tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45605068124216455792024-02-19T08:21:42.694-08:00Seats LeafWelcome. My name is Amanda. I found myself suddenly uprooted and moving to Texas late in 2008. I started this blog to keep in touch with family and friends all over. Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-833320570772811372015-05-25T20:52:00.005-07:002015-05-25T21:41:26.510-07:00Isla Rose, 4 and 1/2 years oldIsla is 4 and 1/2 years old. She is full of personality and has a sweet, caring heart. Isla had a wonderful summer with a few weeks of Yoga Camp, Cooking Camp, and a week at Grandma and Grandpa's house. And, of course, a lot of swimming. She likes to do lots of dolphin dives, and even wears her Little Mermaid costume over her swimsuit to feel more authentically mermaid. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WyAbIbvR_D6ikx5MS54hjMNlKCPcoEZl0cjlNu3sA4u5JYFS6tHeaTrGhON638AnWZti242n94Hj1DfkhWykO-jy1zzjzJeqHWT8X-8EDSV5loy23NFQIXR1Dj4Wj4plBVbdnYyypTn6/s1600/KAB_6493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WyAbIbvR_D6ikx5MS54hjMNlKCPcoEZl0cjlNu3sA4u5JYFS6tHeaTrGhON638AnWZti242n94Hj1DfkhWykO-jy1zzjzJeqHWT8X-8EDSV5loy23NFQIXR1Dj4Wj4plBVbdnYyypTn6/s320/KAB_6493.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
She has become a little helper in the kitchen and likes to put on her apron from cooking camp and help stir pots and set the table before dinner. For weeks, she had a special doll and that she would put to sleep every night- change it into jammies, rock it, read it books, give a bottle and them put in the doll cradle. In the morning, she'd change the doll into clothes and then leave it with a frog toy, who was the doll's teacher while Isla was away at school. She kept up with this daily care consistently for weeks! She would ask me at bedtime what I was going to do for brother, and then insistent she needed to do the same for her doll. Sometimes she even passed on her stories because she needed to care for her baby.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlPE3OQ35OuQrQmuUdptxD91hhqzYItwGHP2L6E9Pw35OIXkHA9RRrctxo0yuzFqoUJqS2oftuklCkY1zdweGrWOz_YsP23m5pkI6ueuyL9JUzlVUBKuL7HZbu43oYo_WmtqWXfuN5tbn/s1600/IMG_2996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlPE3OQ35OuQrQmuUdptxD91hhqzYItwGHP2L6E9Pw35OIXkHA9RRrctxo0yuzFqoUJqS2oftuklCkY1zdweGrWOz_YsP23m5pkI6ueuyL9JUzlVUBKuL7HZbu43oYo_WmtqWXfuN5tbn/s320/IMG_2996.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Isla is now in the 4 year-old Green Door room at her preschool. She is well-liked and has a lot of friends. She have an active play-date schedule and weekends full of birthday parties. Isla has begun to plan her next birthday party. She was very proud to have conquered the monkey bars on the playground. She likes to work on making letters. She writes the "S" in Isla is backwards, but she said it's only because she likes it that way. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1TDT5jYa2fpnF5skR8-qSq4dml50vJlH8m6TPwugLIGPiwmt_g7UYtIXmOizYJBPZSTfeQdDKjxdlZFyUxIrvcu6HmM9RYT_GdTQJwwJI_iLGTwnVWY6laEWUQDDFA6EqKuabIIbG7Fd/s1600/IMG_3092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1TDT5jYa2fpnF5skR8-qSq4dml50vJlH8m6TPwugLIGPiwmt_g7UYtIXmOizYJBPZSTfeQdDKjxdlZFyUxIrvcu6HmM9RYT_GdTQJwwJI_iLGTwnVWY6laEWUQDDFA6EqKuabIIbG7Fd/s320/IMG_3092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4560506812421645579%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4159050478997842533%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-SiEL6JUxKNA%2FVWPtg_dpQKI%2FAAAAAAAABT8%2FcYGnPnvzNNU%2Fs320%2FIMG_3092.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1036px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4560506812421645579%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4159050478997842533%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-SiEL6JUxKNA%2FVWPtg_dpQKI%2FAAAAAAAABT8%2FcYGnPnvzNNU%2Fs320%2FIMG_3092.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1036px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4560506812421645579%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D83332057077281137&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nfc2qq3u0oY%2FVWPtp8Pt1uI%2FAAAAAAAABUE%2FkCIJ8g193aI%2Fs320%2FIMG_2996.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 233px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 608px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4560506812421645579%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D83332057077281137&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nfc2qq3u0oY%2FVWPtp8Pt1uI%2FAAAAAAAABUE%2FkCIJ8g193aI%2Fs320%2FIMG_2996.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 233px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 608px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-41590504789978425332015-05-25T20:48:00.003-07:002015-05-25T21:43:15.707-07:00August Gabrielle, almost 2!It is October and Gus is almost 2. <br />
<br />
He is such a wonderful little boy. He loves trains, trucks, dinosaurs, helicoptors. He like to talk about them, point them out, read books about them. He has developed this funny little habit of always carrying a few little treasures around in his fists. He almost always has some little bouncy balls, little cars or trucks, some small toys or even a special rock. He talks like a little cave man, mostly 2-3 word sentences or demands. Like, "I-wa, dump couch" means: "Isla, would you jump on the couch with me?" We live a couple of blocks from an Amy's Ice Cream, and there's a a mini bouncy ball dispenser there. August goes crazy over those balls, and usually forgets about the ice cream once we're there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7An7kA1P31hs_Y4y7lsoq7M32vy3OP7jTcpnLQUdQCFIwDO5CnBsCgq98tbGuD4Tog_yOogNWFyDoKIY59a4zkgPpVFYhpD3d35TVV8dLAZULV1MWsWxOMOcrnPuQD7dh9VOA139HWMV/s1600/KAB_6535-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7An7kA1P31hs_Y4y7lsoq7M32vy3OP7jTcpnLQUdQCFIwDO5CnBsCgq98tbGuD4Tog_yOogNWFyDoKIY59a4zkgPpVFYhpD3d35TVV8dLAZULV1MWsWxOMOcrnPuQD7dh9VOA139HWMV/s320/KAB_6535-2.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
<br />
We put small dump trucks, inside of medium dump trucks, inside of large dump trucks. Little boy phrases spew from his mouth- and I kid you not- "Dinosaurs! Rahr!" "Beep, Beep. Crash!" "Chugga choo choo," "Monster Trucks!" - all day long. Sometimes he has a little car, train, truck along with his for the ride of his day, and then it goes missing. We all look for it- crisis. One day after we picked up Isla from school a few weeks ago- we saw 2 helicopters from the car- and commented on them. Everyday since then he says at the same intersection "Two Helicopters! " and gets upset that they aren't there. He gets mad at me for not being able to reproduce airplanes and helicopters in the sky at my discretion. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaKY95H-0GmQ8Q3NVxkEu8bsX1X_XFqXjJdx0ZGqBu9fnsiQF99ju3PucEBHmKiri_5kC8w0n0_X17lpYQ7obuCy9o3TJKaBs-DPkeMEZrMzELQ8SpfkZ6AjuFACpCyWWeIaNms-B613J/s1600/KAB_6576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaKY95H-0GmQ8Q3NVxkEu8bsX1X_XFqXjJdx0ZGqBu9fnsiQF99ju3PucEBHmKiri_5kC8w0n0_X17lpYQ7obuCy9o3TJKaBs-DPkeMEZrMzELQ8SpfkZ6AjuFACpCyWWeIaNms-B613J/s320/KAB_6576.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<br />
Gus sometimes gets irate- and then there's not rectifying the situation. I took off his very most favorite shirt he thought he was going to be able to wear forever, the Duplo cars/ trains won't stay hooked together, He wants to close the gate, but that is physically impossible to do without his body being knocked off the step. August's 2 year-old flip has switched. <br />
<br />
<br />
Gus was a bumble bee for Halloween. This was a fun Halloween for us, as we have 2 kids who sort of "get it." We read lots of Halloween Books. August has a sensitive soul, and caught on, and he started to declare certain thing<span style="text-align: center;">s to be "Skooky." The dark outside is "skooky" and as we walked home at 7:00 pm on Halloween night, everything was "skooky" and we knew it was time to be home safe in our jammies.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMzsd_31AZL2JMGLw5JuRv6NUOuail1SLuN93oZ8jE5iWzpzKCE2wGnSNAETC7mO8h4okQQrzFxI0ImtnKSVivKXcbb0JmMr-sHoTtkwUzUUu17Cf6ngiQeV7qXElPFbeJzMkpQAtRyd-/s1600/KAB_6554-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMzsd_31AZL2JMGLw5JuRv6NUOuail1SLuN93oZ8jE5iWzpzKCE2wGnSNAETC7mO8h4okQQrzFxI0ImtnKSVivKXcbb0JmMr-sHoTtkwUzUUu17Cf6ngiQeV7qXElPFbeJzMkpQAtRyd-/s320/KAB_6554-3.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
<br />
August loves his sister and would follow her to the moon and back if she asked him to.<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4560506812421645579%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4159050478997842533%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-bSqKKGed0nc%2FVWPseh50-tI%2FAAAAAAAABTo%2FtnhKod-y0jg%2Fs320%2FKAB_6554-3.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 203px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1252px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4560506812421645579%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4159050478997842533%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D1%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-bSqKKGed0nc%2FVWPseh50-tI%2FAAAAAAAABTo%2FtnhKod-y0jg%2Fs320%2FKAB_6554-3.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 203px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1252px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-44169329586566101852014-06-30T12:25:00.000-07:002014-10-31T12:49:21.458-07:00August Gabrielle- 1 and 1/2 years old!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMKva8zpiIyCoKYQG5COhjaXO-CGAGjCAuDeXwsHEPny0xOp9oEGKly5UVadbv8bSJwnX_Kyn7TAUTPZ1HZ_dlnJn4hQBtu717NYgLfJFk63ex_zITNO1WGV9SL1MdmDUFFUKbIIw9TDl/s1600/2014-06-20+16.08.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMKva8zpiIyCoKYQG5COhjaXO-CGAGjCAuDeXwsHEPny0xOp9oEGKly5UVadbv8bSJwnX_Kyn7TAUTPZ1HZ_dlnJn4hQBtu717NYgLfJFk63ex_zITNO1WGV9SL1MdmDUFFUKbIIw9TDl/s1600/2014-06-20+16.08.53.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table dancin'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOJGGCrS39BwLFxm9kiFdoeu2VHpJD5Q73O4AWrwOT-MhuTwVxwOxz2gF23Mq6qALpodidfrJ69PW7FVIuatMdjMC39T3NNejdT1m3OyF5n56sGNbzbTJ6q1K_-N8FFlwI21FyzUi2ghL/s1600/2014-06-20+16.10.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOJGGCrS39BwLFxm9kiFdoeu2VHpJD5Q73O4AWrwOT-MhuTwVxwOxz2gF23Mq6qALpodidfrJ69PW7FVIuatMdjMC39T3NNejdT1m3OyF5n56sGNbzbTJ6q1K_-N8FFlwI21FyzUi2ghL/s1600/2014-06-20+16.10.20.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Boy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now it is June, and when I look back on his 15 months blog, all of those things are still going on. Still loves music and dances, but more. Still loves his shoes. But, I think he wants them on just so he's ready to go out the door when sister does. Still loves books and being read to, but more. His favorite books are "Go, Dog, Go" Dr Suess's "ABC's", and "Hop on Pop"; the Corduroy series.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCfV0IBH9sf48jt_k0fsGf6v3tKHCXs1XxUU4dylE08LluDqp1XcmX6MEgcVDEkBermz2pUOKW3l9CSJMocAetTl9KMb3EEaCPf31UTPXnAEwzorjKTutXOpj-lt9yREmGS5jbG033TJr/s1600/2014-05-22+10.45.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCfV0IBH9sf48jt_k0fsGf6v3tKHCXs1XxUU4dylE08LluDqp1XcmX6MEgcVDEkBermz2pUOKW3l9CSJMocAetTl9KMb3EEaCPf31UTPXnAEwzorjKTutXOpj-lt9yREmGS5jbG033TJr/s1600/2014-05-22+10.45.38.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building castles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And I don't know if I missed it in the 15 month blog- but August loves balls. He loves to play with them, hold them, confiscate them if he sees someone else has them. He loves to carry little choking- hazard size bouncy balls, or even just a marble. They are often hidden away in his chubby little fist and I don't know they are there. August tries to engage me in conversations about balls, but all he can contribute is single word "Ball." He has even chuckled and grinned as he drifted off to sleep in my arms and uttered "Ball."<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4b13SxtZ0lcnSs7ll7qai3_lcmhcJmnLKuGKchB0u6CSmCqdYsGcjExVNWva7UeNvwwPvzhjy0PAjWvQ68PYDQwPpF4WZNuEYecwYtDHf9KqyJi-HhMKTG8MLYCCB4nPQpA3MgxinAId/s1600/2014-05-25+11.44.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4b13SxtZ0lcnSs7ll7qai3_lcmhcJmnLKuGKchB0u6CSmCqdYsGcjExVNWva7UeNvwwPvzhjy0PAjWvQ68PYDQwPpF4WZNuEYecwYtDHf9KqyJi-HhMKTG8MLYCCB4nPQpA3MgxinAId/s1600/2014-05-25+11.44.27.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy push-ups</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
