Week 46

Dear Zayde,


This week I learned to cruise. Sure, I've taken a ride on your boat, which some might consider my first experience with cruising, but I'm using the word in its pre-toddling sense. For a few weeks, I've been able to stand at the coffee table, place one hand on the couch, and then turn around to place my other hand there, too. That split second of holding onto a piece of furniture with only one hand at a time is exhilarating and has inspired me to try new ways of moving. (That new trick also earned me a sizable blister on each foot thanks to my tendency to shimmy and sway to various musical rhythms.) This week I made the metaphorical (and almost literal) leap that allows me to travel along the entire length of the coffee table. Of course, I only do so when I need to get my hands on someone's cell phone or the remote control. A journey without a destination is a waste of my precious time. I've transferred my new skill to the bookcase in my bedroom and plan to continue the trend with the piano bench in the near future. Please arrange your furniture accordingly so that I can practice cruising with you and Bubbi.

This week I learned about flat tires. The weather has been mighty fine now that the humidity is down from its summertime highs, and when it's not raining, the tropical breeze is a welcome companion during my daily neighborhood walks. One afternoon, Mommy and I were all set to embark upon another epic stroll when we noticed that my BOB jogging stroller wasn't riding quite right. Low and behold, we had a flat. I heard Mommy say another one of those not-so-nice words as she wheeled me back into the house and transferred me (and my toys) to our "regular" stroller. The next day, Mommy and I took the flat tire to a bicycle shop, where a nice man in a greasy shirt sold us a new 16 inch inner tube and was kind enough to inflate it and fit it into our tire. It turns out that our flat was caused by a mighty big thorn. I guess we will have to be more careful when we go off-roading.

I'm learning that Daddy really likes to travel. Not only did he join me for the last two weekends of out-of-state adventures, but right now I'm watching him pack his suitcases again. This time he's traveling "for work," which doesn't sound like much fun, but I guess it must be since Daddy keeps doing it. One of these days, I'm going to sneak into his suitcase and tag along for the ride.

I see that Mommy has left her cell phone unattended on the coffee table. Duty calls!


One step at a time,
Zelda