Einstein + Edison = Babykins Mischief

In an effort to keep Babykins from wreaking havoc and destruction on our electronics equipment, Hubbykins recently erected a baby gate in front of the TV stand.  He then placed a large box of diapers in front of the gate to keep it from being easily pulled over by Babykins.

It was safe for approximately 5 seconds.  First, Babykins realized that if she pushed on the baby gate from the side, it would slide over and give her access to her second favorite electronic, the DVD player.  This was easily remedied by moving the baby gate over far enough that she couldn't shift it.  This didn't stop our intrepid Babykins, though.

The next time I looked over, our 8-month-old genius had grabbed my yoga block, placed it in front of the diaper box, and had climbed onto it like a step.  She was in the process of pulling herself up onto the diapers so that she could reach over the baby gate when I ran across the living room and swooped her up.

She didn't get ahold of any TV equipment, but I was once again reminded that Babykins is not to be underestimated.



Babykins' ingenious step stool



Babykins and Mama Discuss the Wireless Router

Babykins (Pulling herself up on the TV stand): I know Mama told me yesterday I couldn't play with the wireless router, but maybe today it'll be OK. (Reaches hand toward router.)

Me: Babykins, don't touch that.

Babykins (Sitting down):  I guess I still can't play with it.  (Waits 3 seconds.)  Maybe she's forgotten.  (Stands back up and reaches for router.)

Me: Babykins, no.  You can't play with the router.

Babykins (Pulls hand back): She remembered!  Darn.  (Waits 3 seconds.)  Maybe if I smile cute while I reach for it, she'll let me have the router.  (Reaches hand out.)

Me (In firm mommy voice):  Babykins, I said no.  No playing with the router.

Babykins (Sitting down):  Hmmm...Mama sounded serious that time.  But she's all the way in the kitchen, and I'm right here.  I bet I can get the router before she gets me.  (Stands up and reaches for wireless router.)

Me (Sprinting across the room):  Babykins, no!

Who was faster?  Babykins or Mama?  Does the Babykins household still have wireless internet?  Tune in next week to find out!

Footloose Female Lead Just Cast...

And "Ariel" will now be played by Babykins!  This exciting announcement came just this morning after producers of the teen dance movie saw Babykins shakin' her diaper to the tune of "Pop Goes the Weasel."  Producers were especially taken with Babykins' unique style of dancing...the jerky head bob, swiveling hips, and bouncing knees all combine to dramatically represent the spirit of a small town preacher's daughter with dreams of breaking free.

When asked how she developed this new dance style, Babykins humbly replied that she was just "shakin' what her mama gave her."

With the movie set to release next year, Babykins has begun a rigorous practice schedule, often waking up at 6:30 AM to groove for an hour before breakfast, and practicing late into the night, long after her coaches have encouraged her to break for the evening.  With this kind of dedication, we can expect to see great things from this rising star.

Gray Hairs and Wrinkles

Motherhood, like the presidency, ages you.  Before Babykins was born, I always made sure to take my ID with me when I went to a bar or the liquor store.  While it was a (very big) stretch to think I wasn't 21, I at least looked like I could be in the range they should card.  Between sleepless nights and constant worry, though, it would now be no surprise that I'm rounding on 30.

Over the last couple weeks, Babykins has become increasingly mobile, quickly adding to the aging process.  She rolls, she bottom scoots, she crawls backwards.  She can't yet get anywhere fast, but she's deteremined.

Case in point...Yesterday Babykins was exhausted, but desperately fighting nap time.  I put her down on her bed (we're using a mattress on the floor next to our bed here in Australia) with her pacifier and told her I'd be back to check on her in a few minutes.  Five minutes later I open the door, and her bed is empty.

Within moments, I've had a heart attack, called her name, yelled for Hubbykins, and figured out where she is.  I bent down, pulled up the quilt on our bed, and there she is, on her tummy, pushed up on her arms with her head held high, pride in her eyes and a big smile on her face.  She had managed to roll herself off her mattress and all the way under the bed.

Hubbykins extraced her while I finished hyperventilating and grew a few more gray hairs.  A wonderful adventure for Babykins, and a warning to us that Babykins is on the move!