It's a Faux Christmas

Today your Mimi and Grand Daddy Sam left after a whirlwind 3 day visit which not only included a trip to the largest tamale festival, and Wild Lights at the Living Desert...but it also included the official start to your Christmas. In fact, the start was so much like Christmas that I am almost thinking we are done with the holiday! Well...I know that won't fly around here, but it was worth a try! ;-)

We had a great time. We picked a tree with Mimi and Grand Daddy and you had a lot of fun decorating it. When you woke up Friday morning Mimi had filled it full of presents, mostly bearing the name Finley. Oh did your eyes twinkle when you saw it all! The very best gift of all was your Thomas trains and starter track. I've bought you a full on 120 piece all wood train set for Channukah, which you will get in a few weeks, but this was perfect as a starter train set and you cannot stop playing with it! You got a Thomas & a Molly train, and some fire truck trains. You looked at me and said "where's Percy and Emily?" HUH? When did you figure them all out like that...must be all that time at that Benjamin's house...oooh, he's going to cost this family a pretty penny on trains! ;-) (Actually Finley, when you read this when you are a mother yourself I want you to know the price of a single wooden Thomas train is about $18 in Dec 2008. I am curious if that will be shockingly cheap, or shockingly expensive in 30 years from now...).

Anyhow, a great couple of days with our family celebrating half the traditions of our family. You will have so many traditions girl, you'll be relieved when December is over each year!

Love you sweetie pie.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I know it's been at least 2 weeks since I've posted. It's a busy time of year! We have your Mimi & Grand daddy Sam visiting us in a few days...so it will be even busier!

Forgive me for not making a big deal out of thanksgiving...but I never celebrated it growing up since my parents didn't grow up in North America (and thus they never celebrated it!) so I didn't quite realize the importance of this holiday around these parts! Anyhow, we had a really wonderful night at Bubbie & Zaydie's house where you & Fiona (Bubbie's daughter Shannon's little girl) had a blast playing together. I think she is 9 years old...and the moment you laid eyes on her you were smitten ;-) You love girls who are at least twice your age and you love to watch them and play with them. You and Fiona had a blast playing with balls, or running around the house counting all the paintings on the walls, or searching for colors (that's a great game by the way, thank you Fiona for creating it!).

We had a double thanksgiving because 2 nights later we spent it at the neighbors with Dave & Rob and some friends. Though you never actually sat down to eat, you did have an incredible time running around the house with your toys everywhere. It's easy going next door, that's for sure! They have the most beautiful tree every year and you loved looking at it and naming all the animals on the ornaments.

I think your dad i about ready to get you organized for Christmas...while I need to find a way to trump Christmas with some kind of phenomenal Chanukah bush or something. Hmm...better start thinking about that one. It's pretty impossible to trump the beauty of a Christmas tree and a jolly fat guy in a red suit. Oh, and the presents. I cannot wait to give you our present!! We got you a great wood train table and set and I think you are going to love it! Just need to figure out where to put it in your shrinking playroom.....

You're a potty star!

Last night I was out running some errands. I called Dad to ask him about something and he was just washing up your dinner dishes and prepping your bath. He walked into the bathroom to start the bath and there you were, undies on the ground, and pee pee in the potty! You looked up at him and said "Finley go pee pee potty!!" Indeed you did! How amazing are you?! You've been potty trained for about 4 months now, but never have you ever just gone to the potty all by yourself! Dad put the phone down and I heard a lot of cheering and laughing and singing and dancing. It was a good time had by all, and I am so happy I was lucky enough to call and share in that moment.

I didn't have a picture since I wasn't there, but I can just imagine your smile was about this big. :)

How old are you exactly..?

I know every parent thinks their kid is gifted...in some way or another! And usually, well, they're not.

But even if you aren't gifted (hey, I'm cool with that), you are doiong a few things that seem to me to be well beyond your 2 years 5 months (yes, soon to be 2 and a half and I don't know why but that feels so old to me so I am sticking with an "*almost* 2 and a half" when asked). Anyhow, I digress.

