Riley and Avery

So I did manage to go to Toys R Us last night. I didn't really find all that much in Avery's age range, and didn't manage to spend my whole store credit. I did find these farm blocks, which Avery picked out herself. Even though we already have a wooden barn, this one will be just Avery's. And it's pretty darn cute to boot. So, one gift down.

We went to Arundel Mills Mall today, and Riley went potty there a record three times. We got a really awesome lined sweater jacket for Riley at the GapKids for $15. It totally rocks. And we happened upon the shoes for Riley that I ran all around Columbia last time I was here looking for and couldn't find. And after I had just spent $50 on new shoes for Riley. Riley said "I really really like these shoes, Mommy!" Brendan and Mina bought them for her for her Christmas gift, she just doesn't know it yet. I also got Avery an outfit at the Gymboree outlet for pictures, for which she has an appointment tomorrow, if her mystery allergic reaction rash has cleared up, that is.

Avery is starting to warm up a bit. Sometimes she is clearly intentionally trying not to smile, which is rather funny. She also likes to touch Duke with her middle finger like a little princess. I also realized that a rather important part of Avery's carseat base is missing. I have a feeling that it was lost by the airline. I asked Rudi to look in his car the next time he's in it to see if it's there. He removed the car seat from his car when he dropped us off at the airport and he's not really familiar with the seat at all, so maybe it dropped off and he didn't notice. If we can't find it we may have to either buy a new base or a new car seat if she's big enough to be forward-facing (which I doubt). Poo.

Ugh, I think I did something strange to my arm. I think it originated with wearing the ring sling too long. My shoulder is all out of whack and my left wrist is swollen. Now my left arm goes numb when I wear any sling, the ring sling or the mei tai. And I can absolutely only hold Avery with my left arm. I am seriously too retarded to figure out the logistics of holding her in my right arm. I just can't do it.

I think Riley injured herself about two dozen times today. She tends to go through self-destructive phases. Her legs are so severely bruised that it looks like she's abused. It's horrible. She fell and hit her face on the wood floor and got a few blood-blisters on her lower lip. She's bumped her head many times...

Oh, I really need to go to bed...