Another hooray for Norah!

I almost forgot to mention....the girls and I went to the gym again today. Norah cries everytime we walk in the door. But this time, I drop her off crying and when I peek in a few minutes later she is quiet. By the time I stop in to pick her up after my workout, I find that she has crawled into the ball pit (a big cushioned "pit" with lots of big colorful plastic balls) and is rolling around in the balls having a big ole time. When she finally turns around and sees me looking at her, a huge grin spread across her face. Absolutely priceless. I think she's turned the corner. Hooray for Norah-Katie!

Early Halloween

So we're outside taking pictures in costume with the pumpkins.....Lolo decides to take off running down the street in costume....running like she's half drunk. Jim and I about fall over laughing.

Another birthday?

Tonight Lolo announces "my birthday's on thursday." Jim and I look at each other. Lolo, you just had a birthday....you can only have one birthday a year. She said "But I want to eat a birthday cake." Ahhhh, I see....

Happy Halloween

Jim carved a Wild Things pumpkin, Norah got a Tigger and a flower pumpkin, Lolo got an Elmo and Blue's Clues. I'm just glad this project is done.

A Halloween Preview

We worked on Lolo and Norah's pumpkins today. Let's just say it was tough carving a pumpkin with one toddler, but carving a pumpkin with two little ones is a whole new experience. Jim's working on his right now and I've got mine and Verbi's pumpkin to work on tonight. Another busy day (and night)....

First Step

Norah took her first unassisted step tonight! Jim had come home briefly for dinner (he's on call). We were in the living room...letting the girls play for a few moments before bathtime. Norah was cruising the coffee table, turned around, reached out for Jim, and took a step! Hooray for Norah-Katie!

A record for Norah

Hooray for Norah-Katie....she didn't cry for almost 20 minutes at the gym daycare today (according to Marie, the lady who was working there today). Of course, by the time I finished running and picked up the girls, she was crying again....but a 20 minute break in the crying action. Woo hoo!
Isn't the second kid supposed to be the easy one?!

Loose tooth

Lolo has been reading a book about a loose tooth. She decides tonight at dinner that she has a loose tooth. I just kind of "um hum" her and continue to feed Norah. She is insistent that I look..."Look mama, I have a green loose tooth!" Yep. Turns out she does. LOL! How does she come up with stuff like this?! Some days it seems like there are so many little things that just crack me up all day long.

Hairbow for Norah

Looks like Gramma Peg and PopPaul have noticed our babydoll's lack of hair and sent a headband complete with hairbow for Norah. Lolo has been asking why Norah couldn't have hairbows and I always would say she didn't have enough hair for one. Well...here you go...a hairbow for Norah.

A few more picture from last night....

Lolo with her teachers...Goofy (aka Miss Deidi) and Ladybug (aka Miss Karen).

Halloween party

Tonight Lolo, Norah and I went to school for a Halloween party. We ate dinner early. Took a bath. Got the girls into their costumes and went to school. Lolo had a blast playing all of the games. She really enjoyed fishing for pumpkins. But was distressed to find out that you only got to keep the stuff in the plastic pumpkin and not the actual pumpkin. (She kept asking about the pumpkin in the car). Turns out another little Elmo showed up. Lolo's friend, Colin, had on the same costume (gotta love Target). He was so cute....when he saw Lolo, he just ran over and gave her a hug. Then he kind of hung out with us for a good part of the time. Someone asked me if he was also my kid. I guess after someone sees Lolo and Norah with their dirty blond/light brown hair, maybe it's possible for a chinese girl to also have a light blond curly headed boy?! Yeah. I didn't think so either. But I thought it was a good one.

Norah was a little overwhelmed by everything. In fairness to Norah, it was close to bedtime ( I already had her in jammies under the costume) and it was way too much stimulation (we usually try to do quiet play before bedtime). So we headed out (but not until Lolo got to eat a giant pumpkin sugar cookie with sparkly orange sugar all over it). Yep. It was a good time. Came home with two overly tired kids (one of whom was hopped up on sugar). Sometimes I think schools and teachers like to host these events just to give parents a little bit of payback for what they go through with the kids during the school day.

Storytime

This afternoon, when Norah was napping, Lolo and I were playing in the living room. She pulls out her pint-sized rocker, gets situated in her rocker, gets a "book" that we've been coloring. She says "Mama, you sit right there." (Pointing to a spot on the rug). And proceeds to tell me a story (just like her teachers do in school), holding up the book so that I can see the pictures, turning the book all around the room, (so everyone else can see the pictures too).

