Thursday, August 31, 2006

Ganked Up



[As transcribed by Daddy]


Mommy and I had a nap together this morning, which was nice, but it only served to completely gank-up* my sleeping schedule for the day. Oh well. To tire me out (and, you know, for exercise and stuff), Mommy took Basil and I on a long walk through the park this afternoon. The weather was perfect, and I got to do a lot of scurrying around and played in the grass. When we got home, all three of us were desperately thirsty!

I helped Mommy make dinner tonight! She made some pizza dough, and I patted it down into the deep-dish pan thing. It was fun - but not as much fun as eating the result!

An addendum to yesterday's blog entry - today, Mommy caught some parenting-related grief from parties-who-shall-remain-nameless due to an error Daddy made in transcribing yesterday's events. You see, I didn't trash the apartment while Mommy was napping... I trashed the apartment while Mommy was wide awake. Let's hope that clears things up!

*'Gank' and 'Ganked-Up' copyright 2006 Napoleon Torres.


Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Rehearsing "Ow!"



[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy and I had something of a day off today. We plans to do stuff, but they just sorta 'didn't happen.' Oh well.

I did a lot of pointing at stuff today. I play this game where I point at Daddy's nose, point at Mommy's nose, and then point at my nose (and when I say 'point at my nose', I mean I shove my finger right up it). Then the game is repeated, with me smearing boogers on my paretns' faces. It's fun - you should try it.

I was very sweet all day - talking to Mommy about stuff, demolishing the apartment while she had a nap... that kinda deal. I practised some of my screaming today - when I pull Mommy's hair, she goes "Ow!" So I rehearsed my own version of 'Ow!" today.


Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Pee Party!



[As transcribed by Daddy]


I guess I've been doing a lot of heavy drinking, because man oh man - I just can't seem to hold my water. I peed more than my diaper could handle on two occasions today, I peed all over my clothes, I peed all over my Mommy, and I even managed to pee on the bedroom floor. Pee-riffic!

While Daddy was at work today, I tried to call him on the phone. We chatted for a few minutes... he figured Mommy dailed for me, but 'twas not the case (we have speed dial).

Mommy and I took the subway over to Scarborough Town Centre to buy sturdy shoes for my little feet, but the store we were looking for is now an EB Games. Boo! That's almost as annoying as waiting at the subway station for the bus to come.


Monday, August 28, 2006

Anty Dandelions



[As transcribed by Daddy]

I slept in today! What's the world coming to?! I aactually woke up after nine in the morning! Can you believe it?!

After many loads of laundry and some more tidying, we all had our lunch and I went down for a nap. When I woke up, I discovered that Mommy and Daddy had reloaded the refirgerator. Daddy and Grandpa took me on a really nice walk through the park... they let me walk around in the grass a bit myself, but as usual I kept getting distracted by the flowers - in this case, the ant-ridden dandelions.

I got my first taste of meatloaf for dinner, had a nice walk afterwards and even a friendly visit with Lucie from next door. I'm pretty taken with my reflection in the headlights of the Volkswagon Golf in the driveway.

I should mention that upon sight of photographs of Cool Uncle Gareth, I call him "Ga-ga" and pictures of Julia are given the name "Ya-ya".


Sunday, August 27, 2006

I'd Rather Go Naked



[As transcribed by Daddy]

While I scurried around the apartment this morning, Mommy and Daddy managed to get a whole lot of cleaning done, which they're under the impression will actually accomplish something. Give me a few more days, and I'll have their careful handiwork rendered pointless.


After lunch, Daddy drove us downtown past a nude anti-fur demonstration to an odd place to make an appointment for later in the year. After that we drove down to the harbourfront and had a fantastic walk in the cool, overcast, August wind. I did some swingin' in the park, played with flowers, and pointed at a whole lot of sea gulls and geese, identifying them all as "Booooo!" (Birds). We had a great time!

Then, it was back to the art store and Home Depot for some miscellaneous material for Mommy and Daddy's goofy art projects. This evening after dinner, I tore up one of Mommy's favourite paintings.

I told them that cleaning was futile!


