Today in the grocery store Annabel demanded a $4-per-pound yellow pepper in the produce bins, which we figure was a worthwhile investment in her education of good eating. As soon as she got home, she fished it out of the bag and demanded to get up into her highchair. ... We were barely able to convice her to wash it before she commensed chomping away as if it were an apple. What a sweet treat!
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Sunday, September 18, 2005
She's legal now ... 21 months old!
Annabel turned the big 2-1 today, and to commemorate the auspicious occasion we took a ride on the big kids' swing. All I did was set her on and she did the rest. In short order she was swinging gently to and fro. It was a good turn, although it was shortlived. As soon as she started playing the "look ma, no hands" game we had to move along to the slide.
Yesterday she spent a few hours at her friend Maya's birthday party. Maya turned two Saturday and had a wonderful birthday party at the Berkshire South Community Center. Annabel took a while warming up to the children and the games ... she directed ME to fingerpaint for her, which was cute. ... "No mommy. BLUE."
Yesterday she spent a few hours at her friend Maya's birthday party. Maya turned two Saturday and had a wonderful birthday party at the Berkshire South Community Center. Annabel took a while warming up to the children and the games ... she directed ME to fingerpaint for her, which was cute. ... "No mommy. BLUE."
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Shhh! Dad's working
Let's face it ... She doesn't want us to eat, work or try and get comfortable. It's all about her right now. Trying to sit down with a bowl of ice cream at the end of a rough day is like playing with fire. She immediately hones in on the offending dish and demands it be put "down." Unless, of course, it's a flavor that tickles her fancy. The current flavor fav is vanilla. But she recently found the sour delights of lemon sorbet. After the first scrunch-faced expression of the initial teaspoonful it was 'More, more, more."
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Fighting clean
I couldn't help but share this picture. Annabel is wearing a vintage dress from her Auntie Sarah's collection as she battles the vacuum cleaner. She actually likes to chase it around the room, following the light and the noise. She's a really getting involved in helping. She loves to help wipe up spills and sweep things into the dustbin. I can't believe how fast she's growing. She asked me tonight to tell her the difference between a bee and a ladybug. She was so cute, bringing my finger to the pictures in her book. Back and forth. Giggling with delight when I showed her each bug.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
The last straw ...
BERRY. Mmmmm, even good enough for sharing with the farmers at the Farmers' Market. Has it ever been a whirlwind morning! Annabel helped pick out produce at the market, and then came home and helped clean the house for when Tierney comes to babysit when dad and I attend a family wedding this evening. It's going to be so exciting and she doesn't even know it. ... "TeeTee" is her all-time FAVORITE person. I suppose we should start the betting now for when Annabel will be going to sleep tonight. My guess is sometime around seconds after Tierney goes home.
Ammended: I was right ... she went to bed about 10 minutes after Tierney left the building.
By the way, the wedding was beautiful ... here's a glimpse.
Ammended: I was right ... she went to bed about 10 minutes after Tierney left the building.
By the way, the wedding was beautiful ... here's a glimpse.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Swing kids
Last weekend we took a trip up to Vermont for a Labor Day "cook-in" at Great Aunt Denise's house. We stayed overnight and had a great adventure. Annabel also had lots of fun visiting with her cousins, playing with their toys and exploring their "Space ship." They introduced her to a new favorite cartoon -- Power Puff Girls. She especially got a kick out of Emmett, who was just a bundle of giggles and a font of kung fu action. Finn, her other cousin, was a little too fast to be captured in this lens, however. It was like trying to photograph Superhero Flash Gordon. Perhaps the toy camera was better able to capture the action. We'll have to wait for the film to develop.
and here he his; the one, the only, SuperBoy Finn!! as caught in motion by the super-de-dooper toy camera:
and here he his; the one, the only, SuperBoy Finn!! as caught in motion by the super-de-dooper toy camera:
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Pop goes the weasle
Our daughter is hooked on pop culture -- literally and figuratively. There's her obsession with popscicles: She yells 'POP' at top volume when we confuse the demand with Papa, her other preoccupation. Everytime he leaves a room, whether she had been paying him any attention at all, she scampers after him yelling 'POP' with a ferrocity we seldom ever see otherwise.
