Ibbie :: 10 months

Ibbie is eager to be a toddler! She stands on her own. She says, "Mama" and "Dada." And she has mastered the straw sippy cup. She is also clapping, waving, high-fiveing, hugging and kissing. For two months now, she's refused all baby food and exclusively self-fed. How can this girl be so close to a year old? Ibbie has become increasingly vocal this month. She loves to talk and she loves to watch Cole. 

Ibbie is our tiny dancer. She'll play music just to dance, she'll dance through her meals, and if anyone else starts dancing she'll join in. Cole has a particularly unique dance move where she lifts one leg in the air; since Ibbie is always watching Cole, she imitates the same move. It seems the Slaton sisters have their own signature dance move! 

Ib's has the sweetest little personality. She is outgoing and very friendly. Often smiling or laughing, she has such a pleasant disposition. But she is sensitive. Very, very sensitive. We have to be exceptionally gentle with her and make sure to keep a close eye during playdates or her feelings may be hurt. Luckily, Cole is always looking out for her sister and helping to keep her from getting upset. 

month one, two, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine

Cole at ten months 

Staycation Pictures

Downtown Newark

 Dutch Wonderland 

 Plumpton Park Zoo 

 Home

Calling It Off

We were supposed to spend last week in Savannah, Georgia. But something happened. Perhaps it was Cole's recent potty training which requires we take frequent bathroom breaks. Or perhaps it was the stack of boxes still piled high in our bedroom (and office and basement). Or perhaps it was the insane number of hours we have already given to  I-95 this summer. Mostly likely it was a combination of all three, but I called off the trip. I just couldn't get my mind around taking another drive up and down I-95, leaving settling into our new home for another day.

So we spent last week at home. Between unpacking boxes, purging the things that we haven't missed in the last seven months, and enjoying our baby-proof, schedule-honoring life, we managed to get out for some local adventures. What a treat! We are now down to a very manageable ten boxes, most of which are artwork. Our bedroom is no longer a dumping ground for half unpacked boxes of clothing. And the basement is fully organized.

One day, we will travel again (in fact, we're taking a family weekend away in August) but with wee ones, the ease of day trips is not to be beat. I know there are people who successfully travel with babies and toddlers. I say, more power to them! The thought is exhausting, particularly when there is a house to be unpacked.

Speaking of family vacations, have you read this? Hilarious. And true.