You've started speaking and behaving in alter egos. I know you kids have tremendous imaginations (like the fake birthday parties and presents thrown daily) but you've taken on new names & personas.

Last week you were known as 'cowgirl'. You waned to be called cowgirl all the time, and you addressed yourself as such too. In turn, I became cowgirl's mummy. Lucky daddy became 'cowboy'. Several days later you became 'bubble princess' (though according to you daddy remained cowboy) and most recently you have been asking for me to call you 'walrus'. Yes, walrus. You say things like "Walrus hungry" and "Mummy say night night walrus."

Yup, you are officially gifted ;-)

Oh my Goodness!

Halloween has come and gone and I haven't even posted about your tremendous evening! Well, I wasn't quite sure how it would go...but I imagined a scene much like this:

Me: "Finley, would you like to knock on the door and say trick or treat?"

You: "Wwwaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!"

Surprisingly, it went more like this:

Me: "Ok Finley, let's go to the next house......... wait for me!!!"

You: "Trick or treat!!! Happy Halloween!!! Thank you!!"

Yup, you read that right. Miss shy heard the word CANDY, and though you never tasted any before, it made your eyes gleam and the thought of it made you run with reckless abandon darting to strangers homes and knocking on doors! It was a blast to watch and I loved every moment. You made your mama proud. :)

When the night was done and we decided it was your first time to taste CANDY you were excited as can be. The first M&M got a great big smile. The second the smile was still there. The third had you spit it out and say "yucky!!"

Ahh...you really are something else baby girl.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Is it seriously October 26??

Where oh where does the time fly? Not just on a day to day basis...but really, are you my two year old?

Today we went to Belinda's to spend some time with her & her 4 week old twins. They are about 6.5 pounds each now and I fed them both and cradled them in my lap the same way I fed you a bottle when you were just 4 weeks old and weighing a bit more than that. The memories flashed at me and the thought of you, who was peering over my shoulder as I fed little Ruby, being the same girl as the one who once fit on my knees like Ruby now did, with her eyes half shut drinking her milk...man, it was a total flashback!

So we've had a super busy month, which I will recap here for fear that those memories too will be forever gone (my memory is failing!). Your nana came for a visit this month. You guys had an absolute blast together. You played with her non stop and you were a total angel. We all went to Sea World, and the pumpkin patch. You had a great time at both and I should mention they were big deals because of long car rides...but you did it in your undies and stayed dry! Superstar!

The pumpkin patch was a ton of fun and fabulous photo opportunities! There is just something so adorable about little kids surrounded by massive veggies and plants :) When we were driving there you suddenly yelled out "gourds!" and it was like you had a teeny flashback of our pumpkin patch visit a year ago. You loved it then too, and had picked out 6 little gourds that became your playmates all year long. You still shake those things :) This year we picked six more to add to the collection.

Sea World was great too because you actually enjoyed some of the things that typically frightened you. You enjoyed the Shamu show, and the dolphin show, which was fun. You also went on your first amusement park ride...the Abby Cadabby Teacups! You were a tad freaked but you did have a great time over all. You sure are growing up babe...

The weather's been cooler too so we've actually been playing outside more and heading to the parks. Your newest thing is that you are no longer terrified of the slides & playground! You amazed me by climbing up and sliding down all by yourself...something you had little interest in 5 months ago. It's really neat.

Oh and your performing streak is really out and about too. Last night you decided to do a performance of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and you had dad & I in hysterics! You would tell us that you were going to sing, then you would climb over an Ottoman to get to your 'stage' which was just the floor nearby. But you made it seem like you were going from back stage to main stage and you made a big deal out of it! Then you looked at us, asked "Ready?" and waited for our enthusiastic YES and next thing you know you belted out Twinkle and then clapped with pure joy. Then did it again. And again. And again. So cute!

I think I'll stop here for now and just upload a few great pictures from the last few weeks.

Love you babe.

Do not turn up your volume...

You know how whenever someone send an email with a video they say "make sure to turn the volume up"? Well for this video, make sure the volume is not set too high! You will quickly see why. I think Ryan's ears may still be ringing today!!

