Treehugger

We weren't outside as much as we could have been on the weekend and it actually wasn't as nice as I'd hoped it would be. On Saturday, we spent the morning clearing the backyard (and trying to build barriers to keep you from running down the driveway to go by yourself to the park) since in the afternoon our yard was flooded with shirtless men with tattoos taking out our existing brick patio and digging the big area for the new and improved brick patio. That work lasted all afternoon so we hung out inside with our eyes on the work in progress.

Last night after supper we headed out for a walk to give you one last session outside before the new week began. We had to walk on the opposite side of the street from our house or you wouldn't be able resist the urge to bolt to the park. As we walked along, you spent a little more time than usual inspecting everything on the ground. We got about three or four houses down the street when you pointed up and said "tree," then with a coy smile, you approached its trunk and said "hug" as you threw your arms around it in an unprovoked loving embrace.

Every few houses, you would revert into kitty-mode and crawl along the sidewalk meowing. While concrete isn't great for the knees in your pants, crawling also makes for a very slow go of it. I asked that you at least crawl on the grass which opened up a whole new world for you. As you crawled along one lawn, you got distracted by the numerous blackbirds squawking so you decided to sit where you were. When the bird noises subsided, you began picking at the grass. You pulled up a single blade, held it to your mouth and gave a questioning grunt asking "Can I eat this?" I had to explain that we don't eat grass, we eat chives which I had introduced to you in the garden the morning before.

As a means of encouraging you to keep moving, we often tell you that we should go and find a cat or a squirrel. Soon we came upon a fluffy, fat cat on a leash in a front yard. You were enthralled and used your new skill of saying, "Here kitty kitty kitty," as you squatted on the edge of both the lawn and sidewalk while you patted your knees. You are generally cautious and know not to go too close or approach them unless they approach you and display their friendliness. This cat was not interested and even though he would barely look at you, you couldn't take your eyes off of it.

You have a knack for spotting toys from a mile away. And kids. And balls, too. Oh, the balls. As I carried you for a bit, you started exclaiming, "Car! Car!" Yes, there's a car in that driveway. Of course, I am the fool because there was a toy riding car RIGHT THERE that you threw your body towards. Moments later, you said "Ball, ball." because you could hear some kids bouncing a basketball. Probably the sweetest thing yesterday was when we were going through the grass park (what we call a park with no playground). You clacked together two rocks that you had been carrying for a while. Once we got to the sidewalk that divided the grassy area, you sat down to arrange your rocks. You saw a bird in a tree just ahead of you. While your dad and I stood watching you from a few metres away, you began jabbering away to this bird, showing him your rocks. Then as you spoke your nonsense, you pointed to yourself and then over at us as if to say to the bird, "I'm Lily and that's my mom and dad over there."

Out darn spot

A week ago Friday, we found that you had quite the nasty fever when I checked on you at night. I woke you up and gave you Advil and the next day you were seemingly fine, a little more tired than usual, but fine. Again on Saturday night and Sunday night you were overly warm. Your dad had a conference in Moose Jaw so I bathed you on Monday night and noticed these spots on your chest. And on your neck. And back. And crotch. So I called Nana who said it sounded like measles. Great, I thought - right before you were supposed to have your second measles vaccination. So I stayed home with you on Tuesday and we went to the doctor. I don't know why we bother, but I suppose it's better to take you than not. The doctor said without a blood test, there was no way of knowing if it really was the measles since all these rashes were so similar so she wrote it up as Fifth Disease and sent us on our way. And we had to cancel your immunization appointment, your 18 month one which was already two months late... (Not really our fault, they are just super backed-up.) You were itchy the next couple days but the rash really only lasted a day and a half before completely disappearing.

Your intense attachement to me during your illness has not disappeared and you call "mama" in a panic when I am only two feet away. Poor kid. And poor mama - I can't sleep in anymore because you sound like a tortured animal when Dad tries to take you downstairs. Ice chips and Blue's Clues only last maybe half an hour before you remember that I am not there and you get desperate and I get woken up.

You are a super talker this week, repeating EVERYTHING we say and everything you hear. It's very sweet, too when you sing in the van. You get about a third of the words right in the right spot. The other day you were singing, "Do you know the muffin man, the muffin man, the muffin man." Except it was more like "no muff man." I don't think there is much you can't say these days. You surprise us with all your little sentences and thoughts about how we are not very attentive to your need to go to the park ten times a day. Throw in some heavy-duty tantrums with you slamming your head into the wall, door or floor and we can almost understand what you're trying to tell us...

What does an animal say?

You've known most of your animals sounds for many months now. As you will see by this video, they are like second nature to you and you sometimes glance at me like, "Duh, Mama. Don't you know anything?" Apparently I don't know any more animals to quiz you about. I think it's funny how when we eat supper, I tell you, "Eat this chicken," and you say bawk, bawk, bawk. At first I thought it would be a bad idea to make the connection between your animal friends and the food we eat, but now I enjoy telling you that this ham comes from pigs, oink, oink and this steak comes from cows, moooo. And that the cat running across the street is going to eat that squirrel.




Animal sounds - Lily at 20 months on Vimeo

Mo

It's so funny all the things you say to us. You walk into the kitchen, point at the freezer and say "ice." You know, because there is no snow so what other no-calorie snack will have to do? And when you finish the ice cube that your dad or I so nicely cut into small managable pieces, you say "Mo." Sure, have some mo.

We took you to Nana's on Wednesday morning (cleaning day). You kept saying "cah cah" and at first we thought you wanted coffee because Nana was making some. No, you wanted cah cah. Finally you showed us where it was - the hutch where Nana always keeps cah cah. Yes, candy. You also ask for (demand) chocolate and we still have plenty of Easter chocolate so you're in luck...

