Friday, June 30, 2006

The verdict on Swiss Chard


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Mommy had a really bad headache the other day, so today we both went with Gamma to see the chiropractor so that he could make her feel better. While I was there, he let me play with an articulated model spine. I chewed on the nerves.

Fancy cheese & pears for lunch - pretty fancy! All I was missing was a nice bottle of wine to go with it. It made up for dinner - I got to try organic Swiss Chard. I hated it from first taste... I pulled a handful out of my mouth and offered it to Mommy instead. Even when Daddy fed me using the 'airplane trick' (which always makes me laugh) I spit it out.

In protest, I began stuffing stewed tomatoes into my diaper. Mommy and Daddy thought it was too funny to stop me.

Oh, and, uh, I called Grandpa "Am Pa" right before bed.


Thursday, June 29, 2006

Much Rejoicing


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Today was fairly quiet and uneventful. So - an update on my current 'baby development' status!

Something I've taken to doing a lot recently is sitting on the floor (or the grass, or whatever) and rubbing my feet along its surface, enjoying the way it feels and the sound it makes. This usually prompts me to pick up a foot and point it at the nearest grown-up's foot. Once said grown-up touches their foot to mine, there is much rejoicing. I don't know why - there just is.

I also like to tilt my head at people to one side or the other. I actually used to do this a lot months ago, but stopped. I seem to have re-discovered it, and now tilt my head quite often. Once they likewise tilt their head, mirroring me, there is much rejoicing. I don't know why - there just is.

While I've been updating my expanding vocabulary, I don't think I've mentioned how much I love to dance. All it takes is a happy beat (either as sung by Gamma) and I just start bouncin'. Everything from commercial jingles to the first wave of English Metal really seems to get me goin'. I love music - it too leads to much rejoicing.


Wednesday, June 28, 2006


[As transcribed by Daddy]


This morning, I climbed into Basil's chair all by myself. I was so proud, I almost fell out again!

At lunch, I ate an entire zucchini. Soon afterwards, The Nixons came over to visit - I was really happy to see them (and the counting book they brought). After that, Mommy read to me from my all-time favourite book (over and over and over and over again), and whenever she got to the part about the bear, I did my little bear-growl thing. When she said any word that rhymed with 'Bear' (as was later tested and comfirmed by Grandpa), like 'pear' or 'where' or 'hair', I would growl.

After a quick visit from Cool Uncle Gareth, I walked over to my jolly jumper and tried to crawl into it. Mommy helped me in, and I had my first good bouncing session in months!

Did I mention that yesterday Mommy caught me meowing alone in my crib yesterday? Well, she did.


Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Toast.


[As transcribed by Daddy]


I played outside a bit today, as usual... Mommy watched in rapt fascination as I climbed the stone steps along the side of the house all by myself.

After I finished my lunch today, Mommy made herself some toast. Seeing this gave me an idea. I pointed at the toaster in the kitchen and said "Num." Mommy took me into the kitchen, and the closer I got to the toaster, the louder I said "NUM!" My efforts got me a piece of toast. I'm a genius.

Mommy was feeding me the last of my animal crackers, and when she showed me the empty bag, I lost the will to live. I threw a huge tantrum - but that failed to make some more animal crackers materialize before me. I guess it only works for toast.


Monday, June 26, 2006

Back to the Zoo!


[As transcribed by Daddy]


I was up before six A.M. again this morning. Maybe it's because it's so bright in the summer mornings, I can't help but rise with the sun. Anyway, my parents eventually got me back to sleep, and we all had a relatively nice Sunday sleep-in. After that, Daddy and Cool Uncle Gareth and I headed off to do the grocery shopping, while Mommy stayed home and worked on the bathroom.

After lunch and a quick nap, Mommy and Daddy and Gareth and Julia all packed into the car and headed back to the zoo, since I enjoyed it so much last time. We sauntered and sauntered... we're all really wiped out! I got to see most of the animals I saw before, but this time a lot of the animals got to see me - specifically the Orangutans, who thought I was very cute and interesting (as you can tell from the above photo). I made special friends with Budi, the baby. I also learned how to make a camel noise... ...which involves noisily hocking loogies into Daddy's hair while I ride on his shoulders.

