TIRED OUT!

Cara, our sweet baby who never ever complains or cries unless she's completely exhausted or has fallen down a flight of stairs (...no, that's never happened, although I'm not ruling anything out), had a rough night last night. A really rough one. Blood curdling screams. Methinks she was gassy - though that seems to be the answer to many of life's baby questions.

Around 11:00 last night, she started velociraptoring (totally a verb). Adam and I took turns rocking her, gave her some gas drops, and changed diapers. We shifted positions, we patted and rubbed her back, but nothing was helping. So at 11:30, I got in the car with my screaming angel and we drove. And drove. And drove. I think I now know my little town better than I did yesterday! Poor baby. She'd have a few minutes of peace, and then she'd start up again. In driving the same bumpy streets time and time again, I discovered that the lights start blinking around midnight, and I also discovered (much to my chagrin) that Wendy's drive through closes at some point before I decided to stop by for a drink. It must be Taco Bell that has the slogan "Eat Great, Even Late." (and although not the point of this post, can that really be considered "eating great?" That's suspect.)

After taking the tour of the area, around 12:30am, I pulled back in to our garage. Cara had finally found some peace (translation: between the vibration of the car and the gas drops, I think she had worked most of it out). I got her to sleep and then collapsed into my own bed around 12:50. I'm glad I didn't have to drive anymore; I'm sure if you were passing me on the road you might think I was inebriated, although I can assure you that it was just sheer exhaustion and not one drop of anything that could impair my judgement (...judgment?). She had a much better night after that; I'm glad she didn't keep the whole house up from that point on. Girl has lungs.

I'm now enjoying the largest cup of coffee I could find. The baby in my belly is WIDE AWAKE, but my eyes are still sleepy. Kids are winding down for a long winter's nap (ha ha, I wish), and I think I might have to join them to see what the fuss is all about :)

Go Go Go!

Cara is a'walking!!

Even though I've seen two previous children learn how to do it, it never ceases to amaze me how a BABY can go from laying there essentially motionless, to arm and leg flailing, then flailing with purpose, then rolling, sitting, standing, stepping, and actually walking! She started taking steps a little after 11 months old, and now, at just shy of 1 year, she is sturdy as an ox (ok, maybe not quite yet, but she walks more than anything else).

Next thing I know, she'll be buying a prom dress and asking for the car keys.

For now, I will count it as a small victory when I can keep socks and shoes on the girl :)