UFO (Uncoordinated Flopping Object of affection) Saucer

Yeah, I know. That "O" word combination that I used in my acronym stinks. If you can come up with a better option that means "baby," and isn't "orphan," which is the only one that I could come up with (and obviously couldn't use because it has almost offensive connotations considering the adoption process we're going through), then I will happily change it.

Last week, Libby picked us up a new play saucer/baby entertainer/jump up and downy thing for Button. We had borrowed the one that Gabe used from one of Libby's work friends, and they had another baby so we had to give it back. It's just was well, really. The old on was kind of lame. In fact, this is the first thing that Button has gotten that is BETTER than what Gabe had before. Gabe got all the best toys, better media attention, and the better bed (which we also borrowed and will be returning to its owner just as soon as we can figure out a way to get Gabe to stay in a regular bed through the night). So far, Button has received mostly hand-me-downs. But not this time (though, technically, it still is a hand-me-down, since Libby bought it at a second hand kids' store--not second hand KIDS, second hand kids' ITEMS).

Gabe's saucer thing was a car. It had four or five little do-jobbies scattered around it to play with and a tray that we routinely filled with puffs, cheerios, and other nearly-toddler snack foods (translation: the old one was a MESS of caked on gross when Gabe was finished with it, and, though we cleaned it as best we could regularly, I'm glad we gave it back because ritual burning was probably the only other suitable way to get rid of it). The do-jobbies were pretty basic, and Gabe never showed the least bit of interest in them. And who can blame him? Mostly they just hung around looking pathetic. This new saucer has all the bells and whistles. Literally. Well, no bells, OR whistles. So, I guess NOT literally, but it certainly has its share of noise makers on it. Things play songs and light up and fun times are had by all. Obviously, Gabe LOVES the new toy. He will likely get more use out of it than Button will.

But she'll get her chance to use it. Just not yet. She's at least a month away from being able to support herself well enough to use it. Maybe two months. Possibly three. But, since we had it, we had to try it.

You can't really see in this picture, but her feet are a full four inches from reaching the floor. And we have blankets stuffed all around her to try and keep her from tipping one way or another. All the same, we'll get her in this thing as soon as possible. Gabe was at least a month from reaching the floor when we started putting him in his, and we used the same blanket stuffing method to keep him straight inside. I distinctly recall using a phonebook or something on the floor, too, so his feet would touch something.

Faceplant. She just doesn't have the musculature to stay upright yet. But soon!

Mostly a video of Gabe enjoying the new toy. Poor Butts. Even when the subject of the video is her in her new toy, Gabe finds a way to chew up the scenery. I swear that's not football in the background (OK, it is. Hey, Ben, if you want to hear about a minute of the Chiefs' last preseason game, give it a listen!).