Maeve has begun to maneuver herself onto her knees and can even pull herself up to standing! It's no easy task when starting flat on one's bottom, so we're pretty darn proud of her. She's developing some serious upper body strength! Sometimes she's panicked a little bit at her new-found mobility as though she's unsure how to get safely back onto her bottom on the ground. Makes me laugh because I can recall Greta crying a couple times when she found herself in a place that seemed hard to get out of! It's so exciting to see Maeve move around even more. Gives me hope that she really will one day walk and be a successful adult.

In 10 days, we will be on an airplane beginning our trip to Ecuador. On our way south, we extended our layover in Dallas, TX from one night to two so that we can spend some time with our friends who live there. And then it's off the Ecuador and landing in the capital just after midnight. 

We are busy-busy getting our house all ready for the family who will be staying here, gathering up the last of supplies and clothing and trying to finalize what luggage we will be bringing. It's a real whirlwind and there's so much to do! I believe that I would feel better prepared if a certain someone would sleep through the night already and let me get the rest that my body SO desperately needs! Alas, Maeve can not, will not sleep through the night and I'm pushing through the best I can. The poor dear has a cold right now and is an extra mess. At least she'll likely have that over with before we travel on down to South America. 

It's hard to take photos of Maeve, she's always in motion! Her bum scoot is pretty amazing and she can get around really well without pulling with her hands. She's started to pull herself right through onto her tummy more often and she's (finally) figured out that she can roll around places. Maeve has begun to pull herself up to standing, which takes a considerable amount of upper body strength when the starting position is sitting down with the legs extended. I just can't imagine life without this little sweetheart... that's what getting up in the night so often can do to a woman. I can no longer recall what feeling well rested feels like! Ha. But seriously Maeve, I love you. 

Greta and one of her friends made the cutest snowman last week after we received a dump of snow. Greta kept knocking at the door asking for this or that for her snowman. As of today, the poor thing is all melty and droopy and I asked Greta to bring in the pieces. The circle of life. 

Look at this little girl! Doesn't she look pleased with herself? She can't walk but she can stand in her Papa's hands. Maeve's a bit of a show off and likes to make others laugh. She definitely got the reaction she was looking for when she and Conor showed us this new trick!

Greta has come up with a new name for Conor's Dad - Papa JJ. It's so uniquely Greta to give him that nickname. And so far it's sticking? Here are some photos of the kiddos with their Muirhead grandparents. Maeve really liked checking out Papa JJ's nostrils...