August is a pretty coordinated little guy; he can run. He and sister often run a play chase in circles around the house. They also still love to play jumping and falling on the couch. August figured out how to ride sister's scooter, so we got him one with a shorter handle bar. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZz-HsNZJhJa7Nn7oKMqk0gOOtqnGCY7YOombWKG9qwO-Fvm85987K70sr0SIsviPxAYTavMi4iK6JfnMR1INQU1HvbVAsL3IaSmxIA9TTYnAyKAw1rWX938aJ_vemfejFlXhr7txTBEE/s1600/2014-06-02+19.24.20.mov" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZz-HsNZJhJa7Nn7oKMqk0gOOtqnGCY7YOombWKG9qwO-Fvm85987K70sr0SIsviPxAYTavMi4iK6JfnMR1INQU1HvbVAsL3IaSmxIA9TTYnAyKAw1rWX938aJ_vemfejFlXhr7txTBEE/s1600/2014-06-02+19.24.20.mov" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting his groove on</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We went to the beach at the end of May. I was told Gus had already had Hand Foot Mouth disease at his 1 year appointment, but he got a different strain with a very pronounced texbook rash while we were on our family vacation. So for the second year in a town, he spent most of the beach vacation feeling lousy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVk6v585xXio5hTonRolxQr9BjaEHt8tLG3luhkHFJQH-GWzVwUxJy3-1rNAudjGC_RLldePQ5YVfjjq5NnlJk7iGlQ6Iu32RsPDUIskHpaQkTrzwDpiuHRQr-j0skxN4ZAU19tyHFV7x_/s1600/2014-06-28+17.10.55.mov" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVk6v585xXio5hTonRolxQr9BjaEHt8tLG3luhkHFJQH-GWzVwUxJy3-1rNAudjGC_RLldePQ5YVfjjq5NnlJk7iGlQ6Iu32RsPDUIskHpaQkTrzwDpiuHRQr-j0skxN4ZAU19tyHFV7x_/s1600/2014-06-28+17.10.55.mov" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Body Parts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vDm7QugPKt7RdRFXSHdBxlK5uUDU1OjlL1lcpAJxPUMERBjayjdq8hvhBBFWTJyJLoicVyRdfJSAnT3S37yoH7Q6FuvRmaURFLGVwKxJIfSyre6IxzEzI2sX_iTU6rbeO3HhRs9e3-hQ/s1600/2014-06-28+17.10.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vDm7QugPKt7RdRFXSHdBxlK5uUDU1OjlL1lcpAJxPUMERBjayjdq8hvhBBFWTJyJLoicVyRdfJSAnT3S37yoH7Q6FuvRmaURFLGVwKxJIfSyre6IxzEzI2sX_iTU6rbeO3HhRs9e3-hQ/s1600/2014-06-28+17.10.08.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big mess in the carseat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-35403576722447460902014-03-12T20:17:00.000-07:002014-06-16T20:10:01.575-07:00Isla Rose, 4 years oldThe title to this blog is a total shocker- 4 years old! She's a solid pre-schooler now. Isla has been very excited about her upcoming birthday and birthday party. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJTv9NblaNcQbZ7KCfut8v4eCy7WCTFjYexS8_wjgxStQOjmAvmys30DF1FjoBkwF0KOtQ9jTfHJ8uwAL6fOR_8qZPrHdFPUUYdfiY32pZ4kKUhIc3bI45qnqreA4738dgIRKj1q9LYwd/s1600/IMG_1900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJTv9NblaNcQbZ7KCfut8v4eCy7WCTFjYexS8_wjgxStQOjmAvmys30DF1FjoBkwF0KOtQ9jTfHJ8uwAL6fOR_8qZPrHdFPUUYdfiY32pZ4kKUhIc3bI45qnqreA4738dgIRKj1q9LYwd/s1600/IMG_1900.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swinging after Yoga class</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Things Isla has said recently that made me laugh:<br />
When I asked her if she wanted a ponytail today, she said "No, a bum." <br />
Isla started parroting me and I have realized I say "actually" a lot. Jason has been trying to get her to say "indubitably." He said it and at a time Isla was irritated and she replied "No-doobily!" When I asked if she wiped her bottom after going potty, "Unfortunately, I did not wipe my bottom."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNG-e_R0sxLpJ6m_wx8Uqpppkb9FUxg10V-JXuQqgXJdMLAiyybhHMQU5PwWCojLUmkgk5e6lt6Ih-A6ZpJ0sb8N-wASjllSfBOMWbDaurbvt-qkbWf1bKw5qUMzngr2a_F6fxwvcKmV5/s1600/IMG_1912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNG-e_R0sxLpJ6m_wx8Uqpppkb9FUxg10V-JXuQqgXJdMLAiyybhHMQU5PwWCojLUmkgk5e6lt6Ih-A6ZpJ0sb8N-wASjllSfBOMWbDaurbvt-qkbWf1bKw5qUMzngr2a_F6fxwvcKmV5/s1600/IMG_1912.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cast going on</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
What's she into these days: Isla loves her arts/ crafts. She can play around with a pad of paper or sticker page for hours. She is still reinacting Valentines Day and gives out little notes to everyone all the time. There has also been a doll revival in this house, and she spends a lot of time taking care of her little dollies. She continues to take swim lessons, dance/ gymnastics, and Yoga classes. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioqyq738rlUYf9RvIrsTBN13Z-3kuQYbYMx9cCBTV-HlNcpwa6MfEIVrehktWa7fpzA7IZOak040i4dubo6gw8A_zh6Fw7uPu1YP7Gf1_KIKCufDf2s_eWDLJxwwRpXhaS0CPhnZb43ge/s1600/IMG_1915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioqyq738rlUYf9RvIrsTBN13Z-3kuQYbYMx9cCBTV-HlNcpwa6MfEIVrehktWa7fpzA7IZOak040i4dubo6gw8A_zh6Fw7uPu1YP7Gf1_KIKCufDf2s_eWDLJxwwRpXhaS0CPhnZb43ge/s1600/IMG_1915.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how to slide with a cast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Isla has a "caretaker" quality about her. She is kind and sweet towards younger, or even just the shier kids she is around. She has been good about our "no grabbing" policy, and does not take things out of her brother's hands. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqoqFu8UaQEsuLHP7owQaykdNT57thQ6lJ8Ufn19BBe_LtNGdmwc5nDEcjy1qUV7zN61w6MBSsGzkwNkm1CUIRydeFe8cUXlb2NnbIS25Zq4aewHyOlPl96CqJ79AUkBJ7aH9ovgQrmxM/s1600/IMG_1974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqoqFu8UaQEsuLHP7owQaykdNT57thQ6lJ8Ufn19BBe_LtNGdmwc5nDEcjy1qUV7zN61w6MBSsGzkwNkm1CUIRydeFe8cUXlb2NnbIS25Zq4aewHyOlPl96CqJ79AUkBJ7aH9ovgQrmxM/s1600/IMG_1974.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last day being 3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We are so happy with Isla's Austin preschool. She loves her school, and is happy to go there every day. She even started telling me for the past few months, "I love my school." Music to my ears. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4igFp04V5EpWuC_qarbtAYYyN4mz2f9Micx3LLo57V0drn-u1_Y4VpfZjY-ICZi_BSe2d5uPxfGAD1sTxi4L716ajudmJyilo98YHF7cEHHMHDp8EumXrrNuslXi_WE350HFftiB-p6Yo/s1600/IMG_1975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4igFp04V5EpWuC_qarbtAYYyN4mz2f9Micx3LLo57V0drn-u1_Y4VpfZjY-ICZi_BSe2d5uPxfGAD1sTxi4L716ajudmJyilo98YHF7cEHHMHDp8EumXrrNuslXi_WE350HFftiB-p6Yo/s1600/IMG_1975.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cast still on</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Isla broke her arm about a month before her 4th birthday. She was holding her dolls in her right arm, and in a rush to get outside, Jason tripped her, and she fell onto her left arm, breaking her distal radius. She mostly seemed entertained by the whole ordeal. I negotiated her cast coming off just before her B-day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjQY5GgiZTLKUJ-ZmgCpEnheeLPA8E48Tz5uqcHVhy3H7OFPjerA0vyx1CbEw9phVCDP97oAKy4ff8tWYRk7mY-pifxCI88NyVnKSztRpvgAb-AcQyuF9_X6huYiGMCYjikuTbXZgWlBA/s1600/IMG_1982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjQY5GgiZTLKUJ-ZmgCpEnheeLPA8E48Tz5uqcHVhy3H7OFPjerA0vyx1CbEw9phVCDP97oAKy4ff8tWYRk7mY-pifxCI88NyVnKSztRpvgAb-AcQyuF9_X6huYiGMCYjikuTbXZgWlBA/s1600/IMG_1982.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cast coming off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
For Isla's 4th birthday, we had a party at our house. Grandma and Grandpa Dino and Dolores visited. Our special activity was the band "The Que Pastas" came and gave a concert on our deck. We miss the 3 year-old who was unhindered by social norms and into her skunks and sharks. Now Isla is into the princesses. I steared her towards Tinkerbell for the birthday party decor. She's all girl and loves to wear pretty dresses and accessorizing. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOPXmSxZh4fvFEHfZt5OyruvIir57Otya6w-QyaKnh24EsSZiaFhJlx233o_xAJBPbmfU4g4MNCIcBbGOriVO0TyCEuNTIFHqNW49wC_enPK68rjEjTWQOLWKjc2kRopHW-7NZWw0-cIE/s1600/IMG_1990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOPXmSxZh4fvFEHfZt5OyruvIir57Otya6w-QyaKnh24EsSZiaFhJlx233o_xAJBPbmfU4g4MNCIcBbGOriVO0TyCEuNTIFHqNW49wC_enPK68rjEjTWQOLWKjc2kRopHW-7NZWw0-cIE/s1600/IMG_1990.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 today!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0py4RuQJ4KibA-M_x35qV8_eaWwkXV7Q4unDnZLMoZJtOUewwA7TV8KZge4ym3AGryImoYiOKmBGI22llaxSdpnhyphenhyphenJgPQ2wwk3PBxjbzj8N_5CoNbOuHOV_bu0QxCXViZlnpKnipNMJk/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0py4RuQJ4KibA-M_x35qV8_eaWwkXV7Q4unDnZLMoZJtOUewwA7TV8KZge4ym3AGryImoYiOKmBGI22llaxSdpnhyphenhyphenJgPQ2wwk3PBxjbzj8N_5CoNbOuHOV_bu0QxCXViZlnpKnipNMJk/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter Hunt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0I0iwFfLPegXd-ndFhkbFK0ds8task6_lsVNyGgllQwOuqLdFSdw_JBvWnTq9V7x1sqRd9tqyNLSJNMFf0nSmYuWKS7NNVFrp4vqjMUE7VYn4rnUKf4JCcL1-ibor2TVPrBGCUneeJmbn/s1600/IMG_2102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0I0iwFfLPegXd-ndFhkbFK0ds8task6_lsVNyGgllQwOuqLdFSdw_JBvWnTq9V7x1sqRd9tqyNLSJNMFf0nSmYuWKS7NNVFrp4vqjMUE7VYn4rnUKf4JCcL1-ibor2TVPrBGCUneeJmbn/s1600/IMG_2102.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finding Fairy Houses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-87808291649438211542014-02-25T19:57:00.000-08:002014-06-16T20:10:28.359-07:00August Gabrielle, 15 months oldFinger of Demand (FOD): Right after his 1st birthday, I noticed August started pointing. We were at a Mammal Exhibit at the Bullock museum, and he started running around pointing at the things he saw. But that chubby little index quickly changed from "I see something, do you see it too?" to "I want that now!" And it is accompanied with a little squeak-grunt. Sometimes he pulls that FOD out and starts firing before he really even knows what he wants. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Shoes" August has a few words right now. He often imitates He approximates "shoes," with "shh-s" sound. He makes "k-k" sounds for the cats. Also, he does a pretty clear "All Done." He knows what I mean when I saw "brush teeth" and "bath time" and heads to the bathroom. "Uh-oh" is still be best and most frequently said word, and he says "uh-oh" a lot, like 100 times a day. We have also been doing signs with him, and he has a few down- "more" "car" "hat" "shoes."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXUVuDRLCPoczmiKPIZKYFTmkXqc4vaUSfhAaXRLfBBmTSGhYekP4k2wddV9IQRf1yiFqGemUH1Nhj667xrB_m2-vXJEtidJ8_ruTso3EYriMjSBg13lcy4nZm5KCxnQRDqE08yaco8vW/s1600/IMG_1847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXUVuDRLCPoczmiKPIZKYFTmkXqc4vaUSfhAaXRLfBBmTSGhYekP4k2wddV9IQRf1yiFqGemUH1Nhj667xrB_m2-vXJEtidJ8_ruTso3EYriMjSBg13lcy4nZm5KCxnQRDqE08yaco8vW/s1600/IMG_1847.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swinging at the park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sister games: August loves playing with his sister. There favorite games are bouncing/ wresting on the couch, catch and throw ball, and "the object of my desire is the object you currently hold in your hands." The last game never ends well. August cries every day when his sister leaves for school. Right now one of August's favorite things to do it to climb up on the arm of the sofa and jump off. He does his own little version of "one, two, three" and then jumps/ falls. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvo9p7SIPbZA17cbLp764klshkffuvJYNtvBKkBfXfqv9JXO7SLxCfej-VrGZw7hxVFl3fF2i8r5Yp_J2Qx54eKlKm9RlSKGyI5EIeQiZ_MP5XXZ1cVfJGIElixEBvnl5aGiwrmMnY1l9Y/s1600/IMG_1863+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvo9p7SIPbZA17cbLp764klshkffuvJYNtvBKkBfXfqv9JXO7SLxCfej-VrGZw7hxVFl3fF2i8r5Yp_J2Qx54eKlKm9RlSKGyI5EIeQiZ_MP5XXZ1cVfJGIElixEBvnl5aGiwrmMnY1l9Y/s1600/IMG_1863+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just down the slide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I decided that I should not short August on activities because he is the 2nd child, and we started a little mommy-baby swim class. He loves to swim and in not adverse to going under the water. He has figured out how to blow bubbles, and does little kicks. He also practices these skills in the bathtub. When the bathtub is filling up, he often tries to climb on in fully clothed, because he's that excited for his bath.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cK6JwEqft_VmFTkknqJYowHBC35ow-wYKcbRGAINDy0Knb1DhTxMAJtxdKJ_z9P9FBMhRryteTGkoeScN8GC6m_NDDcOHscII7GXDp70syuaQloQ8oGmBNtvAsBq0xvXZYooGf1fZXYy/s1600/IMG_1886+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cK6JwEqft_VmFTkknqJYowHBC35ow-wYKcbRGAINDy0Knb1DhTxMAJtxdKJ_z9P9FBMhRryteTGkoeScN8GC6m_NDDcOHscII7GXDp70syuaQloQ8oGmBNtvAsBq0xvXZYooGf1fZXYy/s1600/IMG_1886+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding the scoot scoot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
We have also continued to do the Music Together classes. I love seeing the gregarious side of his personality. He walks around and visits the other kids in the class, almost like a little host, giving everyone a little face time. He also visits other mommy laps, and assumes he has an open invitation to sit down on whomever he would like. So far, no rejections. August also loves dogs, and people have actually commented that he is good with them. He gives good pets and doggie hugs.</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqP2IPjW45oNUqAFSS4bms3PB1Yx3BgDUcMmlwAoM0DjOIF0a7muztRb47juUX8gF32ws8JBUp6FDDBs1H7OgWB-39DvRurGHjIfxDCS89q65s44fsqpnIwOLzWocDsL38oZWhT4VjEG_K/s1600/IMG_1896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqP2IPjW45oNUqAFSS4bms3PB1Yx3BgDUcMmlwAoM0DjOIF0a7muztRb47juUX8gF32ws8JBUp6FDDBs1H7OgWB-39DvRurGHjIfxDCS89q65s44fsqpnIwOLzWocDsL38oZWhT4VjEG_K/s1600/IMG_1896.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grocery shopping with 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
