Sunday

For Mother’s Day, we had a picnic in the park!

And then we went to Hoyer’s for ice cream – Cole shared his ice pop after only a little teasing.

Monday

Those pretty pink cheeks are the result of the fever I woke up with on Monday.

Rather than spread germs, Mommy and I went for a walk and skipped Aardvarks.

I took an afternoon nap…

Which meant at 10PM, I was ready to play all night!

Tuesday

We spent a lazy morning on Tuesday with the iPad.

Then we headed off to the library for a little while; Cole got to play on the computer!

And we played with the toys together.

The library started out as a school house, and they still have one of the 90 year old desks.

Wednesday

On Wednesday night, I stayed with Coach and Grammy Boo while Mommy and Daddy took Cole to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Mommy claimed they went for Shavuot, but I think they just had a gift card and didn’t feel like cooking…

Thursday

I fought a nap, but the nap won.

Thursday night was the season opener for the Rockland Boulders.

While Cole was busy on the playground, I stole his juice. Shh!

There is a new little “train” that circles the stadium this year, and it was the highlight of Cole’s night.

Friday

All right, we’ll give that tiny fuzzy goslings are kind of cute, but the adult geese? Ick. Mommy and I stopped to yell at the ladies feeding them – seriously? You didn’t see all the signs about the overpopulation?

Friday’s walk was full of wildlife. Any ichthyologists in the house? The fish were all thrashing and splashing like crazy in the shallows… Why?

You can’t *really* tell, but this is a rare sight – I was awake!

After our walk, we went to Coach’s house to meet up with Aunt Angela, and I took the opportunity to drive Cole’s car while he wasn’t there.

After we picked Cole up, we had yummy lunch at Stir Crazy.

Back at Coach’s, I had important work to do on the disconnected keyboard.

I also supervised Coach and Cole’s youtube viewing.

Friday night we went over to a friends house for a delicious dinner and bonfire. Summer is coming, you guys!

Saturday

Saturday was awesome. First, Cole woke up and requested “springy mack-uh-nonies and meatball sauce.”

An odd choice for breakfast, but tasty nonetheless.

Sunglasses: check. Stroller: check. Guys: check. Cole was ready to go!

We didn’t set out with a clear plan for the day, but we ended up going to the Turtleback Zoo, and it was So Much Fun.

I wore my new Elmo shoes. I love them.

Penguins!

Mommy is always attempting to take nice pictures of Cole and I together. This probably won’t end up on our Hanukkah card this year.

Another holiday card reject.

Fact: The bear turned around and walked away about 2 minutes after this photo was taken, and Cole announced to the full viewing room, “Look, now we can see his tushie!”

Mommy is afraid of birds, so going into the aviary and buying the little stick of food to feed the budgies just proves how much she loves Cole.
I was a teensy bit tuckered from the zoo, and I slept through dinner!

We ended the evening with a trip to Trader Joe’s. Mommy recommends these coconut chips. Yum!

Every day Lulu is less and less baby-like; she has picked up half a dozen signs in the past months, and a few spoken words, too. She says my name (All The Time), and now says Mommy, Daddy, juice, and fish. We must be unconsciously aquarium-centric in our house because “fish” was one of my very first words/signs, too! She walks and runs, and can *almost* do the stairs by herself – she TRIES to do them by herself every day, which pretty much gives Mommy and Grammy Boo heart attacks. Aunt Maya set a land speed record last week when Lulu made a break for the stairs while no one was paying attention.

My baby sister is rough and tumble – it seems like she has a mystery bruise or two every week, but she wants to get right back up and play after she falls. She has NO patience for Mommy checking her over to see if she’s okay. In her head, Lulu and I are twins, and she gets into even more mischief than I did at her age because she has me as a fabulous role model! She does not WANT to be a baby; she thinks she is 4 so she refuses to sleep in her crib or sit in a high chair. Luckily, I’m a peanut and still rear-facing or she would pitch a fit getting into the car!

They totally changed BabyCenter Milestone Chart, but luckily I have the list from when *I* was 16 months.

Mastered Skills (most kids can do)

• Turns the pages of a book – YES. Lulu *loves* books and will make EVERYONE read to her.
  
