Duck, duck, duck....

Lilla has a keen eye for birds and when she spots one she eagerly cries, "Ducka!" In her world, all birds are ducks...whether they are robins or chickens or crows. What's funny about this is we rarely see ducks around here, so it's a mystery where she learned it. Lilla gets a kick out of the the ducks...or rather the chickens at Rowan's school: These chickens just wander happily round the school yard and a few turkeys and sheep are out back too.More of Lilla's words are slowly coming out. She says Dada, dog, and Ava. She says Maaaa-maaaa, but only when she's crying for me. She often points at objects so we will name them for her. I had a dream the other night that she was speaking in full sentences...but that of course is a long way off. I've got to remember to record some of these early attempts at language, so sweet and fleeting.

Lilla also recently took her first few steps on her own. She definitely looked pleased with herself ...probably didn't hurt that we were all clapping, smiling and cheering. Generally though she's pretty cautious and prefers to cruise along holding onto somebody or thing. She has attempted to head up the stairs a few times, and in this house that's a scary thing. Yes..there's still more baby-proofing to be done here.

And if you care to hear about the weather (I'm obsessed at the moment), it's still hot as heck. Days like this make me contemplate air-conditioning, but I really don't want to go there. After growing up on Cape Cod with its marvelous seaside breezes, I'm ingrained with the belief that A/C is a big no-no. I have however learned a new to me idea about managing these heat waves. Now I open the windows wide at night to let in the cool air and close them in the morning before the day heats up.

Please excuse me while I go eat some watermelon in front of the fan.