Of course we are also marveling at her facination with Barney; Nemo ("MEmo"); Ernie; "baby Ernie" (a smaller verson of her favorite Sesame Street pal); "Elmo," her on-again-off-again old flame; and "Woody," everyone's favorite cowboy from Toy Story.
She's even demanding we sing TMBG's "Bed, Bed, Bed," song every morning and evening in the car.
Of course we are also marveling at her facination with Barney; Nemo ("MEmo"); Ernie; "baby Ernie" (a smaller verson of her favorite Sesame Street pal); "Elmo," her on-again-off-again old flame; and "Woody," everyone's favorite cowboy from Toy Story.
She's even demanding we sing TMBG's "Bed, Bed, Bed," song every morning and evening in the car.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Smile
Annabel is so cute and serene in this photograph it's hard to imagine that this same cherubic child can turn on a dime and burst out with a monumental meltdown when things don't go her way. To be more specific: She likes things stacked or in rows (mostly in rows, one item deep and consistently spaced). She is also a stickler for putting things where they belong. If you don't usually wear glasses, she will demand you take them off in her presence. And don't even think about putting that blue Playdough in with the yellow if she's watching. Of course, there are those times when the yellow Playdough HAS to go in with the blue, but that's a whole different can of beans.
Speaking of BEANS. We went to the L.L. variety in Freeport last week while we were in Maine. We didn't purchase anything, but Annabel had a BALL running up and down the aisle of winter coat racks, calling out colors. Greeee ... BLU ... YEL-YO ... RAY ... Mostly she's getting them right.
Speaking of BEANS. We went to the L.L. variety in Freeport last week while we were in Maine. We didn't purchase anything, but Annabel had a BALL running up and down the aisle of winter coat racks, calling out colors. Greeee ... BLU ... YEL-YO ... RAY ... Mostly she's getting them right.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
The big TWO- OH
Annabel is 20 months old. In addition to regaling us with three-word sentences and using the word 'no' as if it were the key to the universe, she is still very much a teeter-toddler. Her gait is enchantingly awkward, especially when she tries to run toward or away from something. The event is so cute I can't help but watch instead of shoot. I also need to make a more converted effort to taperecord her speech. It's so cute with its little whistle pitch as it rambles along.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Happy Birthday, Dad!
We celebrated Jed's 35th birthday last week in Maine. Don't let the shy girl in the crook of her daddy's arms fool you. She had fun with the cake! It was a whole week of festivities: hanging out with the Cleary clan, catching up with her new cousin Elliott and getting even more familiar with the beach. She even said her first three-word phrase. Mommy NO; Down! We've learned that keeping her from the surf can be a no-no.
She also asked for TMBG's 'Bed, Bed, Bed' by name, started to sing and dance, got to meet a bunch of new people and played the name game with Sarah.
She also asked for TMBG's 'Bed, Bed, Bed' by name, started to sing and dance, got to meet a bunch of new people and played the name game with Sarah.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Daddy's girl
The dog days of August are upon us, and with the end of summer comes some shuffling of vacations and schedules and such. Lori is away with friends for the week so Annabel is spending a much-anticipated week with daddy. In addition to the usual naps, readings and playthings, Annibel is enjoying visiting mommy at work for lunch, area museums and pretty much every ice cream shop from Albany to Chatham!
She's beginning every day by saying DADDY, YAY!
Another first today. Annabel actually talked to me on the phone. (She usually says NO and pushes the phone away whenever someone tries to hand it to her for a chat.) She said hi, and proceeded to listen as I spoke to her. When I asked her if she and daddy were having fun she said Daddy, mama, and babbled a little bit. She then answered yes and no questions, and crossed her heart (according to Jed) to say she loved me.
