Beginnings of a Blizzard

The snow started this morning around 10, cool, but wet, and didn't start sticking until around 4. We are going to Hueco Tanks in a little over a week, so I strapped Emma in the Moby Wrap and we went for a walk at noon. The snow was falling, but felt more like rain than anything. We kept it short, only 20 minutes, but I got plenty of funny looks from drivers. I had her quite warm, in her bear suit and a quilt wrapped around us. I couldn't keep the quilt on and hold an umbrella at the same time, so our faces got a little wet. The hiking in Hueco always surprises me. It's not really bad, but it's at a bit of elevation so I am usually sucking wind pretty hard for the first few days. I am trying to prevent that this year by walking a bunch. I am not able to climb as much or as hard as I like to train before a trip, but I'm doing the best I can. Strapping 17 pounds of baby to my chest while walking can't hurt either!

The snow is starting to stick pretty well now. The tree branches are covered in snow and the wind is blowing the snow in all directions. I was able to go grocery shopping last night (along with everyone else in Laurel) so we have enough food in case we get snowed in. The predictions are anywhere from 6-12 inches, to 12-36 inches. Luckily Shawn made it home from work just fine and we are ready to hunker down for the weekend.

Emma's development has exploded! She is creeping on the hardwood floors and tiles, and crawling on the carpet. Her little knees slide out from under her on the wood floors. She is pulling herself up on the furniture and starting to cruise a little. She is pointing at things she wants to talk about, and pulling things out of things. Her new favorite game is emptying the diaper bag as fast as she can. She also likes to empty the laundry basket, her toy basket, and the pantry. Nap/bedtimes are times for mommy to put everything back where it belongs so she can do it all over again when she wakes up. Vocally, she's about the same. Lots of babbling and squealing.

We are having a good time. I am so glad I am home with her.