This little video was taken last night. You, my dear Finley, helped mummy throw a sweet little birthday dinner for Emily. Amber cooked the entire meal (now THAT is the way to throw a dinner party- have your friends cook everything!) and you three girls were so sweet together. I set up a 'kiddie' table for you guys and we attempted an adult meal. Attempted is the key word :)

Anyhow...as it got later into the evening you & Abby ended up being your nutty selves as sweet Mia watched and wondered how she wound up with such kooky buddies ;-)

You guys had fun, and so did we, so a good night was had by all. Happy Birthday Emily!

SO much to catch up on! Post #3

Happy Birthday to daddy!

It was Dad's birthday this week and you were very excited to give him your handmade card! When Daddy saw it he said "Finley! Did you make this?" and you looked at him and said "Yeah, Mummy make it." Honey, that was supposed to be between us! ;-)

But we had a lovely day...pancakes for breakfast and then a trip out to the bookstore where we hung out reading books. You love books so bookstores are always a hit with you!

Since it was Dad's birthday I asked you if you wanted to wear your party dress! Oh yes you did!! You ask me quite often to wear this dress and this silly mum always says 'no honey, it's too fancy to wear to walmart!' but that's silly right there. You should wear it before you grow out of it...which you soon will at the rate you are growing!

So you were so pleased to wear your party dress and a big "oooohhhhh" came from you when you saw your reflection all dressed up. Oh you are such a girlie girl!

So much to catch up on! Post #2

How cute are you in pigtails? :) It's been forever since you let me put 'piggies' in your hair! But you finally relented for a moment (I think you were captivated by Dora on tv or something when I put them in!). I haven't been able to get new ones in since!

But you did enjoy another night of painting in the back yard with Daddy. You beg to paint every day but it's still so hot we usually wait until nigh time... It's now too cold to swim every evening so it looks like painting will be its replacement for a while :) I'm cool with that!

SO much to catch up on! Post #1

Maybe to make this easier I'll make it into separate posts...going from a few weeks ago to now. This way when you are older and reading this you won't be over loaded with my ramblings....

Let's start with this:

This was the scene the night we launched Happy Chickadee. I know I haven't mentioned it much on this blog, since it is a blog dedicated to you, and not my business ventures. But this too is becoming a big thing in my life and I want you to know about it. And also be inspired by it. Women can wear so many hats, and lucky for me I can multi task and be your mother and a work at home mom! I hope you achieve whatever your dreams are sweet girl.

Anyhow, we launched our website on a Wednesday night, Sept 17. Moments after we launched your daddy called me into the living room. The above was what I saw. Cake and cookies and candles to celebrate the launch of a new business (yes, inspired by you too! See you are always behind everything I do!). How sweet is your daddy? Super sweet :)

So you kind of have an idea that I work, because you now can say "mummy working", "happy chickadee" and "mummy office". Though I am not sure you quite understand what working/Happy Chickadee means, but that's ok! I think I like keeping business and pleasure separate too :)

There's post #1. I will attempt more today to catch up on September. But perhaps now you'll understand why I was so busy in September 2008 and barely took any pictures of you or blogged about you. You've got a lifetime kid. ;-)

A little bit of mama...a little bit of dada...

Someone pointed out to me how comfortable you look with a golf club or paintbrush in hand! Wow, I totally didn't notice it before but now I do! It's funny since your dad and I have never been able to pinpoint who you look like, either he or me. People sometimes say you look like Dad, or me, but we still can't see it. Then some people say you are a perfect blend of the two of us. Nope, can't see that either. BUT, now we can see you take after a little bit of each of us in your personality.

Daddy, as you will one day find out, is an accomplished golfer (he in fact shot 61 in a tournament today) and played professionally for many years travelling the world and competing. Just before he & I met he stopped playing professionally and went amateur again (I hope I am using the right terms. I am pretty dense when it comes to this stuff!). Dad will tell you more when you are older! Anyhow, I hope you enjoy golf because it can be such a fun way for you guys to spend time together and enjoy the great outdoors! I love golf, although am not very good, nor do I actually know how to play...but I do love it anyhow. So by the looks of you and your little involvement with golf so far...I think you will be a natural!

