New Tricks

I have always laughed at friends who brag about the "tricks" their children can perform. "Honey, what does the cow say?" I smile with eager anticipation that the child will say the right noise to make her mom proud. Now that I am a mom, I find myself doing the very same call and response to Gabrielle. Just recently, Gabrielle learned to clap. We clap about everything! Yay- no more dirty diaper. Yay- time to eat. Yay- bath time. It has really been a blast hanging out at home with this sweet little spirit.
After this past weekend at Cha Cha's house, Gabrielle is an official crawler. This little girl can scoot around anywhere she wants to go. I have already discovered her eating my magazines, searching my purse, and licking the face of the dishwasher. I guess I will have to keep my eyes on her at all times now. The best part of the day for Gabrielle is when she gets to stand at the gate and wait for Da-da (her only word), to come up the stairs. I am still waiting as John is at the Ledges eating a fancy supper while I spend my time typing for conversation. I only hope it makes him smile to see me instead, dancing at the top of the steps since Gabrielle is asleep for the night.
I am reminded every time I read my bookmark in my "One Year Bible" that five of a man's greatest needs are 1. sexual fulfillment 2.recreational companionship 3. attractive spouse 4.domestic support 5. admiration. I am constantly having to make efforts in each of these areas. If I plan to conquer the first point, I must wait up until some terrible hour of the night. However, I think running eleven miles together in Nashville gives me full permission to check off the second point. We were only supposed to run 6 miles, but we took a "wrong turn!" As for number three...tonight as I was nursing Gabrielle, she dove for my belly button. I started to wonder whether she is playing around with me after we have read and re-read Sandra Boyton's Belly Button Book, or does she truly think that my tummy roll resembles her milk source? Now, I am stuck thinking on number 3.