On Friday morning, you and I went out shopping, I put on my sunglasses and you just had to wear yours. You leave them on now because you are such a big girl. On the way home, you could barely keep your eyes open. I asked if you just wanted to rest them for a couple minutes and you were out. Didn't even wake up when I carried you in and plopped you on the couch. Finally! It took twenty months but you now fall asleep in the vehicle AND sleep heavily enough to be brought in and get somewhat undressed. Just like a real baby.


The funniest had to be on the weekend. It was gorgeous out. We were outside for three days, but at certain points we still had to come in for food, drink and sleep. I would tell you it was time to go inside to which you would respond, "Owside!" It was so cute I would just tell you we had to go inside to hear you talk back. Of course, over the weekend you also became proficient at saying "slide" and "poc" (park). On Saturday alone, we probably went to the park five times. Thankfully it's really close.


You are spectacular at counting to ten. But two is your favourite number. You pick up something in one hand, then something in the other and say "two." Your alphabet is pretty good, too, but your singing Twinkle, Twinkle and My Bonny Lies Over the Ocean is the best. You enunciate "star", "are" and "high" very well and the chorus of My Bonny, you belt out "back" smashingly! Oh, how we all love to sing and play piano.


Each night after supper this week, we've gone for a walk which has been terrific. You hold my hand and run down the sidewalk. You are fascinated by fire hydrants, love manhole covers and love jumping off the slightest elevated surface - like from a lawn onto the driveway. Your face just lights up out there. What a welcome change from being cooped up all winter.


Tomorrow is my birthday. I will be 30. Today we practiced singing Happy Birthday and blowing out candles. You should do wonderfully.

With attachment

In the middle of the night last night you woke up and saw me laying beside you, facing away. I could hear you rustle closer to me. Then I felt you kiss the back of my head before laying down again and going back to sleep. That is exactly why I like having you near me at night. That - and to get in more time with you. Some days it feels like we barely see you. In the morning, your dad and I are rushing to get ready for work, at lunchtime we have to eat, then at supper we have to cook. We only get a couple hours with you before bed and your dad and I are usually tired from the long day - and you can be kinda crabby by day's end.

I don't know what it is but it's been hard dealing with you lately. You cling to me like a static-y sock. If Dad touches you, you scream and pull away. When I have to shower, you cry and call out for me. Everywhere you go, you hold my hand and pull me along. Maybe you've been tired. Maybe your emerging teeth are bugging you. Maybe you worry I won't come back when I leave. Or maybe you just love me so much that you want to spend every second in my presence! Eight months ago, I know that I couldn't imagine going back to work and not spending all my time with you like I had for an entire year and a day. I adapted, but I have maturity and 28 more years on my side. It's tough, though, finding the right balance while still making money to finance our lives.

In other news, you are really coming out of your shell around strangers lately. We went for supper to Montana's on Friday. Everytime someone walked by you said, "Hi!" You were even so brave to walk over to another table alone where a girl a bit older than you was sitting with her family and grandparents - and hang off their table and steal a menu off of it. Thankfully it wasn't very busy so the waitresses didn't mind you standing beside our table and greeting everyone as they walked by. They even thought you were very cute!


You have a developed sense of humour these days. Obviously it was Easter over the weekend and you had enough chocolate to last you the rest of the year, though that's unlikely... Anyway, everytime I pulled out the camera during our Easter brunch, you put on your ear-to-ear photogenic smile. I don't even ask you to smile anymore, you just do. Another silly thing we do is make funny faces. You'll screw your face up in the oddest ways to provoke a laugh out of us. It works everytime. And we bought a rug for the living room on Sunday. When we layed it out, you ran really fast in circles, squeaking out the most hilarious high-pitched giggles. The more dizzy you got, the more fun it became.


Fortunately, we caught some almost-nice weather and got out for a walk after supper on Sunday. (Before it snowed again and completely covered EVERYTHING.) You had Skye's leash and walked her down the sidewalk. She kept pulling you until you were practically running - at which point you just let go and the leash retracted and hit the poor dog... Then you discovered your shadow. You were standing on the road on a quiet bay when you noticed this thing at your feet. I showed you how I waved and my shadow did exactly the same. Soon you were dancing on the road and swinging your arms around. You looked so impressed. And the excitement didn't end there. We got to check out a giant red squirrel, too. He ran across the road, up a tree and sat staring at us from a branch maybe five feet above our heads. You clicked your tongue to call him and we actually got to watch him for three or four minutes before he sprinted up the tree and across two more trees. I find it so unnerving when they jump from tree to tree... Hopefully the snow melts and we find ourselves outside this weekend.

Happy Easter!

Look - it's the Easter bunny! No, it's just a lovely Easter Lily dressed up like a bunny. Awwww, aren't you cute?

Well, it's good Friday. Good because we don't have to work and can stay home with you. Actually you let me sleep in this morning until ten which I really appreciated. And you are napping with your dad now. Your dad has Monday off, too so you can get in some quality time together. We are having Easter brunch on Sunday at our house. Nigel, Jessica, Nana and Skye will come over before Nana works in the afternoon. You might even get more Easter loot! (Grandma and Grandpa spoiled you with Winnie the Pooh and Friends chocolates, two outfits and two books last weekend.)

I was trying to remember Easter last year. We went to the cabin so I poked around and here are some pictures from Easter weekend last year, one from the cabin and the other was at Nana's house.



Speaking of houses, Nigel and Jessica just bought a house. Prices have really gone up on starter homes so they thought they should get into the market before they couldn't afford one at all. It's cute and they should have possession by the middle of May. Maybe we can pawn off all of their stuff that's still in our basement...

