In the Thick of Things

When Amanda started crawling she decided she wanted to be part of the action. She did not want to be one of those sit back and watch babies, she wanted to be right in the middle of things. That is why her favorite place to hang out is the steps. For a baby, that means danger. It's exciting and different and Mommy and Daddy don't want you on there, therefore it is the place for me. She's like this with everything. She has to sit on the couch and crawl all over it, she can't just stand next to it. She has to climb on top of the picnic table in the living room (long story but Sarah got it for her birthday in MAY and we haven't quite put it in the backyard yet), she can't just sit on the seat. Amanda likes to get into things.

She loves to be around the big kids, and do what they are doing. She and Sarah have a blast climbing up on Sarah's bed and rolling all over with the stuffed animals. Sarah has a gate, if that's what you call it, on her bed, but Amanda still seems to be able to find the holes and get stuck or almost fall off. That does not stop her from climbing up again. They wrestle, they chase, they scream at each other in jubilation, but all the while she is keeping up with what they are doing.

I noticed it today and it really struck me. We went to Sarah's therapy and I had all the kids and one of Andy's friends. Andy had early release today for teacher conferences, so I brought his friend home too because we're always too scheduled for playdates. So we were leaving therapy, the four kids and me, and we were waiting for the elevator to take us down to the parking garage. As soon as the elevator doors opened, all of the kids rushed to get into the elevator. Even Amanda. She saw those doors open and the kids take off and she started running as well. Then I realized. She was not going to let them do something without her. She was not going to be left behind. She is going to do exactly what they do.

It's funny. I see that with Sarah and Andy, but they're older. Sarah has to do everything Andy does. Amanda is so young and still figuring everything out, but there are a few things she's got down. First, if she brings me food from the pantry, I'll give it to her. Second, the older kids are where all the action is. Third, if they can do it, why can't she? So far she's still a mama's girl and sticks close, but I'm going to have to watch out for this one.