Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Freaking People Out


[As transcribed by Daddy]

After Cool Uncle Gareth headed back to New York this morning, Mommy and I did some tidying, and then in the afternoon Anisa lent us a DVD to watch, which I kinda enjoyed. I was more into jumping on Gamma's bed - poor Aunt Wendy has to leave the room whenever I do, though. Something about being an X-Ray technician years ago. Mommy and I played around in the curtains, and it really seemed to alarm the dog. I guess I'm all about freaking people out today.

After Daddy came home from work, we ordered Thai food to have with the Nixons and Gamma and Grandpa. I put on one heck of a show for everyone - I tumbled, did somersaults, walked around while inside my toybox, made faces, and the like. It's really great having such an appreciative audience.


Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Hot Dog!


[As transcribed by Daddy]

I was cute and sweet all day long. Mommy was completely enchanted with me - usually on Mondays I'm a little 'off' but today I was precocious and adorable. All I asked in exchange was to be read to repeatedly.

This afternoon I picked up the phone, pressed a bunch of numbers and tried to call Daddy at work. Somehow, though, I managed to call Nana by accident. She didn't seem to mind so much, even though I kept calling her 'Daddy'. I even tried giving her butterfly kisses over the telephone, which didn't really work out.

Mommy made us fancy hot dogs for dinner - I was so excited, I stomped around the apartment yelling "Hot Dog!" "Hot Dog!" I really devoured my food.


Monday, January 29, 2007

Snow-Blower


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy made Daddy and I a pretty fancy homemade granola breakfast this morning, which we followed with a game of hide-and-seek in Gamma and Grandpa's living room curtains. I hide behind them and then yell "Bye Bye" and my own name, over and over again.

After lunch (and more video games with Cool Uncle Gareth), Mommy and Daddy and I drove out to Uxbridge and found a fantastic little winter hike. It was cold and the snow was deep, but Daddy taught me how to shake it off of tree-branches and blow it into the air. We had a great time! On the way home, I played hide-and-seek again - this time under a blanket while in my car seat.

When we got home, I was happily surprised to find the Nixons at home waiting for me! We all had dinner together, and I had a lot of people to show off for.

Listening to: Guillemots - Through The Windowpane


Sunday, January 28, 2007

Uncle Gerk!


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Aside from the fact that it took Daddy (and Grandpa) ages to scrape the ice off of the car this morning, today started out like your average everyday Saturday. Mommy and Daddy and I went to the butcher's, and marvelled in the fact that there was no crowd. Must be due to the weather.

After my nap, I woke to a surprise - Cool Uncle Gareth ("Uncle Gerk") was over, visiting from New York! He was awesome - we played a lot, and he read to me and I bounced on his legs and crawled all over him and stuff. While he and Daddy played video games, I ran around, danced, and competed for their attention. When Mommy made us all a big dinner, I made sure I got to sit next to Uncle Gerk.

Listening to: Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium


Saturday, January 27, 2007

Chasing Boys


[As transcribed by Daddy]

For a nice surprise this morning, Mommy decided we could brave the freezing weather and took me for a walk to a nearby school for a nice little government-funded playgroup thing. It was pretty good - toys to play with, other kids and mommies to impress, and a five-year-old boy for me to follow around. It was pretty adorable, according to everyone around. I found a toy of a little old lady with grey hair and glasses, which I named 'Gamma' and really treasured it.

After we came home, my real Gamma taught me how to march on the spot. When Daddy came home from work, we invented a really funny game where me make surprised/shocked faces at each other. It was awesome! He took Mommy and I to the mall to buy a video game, and I practiced more knock-knock jokes:

Knock Knock.
Who's There?
Gamma.
Gamma Who?
...Hat.


Friday, January 26, 2007

Axl Jr.


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Look! We found where the mice were nesting! IN MY HAIR!

It was bone-chillingly cold outside today, so Mommy and I were pretty cooped-up. I took it out on the apartment by demolishing the kitchen and listening to a lot of loud music and singing at the top of my lungs. At one point, Mommy walked into the living room to see me sitting on my scooter, watching Guns N' Roses on television, and screaming along with the singer. I was having a great time! Mommy couldn't stop laughing.

