Mommy's home and Father's Day weekend

This is Christie posting under Markus' account so that I can show you pictures (I know that's why most of you come here). It's been a pretty big few days in our house.

I returned from my final trip to Indianapolis on Friday. I should've known that flying on Friday the 13th wasn't a good idea - my plane was struck by lightning twice. While we were in the air. I thought, my God, I'm going to die on what should've been my last flight home. Just my luck. I'm a pretty calm traveler, too, since I fly pretty often. Fortunately, the planes are engineered to withstand lightning strikes, though as a passenger seeing a pop outside your window and bright lights of pink/red/orange right near the engine, it's a little unnerving. Anyway, I made it home safe and sound; when Markus and Willa arrived, she gave me some leg kicks and giggles before she came out with "mama". First time ever, best thing I've heard from her so far ("Dada" was pretty cute, too). And after I'd been away for a week, what a treat. Here's a picture from that day (the ladies at daycare put the ponytail in her hair - guess it's long enough! I tried five times the next day and couldn't get it quite the same - they must be pros at doing squirmy kids' hair):

On Saturday, we did a few errands, nothing too exciting. We did, however, remember to take some pictures. Willa's drinking her morning milk, then we have some shots of her eating ravioli for dinner, and finally some pictures of her playing in the office. She had lots of playtime in there last week when she was home with Markus; she loves to crawl under the desk, peek out and smile, and then crawl in more to the little stool (for Mommy's short legs). She pokes around at the router (future IT professional) and then comes back out. She stood up against the chair and moved from there to the desk and back. Click on the photo to see the rest of the album.

20080614 - Eating and playing in the office

On Sunday, we celebrated Father's Day by going out for brunch and then having a barbecue with Markus' family. A great day, as seen in the pictures:

20080615 - Father's Day

Today, I did some shopping and bought Willa the next stage in sippy cups - the hard-top. She didn't quite get it, but did enjoy chewing on it. I took the no-spill valve out so that the milk just ran out and she liked that. In a few more days, I think she'll figure it out. After some snacks, we went out side to do walking practice. She loves to walk and tonight, she took a few steps only holding on to one finger. Previously, she would only take steps when she had a finger from each hand. Progress! Here are pictures from tonight:

20080616 - New sippy cup

And now you're all up-to-date! I'll probably have more pictures this week; Willa and I are spending the day together tomorrow, and my mom and sister are coming down. Then on Friday, Markus and I are going to take Willa to the zoo. Should be fun!