“Do it myself!”

That is the new refrain around our house.  Things that are included in Julia’s “doing it myself” list are:

• using the remote control for the tv
• putting on and taking off socks (although there usually is a concession that some help is needed)
• pouring cereal, milk, juice, etc.
• turning on the water to wash hands (the satisfaction on her face when she realized yesterday that she could reach the faucet while standing on the stool was priceless!)
• cutting her sandwich or buttering toast
• watering the plants
• opening doors and pushing elevator buttons

The things that are apparently NOT on Julia’s “do it myself” list include:

• cleaning up her toys
• putting laundry in the basket
• sweeping/wiping up the cereal, milk, juice, water, peanut butter, jelly, etc. from the counters, cabinet doors, door handles, and floors
• closing doors

Kidding aside, it is amazing what she is able to accomplish with her little hands and BIG energy!  Yesterday she surprised me again by doing this all by herself:

Yup, a pony ride… and she absolutely loved it.  Andrew’s comment when he got home and we were telling him about it was “that’s going to be an expensive hobby!” Only one ride in and he’s already budgeting for the pony.  Yes, she’s a Daddy’s girl!