There's a New Master in Town!

Today, we went for 3 trips up and down the street. Ian couldn't get enough of just walking the sidewalk back and forth. We went all the way to the grocery store and back twice, which is a full block one way. Our third trip out was, with dad & Polli in tow, to the scrapbook store, two full blocks and into our neighborhood's retail plaza. Everything is so new and exciting to Ian and the boy who, less than two weeks ago, was scared to death of setting his feet down in the great outdoors, seems to be happiest taking it all in.

I'm so glad we live in a quiet neighborhood with so much to do and see within a short toddler walk. It was a big hit with our social worker during our homestudy and I can see why now. If we ever move from our neighborhood, it will be next to impossible to find these same benefits elsewhere.

As we got ready to go out as a family, Shawn gave Ian Polli's leash and it was the most exciting thing ever. He squealed and laughed...and then came the trouble: Taking the leash away from him when we got outside. He didn't completely understand that he wouldn't be able to handle her once in her domain. He wasn't happy at all, but once we got back, he walked her around the living room and she graciously complied. She is so patient with him, even letting him throw her toy for her and not making him wrestle to get it out of her mouth to throw it again.

She never walks submissively like this with me!

He was having a ball... Polli's not quite getting the point, but being a good sport none the less.

He really wanted to walk her outside, so Shawn helped him for a while... one day, he'll make a wonderful dog walker!

Two blocks into the walk and he still didn't want to hold my hand. He is really getting the hang of this outside thing!

Everything is new out here. Even this grate with it's cool hollow echo.

Polli has been doing a great job of letting Ian play with her. It's typically next to impossible to get her toys from her, but she seems to be more cooperative with Ian.