She's beginning every day by saying DADDY, YAY!
Another first today. Annabel actually talked to me on the phone. (She usually says NO and pushes the phone away whenever someone tries to hand it to her for a chat.) She said hi, and proceeded to listen as I spoke to her. When I asked her if she and daddy were having fun she said Daddy, mama, and babbled a little bit. She then answered yes and no questions, and crossed her heart (according to Jed) to say she loved me.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Sharp and sly
The musical expression of Annabel's lexicon expansion over the last few DAYS can be summed up in ONE WORD, and is explained quite nicely in our favorite They Might Be Giants song:
"No plus no equals no, all roads lead to no, no, no. Fingers pointing, eyebrows low, mouth in the shape of the letter O. Red means stop, do not go ... NO, NO, NO."
Although every question is now answered in NOs, it is apparent that she has a much wider vocabulary and some very strong desires. She knows what she wants and will sometimes lose herself and actually regress to saying 'Aya' when she really wants something such as ice cream or broccoli. (Two great tastes that apparently taste great together).
She also has a delightful impish look that says she's trying to play tricks on us. She still loves 'sneaking up on momma. She's still sparing with the public displays of affection: there aren't many hugs and kisses for mom and dad, but there are plenty of tender moments for Elmo, Ernie and Lambie. She is also fond enough of the dogs to call them by name (it sounds like MAY for both Maddy and Maggie) and give them brief hugs and pets while she sighs a little sigh of affection.
"No plus no equals no, all roads lead to no, no, no. Fingers pointing, eyebrows low, mouth in the shape of the letter O. Red means stop, do not go ... NO, NO, NO."
Although every question is now answered in NOs, it is apparent that she has a much wider vocabulary and some very strong desires. She knows what she wants and will sometimes lose herself and actually regress to saying 'Aya' when she really wants something such as ice cream or broccoli. (Two great tastes that apparently taste great together).
She also has a delightful impish look that says she's trying to play tricks on us. She still loves 'sneaking up on momma. She's still sparing with the public displays of affection: there aren't many hugs and kisses for mom and dad, but there are plenty of tender moments for Elmo, Ernie and Lambie. She is also fond enough of the dogs to call them by name (it sounds like MAY for both Maddy and Maggie) and give them brief hugs and pets while she sighs a little sigh of affection.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Beach bums
I've been remiss in keeping up with all of Annabel's doings of late, but, as you can see, we've been lolling on the beachs of Kennebunk for the past week. Annabel has loved the ocean and delights in making her careful way into the surf. She holds our hands, and asks to be picked up and put down with the rhythm and grace of a yo-yo. Best of all was seeing Ama every morning. Ama, Yay! was her morning mantra as soon as she heard the floorboards creak overhead.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Vintage
Ama broke out this little frock last week. It's a dress she bought for $18 from the Peerless store in Troy, N.Y. nearly four decades ago. She estimates that the cost in today's prices would be about $140. Annabel seemed to think it was worth tooting her horn about.
It's strange how a little dress made of cotton and ribbon can make your heart all aflutter. When Annabel was first born, we had dressed her in the footed zips and other things Jed's mother had saved. It was sweet that she was wearing some of the same things that her father had worn, especially when there were photographs of old to prove the connection. I had been feeling a little sad that my mother had turned most of our best dresses into ornaments for the church Christmas bazaars. The proceeds may have gone to a good cause, but I was sad that none of my hand-me-downs would proceed. I can't tell you how nice it was to see this pale blue dress make its way into the fold.