For some reason, it caught me off guard. I remember playing school when I was a little girl....I just figured we had a few years before Lolo would start to do it too. I told Jim that I was just so enchanted by her this afternoon....all I wanted to do was stare at her (kind of like when she was a baby and I would just watch her sleep)....as Lolo likes to remind me, "I a present from God." Yes, she is. And I am thankful.

Busy week

It seems we've got a full schedule these days. Every morning when Lolo wakes up, I give her a rundown of our schedule. School, gym, playdates, errands, whew. We're trying to go to the gym more regularly. Norah still cries the whole time we're there. Today, we're in the parking garage at the gym. I'm getting Norah out of the car. Lolo is next to me and exclaims "Good job Nor. Look Mama, Norah hasn't started crying yet."

Another party pic

Here's another photo from Lolo's birthday week. This morning, Lolo was talking about Norah's birthday. She wants Norah to have a frog cake. I'm not sure what kind of cake is appropriate for a frog. Clearly, it's not carrot (bunny cake) or banana (monkey cake). Ideas anyone? I don't want to be all mixed up about this one. If only I could ask Dadabooboo's mama....

Basically

The other afternoon, Lolo and I are polishing off a slice of birthday cake....rather, I'm working on the cake, Lolo is eating all the icing. She takes a momentary break, looks up at me and says "Basically, I just love cream cheese and sugar." That's my girl.

Another birthday week?

At breakfast this morning, we're getting ready to have our regular week. PoPo is gone. Dad is going to work. It's just me and the girls again. Lolo announces "It's my birthday. I'm three." Last week's birthday week was very successful. She's ready to have another week - all about Lolo:-)

Lolo's birthday party - round 2

After Jim came home, we had a small party for Lolo on thursday. Ashley (and her fiance, Nick) came over to play with Lolo and stayed for dinner. Let's just say our little girl had a BIG birthday week.

After dinner, I brought out Lolo's birthday cake (carrot cake by request)....Lolo bounced up and down, squealing "I'm soooo excited!" Pure joy. I wish you all could have been here to see it.

Here's a live and learn moment for me....Lolo requests carrot cake. She also requested Curious George for her birthday theme. As evidenced by her party at school, she has a rather short memory for these things. When we brought out the cake (complete with Curious George and candy hearts), one of the things our girl commented on was why mama made a carrot cake when a monkey on a cake clearly means it should be a banana cake. Duh mom....what were you thinking?!?!
And here's another one...I cut the first piece of cake for Lolo. Since it's her birthday and I'm feeling generous, I cut (what I believe) to be a good sized piece for her. Lolo takes one look and says "I don't want that piece." Hmm. What's wrong with it? She wants a bigger piece! Yeah right kid.
Three is going to be a bigger challenge than two. Pray for us.

Playground monkeys

Sorry for the delayed postings. I've been under the weather lately.

Plus, we've been busy. Just downloaded some photos from PoPo....showing my playground monkeys. Yep. That's Lolo, climbing up the slide.

Birthday surprise

Here's a good one. After Lolo came home yesterday, we went through her school bag. She pulled out her Curious George party hat and blower (that we brought to school) and excitedly said "Look Mama! I got a birthday hat and blower!"

How old is this kid?

Lolo, Norah-Katie, and I went to the gym today. Again, Norah cried the whole time. The girls working there were trying to guess how old she was....they figured she was about 6 months. That got me thinking....check this out. Lolo is wearing the same outfit Norah has on today - the only difference - Lolo is 16 weeks old. Kind of hard to believe.

Party at school

Our girl had a birthday party at school today. It was Lolo's special day. She got to wear a special birthday hat during the day and we brought treats to school for snack time. Their schedule somehow got a little mixed up this morning so snacks were late and I got to join in for a story and music class. Her music teacher let her pick out a song for the class to sing (twinkle twinkle was Lolo's choice). And the class sang Happy Birthday. Our little girl sure can sing (loudly)! It's always fun to see how she interacts with other kids. She was clearly enjoying her special day. Norah-Katie slept at home while PoPo watched her. Luckily, it's her morning nap time so Norah didn't even know I was gone.

And yes, Jack was at school. When I arrived, he was sitting by himself in what Lolo calls "Jack's special chair." LOL! I told her teacher that we had heard alot about Jack. She just laughed. He seems to be a challenge.

We'll probably eat out for lunch today at the italian restaurant she likes....yesterday, PoPo watched Norah while Lolo and I went out for a special afternoon together. We went shopping and to pick up dinner. The first two restaurants we tried were closed. Lolo was so sad. "Oh Mama. What are we going to do?! I don't want you to cook!" (Can you tell she doesn't think much of my cooking?)

Anyway, I'm off to pick up our special girl from school.

Happy Birthday Lolo!

