The Thing About Saying Cracker Is

You better darn well have an actual cracker to back it up.

Already Walking the Walk. Starting to Talk the Talk.

Roxi's latest and greatest walking skill is being able to get on her feet solo. Previously, she would need a hand, table, toy, cat or something to pull up on. Then she'd get her balance. Then off she'd toddle. A few days ago, she learned how to stand up all by herself - no props necessary. She goes from sitting to hands and feet to standing in a matter of seconds. Bada boom. And yowza, that girl can move FAST.

And guess what else? She's starting to talk.

To be fair, Roxi has been holding lengthy conversations in her own language for quite some time. Her vocabulary now includes a few understandable English words. She mostly mimics them but will occasionally pop out with them on her own: Daddy, bottle, cracker, breakfast, kitty. It is unspeakably cute.

Taking lovely walks in the park.

Strolling ...

Concentrating ...

Using Daddy as homebase. Roxi usually takes a sharp turn as soon as she gets to one of us, prefering to either continue her walk or plop down of her own volition.

Walking is the coolest!

Chomping Action

Roxi's right front tooth broke through her gums yesterday (or at least we first noticed it yesterday). That's a grand total of four chompers now. Look out prime rib!

As far as her eating goes, I was starting to believe that she was French. The girl would eat only fruit, bread and cheese. It was surprising that she didn't ask for a nice chardonnay to accompany her meals. But we've had a breakthrough. Now Roxi wants to be eating whatever is on our plate. She gobbled down refried black beans on tortilla bits last night. Earlier this week, she enjoyed some naan and chicken tikka masala (minus the sauce) from our favorite Indian restaurant. Still no luck with vegetables, but hey ... one thing at a time.

Flying with Dad.

Balloon is one of the words that Roxi now understands. She points to them everywhere: grocery stores, restaurants, playgrounds, books and magazines.

We're always trying to get pictures of Roxi's teeth. This photo shoot was as unsuccessful as the last ... but she sure is cute, huh?

Roxi's buddy Josie celebrated her first birthday in fine style - at the local Gymboree, an indoor play center for wee ones. Roxi and I go to Gymboree on a somewhat regular basis. She loves exploring and watching the other (typically older) kids whirl around her. The whole place was rented out for this birthday party, though, so it was a special treat for the sweet girl to only have to share it with her bestest pals from playgroup.

One of the games involved a giant parachute. All the kids got on top, while the parents pulled it in a circle. Roxi is on her hands and knees - the furthest to the right.

This was followed by a giant whooshing and scooping everyone under the parachute.

It's amazing they kept their party hats on as long as they did.

Licking the sliding glass door?

Still the funniest thing EVER.

All I Want for Memorial Day

... are my two front teeth.

About two weeks ago, it became apparent that something was happening in Roxi's mouth. Our magnificent sleeper started waking up every night - sometimes twice a night - needing to be comforted with snuggles, a bottle and occasionally some Tylenol. No big deal, but not typical Roxster behavior.

Last weekend, we had our proof. Her left front tooth had broken through the gum ever so slightly, and it looked like the right wouldn't be far behind.

As of today, lefty is making fine progress. Righty still hasn't made an appearance, but you can see it lurking just below the gum. It won't be long! Roxi has been a champ throughout (as always) - only a few doses of Tylenol needed so far.