I'm learning how to count, too. I've gotten the hang of two numbers so far - 'one' (indicating the singular) and 'two' (indicating anything greater than 'one'). Likewise, I've got the letters 'A' and 'B' well established - I just dunno what they mean yet.


Thursday, January 25, 2007

Scary Thanks


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy didn't sleep well last night, and was incredibly tired all day long. I think I got on her nerves a lot, as she could often be found getting fed up with me. I wanted to play and stuff, but she couldn't keep up with me... it made me feel kinda bored. We argued a lot. I played with my blocks and with my tea party set and stuff all by myself.

After my nap, when Mommy decided to clean out the closet, I helped out by flinging myself into my ball house repeatedly. I asked for a lot of food today, especially "Patsy" (pizza) and "Chockin' Em-Em" (chocolate M&Ms). Also, I say 'please' at the drop of a hat, but 'thank-you' I'm not so good at. The trick to making me say it is to first say it yourself as a monster, with a gruff voice. So, if you say "THANK-YOU" all monster-ish, I say "Dangoo" in an equally scary voice. The same works with 'I Love You'.

Listening to: Fear of Pop - Volume I


Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Adieu Naisa


[As transcribed by Daddy]

I keep waking up before my parents, freaking out, and joining them in bed. It's become part of schedule... my parents really need to try to get me out of the habit.

Anyway, after the Oscar Announcements, Naisa came down and hung out with Mommy and I. She watched more DVDs, and I tried to get all up in her face with my toys and my books, so Mommy got me out of her hair and we visited with Gamma and Grandpa before lunch and nap.

Daddy came home from work a bit early to drive Naisa to the airport. Mommy and I joined them - the traffic on the way there was actually manageable. We all bid adieu to Naisa, and then drove home in some expectedly brutal traffic. By the time we got home, Mommy was crippled by a diaboloical headache. I made sure to scream and complain a lot in the car to make sure her headache was extra-vivid.

Listening to: Tori Amos - To Venus And Back


Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Save me, waiting room toys!


[As transcribed by Daddy]

This morning I woke Daddy up by jumping on his head with my butt. It gave him a headache. Mission accomplished!

Today was the last day for our regularly scheduled diaper service. Quite the milestone - we celebrated with some nudity, and then a tub! I visited with Gamma and Grandpa, and re-decorated their living room. After that, Naisa and I read together and played with some blocks.

Mommy woke me from my nap early to take me to the Doctor's office. I enjoyed playing with all the (germy) toys, and I enjoyed the subway ride there - but when the Doctor arrived with the needle... all I could do was call out to the waiting-room toys to save me. Twelve hours later, we came home.

Listening to: Electric Light Orchestra - Discovery


Monday, January 22, 2007

First Joke


[As transcribed by Daddy]

I was up early again this morning, anticipating all the muffins Mommy was gonna bake for breakfast. I do love muffins! Naisa joined us in the morning, and since it was sooo cold outside, the bunch of us just kinda sat looking at each other and the walls for several hours, trying to think of what to do. Eventually, it was naptime, and Mommy joined me while Daddy and Naisa watched DVDs.

After Mommy and I woke up, Daddy drove us to the bookstore. It was crazy there - they had just opened up the new children's section, which was full of toys, books, and other weird kids that creeped Daddy out. I was really excited about all of the Elmo books, for some reason. On the way home, I made up my very first joke:

Knock Knock
Who's There?
Clover.
Clover Who?
...Clover.


Listening to: The Tragically Hip - World Container


Sunday, January 21, 2007

Blinded by the Light


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy and Daddy somehow managed to sleep in a bit this morning, despite me crawling all over them. Once they DID get up, Naisa came down and hung out with us all for a bit, and talked to her family back in Swaziland. After lunch, we headed out for a drive!

I fell asleep after a while - it was hard, with the sun in the west blinding us all. We eventually made our way out to Glen Williams, where we stopped for some coffee and treats (it was too cold to go for a hike). On the way home, we found an organic supermarket in Oakville, and I got to ride around in a green shopping cart. Once we got home, we all fell asleep.