My first born is three today. Hard to believe. I still remember waiting around for her to arrive in St Louis like it was yesterday....and suddenly, she's three.
We went to the playground yesterday. A gorgeous fall afternoon. Spent two hours there....much of the time on the swings. Drizzly gray day today. Swim lessons this morning. Indoor playtime with PoPo this afternoon. Lolo is busy playing with her birthday gifts and new book. It's going to be a very exciting birthday week for her.

Things you shouldn't have to say, but do....

"Lolo, please don't stick egg in your sister's ear!"

Birthday box

Lolo got a birthday package from GrammaPeg and PopPaul the other day. She opened the box and looked inside. I asked, "Lolo, what did you get?" Lolo looked for a moment and said in her perky, cheerful voice "I got newspaper!"
By the way, I did help her dig down into the box and she was REALLY excited to find toys in the box. And lest you think she wasn't happy about the paper, she did truly think GrammaPeg and PopPaul sent the newspaper to her, so we ended up reading part of the paper together later :-)

Busy week ahead

It's been hectic here. Jim left this morning to go to Houston for a conference. PoPo arrived to help out. Lolo is beside herself with excitement because PoPo is staying in her room and they have pajama tea parties in the morning. It's Lolo's birthday week so we're going to try to do special things every day. On friday, we filled up the birthday balloons at the party store and picked out party hats and favors for her class. Lolo's having a party at school on tuesday and she decided that she'd like to have Curious George this year. We'll be baking a cake later this week too.
In other news....the white pumpkin is not so white. Her pumpkin, now that we've exposed it to some sunlight, is starting to turn green. I'm guessing it's kind of like white asparagus. In any event, Lolo noticed it and is rather distraught...."MAMA, I don't want a green pumpkin!" Oh boy. Well, I'm sure as heck not buying another overpriced "white" pumpkin. I may be shopping for white spray paint before long.....unless anyone has better ideas....I'd be happy to take any suggestions.

Stop, Drop, and Roll

It was fire safety week at school. Lolo learned to stop, drop, and roll (or so said her teachers in the note home). So I asked her to show me. She stopped, dropped, and did a perfect somersault....cackling wickedly the whole time. Sometimes I think she just likes to mess with me.

Family Portrait

Lolo has been learning about families at school. Here's her picture of our family. Lolo pointed out that she drew elbows for everyone. And then she specifically pointed out my mouth and how you can see my tonsils. Hmmm. I didn't quite know what to say to that one.

This week in preschool

Lolo is learning all about fire engines this week in school. Today on the drive home, she's excitedly talking about fire engines, how firemen ride on them, and how the fire engines all have a cow with black dots. Hmmm. Are you sure it not a dog? Nope. Lolo is convinced they are cows. That montessori school is looking better all the time.

ZippyVideos beta version

Apparently something odd is going on with this new version of ZippyVideos. I've uploaded and done everything the same way as before but it's denying everyone access. Won't have time to figure out the problem until after the girls both go down for bed tonight. I don't know if you're supposed to sign in to this new version or what. If someone figures it out before then, please let me know.

The pumpkin song

We're back to ZippyVideo. They've launched a new beta version of their site which seems to provide better video quality. Here's Lolo with her white pumpkin....yep, it's really white (not a pale orange like Jim had suspected when I first told him that Lolo got a white pumpkin). Note that she's really proud and kind of protective of her new pumpkin.

Go Vols!

Picture issues and pumpkins

I'm having trouble uploading pictures on blogger tonight. May just have to wait until tomorrow....but the upcoming photos will be good ones.

The girls and I went out in search of pumpkins today. Lolo informed us that she wanted to get a white pumpkin. Jim and I both looked at each other and tried our best to tell her that pumpkins were orange. She said no. She was going to get a white one today. When she gets that determined tone in her voice, we just let it go...."ok, we'll go see what kind of pumpkins they have and you can pick one out."

Well, that little girl showed us today. She DID pick out a white pumpkin today. I about fainted when we got to store and there was a stack of white pumpkins (of course they cost about 4 times the price of a good old fashioned orange pumpkin.)

Explosion at home

Tonight we tried spaghetti squash for the first time. I had never prepared it before, saw some at the store, and decided to try something new. Whipped out the cookbook and tried a new recipe. I poked some holes in it and stuck it in the microwave. The next thing we hear is "BOOM!" Apparently, I didn't poke enough holes in it and the darn thing exploded. Lolo and I peer in the microwave. You wouldn't believe the mess. I'm shaking my head at my boneheaded mistake. Lolo starts up with a story about Dadabooboo's mama....blah, blah, blah (you know how this story goes). I am up to my elbows in spaghetti squash bits and frustratedly say "Perhaps we ought to see if Dadabooboo's mama can help us clean up this mess." Lolo rolls her eyes at me "Mama, she just 'tend!"