All-in-all, it was a busy weekend. Between weddings and Orangutans and beaches and zoos, I'm bushed. At least it looks like I'm gonna be sleeping better than Cool Uncle Gareth and Julia tonight.


Sunday, June 25, 2006

Beach Wedding


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Today I attended my very first wedding. Daddy's friend Joanna flew in from England so that she could marry her fiancee on the beach. Isn't that sweet? The best part was that while they were getting married, I got to play in the sand! In fact - I missed the whole ceremony, I was having so much fun. There were lots of puppies running around for me to look at and bark at, and plenty of people telling me how cute I am.

We walked to the reception a few blocks away, and I played in a nice garden and hung out with some of the other kids in attendance - 18-month-old Daphne kissed me on the face a bunch of times. It was very adorable.

After I had had enough of the whole wedding reception deal, we said goodbye to Joanna and her new husband, went home, and I completely tore up the newspaper. Cool Uncle Gareth came over after dinner and squeaked at me, and it made me laugh.


Saturday, June 24, 2006

First Steps


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Today was fun - Mommy and I went to a park to visit the post-natal group... we all played well together on the grass while our Mommies caught up and compared baby notes. I'm not the biggest kid in the group, or the most crawly, but I am the most chatty. That's for certain. In fact, yesterday, Daddy taught me how to 'gobble' like a turkey... ...but when I do it, it comes out 'Gob Gob Gob!'

When Daddy came home from work today, he and Mommy and I hung out with my grandparents. As can be seen from the picture above (sorry it's a bit blurry), I walked from Mommy to Daddy, unassisted. Sure, it was only about one or two awkward, unsteady steps - but they count! I have now officially walked! There goes the neighbourhood!


Friday, June 23, 2006

Nude Frolicking


[As transcribed by Daddy]


This morning, when Mommy tried to change my diaper, I freaked out. Now, I don't mean that I was mildly annoyed. For some reason that I shall keep only to myself, I went crazy and threw a huge tantrum. The purpose for this shall remain a secret until the end of time.

After my nap (and lunch with Nana via the webcam), Mommy and I took bus to the beach(es), had nice stroll and did window shopping. Mommy finally bought those new Birkenstocks she's been jonesing for, and then we took the bus home.

I poured water on myself, so Mommy took my wet clothes off, and I got to frolic naked for 15 whole minutes! Wee!


Thursday, June 22, 2006

Modified Peekaboo


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Today I slept in really late... Mommy actually had to come and wake me up in the morning. Rather than struggling with trying to get me to nap a few hours later, she put it off a lot longer than usual, and I fell right to sleep.

For kicks, we walked and walked and walked all the way to the mall. We had a pretty decent hike - the weather was fantastic on this particular calm summer solstice. We caught the bus home, and I practiced more of my new animal sounds (monkey 'eeks', bear growls, owl hoots, duck quacks, cat meows, puppy barks). I also modified my peekaboo skills - instead of covering my face with a blanket or towel or my shirt, I'll now obscure my face with the palm of my hand. I usually miss my eyes completely, but I'm working on it.


Wednesday, June 21, 2006

The Zoo!


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Once again, I did NOT want to have a nap this morning. After much fighting, I eventually conked out for two hours - when I woke up, Mommy took me to the zoo!

The ride there on the bus took waaay too long, but once we arrived, we had a great time. I really took notice of the crocodiles (see photo), the oragnutans, the elephants, the otter, the turtles, and the pretty fishes. Other than that, I generally paid more attention to the flora and fauna in the animal cages and pavillions. All I could say at the gorilla pen was 'Flower, flower' while pointing at the nearby plants. Anyway, Mommy bought me a zoo membership, so hopefully we can go back soon and get more photos (hopefully the majority of the African animals will actually be out and about).

