the barnacle

happy new year!

2012-01-01T16:39:00.001-05:00

christmas!!

2012-01-01T16:37:00.002-05:00

we made it back from puerto rico just in time for christmas. daddy couldn't find a live tree in all of cape coral for us to decorate so we borrowed meme and pepe's pre-decorated plastic tree. i was disappointed but it all turned out okay. the big surprise was the huge doll house meme and pepe got for you. they didn't even tell us they were getting it, so it was a surprise for mom and dad too. i panicked a little, not knowing where to put it and all. i figured we could build an extension on the side of the house just for it. i ended up moving stuff around and it now takes up nearly an entire wall in your bedroom. but you love it, so it's all good! herb and zoe got you 8 boxes of cheezy bunnies. you were pretty excited about that! it was a good, relaxing day. uncle matt came over and made breakfast for everyone since daddy threw his back out while building your doll house. thanks uncle matt!

the tree, the house, the pressies

daddy putting the finishing touches on the furniture

your letter to santa and some cookies

bright and early christmas morning!

new lacing cards

zoe got a camera

opening box after box of bunnies

the st. onge crew over for breakfast

more bunnies!

Puerto Rico

2011-12-28T09:29:00.000-05:00

Dear Ani,

We spent the week before Christmas in Puerto Rico visiting Abuelita. Our flight out of Ft. Lauderdale was scheduled to leave at 9:45 in the evening, so I planned to meet Uncle Bob at Saja's house in Bonita around 4, giving us time to drive across the alley and catch our flight with time to spare. Bob got stuck in traffic and didn't get to Saja's until after 6. We caught the flight, so it all worked out. You slept for about an hour on the plane and when we landed around 1:30 in the morning you woke up and spent the next hour running full speed around the airport. We didn't get to Abuelita's house and in bed until after 3am. Then you woke up around 7. I was not pleased.

The next night you were sick with a really high fever and neither of us slept for more than an hour straight. That pattern continued through the next 3 nights. I was exhausted and all you could say beneath the snot running from your nose was, "I want to go home! Can we go home?" It was so pathetic I couldn't stand it. Then I caught your dreaded cold and it went straight to my chest in the form of a hacking cough. Ugh.

We did do some fun things though. Bob took me surfing while you played on the beach with Abuelita. You ended up falling asleep in the beach chair, curled up like a little dog. Nana met up with us there on Tuesday night. We thought she was coming on Wednesday so no one was there to pick her up. She took a taxi. Oops.

Thursday Nana and I zip lined through the jungle. It was very cool. You stayed with Bob and Abuelita for the whole afternoon. Bob fell asleep but luckily you gave Abuelita no trouble.

We left the next morning. Our flight out was at 6:45 in the morning, so we were all up at 3am. Another night with little sleep....

But I did get these awesome pictures of you!

the beach at ocean park

it was very windy

let the chase begin!

helping uncle bob with yard work

chasing you around abuelita's house

on the plane ride home

xoxo,

aja

new swing set!!

2011-11-22T15:51:00.001-05:00

Ani got a new swing set for christmas. I know, it's not even thanksgiving yet, but the weather is so nice this time of year that I felt compelled to buy it early. She loves it. There was a slight learning curve- she fell off of it three times in the first five minutes. But she's got the hang of it now!

little daredevil

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T08:17:00.001-04:00

First, there was pumpkin hunting...

raaarrrrr!

"this one is heavy, mama!"

Then was decorating, carving, and pumpkin seeds to roast and devour!

gotta separate the moosh from the seeds!

"I can see in there!"

Ani thought the big pumpkin was the perfect place to stash her little pumpkins.

Then there was the annual trick-or-treating at Nana's house. We had two beautiful witches this year (and a mediocre cat).

Zoe looked so fabulous, as usual!

"Not that one. That one is too scary."

Watch out for the cat!

She's very concerned about where I hid her treat bag.

Ani had a manic-good time trick-or-treating this year! She literally ran, full speed with little legs all a blur, from house to house. After the promised candy was procured at each domicile, she would stop in the driveway to inspect the new addition to her stash. If it was attached to a stick, she decided it must be enjoyed immediately. Otherwise, into the bag it went!

It was a long, lovely evening. Ani fell asleep about five minutes into the ride home, covered in milk dud drool and lolly pop hands. All in all, a very good time indeed.

