Just a second

Claire just turned one.

She's constantly babbling, learning new things every day, and surprising us with her daily discoveries.

For instance, I found out she's an avid climber this week when I turned my back for a second (isn't it always "just a second"?), and returned to find an empty highchair. Aaghh!!! No baby! What happened??? I didn't hear her fall or cry....oh, there she is -- standing straight up waving at me underneath the highchair. She climbed right out when I turned my back.

In the last month I've learned that she can climb out of her high chair, climb off the bed, and climb into our storage ottomans. Oh, and turn on my cell phone. All of this, of course, while my back was turned for "just a second".

Which leads me to wonder -- What is she learning when my back isn't turned? When I'm sitting right in front of her, not seeing any physical activity, just what exactly is going on in her mind? I know this age is an amazing one, where they begin to soak up everything, but it is seriously MIRACULOUS. What is she learning from me, from her dad, from everything around her, that isn't as obvious? This week was the first time I noticed her "noticing" a not-so-innocent scene from a TV show we were watching. It wasn't horrible, just not something I'd share with a five year old, so what impression did it leave on Claire, at one? I'm not going to dwell on it too much -- just thinking about it a little more seriously now. And hoping that when it really counts, I don't turn my back for just a second, thinking everything's just okay.

Tear Down That Wall!!!

North State Industries Superyard XT Gate

I really can't live without this gate.

It keeps her safe and it keeps our electronics safe too.

We got it for a pretty good price -- if you go to Babies R Us, just remember to bring a 20% off coupon (if you sign up for rewards, they send them pretty frequently in the mail).

I like this gate more than some others because it's easy to buy extensions and pretty easy to set up (once you get the hang of it).

It keeps Claire pretty entertained too --- she's constantly trying to figure a way around it!