Daddy came to pick us up, and drove us home. I passed out pretty quickly in the car. When we got back, we all thought Basil had been in a fight with a cat or something - he had what we thought was dried blood and cuts onm his nose. Turns out it was just some rogue cinnamon.


Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Bubble Wrap


[As transcribed by Daddy]


I did NOT want to have a nap this morning. I cried and cried for two hours, only to sleep for one. Was it worth it? I dunno. When I woke up, though, Mommy found some bubble wrap for us to play with. I loved it! I couldn't pop any bubbles myself, but I thought it was fantastic when Mommy popped them.

We went back to Home Depot today - I sat in my stroller sideways, with my leg dangling over the armrest. Everyone found my relaxation styles hilarious.

Mommy put a nice parcel together for her cousin Kim, who is about to give birth any day now... she packed up a lot of my old toys and clothes, which I decided then and there to play with and scatter all over the house. When I was done playing with all my old toys and wearing all my old clothes, I managed to package myself up in the box somehow.


Monday, June 19, 2006

Eleven Months Old!


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Today was Daddy's first father's day, and to celebrate I was extra cute and happy all day long!

We all had a really long nap this morning, and after lunch we were well-rested and ready to shop! We headed on down to the big expensive mall and picked up a book and some slippers and shorts for Daddy, a DVD for Mommy, and some clothes for both of them to wear at a wedding next week. I sat up on Daddy's shoulders for most of the jaunt.

On the way home, we stopped at the organic butcher's in the beaches, and while Mommy bought some food, Daddy and I waited outside and laughed at all the doggies and kitties. That single moment was probably our favourite part of the day.

Basil has been sick and throwy-uppy all weekend. It's probably because I've been feeding him my tablescraps... I hope he feels better tomorrow.


Sunday, June 18, 2006

Reno Day


[As transcribed by Daddy]


It was a hot one out there today. I woke up really early, and crawled all over Mommy and Daddy as they slept. Once we all got up and were ready to face the (hot) day, Mommy got to work putting the bathroom back together, and Daddy got to work outside on the patio. Mommy was the winner on that one - all Daddy managed to do was sweat, rake and level a hole in the ground, while Mommy glued, primed and drywalled the shower. I hung out with Gamma and Anisa a bit, too.

Eventually, Mommy and Daddy and I went to the supermarket to buy some groceries and a big new bathroom scale (since Daddy doesn't have any more meetings with his nutritionist). He's crazy - in four hours, he's weighed himself eleven times.


Saturday, June 17, 2006

One-handed walking


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Today I was extremely sweet and friendly. Mommy was feeling a little bit down today, so I made sure I gave her an extra-dosage of cuteness and poured it on nice and thick.

A bit of a big development today - I walked around a lot with Mommy only holding me up by one hand, instead of with both. My balance is really improving... she gives me about a week or two before I'mc ompletely walking/staggering around all on my own. In fact, I also stood up, in the middle of the room, with nobody or nothing holding me up. Sure, I just kind of nervously stood there, frozen... but whatever, it all counts.

Get well soon, Kellie!


Friday, June 16, 2006

Clover The Barbarian


[As transcribed by Daddy]


This morning, Mommy and I took a quick jaunt over to Shopper's Drug Mart for some water and hair supplies. Then, it was time to slave away, re-building the bathroom some more... which first required a trip to Home Depot for some construction gear. Gamma came with us, and helped us cart a whole sheet of green drywall and a new shower wrap home. It was a lot more difficult than it sounds, given the small size of the car.

We had some lunch and a nap, then Gamma and I hung out making animal sounds together for a couple of hours while Mommy toiled in the bathroom (so to speak). Cool Uncle Gareth came over and watched me eat, which equally fascinated and repulsed him. He says I eat like a barbarian, drunkenly spilling formula all over myself and taking single bites of food and throwing the remainder on the floor.


