Independent Girl

Well, we've had a very intersting development today. Alina can do stairs.

I kept taking Alina to the park this summer trying to get her comfortable with the swings, slide, and water. Some things worked and some things didn't. Ever since she's started walking she's been completely afraid or opposed to going up or down stairs. She's been going to daycare since late August and they go to the playground, but the area she plays in doesn't have a big slide just a baby baby slide.

Well, apparently that along with her confidence has resulted in a confident young lady.

Yesterday, I took the day off becuase I had to go to the doctor. I got her out of the daycare early and we went to the park. Alina went into the park and was having the best time. She wanted to go swing. She wanted this swing and then she insisted that we switch to the other swing and then back to the previous swing. She thought all of that was a hoot. Then we went to the big central play area. Big as brass she climbed the 4 stairs up onto the bridge area. I encouraged her and she walked across to the slide and sat down and slid down the slide!! I was so shocked because that the first I'd been able to get her to do anything like that.

Then we came home and she asked (well grunted and pointed -- she still doesn't talk much) to be put down at the top of the stairs. We have leveled stairs going down into the yard and then 12 steps going up into the house. She grabbed the rail and went all the way down and then all the way up. She's done the up before, but down has had her intimidated. It was so cute and she was so smug about it.

But its so great to see her being stronger in her walking and climbing. We've gotten some good Stride Rite shoes and she's doing so much better with them than some of the other shoes we've tried.

Next week is a bit of another hurdle. I'm going to a conference. So I'm leaving her for the first time overnight...for 3 days. I don't know whose going to have it harder, Andy with doing everything or my nerves. I think Alina will probably be fine, but I'm afraid I'll come home to a mad baby. But she doesn't hold grudges.

Much love to all.