What Does a Space Ranger Do?

Calm.

"Mom."

"Yeah, J?"

Silent.

"What does a Space Ranger do?"

This is a routine question, one he asks often. He knows the response. So much so that if it would be different in any word he calls me out immediately. 

He first asked it with curious imagination. Now, he asks and I sense he thinks there may be more to the answer. But perhaps the predictable response lets him feel comfort and that is enough. 

He always listens quietly. I always respond calmly.

He rarely asks more. But he has always asked again.

Steps

She took her first steps about two weeks after turning one. It was only one step at a time, holding on to support. 

Soon she was taking one step away before falling back. Still unsure she would crawl to where she wanted to go. 

One morning though I turned Mickey Club House on for her and J. She was all excited so I set her on the ground. With speed and confidence she took off about four steps toward the TV.

Now, this little peanut will try to walk again before considering crawling. 

Her stiff legs swinging out for each step are starting to soften with a bend in the knee. 

Her proud smile and stubborn determination make your heart happy as you watch her take steps. Her growing confidence and curiosity make me sad as a big milestone is reached. 

Life Lately - A Write31Days Challenge

I am so happy to be joining the Write31Days challenge again this year. 

Life lately has had me writing here less. 

Life lately has involved wobbly baby steps.

Life lately has had me writing for work more.

Life lately includes many, many super heroes.

Life lately includes tiny waves and big smiles.

Life lately has been trying to keep track of a growing Christmas list from Santa.

Life lately involved three new pairs of high heel shoes.

Life lately is moving too fast.

I hope to slow it down a little by writing more.

#Write31Days

Steps

What Does a Space Ranger Do?

So Big & Superman

It's My Party & I'll Cry If I Want To

Superhero In Training

This Little Lady

Messy Face

He Writes

A Simple Trip

Sprinkles or Cookies

He is Learning Math

Emerson is ONE

Happy happy happy first birthday beautiful!

Your sweet, stubborn, silly personality is really starting to show. You know and fight for what you want, giggle at your brother and rest your head while melting my heart when you are tired. 

You still do not like to be away from Mom and crawl to find me when I leave. You say "Hi-ya" and full wrist bend wave to greet people and recently started waving bye too. 

When you have your mind set on something, watch out if someone tries to break up that plan. You love to throw your head back in protest to be sure we know your not happy. You always get food in your hair when you eat and and are absolutely obsessed with baths. 

Emerson, you make our family so happy. 

Happy birthday, Peanut.

Five on Friday - Beach Edition

Today's Five on Friday is brought to you by my great desire to be on the beach again. I thought I would display my sadness to be away from the beach by showing my kids early morning reactions to being at the beach.
Actually I can't say being at the beach as much as just on the sand. And, I can't really say kids...really just Em.

Beach newbie. I snapped this pic before she realized the waves came at her and the sand went on forever.

A little later she figured it out ;)

Wait...not just her.

Later in the week.

I'm pretty sure this was the last beach day.

 More vacation pictures to come, with smiles :)