Subject: nothing/everything

I know I've been talking about you talking, but this past week has brought your unprovoked speech into daily life. When you see something, you say what it is. Like yesterday you opened a kitchen drawer and said "bat" and sure enough, there was a plastic bat from Halloween there. It's also adorable that you started saying "Yeah, yeah" instead of your long drawn-out mmmmhmmm. I really can't keep up. I just know that it's adorable that you repeat everything we say now.

We went up to Saskatoon last Thursday afternoon. You, me, Dad, Nana and Skye piled in the van for a weekend away. We originally went up for Uncle Marvy's 60th birthday surprise party, but Dad and I went to a lame Juno kick-off party on Thursday night and then we spent the rest of the weekend at Blackstrap with Grandma and Grandpa. Some highlights from the weekend included seeing cows and dogs and cats at the Hurlburt farm, being absolutely enthralled with your 2nd cousin Katie, staying up late and passing out solid, eating chocolate and suckers and watching Mojo the cat's tail flinch when you touched it.

I'm tired. It was a long weekend - and it's already Wednesday tomorrow - and it's a short week, Good Friday in two days. Here's a video from the cabin before Grandma and Grandpa came. It shows off how I am a wizard with words and how you can answer questions...honestly...sometimes. And you were half naked, just how you like it.






Who put the toothpicks in the water thing? on Vimeo

I did it!

While Dad and I were home for lunch one day last week, I was changing your diaper in your room on the change table. You were laying there surprisingly cooperative when you pointed at the wall where it appeared you had made a little scribble with a pencil. I asked, what's that? to which you replied, "I did it!" Wow, you know sentences. (You also claimed responsibility a couple days ago when you were eating a cracker in the living room. There were crumbs on the floor so I asked, who made this big mess? and you again exclaimed, "I did it!")

The temperature that last couple of days has been between 15 and 19 degrees, but fortunately there is a wind so it doesn't feel so warm. Almost all day yesterday we were outside. Between the backyard in the sandbox, the front sidewalk puddles to last evening at Wascana Lake checking out the seagulls and Canada geese standing on the ice fighting each other for chunks of bread that was being continually throw to them. And then this morning we went to the park for an hour where you loved the swings and slide, but hated leaving - again. It's a wonderful change from being cooped up all winter long. And I think it tires you out because last night you slept from 8 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., then back to sleep until 7.

Yesterday morning we went down to get your passport photo taken. Apparently they are in colour now; I would have preferred black and white as it is more timeless. And your hair was all blown out. Not very good picture, but I suppose it suits the purpose. Though it was also be an appropriate mugshot... It's quite funny, the solemn expressionless look on your face. Now you just have to look like that then when we fly down to Atlanta (and back) in June.

You got your first bike this week. It's a red tricycle; are there any other colours? You love it. Apparently you even sat on it and watched Blue's Clues. Your legs aren't quite long enough or strong enough to take you anywhere, but it'll come to you by summer. Dad and I think we're going to buy one of those bike trailers so we can enclose you and buckle you in while we ride bikes. You're not the type of kid who sits nicely in her high chair or stroller when, holy cow, running free is so much better. And someday when you have a sibling, you can both go in there...

Spring ahead

When the snow started melting last week, we were all so happy. The roads were almost dry and the puddle that took up almost the entire road on the other side of the street subsided to less than half. And then it all started again. We were baking cookies after supper. I don't know why I didn't get you to help before because you are so good at it. You poured in the raisins, chocolate chips and peanut butter chips and then tried to stir it. It was pretty thick so I used my strong arms from toting you around these past 19 months. Anyway, you hopped in the tub and I put them in the oven and went downstair to go on the computer. In the eleven minutes for it took for the timer to go off, everything had been covered in fluffy white snow. Not that it revived our snowman was then a foot high pointy lump in the backyard... While it was hard to get around the following couple days, it has started to melt again. The temps are to be above zero for the next week so this may finally be the end of the snow. Spring is just a few days away now and we're looking forward to getting outside. Hopefully by next winter, you'll forget that you really liked eating cup after cup of low/no calorie snow! (I like how you squat so that your bum just hovers over the floor.)

One a side note, yesterday was St. Patrick's Day. I wanted to do a festive photo of you to celebrate, but work has been so busy that I haven't had time to think about it. (Yes, I do a lot of my leisure time thinking at work, but that's okay because it's all inspiration and research for helping my do my job better. Without you, my Photoshop skills would be dismal and the SGI annual report cover would be awfully boring - again - like every year I do it.) Easter is only a couple weeks away so I better get working on that...

It's a first!

Today is a landmark day. Today you are 19 months old and you slept through the entire night last night for the first time in your life. Ever. Before that, the longest was six hours. Once. Most of the time, we're lucky if you sleep for three hours. So yayyy for Lily! I remember even four or five months ago letting you scream for upwards of two hours. You never let up. Same thing when you were about nine months old. You just screamed for hours no matter how much we reassured you that you were okay.

It's okay if that doesn't happen again tonight. After this many months, the effects of sleep deprivation won't disappear overnight!

***

I've uploaded a bunch of new videos - nothing fancy - so check out live action Lily: http://www.vimeo.com/user:135048/clips

Toothpicks, pepper and unprofessional photos

Again, you have been learning by leaps and bounds. We were headed home from the grocery store on Friday night and when the light turned green, you yelled GO! It's little things like that amaze us. Just watching as you put the pieces together and figure out how the world works. You can count, or at least memorize the numbers. If I say one, you always say 'tuuu', then 'feeee.' If we are counting to ten you always say 'niiiii' in the right spot - just before ten. When I exclaim, 'shoot!" you always repeat it...even though it doesn't sound quite as non-swear-word-like when you say it. Another favourite expression of yours is holy cow which you will practice saying over and over.