Saturday, August 26, 2006

Friday Night Pizza



[As transcribed by Daddy]

Daddy had a short day at work today, so I was pleasantly surprised when he came home early - all I wanted was for him to carry me around all day long. I don't think he minded much.

Since we had a weekday afternoon free, Mommy and Daddy and I ran a few errands. First, we went to Ikea to buy some frames for one of Daddy's weird art projects. After that, we drove through heavy traffic to Old Navy, to exchange some pants Mommy bought for me. Then it was off to the supermarket, to buy fixin's for dinner. When we came home, Mommy made us all some pizza, which we devoured.

I should mention that Daddy recently switched hosting servers, so we've got some more space for stuff. Daddy's already started fixing up the sidebar sections - expect more updates in the near future!


Friday, August 25, 2006

Indigo Crayon



[As transcribed by Daddy]


I woke up at a reasonable hour this morning, thank goodness. As a result, Mommy was awake and alert for the day, and I wasn't nearly as cranky as I have been.

Since we were feeling ready to take on the day, Mommy and I took the bus up to Old Navy, to buy me some pants for the upcoming autumn season. From there, we visited BouClair, the card store (I didn't like it in there today), and the supermarket. Instead of taking the bus home, we decided to get some exercise (it was a nice day) by walking the whole four kilometres. It was kinda boring, to tell the truth.

I was so tired from the journey, that I really needed to eat something. So... I ate a crayon. It was indigo... tasted kinda waxy.


Thursday, August 24, 2006

Amazing Ants









[As transcribed by Daddy]

For the second night in a row, I woke up at a ridiculously early hour of the morning. I had a three hour nap in the middle of the day, though, so hopefully it evens things out a bit.

Mommy and I went on a spur-of-the-moment supermarket run with Gamma - all the old ladies and cashiers thought I was the sweetest, funniest thing. I made faces at them all to reward them for their adoration.

I went for a walk with Mommy - without holding anyone's hand, I walked halfway up the street. I was stopped in my tracks by an anthill. Folks - have you ever SEEN ants?! They're totally amazing! If you haven't seen ants crawling around, my goodness - do yourself a favour. My visits with the local neighbours (Lucie, Richard, and Brisco) paled in comparison to the sheer majesty of those ants.

Check out the movie Daddy made by clicking the title screen above - it's a compilation of clips taken from footage shot during my first year of life (well, since we bought the video camera, anyway).




Wednesday, August 23, 2006

The Amazing Money-Making Baby



[As transcribed by Daddy]


I woke up at 4:30 in the morning today. My poor parents - I was ready to play, and they were only ready to continue sleeping. As a result, we were all kind of screwed up - Mommy was exhausted by the time I went to bed, and I was incredibly cranky for the entire day. There was simply no keeping me happy.

Imagine my parents' surprise, however, when they discovered my unique ability to spontaneously produce money out of thin air. Daddy's got dollar signs in his eyes! You see, this morning Mommy discovered a nickel in my diaper. That's right, folks - I poop money. If only someone could teach me how to make toonies, we'd be relatively rich.

Either that or Daddy just needs to be more careful with where he leaves loose change.


Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Getting into trouble



[As transcribed by Daddy]


I like getting into trouble. From climbing on stuff to smacking the dog around to swimming in his dog dish to pulling down Daddy's CD towers to standing up in my high chair to eating lint off of the floor to fighting off diaper changes to scattering tupperware all over the kitchen to eating my books to pulling plants off of window sills to hiding Daddy's pedometer to not having naps - I love getting into trouble!

I love getting into trouble even more when Mommy is trying to get some serious work done, like putting up shelving in the kitchen, or while she's trying to make / eat dinner or hang new artwork on the walls.


Monday, August 21, 2006

Showing off for GG



[As transcribed by Daddy]

After breakfast this morning, it was off to the newly-renovated Carrot along the Danforth for our weekly fix of organic food. It's a lot less cramped there now, which is a great thing. Next, it was off to the regular supermarket and Old Navy before heading home for a nap that my parents really hoped I'd be ready for. I refused though, ha-ha!

