On safari

on safari
Originally uploaded by toyfoto.

Annabel has been more vocal lately. She is trying to say people's names and asking for things she wants. She calls her friend Elias (at Lori's house) "Lia." She is also speaking into the phone a little more frequently. Still her words are sparse and she reverts to pointing as grunting when she's tired.
Lately she's even been asking to go to bed when it's time, she even takes her flouride drops without much fuss.

The creeping crud

impetigo
Originally uploaded by toyfoto.

In doctors' circles it's better known as impetigo, an infection of the skin caused by either staff or strep bacteria. We're still waiting for the results of a culture to see which one she has. In the meantime she's been on antibiotics for a few days and is S-L-O-W-L-Y regaining her vim and viggor. For the past several days the pustules on her face have increased and her energy decreased. A high fever after the erruptions was a tip off, according to the doctors.

Holy Toast

holytoast
Originally uploaded by toyfoto.

I couldn't help putting these two photographs together as diptychs, (beginning yet another obsession). She had lined up her animal cracker pieces on Jed's new couch, pushing them into the down cusions as if willing them to stay. Later, she found her reflection in mirror quite appealing and spent a little time in front of it watching koalas and camels disappear. Earlier she had played keep-away from herself with the new soccer ball Jed gave her.

Today, though, she isn't feeling well. She's been struggling with a cold for several days and lately it seems to be getting the better of her. She's lethargic today, wanting to just lie around watching Elmo and her other Seasame Street friends. I hope she will feel better tomorrow, otherwise we are off to the doctor to make sure its not bacterial.

Girl with curls

curls diptych
Originally uploaded by toyfoto.

Annabel hair has gotten enough length in the back to show the beginnings of some curls. Of course it could be just the results of her twirling the hair on the back of her head when she is anxious.

Today she was feeling a bit punky because of a head cold, poor thing. The sniffles didn't stop her from visiting the Canada geese with papa or rearranging her diaper station.

This picture doesn't show you that she's selecting one diaper at a time, looking it closely (both sides) to discern whether it's an Ernie diaper or one of the other members of the Seasame Street gang. But it does convey how intent she is on source separating. She keeps all the Ernies and tosses all the rest.

Maybe, baby

first i was alone ....
Originally uploaded by toyfoto.

Doesn't she look like a hairless Elvis? It's not nice to make fun, I know, but I just couldn't help posting this picture and telling you all that Annabel is making full use of her hips when dancing to her favorite tunes. Why, just this morning, she was b-boppin' in her carseat to the oh-so-fabulous sounds of They Might Be Giants. She just adores the cautionary song, "Don't Cross The Street (In the middle, in the middle, in the middle of the block.)"

Happy Mother's Day

mom's favorite
Originally uploaded by toyfoto.

And for the second year, we've attempted to take pictures of our little family on this day. Here is mom's favorite result. We've added a little Annabel animation. We actually celebrated Mother's Day Saturday at Fanny's Italian restaurant in Latham. We went out with grandma, grandpa and aunt Maureen. Annabel had a great time.

mom's photoshopped family portrait
Originally uploaded by toyfoto.

Just like mommy

just like mommy
Originally uploaded by toyfoto.

If you were a little munchkin and someone broke out the super-dooper bottle of bubbles, what would you do? Annabel, taking a cue from her snap-happy mom, whipped out her $1 Goodwill camera and started shooting.

Defiance

defiance
Originally uploaded by toyfoto.

Annabel has a mind of her own and she knows how to use it. She defiantly jams her little hand down my shirt as she nurses or drinks from a bottle. It's a habit she tries to duplicate with her father, too. It must her version of a security blanket.

She also seems to say no when she means no and yes when she means yes. She lights up at the prospect of going outside and even puts on her own sunhat (and leaves it on) when told it's a condition of her release into the world.

Last night after sitting up for an hour past her bedtime because of an upset tummy, she started digging her fists into her eyes. When I asked her if she wanted to go to bed, she looked at me with relief and said, "ayah."
So off we went to bed, she asked for Elmo and hugged him tight as I kissed her little head goodnight.

Friendship

best friends redux
Originally uploaded by toyfoto.

Annabel is getting to be quite the hugger and kisser. It has taken a little time, but she is starting to show public displays of affection more readily these days. Her friend Maya, pictured with her today at our baby yoga class, loves to give and get kisses. The girls were also playing together more instead of their usual "parallel play."