"Picture Perfect"

As you can see, we finally got our pumpkins! The weekend was beautiful. Yesterday we had our family picture taken outside in a park. Lily came, too. It was a lot to manage, but most of us did a good job. I didn't especially want to sit down when asked and at times I didn't want Mom or Dad to sit down, but our photographer was great and worked with us.

Then in the afternoon after my nap, we went to a farm to pick my pumpkins. Mom has been waiting and waiting for a nice fall day to do this. We got out there and it was beautiful. Then Mom went to take a picture of me picking out my pumpkin and "uh-oh" we didn't have the memory card in the camera (after trying to get our computer fixed during my nap it was still in the card reader at home!) We had a great time nonetheless. We got our pumpkins, visted the petting zoo and played in some play houses. I wasn't tall enough for the pony rides yet- 2 inches shy of the cowboy's hat. Then we ate some kettle corn and drank some water . . . and then on the way home it all came up again, if you know what I mean. Thankfully, Mom was in the backseat so she was able to contain the situation, but it was still gross. I've been under the weather since then, but made a comeback this afternoon.

After a long nap we carved and decorated my pumpkins. I liked drawing on them with markers the best. Lily tried to help, too. So now that we have them decorated we're all set for Halloween. I've been practicing my "trick or treat" and I am excited to wear my costume. I will send photos tomorrow.

Photos

Dad got our computer/photo problem worked out, so we added the photos to the last few weeks' posts. We'll have more tomorrow.

No Pumpkins Yet . . .

Yesterday I went to Gym class in the morning and Mommy got to see me in action. She was impressed with how quickly I could get around!

Then we went to a wedding that was about an hour away. Mom & Dad had hoped I would sleep in the car, but that did not happen and then we got lost in this small town and walked into the church 1 minute before the wedding started. Once the ceremony began I was quite vocal and sitting in an echoey part of the church. Everything I did and said sounded very loud to Mom and Dad! Dad's favorite moment was when he and I were out in the vestibule and I saw a poster about a Notre Dame weekend trip and I pointed and said "Football."

Today we planned to go get pumpkins but the weather wasn't very nice. We went to this little farm by our old apartment and ended up looking at their sheep and goats, but decided to buy our pumpkins next weekend. Hope we get them before Hallowen!

In other news, I told Daddy I wanted to go "pee pee" today and when he put me on the potty I went! That was a big deal. We work on it at school (and I get a chocolate chip when I try), but now that I seem to be understanding it we're going to really start working on it at home, too.

Visit with Jamma

I had a terrific visit with Jamma, while Mommy & Daddy were away at a wedding in Connecticut and then off to New York for two days. We played outside a lot and took tons of walks. I think we were at the playground every day while she was here.

Boppy, you will be happy to know that I wouldn't call her anything either! When she would ask if her name was "Jamma" I would shake my head and laugh saying "Noooooo!"

On Saturday we went to a Gymboree class and I didn't stand still for a minute. I haven't been to gym class since last winter so it was a huge difference for me. Last time I was just learning to walk and now I run everywhere! I loved the trampoline and it was circle day so we had hoops and rings to play with. And I think I did some sort of leg lift exercise!

Later that day Great Uncle JJ and Great Aunt SuSu came for an overnight visit. It was great to see them.

The only bad part of my visit was when Jamma took me for my flu shot. She said Mommy scheduled this on purpose so she was the mean one! To counteract that she took me out for an ice cream! And the photographic evidence indicates that I may have had an ice cream cone and a sundae?

I talked to Mommy and Daddy several times a day while they were gone and said a lot of "Hi!" "Hi!" "Hi!" I missed them, but I loved having Jamma here. We miss you, Jamma.

Yellow is back!

One of the most exciting things about my weekend was that I got a new box of crayons and the color yellow returned to my life. We lost yellow from the old set several months ago and my artwork hasn't been the same since. As soon as we opened the new box, I yelled "Yellow!" and grabbed it.

Besides my continued love of coloring, my other favorite thing to do is wash my hands. I got a new step stool for my bathroom so I can stand there and wash my own hands and brush my teeth.