Thursday, June 15, 2006

Jibber-Jabber


[As transcribed by Daddy]


So, last night I didn't want to go to sleep. I kept waking up and crying... Mommy and Daddy took turns putting me back to sleep, but after a certain point they tried to snooze themselves while letting me cry myself to slumber. It didn't work out to well... even Basil couldn't get enough shuteye. It was a rough night for all.

While Mom fought off unintentional naps all day long, I had a lot to discuss with her and anyone/antyhing else within earshot. I engaged in verbal(ish) discussion on the topic of the dog, on the topic of flowers, on food, on crawling, and even on the phone with Daddy. Of course, none of the conversation was conducted in any real language. But hey, it sure sounded like it was.

My parents also want to mention their utmost disgust at my taste in television programming.


Wednesday, June 14, 2006

"MMMM"


[As transcribed by Daddy]


I learned another word today - "Mmmm," which is supposed to be "moo," just without the 'ooo' part. When I see my little cow toy now, I say "Mmmm."

I accidentally had a nap in my playpen today, which is something of a first. There was a lot more bathroom destruction follow-up - Mommy saw the biggest spider we'd ever seen this side of the Mississippi crawl out from behind the mildewy, crumbling drywall. We named him "Robert."

Anyway, a few other updates on new things I can do - if you ask me for a kiss, I'll plant a big open-mouthed slobbery wet one on your cheek. I'm also really into pointing at things I want, and often I'll never stop pointing if you're trying to carry me around. What can I say... the world is becoming mroe and more amazing to me every day.


Tuesday, June 13, 2006

"Duck"


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Another new word has entered my personal lexicon - "Duck." Mommy happened upon a rubber duckie and gave it to me, and now I say "Duck" left, right, and centre... and if you say it to me, I'll go get the duck and show it to you. I'm more talented than a seeing eye dog, I am.

Went for a hike to Home Depot with Mommy today, and then we stopped by Richard's gallery and hung out for a bit. Surprise surprise, but Gamma and Grandpa followed us in a few minutes later.

Daddy came home from work to find a surprise waiting for him... he headed into the bathroom only to discover that there is no bathroom. Y'see, Mommy and I were cleaning away at some of the grouting and... accidentally dismantled the entire shower in the process. It looks like Mommy and I will be spending the next few days airing, drying, sealing, re-tiling, and basically re-building the bathroom. Oh well!


Monday, June 12, 2006

Trees are just big flowers


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Yet another early morning... first Mommy looked after me while Daddy snoozed, and then they traded-up. We all had a nice mid-morning nap, and then it was off to a lovely Sunday afternoon - after lunch, Mommy and Daddy and I went to the bookstore, sold some old CDs to a used record place, and bought some storage boxes at a store Daddy used to go to when he was a kid. The man there thought I was cute.

If all that wasn't fun enough, next we went to a nice park and had a good stroll and I actually kinda enjoyed going for a swing. Have I mentioned how much I love wild flowers? Almost as much as the domestic variety, I'll wager. I seem to use the word 'flower' for pretty much anything remotely organic, though... I point at all the trees and softly purr "flower, flower, flower, flower..."


Sunday, June 11, 2006

Uxbridge Hike


[As transcribed by Daddy]


I was up before 6:00am again today - Mommy fed me, played with me, and then went back to bed. Daddy let her sleep in by letting me tag along with him and Gamma downtown to the BMW dealership to pickup the Mini. All of the ladies there thought I was adorable and paid me a lot of welcome attention. Daddy didn't mind much, either.

Ran some errands with Mommy and Daddy after lunch - got some groceries, picked up a new muzzle for Basil, and then went for a nice big crazy hike in Uxbridge. While we walked, Daddy and I practiced the alphabet.

Mommy has noticed that I've developed a more complicated sense of taste. For the most part, I'll still devour anything you put in front of me, but recently I can't stand peas anymore, and my Vitamin D drops taste sour all of a sudden. Whatever - I can always just give whatever I won't want to Basil. Him and I have been as thick as thieves recently.


