Tantrums

We experienced our first real tantrum the other day. Daddy was sleeping, but I had to go in our room to get clothes to go out with Clara. She followed me in, and started exploring a little. I told her we had to be quiet, and she complied by putting her finger up to her nose and lips (more her nose than lips) like Mommy did, saying "shhh". She was doing fine, so as I got dressed, she moved around to my desk. She saw the keyboard. No problem. She pressed the Ctrl key, which can't hurt anything, and it woke up the monitor which had her picture on it, so she was happy. But as soon as I was done and wanted to leave, she didn't want to stop pushing the Ctrl key. I stood at the door and said come on, a few times, not wanting to be loud about it and wake up Dad. She wasn't moving. She had her hand on the keyboard and she was looking over her shoulder at me, in blatant defiance. So I started counting, which usually gets her attention. "1...... (nothing) 2..... (takes hand off keyboard and turns to me)....... good gir-- (she turns back to the keyboard and starts BANGING!!)" So I pick her up and remove her from the room. INSTANT fit throwing!! She turns bright red, starts screaming and kicking, then bawling. It was amazing. I placed her in front of her own "keyboard", but that makes her angrier. So in trying to keep everything calm and quiet for Daddy to sleep, I instead created the biggest commotion I possibly could have. Wow.

Wonderful new development on the feeding front. PAPER PLATES! So easy to clean up! Ok, why didn't I think of this months ago?? Feeding Clara has never been easier... or has it? Paper is much easier for her to dump upside down and then throw off the tray. I guess using no plate was easiest... but she's gotta learn somehow! At least that's what everyone keeps saying...

So Clara is a walking fool. She is getting faster and steadier. When she gets super excited, she wants to run. That doesn't quite happen for her yet, but she tries!

In addition to knowing what sound Cookie Monster makes (she growls when asked or when she sees him) she now tries to bark like a dog. It's a closed mouth, very small dog bark, but it's so cute!!

Partying is hard sometimes...

Our family celebration for September birthdays was today. It was really awesome; laid back and relaxed. I tend to think of Clara as old enough to handle long stretches of excitement like I do... not so! Alex is out of town, so I was on my own getting everything ready and packed for the long (haha!) trip to Mamaw and Papa's house. Got her up around 8:15 (she was actually already awake, reading her book in bed and repeatedly kissing Elmo :), eating breakfast and heading to the store. She was yawning before we even left, so I knew I had to make it fast. Remembered I had to go let Alex's mom's dog out for the morning, so we ran and did that, then hit Albertson's. We cashed in the pop cans, which Clara just loves! After doing some quick shopping for the things on my list (ripped in half by the little peach!) I remember I have to refill my perscription... TODAY. So we have to wait while it's filled, then the checkstands have some long lines, and our quick trip turns into an hour and a half. Clara is a trooper through it all. We scoot home, I put her down for an immediate nap, make the food that I need to for the party, and sit down for something to eat myself. We go to the party around 3, which means Clara skipped her nap. Once inside Mamaw's house, Clara sees her 2 month old cousin Maggie, and is so excited she SQUEALS!! Scared Maggie half to death and she starts crying, which in turn makes Clara a little upset. Poor thing! All night was a great time of showing off her new walking skills, sitting in her cousin's bouncy chair (fun!) and eating big people food. She didn't ever get a nap in, but she really kept her composure as best she could. Inside was pretty busy, so when she got fussy, taking her outside to sit on her blanket and eat a banana seemed to help a lot. When it was time to go home, she snuggled in her car seat with her new Aflac duck (thanks Auntie Holly!) and her blanket, and was asleep before we even got off my parent's driveway. Parties are fun, but they sure take a lot out of a little party girl!

We have a walking girl!!

Clara's been taking steps for a few weeks now... mostly in falling. On Thursday, however, my ONE day off during the week, she decided it would be the day to begin! I was so thrilled, and made her keep walking back and forth, from couch to chair, to subwoofer, to coffee table, to Mama! She got so excited too... she squeals and sings while she walks with her hands up in the air. She's still wobbly, and quite slow, but something that doctors had concerns over is finally a reality, and I should have never been worried about it to begin with. She makes me so happy!!