Then it seems you love to paint too. As you will also come to learn, Mummy is the artist in the family and while I never painted for a living (though have sold some pieces) art was definitely my living for a long time. I would love for you to enjoy art and creating so when I watch you paint my heart flutters for a moment and I hope that it's another connection that you & I will have.

So while you may not look like either of us per se, you certainly have some of our best traits. And that my dear, is wonderful.

A Great Day at the Kids Museum, Cowboy!!

Yesterday morning you woke up and I had no idea what we should do for the day...temps are still in the 100s! So I gave you two choices, I said The Library and paused (to which you didn't react) and then The Kids Museum, to which you immediately smiled and said "KIDS MUSEUM!".

Perfect! Away we went and let me tell you, we had a blast! You tend to shy away from lots of things at the museum because they frighten you or other kids are around...but you really loved it yesterday! It helps that school is back in session, and it was a Tuesday so there were very few people there. We had fun for about 2 hours there and I had to drag you home for lunch!

We had the most fun upstairs at the dress up area, where you put on puppet shows for me and vice versa. You started singing a song that you claim is a Wiggles song, it started with you belting out "Cowboy!!!........" then had a verse that was much like "A-boo, A-baa, didididididi, tatatata..." and then ended with a distinct "Yeeehaw!!" It was hilarious and you had me in stitches! We did that number over and over again, you singing and me dancing!

We then had some artsy moments where you painted the car. I love watching you paint and can't wait for the weather to cool down so that we can paint in the backyard again.

So a fun day was had and I am thinking we may make it a little ritual again and go every week (on a school day!).

Thanks for a great day!!

xoxox

We're back from Vacation!

Though I am not positive that will help much with my blogging hiatus! I'm trying Finley, I'm trying!

We had an incredible time in Jackson, seeing friends and gorgeous scenery and spending time with Bubbie and Zaide. You loved being there and I'm not surprised! The weather was gorgeous and we got to play outside everyday, and go on our friend's boat amidst the stunning Tetons, hang out with tons of dogs (Maddie's old play buddies!) and all my friends' new kids!

You did a lot of surprising little things over the vacation that your dad and I just looked at each other wondering if you were our kid! :) Like your sudden love for ride on toys (which did not return to you upon your arrival back in CA and your 'wheely bug' still remains lonely and dusty), as well as your sudden love of tents and tunnels, and not to mention your love of going to bed late and sleeping in even later! We were pretty much on the 10pm-10am schedule in Jackson! Yeehaw them cowboys say, eh? (which is how a Canadian says it I guess ;-)

We had a great time and unfortunately it was only dampened by the bug you caught on your last day which later decided to rear it's ugly head in the form of projectile pukefest 2008 on the flight landing in Palm Springs. Yup, it was messy, ugly and extremely nerve wracking, but we took care of you and each other and everyone came out alive though slightly messy and smelly! Ugh!

So the last week you've been a bit out of sorts and I don't know if it's the bug, or the settling back in, or the you being two part, but the tantrums and crying fits we've seen this week are like none I've ever seen from you before! We're trying to figure it out...feel free to make suggestions as this very well may be a cry for help!

But the good news this week...well you are my dear a potty champ! at 26 months old we've eliminated diapers from all waking hours and only use them at naps and nights. Even better news? You don't even need hem 80% of the time! You look at me in the morning all proud and exclaim "DRY!" referring to your diaper! And yes indeed, 3 days in a row, it's been dry after you being in bed 12+ hours! And naptimes been no different with a majority of the time being dry after about 4 hours! You got it baby, you got it!! :)

But I fear cheering is premature cause we still have a long way to go I think! But what a great step and you are doing a terrific job! Thank you!

Well, that's enough or me...it's late and that seems to be my only quiet time these days...I'll try to write more sweetie. There is no reason why you should be deprived of month 27 too!

xoxox

Gearing up for our next vacation

Well it feels like the time has just flown by. The month of August has been a complete blur! Though it isn't over yet and we have a big trip planned! We are off to Jackson Hole for a week to enjoy the glorious Tetons, spend time with Bubbie and Zaydie, our good friends, and see the place where you grew in my tummy! Fun! we plan on playing the roles of tourists while there so that we can show you as much as possible and we already have our first three days booked solid, including a trip out to the lake on our friends boat. Your first boat trip! I am crossing my fingers that you like it!