Much love to my girls and much thanks to Nana for puttin' it on. Also much thanks to Katherine, Raphaelito, and Raphael for joining us. Too bad I didn't get any pictures of you guys (too dark). You all looked way too cute!

xoxo,
Aja

Toddler planking!

2011-10-17T13:08:00.001-04:00

Why I tolerate Florida

2011-10-14T11:06:00.001-04:00

The weather is finally not suffocatingly hot! Enjoying as much time outside as we can...

Hold onto the wind, Bullseye!

2011-10-11T12:25:00.000-04:00

Soooo, pépère brought back a horse from his summer in Connecticut. Ani loves it and right away named him Bullseye. She had been obsessively watching Toy Story 3 for a few weeks, so there you go. She loves this thing. She pets it and feeds it felt carrots. She stands on the saddle and tries to balance (because she's insane like that). Also, don't you totally love the owl shorts and beanie?! Shorts are from this pattern. Beanie is from I don't know where. It's the first one I made and a little wonky, but we love it anyway (kinda like Zoe!).

check out the abs on that girl!

"Hold on to the wind, Bullseye!" Ha, I love that girl!

Peace out,

Aja

jumpin'

2011-06-26T14:51:00.000-04:00

Ani's first time at the gymnastics place. She LOVED the trampolines!

a tea party

2011-06-26T13:59:00.000-04:00

We finally got Ani tea set with her left over birthday money. I had a sneaky suspicion that it would be a big hit...

Two Years Old!!!!!

2011-06-12T14:59:00.001-04:00

Dear Ani,

So, B-Day finally arrived. After months and months of planning, sewing, crafting, sewing, planning some more, sewing some more, and a day of copious baking, your second birthday went off without a hitch. We invited three of your friends over: Raphael, Kaitlyn (and baby Natalie), and Rebecca. Their were balloons everywhere and lots of handmade decorations. You were so excited when you woke up from your nap to find the house filled with balloons and the table covered in cupcakes and cookies!

Your friends started arriving at 2:00 and by the time Raphael and his mom and dad got here at 2:30 you were in full party mode. You ran around the house kicking balloons and dancing!

Pepe called to wish you a happy birthday. You tried to share your cheese with him over the phone!

"whoa, dude."

Your eyes just lit up when we lit the candles on your cupcake. You even joined in singing "Happy Birthday!" Then you clapped at the end of the song and commenced with the eating of the cupcake. And they were darn good cupcakes too (if I do say so myself).

"Look Mommy! Give Cat a Cupcake!"

After filling up on cupcakes, it was time to open presents. Mommy and Daddy got you Tegu blocks, Knuffle Bunny, Knuffle Bunny Free, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed, and Olivia Forms a Band. These are all books we've been getting from the library on a regular basis so I figured it was time you had your own copies.

Katherine, Raphael, and Raphaelito got you the book If You Give a Cat a Cupcake (also one of your favorites from the library) and Katherine crocheted a cat and cupcake to go along with the book. You LOVED it!

From Rebecca, Ashley, and John you got a big bubble wand and bubbles, a pretty pink shirt, a board book, and a cute duck plushie. You couldn't wait to go outside and try the bubbles. Patience is not your forte.

From Kristi and Kaitlyn you got your beloved goulashes, some gardening tools, a pretty flowery dress, flower seeds and a flower pot, and Olivia Plants a Garden. You were very pleased. As soon as we saw the boots we all joked that you would be running around naked with goulashes on... and what do you know, as soon as everyone left you ditched the clothes, donned the boots, and had yourself another cupcake. It was too cute! Your going to have to mix things up a bit though. You're getting predictable in your old age ;)

Naked mole rat eats a cupcake, with goulashes on.

You had a wonderful day which makes all the work and planning that went into it totally worth it. I can't believe it has been two years since you joined your daddy and me on this crazy adventure. I love you so very much, peanut.

Hugs and kisses,
Mommy

23 months

2011-05-09T09:01:00.000-04:00

Dear Ani,

Your second birthday is coming up quick! I am busy planning the details and sewing up some cute party decorations. I just finished designing the invitation and they are being printed up as we speak!

Yesterday was Mother's Day. We took the boat out to Sanibel on Saturday with Daddy, Zoe, and Nana. You are such a little beach bum! You are so comfortable in the water. You walk right in with no fear and if you fall and your face goes under, you come up with a smile and say, "Look mom! I made bubbles!" We were swimming in the water when you told me you had to go poopy. We took a vote as to wether you should poop in the water or if I should dig a hole on the beach for you (there were no bathrooms around). Poop in the water won unanimously! So I took off your panties and you pooped, watching it float away. Zoe was mortified! She was watching the whole thing from up in the boat and I thought she would never get in the water again! I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt!