Saturday, June 10, 2006

City Wandering


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Mommy and I went for a nice walk along Queen Street East today - we figure we must've done about 3km by foot/stroller. We went to see the ol' post-natal class gang, and I wowed 'em with my intelligence, cuteness, and ability to hold stuff in my mouth while my hands are busy.

Next, we hopped onto a trolley to meet Daddy at his office, but it was really slow... we missed meeting up with Daddy, and as such we missed going to his Nutritionist appointment with him (he's lost another four pounds). We waited by the nearest subway station for him, but gave up after waiting a long time. Maybe Mommy and Daddy should cave-in and finally get cell phones to avoid this sort of thing. We didn't mean to be so late!

Mommy and I came home to find that Grandpa had returned from his hospital stay. Yay!


Friday, June 09, 2006

Toad People and a Giant Salami


[As transcribed by Daddy]


To write tonight's entry, Daddy asked Mommy (who was half-asleep) about our day, and she muttered:

"We ate perogies and danced around the bonfire with the Toad People and a giant salami, and we all had a picnic and fell asleep in the moonlight, and thats when Jiminy Cricket kidnapped Clover and me and the Toad People had to chase him down and there was a big fight and we got the baby back, and we came home and had a nap, and after the nap we had a ride on the bike and it turned out to be a magic bke that turned into a rocket ship and it took us to Jupiter, where we saw Pear People who had pears for faces. And we are still there."

That's pretty much ver batim.

I know it's not as interesting, but in actuality, today Gamma and Anisa joined Mommy and I (Grandpa is still recovering in the hospital) on a trip to Canadian Tire and the Pet Store and the Grocery Store. Had a nap, a bike ride, and ate some dirt.


Thursday, June 08, 2006

Destroyer


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Grandpa didn't come home today - he had his gall-stone-oscopy or whatever it's called, and it went fine, but he's got an infection in his blood, which is pretty serious. He may have to stay at the hospital all week! Hopefully he can come home tomorrow.

Mommy and I cleaned up a lot in the apartment today (well, she did a lot of the cleaning, I just hung out and didn't nap). We went for a nice walk to the park to do some more swinging... ...which isn't exactly bowling me over or anything. I mean, it's fine. Maybe in a few months it'll knock my socks off.

Did I mention that I finally managed to pull the mobile in my crib apart, finally? Not only did I pull it down, but I completely broke it. Not only that, but I demolished the living room lampshade, just for kicks. Destruction! Woo hoo!

I'm not really up for sleeping tonight. I woke up around midnight, and will not go back to bed. Every time I pass out and Daddy puts me in the crib, I wake up and freak out.

Looks like this could be a looooong night for my folks.


Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Grandpa in the Hospital


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Today was off to a nice start, especially when all those nice Paramedics came over to take Grandpa away to the hospital (where I was born!). I didn't see much of anyone besides Mommy and Basil today, because everyone was with Grandpa and the Paramedics. We had a pretty decent day, except for when I crawled up and surprisingly bit Mommy on the toe, causing her to flinch and punch me in the head. Ow!

Unfortunately, I fell asleep before Daddy came home (he was off visiting Grandpa, who apparently has to have gallstone surgery tomorrow afternoon). I'll have to make sure he pours on the attention over the next few days. Also, hopefully by then Grandpa will be back and not in a ridiculous amount of pain anymore, as has been the case over the past few days.


Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Patty Cake


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Today Mommy and Gamma took me to the park in the neighbourhood, where they put me in the swing and watched me go back-and-forth, and took photos. I had a good time and all, but I don't see what the big deal was. Apparently it's the same park Daddy played at as a kid. Later in the day, Mommy and I took the bus to Old Navy. At the bus stop, I told some people all about Daddy. "DADADADADADADADA," etc. etc.

A few other noteworthy things - I discovered how to zrbt this morning, and have been refining my technique all day. Also, when Mommy says the word "Patty-Cake" to me, I giddily clap my hands. And finally, I definately prefer purple flowers to any other flowers.