I've always had a knack for always knowing exactly what you want. This morning, we sat on the kitchen floor while Dad looked at flyers, I perused cookbooks and you drank our coffee. I had left the cupboard above the stove open to which you pointed and grunted to show how badly you needed something from there. Of course it was the hors d'ouevres pointy toothpicks that you would likely use to poke us with. When I said, toothpicks? You confirmed, 'toofpit." We told you, no, no toothpicks because they are sharp. Your pointing continued so then Dad asked it you wanted the pepper. Yes, 'peppup.' We compromised and gave you the birthday candle jar. But good girl for taking initiative and saying words - even when we don't ask you to! That's the new part.

We went to the Mackenzie Art Gallery yesterday. There were a couple new exhibits. You were mostly fond of checking everyone out and sitting on the benches and stools. There was one exhibit made mostly from destroyed ceramics and pottery. You made a point of getting as close as humanly possible without touching anything. There were even a tiny ceramic bunny and turtle that were in need kisses. Anyway, the weather was amazing. You didn't even need a touque or mitts. While we were walking to the van, we stopped so I could torture you and Dad and take some pictures of us. (Better get used to it because this is the way it has to be. Consider yourself lucky that I will never take you into Sears or WalMart to sit on a chunk of wood covered with carpet and cry in between shots.) By this point we had already given you a handful of snow to eat. Or rather, you just scooped it up yourself and took a chomp. When you were done, though you would not stop gazing at the crunchy white stuff and therefore would not look at the camera. It was kind of a dud day for photos. Oh well, you're still cute.

Our cool new friend

I've been waiting for a day just like today. I wanted to take the afternoon off so bad so that I could stay home and take you outside to play in the warm, fresh air. But when I left at lunchtime, you were napping and I am very busy at work.

The snow melted alot today. But that's okay because there was so much of it. It's still over two feet deep. So as soon as Dad and I came home at 5:15, I told you we were going outside after supper. Of course, you don't really know what after supper means so you kept walking to the back door, pointing and saying 'eh? We got your outerwear together, all ready for the excursion. After supper, I put you in tights over your socks with a pair of my chenille socks over your pants so that your feet wouldn't fall out of your new rubber boots. (You've long since grown out of your winter boots...not that you can balance in them anyway.) You wore two sets of lined pants (because we don't have water-resistant ski pants), your coat, new mitts, your baby touque and your scarf. You were very ready, but not very flexible in this ensemble.

We went outside and it was fabulous. Quite windy by this point, but warm enough to counter it. You were so happy to be outside, but you would have preferred the park over the backyard. Fortunately, we were able to make the best snowman that you were so fond of. The snow was perfectly sticky. You had a bit of a hard time getting around so we helped, but the best was the fact that you could hold large chunks of snow and eat them. Oh, the snow you could eat. Once you dug in, I don't think you thought anything could ever be better. You were that happy.

After almost 40 minutes we came in. To your dismay and tears. Hopefully it stays nice all weekend. Not so nice that all the snow goes, though. We need more chances to play in it.

Please!

You just about broke my heart today. We were at the mall getting a few things for supper. Outside of Safeway are those kid's rides. I don't remember them costing more than a quarter but now they cost a whole dollar. Anyway, you had a vague interest in them so we thought it would be fun to give you a ride on one. There were other kids pretending to ride the hot dog truck and the helicopter so you got the car with the dalmation behind the seat. When I put the loonie in, you weren't quite sure what to make of it but you quickly warmed up, turning the steering wheel and pushing the buttons while slyly smiling. By the time it was over, there were other kids there with their mom and they were going to go for a ride so your dad promptly picked you up so they could have a chance. Almost immediately you were distraught. You began to cry very loudly, throwing your arms toward the ride. We had never seen you become so quickly attached and asked you to wave bye-bye to the rides (what normally works in the toy section) and began to whisk you away to the other end of the mall where the car was. You wailed the entire way. I never thought that would be my kid...not that I was embarassed. It was all quite sad. When we were almost to the exit, we stopped to put on your coat to which you violently protested. We tried to comfort you, telling you next time we come we could ride the car. You were having none of it so we stuffed your flailing arms into the jacket when you suddenly stopped crying, looked up at me and said, "please?" I was so close to tearing up. We've been practising our manners all weekend and you used them. In the right context. I almost took you back right then, but obviously had to say no. You're spoiled, but not too spoiled.

Meet my new friends, Snap, Crackle & Pop!

I didn't want to say anything, in case I might jinx it but you have been eating. Like someone who needs food to survive. The most amazing is that you had breakfast - twice! Not since you began eating solid foods have you eaten anything before mid-morning snack time but the last couple mornings you had a bowl of cereal within minutes of waking. Sugar Crisp on Monday and Rice Krispies today.

Update: It's two days later than when I started writing this. Two more days of breakfast. So anyway, it's true. Yesterday morning you amazed your father. He was sitting on the kitchen floor with your bowl of cereal and he's says to me, "Lily keeps coming up to me because I'm holding the food and she actually wants to eat it." And you do. You even ate a whole piece of lasagna at supper last night - after the supper you eat at 4:30 with Nana. You also licked the remnants out of the salad dressing bottle, but that was more for your entertainment than your nourishment. So we're proud of you.

*Note: Snap, Crackle and Pop are paid endorsers of Rice Krispies with Real Strawberries. We cannot vouch for it as we only have the regular kind.