We also saw a bunch of sting rays. They were coming up onto the shore with the surf, flapping their wings, then zipping back off into deeper water. Some of them swam inches away from us. It was so cool! On the ride back home in the boat, you fell asleep. You are so good about the whole thing, from wearing your life vest to sitting on my lap, even staying on the dock while we get the boat on the trailer.

Today is your first swimming class at the Yacht Club pool. I will report back here as to how you did. I'm hoping you will be doggy paddling by the end of the month.

We are baby sitting my friend Kristi's little girl Natalie until school's out for the summer. She's only three months and oh so little. You have reacted to having a baby in the house in stride. There has been a little clinginess this last week but mostly you have been a big helper. It helps a lot that Natalie is a really easy going baby. She mostly just sleeps a lot.

I love you sooo so so so much peanut.

xoxox,
Mommy

Twenty-two months??!!!

2011-04-04T14:32:00.000-04:00

My Dearest Ani,

It is hardly possible to believe that you are almost two. Every day with you seems to fly by, which like most things is both a blessing and a curse. I won't lie- sometime you can be very tiresome. Sometimes having you literally under my feet while I am trying desperately to get dinner on the table after a long day of cleaning, play-dates, and discipline is enough to send me yelling or crying or both. And for those lapses in my patience and losses of my temper, I apologize. Your mommy is human and fallible.

I assure you, however, that our life together is not all meltdowns and tantrums. We have a lot of fun too. We have recently made friends with a lovely family that we met at the library: Katherine, Raphael, and baby Raphael. The funny thing is, although you know baby Raphael is your boyfriend, you seem to think that Katherine's name is Raphael too because she is always holding him! It's like they are the same person to you, the baby just an extension of the mom. Which up to a certain age is probably more true than not. You, my dear, have seriously surpassed that age. You are definitely your own little person, complete with your own separate personality and agenda. Unfortunately for me, our agendas rarely coincide.

check out those big girl panties!

Last Monday you achieved a major milestone of toddlerhood... Zoe and I took you to target and bought you big girl panties, which you have worn full time (when not running around naked) since then. You, my girl, are potty trained!!! As much as I am excited about this, I am also kind of bummed about giving up the cloth diapers. It's strange to find myself saying this, but I really love those diapers! I almost want to have another baby just so we can use them for a few more years. That's just sick. Anyway, it is nice not to have to wash all those diapers anymore, although I never did mind that chore. And I am so proud of you!! You are such a big girl! Not only do you go potty, but you insist on dumping the pee pee into the toilet and flushing it all by yourself. You have even used a few public restrooms already. Seriously kid, you are growing up way too fast!

going to the farmer's market!

Well Peanut, I would write more about your toddler exploits and how wonderful you are and how you wear me out every day, but there is only so much of my sitting at the computer that you will tolerate. Here are some pictures instead...

I love you muchly!!!!!!

Mommy

at the cyprus slough with daniella

check out those pigtails!

at Jaycee Park

my little gardener!

so beautiful.

Nineteen Months...

2011-01-12T12:13:00.000-05:00

dear ani,

sooooo..... the last five months have been so crazy busy that i haven't had a moment to update your little blog here. future ani, please don't take this lapse of correspondence as any indication of indifference or apathy. the truth is, your toddlerhood has hit me like a ton of bricks and it is all i can do some days to keep you from diving from the dining table onto the tile floor. you're crazy and obstinate and mostly a joy. i say mostly because as i type you are using your tricycle as a stool (balancing on the seat) in order to reach the knives in the silverware drawer. i have told you to get down three times now, and yet there you still are, threatening to break your neck with a knife in your hand. luckily for us all, you have impeccable balance.

anyway, to quickly catch you up on the last five months:
-you have been to puerto rico twice to visit abuelita, once at the end of august and again over christmas.
-you speak in two and three word sentences now.
-you pretend you have a pet toucan.
-you run without falling on your face. mostly.
-you say hi and good morning to nearly every person you see.
-you love the beach.
-you love love love to read books.

(showing off the diaper that mommy made!)

i love you so so so much,
mommy

14 months!!

