Introducing . . .

Now that she is almost three, Evelyn has reached the rank of pet owner.  A couple of days ago, I took the kids to a pet shop so that Evelyn could choose a fish.  I tried to really "talk up" the beta fish-- they were all packaged to go in small glass bowls and looked very low-maintenance.  She was unimpressed by their solitude.  Evelyn decided on a fancy goldfish with a white body and orange face.  We chose a nice little tank with a filter and Evelyn picked out colorful rocks (blue, like the ocean) and artificial plants.  She also added a miniature eiffel tour, but only because none of the castles would fit in our tank. 

Dorothy, or-- as I am inclined to say-- Dotty, is everything I can handle in a pet.  She is silent, easily contained, and brings joy and pride to my little girl.  Score!  Evelyn gets to feed her pet and turn on and off her light at various times of the day.  Evie also talks to Dorothy and shows off her art projects.  Perhaps the best thing about goldfish is that they are fantastic listeners.  And Evelyn certainly has a lot to say.

A shark!  No, it's just Henry, hoping for some goldfish action.

First Kiss on a Friday

Henry has learned a few new "tricks."  Some are dangerous (see below) while others are purely adorable.  In the heart-melting category, Henry can now shake his head "no" and say "uh uh" and he tries to blow kisses.  He is very good at blowing out.  He also learned to give a kiss.  I was the lucky (and happy) recipient.

Henry climbed up the step stool and hoisted himself onto the hallway bathroom's counter.  He then crawled into the sink.

Almost A Break

It's amazing how much one's perspective can change when deprived of sleep and any semblance of personal space.  I scurried off to the dentist today with a smile on my face.  Yes, I knew that I would need at least three shots and I really don't like them.  I also really don't like the sound of a drill coming from inside my mouth.  Still, my dentist does offer digital TV. 

What would I like to watch?  I had no idea what was on since, if it isn't Mr. Roger's re-runs or an occasional Caillou, we rarely watch TV before 9 PM.  I watched a retired couple look for a second home on HGTV.  It wasn't the worst way to spend an hour. 

Mama Cooks: First Day of Summer!

We're enjoying some gorgeous summer weather in our corner of the country, and what better way to ring in the season than with dinner outdoors? 

On the menu tonight:

• Halibut:  pan seared for two or three minutes (black pepper, kosher salt, olive oil) and baked for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.  Squeeze fresh lemon juice to taste.
• Jasmine Rice
• Simple Vegetable Stir-fry:  swiss chard, carrots, celery, garlic, onion, oil, ginger, salt, pepper, tamari sauce to taste. 

 Add in a tired baby, a heaping helping of energetic little girl, and a glass of Prosecco.  Cheers!

I Couldn't Have Imagined . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This beautiful boy. I knew I would love him, but I had no idea how much.

Henry at One Year: The Whirlwind!

You've probably noticed that the bulk of my posts in recent weeks is of the photographic variety.  This is no accident.  Henry, newly one year old, requires constant attention.  This is certainly normal baby-becoming-toddler behavior.  He wants to engage with me, point at things, try out words, read books of his own choosing, play with Evelyn in ways that require a little physical help, and practice walking.  Oh yes, and he also wants to be outside as often and for as long as possible.  Henry is avid grass/pine cone/ dirt eater.  And, like his sister before him, he has reached the stage of the Car seat Olympian.  Back-arching and ear-piercing screams are his specialty when Henry does not want to do something.  This little guy means business!  Bribes rarely work (I've tried handing him toys, books, snacks while buckling him in, but he is no fool).

Henry is now twenty pounds and about twenty-nine inches tall.  He has eight teeth (four on top, four on the bottom) and he loves using them to eat all manner of food (and outdoor objects, see above).  Recently, Henry has discovered that blueberries are scrumptious.  He also likes coconut yogurt, peaches, pears, brown rice pasta, kidney beans, and chicken.  Avocados are still a favorite.  For his birthday, he enjoyed a fruit tart topped with blueberries and he thought it was quite good-- we also got one for Evelyn and she told us that it was delicious.  The cutest sight:  Evelyn and Henry "blowing" out candles together.  Henry just learned to blow and he does it the same way his sister does. . . he tucks in his lower lip and makes an exaggerated "fff" sound.  Happy Birthday, Henry! 

Henry's Take: Chattanooga Trip

Frozen coconut bars really hit the spot when it is 97 degrees outside!

Shape sorters are very exciting for Henry right now.  He played with this at least a dozen times each day.

Henry had a fever on-and-off throughout the week (thank you, airplane germs!), so he spent a lot of time in my arms.

"I wear my sunglasses at night . . . "

Henry and the dog leash.

Henry at the Children's Museum.  He enjoyed taking the little trucks from this exhibit and tossing them on the floor, one by one.

Evelyn's Take: Chattanooga Trip

Let's cook!

Evelyn by Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain

Evelyn's first fish!  A sunfish (still alive and happy in the river).

Evelyn goes kayaking!

Ready to head home! 

Happy Birthday, Henry!

One year ago, the sweetest little boy came into this world.

Art Projects!

While Henry slept, Evelyn and I built a house.



Evelyn decided that our house was really a tree house-- with a light fixture.



Bed, blanket, curtains . . . she has an eye for detail.