Slacking

So much has been changing with Mali lately, so I've definitely been slacking on the updates. The good news is that work has been keeping me quite busy, but not too busy for plenty of Mali time. Recently she's discovered the dog, the cat, her toes, how to grab and shake things, and possibly even how to roll over!

Maeby and Talula are much more interesting than they were just a few weeks ago. One day last week Maeby was tossing one of her toys around after dinner and Mali couldn't take her eyes off her and even burst out into giggles. And she loves it when Maeby kisses her feet and ears. The cat is just fun to watch and occasionally touch, since her fur is so soft. Luckily the cat's antidepressants seem to be making her a much mellower and nicer kitty these days!

When we have playtime on her mat, Mali has been getting more and more rolly. She grabs her toes and wobbles from side to side. And now she grabs for the toys and rattles hanging from the overhead arches, and of course immediately puts them in her mouth. But she loves the sound of the chimes and rattles and all the bright colors.

Yesterday James was down on the floor with her for some tummy time and as we watched she wobbled over to her back. It was so slow motion it almost didn't seem real. We tried to get her to do it again, since I thought the tummy bolster under her chest and chin might have been helping out, but we haven't seen her repeat it yet.

My mommy anxiety comes and goes, which I assume is normal. I feel guilty when I have too much work, but she gets to play beside me if I have to finish up while she's awake, and she seems to be doing great. Just now, for instance, I was finishing up writing this post while she played on her mat after her bath and I look over to this sight. Just put herself to sleep!

Too Cute Not to Share

This was too cute not to share. Mali has been super talkative all day today, so thankfully I finally got her to cooperate for the camera as well :) She definitely sounds smarter than me!

Mali's Baptism

Yesterday was Mali's baptism. We were lucky enough to be able to borrow my niece Natalie's dress and bonnet, so little Margaret Alice looked like a sweet doll in white and lace.

When my nephew Hudson got baptized a few months ago I was an emotional wreck. I cried from almost the moment the minister started talking until the ceremony was over. We're sprinklers in the Methodist church, and I don't know if they do this everywhere or not, but our minister blesses each baby's head, feet and hands. So sweet. I was able to hold it together a little better for Mali, luckily. And a good thing too because when we were asked her given name I remembered not to say just "Mali" and James didn't blurt out Emily Margaret, which he almost did :) We were given her first bible and a baptism certificate that I'll put in her baby book. She squeaked a little bit, as you can see in the video, when the water hit her head, but she slept through the rest of the church service like the angel she is.

Afterward, my family came over for brunch to celebrate. We wished James's family could have been here too!

Not much else has been going on here, just lots of work, baby giggles, and getting ready for a few baby showers for several friends. Mali's going to have a lot of babies to play with before too long.