It was kind of gloomy here this weekend-- not the beautiful fall days we have been waiting for. We took some walks and played outside, but it was chilly. On Sunday we went to a big festival and I ate some yummy food. My favorites were polish sausage and funnel cake with powdered sugar.

Jamma arrives from Canada this week for a visit. I can't wait!

Grandma & Poppy

We had a nice visit with Poppy and Grandma this weekend. I say Grandma, because I decided both Poppy and Boppy refer to Grandpa. So I guess we're still working on what I am going to call Grandma. Poppy and Dad had their golf outing on Friday and I spent the day with Grandma. When Mom was done with work the three of us went to pick up my new school shoes and went out to dinner. On Saturday we played a lot and I checked out my new toy bin. I thought it was terrific that I could fit in it and was shouting "Wee Wee Wee" and laughing and smiling. Then, all of a sudden, I thought I was stuck!

We went out to a dairy farm and I saw the goats and we had ice cream. I am in love with pumpkin ice cream. I think I ate a whole double scoop cone myself. I would not let go of Mommy's cone. And then Poppy showed how much he loves me and gave me the bottom part of his cone and I liked the chocolate ice cream, too. I just kept licking and licking. Last night we went to a bar to watch the Notre Dame game with the local alumni group. I was very sociable for the first quarter then I came home with Poppy and Grandma. Another victory for the Irish!

This afternoon I helped Mom & Dad make peanut butter cookies. I rolled the dough into balls and then helped make criss-crosses with a fork and sprinkled sugar on them. Then I licked all the sugar off my hands and helped sweep all the sugar off the floor. Tonight at dinner I made Lily the happiest dog in the world by giving her half my cookie. That dog loves peanut butter!

My favorite activity this week is drawing with crayons. I like to trace people's hands and have them trace mine. When I am done I collect all my papers and fold them up in a box and then when I color again, I have to unpack them all and lay them out. My other new trick is undressing in my crib during naptime. This has resulted in a few messy situations so Mom & Dad are working on outsmarting me on this one.

First Day Report

I had a good first day in the Two's class. Both Mom & Dad took me to school today. I was a little hesitant at first and cried when Daddy left. I eased into things with a breakfast snack, but when Mom stood up, I pointed next to me and said "Sit!" By the time she left my favorite friend Jessica had arrived (pronounced Jess-ca to me) and I felt more comfortable.

I received a good report and got check marks for: was a kind friend, was a big helper, participated in class learning, was active, kept hands/feet to myself, was a good listener. The only thing that wasn't checked was "was quiet." We're not sure if we want that box checked or not. We'll have to ask tomorrow.

Movin' On Up

Friday was my last day in the Ones Room. Dad likes to say I got "called up" (like in hockey). Here I am with my teacher Ms. Dottie and friend Cole (not my boyfriend). The teachers say I am ready for Twos and I do great in the room and like all the new toys. Our only concern is that they do not use bibs at lunchtime. Boy, is my wardrobe going to take a beating . . .

Daddy was away this weekend, so Mommy and I did girl stuff, like buy shoes. Before he left I watched some cartoons with him and as soon as he got home Sunday afternoon I told him to "sit" and assumed the same position to watch football with him.

I am saying more words this week and even some small sentences like "I sit." I like to sing "Rockabye Baby." I sing "Rock, rock, rock" and swing my arms side to side. Mommy sings it to me at night and when she's done I say "Yeah" and clap and then say "More?" Mom doesn't get many requests for more of her singing, so she gladly sings it again and again.
My hair is now long enough for some funny little pig tails. I don't sit still long, so this is about as good as it gets!

Grandma and Grandpa (Boppy & Poppy) come to visit this weekend. Can't wait.

Go Irish

"Go Iwish!" That's what I learned to say this weekend. Unfortunately, though, my cheers didn't help us get the win over Michigan State. I had a terrific time tailgating with my parents, grandparents, Great Aunt Suzie and Great Uncle Johnny and their MSU-crazed friends, Barbie and Barry. Mom's ND friends Meg and Sarah also joined us. Of course I wanted to be on the move so it took a lot of hands to keep me corralled.

