7 Months of Dumpling!

I am at a coffee shop in Beloit, missing Brynn and Hattie, who will return from San Francisco in a few days.  But Hattie has passed the 7 month milestone (this was achieved my mixing mashed prunes into her limited diet), and deserves a picture-filled post.  I left San Francisco early to lead a workshop at Science North in Sudbury, Ontario.  I had a good time in the town famous for nickel-mining and asteroid impact, seeing my only real snow of the holiday season.  Our semester starts back up at Beloit in a few days, and I am putting the final touches on my syllabi and preparing for auditions and rehearsals for "Pretty Theft," which starts up the first week of classes.
   
I had a great time in San Francisco with the Hambly's and Hattie, which I'll chronicle through the Picture Pages!

 Not crawling yet, but able to get where she needs to go, and still has the gumption to look like

a slightly displeased Mafia boss.

 This Mob boss tuckers her parents OUT.

 Hattie at Half Moon Bay.

 Hattie showing off the name tag she got at her free trial Gymboree class.  I thought it was nice, Brynn was underwhelmed, and Hattie was able to hang with the other "level 2" students, particularly outshining "Ian" who seemed to cry at the least bit of clapping, hearing familiar melodies with cleverly branded lyrics (who knew "Gymboree" had the exact same number of syllables and opening "Juh" sound as the holiday favorite "Jingle Bells?!"), and sitting under a waving parachute.  I also realize that I'm not doing Hattie any favors by making goofy faces and squirming playfully when she pulls my hair.  Why, then, don't the other kids like it?  Why don't they jig and amble as does Daddy?  Why is Ian crying again?

 This is the sad result of a diaper changed in the tailgate of a car,
while Hattie clings to and swings about her favorite bunny. And her stuffed rabbit.

 Hattie got a part time job at the front desk of an accountant's office.  She wore business casual and directed people to eat a magazine while they wait.

Actually, Hattie is in what I called "the machine" that Vicky found for us (a GREAT thing that we'll have to get when they return to Beloit).  It's like a workstation with gizmos on all sides.  When I called it "The Machine," Brynn assumed I was referencing the hugging machine that Temple Grandin invented to give herself (and later livestock) a sense of security.  That wasn't my intention, and I worried why Brynn would make this connection.

Speaking of livestock!  Hattie, Brynn and Vicky went to Riley's Place, where Vicky volunteers.  

I think Hattie's telling this pony about her machine!

Happy New Year to you all. Hattie says she hopes 2012 will finally "put the birth behind her."