Monaloca

It’s birthday season in our part of the world, and we owe it to Melina and all the little friends she’s made – or I’ve made for her – in the past year. Her own celebration on Sunday included a house overflowing with 40-plus guests: Grandma and Grandpa Weiss showed up early with Aunt Sharon and Uncle Ray (my mom and Kai decorated the butterfly cakes my dad had made), then we were joined by my sis and her twins, family friends, at least 10 one-year-olds and their parents, and a few of our own brave, childless friends (thanks Kitt and MD!)

Meli had a blast though was at first a bit confused by the huge ladybug cake set in front of her. Didn’t take her long to figure out it was food and within minutes she and her high chair wore stripes of neon pink. I have to give a hats-off to my super social stepson. According to my mom, he took it upon himself to serve every single person in the room once the candle was blown out (by him, no less). All those years serving up wooden burgers and pretend cups of coffee have paid off.

The next day we headed to one of Melina’s friend’s parties, and she chose this occasion to make her first real attempt at a very real little step. Yay Jelly Bean! She let go of Joey’s hands and took two or three tiny strides towards me then fell into my arms. Twice. Wow. I can’t believe how fast she’s gone from cruising just a couple weeks ago to attempting real steps. We’ll see how long it takes her to perfect this skill – or when she even tries it again. She uses her tongue, sticking straight out, for balance along with her two arms.

In other Melina milestone news, she officially graduated to the Waddler room at daycare this week. She unofficially graduated herself last week, when after a short trial period in the “big” kid room she refused to go back to the baby side of the gate. The teachers let her hang out in her new routine: walks outside, time in the big play gym, and group snacks. Meli was in heaven, I’m sure. I for one am relieved she’s enjoying the transition.

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