snapshots

Another milestone at the playground. Risa has wanted to slide down the pole for some time, but I was never prepared to spot her before as she was just out of my reach on the platform, and I didn't want 35 lbs of toddler falling on my head if she slipped. However, today, I was feeling lucky. She was able to reach the pole and place both hands on it. I told her to hang on tight. Then I grabbed one shin with my right hand and told her to bend her knees and jump. I then supported her bum with my left hand as she slid to the ground. It was a bit nerve wracking - for me - at first, but she got the hang (so to speak!) of jumping onto the pole, and after a few tries, did it all by herself.

We had gone to the playground on her bicycle, which I think she will outgrow soon. I'm thinking of taking the training wheels off. She's still a speed demon and nearly gave one of our neighbors a heart attack as she sped down our back lane, straight to our house. I also had a bit of a challenge trying to explain to Risa that skidding is not the same as stopping. The neighbor, however, rewarded Risa with a chomp on a home grown Brussels sprout.

To follow up on last week's trauma, Risa's ear piercings are doing very well. The studs turn easily and there is no sign of any inflammation or swelling. I think she hardly knows they're there, which is good as she's not touching them.