2010-08-23T13:49:00.000-04:00

Dear Ani,

This monthly update is a few days late because I cannot seem to keep track of the days. One is blurring into the next like it's all just one long day. Summer is quickly drawing to a close and Zoe is going back to school in 2 weeks. I am partly sad and partly relieved. Keeping that girl occupied, fed, and happy all day long can be very trying sometimes. Heck, keeping you occupied, fed, and happy can be trying sometimes, albeit in an altogether different way. You are definitely a full fledged toddler now, talking up a proverbial storm and throwing your share of little tantrums. That's not to say that you are not well behaved, because you are. I need only to take you to story time at the library to confirm your angelic disposition. While the other toddlers are running amuck, crying, and whining, you watch it all (the other kids, not the story) carefully and quietly. Then you decide you want some booby and stick your hand down the front of my shirt.

I love that you are not shy and not afraid to explore your surroundings. Once you get your bearings you refuse to hold my hand, be carried, or generally be told where to go and what to do. It gets exhausting chasing you around trying to keep you out of trouble, but I love that you feel so safe and secure.

It may just be maternal pride, but I am pretty sure you are a genius. Your vocabulary seems to grow by at least a word per day. Some days you pick up two or three new words. It is astounding how quickly you learn. It doesn’t hurt that all day long you point and say, “sat? (what’s that?).”

I love you more than the raven loves his treasure,

Mommy

13 months

2010-07-27T13:25:00.000-04:00

Dear Ani,

As you can see from the photos above, we have been spending a lot of time out of doors this last month. It has been hot, yes, but you love being outside so much that I just cannot deny you. We have been going to the pier with your Dad, slowly walking down to the end and back. You say hi to everyone there like you know them, pick at every spot on the boards, stop to poke your head through the rails every two feet, and are entranced by the birds. It takes us nearly an hour to reach the end of the pier! We also go to the park a lot, walking the few blocks with you riding in your wagon. You have chalk which you share with the other kids and we draw doodles all over the blacktop.

Your vocabulary has exploded in the last few weeks. You say bye-bye daddy and bye-bye meme. We are working on bye-bye nana. You haven't said bye-bye mommy because I never leave you! Your favorite word is "eeewww" and you say it with much enthusiasm, lips puckered in a drawn out eeeeeuuuooooowww. So cute! You are also very fond of Uh-oh, which you usually add an extra syllable to, making it uh-uh-oh. And my new favorite word of yours is eat. You suddenly decide you are hungry and run to the fridge saying, "eat eat eat!" At least there is no question as to what you want! You are also learning the names of body parts, like feet, eyes, eyebrows, knee, elbow. And "what's that?" is now said at least 100 times a day.

Your big brother Chris is here. At first you were scared of him. I don't blame you, you are about the size of his calf! But now that he has been here for a week or two, you are getting used to him.

I love you sooooo much, peanut! You amaze me and your daddy every day.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo,
Mommy

lookin' like a fool with poop on the floor...

2010-06-30T14:50:00.000-04:00

i wish i had taken a picture, but that would have meant leaving you on the floor with poop between your legs long enough for you to start playing in it, and that just wasn't going to happen... so no pic. anyway, you were "eating" rice and beans (eating in quotes because more was on you and the floor than could have possibly made it into your mouth)...

when you were done i had a huge mess to clean up. i wiped you down as best i could, taking off your diaper because it too was covered in rice and beans, and put you down while i got busy wiping down the high chair and floor. you went over to your play kitchen, sat down, and started making poopy noises. i'm all like, "WAIT! PLEASE DON'T POOP ON THE FLOOR! I'M TRYING TO CLEAN THIS COLOSSAL MESS!" two seconds later, just as i was about done with the floor, i hear, "uh oh, ew." i look over and see A GIANT GLOB OF BLACKISH GREEN POOP between your legs. you had stuck your thumb into it, which i am assuming is the point where you said "ew." yes. ew, indeed.

1 Year!!!

2010-06-17T14:13:00.000-04:00

Dear Ani,
I cannot believe you are already a year old. I know, that sounds so cliche, but it is true. This year has flown by and it has been so fun getting to know you and watching your little personality bloom.

Over the last month, you have mastered the art of walking! You are now on to running, which is a little haphazard and zig-zaggy! You squeal in delight when we chase you and you love to peak around corners then run away. You also chase these poor cats around all day. We have some very tolerant cats!

Your signing vocabulary has exploded, mostly due to your obsession with books. You love "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" and know the sign for every animal except sheep (and that is only because I don't know the sign for sheep- I'll have to look that up). You make me read the same book to you 3 or 4 times in a row, then it's on to the next book. You are finally eating your books less and reading them more! Progress!!