They stuck me in the car (where I did nap) instead, and we drove off for my Great-Grannie's apartment in Guelph. We met up with Gamma and Grandpa there, and had a nice visit - I didn't get to destroy the place, but I got to do a lot of walking and showing off. I even got to play the piano, and I sat at the table like a big person during dinner!

I snoozed in the car on the way home, despite my best efforts not to.


Sunday, August 20, 2006

Slippery Dog Vomit



[As transcribed by Daddy]

We were all awakened to the sound of Basil ralphing. The poor guy must've gotten into something really bad in the night, because he spent the better part of the day trying to regurgitate on the floor, the carpet, unstairs, downstairs, on the bed, in the bathroom, the kitchen, and even outside. Lovely.

I was kinda cranky this morning. I was constantly in search of food, and kept slipping and bumping my head (must've been all the slippery dog vomit). After my nap and lunch - Mommy invented the single greatest grilled sandwich* in the history of grilled sandwiches, so Daddy declares - we went to Bayview village to buy my parents some clothes, since they've lot so much weight. It's nice that they now have clothes that actually fit.

We also visited Ikea and bought a new lampshade to replace the one I totalled, and some picture frames for some art Mommy's been working on. The day really flew past - we all had a great time.


* Roasted eggplant, leftover chicken cacciatore, roaster red pepper mayonnaise, olive oil, on walnut bread


Saturday, August 19, 2006

Thirteen Months Old!



[As transcribed by Daddy]

I'm a year and one month old today. Yay! I was in a mood to celebrate, let me tell you. Unfortunately, Mommy had a migrane for most of the day - so I celebrated in my own way... by trashing the apartment. I'm getting really artistic with the whole demolition thing - I hide garbage in different rooms, mix Daddy's CDs and jewel cases up, and scatter laundry everywhere. Fun stuff.


Daddy came home from work a bit early, after his nutritionist's appointment (he has now reached his target weight but has decided to keep on dieting). To give Mommy a bit of a break, we all went out to buy dinner... we found a nice little bakery and some good eats - I especially loved the walnut bread.

I learned the word 'diaper' today, and am good at asking to be picked up ("Up/Puh") and put down ("Ow-n").


Friday, August 18, 2006

Queen of the Bs



[As transcribed by Daddy]


Mommy's hasn't been feeling too great recently, so today we just kinda chilled out here at home. I worked on my verbal skills - my vocabulary includes "Bowl", "Baby", "Bird", "Ball", "Banana", etc... I guess you can just go ahead and call me your regular 'Queen of the Bs!'

The other day Wendy Nixon got me to alter my snake impression. Rather than simply hissing, now I flick my tongue in and out like a snake. If I knew what a snake even was, I might be able to hone the impression even further.

I got a nice letter from Naisa in Thailand, also. It tasted great.


Thursday, August 17, 2006

Shiner



[As transcribed by Daddy]


Woke up with a swollen, bruised eye, thanks to last night's collision with the stone fireplace. Luckily, by the end of the day the swelling and purple hue were all but a memory.

Had breakfast with the whole family and the Nixons. Cool Uncle Gareth and Julia stopped by to say goodbye - they're back to New York for school. When Gareth said goodbye to me, I started to sob, as though I knew I wouldn't see him for months. It was sweet - it made everyone very emotional.

After a nap and a trip to Future Shop for some ink cartridges, Mommy took me to the local pool. I had a great time paddling around and playing in the water! By the time we got home, Mommy was so tired she passe dout on the couch. While she snoozed, I tore the apartment to shreds. Daddy came home from work (late) only to discover his CD collection all over the living room floor.

You're welcome, Daddy!


Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Eye injury



[As transcribed by Daddy]


Hung out at home, reading books with Mommy today. We did some surgery on my doll, I put a lot of my toys in Basil's chair, played dress-up, danced, and did a lot of walking about. At one point today, while Mommy and Daddy weren't looking, I grabbed their dinner glasses, put them over my hands like little glass gauntlets, and laughed as I waved them around. Then I put them in my little baby-sized rocking chair and sat on them.

