April 4, 2012: Friends and Flying Water

(2 images after the jump)

Today, Rebecca played in the sprinkler for the first time. I was setting up to the water the grass for the first time this year, and she just ran out into the spray. Mommy quickly removed her shoes and pants and let her play in it until she was cold. I think she was trying to get to the center, but never actually made it. Each time, it was irresistible to try, but each time she turned away sputtering. Even the neighbors across the street were laughing as they watched her.

A little earlier, Rebecca had her first real “play date” with Arianna — the same girl who attended Rebecca’s baptism, tried to hug her when she was crying, and played with her back at the house.

My wife took Rebecca to Carl Levin City Park in Harker Heights to meet with Arianna and her mother (a co-worker). They played for about 90 minutes, meeting a couple of other babies and toddlers.

I didn’t go, mainly because my wife needed some “girl time”, and she tried to convince me I needed some time alone… I used that time to fill another low place in the yard with top soil, spread fertilizer, and start the sprinklers, not to mention running a couple of errands.

This morning, Rebecca went with us to get the oil changed in the Dodge. She played very well in the waiting room and talked to an old man (probably 80) who showed her pictures of his horses on his cell phone. Later, we went to Lowe’s for a few minutes, and Rebecca walked around as if she owned the place. The employees didn’t mind that she dipped her hand in a display fountain or stomped around in a water puddle (this was in the outdoor area, where the lawn and garden supplies are sold). I was very impressed that she didn’t try to take anything or damage anything…

She’s known for a long time that some things are okay and others aren’t, but I think she’s just now starting to guess correctly about new things, whether it’s okay or not.

I forgot to mention a couple of days ago that she finally cut her two lower canine teeth (9th and 10th teeth, respectively). I thought I’d seen the white tips two days earlier, but it’s relatively difficult to get a good look inside this kid’s mouth. My wife confirmed for me on April 2 that they were coming through. They’ve been a long time coming.

Also, there are lumps in her lower gums further back which have the shape of molars, so I’m guessing we can expect those in due time as well.