• Has temper tantrums when frustrated – Yes. They don’t really hold a candle to MY tantrums, but she does do a little stompy foot dance of frustration.
  
• Becomes attached to a soft toy or other object – Pink. Bunny.
  

Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)

• Discovers the joy of climbing – Lulu and I must both be climbing prodigies, because this is NOT a new skill, and I was a little monkey long before 16 months as well.
• Stacks three blocks – I don’t really let Lulu play with my blocks – but she doesn’t seem all tht interested in them anyway.
  
• Uses a spoon or fork – She makes a valiant effort.
  
• Learns the correct way to use common objects (e.g. the telephone) – Lulu’s FAVORITE toys are the phones and the remote controls. And she definitely knows how to use them.
  

Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)

• Takes off one piece of clothing by himself. – I have taught her well. She pretty much takes her shoes and socks off immediately upon being buckled into her car seat. And she takes her jacket off when we get home.
  
• Gets finicky about food – Not yet; maybe we’ll avoid a picky phase?
• Switches from two naps to one – Two naps? Bwahahahaha. We Ludwig children LAUGH in the face of napping!
  

Sunday

Cole slept late on Sunday morning, and finally I couldn’t take it anymore – I went in and woke him up!

Daddy took us to the playground while Mommy was at work.

I *love* swings.

Uncle Matt and Aunt Maya got married in January, but it was all the way in Australia and we didn’t get to go, so we had them cut the cake at dinner.

Cole insisted on taking a bath at Grammy Boo’s house before we came home.

Monday

Are you guys tired of Aardvarks pictures yet?

Trey is one of Cole’s best friends. And he lives right next door!

Cole posed and requested that Mommy take this picture.

Bathing beauty!

Tuesday

I don’t even know what we did all day on Tuesday.

Wednesday

It rained on Wednesday, but I have a supernice big brother who was willing to share the umbrella.

While Cole was at school, Mommy and I went to pick him out some snazzy duds for his concert on Friday. After a quick consultation with Twitter, we went with the Batman tie.

Mommy got new sneakers – they have ALL the colors!

Rainy afternoon = lunch at McDonald’s = kiddie cones! Yay!

I started feeling a little under the weather on Wednesday night – I have a bit of a cold.

Thursday

Mommy wants to know where I got the black eye, but then a few of her friends reminded her of the first rule of Fight Club.

We ran a few errands on Thursday, including heading to Loew’s for some plants for Cole’s teachers. I don’t know why we’re making faces – we LOVED the car cart.

We went for a walk with Daddy after dinner – I went on Daddy’s back, and Cole brought his little stroller so Mickey could join us.

We are quite the cool crew.

Friday

I had a play date with Baby Sarah on Friday morning.

She wasn’t feeling so great, though, and she took a nap instead.

We went to Costco to get snacks for oneg after Cole’s concert, so of course we had some fro yo.

This is a sort of awkward angle, but Cole looked superhandsome in his shirt and tie.

We ran into Cole’s friend Henry at dinner! They weren’t dressed alike on purpose – great minds!

Saturday

Some people Daddy might look at this and think we have enough bows. Mommy thinks we need a bigger bow holder.

Mommy didn’t get to walk this week due to weather and errands, so we went for a walk on Saturday. I cheered her on… quietly.

Cole got to play on the playground while we were exercising.

I woke up in time to go down the slides a few times before it started raining.

Cole enjoyed a SECOND playground at the Boulders’ game!

I am a big baseball fan.

So much fun!

Sunday

Sunday was another *gorgeous* day, and we spent the afternoon at Union Square park playground.

Mommy wanted to get a picture of me and Cole together – something about us looking extra adorable in our matching t-shirts – but I was impatient to go down the slide, and NOT cooperating.

We were better at posing individually.

See?

Baby in a tube.

TWO babies in a tube!

We had a munchkin break. Thanks for the snacks, Aunt Debbie!

We met up with Victor and Liss and Francis and Emily for dinner at Republic. YUM.

Monday

Monday, therefore Aardvarks.

Teething tantrum in the middle of the Apple store while Mommy was waiting for her phone to be fixed.

Cole, on the other hand, was waiting patiently.