Stricken with a cold bug

Within minutes of waking up this morning you sneezed three times, expelling large amounts of mucous each time. What an awful way to start the day. And it just got worse from there. By the time your dad and I came home after work, your eyes were puffy, you were grouchy and wanted nothing to do out of my arms. After your bath, I had never seen you look so weak, ill and blotchy. We loaded you up with Advil and put you to bed. This is by far the worst cold you've had, your sixth I believe. Little did I know that babies could take cold medication, but your dad picked some up tonight to get you over the rough patches tomorrow - when he'll be staying home with you. I suppose it will be a very quiet weekend. I'll have to find a new recipe and make some more play dough to keep us entertained. That last batch turned out to be a real dud after the first day...

Family Day

I smile when I think about you and your dad walking through Wal-Mart tonight. He said it makes him really happy to hold your hand, for you to want him to hold your hand. You've become so much more fond of your dad over the last little while and he really appreciates it. There are still lots of things you don't want to do - not with your dad but not without your mama - but it's getting better. You just get better and better.

We had a really good day. It kinda reminded me of when we were home all last winter together. You wore an adorable top that said "I *heart* cupcakes" and its pink and red colour scheme somehow made you seem so much bigger, so much cuter. We played and snuggled all morning after Grandma and Grandpa left, I took a couple hundred pictures of you, we made lunch for dad when he came home at noon, we napped in the blazing hot sun that heats up the bedroom, and the best part - we went outside! It is Family Day today, the first one ever here in Saskatchewan. I got the day off work but your dad didn't...something about being federal.

Anyway, we had so much fun outside. I was hoping the snow would be wet enough to make a snowman in the backyard but it wasn't so we made a mini snowman that was maybe a foot high. Maybe. So we went to the park instead. Once we got into the schoolyard, you didn't know which way to go. There were kids sledding down the hill AND kids playing on the equipment, but you opted to go to the swings. We were quickly joined by a couple girls, 7 and 9, who were playing fast and furiously, running all around and sliding down the slide head-first. They introduced themselves by saying how cute you were and said that you could play with them if you wanted. Of course you did. You followed them all around, but were happiest going down the twin slides with the younger girl, Amy, over and over again. She held your hand and went down beside you on my ready, set, GO. I only had to stand at the bottom to catch you. Even just watching the girls play you glowed. You'd point and clap when they did something amazing. They liked your attention and had lots of questions like, could you talk, what could you say, did you come to the park alot, do you have brothers or sisters. Then they told us about their family and what fun things there are to do in the neighbourhood in the summertime. I'm always surprised how friendly the kids are we run into, but it was nice that they took such an interest in you. I wish you got to see other kids more often...

It's a nice, short week. Dad has Friday off. Maybe I'll send you guys to Tot's Cafe in the morning. Anyway, here are a some pictures, a small sampling of just how cute you were today. Awwww.

Okay, let's talk

Hey munchmallow. You have exploded with speech this past week. After celebrating your 18 month birthday - and you putting out some really good candle-blowing effort - you have been talking. In addition to your uhm hmmm, you verbalize your affirmations with okay, kay, and an occasional yup. You know all the animal sounds we have taught you, including our latest one, the hissssssss of a snake.

We went to your 18 month check-up on Tuesday and you screamed everytime the doctor went to touch you. He did give you a sucker when it was done and you appreciated that, but not as much as you appreciated him leaving the room. You weighed 9.9 kg and are 72 cm tall. It's bigger than last time for sure so that's good. You're recent interest in eating - sometimes - helps.

The weather is finally not so extreme. It even got above zero once. To celebrate, we bundled you in your snowsuit and walked over to the park one night. You were thrilled to bits to go on the slide and swings with dad, but those little pebbles that you loved all summer and fall were still your favourite playthings...even if they were hard to pick up with the stumps of your snowsuit. We ended up walking around the block but had to get home after not very long because the chill after the sun went down is so much colder.

Dad stayed home sick on Friday so we all took it pretty easy and hung out in our pajamas. You and dad had a three hour nap while I went shopping, so a good time was had by all. Then on Saturday, Grandma and Grandpa came to visit. They are here right now and you are again napping with Dad. I'm thinking of waking you soon so we can maybe go see a movie. Happy Feet, the movie about penguins is on at the cheap theatre. Oh, and last night we all went for supper to Montana's and you were very good. You stayed in your spot for almost the whole time, played peek with some kids at another table, you ate good and you were very impressed by the animals hanging on the walls. It was a very successful outing. It's nice that you like to impress everyone. Well, everyone who isn't your mom and dad.

Happy Valentine's Day, love Lily

Awwww... Nana said, "Those are Lily's eyes. How did you do that?" My answer - as always - is, "Pure talent." Actually I told her that it's all your face, I just had to make your eyes and mouth a bit bigger to give it that illustrative/caricature appearance so it looked like it belonged on the sweet little body. You are pretty lucky to have a mommy who commemorates all your holidays with goofy photos. All me and your dad have are normal baby pictures...boo hoo.

Sucks, okay

Tonight you were sitting on my knee at the computer because I wanted to show you the Nick Jr site, full of Wonder Pets!, Dora, Max & Ruby and the Backyardigans that I found so amusing at work today. Unfortunately, a warning came up saying something about them not supporting Macintosh computers. Disappointed, I said "well that sucks." Your chimed in, "sucks." Little parrot you are.

You've been clingy and kinda grouchy the last few days. I think you're trying to pop another molar through. Yesterday I couldn't detatch you from me for even two minutes at a time. The night previous, you bolted awake a couple times. The first time you were excited to say, "Da da, kay okay?" Your dad taught you to say o-kay instead of the plain kay you've been saying for three days now. Another time, you stood straight up and jumped before laying down and going back to sleep.