While demonstrating my walking ability tonight for the Nixons and Alice Panagopoulos, I fell and smacked my face on the stone hutch at Gamma and Grandpa's. I hit it really hard, too - I cut open the edge of my eye. I cried and cried, but Mommy and Daddy gave me a banana, and I quickly reverted to a state of perpetual happiness (despite the bleeding). Let's see if I've got a shiner tomorrow...


Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Mojo Nixons



[As transcribed by Daddy]


So, Daddy went back to work today, which made me sort of sad - I missed him. I get used to spending time with him, and then he up and leaves me at home with Mommy and the dog. Boo!

Speaking of Mommy, she took me via the bus to the beaches, where we browsed around for little soled shoes that actually fit (seeing as how I'm a walk-a-maniac). No dice - however, I sure got a kick (pardon the pun) out of trying on so much footwear! It got to the point where I would even volunteer my foot with a biiiig grin on my face.

The Nixons are in town for a few days and are staying with Gamma and Grandpa, so I visited with them a bit today - it's always great seeing them!


Monday, August 14, 2006

Panagopolii



[As transcribed by Daddy]


After lunch and a walk around the block today, Mommy and Daddy took me to the art store, where Mommy picked up a matte she had ordered for Naisa's famous Monk Photo, which she got framed for Daddy's anniversary present. Then we went to Daddy's office, and completely re-decorated it! I walked up and down all the hallways while they took down all of his nerdy posters and put up his nicer framed stuff.

We got some coffee, and walked to the comic book store - but it was closed, so we headed home again. After playing with Daddy, it was time for dinner with Anisa, Gamma, and Grandpa - not to mention Nick and Alice Panagopoulos, who brought some great eats! I walked and walked and walked for everyone's entertainment.


Sunday, August 13, 2006

Home to an empty fridge



[As transcribed by Daddy]


Last night I slept at Daddy's Uncle Ed's place - in bed between Mommy and Daddy, and I tossed and turned the whole night through. I think Mommy even caught me sleeping on Daddy's head at one point.

After breakfast with Uncle Ed and a visit from Cousin Eric (and some more playing with Olivia's / Nevik's / Lola's toys), we headed out in that dreaded car again. I have to say, I'm glad our trip is done, because I am so over the back of that car. We stopped for food at what Daddy believes to be the most inefficiently run rest stop on the 401 - possibly in the entire western hemisphere.

I'm glad to be back home in Toronto, and I'm really glad to see Gamma and Grandpa, who I hung out with while Mommy and Daddy re-stocked the embarassingly empty refrigerator.


Saturday, August 12, 2006

Traffic Jams



[As transcribed by Daddy]


Well, we had to get up and say goodbye to Nana, Jim, Charlie, and Zoe this morning, since it was time for Mommy and Daddy and Basil and I to be on our way. Nana was really sad to see us go! I had a great time visiting with them all... Nana even managed to teach me to count (to one) while I was with her!

We shot through New Hampshire, and once we hit Vermont, we stopped at Quechee Gorge and had a picnic and an afternoon hike (I was up on Daddy's shoulders most of the time). We got stuck in a big traffic jam before crossing the border into Canada.

Traffic was bad again once we got into Montreal, due to some construction at the Champlain bridge. Mommy and Daddy kept themselves amused by making fun of the other drivers - I slept.

Once we made it to Daddy's cousin Eric's house, I got to run all over the place, play with my cousin Olivia's toys (she's in Seattle right now), and I got to have my very first Indian food for dinner. Awesome!


Friday, August 11, 2006

Earth-Shattering Parakeets



[As transcribed by Daddy]

I had a rough night last night - I kept waking up, and had to sleep sandwiched between Mommy and Daddy (and Basil). You'd think after a night of light sleep, I'd be easy to put down for a nap this morning. Think again!

After lunch, Daddy and cousn Zoe and I drove to Nashua to go shopping for Mommy's anniversary present(s). We had a great time at the mall (which actually lies across two States), where I got to see some earth-shatteringly amazing parakeets at a pet store, according to my reaction.

