tootie

I knit this turtle for Isaac when he was still in the womb with no expectation for its future. It was my favorite little knit toy by virtue of its size, simple color palate, and 'cute' factor. This turtle was easy to adore. It wasn't until Isaac was (and now I cant remember exactly when) hmmm... a year and a half old??? that "Mr. Toots" was born, and established as a life long buddy. He seemed to be money milk's side kick, and very soon an essential entity for sleeping, relaxing, an playing around the house. Unlike money milk of which we have many dopplegangers around; in each of our cars, in his bed, at bubies, and a few in locked up vaults around our house and isaac's school emergency earthquake kit, Mr. Toots, or 'tootie' is one of a kind. For years now the sentence 'where is Mr. Toots'? has become a staple around our house and one met with a lot of anxiety when it comes to making sure he is around. When Isaac was two he used to hide toots knowing that the search was a good old time for the whole family. Luckily he has three of four consistent hiding spots that were always the go to in our moments of panic. Recently as his play has become more creative, and as he has ventured into places in the house even we dont know about, Mr. Toots has gone missing for more than an hour or two. This past week was the first night Isaac slept without tootie because we just couldn't find him. After 14 hours, and a tearful mommy, he was located in a secret hiding compartment in Isaac's top bunk. I now have an eye on tootie at all times. He is my third child. He is rarely allowed outside of the house, and is on a tight leash at all times. This little turtle, with its pieces of hanging yarn and two button eyes has become a member of our family, and Isaac's love and devotion for this 'little fella' is only further validation that little homespun creations can change the world.

We've Entered Double Digits

At the Montage, Laguna. Coco 10 months.

How did that happen? Ten months... really? It is hard to believe that Coco is already ten months old. Two teeth later, I think we are finally over the hurdle and have our sweet little girl back. It was so obvious that the teething was really painful for her, and what is more agonizing than watching your child in pain when there is nothing you can do to make her feel better.
We did take a small hiatus to Laguna with Bubie for a couple nights away at the Montage. The original idea was a trip to Vancouver to visit Ros, but in the end we stayed local, and the ease and simplicity of the whole trip was mighty refreshing. Sunset dinner overlooking the Pacific, some time at the spa, a late night swim - completely alone - with the exception of the stars and a acoustic guitarist in an Olympic sized swimming pool, and afternoon at fashion square, an adorable mini down blanket for our little love... it was filled with luxury and accomodation, and all things good. I clearly remember thinking that this was the first of many 'ladies' trips in our future, and in the same moment feeling thankful for taking the opportunity to start the ritual now. We can never get this time back.
Coco is so close to moving and grooving. She has been transitioning between sitting and her tummy. She is trying to push towards objects, but ends up pushing herself farther away which leads to the obvious frustration. She is scooting around on her tush, and waving up a storm. Coco can now stand supported for long periods playing with objects on a table or surface. She is an amazingly good eater, and seems delighted to try new things. It has been fun going to restaurants, family of four, now that she is in a highchair and part of the gang. She will sit for long periods entertained by her food and company. It is a good age. One I just love.
Therapy continues, we have one more session at the clinic and then we will be two times a week at home. I have no idea if it is making any difference, but it isn't hurting, so for now we will stick with it. The most important thing is that there is continuous progress that is exciting and new, and that she is of course, the most amazing little person.