March Madness

As usual, we've been busy, busy, busy here in New Mexico. March has been filled with new experiences and adventures. Atalaya is growing into a beautiful and curious little girl, whose personality blossoms everyday.

We had our first 'sick baby' experience this month. Atty and I came down with a nasty virus that left us bedridden for nearly a week. I felt like absolute garbage and can only imagine what Atty felt like...at least I could moan and complain to Keenan about how horrible I felt! It was a little scary at times to have a sick baby, but we all came through on the other side healthier and stronger, I do believe.

I swear, having a virus really pushed Atty to a new level of awareness. She seemed to have 'awakened' or peeled off another layer...it's as if she grew up a little bit more. She started 'talking' to us, like saying "uh uh oh" when something drops or "mum mum mum." She also started playing. In our attempt to bridge her toys with the items that she really wants (i.e. everything that isn't a toy), I devised a little "treasure box." A super simple box, covered in colorful fabric (ahem...a pillowcase) filled with objects from the house like measuring spoons, which double as musical instruments, and random toys, like blocks and puzzle pieces and small stuffed creatures. Atty will spend time, on her own, pulling items out of the box and putting them back in. She especially likes to find items she can bang together....the girl likes to make noise! It's been really amazing to watch her explore and discover. She shakes her head "no," pulls herself up (with a bit of assistance) and is entertaining the notion of crawling. Not a fan of being on her belly, Atty will move forward into somewhat of a crawl position from sitting on her bum (and quite a cute bum it is!). The girl is really interested in walking, though. If I hold her hands, she'll walk all around the house with me.

Here are a few shots during playtime....

In the next few photos, we put Atalaya in the moses basket that's serving as a container for dolls and stuffed creatures. Dad, please take notice of "Noah the Bear." Atty still finds him to be quite interesting.
Atty and I had a bit of a girl's weekend last week when Keenan went to L.A. for a few days. Although it was really hard to say goodbye, we braved it the only way two girls living in the desert should: playing in the warm sun, shopping, lunching with friends and watching really bad 80's sitcom reruns (does anyone share a love of the show "ThirtySomething"???). We also managed to do a little crafting...and when I say little, I mean it. I've been intending to making Atalaya fabric blocks since her birth, but haven't even cut out the fabric til this weekend. Even still, I only managed ONE block. Sorry Atty. Maybe when you're 18 you'll have some squishy blocks to play with!
...and just when we thought spring was upon us, we woke up to this on Sunday. All I can say is, WHAT THE FAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH?!?! I mean, come on spring, it's been winter for 6 MONTHS! Luckily, the sun came out full force that day and by Monday, it looked like spring was on her way again.





And here's Atty and I today, having fun with iPhoto.