Listening to: James Kochalka Superstar - Spread Your Evil Wings And Fly


Saturday, January 20, 2007

Tumbling


[As transcribed by Daddy]

I was up really early this morning, and joined my folks in bed. I alternated between kicking Basil in the face, kicking Daddy in the ribs, and kicking Mommy in the tummy. Eventually, they took the hint and woke up.

Daddy had the day off from work again, so he helped us clean up and play and stuff until it was time to go and visit Gamma and Grandpa, where we were also joined by Naisa. I taught myself how to do somersaults while announcing "tumble!" on Gamma's bed... it was pretty funny. I'm especially good at somersaulting onto Basil.

Once I went down for a nap, Daddy and Naisa drove off so she could be de-briefed about all of her international adventures. They were gone a long time! When they came back we all played and read books, and had dinner. As soon as I had my bath and was ready for bed, Mommy got hit by food poisoning.

...or maybe it was all those kicks to the tummy from this morning.


Friday, January 19, 2007

Eighteen Months Old!


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Today was fairly quiet, most of the time - Naisa was feeling a little sad, and missed her family and friends back in Swaziland, and Mommy and I only made it worse by falling asleep in the middle of the day, leaving her alone and forlorn. Oops! Sorry about that, Naisa!

To make it up to her, we took her with us on the bus and subway to the butcher shop (because nothing raises spirits like meat chops). While we were riding said bus, I suddenly developed the ability to call Basil "Basil" and not "Ah-Hoo" (It may have to do with the fact that I'm calling Naisa "Na-Hoo").

Our mousetraps executed three more mice throughout the day. Give us another month, and their entire species will be extinct.


Thursday, January 18, 2007

Pacific Mall


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Daddy took the day off of work today, since Naisa was over (and jetlagged). We all hung out this morning, had lunch together, and as soon as we were ready to head out into the day - Daddy and I both fell asleep.

When we woke up, we drove out to Ikea to pick up a few things, and then went to the Pacific Mall in Markham to investigate some fancy ingredients for Naisa's Thai cooking. It was quite an adventure... all of the ladies and girls there thought I was adorable in my pink outfit, bunny ears, and leash. After we got our ingredients from a strange supermarket, we stopped on the way home for a lovely sushi dinner. Naisa regailed us with stories of Thailand and Swaziland, while I regailed dinner with digestion.

Listening to: Ryan Adams - Love Is Hell


Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Grandpa is 60!


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Today, Grandpa turned 60 years old! Wow! Gamma and Mommy had a lot of party planning and baking to do, and I had a lot of planning and baking to foil. I did my best, and made Mommy kinda cranky, but somehow she was able to bake a cake (out of meatloaf) anyway. We also made up some fingerpaints and tried to be artistic... I was more concerned with getting all the weird colourful stuff off of my fingers.

Daddy came home from work a little early and took Mommy and I to the grocery store before heading out to the airport to go and pick up our old friend Naisa, who's coming back to Canada from Thailand and Swaziland. Once they got here, Anisa and Basil joined us all for Grandpa's birthday party. I partied myself out!

Listening to: k-os - Atlantis: Hymns for Disco


Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Nap Trumps Clover Trumps Pilates


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Frozen snow outside today... so Mommy and I hibernated. Mommy tried to do her Pilates routine this morning, which was quite contrary to my plans... I wanted to read some books. I made sure I complained and harassed her until she either fell over or had to pay me some attention. Just to make sure I remained the #1 priority, I got my mitts on a q-tip and poked her (hard) in the belly-button.

I didn't want to nap after lunch today. Instead I wanted chocolate, which I KNOW is in the kitchen cupboard. One of these days I'm gonna figure out how to get in there and just take what I want. I fought that nap with all my might, but after an hour of kicking and screaming, the nap defeated me.


Monday, January 15, 2007

You #@%&er!