Another beautiful day

We had another beautiful day today. Again, I put off chores to go outside and play with the girls. I'm really going to try to work tomorrow morning with Lolo, but as you can imagine....doing chores with Lolo takes a bit more time than usual.
Lolo went to preschool this morning and came back with a book about the letter C (they're learning the alphabet). Tonight, Jim went through her letter C book with her....She read the book...camera, carrots, car, etc. Then Jim asks "What sound does the letter C make?" Lolo says "KA!" We say "YEAH!" A few minutes go by. We talk about other things. Then Jim asks Lolo "What letter makes the "KA" sound?" Lolo thinks for a minute and then blurts out "N". Oops. Looks like we have to work on that some more too.

"You don't know Jack"

Funny that PP should comment "You don't know Jack". That's been a running joke at our house for the last few days. Jim got Lolo saying "Mama, you don't know Jack!" And then they both crack up laughing.

More on Jack

Norah and I pick up Lolo from school yesterday and I ask if Jack was hitting anyone again. Lolo sighed and said "Yes he did. But I still love him." Ugh! On a more positive note, she does understand that Jack is very naughty when he hits. Since Lolo does play with other boys at school, I asked if she loved Keegan or Rhys or Charles too (hoping she just loves everyone at school). Lolo said in a most serious tone, "No mama, I just love Jack." Double ugh!
For the record, I will be going to Lolo's school for her birthday party (I'll come back with a full report on this fellow).

Norah proves us wrong again....

Just when we thought the house was childproofed....Miss Norah proves us wrong. For some reason, she really likes to climb up on the side table, gets mad-as-only-Norah-can when she bonks her head on the underside of the table, and then proceeds to try to pull the lamp down by chewing on the cord.

Thank goodness our kids are so different in personalities....a double dose of Norah is something I couldn't even begin to imagine.

First, Second, and Third

Yesterday, instead of doing all of the winterize-the-house-things I was supposed to do, the girls and I went to the playground to take advantage of yet another unseasonably warm day. On the way there, Lolo was working on the concept of first, second, and third (we've actually been working on this for many weeks now). We'd see a school bus or a car or a flag. Lolo would say "I saw it first; Mama saw it second; Norah saw it third." I actually thought she understood the concept.
Later, before bedtime, we were reading "Clifford's First Halloween." Lolo said "It's my first halloween. Mama's second halloween. Norah's third halloween." Uh huh. I think we have some more work to do.

Bike ride

And because I'm proud as can be of this little girl riding her bike. I had to post this picture. Lolo rode her bike down the street on sunday. Stopped to play with Natalie, Mary, Gordy, and Frankie. Gordy (who is 4) wanted to have a bike race. He's fast as blazes compared to our turtle and competitive as can be. Thankfully, Lolo doesn't really seem to have an understanding about winning just yet. She was very happy winning second. Of course while we're there, Frankie gives Lolo a bunch of kisses. Jim's getting a little antsy thinking about all these little boys we'll have to deal with in about 10-12 years.

Sandtrap

I'm optomistic that I've found a workable solution to our sand issues. I found a shoe cubby that fits in what was our shoe pile by the door. It now opens up enough space for Lolo to sit on a small piece of carpet...which I'm hoping will trap all of the sand...thereby allowing for vacuuming just a couple of times a week instead of every day.

Speaking of the new cubby....Lolo was really excited about it because she has a cubby at school. When Jim came home last night, she sweetly said,"Dad, you want me to put your shoes in your cubby?"

And speaking of shoes...Lolo just got new snowboots (and new snowsuit) on friday. It's been in the upper 70s/lower 80s here and she wants to wear her new boots out all the time. She reminds us of Napoleon Dynamite walking around town in his moon boots. The photo is from friday. She's wearing her new suit and boots. I was worried she would be too hot. She wore it around it house for about half an hour. We kept asking "Lo are you getting hot?" She kept saying no. Then I was worried the suit wasn't going to be warm enough for winter. But her face started to pink up and then all of a sudden she yells out "Mom! HELP! I burning HOT!"

Back on....

It's taken a few days to get over this whole anti-computer thing I've had going on the last few days. We're back on our regular schedule.
Lolo had swim school yesterday. Stellar swimmer as always. We're gearing up for her upcoming birthday. Preschool today.
Norah is incredible these days (knock on wood). Last week Jim helped me work with her at night and now she's sleeping through (FINALLY). We're getting her down about 7pm and she's sleeping a solid 11-12 hours straight. (And that's on top of the 2 naps she takes every day!)Hooray for Norah!