Well, this past week hasbeen nice, very nice. You've decided that you are either madly in love with your bed, or you are on some new growth spurt, because you've been sleeping in every morning until about 10am! Crazy! It makes for a tough morning in terms of making plans with friends, but it has given me some great time to focus on some work and such. So thank you!

We've also had a lot of fun swimming this week, including time with our friends. You've found a new obsession with Dora the explorer and her monkey boots and have since named all monkey dolls boots. Dora is helping with your potty training and you'll do anything to keep your Dora undies dry! :) I can actually say you are doing so well, it's amazing. Since the day we got home from Tacoma, which was 3 weeks ago, you've only worn diapers for naps and bed time, and undies the rest of the time. And the truly remarkable part...you've only had one accident!! And it was under unusual circumstances! Hopefully we can keep it up while on vacation! I am really proud of you baby. I thought this was something that would have me ripping my hair out...but so far so good... Check back with me in few weeks though ;-)

Where does the time go...

Is it seriously August 10th and last time I wrote was July 31? Shame on mummy! I know I was planning on writing more about our trip to Tacoma, yet so many fun things have happened in between! I'll stick to my original plan though and just always be a little behind!

Here you areplaying at Mimi's dock and lake. You had such a terrific time! You loved dancing on the dock and picking flowers (and placing one above each of our ears). You loved walking into the lake and throwing little rocks with Dad. It is such a beautiful setting and we just had a glorious time there. Here are some pictures.

Back from a getaway!

I can't exactly call it a vacation, since there was little rest and relaxation, which is what is usually associated with vacations! But we sure had a great time! We went to Tacoma to see your Mimi and Grand Daddy Sam and family, and then to Vancouver, BC to a wedding and my friends and your Doda Talia!

You had a great time, even though the day before we left we spent the afternoon at the hospital ER for your wickedly huge split lip! Oh, and then while in Vancouver you took another big fall and fell on your chin into a metal ladder. Ouch. But amidst the scrapes, bruises (and splinters from playing hours on end at Mimi's dock) you had a terrific time!

We had many firsts, including the first time ever you slept in a bed with us (let's just say it was a bit of a achallnge for all involved but Daddy!), and the first time you stayed up until 10:30 pm, oh, and the first time you stayed up until 1:00 am! Ha, that was DEFINITELY a first! Plus the first time you went three consecutive days without napping. And the first time you insisted on wearing sunglasses! The list goes on an on. A vacation full of firsts that I am a bit tired to remember it all right now but I'll try to add pictures of our week all this week and snippets and stories. In the meantime hereis a sweet picture taken a Point Defiance Zoo.

Well, I may as well make it official...

Because I guess you are officially on the potty train. Choo Choo baby! It's been a little over a week that you actively started using your potty and today we hit the 'piece de resistance' milestone. It was a beautiful moment.

To backtrack a little, we've been doing potty training by you simply sitting on the potty before we leave the house, and before naps and bedtime. You've been wearing just your underwear at home, and diapers during sleep time and outside of the house time. It's been working great (you pee 95% of the times you try), but you hadn't really expressed a need to use the potty on your own volition, as opposed to me just telling you when to use it, and use it you did!

You did a great job and of course it helped that every successful trip got a sticker for your hand, another for your potty (which now has 34 stickers on it!) and a small dollar store gift.

Well, today we were at an event at the library, and you said to me "pee pee potty mummy" and I kind of looked around not knowing what to do! We had never tried in a public restroom before! Well, good thing I had you in a dress (that's all you are wearing from now on baby!!) because we went there, I put you on the potty, and it was a success!! We did the potty dance and got a sticker for you and man, I was so proud of you!! You knew, even though you were in diapers, to stop what we were doing and take care of business!