August had the most awful goopy runny nose for 3 months straight, Dec-Feb. It has been a full time job wiping his nose. All the congestion and the junky cough that goes with it has certainly not helped in the sleep department. He also rounded out the year with a 3rd stomach flu which struck on Christmas Eve. The past year has been an bad year for illness at our house. Hopefully we've had everything, and next the next year will be very healthy.</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My favorite thing right now: It really is a hoot watching this little guy get down and boogy to music. But, I have to say my favorite thing right now is when August picks a book off the shelf, and comes to find me, holding it out. I drop whatever I'm doing, sit down on the floor, then he turns his little behind towards me and plops down on my lap so we can read together. </div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGuNlAddisbDgDxf3ApiQJZHcIckQCkL5Zm9lt7eCPFr69P45MnJdtIEEWZStY8xU-my388V_t3l5OI83dvVecr92gdBlK-KY16NN5TOKuWU2Debuqs-IJvlUwbGatXt6_SaitNgt4E23/s1600/IMG_1844.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGuNlAddisbDgDxf3ApiQJZHcIckQCkL5Zm9lt7eCPFr69P45MnJdtIEEWZStY8xU-my388V_t3l5OI83dvVecr92gdBlK-KY16NN5TOKuWU2Debuqs-IJvlUwbGatXt6_SaitNgt4E23/s1600/IMG_1844.MOV" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-9399453829920710192013-11-30T19:05:00.000-08:002014-03-05T19:07:16.915-08:00August Gabriel, 1 year oldRight at 11 months, August started to take a few steps. And for weeks he would take 4 steps and them get down to crawl to his destination. Then, at 1 week shy of his birthday, he decided it was time to get serious and started to do the drunken sailor toddle. Now you are on the move, and you don't want to sit for long. Not in a high-chair, not in the grocery cart, and diaper/ clothing changes are still a wresting match. <br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBVTGhGGqLDVh5xNZ3gSXe7dU0srtn3ENoPkmhR54lBUe8AxyHie7AComXBxJIghku4QmQAKra8VEu5-e9quqhH6lBne2LGTtCbfIcG1aT3cUcwxELy98fQppazK1raT9RAE16eABE5aB/s1600/IMG_1499-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBVTGhGGqLDVh5xNZ3gSXe7dU0srtn3ENoPkmhR54lBUe8AxyHie7AComXBxJIghku4QmQAKra8VEu5-e9quqhH6lBne2LGTtCbfIcG1aT3cUcwxELy98fQppazK1raT9RAE16eABE5aB/s1600/IMG_1499-Edit.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Dancing: August does this funny little baby dance that we cherish so much right now. He'll get down and do a little knee-bend bop to a beat, and sometimes a side to side sway. And, the newest move, is that he'll stomp his right leg and sometimes move into a little high-step stomp. August loves music, and if you turn on a song he likes, he'll drop what he's doing and get up and dance. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZm97EGZV6MXpFYqW5SyYc7K8_6YZO3LYLcXxUunYAKbwGx_7TLSq8UO9UH_374t2p0IDPsKWD9mXEDQU4FyXohIDucrPkKnM-PWs906QJKCfwUdfZYfl5WnfaQQ-SZ0u3ZiKhdqO8k2H/s1600/IMG_1414-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZm97EGZV6MXpFYqW5SyYc7K8_6YZO3LYLcXxUunYAKbwGx_7TLSq8UO9UH_374t2p0IDPsKWD9mXEDQU4FyXohIDucrPkKnM-PWs906QJKCfwUdfZYfl5WnfaQQ-SZ0u3ZiKhdqO8k2H/s1600/IMG_1414-Edit.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For August's first birthday, we all got the stomach flu. We were able to rally on the afternoon of his birthday and took him on an outing to the Austin Animal Rescue Zoo. The following weekend, our friends in San Antonio- Lara, Sheridan, and Truman- hosted a first birthday party for Gus, and we enjoyed getting to see everyone in SAT again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwShG7HtgHfIRoStlVebVrh6WG66ZfUthvvXcUxk-Lcfh4iiwH70rf1CDe1FxSFIYObhmkdaJo5aQMmUr8Xu8HE00CAarR_PM_zuJ5GZ4Kjm3vBfik2XkHlRpxyKSKU87IZXwqqCsRnea/s1600/IMG_1514-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwShG7HtgHfIRoStlVebVrh6WG66ZfUthvvXcUxk-Lcfh4iiwH70rf1CDe1FxSFIYObhmkdaJo5aQMmUr8Xu8HE00CAarR_PM_zuJ5GZ4Kjm3vBfik2XkHlRpxyKSKU87IZXwqqCsRnea/s1600/IMG_1514-Edit.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
We kicked off the month of November with family time when my brother Joe, sister-in-law Michelle, and niece Sophia came for a visit to Austin. My parents also joined us for the gathering of 3 Grandkids. And we found out Michelle and Joe have a baby #2 cookin'! Later in November, Grandma and Grandpa Dino and Dolores and Uncle Kevin and "official" Aunt Brittany came to visit for Thanksgiving. Joe also joined us again for the Turkey, because he was just a hop, skip, and jump away job-training in Mississippi. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-ic29fTpdq5JzawLfiGpdJoKXxdHwNR_X_Rcb7n9sOcKdV30kngys5_fodt8fnbgg1IrZmI6xGxCWQe3oU4LQVRggmTHFKo12ROAqb5fOrBVABqDkpHkHm86_mWD_WrUcGo58GofPRfc/s1600/IMG_1520-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-ic29fTpdq5JzawLfiGpdJoKXxdHwNR_X_Rcb7n9sOcKdV30kngys5_fodt8fnbgg1IrZmI6xGxCWQe3oU4LQVRggmTHFKo12ROAqb5fOrBVABqDkpHkHm86_mWD_WrUcGo58GofPRfc/s1600/IMG_1520-Edit.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy birthday, little bub. We can tell you are going to be funny and silly and happy. You smile at everyone everywhere we go. And the old ladies in the grocery store submit their approval, even those old ladies who you know don't give approval readily. You play well on your own, and love it when your sister is there to entertain you also. You are starting to realize you can press her buttons, and you both want that thing just because the other one wants it too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oEuxf-C-VHKD4OlLHQQ9J1PgT3nTkYqN6IbG6VMHVCgM0WdpxBvpWQua8h5gHVBbrzkoHw7WNW_mn9Cajpv-m3cP5qVLVXTpMHVgYoevSc0Zg59H5avRbQ_-8NBfi7kOZ5lHnh8Bx0sT/s1600/IMG_1538-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oEuxf-C-VHKD4OlLHQQ9J1PgT3nTkYqN6IbG6VMHVCgM0WdpxBvpWQua8h5gHVBbrzkoHw7WNW_mn9Cajpv-m3cP5qVLVXTpMHVgYoevSc0Zg59H5avRbQ_-8NBfi7kOZ5lHnh8Bx0sT/s1600/IMG_1538-Edit.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-90905005386112205652013-11-01T18:53:00.000-07:002014-01-09T19:20:42.856-08:00Isla Rose, 3 and 1/2 years oldIsla has adjusted well to our new home in Austin. It's nice that we made this transition at a time when we could explain and prepare her for the move. And, I think that's the main difference I see in Isla as of late. You can really start to reason with her, explain why to her. We wear a jacket so we don't get cold. I want you to be buckled properly so you don't fly out of the car and bonk your head. I can't give you want you want while I'm driving the car because I'll crash the car and we'll all bonk our heads. You don't feel good right now because you're tired, you need to take a nap.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVfyKr7HOPjV35cvXFEDggewD5CsWcmrLQNHuUlHrguov2tUaec-lDjDDys6-6nzu9xkkKZQ_Smu42MpkuhB13cylOgamq-rZBcP5OzHMArcgdpw3vDAYxrovHWzxrg7TSKGwIrzeJFNZ/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVfyKr7HOPjV35cvXFEDggewD5CsWcmrLQNHuUlHrguov2tUaec-lDjDDys6-6nzu9xkkKZQ_Smu42MpkuhB13cylOgamq-rZBcP5OzHMArcgdpw3vDAYxrovHWzxrg7TSKGwIrzeJFNZ/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isla picking apples at Eckerts in Belleville, IL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Isla started attending a preschool here in Austin, the All Saints' Episocopal Day School. She really enjoys her school, but I just love picking that little girl up from school. I like to watch her expression change to happy in the instant she sees me standing at the gate. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI31pCFtwffCtRgYUpdlKJfvaHPpWLPOTk8oiE-Eu199JjVmWGuKXNLZ7VvpPICDtC5_DEEcR2YmBYN7PSssdvbiEdM80UxyA4nK4Y7oHuzogDxMS8iFm0sPEsejxOJejMgjMJ0hOXlLox/s1600/DSC_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI31pCFtwffCtRgYUpdlKJfvaHPpWLPOTk8oiE-Eu199JjVmWGuKXNLZ7VvpPICDtC5_DEEcR2YmBYN7PSssdvbiEdM80UxyA4nK4Y7oHuzogDxMS8iFm0sPEsejxOJejMgjMJ0hOXlLox/s1600/DSC_0359.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Twin" jammies, just like in Fancy Nancy "Pajama Day."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Fancy. Isla is a fancy girl, and is very into accessorizing, and pretty dresses. Her favorite thing to wear is her heart dress, with the matching heart shoes, and heart underwear. Aunt Michelle gave her this little case of Fancy Nancy books a while back, and right now it is her favorite thing. Another great development in the life of Isla is that she will entertain herself by reading books! She has added an extra 1/2 hour to the bedtime routine reading books in bed before she lies down. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNhy1d8NIYKamn7QSueMh2ysOQYqmkS2y-3OQp-vHW4IHQIHLBMVxGiAPZXYJ5xErbw1eQkeRx9hsv7wq3JalCSoERaXSZnZYjxKyfRBPM-kHkUyNmVuXTyweww1ponplt7s5IYTfGANG/s1600/DSC_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNhy1d8NIYKamn7QSueMh2ysOQYqmkS2y-3OQp-vHW4IHQIHLBMVxGiAPZXYJ5xErbw1eQkeRx9hsv7wq3JalCSoERaXSZnZYjxKyfRBPM-kHkUyNmVuXTyweww1ponplt7s5IYTfGANG/s1600/DSC_0265.JPG" height="284" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower Girl Practice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Flower Girl. Isla was a flower girl for Uncle Kevin and Aunt Brittany's wedding at the end of September. I bought a couple of Flower Girl books for Isla so she knew what to expect. And, we practiced with tissue paper down the hallway. When the day came, Isla was well-prepared and took her job very seriously. She knew her job was to decorate the isle with flower petals, and she sprinkled them all the way to the very end of isle. Since Brittany's dress swept them all up when she came down the isle after Isla, Isla redid it, and sprinkled the petals on the way back out. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOtoUMdlqbk1LHSgodtK3K6XutuHGQ8nEXhh8hG4PDqTrsa0AtQtaIR9BR0c_v_uGbSTyMIRcysSUk8_cQrTGjfZi4__tGEna82FRMLkZia9_krrtLIO-h86ZW_baWlXoa24P0KJfLknh/s1600/IMG_1458-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOtoUMdlqbk1LHSgodtK3K6XutuHGQ8nEXhh8hG4PDqTrsa0AtQtaIR9BR0c_v_uGbSTyMIRcysSUk8_cQrTGjfZi4__tGEna82FRMLkZia9_krrtLIO-h86ZW_baWlXoa24P0KJfLknh/s1600/IMG_1458-Edit.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower Girl, Isla</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6jssFumic80PIEePCrgn5_tHlmHRKhowP6sHmT5qCnirq8Zc7675Xo7kek5n6_EF6lk14WlTj8BxcfAiHmyyo1tM2q5M0ZQDkZh0lrmf9449ErU-s6YI9Lo3efarCiBGidBhlunDj4Z_/s1600/IMG_1464-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6jssFumic80PIEePCrgn5_tHlmHRKhowP6sHmT5qCnirq8Zc7675Xo7kek5n6_EF6lk14WlTj8BxcfAiHmyyo1tM2q5M0ZQDkZh0lrmf9449ErU-s6YI9Lo3efarCiBGidBhlunDj4Z_/s1600/IMG_1464-Edit.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Boy/ Girl. One funny thing Isla has been doing lately is telling us how many boys, and how many girls there are throughout the day. When the 4 of us go in the car together, she says "There are 2 boys, and 2 girls." It's fun to get the boy/girl count throughout the day. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP58UXqjzsCVLwTmEhwZ5RjJc5V7xjB89gFLnZGPvn8I4OyM4tGTNzE8E0szW3AXE2Dl8kKhamLSzrRK3kvHDi6Sjexrfq74OFDrmXJZiG5Y6vgP3cXyATMO9QvA-g67smNrGOPsZhjsO/s1600/DSC_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP58UXqjzsCVLwTmEhwZ5RjJc5V7xjB89gFLnZGPvn8I4OyM4tGTNzE8E0szW3AXE2Dl8kKhamLSzrRK3kvHDi6Sjexrfq74OFDrmXJZiG5Y6vgP3cXyATMO9QvA-g67smNrGOPsZhjsO/s1600/DSC_0398.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isla was a bat for Halloween</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-bKpThbXtDnx177KHFdUMlvECeFyVpQLu9lFvpf3ymWEeMIiTKuB2HCQ5DpsnFpD-Sqds1Mrg2W1XgbSQyqOijDnedwmcDOB7kHggzPk28R7p61FwGAnXj2YaBVkzQCa8vEHo_jkZj0c/s1600/DSC_0435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-bKpThbXtDnx177KHFdUMlvECeFyVpQLu9lFvpf3ymWEeMIiTKuB2HCQ5DpsnFpD-Sqds1Mrg2W1XgbSQyqOijDnedwmcDOB7kHggzPk28R7p61FwGAnXj2YaBVkzQCa8vEHo_jkZj0c/s1600/DSC_0435.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mighty cute bat, that is.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Politeness/Helpfullness. Isla has (finally) started to get the hang of how to ask for things politely, instead of demanding. While I still have the remind her, she's getting better at it. Lately, having everything cleaned up and put back in it's place has been very important to her. She puts her clothes in the laundry basket, cleans up her toys, and puts shoes in her closet shoe cubbies. She also has started to get handy in the kitchen, and stands up on the step-stool to help. Her favorite is to mix the ingredients for pancakes. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAqSuXsOs3ZLrq7S2Tyhj1AT7g2x9AxmoFabM19CpypG3LxEu3k0TZNagRgbjnqaSQOKXM03FG2v5H9Ftpn-Wh0tTrwvMahI9e08mnPihA_VDo_BOBByP37r9e3eeR_-HQNmDTeZTIucK/s1600/IMG_1694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAqSuXsOs3ZLrq7S2Tyhj1AT7g2x9AxmoFabM19CpypG3LxEu3k0TZNagRgbjnqaSQOKXM03FG2v5H9Ftpn-Wh0tTrwvMahI9e08mnPihA_VDo_BOBByP37r9e3eeR_-HQNmDTeZTIucK/s1600/IMG_1694.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best big sis a lil' bub could have</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-TpFZbJLHflGs5E2GF71kQ8h302nKcDdJWM36Jtcvdrlg0FjlFznuUt1lf2eOWR-5iMinmPUpk7y_699UKTiHa4WRLP2kNZ530rscnszkz5U6FMe0NwKzFuPk5sOSUNHJOMutobpcLP3/s1600/IMG_1696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-TpFZbJLHflGs5E2GF71kQ8h302nKcDdJWM36Jtcvdrlg0FjlFznuUt1lf2eOWR-5iMinmPUpk7y_699UKTiHa4WRLP2kNZ530rscnszkz5U6FMe0NwKzFuPk5sOSUNHJOMutobpcLP3/s1600/IMG_1696.