I was pretty much Grandpa's girl this weekend and was happy as long as he was the one holding me (and a little taste of licorice didn't hurt either). Grandma worked her magic and got me to fall asleep in my stroller for a bit, which helped me make it through the tailgate. Mom & Dad had a great time at the game, while I went home with Grandma and Grandpa. I also got to visit with Great Aunt Sharon, so I had a busy day and was asleep by the time Mom & Dad got home from the game through all the traffic.

On Sunday we hit the ND bookstore and walked around campus. I had a terrific time chasing the squirrels and offering them acorns. I also found a great place to collect some rocks.

As of Saturday I decided to call Grandpa "Poppy" and it looks like Grandma may be called "Boppy" so they coordinate. After all of the activity I was exhausted on the way home Sunday and only managed a 20 minute nap in the car. I am sure it will take a few days to recover.

Temper Tantrum

I had my first world-class temper tantrum last night. After dinner I told Mom & Dad that I wanted to go "outside" as I often do. We briefly played in the yard and then I started jogging down the sidewalk with Mom & Dad following along. I fell and scraped my knees, which did not concern me in the least, but Mom wanted to clean them up. When they picked me up to carry me back home, I cried and cried and said "outside" and pointed at the park across the street. Once we got in the house and my shoes were removed I was really mad. I cried and cried and yelled "outside" some more. I would not let Mom & Dad undress me for my bath because that meant I was really not going back outside. Mom & Dad just let me go on and on and they actually got the giggles when I stood in front of my closet for 5 minutes alternating between saying "shoes" and "outside." I wrestled for all I was worth when they tried to get me into my PJs. Finally I wanted Mom to hold me and I got settled down, but the episode lasted for about 45 minutes. Fun times ahead!

Vist with Aunt Jen & Uncle Billy

I got caught up with Aunt Jen and Uncle Billy this weekend. I haven't seen them since late April so they thought I was a lot bigger. They also said I was funny- especially my dancing. I threw out a few moves that had them laughing so hard they were crying. We had a fun visit and Mom & Dad enjoyed having extra chasers on hand. Shortly before they left I was able to say "Aunt Jen" and then I cried big crocodile tears when they drove away.

I am saying more words. I love "outside" and "sit" but I also say several of my classmates names and the other day when Mom was singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" after she sang "How I wonder what you are" I said "Up Above" and have repeated it several times. I also said "bless you" after Mom sneezed and yesterday was able to repeat "Irish." Speaking of the Irish, we were thrilled with Notre Dame's victory over Michigan!

The big news at school is that I am moving up to the twos room early. Some of my favorite friends are now in that room and I love the toys over there. Plus some of the younger kids that have joined my room seem too young for me to play with. When I see them I point and say "baby."

Midwestern Girl

I have been busy over the long weekend doing my favorite summer things like swimming and going to the park and eating the last of the summer foods like watermelon and corn on the cob. I have gotten to be a pro with the later.

Saturday we focused on cheering for Notre Dame. Dad is busy training me to enjoy college football. We ordered pizza and wore our ND gear. The game was on late and went long, so I couldn't stay up for it, but I heard Mom & Dad cheering and they whispered the score to me in my crib.

Today we went to a big parade and I loved it. I saw dogs, horses, balloons, flags and got to wave at a lot of people and dance to the marching band music. We lasted about an hour and fifteen minutes and then I was exhausted. I didn't want to be in my stroller much and only wanted Dad to hold me, so Dad's arm got quite a workout.

School Days

You may be wondering what I do at school each day. We leave a disposable camera at school and just got the latest one developed.





According to the photographic evidence, here's what I've been up to:

* being silly
* eating snacks & being silly
* playing dress up
* doing art projects
* napping

Aside from my antics shown here there are some other funny pictures. In one I am sticking vanilla wafers between my toes. In another I have my bum stuck in a bucket. Then there's a whole series of me standing on things- the table, the slide, various toys. No wonder I am the queen of the accident reports! There is also a picture of me hugging my friend Jesica (whose name I can say!) and another one of me holding Dillon's hands (but he is not my boyfriend).