[As transcribed by Daddy]

This morning, I had a big fancy breakfast with Mommy and Daddy, and then there was more merriment to be had with Gamma, Grandpa, Anisa, and her friend Kayleigh. Before I could go down for a nap, though, I was rushed into a car with Basil. I tried my best to stay awake, but I conked out rather quickly.

When I woke up, we were somewhat lost in Innisfil. Way to go, parents. Before long we made our way to Gwillimbury, where we went for a great hike in the snow! I got to wear my pink snowsuit, I did some scurrying and running, and I even got to see ten different puppies, which really got me excited!

When we came home, Mommy was changing the recycling when a mouse jumped out and scared her. She freaked out and called it a bad word - which I then repeated (I'm such a little mimic!). To celebrate there being more rodents in the house, we had New Ho King for dinner.

Listening to: Okkervil River - Black Sheep Boy


Sunday, January 14, 2007

Hamming it up


[As transcribed by Daddy]

After a lovely crumpet breakfast and some playtime, we were gonna go out to the mall, but Daddy found and had a chat with his friend Joanna in England online, so we put it off 'till later. I had a nap, as did Daddy.

Once we were both up and un-groggified (something that took me a long time to do), we drove to the mall, picked up Mommy's contact lenses, and then went to the butcher's. It was pretty late in the day, and the place was ridiculously packed! We'll never ever go back there after lunch again. On the way home, I sang along to the music in the car, death metal-style.

When we got home, I got to meet Anisa's friend Kayleigh. We hit it off immediately, and Gamma made sure I ran through all of my animal impressions and did my cute little twirl-dance. I really loved to ham it up!

Listening to: Sun 0))) - Black One


Saturday, January 13, 2007

iPhone crusher


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy and I went back to the boutique to return the boots she bought last week. We also hit the butcher's and Starbucks - I got hugs, banana bread, and peach juice (see if you can guess where I received each which item).

I read the letter books that I got for Christmas with Mommy and Gamma and Grandpa... I'm really good with them now. I can say 'ice cream', 'crayons', 'orange', 'tiger', 'turtle', 'boats', 'airplane', 'porcupine', and I call 'garden' "Nana" (because it looks like Nana's garden).

Later, I pooped so big it shot out the top of my diaper and up my back. Daddy rewarded me with a new iPhone, which I then crushed.


Friday, January 12, 2007

Hug Me, Mommy


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Today was all about more reading, more playing with blocks and toys, some more drawing, and doing what seems to be my job around here - following Mommy around while she cleans, and undoing all of her work. I was pretty crabby for most of the morning, but I really seemed to work my frustrations out on our apartment.

The place looks great - Mommy managed to do a fantastic job. A tooth suddenly burst through my gums today (which also might have had something to do with my grumpiness), and I was so happy about it that I actually verbally asked Mommy for a hug. I've never done that before!


Thursday, January 11, 2007

Block Stacker


[As transcribed by Daddy]

I did a lot of reading with Mommy today - it was fun! At one point, Mommy broke out my bag of Mega Blocks, and I sat there and actually made some sculptures - you know, stacking blocks on top of each other and stuff. Pretty cool... Mommy took some photos. Maybe you'll see them here eventually. We would have gone out to take Mommy's new boots back to the store, but it's really cold out there!

After Daddy came home from work today, we quickly went out for a quick jaunt to Ikea, where we picked up some storage baskets and a light to hang over the dining room table. Daddy had a hankering for pork buns, so of course afterwards we had to go to the supermarket and do some quick grocery shopping, despite the fact that it was after my bedtime.

Listening to: The Dresden Dolls - Yes, Virginia...


Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Paging Dr. Baby


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Sometimes I get ahead of myself when I request a song. By the time Mommy's sung the first verse of one, I'm requesting the next. I kept asking for 'Doctor' (Five Little Monkeys) and then 'Baby,' so Mommy invented a new song, Doctor Baby, on the spot. Here are the lyrics:

Doctor Baby

Doctor Baby
Doot Doot Doot
Doctor Baby
Doot Doot Doot

Doctor Baby is a friend of mine
Doctor Baby is really kind
Doctor Baby
Doot Doot Doot
Doctor Baby
Doot Doot Doot

Doctor Baby is ten months old
Doctor Baby knows when you have a cold
Doctor Baby
Doot Doot Doot
Doctor Baby
Doot Doot Doot

Some folks say that he's too young
But you and I know he'll soon be one!
Doctor Baby
Doot Doot Doot
Doctor Baby
Doot Doot Doot

DOCTOR BABY!
[DA-DA!!]


