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.

Some Things That Make Roxi Laugh

• Tickle kisses, belly busters and raspberries
• Gentle somersaults with Daddy
• Licking condensation off the sliding glass door
• Unexpectedly running into a cat
• Full body peek-a-boo
• Getting away with chewing on something she shouldn't be (like sticks)
• Loud quacking from her stuffed duck
• Dribbling water out of her mouth
• Other people laughing

Strawberry Shortcake

Roxi has learned how to keep from eating food she doesn't like . . . It's so simple! Just spit it out! And if that doesn't get their attention, spit it out and then throw it as far as you can.

Mealtimes have become a bit of an adventure.

Rob and I have many ways of getting her to eat, and sometimes these methods are even successful. Begging doesn't usually work, nor does trying to convince her that X food is actually the most delicious morsel on the planet. Distraction has much better odds, and can include singing, dancing, flailing, whirling washcloths, cat herding, toy hijinks and trading bites of X food for puff treats.

This week, however, all our extraordinary efforts have been for naught. The girl will only eat grapes and strawberries. We fear she will start ballooning into a giant grape, a la Willy Wonka's blueberry girl. Or perhaps start asking for a big berry house like Strawberry Shortcake.

We're sure it's just a phase. Roxi will surely transition into a cheese-only phase soon just to keep us on our toes. And for now, we're enjoying her permanent strawberry scent.

A Nose by Any Other Name

We've been working on plenty of words with Roxi, through constant commentary as well as reading. She's not saying anything recognizable yet, but the glimmerings of understanding are becoming apparent. When we ask "Are you hungry?" she knows that food is coming and starts looking for a bottle on the coffee table (even though she ends up in her high chair half the time). And she knows the nose. Roxi will point to the noses of her stuffed animals when asked.

She also knows what "No" means - or at least the negative tone that accompanies it. Whether or not she chooses to follow the instruction is a separate matter.

Roxi's other new skill is unfastening her diaper. Impressive on its own, but even more so when she does it through her clothes.

And did I mention she's walking!? We still can't believe it, and she gets more confident every day. Our baby is ON THE MOVE. It's definitely time to babyproof the cabinets!

Making her way around the coffee table. This was just a few minutes before her first solo steps.

Playing in the courtyard at Rob's work ... after meeting him for lunch. Roxi is showing off her lovely tongue.

Roxi's tripod scootch in action.

Put One Foot in Front of the Other ...

She's walking! She's walking! Roxi took her first steps this very afternoon at about 4:30 p.m. She's been getting more and more adventurous with her furniture cruising, and today she took it to the next level.

Roxi's first wee walk spanned the distance between the exersaucer (which she had pulled up on) and me in our family room - about five steps. She repeated her outstanding new skill 45 minutes later ... and then repeatedly once Rob got home from work. We're beside ourselves. Roxi is, undoubtedly, wondering what the big honking deal is.

So far, walking has been limited to when Roxi is holding two toys. When she has a hand free, she reaches for something - us, the coffee table, a kitchen chair, Teton, etc. - to stabilize herself. But when the hands are occupied ... well, I guess she finally got tired of waiting for people, pets and inanimate objects to present themselves. Go girl, go.

Interactive Monkeypants

A few of Roxi's newer skills:

• Pointing at things she likes, particularly the cats and her Dad, and shouting "Deeeesh!"
• Playing peek-a-boo (but never on command).
• Scooting across the floor. We call this move the tripod scootch. It's almost standard crawling, but Roxi only uses one knee and drags her other leg behind. The best way I can think to describe it visually is a moving runner's stretch.
• Intentionally trying to make us laugh. Roxi's favorite way to do this is to take a drink from her sippy cup and then dribble the water down her shirt. She's right, too. We're suckers for that trick every time.
• Cruising the furniture - standing up, holding onto the sofa, walking down to the end of it, moving to the coffee table, walking around it, etc.

Rob and Roxi take in the scenery, 360-style.

Tearing across the playground bridge (with some help from Daddy).

Diggin' the swings.

Wheeee!

C'mon, just one bite ...

Wow, is the park ever fun.

Teton and Roxi both love to play with sticks in the yard.

Roxi helps with the recycling.

They look like modern dancers, huh? That's Josie and Hailey against the wall, with Roxi providing crouching counterpoint on the floor. It was a very artistic playgroup.

Happy times on a lovely day.

Just try to make me eat more breakfast!

Creepy Crawlies

This winter has been a full-on germfest around here. Poor Roxi got nailed with another cold last weekend. Rob promptly caught it. I escaped with just a stuffy nose.