Tuesday

Tuesday was a completely lazy morning.  I took out ALL the Legos.

Cole just relaxed.

Cole helped Aunt Maya peel potatoes.

I had tantrums and hung out in the swing for a while.

Cole also helped Coach pound the chicken.  There are no pictures of our completed dinner because I threw a FIT, and we had to eat and run.

Wednesday

On Wednesday morning, Mommy and I went for a walk while Cole was in school.  Mommy did most of the actual walking.

I had fun hitching along, though.

Mommy went out without us on Wednesday night, and Daddy *claimed* that I was being impossible, but this is what Mommy found when she came home; do I look impossible to you?

Our friends went on vacation and brought Cole and I souvenirs.  I *love* my hat.

Thursday

On Thursday, we went to the Bronx Zoo.

Cole was super excited for the 4D movie, and he dragged Uncle Matt and Aunt Maya in with him.

I slept through almost the ENTIRE zoo day – good thing we’re members and will go back soon!

The sea lions were totally posing.

Uncle Matt and Aunt Maya made a new rhino friend.

Friday

Cole wasn’t feeling well on Friday morning, so we stayed home so he could rest a bit.

Uncle Matt spent our whole day at the zoo looking for the special Coke machine, and when he found it, it was closed… We went to Five Guys for dinner on Friday, and found one there!

Saturday

This weekend was the Spring Crafts Fair at Lyndhurst – Mommy’s favorite! There was a “musical petting zoo,” and Cole put on an impromptu concert.

I hitched a ride in the rainbow carrier.

Tech time with Daddy!

I was ready to go immediately, but Mommy made me pose for a picture.

I was psyched to see the ankylosaurus. Baby Lulu was not so sure.

Around the park, there are several activity stations set up. The task at this one was to put together to connector blocks in shapes according to a template – the pieces are pretty small and difficult to manipulate for a little hands, so this might be better suited to kids a little older than me. I still had fun, though!

This baryonyx is the same guy who scared the heck out of me last year. He’s not so bad!
This activity station was coloring, sponsored by Crayola. It, and most of the other activities, was entirely preschool-kid friendly.

The shows at Field Station: Dinosaurs are *super* fun and interactive. I got to star as Sir Isaac Newton in Avian Dinosaurs!

Lulu enjoyed the show.
I thought these were baby dinosaurs, but it turns out the velociraptors are just on the small side. Nothing wrong with that!

We headed down to The Quarry area to take in a few shows, which was Mommy’s favorite portion of the day; Lulu was pretty happy…

…until this guy came along and she *freaked* out. We can’t blame her; even Mommy’s heart beat faster when the young T-Rex came close to our seats. That costume is super realistic!

It didn’t scare me a bit, though, and I loved every minute of the show!

After a snack from the on-site popcorn vendor, and a hot dog lunch, I got to unearth my own fossil in the digging pit. I found a “pretty” pterodactyl! We had an amazing day. Mommy was a little nervous going in because Daddy had to work so we were there on our own, but I was so actively engaged that I was a great listenener and made good choices All Day. I was old enough to understand and appreciate almost all of the attractions (Mommy can’t wait for me to be big enough to participate in the T-Rex Games!) and we spent over 3 hours wandering around the park. We didn’t quite see *everything* but we found that we had an adequate amount of time and took in almost every attraction. I wanted to see the 3D Dinosaur Movie, but Mommy wasn’t sure if I would get scared, and Baby Lulu for SURE would have not loved it. Maybe next time Daddy will be able to join us, and we can check out the movie on our own. We had just as great a time on our visit this year as we did last year, and will definitely go back. Admission prices vary, but a basic ticket for an adult is $25, and kids aged 3 to 12 get in for $20. $90 for a family of 4 is a teeny bit steep,
but I think there are enough things to do to make Field Station: Dinosaurs a decent day trip and worth the cost – at least for younger kids. Older children, unless they are the most fanatic dino lovers, might not be as captivated with the animatronic creatures.

