Gwen! I know I’ve made this claim before about other actions of Patty’s, but her dance moves are the cutest. Hands down. Okay, so she really only has two moves, but they’re solid folks!

I haven’t been quick enough to get footage yet, but as soon as I have some, you know I’ll share.

The Sniff

When Patty was about 4 1/2 months old, her grandma taught her this cute little sniffing thing. She gets her face all scrunched up and sniffs. Lately, she's been using it to get out of trouble. When we catch her doing things she shouldn't, like grabbing Bassey's fur or pulling things out of my purse, she'll start sniffing because she knows we think it's so darn cute. I got a picture of "the sniff" during dinner a couple of nights ago - please excuse the carrots!

The New Work Weeeek!

Recently, my employer implemented a 4-day work week to offset rising gas prices. This may not seem like a big deal to some, but it’s H-U-G-E to me because it means that I get to spend one extra day with the Princess, Patterson Pearl. It also means that we can give grandma a day off!

So far, my off days have been busy with errands, but at least Patty and I are together. Take last Friday, for instance. We left the house at 10 a.m. for shopping in Rockwall (there went the gas savings!), then we took Bassey for a groomer appointment, visited a prospective pre-school (yes, my sweet will be going to pre-school in the Fall – I’m tearing up just thinking about it), went grocery shopping and baked birthday cupcakes for my Aunt Gwen. Yes folks, I said baked! From scratch, I made Buttermilk Cupcakes with Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing. I got the recipe from the Food Network's “Down Home with the Neely’s.” The cupcakes tasted even better than they sound, the recipe was ridiculously easy to follow AND it only makes 12 cupcakes so you have enough to share with friends, but not enough to get yourself into trouble…unless you double the recipe, but that’s a different story!! So back to our “day off,” we ended the night with my Aunt Gwen’s birthday dinner and finally made it home around 10:30 p.m. I’m thinking we’ll make next Friday a day of relaxation! But whatever we do, we’ll be together!

Oh, the little things…

Last night, Mattie and Patty spent the evening playing in the backyard. Strapped snuggly into the baby bjorn, Patty paced the yard with “Da Da.” It seemed as if they watered every blade of grass (Matt has become a bit obsessed with the lawn). From time to time, Matt would sprinkle her with water and she’d giggle like her life depended on it. He’d do it again and she’d giggle as if it were the first time.

I didn't grow up with my father so it was extra special watching the two of them and an excellent reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things!

Choppers!!

About three weekends ago, an 8 1/2 month old Patty had two firsts: her first two teeth finally came in and she was sick for the very first time. She began gnawing on her hands at 4 months old and, naturally, Matt and I thought she was getting teeth early. Now, four months later, she has the most fabulous Pearly whites! Against the will of their owner, we're brushing them daily. Ironically, now that she's sporting two new teeth, I haven't been able to get a good picture of her smiling! I've been chasing a perfect "new teeth" photo for weeks!

Fabulous First Fourth!

Patterson's first Independence Day celebration was perfect! On any given night, she's usually cranky by 7:30 PM and asleep by 8:30 PM - you could set your watch to it! But on Thursday night, she stayed up until 10 PM, which was perfect because fireworks were getting started a day early in our neighborhood. We took her outside and she stared in amazement at the light show for a couple of seconds, then a car drove by and it was much more interesting than those silly, spectacular fireworks!

Matt and I ended up staying awake until 3:30 AM getting ready for our July 4th cookout. (We seemed to have forgotten that we are almost 30, but our bodies hadn't - we definitely paid for it the next day when Patty woke us up at 7:30.) We celebrated with Matt's family and Patty had a great time soaking up attention and jumping from Grandpa to Auntie Christy to cousin Seth to Uncle Marlon to Dad to Auntie Alex, and so forth. She followed my mother-in-law around the house most of the day, cruising right past me - the woman who birthed her! Once, she even cried to get to Grandma! Can you believe this kid? (see Grandma and Patty, top photo)

The next day, Patty and I went with my brother, Ryan, shopping for his trip to Florida. By Sunday afternoon, Patty was pooped! The photo to the right (bottom) says it all!