The good news is that every virus she conquers now is, theoretically, one less that she'll have to deal with in preschool. Or that's what we keep telling ourselves anyway. If you know this to be false, please keep that information to yourself, as we really NEED it to be true right now :)

Anyway, the cold was not as bad as the RSV experience. Just lots and lots of snot for the sweet girl - leading us to wonder how a body so small can produce so much by-product - and coughing. She's still a little drippy and sounds like a chain-smoker, but we're over the hump and looking forward to the healthy weeks (dare we hope for months?) ahead.

Roxi must have a bajillion toys. And yet there is nothing more fun to her than shredding a paper napkin. Other favorites: empty plastic containers, sticks, magazines, boxes and just about anything found in the bathroom.

Dentistry Loves Company

Roxi's bottom left incisor has been joined by its pal righty. The left one is pushing through more and more every day - actually resembling a tooth - and the right one has just made its way through her gums.

We've been going to swim lessons twice a week, which consist of assisted floating, singing and lots of splashing. Roxi loves being in the water. LOVES it. All the other kids are bobbing around like buoys because we were trying out life preservers that day.

Roxi gets her turn in a life vest.

Roxi (sporting a life preserver) and I with our pals Heather (playgroup hostess) and Josie (her daughter).

One hand is plenty for stability these days. She has also perfected a sideways walk, which she uses when her parents are facing the wrong direction when she's on the move. She looks like a wacky little crab.

Playing peek-a-boo at the coffee shop.

Tonight marked our first foray into the exciting world of macaroni and cheese. Hoo boy, the chow was flying. Roxi did manage to get a few bites in her mouth, in between rubbing cheese sauce in her hair and carefully dropping pasta bits on the floor. We all had plenty of laughs, and a bath followed shortly thereafter.

Roxi and her bud Josie at playgroup this week. They sort of play together now (as opposed to just near each other), and they definitely enjoy each other's company. Their moms feel the same way.

Roxi can't get enough of the kitties. They have either learned to be quick (Reilly, Iscah and Verna) or tolerant (Teton). Because she is after them constantly. Once she learns how to walk, it'll be a whole new ballgame. I predict lots of under-the-bed hiding.

Ain't life grand?

Roxi has always possessed a delightful joie de vivre. But it's getting more pronounced - or perhaps just more noticeable - all the time.

She'll be sitting on the floor. And one of the cats will sit next to her. Or she'll notice a plastic container. Or she'll find a Cheerio that the broom missed. Or she'll make a big splash in the tub.

Then she'll turn to you, wearing a big-as-Texas grin, with an expression that undoubtedly says, "Isn't this the coolest thing EVER!? I can hardly believe my good fortune. Check it out!"

And you can't help but agree that, yes, that IS the coolest thing ever. Her enthusiasm is positively infectious. I have a new appreciation for all sorts of things: bar coasters, window condensation, dirt clumps, my wallet, grout and tissues. Especially tissues.

Man oh man. Give Roxi a tissue and she's happy for a solid 15 minutes. She rips that sucker into tiny pieces, waving all the while, until it looks a like snow on the carpet instead of Kleenex. The trick is to stop her before she tries to eat any of it. Not unlike the park sand.

Pearly White

The excess drool. The runny nose. The constant chewing. It's all here, along with Roxi's first tooth. The tip of one of her bottom incisors pushed its way to the surface on Saturday.

This is excellent timing, since Roxi wants very little to do with mushy baby food these days. She's eating chunks of banana, peeled grapes, tofu, peas, sweet potatoes, cheese, rice cakes and just about any bread product. We're like Hansel and Gretel these days at restaurants ... just follow the trail of little food bits! It is excellent fun.

The teething has been accompanied by some slight fussiness on Roxi's part, but nothing like the 24-hour, feverish, tear-filled experience we were led to expect. She's her usual zesty self, just with a triple helping of slobber.

Again with the park shenanigans. Roxi is technically still a bit too small to ride in the rocking Triceratops pictured above, but that doesn't bother her a lick. Everything at the park is BIG fun to her, from swinging to teeter-tottering to digging in the sand. The trick is to keep her from eating the sand.

A new skill ... clapping.

Standing tall!

This is Roxi's preferred mode of transportation. We do many, many "laps" around the house like this, stopping occasionally for Roxi to inspect a cat, stray Cheerio or toy.

Roxi is sitting in her new, plush play area. Rob bought a carpet remnant for our living room to facilitate crawling, assisted walking and general wackiness. Plus, when Roxi loses her balance and comes crashing down, the fall is ever so much softer.