Mommy and Basil and I went for a long hike down the street today. At one point, I stopped to check out some ants I saw one time - six months ago. What a memory! Later, a door-to-door meat salesman came over and sold us some chicken. Not making that up. Didn't see Daddy tonight, as he was busy.


Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Say my name!



[As transcribed by Daddy]

Today, Mommy took me to a NEW baby / play group thing. It was at a very nice lady's house, and there were plenty of new toys for me to get my mitts into. I made sure I turned on all the charm, and really cranked up the proverbial cuteness meter! There were some other kids there with their parents, and while they may have been bigger than me, I was much much chattier. And of course, I was much sillier and cuter!

I seem to be slowly getting the hang of naps and bedtime again. After the vacation, I kinda forgot how to go to sleep without freaking out. I'm slowly feeling comfortable enough to sleep in my own crib all by myself... it's taking Mommy less and less time every night to put me to bed.

Did I mention that I can say my own name now? Next time you see me, ask me what my name is. I'll point to myself and tell you - "Tloh - Ver!"


Monday, January 08, 2007

Whiney Hike


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Daddy woke up with a gross and unpleasant sinus infection. Yaaaay! To celebrate, he laid low while Mommy made us breakfast. I played and visited with Gamma and Grandpa and Anisa, and then after a while it was lunchtime.

We loaded into the car (I fell asleep pretty quickly) with Basil and drove out to Terra Cotta for our first hike of 2007! Things started out well, but I got pretty antsy. I wanted to be carried by Mommy, then by Daddy, then I wanted to walk, then I didn't want to wear my mittens, and then I wanted food... Daddy's headache was pretty bad and my complaining was making it worse, so we drove home for some dinner.

Daddy forgot to mention - two days ago while Mommy was in the bathroom, I slammed face-first into the dishwasher (or something... Basil was the only witness, and he ain't talkin') and cut open my lip. It's no biggie, though... it's healing.

Listening to: Matthew Sweet - Girlfriend


Sunday, January 07, 2007

Dashed Hike Hopes


[As transcribed by Daddy]

This morning I managed to entertain myself while Mommy and Daddy did a lot of tidying and re-arranging. After breakfast, we drove out to the butcher's and picked up some groceries... on par for a Saturday morning. Mommy also bought a fancy pair of boots! It rained a lot, which dashed our hopes for a January hike in the woods.

Both Daddy and I had pretty long afternoon naps. Once Mommy and I managed to wake Daddy up, we headed out to do some shopping - I co-operated on the condition that I got a treat at Starbucks.

Mommy made us all a lovely roast beef dinner after Daddy and I played and watched some DVDs. Since we all needed some exercise, we all went for a walk to the drug store before bed.

Listening to: Tropicalia: A Brazilian Revolution in Sound


Saturday, January 06, 2007

Dog Art


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Art! Art! Art! I drew on everything I could get my pen on. I drew on the walls, on books, on the floor, and even on the dog's face (and he's the sorta guy to just sit there and take it). Thank goodness Cool Uncle Gareth bought me those non-permanent, washable markers.

I've learned to say 'please', and I use it all the time. If I do use it and don't get what I want, I tend to get pretty upset. I mean - why use a magic word if it doesn't work every time?

Noodles for dinner... Mommy put the hot plate in the middle of the table to cool off. I reached over, grabbed and sucked on the end of a noodle, and ate the entire plate from across the table.


Friday, January 05, 2007

Mixed [Media] Messages


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Last night was easily the worst night we've all had since I first came home from the hospital a year and a half ago. All things considered, I guess that's pretty good... most parents have to put up with sleepless babies & toddlers all the time. Two nights out of five hundred and forty ain't bad, right?