You are also starting to talk more. Your little voice is so cute, I can hardly stand it! You say eew every time you eat a tumbleweed of cat hair. Eew is right! You say bye bye and book. Book sounds more like bap when you say it, but we know what you mean because you are signing book at the same time.

I love that I can put you down and let you play now, without having to constantly entertain you or hold you. You play with your toys for a while then you climb into my lap and we read some books. Then you get back down and chase the cat around. I spend a lot of time around here cooking and cleaning and you have started to mimic me. You follow me into the bathroom, grab a rag out of the drawer, and "help" me clean the tub. You wipe down the lid to the toilet and the floor. When I'm in the kitchen I give you pots and pans to play with and you stir your imaginary food around and make me taste it, holding up your spoon saying "um".

We had your birthday party on the 12th- a combo party with Zoe and her friends as well. It was a lot of fun. We had it at Jaycee Park and lots of people showed up. Nana and Lucas came with Daniella. Me mere brought your birthday cake. Aunt Danielle and Uncle Matthew were there, along with Savannah, of course. You got a couple of big presents this year. Matt and Danielle got you a Radio Flyer wagon and a blow up pool. You have gotten a lot of use out of them both already. Me mere got you a water table, which you also love. But you spill water all over the back porch and it gets slippery, so we need to find you some water shoes so you don't fall and hit your head (which you have already done once already).

It has been an amazing year watching you grow into a feisty little toddler. I love you so much!

xoxo,
Mommy

Walking, Teething, and Uber-cuteness

2010-05-22T21:17:00.000-04:00

Last month you took your first official steps and since then you have been gearing up for full take-off. Earlier this week your Dad said that by the end of the week you would be walking, and he pegged it! You are officially bipedal! The best part has been watching your face as you realize that you can make forward progress and carry things in your hands at the same time. Just this morning you came out of the bedroom with both of my flip-flops, one in each hand, walking toward us with the biggest grin on your face! My god, the cuteness!!! You are also sprouting three teeth at the same time, eating chocolate chip cookies, and riding forward facing in the car. Seriously, kid- those are some major milestones.

We went to Saja's house today for Jinze's birthday. You showed off your mad walking skills, ate cake, made kissy faces at the fish in the salt water tank, and got your face licked by one of the dogs. You couldn't help be intrigued by the dogs, although you did not like them getting in your face. You cried a few times but continued to make your dog sign (panting) while pointing. You loved watching the older girls play and followed them around the patio. We also went to the beach this morning where you crawled into the water and swam a little before I came to the rescue. You had a pretty good doggy paddle going on there for a second!

Much love, kiddo. Much love.

~mommy~

11 months!

2010-05-10T20:49:00.001-04:00

Dear Ani,
You are very nearly a whole year old! I cannot believe it. It has been a real blast watching you learn new things and explore. You are a very curious child, very aware of your surroundings, and very eager to figure things out. You love meeting new people, not necessarily being held by them, but definitely flirting and exchanging smiles.

And you are so smart! You use your babysigns to communicate all manner of things to us. You point out different animals that you recognize- dog, cat, fish, duck, bird, pig. I am going to have to do some research to find new signs to teach you. One of your favorite books right now, "Big Dog, Little Dog", says "shhh, Big Dog and Little Dog are sleeping." And you put your little finger on your lips, practically up your nose, and say "ssssssss" as you are tossing the book onto my lap for me to read to you.

You love love love your books. Many times throughout the day I find you sitting amid a pile of books, flipping through the pages intently, pointing to and signing the things you recognize.

You took your first official steps about two weeks ago and have taken a few lone steps since then, but have yet to take off walking. I have a feeling it might be awhile because you are so darn good at crawling. No rush kiddo. Take your time. You have, however, figured out how to get down off of the couch and the bed without falling, so that's a good thing. You also love to rearrange the furniture, specifically the dining chairs and your highchair. Who needs push toys when you have furniture and tile floors!

Busted!

And thank god for tile floors, because lately, you have taken to removing your diaper and running around bare-bottomed. I can't say I blame you. It's hot, and if I could get away with it I would do it too. But you inevitably pee on the floor, then kick your legs in it and swish it around with your hands. Like I said, thank god for tile floors!

