This week was a bit crazy.  We’re leaving for Paris next week (and I haven’t started packing), I’m finishing up teaching for the semester, Dusty has Big Omaha, it’s Annabelle’s last week at daycare for 2 months, I’m hosting a bachelorette party, attending a baby shower and it’s Mother’s day this weekend.

I know staying at home with your child is supposed to be the ultimate wish for a mother but I really like Annabelle going to daycare.  The people there are great and all the evidence I see from Annabelle shows me that it’s really great for her. So needless to say, I was extremely sad when Friday came around and we had to say goodbye to all of Annabelle’s teachers.  I got a little teary-eyed.  I know Annabelle will have a lot of fun with me this summer but I know she would have had a lot of fun with her friends at daycare as well.

Annabelle has started walking. Okay, not exactly but she is walking with the help of a push toy she has at grandma Jane’s.  Here’s a video from last weekend of her new walking abilities. Just a couple of weeks ago Annabelle and I were at a friend’s house who has two kids and brought out her push toy for Annabelle to try.  It wasn’t a huge success. Annabelle was able to push it but it was too fast for her little feet and she was getting pulled right down.  Now, a few weeks later, she’s maneuvering that machine like it’s nobody’s business.

Our little lady is really cruisin’.  She’s moving from one piece of furniture to the next for support. And on occasion she even lets go and stands without support.  She’s not standing for too long, just a second or two but she’s most definitely getting some strong legs and growing in confidence.  Annabelle’s also doing a lot of squatting in between her cruising. Her current challenge is how to squat, scoop up a toy, stand back up and start to cruise again.

Speaking of walking, I get weekly email updates about how my baby’s growing and what I should be expecting.  In one of the last emails it said that it’s normal for baby’s feet to look flat and turned out and her legs bowed when she starts to take steps.  And that I shouldn’t worry about shoes quite yet, that walking barefoot actually helps strengthen the muscles she needs.  I wasn’t worried about Annabelle’s legs and feet but I have stressed more than once about what kind of shoes she should be wearing or if they were a must for learning to walk.

And how was my first mother’s day? It was like any other day with a child in your life, busy! I slipped away early Sunday morning to visit my grandma and aunt with my sister. Then came home to a beautiful card and gift from my lovely little lady and awesome husband. Annabelle also got me a hat that she painted at daycare that says #1 Mom. It’s adorable! I’ve become one of those moms who love anything that their kid makes, even if it’s ugly. We spent the afternoon at home and then picked up some take-out before heading over to Dusty’s family to celebrate with his mom and grandma.  Last weekend we celebrated Mother’s day with my family.  It’s still a little weird to think that this holiday is for me too.  As the day was approaching and we were getting cards for our moms it actually didn’t even cross my mind (well, not for a while).

And my last but maybe favorite update for the week, she’s working on giving kisses. Annabelle’s kisses involve her opening up her mouth and pressing her face against our lips. And these are the reasons I love our little lady. Her kisses are a bit wet and slobbery but it melts my heart.