The Cutest Little Girl In The World (TM) Update

Well, I think it's time for me to retire the title of Cutest Baby in the World (TM) for M&M. As you will see in the photos to follow, she's getting so big, she's started potty training, she moved up to her big girl bed and so much more that she's just not a baby anymore (though she will always be my baby and little girl).

I do have to share one quick story with you. The Queen and M&M have made my days the last couple of days by trekking up to the dreary north away from Castle Erickson to where Daddy Hawk plies his trade for lunch with your humble scribe and other assorted activities. As we were sitting down for lunch today, I started to ask the blessing on the meal when  M&M lifted her bowed head up and gently reached for first my hand and then The Queen's hand before bowing her head back down. It was SOOO stinking cute. As far as we know, that is the first time she has done that. The Queen had taught her to bow her head during prayers, and we have both reached out for her hands during meal blessings. However, this was the first time she had done that on her own. It made me want to cry.

Love that little girl....

This was my ride in Houston last week when I was down there for a day trip to monitor jury selection in a trial. It's borderline cruel and unusual punishment to be given a convertible to drive on a warm, sunny day when you only have time to drive from the airport to the courthouse and back. To sum up my thoughts on the Camaro succinctly: it handles decently for its size, the V6 is adequate but not impressive, it's okay on creature comfort, and it's nearly impossible for someone my size to easily get in and out of that thing especially in a crowded downtown parking garage.

Candance should recognize M&M's accessories. For the last several weeks, M&M has shown no interest in them whatsoever. Then, out of the blue, she just HAD to take both of them on a walk to the park. Go figure.

I love the look on her face in this picture. The bear didn't stand a chance.

M&M napping in her big girl bed. The grey blob on the right side is Spanky McCloud curled up at the foot of the bed. Spanky has been on a mouse hunting tear since the great Mouse Hunt post. He has caught, killed and eaten/partially eaten three that we know of. He caught another last night that we managed to rescue (only for the mere fact that we did not want to be cleaning up mouse innards in the living room....AGAIN).
 

An early morning sunrise pic from the air southbound to Houston. In the past two weeks, I've been there three times. I'll be there three days next week unless the case involving the trial I am monitoring settles over the weekend. Did I mention that I am not fond of Houston even though I know it almost as well as my hometown? At least my Gold status with American Airlines is protected for another year.

A close up of M&M in her big girl bed. She was so ecstatic to be getting her big girl bed, she kept climbing in while were trying to put the sheets on it.

The Queen and M&M sharing a moment at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens.

M&M snuggling with her favorite travel buddies. That girl has more stuffed animals than any child I know, and she loves them all.

You never know what you will find on the shelves at Home Depot. Good luck getting a price check though. She passed out in The Queen's arms while were there getting some things and hadn't bothered to bring a stroller with us. An HD associate had the idea of getting a cart and putting a bath mat in it as a makeshift portable crib. Worked like a charm.