On Saturday we went to the Home Depot in the morning, followed by a quick trip to Superstore. Feeling courageous, we decided to try and go out for lunch. You were all right, though I would have preferred it if you would have sit still and ate something besides the ice in our water glasses. Anyway, here's a video of you and your other fave no-calorie snack - snow! I've uploaded a bunch of new videos so check them out following the Vimeo link in the right sidebar.


A tasty wintertime treat on Vimeo

Tomorrow you will be 18 months old. That is a year and a half, a landmark age for a little girl. I think we will celebrate. Maybe I will put a candle in the Valentine brownies I made for you to blow out. I think you would appreciate it.

An outing - to the liquor store, uhm hmm

Your dad and I ran out of wine and had to take you out in the very frigid evening last night so that we could replenish our supply and get through the cold weekend. You always like to go out, doesn't usually matter where as long as you can have a bit of freedom. Well, after supper we packed you into the van, returned last weekend's overdue movies and to the liquor store we went. The freedom you desire is pretty limited in the Australian wine section which backs the vodka - the big glass bottles that are very shiny and yearning for your touch, I'm sure. So we headed to the back where the beer is, a relatively safe area for you to do some exploring. While your dad and I perused the import beer, you were enthralled by a flat of Alexander Keith's cans. When I came to check on you, you had crawled up onto the first row and were just sitting there smiling. Adorable. And you looked so proud of yourself. Dad ended up having to haul you away under his arm to the checkout. When we were about to head outside, I said "ready, set" and you blurted out GO - having never practiced that before. You are a sponge...

You've been saying bye-bye to everything lately. From the water in the tub when we pull the plug to the credits on all t.v. shows. We say bye to the toys at the store when we go to leave, bye to anything in the toilet, bye to cashiers in stores, bye to your toys when it's time to go eat, bye to books when we're done reading them. So far that's how we deal with separating you from anything you're loving. I fear the day when this won't be enough and you throw those endearing tantrums I love so much.


Also, your vocabularly is expanding exponentially lately. I can't keep up. You repeat everything we ask you to say - or at least you try. The words you can't say sound like "shy" or "sup." You surprised me the other day when we were reading a book and you pointed at the sheep and said, "baaa" because I didn't know you knew that one. When I tell you the doll or dad or an animal is sleeping, you put your finger up to your mouth and say "shhhhh." But our favorite thing you've picked up is your ability to answer yes. And it's not just nodding when we ask you if you can say yes. You say a closed-mouth "uhm hmmm." Not until you started doing this did your dad and I realize how often we respond positively to something with an "uh huh." Whoops. Anyway, you are truly delightful.

Just you and me, kid

Your dad is in Nova Scotia. He only left yesterday and will be home late tomorrow night but wow, is it tiring being your exclusive caregiver - and that's only after Nana goes home, after supper until bedtime. Actually, it's not you that is draining me this time. It's just everything else. Like taking out the garbage and cleaning the kitchen...and making a scrumptious carrot cake with cream cheese icing.

Anyway, you did a couple cute/funny things in the last couple days. I came home yesterday for lunch and when I walked in the door your were standing there looking up at me, pointing at yourself in the chest. When I asked what you did, you kinda grunted and kept pointing to yourself. When I asked Nana what was going on, she said you were a bad girl. So I asked you what you did to which you pointed at the wall. I couldn't not smile when you showed me. Beside the front door, between it and the picture window you had taken a pencil and scribbled up and down and up and down, up and down. Well, a picture might better describe this (below). So I had you point to what you did while I took your picture. What's the point in being upset when it's already been done? And you were much too cute to get mad at.


Then tonight, you were downstairs playing after your bath (so you were naked) and I had to run upstairs and take the carrot cake out of the oven. On my way back down, you were standing at the bottom of the stairs looking for me, holding out your hand. I looked and immediately pieced together what had happened. Apparently you pooped a giant log which fell to the floor after bouncing off your calf, picked it up but didn't like the mushiness that appeared on your hand, dropped it back to the floor and came looking for me to clean off your hand. (While you may be horrified that I am writing about poop, know that it is completely acceptable once you have a baby or small child. I guess we'll find out when it's not acceptable any longer...) For a kid who poops maybe once a week - if we're lucky - all of that sure happened quickly. And of course when you were diaperless!

It's almost my bedtime. I've discovered tonight that if I don't tend you everytime you cry, you will eventually go back to sleep. And this is what most people discover when their babies are much, much younger...

A short movie by Mama

What's a puppy say? Ruff! on Vimeo

I'm going to have to start putting forth a bit more effort when it comes to posting your videos. (Most are long, boring movies of you doing something ordinary that only you parents think is extraordinary like "Lily discovers the egg" http://www.vimeo.com/clip:133085 ) Today I took the first step by taking a small clip of a movie of you from Friday, adding some credits and messing with the sound so all we hear is YOU. It's tacky and odd, but at least it's short. And it kinda shows off your brand new big girl bangs! Awwww...

And we should be uploading more video as Vimeo, the site where we put all our video, has increased our limit from 30MB a week to 250MB. That's unreal. What a great excuse to do more, and more interesting, movies.

Impulse control

My darling sniffly daughter. Oh, how affectionate you are when you're sick. You caught Nana's cold yesterday and tossed and turned and cried every twenty minutes last night, but today you were really sweet. (Even to your Dad!) You hugged us - one parent in each arm - kissed me on the forehead, pressed your cheek against mine. Ahh, somedays I still can't believe that you are ours and we get to keep you. (I felt like that for months after you were born.)

