Wheeeeeee!

Cue to late afternoon. Monday. Maile was driving me and Mr. M crazy! For a little one who has transitioned to one nap a day, and hits a wall around 3 PM, I hate to say it, but this is pretty normal. 

I'd put her down and she'd just pull at my leg, sign "All done!" emphatically, and fuss to be picked up. I'd walk away, and she'd shout "Dada? Dada?!" until Mr. M picked her up ... And after about 20 minutes of that, we were almost out of ideas. So, on went Baby Girl's favorite sandals, and a walk to the park we took.

We walked and talked (well, mostly listened) the block or so to one of the neighborhood playgrounds, while I tried not to think about how exhausted I was. By 5 PM, all I could do was think about it anyway -- I was so tired. It just wasn't my day. Actually, this just hasn't been my week. I've been feeling a bit a lot like a zombie. 

I told Mr. M that night, "I'm thinking, the playground needs to be an evening routine ..." because thankfully, it wore her out! But in all seriousness, am I the only one who goes through periods of feeling majorly burnt out? Doesn't this baby realize that in order for me to be a good mama, she has to give me a break from time to time? Don't answer that. Here's some cute pictures of her instead.

Exploring, with Dada.

Learning how to go down the slide ...

And holding on for dear life. "Um, Dada? I'm supposed to do this for fun? You must be joking."

That, my friends, is the face of determination.

Mid-slide freakout. Like any good mother, I kept taking pictures, rather than jump to her assistance. Mr. M was right there, though.

By the end of our park visit, Maile was sliding by herself, saying "Wheeeeeee!" every time she got to the bottom. Oh, and, not wanting to leave the slide, she threw a fit that involved her having to be thrown over Mr. M's shoulder when we left. Just keepin' it real. It's a good thing she's cute.