MONKEY SCREECHES

On April 22nd, Little Miss Vanessa turned 4 months old. Of course Daddio and I are also celebrating the anniversary of her transfer and growth commencement.

I can't help thinking this week that my life is perfect. Well, I'm not perfect - still chubby, house is a mess, not applying for the Supermom of the Year Award - but the life I have is pretty close to nirvanna. With these thoughts come some worry that the proverbial Other Shoe may drop. The very good news is, however, I did have a CA125 test done last week and it came back at 6.0 which suggests optimum health for a new mama in remission. Thank you, God!

Vanny-kins continues to dazzle us with her rapid ascent along a rather steep learning curve. In terms of language, she is currently testing (and mastering) the scream. Not a screaming cry or a screech of delight, mind you; more of a monkey screech. My translation is: "I haven't learned English yet, DARN IT, so I can't explain myself. Arrrrgggghhh!"

For her four month birthday we got her what we call a play station. I can't remember what the official name of this drool-proof contraption is, but it basically keeps her upright in one place and lets her use her arms, legs, fingers and monkey toes without fear of getting into much trouble. She grabs and bats at things with all the finesse of a little Frankenstein, and Grandma Patty taught her how to press the button that starts the music. Nessa loves music!

Around the house there are still four fur- and feather-babies who have fallen into rank behind the little princess. See Milo beg for Alpha's attention in a most convincing manner.

Our eldest, Alley, is 14 years old and is clearly not going to celebrate too many more birthdays. She still eats, drinks, jumps, walks and meows like she always has, but she's skinny and rickety enough that I say, "Oh you're still alive!" every morning I see her. Her preferred spot is lying on the carpet underneath the baby's swing.

Max doesn't mind Vanessa as long as she stays out of his designated spot on the couch between 10 PM and 8 AM and someone appears with wet food morning and night. Chica the bird is definitely getting the short end of the branch in terms of our attention, but, in the end, we think she is the one who taught Van to communicate with a screech.