We had an incredible morning. This little pumpkin is just hell on wheels now. We went to Bruce's Tires to get our summer tires on before it hits 70 degrees, and Samantha charmed all the mechanics there. Bruce was really nice about showing Samantha what he was doing, although I wouldn't let her touch his tools. When we were done there, I picked up Ella and we went to the Fells. Samantha walked half way up a steep hill, then trundled around this flat rock I know about off the path. It is just high enough off the ground so she can hold onto it and walk around it. We left quite a few bits of cereal and Ritz crackers for the animals, but the pear I brought was pretty much stripped down to the seeds. She ate the pear whole, pretty much, skin and all. The sticky stuff was gross but she was happy. I was really impressed with how well she negotiated the sticks, and the moss helped to soften her butt when she did fall. The tree nearby got lots of hugs. I think she liked the texture. She walked part of the way downhill too, stopping to pick up particularly big rocks and throwing them. Ella seemed very happy to run around us in circles and just checked out the undergrowth further away when the rocks were flying. Then we got to the puddle and the temper tantrum occurred. She was fine for a bit just leaning over and putting her hand in the water, but when I wouldn't let her throw herself in like Ella was doing, she got pissed. I just popped her back in the carrier and listened to the screams right next to my ear for about 30 seconds before she calmed down. Once I got her in her car seat she was out like a light and slept all the way through me getting her upstairs and into her crib. After such an active morning, I think she'll sleep for quite a while. Maybe.

Sam climbed into the rocking chair today, and nearly climbed up over the back of it too. Her abilities increase by leaps and bounds now. She was so proud of herself, and I am really impressed with her sense of balance. She walked accross the seat towards me while the chair was rocking back and forth, and she didn't trip at all. She balances on the ball really well too. She sits up on it while I hold her hand, but she doesn't really use my hand to stay on the ball.

Poor little mite is having a hard morning. With those new abilities comes new dangers, of course, and I have to stop her from doing some things. She is mature enough now to have a sense of her own wants and she gets very upset when I have to redirect her. Most of the time she is very easygoing, but I think the time change is making her tired.

When I pick up Sam from her nap, she feels so solid in my arms. She is a real armful, a whole, wonderful person with a great sense of humor and sweetness. My heart melts when she gives me kisses or tries to give her binkie to Ella when Ella looks sad. I love the way she is trying to pet Hamlet. She loves the way he purrs and his soft fur, but he doesn't stick around very long with her grabby hands. She tried so hard to be gentle with him today. She didn't grab at all, just patted him. He stayed for a couple of minutes and then dashed off. She doesn't have enough control yet to do more than pat, but she was obviously trying to be as soft as possible to keep him close. Her whole face lights up when he stays for a bit or bats his tail around for her to try to catch. Did I mention an amazing smile?

She is getting older so fast. So much to do. She sings to herself in her crib in the morning, La, La, La. Talks away at me when I come in and gives me a really big hug when I pick her up. I am a very lucky mommy.