We headed home again (I napped in the car) where I spent the rest of the afternoon with Nana and Zoe and Jim, seeing as how Mommy and Daddy went out for their 5th anniversary dinner. I've never spent this much time away from Mommy in 24 hours before.


Thursday, August 10, 2006

Sara's Big Red Chair



[As transcribed by Daddy]

Today, Mommy and Daddy and Nana and Jim and I loaded up into Nana's car, and we all drove off on a nice morning tour of the Mount Monadnock area (Daddy and I both slept through most of the trip). Once we made it to Keene, we stopped for lunch, where Daddy shamelessly broke his diet. Kind of.

I wasn't too thrilled to be in my car seat on the way back - Mommy kept me amused by reciting my books to me (despite not having any of them there). Then I hung out with Nana (and later Zoe) while Mommy and Daddy went for another drive and hike.

Mommy and Daddy and I visited Sara again, and I got to happily thrash around on her big comfy red chair. We really should get one of those for the apartment back home.

Did I mention that I keep getting caught doing animal impressions in my sleep? Apparently, I dream about bears.


Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Purgatory Falls



[As transcribed by Daddy]

This morning I woke Daddy up by smothering him with little kisses instead of the customary face-slaps and karate chops to the throat. Isn't that cute?

After my morning nap and some lunch, Mommy and Daddy and Zoe and I headed out to Nashua to do some shopping. Amazingly, Daddy didn't buy any music at Newbury Comics this time. Isn't that bizarre?! I walked and walked and walked all over the bookstore, knocking stuff over and pulling all the merchandise off the shelves. Not that anybody minded, though - I was happy, scurrying everywhere, and adorable. Then Mommy tried to change my diaper in the washroom, and Jekyll turned to Hyde.

After a quick stop at Nana's to trade Zoe for Basil, we went for a short hike to Purgatory Falls. Daddy carried me on his chest the whole way, and managed to attract all of the mosquitos away from me.

Once we went home, I ran around everywhere again. It's astounding to remember that a month ago I was barely even good at crawling.


Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Re-arranging Daddy's teeth



[As transcribed by Daddy]

Still having a great time here in New Hampshire! This morning, Mommy and Daddy and Nana and Zoe and I drove to the fruit market and picked up some veggies. After a quick trip to another supermarket, I came home and had a nap.

When I woke up, it was Mommy's turn to have a snooze. So, Daddy strapped me to his chest, and we went for a walk to the bookstore in the hot sun. While we were there, I reached into his mouth and tried to re-arrange his teeth. I dunno why... it's just something I do. When we came home, we read books and played with my new piano/microphone toy.

Pot roast for dinner! Yay! I knew if I pestered everyone long enough, I'd get more pot roast. Oh - and before bed, Nana drove me over to se eher friend Donna, but I was a little freaked out, being in a stranger's place without Mommy. She did have a kitty for me to meow at, though.


Monday, August 07, 2006

Gravel Rocks



[As transcribed by Daddy]

This morning, Mommy and Gamma and cousin Zoe and I went to the local flea market and looked around. I didn't feel like being strolled or carried - I really wanted to run off on my own and explore. Mommy bought me some pants.

After we came home, Daddy and Jim and the dogs joined us outside, where I played in the patio gravel, which I love. Mommy's friend Sara arrived and I ran through all of my tricks and animal impressions for her. Mommy and Daddy took Basil and I for a walk to Sara's apartment - she had a really cool big red couch for me to play on!

Nana (who along with Jim gave me a fun toy piano for my birthday) looked after me while Mommy and Daddy and Zoe did some grocery shopping - we had a nice time together. After dinner I walked and walked and walked, all over the apartment. I'm having a great vaction!


Sunday, August 06, 2006

Facing Forwards Sucks!



[As transcribed by Daddy]

This morning, Mommy and Daddy and Basil and I all loaded ourselves and our stuff into the car and drove off for the United States. For the first time, I got to drive in the car with by baby seat facing forwards. Yeah, it wasn't as awesome as we all thought it'd be.