Playing some Daddy head bongo ...

Giddyup.

As if having her own blog wasn't enough, Roxi also has a roving band of paparazzi that follows her wherever she goes. This particular photo shoot was conducted in Estes Park over Presidents' Day weekend.

Happy .75 Birthday!

Roxi got a clean bill of health at her 9-month checkup (aside from the cold she's sporting - again). Still no teeth, but she got the green light to move on to more advanced food, like citrus fruits and anything moderately chunky in texture.

And here are the latest stats:

• 18 pounds, 4 ounces - in the 50th percentile for her age
• 28 inches long/tall - in the 85th percentile for her age

She's growing. She's happy. And she's got everyone at her doctor's office - from the receptionists to the nurses to Dr. P himself - wrapped around her little finger.

Roxi is all about standing up these days. Playground equipment is starting to get interesting.

More fun at the park. It's hard to make out from the picture, but Roxi and I are in a chair swing.

Because she's such a big girl now, Roxi has graduated from her Snugli front pack to this cushy framed backpack. We're looking forward to lots of hikes this summer.

Guk

Roxi's vocabulary, if you are imaginative and wish to call it as such, is expanding rapidly. Gone are the days of solid ba, ba, ba, ba, bas. Now she will carry on full babbling conversations, an example of which might be, "Ga goo. Bwa bee ya da bee. Oh. Guk." If you stand far enough away, it sort of sounds like English.

But her favorite word this week has been guk. Versatile word, this guk. It's used as an exclamation sometimes. Guk! It's used as a sort of affirmation sometimes. Da dee. Dee guk! Most of the time though, it's used as punctuation. Bwa bwa yo ya ba boh. Guk.

Another observation of ours is that when Roxi is upset, she usually says, "Maaaaa, maa, maaaa!" When she is happy, she usually says, "Da dee da da da!" I'm trying not to take it personally.

A few of Roxi's more impressive accidental "word" utterances include: glucose, abracadabra, kayak, I'm a duck, hi daddy and overnight. We can't get enough of watching her converse with her toys (sometimes at length). And nothing is better than walking into her room and being greeted with what sounds a lot like hi! Love it. Guk.

Roxi has learned how to turn her mobile on and off. We hear random melodies coming from her nursery all the time.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

It's been a germ-filled couple of weeks at the Tusselwupper household. Rob came down with bronchitis, I caught a cold and the sweet girl got hit with RSV. Because of the sneaky ways of viruses, it's impossible to know if all of us had variations of the same thing or three different kinds of virus funk. Either way, I am happy to report that the germ cloud has lifted. Antibiotics took care of Rob. I went through boxes of tissues. And Roxi got nebulizer treatments, which helped clear out her bronchial tubes so she could breathe - and therefore sleep - better.

For those of you not familiar with a nebulizer, it's a nifty machine that converts liquid medicine into breathable steam. It comes with a mask that straps over the patient's nose and mouth. Let me tell ya, there's nothing more pathetic than seeing your baby girl sporting what looks like an oxygen mask. Even if the mask is painted to look like a cute purple dragon, which Roxi's was. But the only part that really bugged Roxi about it was its volume; the sucker is loud, and it startled her.

Anyway, Roxi had to be strapped in to ye old nebulizer four times a day for 10 minute treatments. She's having her last treatment tonight, before bed, and we are all excited about that. Lest you be worried, the RSV was never serious. Roxi never had a fever, never had trouble breathing or any of that scary stuff. She was just clogged up and having a hard time sleeping. Otherwise - if you averted your eyes from the waterfall pouring out of her nose - you would have never known she was sick. She was her active, wacky, fun self ... what a champ.

Last weekend we took advantage of the deliciously sunny weather and went to the park. Roxi was ALL OVER the swinging action.

Roxi loved looking at all the other kids.

Roxi has officially joined the ranks of millions - if not billions - of babies worldwide: She eats Cheerios. All by herself. The look of concentration on her face when she grasps the wee O between her pointer finger and thumb, followed by the big grin when she lifts it in the air and (occasionally) puts it in her mouth ... stunning. Though I must be either the worst or most laid back mother in my circle of friends. When I mentioned that I was giving Roxi Cheerios, every last one of them said, "Oh great! Did you cut them in half first?" All the other moms were worried about choking their sweet peas. One mom even cut them into quarters. And here I am, throwing gigantic, whole Os at my baby right from the start. Oh well. Roxi never had a problem. She is a big girl after all.