So...

When is a baby considered a walker? Brandon was taking steps at 9 months (like 10 or more) before he would fall down. He was proficient at about 10 months (not crawling anymore at all) I don't remember with Hannah if she was proficient or not but she was walking the week before she turned a year. (Brent and I had a bet. I said she wouldn't be walking before a year, he said she would so he encouraged it a lot and there she went). Sarah has decided that she doesn't always need a hand to go anywhere and will cross the room and wander the house. She always comes back to be sure I'm around and I have to close doors so she is safe and contained. Is she proficient? No. Is she walking? Yes. In the last day or so we haven't seen the heiny scoot much. I think we may have a walker.

Here are a few pictures of the girls.

I haven't gotten any good ones of Brandon lately. I'm hoping his school pictures come in soon. We ordered a CD of them so we can print as many as we want. I sure hope they are good - there wasn't a preview first. He is at a really difficult age where he doesn't particularly want to cooperate for pictures all the time - bunny ears are funny, you know!

We spent the weekend visiting our family. My parents went out of town (out of country for that matter!) Sarah hadn't met many of Daddy's family so we spent time at his parents house. Cousin Carolyn and her husband Rob were there - Hannah LOVED them and wanted to know when she was going to see them again. Cousin Ryan and his girlfriend Emily got to meet her. Ryan noted that she was more beautiful in person than in her pictures - have to agree with him on that one! Cousin Mark and his girlfriend Johna were around, too. Aunt Beth brought a friend around who Sarah particularly liked - you know when she hits your knee to get your attention she likes you. :) It was a fun weekend for all the kids!

Sarah got her ears pierced on Saturday morning - she looks adorable! She cried for a minute or so then was back to her happy, loving self. She doesn't seem bothered by them and only sometimes plays with them. Very cute! I haven't gotten any really good pictures of her with them yet.

Hannah started taking ballet this week. I only signed her up for the first session and now I'm kicking myself because the next session is full. I'm really going to have to be on top of things when the next catalog comes out. I want to sign her up for Toddler Irish Dance (for ages 3-4). How cute would she be in those dresses! She loves to dance and really had a great time at her class the other day. The teacher is full of patience - 12+ little girls all excited to dance but not necessarily follow directions...I should have edited this one and cropped it in on Hannah. She didn't know I was taking the picture and looked really cute making faces at herself in the mirror. She loved that she was wearing all black - black leotard (that was too big - it belonged to my neice K when she was little), black tights and new (real) black ballet slippers. She would like me to know she doesn't like pink and wouldn't be happy in all pink. We did see a purple leotard that she would enjoy. I may buy it this weekend for her. At least it would fit better



We also went to a park near us that has a water feature. Sarah was in pure heaven holding her Daddy's hand and getting wet. The girl has no fear of water. She also enjoyed the swing when we were finished getting wet.



Sarah has started to give kisses - wonderful open mouthed sloppy kisses - on request. After she gives the first one and you say "I love you" she shakes her head "no" and does it again, and again, and again. I'm not sure that the shaking of her head means "no", just that it is the thing she does after she kisses. She is starting to really take to Hannah more and more - enough to give her kisses when she kisses Mommy. They are going to be best buddies in no time. There is no more jealousy unless Sarah is tired. It is a wonderful step in the right direction!!