I have no idea if this will all keep happening, or if it will be over in a week, but I have to say I am totally proud and impressed, since a little over week ago you wouldn't even sit on the thing. :)

We are traveling all next week so hopefully that doesn't ruin things...but I must say you are my little super star once again. Thanks sweet 'pee'. Oh man, I'm soooo lame!! :)

Letter Love

You got these letters the other day as an 'incentive' gift. It turned out to be a hit! As soon as you got them you wanted to take a bath. It was 11 in the afternoon! But a bath you had. Then another one that night, and the next morning, and the next night.... You get the point- the letters are a good gift :)

Now if we could only get you to figure out that an 8 is not a B and a V and Y have a slight difference to them, then these letters will be a massive success!

But fun was had, and that's all that counts.

Cheers to Good Friends

You've got a lot of good friends. I think that's one of the best things that happened since moving to the Desert while I was pregnant. See, had we stayed home in Jackson Hole, you might have had a few friends, since several of my friends there have kids about your age...but instead we moved to California, and it forced me to meet new people, new mothers specifically, to find support, friendship, and to keep us busy!! You never liked staying home...not as an infant, and not as a toddler either...

Turns out as luck would have it I not only made incredible friends, but so did you!! Most of your little friends are anywhere from a week to 3 months age difference with you. How crazy is that? You have quiet friends, and curious friends, you have smart friends and even a friend that you treat like a sibling (means you love her, but you guys get into fights. Yes, a 2 year old gets into tiffs with her buddies!). You basically have friends whom you feel good hanging with, and can learn things from, and show off in front of, and just be your plain kooky self; and they love you. It's pretty awesome.


Here are some photos from a little impromptu dance party you and your friends decided to have. Dad and I have a thing where for ten seconds every night, we have to DANCE! Like fools, to no music...but just get up out of our chairs at any random moment, and dance hard! Perhaps we'll do that with you every day. You are the dancing superstar in this family after all.

The lost blogger...

But I promise you, not the lost mother! I know I've been missing out on blogging about all the fun and sweet and loving things that you do over the last few months, but I want you to know that although I've been busy dear Finley, I have not deserted you! I am still the same stay at home mum who relishes in seeing your face every morning and misses you if I have to go run errands while Daddy is home.

I have been busier than usual lately, but that's because I am starting a new business. I wonder if you're older and reading this you'll know the business and everything about it, because it became super successful and wildly influential...or maybe you'll say "you did what?" because it was just barely a blip on the radar. I hope the former but this isn't the place for me to talk about business, unless the business of raising my little girl!

Well, you've been a busy little girl too. We've been seeing your friends lots, and we went to Santa Monica and LA for a few days to see all your family from New Zealand and you got to meet cousin Asher. You haven't stopped talking about him since! And Uncle Grant and David, and Auntie Britt. And Uncle Jack & Auntie Maureen too! All the NZ family was on a layover in LA so we went to meet them for two days. I am so happy you got to meet more of your family.

We also had your 2 year well visit. You are 29 pounds and 35 inches tall! That's nearly 3 feet! Everything looks great and your doctor was very impressed with your vocabulary, especially when she took out her stethoscope and placed it on you and you said "heart beat". Smarty pants. :)

We talked about your anxiety with the doctor. You have a lot of fear of new people, anxiety over crowded places, loud noises or unexpected noises (we don't ever think of handing you a doll that has any form of noise/electronic voice or whatever!). You get really scared and your shoulders raise all the way up practically past your ears and your hands shake in front of you said "no! no!" Dr. Go said that about 30% of kids your age have some form of anxiety and that though yours may be a higher level we have to keep doing what we are doing...which is exposing you to things in these situations and setting you up to anticipate them. We're working on it! But we're lucky we have super understanding friends who are always careful about handing you the right type of doll!! :)

Oh, we also discovered I can fit in your crib! This is a new thing you like for us to do after every nap. You get me in there with all your dollies and play. I love it! You also taught yourself how to put on pants this week. Though you were already wearing a pair of shorts at the time but...whatever! :)

Well, that's our highlight. I won't promise yet that I'll be writing more, but please know that I will try. I do want you to have all these memories one day. xoxox.