Quick Tips:

• You can get discount tickets online if you plan ahead and purchase at least a day before your
  visit.
• The pathways are gravel and some sections are a bit steep, so wear comfortable shoes – and you might want to leave the stroller in the car.
• Most of the attractions are outdoors and in open areas, so be prepared for whatever weather you may encounter. Definitely bring sunscreen this summer, or pack an extra sweater if it’s chilly.
• The bathroom facilities are porta-potty trailers at the front of the park, and in The Quarry
  area.
• There is food sold in the park, but there is a limited selection (hot dogs, hamburgers,ice cream, etc)
  and it is movie theater pricing. There are tables available in a shaded area if you pack a lunch.

We were invited to visit Field Station:
Dinosaurs free of charge for their Blogger Day, but we would have
visited (and probably posted about it!) again this year
anyway. Nobody tried to tell me what to say, and even if they
did I probably would not have listened. I am 3 1/2, and make my OWN
mind up about things.

Sunday

We had dinner with Grandma on Sunday to celebrate her birthday, and we made a family trip to the grocery store.

Daddy claims I kick him in the head in the middle of the night all the time, but we look pretty peaceful to me!

Monday

Mondays are for Aardvarks.

We had lunch with Aunt Maya and Uncle Matt, and then took a trip to Barnes & Noble.

Family reading time!

Tuesday

These jeans right here? Haven’t fit Mommy in over 2 years.

On Tuesdays, Mommy has started teaching Hebrew school so we have a visit with Coach.

Wednesday

On Wednesday morning, we stopped by Cole’s school because it was spring picture day, and he didn’t want to miss it.

But then, we left early and did some shopping at Woodbury Commons! Cole was being a little bit of a silly monkey.

He is a pretty good stroller pusher, though.

Thursday

Thursday was another big adventure day. Cole had lunch with Daddy and Uncle Matt, while I had lunch with Mommy and Aunt Maya and some friends.

Then we all met up at the Central Park Zoo.

Having so much fun is exhausting!

Friday

Cole got to be the Shabbat Aba at school on Friday, so we went to see him lead the blessings.

He also got to lead show and tell… right before his temper tantrum over not doing things his exact way.

We helped Daddy throw in a load of laundry.

Mommy and Cole and I went out to dinner with Aunt Angela – but I missed most of it.

Cole took a self portrait.

Saturday

See that blur?  That’s Cole hurtling head first down the slide.

Cole at bat.

Does this not look like the most fun ever? Cole got to lie on his tummy on a scooter, and the party leader dragged him around with the hula hoop.

We spent the afternoon with Max and Sarah.

Mommy said the scooter was too big for me. I didn’t listen.

There was a high monster threat level on Saturday night, so Cole slept guarded by his attack dinosaur.

Sunday

We went out to run a few errands on Sunday.  Cole gave Sugarplum a ride.

And told her a story.

Daddy got us dressed on Sunday morning while Mommy was at Hebrew school, and I got to wear All the Colors!

We had a very exciting day.

Monday

Music for Aardvarks rocks my socks.

I do not even know what we’re doing here.

Evening bubbles and chalk before bedtime.

Tuesday

We had a Tuesday morning playdate with Melissa and Trey.

And I insisted on trying out the Plasma Car all by myself,

Plasma car driving is tiring work.  We both fell asleep on the way to the lake.

Cole napped the entire way around.

So did I.

Wednesday

On Wednesday, Mommy went out for a while to get ready for her Lamaze Educator certification test.  Daddy made us healthy dinner…

took us out to play…

and put us to bed all by himself.

Thursday

Thursday morning we went to the playground for a little while.

I can climb up the ladder all by myself!

Wheeeee!

I *love* the swings.

On Thursday night, we went to the library for a concert and then we had dinner with Grandma.

Kisses.

Friday

Mommy and I walked the lake again Friday morning. Mommy says I am not a very good cheerleader.

Are these bluebirds?

My favorite park of walking the lake is getting a snack before we pick up Cole.

Cole practicing his model looks.

Saturday

On Saturday, we got to go to Field Station: Dinosaurs!

Cole thought this ankylosaurus was “sooooooo cute!”

We will have a whole post about our dino adventure later in the week.

Daddy and Mommy went to prom on Saturday night!

Sunday

Daddy’s birthday was on Tuesday, so we all went out for dim sum on Sunday as an early celebration. Cole *loves* dumplings!