Yesterday was Mother's Day, which we spent with Nana and Zoe at the Calusa Nature Center then out for lunch. At the Nature Center you saw all manner of flora and fauna. You were particularly impressed with the peacock, which was running around inside where the gift center was. The look on your face when you caught sight of that bird was too cute. You weren't sure what to make of it, so you called it like a cat. You also enjoyed seeing the pigs, the sign for which you just began using. Nana was really impressed by that. You saw fish, eagles, hawks, a bobcat, butterflies, snakes, tortoises, a skunk, all kinds of stuff. After that we went out for lunch at a sushi place where you ate tofu and broth, threw your plate on the floor, then fell asleep at the boob. We need to work on your table manners!

At the Nature Center, trying to swim with the hermit crabs!

This morning your daddy and I took you to the Yacht Club beach, which to you is the biggest sandbox ever! You love picking through the sand looking for sticks and rocks, just like Zoe used to. And you love to sit at the edge of the water and splash. You have even started to get a bit of a tan line, you little beach bum! I love how independent you are. You caught sight of a bird that was walking along the shoreline away from us and took off after it halfway down the beach without looking back. No fear. We must be doing something right for you to have such confidence.

This is your swimsuit model pose!

Playing Babyzilla!

This time next month you will be a year old and Zoe will be 11. Can you believe that?! Eleven!! Man oh man, I love you girls! I had a really great Mother's Day with you both, and Nana too of course.

I love you more than whale loves his spout,

Mommy

xoxoxoxo

10 Months!!!!

2010-04-12T19:09:00.005-04:00

My Dearest Ani,

HOLY CRAP YOU ARE 10 MONTHS OLD!!!! I mean really, how did this happen?! You are growing far too quickly, time is passing far too quickly, and I am trying to savor your baby-hood, but, frankly dear, it's all a blur. So to help us all remember you at this moment (you know, later, when we're all like, "remember when Ani was a baby and she did that thing that was so funny?!"), a list:

Favorite food: Tofu (yup, surprised even me)
Second favorite food: the book "Fifteen Animals"
Third favorite food: cat hair (clearly you'll eat anything)
Favorite book: "Fifteen Animals" (otherwise known as Bob)
Favorite thing to do with Daddy: visit Mr. Bird
Favorite thing to do with Mommy: Booby!
Favorite thing to do with Sissy: Sing silly songs and play
Grossest thing ever: that time you ate your own poop
Saddest thing ever: when you cried because Sissy had to go home
Smartest thing ever: linking your signs into a sentence ("I want more booby!")
Cutest thing ever: your scrunchy blow-my-nose face
Also the cutest thing ever: blowing kisses

Some new developments this month.... you have started pointing. When being carried, you point to let us know where you want to go, what you want to touch, and what you want to put in your mouth. You pointed at your boppy then signed "more booby" to tell your daddy you wanted to nurse. Why you told him is beyond me. His boobies don't work! You point when you recognize something/ someone. You point when you see something new and want to know what it is. There is a lot of pointing going on!

You are so close to walking, we are all on eggshells waiting for it. You can stand and balance without holding on to anything for a good long time and you cruise along the furniture like a pro. I really think it's going to be any time now. But for now, you are a very accomplished crawler. You crawl around this house so much that I haven't had to clip your toenails in months- they are worn down from being dragged along the tile floor!

You had a doctor's appointment this morning- just a well-baby visit. You are 19 pounds, which is average for your age, but a whopping 30.25 inches tall, the top of the growth curve. You are a lean, mean, baby machine!
Sissy was on spring break all last week and spent Monday through Thursday with us. You were, of course, thrilled. She got to go with us to Rhyme-Time and see you in all your social glory. We also took lots of walks- to the candy store, to the thrift store, to the park... anything to get outside and enjoy this gorgeous Spring weather.

For your first Easter we spent the afternoon at Lakes Park with Nana and Lucas and Daniella. We found a shady spot by the water and had a picnic lunch, then played on the playground. There was a lot of walking back and forth to the car, which seemed like miles, and I carried you on my back most of the time. You were very sweaty and got your first sunburn. Don't worry, it was mild. You were lathered in sunblock but I missed the spots just under your eyes. So for the next few days you wore a hat when we went outside. Or at least I tried to make you wear a hat. Usually I just ended up carrying it. And you got your first pair of sunglasses, which you would rather eat than wear, and your first pair of shoes, which you tolerate okay.
Last night you met my friend Sasha and all her crazy family. She lives in New Mexico now, but came down for a few days to visit. We are saving money in Mommy's piggy bank so we can fly to New Mexico to visit her next summer. Don't be mad if I start selling your stuff to fund our trip. What am saying?! I've been selling your stuff all along! I sold your exersaucer to buy your new shoes!
Anyway, I sure have been enjoying your beautiful little face with your gapped little teeth and your drooly kisses. I love you and your sister more than I can stand sometimes. Both of you amaze me everyday!

