Miss Independent

As if there was any doubt, Haley is no longer the baby we've watched over for the past few years. We have seen a huge surge recently in her independence. Her favorite phrase as of late is "I do it myself." And she does. Everything from going up and down the stairs, to climbing into her car seat, to washing her face. Don't even think about trying to help her!

While we are delighted to see our baby grow and learn. Her independence has caused a few "issues" as well. For example, she has figured out that she can get in and out of her bed at will, and now does so frequently. On more than one recent occasion, Nicole and I have had to go up to her room at regular intervals after bedtime because we can hear her playing or reading long after the lights have been turned out. Since we are also on the verge of conquering potty-training, she has also become more aware of when her diaper is wet or dirty. The problem that this newfound independece has created in light of this is that she has tried on a few occasions to change herself. Nicole and I have each gone up to her room after hearing noises to discover the contents of the diaper drawer strewn about the floor and a smiling, diaperless Haley trying to figure out how to put a new diaper on herself. Ah well. At least we're that much closer to her being able to dress herself.