About to Walk...

Caroline is getting ready to walk. She's been able to stand on her own (not stand up from a seated position, but pull to a stand and then let go) for a couple months now. But lately she's actually remained standing for more than just a few seconds, and so I was able to get this photo of her standing the other day. Before, she would sit down so quickly that I never had the chance to snap a shot!
A week ago, Caroline took two steps and then grabbed onto my leg while we were at a La Leche League meeting. I was so excited! Since then, she's taken a few more steps here and there. Over the weekend, Chris and I were encouraging her strongly, and she took FIVE STEPS IN A ROW! And then she fell backwards, startled by my maniac-sounding laughter and other delighted sounds. We got a few steps on video.
So our little crawler will soon be a walker! I am now watching EBay for soft-soled shoes! 

Dishwasher Obsession

Caroline LOVES the dishwasher! Whenever she sees it opening or hears us putting dishes in, she shrieks with delight and races across the kitchen. Once she has reached the dishwasher, she will pull up on it, examine the Jet Dry dispenser, pull the bottom rack out and then push it in and out (repeatedly), taste the rubber gasket, walk around the open door, and practice opening and closing the dishwasher door. All the while, she is squealing excitedly, a big smile on her face. She acts like we've given her the greatest gift ever - o wondrous dishwasher, love of her life! And when we have to close it, she cries until we've distracted her with something else. What a weird kid - but hey, she is my daughter, after all.

Cloth Diaper Obsession

Who would think that cloth diapers could be so much fun? I was so excited when my first package of prefolds and covers arrived, and we've since added to the collection. EBay is great for getting a few of different varieties to try out without breaking the bank... but it's easy to overdo it! Caroline has plenty of diapers in her current size now, but she will outgrow them eventually and need larger ones. We get most of our new diapers from Baby Naturale - free shipping on orders over $50!
Currently, my favorite dipes are Kissaluvs fitteds. We have the pretty color ones! They are the blue, green, and yellow diapers in the picture. We use them with a Bummis Super Whisper wrap cover, and they contain messes wonderfully! I'm hoping to try Growing Greens fitteds soon, as they supposedly fit babies 5-35 pounds!!! We wouldn't need to buy a variety of sizes if those work!
Okay, it's probably a little weird to get excited about diapers, but I've always gotten excited about lame things. And based on her face in the photo, Caroline loves her cloth dipes as well!