Penelope

Since Penelope is what fills my days, that is what I have to write about. And there couldn't be a better subject.

She is getting smarter every day. As you can see in the picture, she found out that she is just small enough to fit in the space behind the couch and can successfully navigate her way to the window. She also has started to answer me when I ask her a question. For instance, if I say "Are you hungry?" She will answer "dyeah," for yes. If the answer is no, she will just pretend I am not there and continue whatever activity she was pursuing at the time that I so rudely interrupted her.

Penelope has also discovered the mural that Aaron painted on her walls. Her favorite area is the African area. Every morning she will point to the wall and I have to say, "elephant, baby elephant, giraffe, tree." The other day Aaron asked her where the elephant was and she pointed to the wall. So fun.

We have started going to story time at the library and Penelope seems to really enjoy it. She will sit and listen to the books, but the real entertainment is the other kids that are there. She loves little kids. We have also started going to the mall once a week where they have a little soft play area. Once again, most of Penelope's excitement is because there are other children there, but she does enjoy the toys too.

Walking!

Penelope has started walking now. I can definately see why they call them toddlers.

Sadie

Sadie is the runt dog I found at the Rio Grande at work one day. She was about dead and I was able to get close enough to catch her. I gave her water and food and took her to the vet. The vet said she is a mix between a wiener dog and a black lab, the best he could tell.

She catches birds and chews on anything and everything valuable in the yard. We planted a garden and a flower bed and two trees and she has destroyed it all, "Que Lastima" (so sad).

I went dove hunting last Saturday and decided to take Sadie along. She did good. She was quiet and stayed near the whole time. She retrieved four out of the six birds I shot and loved the blood and hearts we gave her at the end.

Highchair walking

As I was making dinner one night, I turned around to see Penelope pushing her highchair around. She walks all over the house behind the highchair, but if she runs into something and gets stuck, she starts yelling until we come to the rescue.

"Dusting"

Penelope loves to play with the clean laundry. Most of the time she just stays near me, where there is a continuous supply of neatly folded clothing that needs to be unfolded. This time, however, she grabbed a rag, crawled into the front room and dusted the armoir for about 5 minutes. Too cute!

Check it out

We have the cutest baby ever! Of course, we may be a little biased. Penelope is taking steps now and will soon be walking everywhere.