AND Sunday was also Sawyer’s birthday party. It was SUPER windy, but Max was there so Cole was totally psyched.

They are both getting to be really good climbers.

Mommy tried to keep me contained in the swing, but I spent most of the time running and climbing on stuff.

It totally tuckered me out.

Henry had a fun playdate with Buddy.

Monday

Monday = Aardvarks.

It was a gorgeous day, so we went to the playground after picking up Cole from school. It only LOOKS like Mommy was torturing me – I actually loved the swing!

This is why Mommy gets her sunglasses at the dollar store.

I love doing everything with Cole. Daddy thought I was done with bathtime so he put my jammies on, but then he went to put my bedtime bottle together and I went to make sure Cole wasn’t lonely.

Tuesday

Birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese on Tuesday!

We were marshmallows in the the hot cocoa cup!

Wednesday

I *love* spaghetti – I climbed up on Cole’s cooking stool to reach his leftovers.

On Wednesday night, Mommy had had enough, so she took us for a bedtime car ride to try to make everyone go to sleep.

It only half worked.

Thursday

Couch nap at Coach’s house!

Cole liked to drive his Lightning McQueen car on the “road.” But don’t worry, Coach – he was very careful not to run over your flowers!

We went to the mall for a little while because Mommy had some errands, and we got to do some coloring in the Disney store.

Friday

I had my 15 month checkup on Friday morning. 3 shots

Cole took this picture!

and this one, too!

Saturday

Saturday morning, I went with Mommy to Coach’s house for a little while. I made Coach and Grammy Boo and Aunt Angela and Mommy all read me this story book.

Our house is just weird. No shirt, not sure why. Hat stolen from Cole.

My very favorite thing is whatever Cole is doing at any given moment. He is the best big brother EVER, and I just want to be wherever he is. If Daddy tries to go somewhere with Cole and not me, I stand at the door and cry. I have a very ineffectual stampy dance of frustration when things do not go my way, and I’m becoming pretty opinionated. I *love* music, and dancing, and climbing, and I’m always dragging books over for people to read to me. I’ve started getting a little bit clingy to Mommy, but I’m pretty social and smile at everyone.

Baby Center took its milestone charts offline for some reason, but I still have the one from when Cole was my age, so when we can peek at how I match up:

Mastered Skills (most kids can do)

• Play with ball – Yes. I *love* to play catch – I’m not super great at throwing, though.
  

• Uses three words regularly – No. I say “Cole” once in a while, but that’s about it.
  

• Walks backward – Maybe? Mommy’s not sure…
  

Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)

• Scribbles with a crayon – Yup!
  

• Runs – I’m still a little wobbly, but I do like to chase Cole around, and run around with the big kids at his school.
  

• Adopts “no” as his favorite word – Not really.
  

Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)

• “Helps” around the house – It is not tremendously helpful to pull all of the DVDs off the shelves and dump ALL of the toys on the floor, but I *will* help clean up when asked. I love to put toys in a bucket!
  

• Puts his finger to his mouth and says “shhhh” – Not even.
  

The interwebz are forever.

I have hit my breaking point, however, so I need… something. Advice. Support. Alcohol.

Without going into detail – because 1) disgusting, and 2) privacy – we are having some potty issues.  Once upon a time, we had a perfectly potty trained toddler.  All manner of waste were put in the proper receptacle – at home, in public, we were potty superstars.

Then, though, there was some intestinal difficulty and some… back up.  The resultant… product was larger than its exit route and caused a bit of pain.  This led to reluctance to participate in that activity anymore, which resulted in TONS of problems.

We have a diagnosis of encopresis (don’t google that), and have been back in pull ups.  There has not been any solid elimination in the potty since *January.*  Recently, the switch to pull ups resulted in complete potty training reversal – and LOTS of tears.  On the part of the child AND this mother.

For over 2 months.

I am so sick of cleaning excrement, it is ridiculous.  I cannot even.  We have a therapy appointment for tomorrow, and hopefully that leads us to some solution; it is SO hard to remember that this is a medical situation that said child does not have complete control over – I am unbelievably frustrated and less patient than I should be.  We have been through FOUR pairs of underwear and ALL of my ability to cope today.