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and how</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Naps. I brought back the naps in an ultimate show-down in for the summer. Isla's behavior had become so completely outrageous last spring, and I knew it was from being too tired. After I regained control of the situation, she took good 2 hour naps for the rest of the summer. But, once school started, I couldn't get the nap going after school. The 5 day week was too much for her, so I keep her home on Wednesdays to recover. And she usually naps on the weekend too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9xlbGayILxU_1je9g590C84NjwQijkgouI5zDjMCFnCqZ6Yu43Oagc2kBM5M9g_YhZb5ZVIzjeuzDksu4EwzclOv-M-rgztlTKlM3TZgaW2PBWefY3eW6ogz9DrsvoQVE7YNqWoQ9xeI/s1600/IMG_1796.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9xlbGayILxU_1je9g590C84NjwQijkgouI5zDjMCFnCqZ6Yu43Oagc2kBM5M9g_YhZb5ZVIzjeuzDksu4EwzclOv-M-rgztlTKlM3TZgaW2PBWefY3eW6ogz9DrsvoQVE7YNqWoQ9xeI/s1600/IMG_1796.MOV" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophia left her bib! (note: heart dress)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Isla likes to get her hair cut, and I have been keeping it in a cute little bob for about a year now. She requests haircuts often, and is having trouble understanding it's not an every day sort of thing. Isla continues to be a great big sister and is (usually) very sweet towards August, and I have seen her be sweet and helpful towards other smaller kids and babies. But, she is and always will be the extremely strong-willed child. And I find myself thinking on a weekly basis, "That girl is going to give us a run for our money." Then, I think, "That doesn't really make sense, we didn't buy her." I am frustrated that I have all this pre-handwriting expertise that would be perfect for use with a 3 year-old. But, Isla will not have anything to do with me demonstrating how to build letters, she takes everything away from me so she can be the teacher. But, entertainment value is high, and she does say very funny things. <br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-43510899933404465822013-10-24T10:18:00.001-07:002013-10-24T10:18:30.462-07:00August Gabriel, 10, uh, 11 months old<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOkgMPPDRk4djIkePmlV2vFnzhnZVhJMohAKbGQftTFlm7EwQa4SyByM63FAYAmTY0Ij0RkrI64WSfnjoVdfhruY_XCyemmqVNZ28C8r6MkWZ8oY_GLpYw7hAQqYv46AEZ4bYvQCiyRCE/s1600/Seats_FamilyPhotos_2013-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOkgMPPDRk4djIkePmlV2vFnzhnZVhJMohAKbGQftTFlm7EwQa4SyByM63FAYAmTY0Ij0RkrI64WSfnjoVdfhruY_XCyemmqVNZ28C8r6MkWZ8oY_GLpYw7hAQqYv46AEZ4bYvQCiyRCE/s320/Seats_FamilyPhotos_2013-7.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My guy<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I can't believe the 1st birthday is just around the corner. August is just as sweet as ever. He is so engaging. He loves attention, but does okay when he doesn't have it. It's so easy to make this little guy smile, and laugh. He plays peek-a-boo hiding under his bath towel or behind the curtains; he says "ba" instead of "boo." He often says a little "uh-oh" sound throughout the day, but sometimes it might mean "all-done." I can get some good belly-laughs when I crawl around on the floor with him.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwPPMS-NtPpbB-iZZe1Taf30kJA0OWYc5D9_xk4gmnUhxWAbJQWRIXbfrlLDdcLhyphenhyphenlpjGyK9mSekfhBwBoO64z-ViQetRLEV34oC_0bUdKlClUs1djqClESE_fWxHoWHa0KliI5q_xqfr/s1600/Seats_FamilyPhotos_2013-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwPPMS-NtPpbB-iZZe1Taf30kJA0OWYc5D9_xk4gmnUhxWAbJQWRIXbfrlLDdcLhyphenhyphenlpjGyK9mSekfhBwBoO64z-ViQetRLEV34oC_0bUdKlClUs1djqClESE_fWxHoWHa0KliI5q_xqfr/s320/Seats_FamilyPhotos_2013-17.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">11 months old on 10/20/13. Prefers to crawl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
He can place objects into containers and holes. He started cruising the furniture in September and the walking with the crocodile walker by the end of September. Now he'll cruise along just about anything, even a vertical wall. He does not want to go without something to hold onto, and won't walk with holding hands; so it's still crawling to get from place to place, but he's quick! He figured out how to back down the 3 steps to the family room feet first (yeah! I don't have to guard the steps). He just tried to go down the steps from the 1st to 2nd floor yesterday- I was on guard for that one. And, in the last week, he's figured out how to climb onto Isla's toddler bed, and can get back down. Today he tried to climb up on his bookshelf- oh no!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFY1fJLY4anm1H2oNKqfH9eMKI73DRW-iSwZBV27x_EYtouMs1I6LuSY6YJ9vOGB43JJHaqavKuoNGwT2KeGUrcX6nZ0I9ZtiylvNDewMcm9mRML0u94zUY5bthdy-H-r6kR1IAjVEF4X/s1600/IMG_1649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFY1fJLY4anm1H2oNKqfH9eMKI73DRW-iSwZBV27x_EYtouMs1I6LuSY6YJ9vOGB43JJHaqavKuoNGwT2KeGUrcX6nZ0I9ZtiylvNDewMcm9mRML0u94zUY5bthdy-H-r6kR1IAjVEF4X/s320/IMG_1649.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun couch time with sister</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjSQAPjU883c9AN0do9o0XoQryV9-tumwSN5XDg49xV8cAT9SVr1BZRY41v_YRMlnVvn1_GL8iY2SNHOP-9r3sMOxVacld2Tc5ATHC2uMaqd5nTExCERMrSzIooMc2jxGReoYRM8eJgJF/s1600/IMG_1629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjSQAPjU883c9AN0do9o0XoQryV9-tumwSN5XDg49xV8cAT9SVr1BZRY41v_YRMlnVvn1_GL8iY2SNHOP-9r3sMOxVacld2Tc5ATHC2uMaqd5nTExCERMrSzIooMc2jxGReoYRM8eJgJF/s320/IMG_1629.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the tunnel behind the couch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of August favorite things to do is to flop around and sit-jump on the bed or sofa. He started this little game where he wrestles and snuggles with Isla's zebra pillow that we got for airplane travel. August loves music and will shake little maracas, and bop his little torso up and down to a beat. He has loved crawling through tunnels for a while, but right now, he really like to crawl behind our living room sofas. Just as Isla was, August is fascinated with opening and closing doors, cabinets, and drawers. He hates it when he pinches his fingers. August has no time in his busy schedule right now to be bothered with diaper changes and putting on clothes. It is an all-out wresting match to accomplish those tasks. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN5q8bsTgMa43syAYpC4XNMq_ICLg9nI0Fcc0k_0HfLCqHrKFwsU8iAbzCxZhoBTcQZ1uBuMs380aNcRISWyCABYeEo-nvoLN9Lvs4ieSrmsjgB-Qm9rjS7WS95DkpctuOPfBap8fCdEq/s1600/IMG_1674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN5q8bsTgMa43syAYpC4XNMq_ICLg9nI0Fcc0k_0HfLCqHrKFwsU8iAbzCxZhoBTcQZ1uBuMs380aNcRISWyCABYeEo-nvoLN9Lvs4ieSrmsjgB-Qm9rjS7WS95DkpctuOPfBap8fCdEq/s320/IMG_1674.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am going to fall over on this pillow!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sleep... has been going better. August continued to wake up once a night into his 10th month. But he usually slept a longer stretch of 5-6 hours somewhere in there. And, I was starting to feel more human. Then for almost a week he really slept through the entire night, then came teething. So, I know he can do it, still he's inconsistent. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJb-GrH5GgHvwp0V1hM6v5HD9kKUGYF5cO0ic1MFKHciUNSXH9xeLBsLXq1pyhCl_36csGVoe_-5UT1P9WWRAQ7EqugC4DJGVOaVQNEaS5HLsGZwYmv0v9XwevWEFN0-IRvsxdI8BfX_R/s1600/IMG_1641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJb-GrH5GgHvwp0V1hM6v5HD9kKUGYF5cO0ic1MFKHciUNSXH9xeLBsLXq1pyhCl_36csGVoe_-5UT1P9WWRAQ7EqugC4DJGVOaVQNEaS5HLsGZwYmv0v9XwevWEFN0-IRvsxdI8BfX_R/s320/IMG_1641.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Dan came to visit me in October</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Teeth.. at his 9 month doctor appointment, the doctor and I discovered he had a tooth on the bottom, but not one of the front and center 2, it was the next over on the right. Doctor said she'd never seen that before. Since then the bottom centers came in, and just in the past week the top centers. Now he has 5 teeth poking through.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-52661032461982158982013-08-07T20:03:00.000-07:002013-09-06T14:06:34.983-07:00August Gabriel, 8 months oldWell, now 8 and 1/2.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg63uw_BWVUKU5lXLWSQ3eJauHlpeeupKGR-sKMI_gzyw1SI4nFgYCPo2cvp7y3sZbqdJsYcL5isNvQtHp_CjVYq-FzAHSceWV6ZdmRyZdom63paDVBOQGAr4Y0zSnbfboCxHSCb9Jscz1/s1600/IMG_1162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg63uw_BWVUKU5lXLWSQ3eJauHlpeeupKGR-sKMI_gzyw1SI4nFgYCPo2cvp7y3sZbqdJsYcL5isNvQtHp_CjVYq-FzAHSceWV6ZdmRyZdom63paDVBOQGAr4Y0zSnbfboCxHSCb9Jscz1/s320/IMG_1162.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st plane ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This move and the long to-do list that came with the house has kept me busy. Plus, Isla home from school this summer and being out of my element in a new city. The days wiz by a in blur of mind-numbing fatigue and intermittent unbearable cuteness. I have given up hope that I will ever get 8 hours of consolidated sleep again. I will feel like crap every day for the rest of my life, and I need to come to terms with this. Before I continue to spiral down this drain of self-pity, let me give you the August updates. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMC2SuF2FHmNeZvLH6GB6mAcVgahLECIi9h7_jUaHnVpn8uZE24aErF7_QYm18X1xR5a9iwdGyTzDXES5Ap2ZHKcMFd6BEv5-gYIal6-yCdTZCkLOIeuDG52udR6l9DGL_60UgUiGejhp/s1600/IMG_1293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMC2SuF2FHmNeZvLH6GB6mAcVgahLECIi9h7_jUaHnVpn8uZE24aErF7_QYm18X1xR5a9iwdGyTzDXES5Ap2ZHKcMFd6BEv5-gYIal6-yCdTZCkLOIeuDG52udR6l9DGL_60UgUiGejhp/s320/IMG_1293.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going up the steps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
August took off crawling right around Jason's birthday at the end of June. My baby recording has not been the best, but I think this is what happened next. We made a trip to St. Louis over the 4th of July, and when we returned he started pulling up to stand and crawling up the stairs. Then we made a trip to the Texas coast. In the past week (now it's August 12th) he started cruising the furniture, and just yesterday I saw him experimenting with some free-standing. He's also trying to set a record for speed crawling. All signs point towards an early walker.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEu6xQQLWQClueIwaMfOEF3EFndW2ZEkCosiNB9P5dkBpibw9xats06Ur1EtIjfg2ctwTZuTHIEz9QwyuILk3b5glOmL6k5P-nRd7LoGVKe7dwnRGwYYUTm8oJQuIyRwr_tIUSuMJ47hvS/s1600/IMG_1446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEu6xQQLWQClueIwaMfOEF3EFndW2ZEkCosiNB9P5dkBpibw9xats06Ur1EtIjfg2ctwTZuTHIEz9QwyuILk3b5glOmL6k5P-nRd7LoGVKe7dwnRGwYYUTm8oJQuIyRwr_tIUSuMJ47hvS/s320/IMG_1446.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st taste of sand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
8 to 10 months is my favorite baby age. The crawling is adorable, and so puppy-esk. I just love the purposefulness they gain. August shakes his head "no-no-no-no," and splashes the water, and loves to bang the drum, or pots and pans, shakes his shake rattles, then he looks up at you to see if you like it too. Right now he loves power cords (eating them), opening and closing doors and drawers on fingers, plastic bags, playing in the dog food and water, eating the cap that covers the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. He loves when he gets your full attention, and smiles big. He is such a happy baby, and people notice and comment on that every where we go. It is the #1 comment- "Happy Baby." He has fun at the water-baby class we do together. He loves all things "mom" and will hang his head and cry if I leave the room. The sad, mournful cry that should only be saved for death-of-a-loved one.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlOtJbUAGMg8ibkO_5NkZ0UkU5sFCcR7tvuIAMY-D47HeKTxPoHmMrVbXX7A8NxB_IxM2_Z85RWN2ei6lvfCJQ6LTvMBDjv5PWnxgoKjs-fpaRsZyd0MeWSJFd655zlxr8yn6Fz0WivRp/s1600/IMG_1481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlOtJbUAGMg8ibkO_5NkZ0UkU5sFCcR7tvuIAMY-D47HeKTxPoHmMrVbXX7A8NxB_IxM2_Z85RWN2ei6lvfCJQ6LTvMBDjv5PWnxgoKjs-fpaRsZyd0MeWSJFd655zlxr8yn6Fz0WivRp/s320/IMG_1481.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jammie swinging</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Come back in September for your Isla Rose, 3 and 1/2 years old update.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEfQNuF5mCNV5jCTGbohItY-JGQkNJUO9iTNHSdVWEyJxoZrCtefxXqFKsHu_jY4AO7ekxmtWGh73hJkD524JTTQpfGlY_rWH7uEW9oP2f6i1RNtowiOqR64VUU5tsdyL8NRrCv3iYVqp/s1600/IMG_1528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEfQNuF5mCNV5jCTGbohItY-JGQkNJUO9iTNHSdVWEyJxoZrCtefxXqFKsHu_jY4AO7ekxmtWGh73hJkD524JTTQpfGlY_rWH7uEW9oP2f6i1RNtowiOqR64VUU5tsdyL8NRrCv3iYVqp/s320/IMG_1528.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">9 months old in Peoria</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-77249285938513917652013-06-03T19:48:00.000-07:002013-09-06T09:05:49.029-07:00August Gabriel, 6 months oldOH NO!!! You're 1/2 birthday is already here. My sweet baby boy, I just can't express what a sweet little cuddle bug you are. Really, I can't, because I'm too tired. In April, August began to sleep 5-6 hour stretches more consistently- Finally! But, in May, he went back to waking up about every 3 hours, and pretty much wakes up just as much as he did when he was a newborn- as a 6 month old! Being this sleep deprived for this long has really taken it's toll on me. I don't do well on little sleep. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHJk5n_yMbD_2I27Q3G-CDo9XYTeY4XWsp1fZs7nRQikRY3Q_8fL3azGN8ZA6B5CYMUzFX1uBFs-rTTQwWPrj5Ijv4CR_u0y6NfSOjTPv0EXK4tbbEo6JoFTCvB4QhPtkRl50dpD44kDr/s1600/IMG_1031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHJk5n_yMbD_2I27Q3G-CDo9XYTeY4XWsp1fZs7nRQikRY3Q_8fL3azGN8ZA6B5CYMUzFX1uBFs-rTTQwWPrj5Ijv4CR_u0y6NfSOjTPv0EXK4tbbEo6JoFTCvB4QhPtkRl50dpD44kDr/s320/IMG_1031.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