Lately we've been measuring how good your day is going based on whether or not you've hit anyone yet. When you get angry (because you are tired or hungry and won't eat) you lash out, get your pouty face on and hit. Usually it's me or Nana that you slap hard in the face. Or you just hit Skye because she's so passive. And you know you shouldn't, but then it's too late. Sometimes I can see you fighting with all your might to suppress the urge to strike - and sometimes it works but not as often as not. I know all young kids have problems with impulse control; I know I even do sometimes. We're just not sure how to discourage it. I take your hand, say NO in a low, stern voice while looking disapprovingly at you. This gets another angry reaction and you hit again or sulk away. Nana had tapped you back which always gets you to change the subject; you act like nothing happened and go on to do something different. (While I know this is an awful way to deal with this, I am surprised that it gets a very desired result.) And then there's what I usually do. I put my hand to my face where it stings and I let out a really great fake cry so you know you hurt mommy. That's what I did tonight when we were hanging out in bed before bedtime. Of course, my eyes were closed so I couldn't see your bottom lip start to quiver before you burst out into the saddest, loudest, most hurt cry in the world. I felt so bad. So back to square one. Not that you'll magically start listening when we say no...or stop...or ouch.

Something else you started doing in the last few days is make many animal sounds. Most notable are your cow, owl, bird, kitty and puppy sounds. Actually, you were pretending to be a pretty realistic dog the other day, crawling around on your knees yipping "ruf."

Oh, and we took you to the art gallery on Saturday afternoon. There was a fabulous exhibit on Canadian art with a bunch of Group of Seven work and that stunning painting of the horse on the train track in the moonlight by Alex Colville. (The painting was much darker than pictured. He and Christopher Pratt are very similar painters and among my favourites. Oh, and I can't forget about Mary Pratt's stunning realism.) You just like walking around the big gallery and clapping or yelling to hear the echo. And everyone always thinks you are so cute. I don't know why it's always childless people walking around there. The exhibits always fascinate you as does the lobby of the T.C. Douglas building with its live trees and glass elevator.

Then on Sunday we went to the central library to play with their toys and meet some kids. There was this little girl there that was just adorable. She was maybe four and you liked her right away - well, after you stole her toys and her mom had to tell her you didn't know any better. You started talking to her in your babbling way and when you would stop, she would say, "Okay, do you want to play with this?" And she thought you were pretty sweet as well. She patted you on the head and for some reason she found you so cute she wanted to kiss you. She leaned down and you saw the kiss coming so you reached up with your pucker. I almost cried it was such a sight. We'll have to go back more often. We hadn't been there in awhile because of our overdue fees...

Tomorrow is Friday and I took the day off to stay home with you. I already look forward to our nap.

Five very, very long years

Well Lily, today is your mom and dad's fifth wedding anniversary - the even scarier part is that we started "dating" in 1997 when we were going to school in Medicine Hat. And look at us now. I think we actually look better than we did ten years ago, but we'll see what I think in another ten years when I can compare pictures from 1997 to pictures from 2007. The best part about your mom and dad getting together is of course, you. So cheers to us, our family.

I learned it from watching you

There was this commercial from when I was younger about this young teen getting caught by his dad with a box o' drugs when he yells out, "I learned it from watching you." The dad was quite obviously busted and lost all of his authority right then and there. While this is nothing like that, the title was just a direct quote from that.

Anyway, what you did learn from your mom and dad is blatant consumerism. We were at Wal-Mart tonight getting diapers, a compost bin, socks, undershirts and gotch for your dad, some jarred baby food, a rubber spatula (because ours broke in two mixing the cookie dough the other night) and some tupperware-type containers. While dad and I were spying up the food storage, you unstacked a bunch of brightly coloured plastic plates, bowls and cups all over the floor in the aisle. Content to let you continue, I was shocked and surprised to see you pick out the nicest, pinkest plate out of all the ones there, rise up on your tippy toes and put the plate into the cart. Awwww. You learned how to shop! You just put all the stuff you want into the cart and it ends up coming home with us. Of course we bought it (and the matching cup you picked out next).

One other thing. Picture this - you crouch down on the floor and motion Nana to join you. Then you point me down to the floor. Apparently you invented a new game where you and Nana crawl across the living room into the kitchen. You walk across the kitchen and then crawl again once you hit the hardwood. After Nana and I did this with you twice, your dad got to join us so all four of us were crawling across the floor like a pack of...humans. What a sight that must have been.

Some of This

I can't believe we didn't note that yesterday you turned 17 months old. That's one month away from the big year and a half. (I know what it's like to be on the cusp of a milestone, turning 30 myself in four months.) Anyway, I only noticed the date when I was uploading pictures from the camera to the computer. And I remember when we used to count your age in weeks...

Today you were pretty grouchy. You woke up at a normal time, but when I got up at ten (yes, lucky mama) and went downstairs I saw that you had really torn the place apart. You have this need to destroy when your mood is anything but glowing. While we can usually distract you when things are looking bleak, sometimes it just draws you into something else that needs messing with. Poor Skye on those days...she sure takes your teasing and kicking without much complaint. But sometimes some really fun stuff comes when we're just trying to get through a rough patch. We've spent much time running at full tilt through the kitchen and living room around and around and around. You hold my hand and sometimes dad's hand, too, and all three of us run. Sometimes we pretend that Skye is chasing us when really she's just part of the team who is magnetically drawn to me and must be touching me or at least within a foot at all times. (You're the other team member in case you couldn't guess...)

And earlier today you and I were laying in bed killing time after the lunch you didn't eat and before your nap that didn't last long. You occupied yourself by wrapping the sheet around you, sometimes hiding under it or under the pillows. Or I would hide with you and we would have a fort. Soon you were getting easily frustrated by one thing or another and were just about ready to lay down. By this point dad had joined us all ready for his nap, too. Anyway, like you had been doing every twenty minutes all day today, you wanted to nurse which you recently have come to call "this." Dad asked you to say "some" which you pronounced perfectly. Then he asked you to say "this." I was expecting more of a "dis" but you made the t-h sound and slowly squeezed out the entire word like you'd always known it. Unfortunately you didn't string it all together. Not yet. But we'll have to more articulate when asking if you want something, especially some of this.