Infinite Love,

Mommy

blowing kisses, fifth tooth, and Bob

2010-03-27T20:49:00.004-04:00

I discovered your fifth tooth yesterday. It has been working its way out for weeks now, but has finally broken free. The only way I can even tell you are teething is all the drool. You don't complain or get cranky. You just leave trails of spit wherever you go.

Just within the last couple of days, you have learned to blow kisses. It is the cutest thing I have ever seen!!!!! Sometimes you just kiss your palm and hang on to your kiss. Sometimes you stick your hand out and make me kiss it. Sometimes you stick your hand out then kiss it yourself. And sometimes you get everything coordinated just so and blow a kiss. Man o man, it gets me every time. Just yesterday you even blew a kiss to an old man in the parking lot of the grocery store as I was loading the bags into the trunk. Shameless flirt.

The last three or four times we went to Barnes and Noble to peruse the kids' books, I picked up the Boynton "Fifteen Animals," read it, laughed my ass off, then left the store empty handed. Sometimes I am too cheap for my own good. Needless to say I finally bought it and it continues to amuse us all. Fourteen of the animals are named Bob, and after reading it to you two or three times, you started saying "bob bob bob bob." I'm pretty sure Bob is your third word, after Mamamama and Dadadada. Bob.

Love you Boogie,

Mom

baby signs

2010-03-15T19:37:00.002-04:00

recently you have begun using the signs i have been "teaching" you for the last couple of months. by "teaching," i mean i use a few simple signs while talking to you and reinforcing them when you use them on your own. your repertoire includes the following:

"kitty kitty"- this one has been your favorite for at least two months now. you rub your thumb and forefinger together like we do when calling the cats.
"all done"- both hands turn from palms up to palms down. you use this to tell me when you're done eating, when bath time is over, when you're done playing with something, etc.
"more"- tap fingertips of both hands together, although you tap the palm of one hand with the fingers of the other. you usually use this to indicate "more food please" but also have use it to tell me you want to read another book.
"ducky"- this one is cute. you make a little quacking gesture with your hand. i just started using it during bath time a few days ago and already you are spontaneously gesturing "ducky" when i put you the bath and you grab your rubber duckies.
"ball"- daddy bought you a purple bouncy ball and i am pretty sure you hate it. it scares you. you cling to me and your little heart pounds every time you see it rolling around on the floor. but just in the last two days you have learned the sign for ball. it looks suspiciously like "all done" when you do it though. hmmmm.
"book"- open and close hands like a book. we just started using this one too. you haven't done it yet, maybe because the coordination of both hands is a little hard just yet, but i have a feeling it won't be long.

i love that you are not just copying us, but actually communicating with us. when i put you in the bathtub tonight, you immediately grabbed one of your ducks, looked up at me, and signed "ducky," raising your eyebrows in a "look mommy, this is a duck, right?" sort of gesture.

too quiet

2010-03-11T10:00:00.001-05:00

i was putting away dishes today when it got a little too quiet in the house. never a good sign. i decided to investigate. i found you in the bedroom with your father's underwear on your head. ::sigh::

Ani, Nine Months

2010-03-10T14:12:00.010-05:00

Dearest Boogie (aka Yucky Don'tEatThat, aka Missifu, aka Ani Jr.),

What a wonderfully busy and productive month you have had, my dearest little trouble-maker. You have made this modest little house your home and are gracious enough to let your father and I live here with you. You crawl from room to room, under the tables, anywhere and everywhere in search of little pieces of fuzz, cat hair, crumbs, and other gross things on the floor to pick up with your tiny little fingers and oh-so-innocently put in your mouth. Hence your new name "Yucky Don'tEatThat!" Man you are cute. When you get caught you quickly shove said yucky into your mouth with a grin, turn, and high-tail it away from me. Then I catch you and dig the offending yucky out of your mouth with my finger. Fun for all!! Sometimes, if you are feeling kind, I ask you to give it to mommy and you do! So frickin' cute!!!!!!