But, here's what else has been going on with baby boy. On April 2nd he figured out how to roll. He's gotten much better at sitting up. Now, he loves to sit on a blanket with his toys and play. With the boppy pillow around his backside, he can sit there for quite a while. In April, he loved to play and bounce in the doorway bouncer, but now he thinks it's too constraining, and prefers to be on the floor where he can sit and roll about. And, the day I've been waiting for- to make grocery shopping with baby so much easier- he can sit in the cart! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLfDD8aoCDczdZhWZPybiOqQZmIiia9pCCPkSrXbkIj2PNgpRmCe3LO3vQhM3yMmNxo7WwHx-q5lMDRAnN8HassIEXCiiWGZz1uq2I_aVgIY-I2yPu7YxWEjzm6gCHUWxRMHGMFnd_AD0/s1600/IMG_1038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLfDD8aoCDczdZhWZPybiOqQZmIiia9pCCPkSrXbkIj2PNgpRmCe3LO3vQhM3yMmNxo7WwHx-q5lMDRAnN8HassIEXCiiWGZz1uq2I_aVgIY-I2yPu7YxWEjzm6gCHUWxRMHGMFnd_AD0/s320/IMG_1038.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
He is all smiles and giggles, and smiles at any familiar face who goes by, sometimes even unfamiliar. He solicits a lot of attention from passer-by's. He loves his toys, and seems like he's always gotta having something to play with, or he'll grab something he shouldn't have. He's got the baby babble going on and loves to talk back and forth with me. He has a great sense of humor. When I'm silly with him, he stops, and smiles at me with this little glint in his eye. Like, he gets it, he's in on the joke.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAc75wrhjNjsE7h-lbnWK5dj8-rdQETGXmcKNY205h4uCiN_WJ3lMjDBQ2uwHlmNI81NGWZCjCdJGz0SDG7Wgjj_EhYQlm536naWtRZ2QkIEiCpxCvLdsrk_6MmYlwWgguQlzId4UWMRtX/s1600/IMG_1074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAc75wrhjNjsE7h-lbnWK5dj8-rdQETGXmcKNY205h4uCiN_WJ3lMjDBQ2uwHlmNI81NGWZCjCdJGz0SDG7Wgjj_EhYQlm536naWtRZ2QkIEiCpxCvLdsrk_6MmYlwWgguQlzId4UWMRtX/s320/IMG_1074.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-48166748196613640192013-05-22T14:46:00.001-07:002013-05-22T14:46:11.458-07:00Austin BoundHi all, We are anticipating another big move. In a couple of weeks we'll be moving to Austin, TX. Jason's job with Techstars is taking us there. We are excited about the move, and sad to leave San Antonio. But, it's nice to know we'll just be an hour down the road, and can visit our SAT friends easily. And, I have another beautiful home to look forward to. We found another century old home in Old West Austin. It is just 3 blocks from the Original Whole Foods! We found this home on our second day of house-hunting with our Real estate Agent. When we walked through, I knew it was the one. Apparently a home is not a home to me unless the wood floors squeak under your feet as you walk. Pictures to follow once we move in. Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-92184978189805893282013-03-28T21:08:00.000-07:002013-05-28T13:46:59.023-07:00Isla Rose, 3 years old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPlUCsAXZtmmJP-yXB-26lm581YYb5Q3IDsAyeAiS35xpYGmQR8BA606wQRfY8ZWWUW0DPWkk5xC3kwovz0Eb21gTtjsRwkRbs7vFOnFGr9nHY2wDvhEezjnO66rm12-qXfdFwbmdF98Z/s1600/2013-03-11+10.51.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPlUCsAXZtmmJP-yXB-26lm581YYb5Q3IDsAyeAiS35xpYGmQR8BA606wQRfY8ZWWUW0DPWkk5xC3kwovz0Eb21gTtjsRwkRbs7vFOnFGr9nHY2wDvhEezjnO66rm12-qXfdFwbmdF98Z/s320/2013-03-11+10.51.17.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Big Girl, Big Sister Isla</div>
<br />
All the baby is gone, Isla is officially a little girl now. Isla is very proud to be a big sister. Her conversation opener at the moment is "I a big sister, have baby brother." One of the funnest moments as a new family of 4 was one morning when Jason was about to carry August downstairs. Isla reached arms out to him at the top step and asked to be carried too. Then he shifted Augie over to make room on the other side and scooped up Isla. Isla said to him, "You have two," pointed to August then herself, "Two animals." Sometimes she introduces August to people, "This is baby August. He was born." She is protective of him and when other kids get too close, she gets upset and yells "He's Mine!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4nE9iGBpbAt73d3w3r4b5Yh5vc1FRNBwMOS-1q-qhZw7eO6kihFMJAy8bL1jL3n3A1hYXZ_JUsDFL6PyTjnvGDCuqNIEwjgn9p8MNKlnd-4ts-krQ48hckSuaEA2O7Eq7YrTCSh-nzmA/s1600/egghunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4nE9iGBpbAt73d3w3r4b5Yh5vc1FRNBwMOS-1q-qhZw7eO6kihFMJAy8bL1jL3n3A1hYXZ_JUsDFL6PyTjnvGDCuqNIEwjgn9p8MNKlnd-4ts-krQ48hckSuaEA2O7Eq7YrTCSh-nzmA/s320/egghunt.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Too much is not enough</div>
<br />
One peculiar aspect of Isla's personality is a lack of moderation- or as I like to say "Everything to the n<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">th </span>degree." When she is excited about something she has to use it up, pile it high, and often plays with it until it is broken. For example, I bought mickey mouse foam hand soap to encourage after toilet hand-washing. Isla was in the bathroom washing her hands for a long time, leaving her hands chapped for several days. After watching me tape her picture to the wall, she was excited about the tape, and created a vertical tape mound on the wall. Here's a picture of Isla's valentine box. I feel this box is a physical representation of my daughter. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59phbqEmzs6ouKHpfqVorGZ6ACtWjuT_gcjX1Sf5lF0ROgIz1qgfZhLvzbW9TnH7hKHfbIgI65BZnN6TdL2RIGfmmcstEeFmc72gn06e2EwdqbdifT-3XFBQOrtGLKjDl-BK0PCa_Ny4f/s1600/IMG_0989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59phbqEmzs6ouKHpfqVorGZ6ACtWjuT_gcjX1Sf5lF0ROgIz1qgfZhLvzbW9TnH7hKHfbIgI65BZnN6TdL2RIGfmmcstEeFmc72gn06e2EwdqbdifT-3XFBQOrtGLKjDl-BK0PCa_Ny4f/s320/IMG_0989.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHfEYjQondyLo7_hIirx8q16MQ6Fxuma7W8y6QM0Ab_kVqqC50uEjzbLaKsJ0I3-v8wJYOXVLd6ea2jtbiORaffZA6cRa8aU8QoYhtqKuOYIw3TfqbHWNwKEastRkn9L3fTCJ8U9LXiSZ/s1600/eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHfEYjQondyLo7_hIirx8q16MQ6Fxuma7W8y6QM0Ab_kVqqC50uEjzbLaKsJ0I3-v8wJYOXVLd6ea2jtbiORaffZA6cRa8aU8QoYhtqKuOYIw3TfqbHWNwKEastRkn9L3fTCJ8U9LXiSZ/s320/eggs.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 is the new 2</div>
<br />
For Isla's 3rd birthday we went to the Magik Theater and saw the children's play "Rapunzel." And then played on the Hemisfair playground. And, for her party later that week, we had our friends, plus Gma and Gpa Lontai to our house for a skunk-themed birthday party. My strong-willed girl has been putting me to the test. Isla loves non-stop activity and excitement. With the full attention of one adult, Isla is perfectly happy. Without (even for just 10 minutes), she often turns to "very naughty deeds." VND's. VND's to date: dispensing all the wipes onto the floor, emptying baby powder bottle in her bedroom, smearing Desitin all over upholstered rocking chair and rug in her bedroom, pulling tape out of a cassette (vintage 1980's Disney book on tape cassette meant for Isla to have "quiet time" as napping has ceased), taking a permanent marker to furniture, and cutting the strap of the doorway baby bouncer. While her stubborn personality sometimes has me banging my head against the wall, I have been told that she will grow to be a very successful adult. And, I remind myself that Isla was born into the right family. A family with the time, resources, and patience to deal with a little girl who demands a lot. Isla will tell you exactly what she wants and how she wants it. Sometimes she is sneaky. After being told "no more cookies" she said, "I'm thirsty, can I have some water and some cookies?" I am glad to see in social situations Isla stands up for herself and uses her words- ie: "I don't like pushing, it's not nice!" She said to the girl who pushed her in the bouncy castle. You're right Isla, pushing is not nice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ITaZamlOd1OxDEI6LzjElIUO6RYgsXuKPl8UiM5lo2R6o4TSFXp7CacrrDV9HsQUa8lhEU-eol7hCZVcVUgZqbAHD1XyJWdmNN74tppp-p8ncl6PStljfx_SOl4tAD4CMpUBvVtPJTA_/s1600/Isla3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ITaZamlOd1OxDEI6LzjElIUO6RYgsXuKPl8UiM5lo2R6o4TSFXp7CacrrDV9HsQUa8lhEU-eol7hCZVcVUgZqbAHD1XyJWdmNN74tppp-p8ncl6PStljfx_SOl4tAD4CMpUBvVtPJTA_/s320/Isla3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
*37 month update* Isla has dropped that nap. But will still fall asleep in the car in the late afternoon. After a month of being very cranky and unreasonable, we have adjusted to an earlier bedtime... and things are better! Turns out the little girl just needed a bit more beauty sleep. VND's have ceased. Also, after several months of potty training regression (waiting to poop in diaper at bedtime) she decided it was time to poop in the potty again- yay!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-27293546694473963792013-03-27T21:17:00.000-07:002013-04-29T21:17:44.026-07:00August Gabriel- 4 months old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfS-jU7_NQg_jf4Y4JZ_xpKE46F8P6PsTRPCf5wTKO1HDf-ViYo4MplmxxV6fjf2ep9zeHf14a5F0A-teZGCxY_pBwtGK6-wYVMKvQ0DBBra6G40tDC0x3JOF6gTjIS8EPtR64Mw2aPoW/s1600/IMG_7609-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfS-jU7_NQg_jf4Y4JZ_xpKE46F8P6PsTRPCf5wTKO1HDf-ViYo4MplmxxV6fjf2ep9zeHf14a5F0A-teZGCxY_pBwtGK6-wYVMKvQ0DBBra6G40tDC0x3JOF6gTjIS8EPtR64Mw2aPoW/s400/IMG_7609-Edit.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Mr. Personality! August's sweet personality is starting to show. He is a sensitive guy and wears his heart on his sleeve. You can read every little emotion as he is experiencing- Proud to be standing, Determined to get that toy in his mouth, Hey look! It's Daddy... I like that guy, Oh sad... Daddy walked away, You're silly mommy, Big sister is a little to close for comfort... I'm scared. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QVRJjrGrPgr94DxEOtjNQoXslCmmUITTWSbrvldxCnbCAKFcfMPoXQMpR2TpLMf-u-YFwrAkLaHYJjdgfZE1WETmexAAQttkaHmOEXYQuO8N49uF-eMKm6Lehn-6GbZVQbWRmsif44Q9/s1600/IMG_7482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QVRJjrGrPgr94DxEOtjNQoXslCmmUITTWSbrvldxCnbCAKFcfMPoXQMpR2TpLMf-u-YFwrAkLaHYJjdgfZE1WETmexAAQttkaHmOEXYQuO8N49uF-eMKm6Lehn-6GbZVQbWRmsif44Q9/s320/IMG_7482.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
August is a drool-bug and soaks bibs and the front of his shirt. He is trying to roll, but can't quiet make it over yet. He is getting less fussy than he was in the beginning, and can stay happy in his stroller while I teach Stroller Strides classes. But, he still doesn't like car rides and usually cries the whole way. He plays with toys. We can make him giggle. He is sitting up better, but just needs a bit more head control and neck strength before we try solids. He talks and sings baby songs. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcJT5pEwJWeBP8o2skZXEb7tSOn_cbOUjPw3M18jOn2KP93DwXQI4YokQkJ0TLR3YFe0skNmD_GQIrI_k3Q8CG-x2em4cBJT3b2XTKy8LvZzTYyPaby8sxmMZEcDmk5PUQCmft7tSGxhM/s1600/IMG_7501-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcJT5pEwJWeBP8o2skZXEb7tSOn_cbOUjPw3M18jOn2KP93DwXQI4YokQkJ0TLR3YFe0skNmD_GQIrI_k3Q8CG-x2em4cBJT3b2XTKy8LvZzTYyPaby8sxmMZEcDmk5PUQCmft7tSGxhM/s320/IMG_7501-Edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-8943165158499349502013-01-22T13:21:00.000-08:002013-02-24T13:22:23.731-08:00August Gabriel, 2 months old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1EAoSj-bupxyDGLz0cDcGko2g3Z__s99HJQLitNPai3mN4y9Z7VB4ansVVMUeP0GVIB8WvSyQYEMDsU_lXDC8Ge2-Jd9DodUQTRbsj5sOGhFa3KMADunvCIWe3LuxgOfylMy_EhFr6Tu/s1600/IMG_0865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1EAoSj-bupxyDGLz0cDcGko2g3Z__s99HJQLitNPai3mN4y9Z7VB4ansVVMUeP0GVIB8WvSyQYEMDsU_lXDC8Ge2-Jd9DodUQTRbsj5sOGhFa3KMADunvCIWe3LuxgOfylMy_EhFr6Tu/s320/IMG_0865.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Baby August is growing! Now 11 lbs 15 oz and 23 inches long at his 2 month appointment. Apparently that mommy milk is doing the trick. He now likes to interact with us, and smile, coo, and have little conversations saying "agoo." He sometimes has a little smirk, like he is holding in a funny joke. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oxDd29d4jDGx-KJGrH6hMpNMbK-UHRWvgpMICeXvkrrUYTDFkU2AJEINeskJDqPfE1OZBVKDqYvjJj2UubifRhBWbpBjK83NAcG8SURR4Cfjo9q9xPFZ8TbpW5o8eiCOjPC4KRZyE3uU/s1600/IMG_0873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oxDd29d4jDGx-KJGrH6hMpNMbK-UHRWvgpMICeXvkrrUYTDFkU2AJEINeskJDqPfE1OZBVKDqYvjJj2UubifRhBWbpBjK83NAcG8SURR4Cfjo9q9xPFZ8TbpW5o8eiCOjPC4KRZyE3uU/s320/IMG_0873.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
