I can do it myself!

While Bailey does not yet have the verbal ability to say those words yet, she frequently delivers a message of independence with her tone, facial expressions, and actions. For example, when she climbs steps, she frequently turns around to look and, if necessary, swat at me to make sure that I am keeping my distance. She does not want me to touch or be anywhere near her as she seems to have a persistent need to ascend the staircase using nothing but her own skill and strength.

A couple other examples of independence demonstrated in video and pictures...


It seems as if Bailey has been pushing her stroller ever since she took her first steps - it's been a favorite activity at parks, the aquarium, and the zoo this summer. Anyone in her path needs to watch out given that she has no idea where she's going or what's in her way!




My attempts at teaching Bailey to use a spoon have been few and far between - I really feel as though I have enough cleaning up to do so I planned to wait until she showed interest. A couple of days ago she decided it was time to take matters into her own hands. She grabbed the spoon from me and proceeded to feed herself yogurt as I sat back and watched the messy happiness ensue.