Speaking of cute- you are enthralled by our cats, Una and Apollo (aka Monday, because nobody likes Monday- according to Daddy). Instead of pulling out fistfuls of hair, which was so two months ago, you pat the kitties nice. A little too hard, but nice. You were doing just that today when you got your first retaliatory smack from Una- right in the face. You looked so betrayed and hurt! So I picked you up and we chased the cat around wagging our fingers at her saying, "Not nice, kitty!" And you wagged your tiny finger at that cat for next twenty minutes! "Not nice, kitty!" Good thing you weren't trying to pet the cat with your face, another one of your favorite moves. She might have taken an ear right off. As it was, she managed to draw a little blood from above your eye. But you're a tuffy. A quick hug from Mom and you were off to reprimand the bad kitty.

You caught your first cold this month. After playing with Daniella, who shared her snotty plastic ice cream cone with all of us, you and I both came down with a doozy. I felt like poop for two days, but quickly got over it. You clearly felt like poop for the first two days too because you woke up every hour or so those nights crying. Nobody slept. It was awful. And your nose was so stuffed up that you could hardly nurse, which is your favorite past-time. It was so pathetic to watch. You would take a gulp or two, unlatch, breathe, and repeat. Poor kid. Your nose is still disgusting and the occasional snot bubbles provide some comic relief, but otherwise, you are totally over it. You laugh and play with stringy snot or crusty face- tissue be damned! Speaking of tissue... those first few days when I was sneezing and gross? I blew my nose into one of your old cloth diapers (so many uses for those things!) and you grabbed it out of my hand, pretended to blow your nose, then held it up to my nose for me to blow again. I swear, child, I think you might be a genius.

Oh, I almost forgot... We got three wool diaper covers last week. Absolutely love them. I found a lady on Etsy that makes them from old sweaters. So cute! I originally got them for you to wear at night so you wouldn't have to sleep in a PUL cover with a wet diaper for hours on end. The wool breathes, so is much more comfortable. I love them so much I have you wearing them all day long. They feel so much nicer than plastic covers, as much as those have been awesome. These are just so much awesomer. Yup, I said awesomer. That's how much I love them. Your big, fluffy cloth diaper butt just got fluffier! And awesomer.

Abuelita went back to Puerto Rico last week. Totally bummed. I was hoping to see her again before she left, but it didn't work out. But she did get to spend the night here with us and get some good quality time with you in your own environment. It's weird, but you do act differently at home than elsewhere. You are free to roam about here. You get into the pots and pans, you pull laundry out of the hamper, you play with the shoes in the closet, occasionally you even play with your toys. But when we are out and about, even at someone else's house, I have to hold you, or someone else has to, or you get into all kinds of crap. You are also very interested in adult conversations, so sometimes you get quiet and attentive when I am talking with people. It's like you're a whole different baby.

Speaking of out and about... Last month I took you to several Baby-Parent Rhyme Time things at the library. It was a good opportunity to expose you to other babies around your age. Abuelita got to come with us this last time. There is something to this attachment parenting thing because, I swear, you were the most independent and secure baby there. Most of the babies stayed close to mom, although the older ones were all over the place. You were the only one your age that wasn't clingy and whiny. You crawled right into the middle of that circle, looked back once to make sure I was still there, and were off. You got into some lady's diaper bag, stole a kids sippy, hung out with another mom for a while and played with her bracelet, crawled under the librarian's chair and bumped your head... it was amazing to see you in that setting, so sure of yourself and confident. And you are learning things so quickly now. By the end of the last Rhyme Time you knew how to shake your egg rattle to the song instead of just put it in your mouth. Now that is progress!

We got your new carrier a few days ago- a Babyhawk mei tai. It's orange with a calavera print on the front panel. Very punk. I can easily wear you on my back now, which is nice because your big head can't get in my way back there. Don't get me wrong, I love wearing you up front because I can kiss your head and you can't get away! But shopping, cleaning, cooking- all much easier with you on my back. This morning we went to the farmer's market, came home and cleaned the floors, made a huge pot of veggie soup, all with you sleeping on my back. Then later this afternoon we went to the bookstore and to World Market, again with you on my back, and you flirted with people without my even realizing it. I would be minding my own business, reading the back of a book, and you're having a full out conversation consisting of raised eyebrows, winks, waves, and general flailing about. The two of us get some looks, I'll tell you what. What with me and my bald head and torn jeans, and you clinging to my back like some kind of monkey baby. What a pair.

I love you muchly peanut...

Mommy

PS- I think you grew like 3 inches in the last couple of days. All of a sudden you can reach the second self of the bookcase! You're a beast.