I just wish she'd hurry up and talk

It'll come. Even Sara, who had a handful of words early on, seemed stalled for a while, and now she parrots *everything*. And I do mean everything. I have to start watching my mouth again.

I'm really, really lucky because we have ample, baby-gated areas for him to run wild.

O is a lucky little guy in a lot of ways. Kisses for his poor baby toe.

I would like to go on the record as being pro toddler leash. It makes me happy to see stranger's kids on leashes, because those kids are not, for example, causing chaos in the produce section if they're on a leash.

I adore baby leashes. I'd advise starting early, though. Once they get used to not having them, it's sometimes a kicking-and-screaming issue to start using them.

Back from the interview -- it went well. I think. However, I think that I am also not really able to tell.

I would like to go on the record as being pro toddler leash.

Also pro-toddler leash, especially in crowds. My heart always breaks a little when I see a lost 2 or 3 year old.

Ellie pictures are now posted here: [link]

The other upside is that the leashes give both you and the kid a lot more mobility and use-of-hands than holding hands, or being in a stroller.

Also pro-toddler leash, especially in crowds. My heart always breaks a little when I see a lost 2 or 3 year old.

Oh, yes. Poor little munchkins.

Plus, a toddler leash keeps them *near*, and not, say, running into the street.

I swear the only thing that'll keep her distracted from that bookshelf beyond physical prevention

We covered up our lower bookshelves with sheets. Just folded them to size and pinned them up with tacks. Out of sight, out of baby mind. At least with Emmett. Also I had chains across my record shelves. Little skinny chains, just on hooks that were screwed into the sides of the record case, but tight enough to prevent him from pulling them out.

Ellie pictures are now posted here: [link]

Awww, beautiful mom, sweet little pooter, happy dad.