It's strange how a little dress made of cotton and ribbon can make your heart all aflutter. When Annabel was first born, we had dressed her in the footed zips and other things Jed's mother had saved. It was sweet that she was wearing some of the same things that her father had worn, especially when there were photographs of old to prove the connection. I had been feeling a little sad that my mother had turned most of our best dresses into ornaments for the church Christmas bazaars. The proceeds may have gone to a good cause, but I was sad that none of my hand-me-downs would proceed. I can't tell you how nice it was to see this pale blue dress make its way into the fold.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Gotta boo-boo?
Annabel is getting quite a charge out of getting her boo-boos fixed with kisses and Band-aids. After falling off the picnic table and the playground and landing on her little face (no obvious cuts or bruises) I kissed the top of her head only to be told with various 'NO, no, nos,' that I had gotten the wrong place. She didn't give up until I kissed the ACTUAL injury site: her cheek. When we got home she also wanted a Band-aid after watching Jed affix one to his own thumb (I won't elaborate on that boo-boo). Since she wasn't actually marked from her misstep at the playground I tried to put the colorful Seasame Street bandage on her knee where she could see it ... 'NO NO NO NO NO.
Pointing to her cheek.
This doesn't keep her from pretending, though. She was happy to help me with my non-existent boo-boo, too.
Pointing to her cheek.
This doesn't keep her from pretending, though. She was happy to help me with my non-existent boo-boo, too.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Bottoms up
What a big girl she is! This morning she even drank juice from a real glass. It was a small, thick-bottomed water glass -- pinched perhaps from a Canadian hotel many moons ago -- and accomplished under careful observation, but she sucked down the orange juice, replaced the glass on the table and wiped her mouth with a napkin like a pro.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Sweet Nineteen
Annabel is nineteen months old today! She is doing all the things a baby her age would be doing: She is starting to say more words and even adding small phrases, she is enjoying running away from us as we chase her, and she is THRILLED with being able to hold things in one hand and manipulate them with the other.
She is so smart it's frighening. Tonight we let her watch Mosters Inc. for a little while before bedtime but I couldn't find the clicker. As I was walking around the living room like a chicken with my head cut off, Annabel calmly found the remote control, held it up and said Ma. Mam. Mama ... MA! until I finally looked up at her an noticed what she was trying to show me.
She giggled like mad.
She is so smart it's frighening. Tonight we let her watch Mosters Inc. for a little while before bedtime but I couldn't find the clicker. As I was walking around the living room like a chicken with my head cut off, Annabel calmly found the remote control, held it up and said Ma. Mam. Mama ... MA! until I finally looked up at her an noticed what she was trying to show me.
She giggled like mad.
Sleeping beauty
Just to give you a sneek peek ... This is Annabel at 12 a.m. on the morning she turns 19 months old. It always amazes me how she moves herself all around (and through) her crib and doesn't wake up.
She is just such a wonderful and fun little bean to watch, even when she's sleeping.
She is just such a wonderful and fun little bean to watch, even when she's sleeping.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Muwaaa aa aa aa!
Simple pleasures are often the best. Art Omi's annual open day was today and Annabel got a chance to do a little bit of artwork of her own at the breakfast table. The centerpieces were Styrofoam heads and two Sharpies on the table. The idea was to draw your own designs on the form. Annable chose the stipple effect. It was grand as you can tell from the expression on her little face.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
The wanderer
She gets really busy after her big nap of the day and wants to see and do just about everything. Today we went to Tierney's pool party (I was a chaperone) and Annabel had a wonderful time walking around the deck and in and out of the gate. She also enjoyed playing with ice cubes sitting in her new little chair at her new little table. When Tierney took her in swimming, well, she was just over the moon.
Annabel is starting to venture forth just a little bit. She's knows we're watching and she's ready for the chase. After she had climbed the little grass hill outside the gate she turned around and came back, walking faster than she had planned she put on the brakes and said: "WHOA!"
Annabel is starting to venture forth just a little bit. She's knows we're watching and she's ready for the chase. After she had climbed the little grass hill outside the gate she turned around and came back, walking faster than she had planned she put on the brakes and said: "WHOA!"
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