Does it seem to you that my major developmental milestones seem to come on a more-than-daily basis? It sure does to Mommy and Daddy.


Monday, June 05, 2006

Too cute for mosquitos


[As transcribed by Daddy]


This morning it was grey outside, which got us all down - we had planned on doing some work on the patio outside and going for bike rides. After lunch, we decided to go out for a drive instead - and wouldn't you know it, the sun came out.

We made it as far as Keswick, and did some hiking out in the York regional forest. The mosquitos were out en masse, but for some reason, they decided to bite everyone but me. It must be because I'm so cute.

Cool Uncle Gareth and Julia visited Gamma and Grandpa for dinner - I put in an appearance and demonstrated my mad crawling, stair-climbing, and "Flower"-saying skills. Good times.


Sunday, June 04, 2006

"Fower"


[As transcribed by Daddy]


While the city was a bit abuzz with the news that a major terror plot was foiled in our town last night, Daddy and I hung out in the rainy garden (under an umbrella) and looked at all the flowers - after constant repetition of the word on his part, he actually got me to say 'Flower' a few times. It came out "Fower" or "Ower", but it counts, right?

After lunch, Mommy and Daddy and I drove to the organic food store, picked up some groceries, and then headed off for a nice weekend drive in the rain. I snoozed.

After dinner, I played upstairs with that little walker-toy thing that Nana bought me for Christmas... I pushed it all over the house, up and down hallways, and over the dog, and into walls. Not only was it fun and funny, but I was visibly very proud of myself for being able to get around without people literally holding my hands.


Saturday, June 03, 2006

Steppy Steppy!



[As transcribed by Daddy]


I walked (with hand-holding-from-above assistance, of course) everywhere today - all over the house, all over outside, up the stairs, to the bathroom, to the bedroom, in the kitchen, you name it. Back when I started learning to walk, I was incredibly awkward, but I'm really getting the hang of it. Everyone thinks I'll be walking solo within the next month or so.

I cried myself to sleep at naptime today, but that was alright - I got to meet Brisco, the dog who lives next door for the first time today. He was really cute, and made me excited.

To celebrate Daddy losing four pounds in his first week of dieting, we all celebrated with a delicious, massive Thai feast (when I say "we", I mean Gamma, Grandpa, Mommy, and Daddy. Basil & I ate broccoli and chicken bits).


Friday, June 02, 2006

Clappy


[As transcribed by Daddy]

I woke up, ready to party, at 5:30 in the morning. Daddy had been working late and had only gone to bed three and a half hours earlier... as such, he fell asleep at work three times today. Nobody noticed (he thinks).


I danced to some nice music this morning, and after a nap I talked to Nana on the phone. I crawled a lot - I managed to crawl into my little duck-bathtub all on my own. Did some random clapping (Mommy and Gamma are trying to teach me to play Patty-Cake), and after Daddy came home from work, I played out on the lawn with Mommy, Daddy, Gamma, Grandpa, Anisa, and Basil. We all had a great time (as evidenced by the fantastic photograph above, which makes me laugh every time I see it).


Thursday, June 01, 2006

Laughing fit


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Went grocery shopping with Mommy, Gamma, and Grandpa today. All was good - I got a bit cranky towards the end of the day, when all the food in the world couldn't appease my monstrous appetite.

A few updates - first off, I can now succesfully clap my hands, which makes me laugh. Also, I'm getting better at mimicing non-verbal grunts, squeaks, sighs, howls, and most noticeably, laughter. Today at dinner Daddy laughed, which made me laugh, which made him laugh... Mommy joined in, and we all laughed for a good hysterical minute.

Oh, and a big shout out to Daddy's friend Juha, who sucesfully gave birth to a huge, healthy kidney stone the other day. All the best, Juha and Juha Jr.!


I'm a happy kid living with my parents and our dog in Toronto. I'm goofy, sweet, smart, extremely chatty, and pretty much the cutest kid on the face of the Earth!