Since it's a long weekend, we got stuck at the border for two hours, waiting in traffic. I had the good fortune of sleeping through that, but for most of the remaining eleven hours of the trip, I cried and cried and cried. We had to stop at almost every rest-stop between Buffalo and Albany to either calm me down, buy coffee for Daddy, or get gasoline for the car.

We had a pleasant stop for my dinner at a cute little General Store in Vermont, and then it was off to Nana's house, where I walked and walked and walked all over her living room carpet. I'm so glad to be out of the car (and so is Basil)!


Saturday, August 05, 2006

Bloodbath!



[As transcribed by Daddy]


After running several errands with Mommy and Gamma, including a jaunt to the art store where I saw lots of cute animals and stuff, I had a decent nap. I had some spaghetti for lunch, and in while carefully walking across the kitchen, I fell face-first on the floor. These new little teeth cut into my lip, and I bled all over Mommy's shirt. I cried a lot, but forgot all about it five minutes later. So, nobody worry - I'm fine.

Hope you like the new blog design - yeah, there are a few bugs and glitches, but I'll make sure Daddy has them worked out sooner or later.

Oh - my new word is 'Abbo-Ca-Ca', which means 'Avocado.' I only ever say it in a whisper - because it's mysterious.


Friday, August 04, 2006

Happy Bloggerversary


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Well, today is the one-year anniversary of The Adventures of Clover. I know we promised a new design to celebrate, but Daddy has been really swamped with work, and tonight had to go to a company party and couldn't struggle with the Blogger CSS code instead - the poor guy. You'll finally get to see version 2.0 for tomorrow's entry. Daddy promises!

I was in another great mood today. Mommy and I read a lot (to each other!), I smelled the temporary flower tattoo on her foot, and we packed for our vacation next week. Uh, or rather, Mommy packed and I immediately unpacked.


Thursday, August 03, 2006

Housekeeping


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Yet again it was sweltering outside, so Mommy and I were stuck inside, away from the oppressive heat. My mood has improved, though - I was much more cheerful and happy today.

Mommy has taught me a new game - "Put things away." The object is to track down all your toys and books and stuff and then put them away in toyboxes and wicker baskets. I'm getting really good at it... Daddy is envisionning a day in which he can put me in a room, tell me to 'clean up' and I tidy while he bums out in front of the television.

I'm also getting good at pointing at body parts - and as a bonus, I can make distinctions between my body parts and someone else's. For example, if you tell me to point to "The baby's nose" I point to my nose, but if you tell me to point to "Mommy's nose" I point at hers. Ain't I smart?


Wednesday, August 02, 2006

The art of a good tantrum


[As transcribed by Daddy]


It's crazy hot outside today. Aside from my little trip to the drug store with Daddy yesterday, Mommy and I have been really cooped up... but if we go outside, we might melt, so, that's not happening.

I've been experimenting with temper tantrums a lot lately. I really put on a big show when I don't get what I want (usually, these performances revolve around being breastfed) - right now I'm all about collapsing in a ball on the ground and desperately screaming. It's not working so well, though. My parents are on to me.

While preparing to give me a bath tonight, Mommy stood me up naked in the bathroom, where I proceeded to pee all over the floor (and one of Daddy's Life Magazine collector editions). I thought this was pretty funny, so I sat down and started splashing around in my own pee. Fun times!


Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Itty Bitty Fever


[As transcribed by Daddy]


Man, I was in a bad mood today. I cried, grumbled, complained, ate, and then had a three-hour nap. Maybe it's due to the slight fever I'm running - I've got a fourth tooth coming in, and it seems to be getting me down and my temperature up.

Mommy and I were supposed to join my post-natal pals for a big collective birthday bash, but due to the ridiculous heat outside and my itty bitty fever, we decided to stay home and clean up instead.

After lunch, Cool Uncle Gareth and Julia showed up at Gamma and Grandpa's place, so I visited with them a bit. Then Daddy's friend Nick joined Mommy and Daddy and Ah-hem and I for dinner! I showed off my ability to demand food and then feed it all to the dog once I get it. I'm sure Nick was quite impressed.


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!