He is sensitive, and doesn't like it when I sneeze when he is nursing. He likes a moving car, but cries at the stop lights. August has moved on from binkies, and acts like they are an assault to his mouth. But, if he's tired, we swaddle him up and stick him in the swing, and that usually does the trick.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xz2XKhI511ncrKEV7of4t0xzQ6bU42EocTtvy03J0gc0T5bxDc3ZD8ocj23F4tu_AWW3zyEzorUyWwlFoJFh118Xb7xDT8kQ6bf1E8EEyNa_6m_So6zgvvHzixZcHxzteFgo3NjSohy2/s1600/IMG_0870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xz2XKhI511ncrKEV7of4t0xzQ6bU42EocTtvy03J0gc0T5bxDc3ZD8ocj23F4tu_AWW3zyEzorUyWwlFoJFh118Xb7xDT8kQ6bf1E8EEyNa_6m_So6zgvvHzixZcHxzteFgo3NjSohy2/s320/IMG_0870.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Around 2 weeks, he began a ritual of crying throughout the evening. That has now subsided. Gassy Gus! This little guy farts and burbs like a sailor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AuUEmX-vxtRvGBK9uZxKu2JWC0wsuisiK_ekYbaae8Hje79vpEB-Ri5OnSvUxi3h7DvWpzBnZWSEdYjPaJ0Tg-7S3q6HgfXIt2sxsYSlmn466yO5RQlo5M_Ivzz4QhBVoi0ReSYiTMgA/s1600/IMG_0881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AuUEmX-vxtRvGBK9uZxKu2JWC0wsuisiK_ekYbaae8Hje79vpEB-Ri5OnSvUxi3h7DvWpzBnZWSEdYjPaJ0Tg-7S3q6HgfXIt2sxsYSlmn466yO5RQlo5M_Ivzz4QhBVoi0ReSYiTMgA/s320/IMG_0881.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
He often has a gassy tummy, and will not let you put him down for a couple of hours when that is the case. After hours of holding this 12 lb bowling ball my arms, shoulders, and neck get sore. But, then he makes up for it with a sweet smile and sometimes a chuckle. His ginger hair is thinning, will he be a red-head, or something else?<br />
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-52542995956557876032012-12-31T15:45:00.000-08:002013-02-02T15:48:30.468-08:00Welcome Baby August!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsprO9DO18TEXtzZGAGnlB-FHPqSF7IkUKGw2qH31bBdpRiozzyi_iQ0PQX09_cjQ8Frw9SncihLEk6Tf_JMVtPmlvKyyui6rMrL9mdQqHXW1BBM9_VtusgjLESC8IhcWuwo7yFDxcsTpt/s1600/2012-11-21+08.05.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsprO9DO18TEXtzZGAGnlB-FHPqSF7IkUKGw2qH31bBdpRiozzyi_iQ0PQX09_cjQ8Frw9SncihLEk6Tf_JMVtPmlvKyyui6rMrL9mdQqHXW1BBM9_VtusgjLESC8IhcWuwo7yFDxcsTpt/s320/2012-11-21+08.05.15.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Baby August Gabriel arrived on Tuesday November 20th at 11:59 pm. My mom had been in town for 5 days, and we had time to do some grocery shopping and get the house all stocked up with food. My water broke around 4 pm on Tuesday the 20th, and I summoned Jason to come home. We had our baby in arms before the day was through, just barely. Timing was perfect, and we returned home with our new son on Thanksgiving Day to enjoy a nice feast prepared by mom. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIudzLSDBo5bU_mzL6eDdv7t3UMwllObjQeusC393yKnkzNuRekN0Jbu1oZvB7nJH08tNlmQIT3rdtCXTN4jljRs_2fg_Atu4ZANx3SRRJJn4mNCezNvaLqnOItMnH_75d7utbgwVLSxFS/s1600/2012-11-21+11.52.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIudzLSDBo5bU_mzL6eDdv7t3UMwllObjQeusC393yKnkzNuRekN0Jbu1oZvB7nJH08tNlmQIT3rdtCXTN4jljRs_2fg_Atu4ZANx3SRRJJn4mNCezNvaLqnOItMnH_75d7utbgwVLSxFS/s320/2012-11-21+11.52.03.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
August is a well-cooked butterball turkey ringing in at 8 lbs 3 ounces and 19 inches long. He has a nice head of strawberry blond hair, and looks like he got a crew cut at the barbershop just before he was born. So far, he's been a little cuddly bug. Thankful! We have our pair- 2 beautiful children; a little girl, and our sweet baby son.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHgSW4xUfDT4zbFXu_DXxk7x65B9_M_ElPIkR_kL_3gnldFKeM2X3paldAR3nSZ6VGspydtLJvTLjVFy2NT0q8SXKQpqiUI6fuul_3H6xoI6H_o2K10iyDIIdZVcrP254gYc9J_T4b8u7/s1600/IMG_9401-Edit-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHgSW4xUfDT4zbFXu_DXxk7x65B9_M_ElPIkR_kL_3gnldFKeM2X3paldAR3nSZ6VGspydtLJvTLjVFy2NT0q8SXKQpqiUI6fuul_3H6xoI6H_o2K10iyDIIdZVcrP254gYc9J_T4b8u7/s320/IMG_9401-Edit-Edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Augie or Gus: It seems there are lot of "Gus" fans out there. I get it- it's pretty cute to call a chubby little baby "Gus." I myself, will call him Augie, with one "g."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEIwYDbLOwlnIeDbgsCAi2T8uejFCOe-x_LvKyLc-2HiyFBaRYNtusGVW-i5fSu0CO76AmWmizCtDH9LeZk6QPG_c5WJ1_hqYrafSZ4rZDS7oaT28cD7gTT4zSOdZvQejQ0srQO6V1Zu9/s1600/IMG_9662-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEIwYDbLOwlnIeDbgsCAi2T8uejFCOe-x_LvKyLc-2HiyFBaRYNtusGVW-i5fSu0CO76AmWmizCtDH9LeZk6QPG_c5WJ1_hqYrafSZ4rZDS7oaT28cD7gTT4zSOdZvQejQ0srQO6V1Zu9/s320/IMG_9662-Edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Isla: Has been very sweet with August. She tries to help by bringing him binkies. And likes to hold her baby brother and comment on all his tiny parts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwc31BjovY8Yhj-C0QFXBB-Kt2ItEdBeofc8tENJYhf6GXIffYIAUSZpLHSR9J9m8yi_HCO_nGRA077bhJ7V2aM61zGltYvtGgpzkk7D4uTvv2HnpXW1kz7dHoAcuQY9nya5t1R_S-msG/s1600/2012-12-25+14.12.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwc31BjovY8Yhj-C0QFXBB-Kt2ItEdBeofc8tENJYhf6GXIffYIAUSZpLHSR9J9m8yi_HCO_nGRA077bhJ7V2aM61zGltYvtGgpzkk7D4uTvv2HnpXW1kz7dHoAcuQY9nya5t1R_S-msG/s320/2012-12-25+14.12.49.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The 1st 2 photos are from day 1; next are the professional photos taken by Nikki Loehr; Lastly, August at 1 month old- a smile I caught on Christmas Day.<br />
<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-42649810537787942002012-11-14T20:57:00.000-08:002012-11-16T20:58:42.664-08:00Little Guy, fully cooked<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-gQbxkzjvepuAMYPcJppO8RwWrn-RR36haxUkwlLDbxIS9SP-s6cmY-qgWdFvvUBI7M5Z6yVGo521U3lXZUDllxtfObKnhCTr3UkC2vttUYytxMHm6RU_GG5GNwMrnrIla7f6Jra-F_L/s1600/IMG_0429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-gQbxkzjvepuAMYPcJppO8RwWrn-RR36haxUkwlLDbxIS9SP-s6cmY-qgWdFvvUBI7M5Z6yVGo521U3lXZUDllxtfObKnhCTr3UkC2vttUYytxMHm6RU_GG5GNwMrnrIla7f6Jra-F_L/s200/IMG_0429.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaUB_tP4nwpsFmzC0Dtp7RdsIhENQLV2nUZ-MQkWSdYTlDygrFm3IKOr7Fkn63sdj_LVWHH0HRXR_2XUcrSjF0Yytj_igGiNMQjJdGYJntXJove4BymrV2ul2IsYBe4_lMzft5LrHQmEy/s1600/august.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaUB_tP4nwpsFmzC0Dtp7RdsIhENQLV2nUZ-MQkWSdYTlDygrFm3IKOr7Fkn63sdj_LVWHH0HRXR_2XUcrSjF0Yytj_igGiNMQjJdGYJntXJove4BymrV2ul2IsYBe4_lMzft5LrHQmEy/s200/august.jpg" width="182" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago, we got another look at this little guy- it looks like he's got some full lips and chubby cheeks going on. (Does he bear a resemblance to the sleeping baby on the right?) The ultrasound technician commented on his full head of hair! I'm hangin' in there as the last couple of weeks approach. Despite his cramped quarters, baby boy is still rambunctious as ever, especially in the evenings. I feel like my internal organs have taken a beating. I can't wait for the indigestion to go away so I can eat like a normal person again. If you ask my how I am doing, I will tell you, "I have felt sick to my stomach every day since Easter weekend." As in the Easter weekend in April... 7 months ago. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_suuFddfzk2v_mcc6gTECr7KQs7njNfBLGkiF7jMNbvDufwrozKq7MKSx3BF_QSR2lsmvOKm_Lqb_y62GMx54lz9Uxf01a5ENfXP3KKXEMM8ph6ei98zQa9FoLHDeH6oBse5MonEkJ0i/s1600/scuba+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_suuFddfzk2v_mcc6gTECr7KQs7njNfBLGkiF7jMNbvDufwrozKq7MKSx3BF_QSR2lsmvOKm_Lqb_y62GMx54lz9Uxf01a5ENfXP3KKXEMM8ph6ei98zQa9FoLHDeH6oBse5MonEkJ0i/s200/scuba+baby.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKX9xEuG62sD8FESNh9__gksNg1CiZD8aZIVE5390oiubbY9UeU5IVg3EoUmhkvGy4JsE1x2aD-0vfQpJFKHyqr8uESNU8vqs9a3BHf2Tc9a8bnsEFm7haTB9FbIpHdEELI8ji6YvnNh4/s1600/IMG_0782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKX9xEuG62sD8FESNh9__gksNg1CiZD8aZIVE5390oiubbY9UeU5IVg3EoUmhkvGy4JsE1x2aD-0vfQpJFKHyqr8uESNU8vqs9a3BHf2Tc9a8bnsEFm7haTB9FbIpHdEELI8ji6YvnNh4/s320/IMG_0782.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Jason painted my belly with a picture of scuba baby for Halloween (does that dog head make my belly look big?). Isla was a shark, but wasn't that into Halloween this year. Her daily hang-ups and control issues regarding clothing selection made costume-wearing difficult. In other news, Isla has all her shark teeth- that last 2 year molar on the top right finally made it way through. That means, no more teething-related crabbiness! Only regular 2 year old just-for-no-reason crabbiness. She is very excited for baby brother to arrive and talks about how he's going to hold onto her finger with his little hand.<br />
<br />
Reinforcements are arriving tomorrow- Grandma Lontai is coming for baby time back up. But today, Isla and I made one last trip to the zoo, just the two of us. She noted the tiny fishies in the hippo tank and said "they're so cute." Which made me remember the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seats/5446572287/in/set-72157625990794450">first time she signed "fish."</a> Here's Isla, sitting on top of her brother.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zgYLDCxrTyDnm9WnfOqhAHpTJfAb7b6LSAB1RIMcTBEOx-MbOZ83KBe1SxIF1LkaTlnC4wTwOxKg_XGPGjxMt_rt50Gzt1xp8lB7OAw4hzRyDAyhNAwH5SJjjc_yFG1kTLc42eKOK5JQ/s1600/IMG_0804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zgYLDCxrTyDnm9WnfOqhAHpTJfAb7b6LSAB1RIMcTBEOx-MbOZ83KBe1SxIF1LkaTlnC4wTwOxKg_XGPGjxMt_rt50Gzt1xp8lB7OAw4hzRyDAyhNAwH5SJjjc_yFG1kTLc42eKOK5JQ/s400/IMG_0804.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-60731594366540806352012-09-16T20:50:00.000-07:002012-10-14T21:52:13.109-07:00Isla Rose, 2 and a 1/2 years old!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mgCmZ-uP4Tn9VQpu7uVN97r8r4RiF5AbbFiMgRSXqmErn6F31KOCoZQAhm_Ix5oH7zVsu34G1bnJqnZYB9rU1aoQ07hY8tP1iDNQrslUJAVEndSYiIgTZ3AQmcuipjDDqfzVNlVe3pMt/s1600/IMG_4407T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mgCmZ-uP4Tn9VQpu7uVN97r8r4RiF5AbbFiMgRSXqmErn6F31KOCoZQAhm_Ix5oH7zVsu34G1bnJqnZYB9rU1aoQ07hY8tP1iDNQrslUJAVEndSYiIgTZ3AQmcuipjDDqfzVNlVe3pMt/s320/IMG_4407T.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
September 13th marked 2 and 1/2 years for Isla. We have been trying to work through some transitions before baby brother arrives. She is potty trained, mostly (except for pooping in diaper at nap). We got her a new big girl bed, but after the excitement wore off, she decided the crib is still the best place to sleep. Isla also started attending Laurel Heights Weekday School 3 mornings a week. After the first few tearful drop-offs, she began to like school and now has lots of fun there with her teachers and friends. <br />
<br />
Isla completed a few more sessions of Ms. Diana's swim lessons. She was once again our little fish all summer long, and we took her swimming once, and sometimes twice a day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-emP8RbGGfhR0Bo5tkMaWB9Qg3O6YbAnteADZYZRhMOa9PuKNDfRefsxGSMkazFjAkjBNMOoXhcb1Oqp0SRwwz1qR1uJ8zXcK9vLnn78LtWMCBsE1fg5Z_DhWegDYXIwZhgLk7Dw5kTkj/s1600/IMG_4659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-emP8RbGGfhR0Bo5tkMaWB9Qg3O6YbAnteADZYZRhMOa9PuKNDfRefsxGSMkazFjAkjBNMOoXhcb1Oqp0SRwwz1qR1uJ8zXcK9vLnn78LtWMCBsE1fg5Z_DhWegDYXIwZhgLk7Dw5kTkj/s400/IMG_4659.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This time in Isla's life is marked with a few toddler-obsessions. Here some of the recent and ongoing fads.<br />
<br />
Sharks: I think she started to get into sharks because the shark scene in Finding Nemo was a little bit scary. Isla likes to talk about sharks and requests that sharks are drawn for her. We stopped by the Texas State Aquarium on the way home from the beach last weekend, and could have very well stood in front of the shark tank and talked about them for an hour. Instead we tried to move on after 20 minutes or so, but Isla kept running back for more sharks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sEcOpDzY8WONCVRvp7TlZzg5Wn3QHW5-Lg7t2ed2nl37pRG6BGOBiWnVi5o3r_L27yE8DiFxkXD0y9aB359eTU6_Mto9J1gQW2fAOMM36C9v8IGeZjOsROfdt_-43GwLLntt58fRX4sN/s1600/IMG_4504T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sEcOpDzY8WONCVRvp7TlZzg5Wn3QHW5-Lg7t2ed2nl37pRG6BGOBiWnVi5o3r_L27yE8DiFxkXD0y9aB359eTU6_Mto9J1gQW2fAOMM36C9v8IGeZjOsROfdt_-43GwLLntt58fRX4sN/s400/IMG_4504T.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Skunks: Another obsession stemming from the dramatic moment when I tried to get Angel and Isla back in the house after smelling a skunk one evening. I think I freaked Isla out a little bit on this one, because she often likes the review the fact the the skunk is "all gone" and that he can't come inside the house.<br />
<br />
