Queen of the Castle

Anika has a new favorite toy.

I put it together while she was taking a nap, and when we entered the living room her little eyes just sparkled.  She knew what it was; there is something similar at the indoor playground that we have been frequenting this winter, and she went right for the most dangerous part: climbing up the slide.  I've noticed that all kids around her age think that this is the appropriate way to use a slide, and perhaps they think they're just smarter than the rest of us (ha, you idiots are going all the way around, climbing up those cumbersome stairs, and then having to hoist yourself up and put your feet in front of you before experiencing the exhilaration of the slide -- why not just cut out all that bull and get right to the fun part?)

We have so far escaped any bloody noses or skinned chins, and are rewarded every day with smiles galore. This castle also has a play area underneath, complete with a little door, windows and port holes that are perfect for peek-a-boo. She loves to climb into her fort and chat away with her toys.

Eventually, of course, this castle will be moved outdoors, but weather and lack of a nice lawn are keeping it inside for the moment. That, and the fact that we have a nice big empty space to keep it in. And you thought I was perhaps getting impatient at our complete lack of living/dining room furniture! Ha! (Incidentally, in case my nesting pregnancy hormones have possibly begun kicking in, we may be able to get our floors installed -- and thus say hasta la vista, baby, to that hideous blue wall-to-wall -- by the first week of March, and I may or may not be giddy with the prospect. Because new floors means we will finally be able to get something for me to sit my weary self on. Like a couch. Or even a chair.)