Project Toddler Bed

Evie helping to put her new bed together.

The official furniture assembly man...

Evie checking out her new bed.

After a rather sleepness night on Friday, worrying if Evie would escape from her crib and either a) hurt herself or b) get into something harmful, we went to Babies 'R' Us and bought her a toddler bed. We set it up in her former playroom since that room was more "baby proof" than her actual nursery (no lotions, lamps, etc.). We took out all the noisy toys and only left books and "quiet" toys. She did remarkably well her first night, sleeping in 'til 8 a.m. We think she enjoys having the freedom to get in and out of her bed by herself. She is more independent each day. Our baby is growing up too fast!

Springtime Tallahassee Parade 3/27/2010

Evie is ready to watch her first Springtime Tallahassee parade!

Evie especially liked the horses.

There were "krewes" from all over Florida, which hands down had the best floats. (Not really sure what a "krewe" is, but the people on these floats sure looked like they were having a great time!)

Evie clapping and wearing her beads (and no, she didn't have to flash anyone to get them ;-) )

Blake was very excited to see Darth Vader and some Jedi make an appearance.

That was really fun, Dad!

Ninja Baby

So I put Evie down for bed at 7:30 last night as usual. I went to our room to change into my pajamas and wash my face and hear Blake say, "Babe, did you put Evie in her crib?" to which I reply, "Of course I put her in her crib. Why?" just as Evie turns the corner into our bathroom.

I was floored.

Turns out that our 19 month old daughter can now climb out of her crib! And fast! We put her back in the crib and stepped outside the room for less than 10 seconds and she was out again! I had to rock her down for the first time in months just so she would stay in the crib. I really was not anticipating her moving into a real bed so soon, but obviously we can't let her keep climbing out of the crib. I couldn't sleep last night worrying about her climbing out and hurting herself or getting into something dangerous.

Now the question is, should we put her in a toddler bed or just go ahead and get a twin for her? Thoughts? Opinions??

Fun with Pudding

One weekend, Blake set Evie up with a cup of chocolate pudding and page from a coloring book. The pictures above are the outcome of this experiment. Needless to say, Evie thoroughly enjoyed herself!

Look-a-Likes

Blake (right) with his brother Ken, circa 1983

Evie, December 2009

If there was ever a doubt of my daughter's paternity (and there never was), there is no denying who her daddy is now. She has looked like a female version of Blake since the day she was born, something that has only grown more pronounced as she has grown into a toddler. Her hairline, the color and shape of her eyes, her nose, even her teeth are so much Blake that I sometimes wonder if there is any of me in there! On Saturday, she was grinning at something and she had this twinkle in her eye. I was taken aback at the expression because it was like I was looking at Blake. Genes are truly amazing.

It makes me happy that Evie looks so much like her dad. I have the pleasure of seeing that wonderful smile on two different faces. She even has his laugh and sense of humor. She is a living, breathing expression of our love for each other, and I like to think that she's gotten the very best of both of us.