Tiny Baby: One particularly small doll was a big time favorite for Isla. Except, the doll had to be stripped of her little pink dress and just wear her "jammies." After the white undergarments became grey, I asked Isla to give her tiny baby a bath in a little tub in the kitchen. She was so funny and took the utmost care bathing her little doll.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGV7mKCYNOGYRnLh23QoWG9Q6eskxxog1239zHfpWEuDJOTndYaCeK4BeGdKhxRRMZOe5_R-KUv3X0aNlJVkw3aVUtM6wSc1JmllTtW_G_-M5wOd-GVC1Z3MShsMAoiIfxHi-XWnneMDv/s1600/IMG_6067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGV7mKCYNOGYRnLh23QoWG9Q6eskxxog1239zHfpWEuDJOTndYaCeK4BeGdKhxRRMZOe5_R-KUv3X0aNlJVkw3aVUtM6wSc1JmllTtW_G_-M5wOd-GVC1Z3MShsMAoiIfxHi-XWnneMDv/s320/IMG_6067.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Annie: Jason began a bedtime ritual of whistling the "Tomorrow" song from Annie. Then we showed her the videos of "Tomorrow" and "Hard Knock Life," then the entire movie. She has been really into reenacting scenes, such as "Sandy, " while she drags Angel around by the collar. I have also seen her open a door and yell out "Mrs. Hanigan!" and close it again. <br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-55423731805438773682012-07-30T20:28:00.002-07:002012-07-30T20:30:42.710-07:00Baby Boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a little project I've been working on:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjf9Mo7VEATSl4n39-oNcCzjf4ll0lcQDWC2LWnx3dxG1z-XFJDS9vv79b8wRZXJv0BAT1Ahpfbnt08JfdO3RiQ5tK0i765AghHz7ZmLdOJY9S7VOvujgP9dHofzVtoQL5J5Jw440YNLUv/s1600/BabyBoyUS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjf9Mo7VEATSl4n39-oNcCzjf4ll0lcQDWC2LWnx3dxG1z-XFJDS9vv79b8wRZXJv0BAT1Ahpfbnt08JfdO3RiQ5tK0i765AghHz7ZmLdOJY9S7VOvujgP9dHofzVtoQL5J5Jw440YNLUv/s320/BabyBoyUS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This time around it's a baby boy. He's due November 26th. While I didn't experience the extreme stomach-flu-like nausea this time around, 1st trimester was still a doozy. The hallmark of this pregnancy is a mild yucky-tummy feeling that I have most days, <i>still</i>, while well into my second trimester. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice... well... I get a baby boy? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKE-X_hr6pB663-HKZ-7UEJDWVfwh_oFDft4vDrKhdI18N5nqjDOlPAETY68duVTdIXvONmk2ugPEbklsScw5UcrPf6VvarbQQ1BqaJASKDbF3hKLH8a5CZ-l-vm56kbpa27rwwUhVJQA/s1600/IMG_0571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKE-X_hr6pB663-HKZ-7UEJDWVfwh_oFDft4vDrKhdI18N5nqjDOlPAETY68duVTdIXvONmk2ugPEbklsScw5UcrPf6VvarbQQ1BqaJASKDbF3hKLH8a5CZ-l-vm56kbpa27rwwUhVJQA/s320/IMG_0571.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's me with baby boy half way cooked at 20 weeks. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-17569094080365639342012-07-30T20:08:00.001-07:002012-07-30T20:08:19.056-07:00Texas Beach Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwClrPYiS2i1bOJZrNDHczo2dk0vHKMW-pOd78O4bxOYBaKLV74UIJeHr1Sng5zg9Z742A1hA20VQZUmIcAUg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After 3 years of living in Texas, we finally made a trip to the Texas coast- Port Aransas. I wish we'd gone sooner! Just 3 hours drive and we had everything we needed- sun, fun, and sand. So, we camped out on the beach for a few days, and our friends joined us for the weekend. Isla loved playing in the ocean and the sand. Weeks later, she still suggests most days that we should visit the ocean again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNlhfWMzi4Eh-xa2nBGFnfPx3nFuQTpJJyb-_Wev3QK_otdQomzR48bHCTOJ0Sc6pGYNF5Jmy8zYzMag09ezeDsk_tkUClj7qlNq9mFTUE3N7T7A65qJn7d_hpt5vcnlf-86WOCudIv5k/s1600/DSC_1155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNlhfWMzi4Eh-xa2nBGFnfPx3nFuQTpJJyb-_Wev3QK_otdQomzR48bHCTOJ0Sc6pGYNF5Jmy8zYzMag09ezeDsk_tkUClj7qlNq9mFTUE3N7T7A65qJn7d_hpt5vcnlf-86WOCudIv5k/s320/DSC_1155.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4th of July at friends' house in Portland, TX. Isla is a fearless water baby. She did the water slide over and over, until she just was too tired to go again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ditz6HHFJPolUksU80Xx4sSdWLzVsVgofM-t5SsN9KhSIJeJjn9dVPZOvDWWVbk6_tBn8HtF5KDrarV04M9xpUgEV9F7WAJp6j2uyFtr6lOLMCYyC0WaflVNe0jc0xmY_0Uw034fpL4z/s1600/DSC_1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ditz6HHFJPolUksU80Xx4sSdWLzVsVgofM-t5SsN9KhSIJeJjn9dVPZOvDWWVbk6_tBn8HtF5KDrarV04M9xpUgEV9F7WAJp6j2uyFtr6lOLMCYyC0WaflVNe0jc0xmY_0Uw034fpL4z/s320/DSC_1166.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Texas beach has seaweed, but the warm ocean water is so nice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWvdvmX4EPjNQQ1iJuD1y6OrwrD_aeY3dHcOP9n32I14oVRD0rBcJy2415v05f625pI0LvGz-GVcSlWU_8AAlmoN7pjVUsJINI8uhlyQmONTwbP74o1AbNd-9aJG5XCaos2KoPrrZdkkw/s1600/DSC_1169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWvdvmX4EPjNQQ1iJuD1y6OrwrD_aeY3dHcOP9n32I14oVRD0rBcJy2415v05f625pI0LvGz-GVcSlWU_8AAlmoN7pjVUsJINI8uhlyQmONTwbP74o1AbNd-9aJG5XCaos2KoPrrZdkkw/s320/DSC_1169.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having lunch in the pop-up tent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAZTuv93yqWSjGH9Z8vfbxn04cpKgoanvSVmYaD6l_hJBGGhjg1cqYuKEJ-xsk572s_OqhkpnmpLEBzdNJDoKwZJo8oQpC9ciPpyD6RzKwWP5OFO3RRCjuS6KT8rMGD3olWEZgQ-ZlycC/s1600/IMG_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAZTuv93yqWSjGH9Z8vfbxn04cpKgoanvSVmYaD6l_hJBGGhjg1cqYuKEJ-xsk572s_OqhkpnmpLEBzdNJDoKwZJo8oQpC9ciPpyD6RzKwWP5OFO3RRCjuS6KT8rMGD3olWEZgQ-ZlycC/s320/IMG_0546.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with the rainbow clams at the surf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LTjDadtrltjSV2q9IA_5_oBN3hpdruzE6GqeI-CEKTDA3VQ9ecmwO4-vsfmGtLnAoutIkyNiIwpSiJdZE9-AN8jHMoSQ-8up5IitVDCdz07ldqXvIuth1ylcrYWJAmjIN_3SfVQ13Uc4/s1600/IMG_0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LTjDadtrltjSV2q9IA_5_oBN3hpdruzE6GqeI-CEKTDA3VQ9ecmwO4-vsfmGtLnAoutIkyNiIwpSiJdZE9-AN8jHMoSQ-8up5IitVDCdz07ldqXvIuth1ylcrYWJAmjIN_3SfVQ13Uc4/s320/IMG_0584.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 little friends.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-83992652317604885292012-07-04T08:42:00.000-07:002012-07-07T14:36:42.949-07:00Underwears<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuFoHoR7u0WeE2OLzEPQDsWOBBHGp14ObWd66i_slQ0Xmjg21UWrpQ5Msdb-_tggSjxGmuHsKShnKLFOJAfQLmBecWxkOYv4htC76L4VjvVabEzJR1kJsI2kn_VGpzMhttqq0xV-3T9Ws/s1600/DSC_1104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuFoHoR7u0WeE2OLzEPQDsWOBBHGp14ObWd66i_slQ0Xmjg21UWrpQ5Msdb-_tggSjxGmuHsKShnKLFOJAfQLmBecWxkOYv4htC76L4VjvVabEzJR1kJsI2kn_VGpzMhttqq0xV-3T9Ws/s320/DSC_1104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We have reached a new milestone in parenting- Potty Training. Isla seemed ready to potty train with increasing awareness of wet and dirty diapers during the spring. But she never had an "accidental" success on the potty. So, Jason and I both read from cover to cover "Toilet Training in Less than A Day" by Azrin. This book was written in the 70's and has some funny out of date rhetoric. One Saturday, after my dear husband kissed me on the forehead, and wished me good luck, he was off, and I was left to potty train with Isla, in less than a day. <br />
<br />
Isla quickly grew tired of the teaching the "baby that pees" how to go potty. Soon after that, she refused to eat or drink any of the special juices, snacks, and treats that were a part of the training process. She continued to wet her new underwear several times throughout the morning. And I had vertigo from standing up and sitting down on the floor so many times. So, I gave it a rest. Jason came home and gave it a try, and had the same result. I spend the rest of the day in bed. Sunday we tried again. Still no success, nothing in the potty. Later that evening, I took that little girl out to the Carriage House, with it's cement floor, and played with her naked on the bottom for 2 hours. All the while keeping a watchful eye on her little girl parts, until I noticed a sprinkle on the floor. I quickly sat her on her pot, and she did it!<br />
<br />
Isla and her first pee-pee in the pot:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRFjEzKK3GxTwWPzJs97RTmPY0QLkJmU36mFjKSWyOwE_CiCrbSz0CmhtYH62rOfZ_f317xiI6y2FUr5hLQcNydB-3fYoKsceRTLzPB7A2Xc1SfjnFzfeuqosyIGPP4RruaWSb371XtiL/s1600/IMG_0431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRFjEzKK3GxTwWPzJs97RTmPY0QLkJmU36mFjKSWyOwE_CiCrbSz0CmhtYH62rOfZ_f317xiI6y2FUr5hLQcNydB-3fYoKsceRTLzPB7A2Xc1SfjnFzfeuqosyIGPP4RruaWSb371XtiL/s320/IMG_0431.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We spent the following week, whenever at home, with Isla commando and she had many more successes in the potty. But she could not keep her undies dry. Along came weekend #2, and she finally put it all together and got better at keeping her underwear dry. So, we began to leave the house in underwears. So far, as long as I get her on the potty frequently when we are out, she's doing great. At home, she goes on her own.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoyPQv-i1wnNKlOzLBOLUZCl2Enc2r8MMaegnx_HGcU401vyPm8gmLKnEDN-eTBk8OEitFdJF-H9nHyekWz5I9Dc-aAKLstFLSE5Z7Df5ncILabovjTjp5DAUgxwJ0zv5OJ4Mk-qodVdj/s1600/IMG_0439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoyPQv-i1wnNKlOzLBOLUZCl2Enc2r8MMaegnx_HGcU401vyPm8gmLKnEDN-eTBk8OEitFdJF-H9nHyekWz5I9Dc-aAKLstFLSE5Z7Df5ncILabovjTjp5DAUgxwJ0zv5OJ4Mk-qodVdj/s320/IMG_0439.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
She is so cute and proud of herself and her new skills. She tells me every day, "Isla's not a baby, she's a big girl." There's a lot of potty talk going on at our house. Here's <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seats/7512849474/in/photostream">Isla talking about Rhino Poop</a> at the zoo.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-16810547620688029442012-03-13T20:38:00.000-07:002012-11-10T14:26:24.433-08:00Isla Rose, 2 years old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbbYtZT3xaguukZDFo5cn1U3gKdcCJFQK_GaWpOzLqIcTYrqAZn3ONp9q7G8IqjSF-6-pL7A6i5eAl_edTDMnZHxJ4NaZa-P9CBaWmsXdhKi2uVJmUOPFc7X1yWWucHV_oMVvmK8NLFng/s1600/IMG_0277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbbYtZT3xaguukZDFo5cn1U3gKdcCJFQK_GaWpOzLqIcTYrqAZn3ONp9q7G8IqjSF-6-pL7A6i5eAl_edTDMnZHxJ4NaZa-P9CBaWmsXdhKi2uVJmUOPFc7X1yWWucHV_oMVvmK8NLFng/s320/IMG_0277.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Isla is now 2. On her 2nd birthday, we went and saw "If You Take a Mouse to School" production at the Magik Theatre in San Antonio. Our friends Jacqueline and Jack joined us. She loved the play. Afterwards, we played on the Hemisfair Park fortress playground. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sT3eg3HBL7FBh3aY2J_w1P-oT2jYgck_AWkIs5euU6NHMmSqJova1ysKJEr9KsOA2Y1ix3JDEcZatE8vxjpS-4MZheuEERM8_RqbhQvcOqZtbytes0LKdvwLvVGBrrM4OmCdKUBbbEiI/s1600/IMG_0281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sT3eg3HBL7FBh3aY2J_w1P-oT2jYgck_AWkIs5euU6NHMmSqJova1ysKJEr9KsOA2Y1ix3JDEcZatE8vxjpS-4MZheuEERM8_RqbhQvcOqZtbytes0LKdvwLvVGBrrM4OmCdKUBbbEiI/s320/IMG_0281.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Isla is still my little motor girl and will always find something challenging and semi-dangerous on the playground, and then do that action over and over and over until she feels she's got it down. Here she is climbing a tree; she actually attempted to stand and walk on it. One her 2nd birthday she took on the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seats/6836641918/in/photostream">climbing wall at the Cove</a>. We couldn't get her to stop doing it long enough to eat. Long after her dinner was cold, she sat down and ate ravenously. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCnCahUx4D854ut7-vRlV7vRRn4o4_FPFMoOvdO2Mx78eLKPP6ytlTWSUmA94Bc84OdRMZVcshrM7TbrEHed8TZhB7gztSRBRs0l59XC5i_vNapi985z3CQzFL5NEs2ryS0FgHmHDwMnq/s1600/IMG_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCnCahUx4D854ut7-vRlV7vRRn4o4_FPFMoOvdO2Mx78eLKPP6ytlTWSUmA94Bc84OdRMZVcshrM7TbrEHed8TZhB7gztSRBRs0l59XC5i_vNapi985z3CQzFL5NEs2ryS0FgHmHDwMnq/s320/IMG_0313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Isla is talking up a storm, and gabs away in her crib from the moment she wakes up, until the moment she falls asleep. The funniest thing she says right now it "I'll hold you, Dabid." Which means she wants to hold the cat. She also tells me "I'll hold you, Mommy" with outstretched little arms. Which means she would like to be picked up. She loves to take care of her baby doll, and feeds her bottles and changes her diaper. She also spends a lot of time caring for her pet doggie. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCZJZEaZYSKEPBtrg9kfCe9zvSUFpLJct0Fp5DnKw8w2egELYrr7rR9I5x_0zRZJAA1xg3BxTPi2dMUOGDjK5FAwzSbJUqpmNtsm1QWntM-rNxGYhm70I6QJ64Qyf9HzxtNErEjVZwXiG/s1600/IMG_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCZJZEaZYSKEPBtrg9kfCe9zvSUFpLJct0Fp5DnKw8w2egELYrr7rR9I5x_0zRZJAA1xg3BxTPi2dMUOGDjK5FAwzSbJUqpmNtsm1QWntM-rNxGYhm70I6QJ64Qyf9HzxtNErEjVZwXiG/s320/IMG_0311.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Isla has started to sing sweet little songs throughout the day. The one that's the most clear is "Shoot, Fly." She loves to take risks jumping across a ravine, like coffee table to sofa. She often counts "one, two, three, four, seben, eight, nine, ten!" She grabs books off her bookshelf and reads herself to sleep in her crib. Isla is nice and sturdy. This baby who started out so tiny (6 lb 4 oz and 18 inches), jumped ahead in the growth charts and is now at 60th for height and weight.