Both Mommy and Daddy were tired and had headaches all day, but I was in a pretty good mood (plus, I got to have two naps). One thing that getting all kinds of art supplies for Christmas has showed us all, however, is that I get easily confused about what medium works with what... like, I try to write on my chalkboard with magic markers. That sort of thing.

Mommy and I spent a lot of time trying to incorporate our Christmas loot into the rest of our possessions. That's the problem with having so much crap and a small apartment, I guess... but hey, it gives Daddy a chance to sort through his books and CDs.


Thursday, January 04, 2007

Awake & Crying


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Bear with me... Daddy is trying to type this entry extremely quietly. I'm finally asleep with Mommy in the bedroom... things were going as usual after she put me to bed, as usual, at 8:00 PM... but sometime around 10:30 PM I woke up and wouldn't settle down... I cried and cried and cried. Neither of my parents could figure out what the problem was... they figure that since I haven't pooped today, I must be constipated or something.

I finally fell silent around 1:00 AM... Mommy snuck me into the bedroom, quieted me down again (It was looking kinda iffy there) and here we are. Maybe I'm just worked up from a bad dream, maybe I have a toothache / earache, maybe it's my cold... who knows.

Those of you who are religious, please pray for Mommy and her desperate need of some sleep!


Wednesday, January 03, 2007

That's a Wrap



[As transcribed by Daddy]

I didn't sleep well last night... I kept on sneezing and coughing in my sleep. As I thrashed about, I woke up Mommy, who was sleeping next to me. Daddy and Basil slept quite well.

This morning was quite the three-ring circus! Lola and Olivia and I played and danced and ate breakfast while Daddy and Eric filmed us and took about ten million photographs of us. By the time we got to Uncle Ed & Aunt Diane's place, it was time for lunch! I was quite exhausted and got really cranky and whiny. We said our good-byes to everyone there (including Oscar and GG and Uncle Armour) and headed back to Toronto.

I slept for two and a half hours, and managed to even do some talking in my sleep ("Mommy? Mommy? Mommy?"). As we drove west, the sun was shining right in my eyes. It kinda sucked.

It's great to be home, and I was really happy to see Gamma and Grandpa again. Mommy and I had a nice, long, relaxing bath, and then it was bedtime. That wraps up my Christmas vacation!

Listening to: Over The Hedge - Music From The Motion Picture


Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Sleeping / Sneezing



[As transcribed by Daddy]

Well, this morning we got up, packed up all of our stuff (I tried to get away with hiding my toys under the blankets of Mommy's bed) and then waited for a few hours for the ice on the road outside to thaw before heading out for Montreal. I'll miss Nana, Jim, and Charlie!

My cold didn't seem to get me down too much while we made our way through New Hampshire, Vermont, and Quebec. I slept for half the trip, and while I wasn't sleeping, I was sneezing. So it all kinda worked out.

I was extremely happy to see everyone in Montreal again, especially GG and my cousins and I got re-introduced to GG's brother, Uncle Armour. I ate a heck of a lot of fruit for dinner, then headed back to Eric & Elizabeth's, where Mommy & I passed out!


Monday, January 01, 2007

"Mommy? Mommy? Mommy?"



[As transcribed by Daddy]

My fever had pretty much broken this morning, but I was still ridiculously congested. My poor sad little nasally voice... "Mommy? Mommy? Mommy?" Daddy called from New York to say he'd be back in the afternoon, which made Mommy kinda grumpy. Luckily, we heard from Sara, who came over to visit and then to take Mommy to lunch! I hung out with Nana... "Mommy? Mommy? Mommy?"

Daddy made it back to New Hampshire in just over four hours. Pretty amazing! I hung out with him and Sara and Mommy for a few hours, during which we went for a drive through the area (I slept and snored snotty little snores). We were gonna order Chinese food for dinner, but due to a two-hour wait, Daddy and Nana and Sara bought groceries instead, and we all had a little New Year's Eve party. I fell asleep in record time... "Mommy? Mommy? Mommy?"

Listening to: Say Anything - ...Is A Real Boy


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!