Are you 'kay?

Twice now I've hurt myself - the first time on keyboard tray here on the computer desk and I can't remember what happened the second time, but I cried "owww!" and each time you threw out, "R U K?" Of course I can't get you to repeat it on command but it is what I ask you when you get hurt so it is very possible that you are saying that in the appropriate context. I shouldn't be so surprised because you are incredibly brilliant and you leave your dad and I with our jaws gaping everyday, but I'm still torn between this baby/big girl thing. You are still such a baby that mostly communicates with a series of grunts and pointing, but on the other hand you can run really fast, laugh at your own jokes and clearly make yes/no decisions and then tell us exactly what it is what you want. I heard a couple little kids talking away in the movie store last night and you are so clearly far away from that, but if talking comes as suddenly as everything else you do seems to, we could be having conversations very soon.

Happy 2007!

Happy New Year! You know what I figured out? Although you are only one-year-old, you've spanned the last four years having been around since 2004. Seems like a long time ago, huh? Well, your dad and I found out that you would be joining our family on Dec. 5, 2004 which we celebrated with a wonderful and extravagant meal at a fancy restaurant. Lucky thing we did that because we don't see those too often these days. Then of course, you grew in my tummy until August 13, 2005 when you were born. Then last year (2006), well...you grew from a cooing baby into the big girl you are right now at the beginning of 2007. I can't even begin to imagine what this year will bring.

With your dad home alone with you for three days last week, you made him very happy having eyes (and hugs) for only him. But then I came home and dad was pushed aside again. The cutest thing is when dad asks you, "Can I have a hug?" to which you reply "no, no, no." Then he asks "Can I have a kiss?" to which you again reply "no, no, no." Then sometimes he'll throw something in there to make you think twice like, "Do you want some candy?" Of course, he never produces candy so I can see why you withold your affections! You actually begin to get pretty frustrated answering our dumb questions, then look at us with a face full of disgust. We'd stop bugging you, but you are much too adorable!

You love to spin in circles until you get dizzy and fall down. I don't know where you picked it up but it sure is funny to watch. That skill comes in handy when I sing Ring Around the Rosie. You have also learned how to hold a crayon, marker or pen correctly - not with your entire fist wrapped around it. I thought you'd have to be much bigger to do that, but you draw with unbelievable control now. You are a very good singer, too. We sing a lot. We have a monsters/Big Bird CD in the van that you like, especially when Big Bird sings 'Sing', that song from Sesame Street. A lot of the words you sing with the correct sounds and hold the notes for the appropriate amount of time. Also, you've been trying to jump, but your little body doesn't get off the ground. So you bend your knees and dad and I help you jump which makes you laugh. Lots of things make you laugh which is so wonderful after you didn't laugh except that one time when you were four months old until you were about 13 months old. Fake or not, at least you love laughing.

You are very sensitive with other's feelings. Even drawings... Dad drew a crying baby and you were very concerned so we had to shhhhush and pat the baby. (Unfortunately the drawing didn't get happy.) And when your babies cry, you hug them SO tight that your fingers turn white and you bounce them and rock them. All of your plush friends are very well cared for with lots of hugs, usually there's about three or four in your arms at a time.

Well, we are going to Nana's for supper tonight. She tells us it's tradition to have ham on New Year's day even though I don't ever remember it. So that's what we are doing. After today though, it's back to normal with eating. I've been full for three weeks and you've been basking in the junk. (Actually, you ate three meatballs the other night because they had sweet and sour sauce on them. I think that is the most meat you've even consumed - in total.) You've got your mom and dad's sweet tooth - but that's okay since you are why sweets must have been invented!

Holidays and beyond

Well, we're home. I think you were ready to come home, too. You came to be more clingy to mama, ate and slept less as the days went on. It sure is fun to go away and it's really wonderful to come home and sleep in our gigantor bed. I don't know if it was because we were in a strange place and you were uncomfortable, but you slept awfully for the three nights we were gone. Then last night you slept for almost twelve hours (not straight, mind you but from 7pm to 6:45am). Then you napped for an hour with Dad this morning after I went to work.


Christmas is over until next year. We just have a few chocolates left but enough toys to last you until you're two - maybe three! We packed up the entire van with your table/chair set from Grandma and Grandpa, your T-M-Elmo vibrating chair, your puzzles, books and squeaking shoes. Needless to say you are a very lucky and loved girl. And cute! (I just had to throw that in there.)

Kindersley was good, the weather was nice so we walked on xmas day. And with so many people and cats around as an audience, your mouth motored on and on. Great practice. Now your new thing is saying nu, nu, nu (no, no, no) while shaking your head. It's really quite endearing if not surprising that you are saying no to us, but any addition to your vocabulary is welcome. It's kind of odd - you didn't dance the whole time we were at Grandma and Grandpa's but as soon as we got home you were bustin' a move all over the rumpus room. You even incorporated such awesome new dance moves that there were tears rolling down my cheeks and I laughed at what I think was the cutest thing I'd ever seen. (Picture the bended knee groove combined with your arm as an elephant trunk.) It was that good.


I'm at work now and for the next couple days, then off for a three-day weekend over New Year's followed by a three-day week and another three-day weekend! If only my schedule was always like that, huh? So you are home with your dad right now and he's not answering the phone so I'm assuming you guys are sleeping. Wish I was there, but will be home soon.