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxywrEPl1s0v4SlE9eBMD6zx8NfHi2T9hR7CvzouaWXrNyXtTx93yG1C1nQoF5_lUAOUoOyryML-io4lo-YkA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-20798046679207538702012-01-18T21:02:00.001-08:002012-02-18T21:17:22.048-08:00Isla Rose, 22 months old<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIp14WK5UmWyBS9_eUEhz-EYrF5c-jqqlfWEmpD7SWgS0zlTsfDpzNraRIIXKluOv1hXSr84LdU_75kSePtXnQ0poYMx1Ium7TNqQY9I1ySxl_chq5HHLc9HUHcmiVicAvEysbqhL96D2Z/s1600/Islazoo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIp14WK5UmWyBS9_eUEhz-EYrF5c-jqqlfWEmpD7SWgS0zlTsfDpzNraRIIXKluOv1hXSr84LdU_75kSePtXnQ0poYMx1Ium7TNqQY9I1ySxl_chq5HHLc9HUHcmiVicAvEysbqhL96D2Z/s400/Islazoo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710554356033105298" /></a>Oh no! It's not happening is it? Are you 22 months old?!? Last week you turned 22 months. I kept thinking all of December, it's a little ways off, and then it happened. That means your next blog post will be 2 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<div><br /></div><div>My sweet little Isla, I can't even begin to mention everything I want to say in this post. The verbal explosion came, it's happened and happening. You started talking <i>so much</i> since Thanksgiving. Now you are staying 2 word phrases. You can tell me exactly what you want. And this past week "ing" words like running, sleeping, dancing. You understand concepts like turn-taking (well, not so much in practice) and demand your "Turn!" Or when you want us to do something again you indicate it's our "turn." You understand the concept of 2, as in a pair. You told me when there were 2 dogs in the yard, 2 peas on the plate. You are fascinated with the drama of someone or something getting hurt, and will talk about it a lot when it happens: "Oh NO!" "Fall down" "Boom" "Hurt." And you also say "Bye, see you soon." Your little voice is so sweet I just want to put it in a bottle and save it for a rainy day.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEn1NZjGk9j4JSLOY2iaju3WJW1pH39OAaSguQBOQneHOm-ruwaMv5_pVG1UoEVuV6W8FMi4E96Bkb4zCI3DxiIVG0wm_A1yBmz-YTGpq9Yc4sdLQc0H52Dc4W24YAcu7SQxaQlChvyRM/s1600/Islaleaves.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEn1NZjGk9j4JSLOY2iaju3WJW1pH39OAaSguQBOQneHOm-ruwaMv5_pVG1UoEVuV6W8FMi4E96Bkb4zCI3DxiIVG0wm_A1yBmz-YTGpq9Yc4sdLQc0H52Dc4W24YAcu7SQxaQlChvyRM/s400/Islaleaves.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710554346164447474" /></a><div>You have begun to protest your afternoon nap, and sometimes outright refuse. In fact you protest a lot of things, especially getting dressed and diaper changes. You like to run away and giggle. You tell us when you have a dirty diaper, by very accurately saying "poop."</div><div><br /></div><div>You are into pretend play and your dolls. You feed them bottles and walk them in the doll stroller. You push Bunny around the grocery store with the mini-cart. Sometimes you are so sweet and loving, giving hugs, snuggles, and kisses to mommy and daddy. You can ask for the book you want to hear and lately that is "Mop" which means "Ten Apples Up On Top." Renamed "Mop" because the part where the bear chases the guys with a mop is the most exciting part. You are a good eater, and your favorite thing right now is "noodles." </div><div><br /></div><div>You are such a sweet, silly, happy girl, except when you're not. I see 3 out of 4 canines have finally poked out. Man, those little buggers have been giving you a hard time and make you very cranky on some days.</div><div><br /></div><div>You like to dance, and sing songs like "Wheels on the Bus" and "If you're happy and you know it." You shout "Hooray!" for the later. You like to hang from the bars at Little Gym, and any where else you can find to hang. You can run. I'm very impressed with the aim you have when you throw a ball. You know your colors and a few letters. You love to paint, and ask for me to pour out the colors that you want. </div><div><br /></div><div>Where's the remote for life? I want to pause it right here.</div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyZ2fgk7AXwEATPe4clGINfNAslTFuEssc41clAWh0KVK4KsjB1q4u3jlz-QIeSqMo52Bv9PR1m6F_FjOZciw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwnTVyL0r8UdEsMukzfQbHPugfuAGZJzrhhkWvsyPDaMIA2egqfdWS7tLKId7aPrMR7WtnKI6jskpOMGJwgyA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-60826531374763638902012-01-10T20:42:00.000-08:002012-05-14T18:09:51.166-07:00Welcome Baby Sophia!Congratulations to my big Brother, Joe and sis-in-law, Michelle. Baby Sophia Maureen was born January 9th, 2012 at 7 lbs and 20 inches. Jason and I are now Uncle Jason and Aunt Amanda for the first time. <br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianqXuR3o0-lHlvcv1Ktxc4cncw47a9JO06AORUKriozpB08D6NEPtc8vnL1souvc3RHKAJhFG3BuHeza9CgnurQqPqdx-giOCoWcib_BXwrATFf-_7FvEOIaU5nLyvjSy3beYaOVCmvXg/s1600/IMG_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianqXuR3o0-lHlvcv1Ktxc4cncw47a9JO06AORUKriozpB08D6NEPtc8vnL1souvc3RHKAJhFG3BuHeza9CgnurQqPqdx-giOCoWcib_BXwrATFf-_7FvEOIaU5nLyvjSy3beYaOVCmvXg/s320/IMG_0385.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
She sure is cute.</div>
</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-20467864486776093572012-01-01T19:04:00.000-08:002012-01-22T12:59:02.103-08:00Happy New Year!<div>Our Holiday Time has come and gone. </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0sEko0lQ6cWwaHoSxyz_kzLq6Tk5VfIsrVfsGWesPrZ3K9jOAWJVXGc5FLhr5fJi3RtnBkXnlqDn17AANP8LVkViWULDX3whkPZWftuk6pVOS7BOhzEE3bTMu27y9_ydjuBA_CRENymx/s1600/IMG_0110.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0sEko0lQ6cWwaHoSxyz_kzLq6Tk5VfIsrVfsGWesPrZ3K9jOAWJVXGc5FLhr5fJi3RtnBkXnlqDn17AANP8LVkViWULDX3whkPZWftuk6pVOS7BOhzEE3bTMu27y9_ydjuBA_CRENymx/s320/IMG_0110.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700562962869929826" /></a>We hosted the Seats' side, minus Tina :(, at our house for Thanksgiving this year. Highlights of the weekend included the Scrabble and Blockus marathon. Isla was a good eater, as usual, and enjoyed the feast.<div><br /><div>My table was beautiful, if I do say so myself.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4yKCA6fQpNzQVeoubrTqofL181IWu9j8Y5elJFsKbcrC2CR-g9xY6MN7KiM1r83A6KyuFJ8pvmwAD7tSEODjiPyqr9SmYJUrYQ52afiBAcZ8JRN_1hsRxBbhQzvcUbWoCmNUrTxazrXv/s1600/DSC_0720.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4yKCA6fQpNzQVeoubrTqofL181IWu9j8Y5elJFsKbcrC2CR-g9xY6MN7KiM1r83A6KyuFJ8pvmwAD7tSEODjiPyqr9SmYJUrYQ52afiBAcZ8JRN_1hsRxBbhQzvcUbWoCmNUrTxazrXv/s320/DSC_0720.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700562948663813074" /></a>But even better with all the people.<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLmC7-lnPU0wrkQX4WQA8OHn3AMCSe2ICiRjaDGbXvsmavGa2nX318kc-e1v-C-Ipj_hBVKgbpm8usNVF3uA3YIYA2Zv5b6MIm8farwo0Sv82i5AJ-MAd7HRPU4WyNbWC7zpyrZWO0U-k/s1600/DSC_0740.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLmC7-lnPU0wrkQX4WQA8OHn3AMCSe2ICiRjaDGbXvsmavGa2nX318kc-e1v-C-Ipj_hBVKgbpm8usNVF3uA3YIYA2Zv5b6MIm8farwo0Sv82i5AJ-MAd7HRPU4WyNbWC7zpyrZWO0U-k/s320/DSC_0740.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700562943218835330" /></a>Then we headed up north to Peoria for Christmas. We were without my brother Joe and SIL Michelle, as they are expecting their little girl to arrive any day now. But we did get to enjoy time with brother Jon and Dan, and their cute girlfriends Erin and Nikki (respectively).</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMmbMrT2HvKnskbfK1H7ui6fOvHIamDdsZgIzhso8wcp__xGFUTdvZDOkCdIk5FUio80tQfKh88aFUeLNW5ReyUfkc-fpuJqfJZsXpXxvBe6jXCjqPoNHtBOLWWqIadPjy6mJq03pltLj/s1600/IMG_0124.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMmbMrT2HvKnskbfK1H7ui6fOvHIamDdsZgIzhso8wcp__xGFUTdvZDOkCdIk5FUio80tQfKh88aFUeLNW5ReyUfkc-fpuJqfJZsXpXxvBe6jXCjqPoNHtBOLWWqIadPjy6mJq03pltLj/s320/IMG_0124.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700561862100906466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8m0XNj7HxDVbs7HSbbl9ZTIMwLuseMeFwr9nAv_BlO2yzvqgtaOcOypjS6ONJSDdZ0FFujSevc8BqRnQSyjIHOIZE0rPNWYeKPicthb__v1yyBRITJV-NOHvBw-CQH92Od5wnsUlSozz/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8m0XNj7HxDVbs7HSbbl9ZTIMwLuseMeFwr9nAv_BlO2yzvqgtaOcOypjS6ONJSDdZ0FFujSevc8BqRnQSyjIHOIZE0rPNWYeKPicthb__v1yyBRITJV-NOHvBw-CQH92Od5wnsUlSozz/s320/IMG_0127.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700561848431510146" /></a>Upon arrival in Peoria, my dad struck up a game of hide-the-bunny with Isla as we waited in line to report a missing bag. Well, she must have been impressed because she finally said it- "Papa." She also said "Ram-ma" a couple of times. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCM4_AJ7ZWqKa43ByV3kswcXGut4IanRwFvaim5KX1h_RlQPZABMLGx6QA15j-nSSh21xYgm7NY1MtEbLZUbOz8im4l9Qofp9ndc89pln1xMjXflniR_jW0zno7rLSN5qfbtBjoxNZZKV/s1600/IMG_0131.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCM4_AJ7ZWqKa43ByV3kswcXGut4IanRwFvaim5KX1h_RlQPZABMLGx6QA15j-nSSh21xYgm7NY1MtEbLZUbOz8im4l9Qofp9ndc89pln1xMjXflniR_jW0zno7rLSN5qfbtBjoxNZZKV/s320/IMG_0131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700561845344068882" /></a><br /></div><div>On New Years' Eve we headed over to a friends' house where there were 3 toddlers present and celebrated "Baby New Years" at 7 pm with the folks over in England. Isla, Owen, and Truman loved the sparking cider.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4560506812421645579.post-49160580580130040982011-11-21T19:19:00.000-08:002012-01-22T12:34:34.940-08:00Chicago in November<div>I made a spur of the moment visit to Chicago the weekend prior to Thanksgiving this year to visit my friend Elizabeth. Liz has 2 girls- 23 month old Maggie and 6 month old Isabel. Here's Isla and Maggie on our Girls' Breakfast morning walk.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8Y7me8jn1N21fSjjM54kE70fp49WLIr4NFsRKupdSoufmpsgpLQ3nHWafpw_gquGvaocLKm5UijfOzZqvPgbbdwtLJJM7dZ5_8GSO5HjlgAK_JNI2UD9j7YQ3sqqA0Uq851f_KmoYSeg/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8Y7me8jn1N21fSjjM54kE70fp49WLIr4NFsRKupdSoufmpsgpLQ3nHWafpw_gquGvaocLKm5UijfOzZqvPgbbdwtLJJM7dZ5_8GSO5HjlgAK_JNI2UD9j7YQ3sqqA0Uq851f_KmoYSeg/s320/IMG_0053.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700554454803315858" /></a>This trip marked a first for me- first time traveling by plane with Isla on my own. Jason was on a business trip and met us in Chicago. Non-stop travel with Isla is definitely doable. We spent a lot of time hangin' out inside and letting the girls play. Below is a photo of Isla and me, Liz and her 2 girls, and Jenny and Ellie. This is the best we could get for a group shot. <div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94IhUCaRjnkVq77mPlR28Rse6wGG4QFlILdfa9CBVi2VprsqQdlzAZtuGipzujP0NKSnjXPQI3I9iJgvFQmXeOB1gAgD1hbCy4zS0yH3OzdqYyzNaZOpZC8av9PtzPRRG-HlHkHkH2T02/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94IhUCaRjnkVq77mPlR28Rse6wGG4QFlILdfa9CBVi2VprsqQdlzAZtuGipzujP0NKSnjXPQI3I9iJgvFQmXeOB1gAgD1hbCy4zS0yH3OzdqYyzNaZOpZC8av9PtzPRRG-HlHkHkH2T02/s320/IMG_0059.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700554442429705586" /></a>We made an exciting trip to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, which included adventures with strollers on the bus. Below Maggie and Isla discuss butterflies in the butterfly room.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffGd3seyh1LgMao9yiWbT9d2_f5lLYR10dNQ3MycKzrxg5OvD6p3EVPHe2YyKQpGNXM9yvNoAQVkbYBM60e8eWexak4R6_BVfepr-nhL2j8lirgVGzaNP7dAak0WLg1l13xruQn9p3VPi/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffGd3seyh1LgMao9yiWbT9d2_f5lLYR10dNQ3MycKzrxg5OvD6p3EVPHe2YyKQpGNXM9yvNoAQVkbYBM60e8eWexak4R6_BVfepr-nhL2j8lirgVGzaNP7dAak0WLg1l13xruQn9p3VPi/s320/IMG_0069.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700554442697881682" /></a>This picture is just so sweet to me, because if you compare the photo directly below to the last photo of Liz and I- Maggie is just about a 1/2 head talker than Isla, as Liz is to me.<br /><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2HVO2wNg1go_a4P_QeHltN4KJG1qtNi7Xo104sioueyD4pl8Lr91c8w_NfnZiMBi7zfKsoBRmzY9qdaAxJQbUL9KeGbdWO-WuU7Y_i9vX0q9wfwR2VRv5hstxyRE0-eVMLnIcntgnFcU/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2HVO2wNg1go_a4P_QeHltN4KJG1qtNi7Xo104sioueyD4pl8Lr91c8w_NfnZiMBi7zfKsoBRmzY9qdaAxJQbUL9KeGbdWO-WuU7Y_i9vX0q9wfwR2VRv5hstxyRE0-eVMLnIcntgnFcU/s400/IMG_0073.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700553251504771314" /><br /></a></div><div>On this trip I also got to see my friend Megan who helped us out on the big trip to the museum. Megan makes everything fun. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWwZuy5oLylBO9goeytLQ0ZT1mauDld7E_k0F7rdmXetdYQgGBbv5ejL10_08jYs36fRmBQ8chZcrlUHjrcAjlYK5AGuglR6CADL7_371HMhHy-M6O0OC5g5LqQA5MG2TECf1ge3asWeW/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWwZuy5oLylBO9goeytLQ0ZT1mauDld7E_k0F7rdmXetdYQgGBbv5ejL10_08jYs36fRmBQ8chZcrlUHjrcAjlYK5AGuglR6CADL7_371HMhHy-M6O0OC5g5LqQA5MG2TECf1ge3asWeW/s400/IMG_0075.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700553238934130274" /></a>I also got to spend some time with my brother Jon who lives in Chicago, but we did not photograph him. So many friends and brother to see in Chicago- I must go back again soon!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJEvlBMFWdHkozUj-tpLh_6oBGlxe3lnJCq94X8C9qeoPy67Y7Y6gSj_1ZhRHzdGC7mF32LGXFYYRs2fe3_wK3__0bvrZ6w-JCb0nwQZYe3f1WjDdbuldHU943tNnq3m4nZToMXCEkPDq/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJEvlBMFWdHkozUj-tpLh_6oBGlxe3lnJCq94X8C9qeoPy67Y7Y6gSj_1ZhRHzdGC7mF32LGXFYYRs2fe3_wK3__0bvrZ6w-JCb0nwQZYe3f1WjDdbuldHU943tNnq3m4nZToMXCEkPDq/s400/IMG_0077.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700553234892310530" /></a><br /></div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00338408044223741712noreply@blogger.com0