Sunday, September 30, 2007

A little 'Off'

[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy and I enjoyed a lovely walk in the forest across the street this morning, collecting acorns and leaves and stuff. Once Daddy woke up, he drove us to Manchester, where we spent some of our abnormally valuable Canadian money at the mall - we bought a new outfit for me, some crafty stuff for Mommy, and I even got to go on a carousel ride!

I snoozed for a bit on the ride home, but never really napped - which resulted in a groggy rest-of-the-day. Coupled with an extra few unpleasant diaper changes, it became clear that maybe my tummy might be a little 'off' also. Still, I managed to have a really nice day visiting with Nana, who saved me when I stumbled down a single stair and sort of hurt my foot out front (I still needed Mommy to kiss it better).

You wouldn't believe how fast and easily I went to bed tonight!


Saturday, September 29, 2007

Spur-Of-The-Moment Surprise

[As transcribed by Daddy]

I was up and playing with all of my cousins' toys this morning with much joy and frivolity. I enjoyed a nice breakfast with Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Ed and Aunt Diane and Cousins Elizabeth and Lola, and could often be seen 'flying' airplane toys all over the house.
Mommy and Daddy and Basil and I headed off for the United States after lunch, and took a few accidental wrong-turns that lead to very lovely, scenic autumn drives (so no complaints). I did a lot of sleeping, and the combination of post-rainfall autumn Appalachian landscapes made for a gorgeous afternoon drive to New Hampshire.

We got to Nana's house before she and Jim returned from work, so... we went to the supermarket, bought a cake and party decorations, and threw Nana a spur-of-the-moment Surprise Party! I think I / we made her very happy.

Listening to: Junior Senior - Say Hello, Wave Goodbye


Friday, September 28, 2007

Caribou Meat

[As transcribed by Daddy]

A small miracle occurred on my family's six-hour car-ride to Montreal today -- I was a perfect little angel who didn't complain once, despite never sleeping on the whole journey (well, I did manage to pass out about five minutes before arriving at Uncle Ed & Aunt Diane's). We had a nice stop in Cornwall alomg the way, where Daddy and Basil and I ran and played in the park while Mommy was really sick in a rest-stop bathroom.

At Ed & Diane's, I played with my cousins Nevi, Lola, Skye, and Olivia -- they've got lots and lots of toys!! Woo! Basil, meanwhile, stood transfixed as Daddy's cousin Robin butchered a caribou on the kitchen table (see photo).

Listening to: Stars - In Our Bedroom After The War


Thursday, September 27, 2007

Clingy

[As transcribed by Daddy]

I still had a fever this morning, and was pretty clingy with Mommy... which made getting ready for tomorrow's vacation kinda difficult. My clingyness slowed down all the laundry, dishes that needed to be washed, and prevented us from calling about or going to get the Wii fixed. Ah well. I was kinda up-and-down all day, and had something of a rocky nap in the afternoon. I also declared ownership over the iMac and the many stories that can be found on it.

After Daddy came home from work, the three of us went to have coffee with Joanna and Rob before they head back to England. Mommy gave them a present, and I got to have some juice... I was much better behaved than I was when we saw them over the weekend.

We had a lovely dinner, after which I was extremely happy to have a tub, and even happier to go to bed ...? Wha?!

Listening to: Akron/Family - Love Is Simple


Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Wii-venge

[As transcribed by Daddy]


Happy Birthday, Nana!

This morning Mommy and I recovered from last night's difficult snooze in my bedroom. Daddy and Basil reportedly slept quite well together in the other room.

Leslie came over for lunch today, which was great - we read books together, played games... you know the deal. It was pretty hot outside, but we managed to play in my sandbox and stuff too. I actually had a nap on my bed (and not in my crib!) this afternoon, and then it was black to conning Leslie into reading books to me.

After Daddy came home from work, I suddenly started running a fever, and kinda vegged out on the couch, all wrapped up in blankets. My parents had to trick me into taking Tylenol by sneaking it into my ice cream, but I've got the last laugh - tonight they'll discover that two days ago I stuffed about a dollar fifty in change into their precious Nintendo Wii, thus ruining it. Ha-ha!


Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Nice to Mommy

[As transcribed by Daddy]

I was up really early this morning - I was crazy and full of energy and ready to play, while my parents were ready to keep sleeping. While Daddy went to work, I hung out with Mommy and... well, I went easy on her. No tantrums, no freakouts, no screaming fits. Just Mommy and I, enjoying the day, joining Gammy for the occasional walk. Nice and peaceful.

Mommy wasn't feeling well and didn't want to ruin our good day by making me have a nap, so... she gave me the option not to. I held together really well - until Daddy came home from work, and played with me before bedtime. We had so much fun and did so much laughing and played so many silly games that I really didn't want to go to sleep. This led to a long-overdue tantrum.

A few hours later I woke up again, complaining that I 'can't sleep.' Mommy's with me now, asleep on the floor of my bedroom.


Monday, September 24, 2007

Banana-Fana

[As transcribed by Daddy]

I decided to wake my parents this morning by jumping up and down on them as they slept, playing with their stuff, and just generally making a lot of noise.

After a hearty oatmeal breakfast, Daddy took Mommy and I grocery shopping, which thankfully went quickly (grocery shopping on a Sunday morning is bonkers). We came home, had a quick lunch (and in Daddy's case, a quick nap), and then drove to Starbucks for a treat (which I was promised yesterday). I fell asleep as we paid a quick visit to Hubert and Leilani, and woke up a few hours later in the middle of a lovely weekend drive through Ontario sideroads. The autumn colours are wonderful!

We went on a great hike, where I actually sat on Daddy's shoulders for most of the journey. As we walked, he taught me 'the name game', which I love. In fact, after we came home and had a bath, I could be heard singing it to myself, alone n in my crib via the baby monitor!

Listening to: Justice -


Sunday, September 23, 2007

Rude Awakening

[As transcribed by Daddy]


The day started off with cereal and Saturday morning cartoons, followed by a trip to the Chiropractor to get Mommy's back fixed. So far so good. After lunch (I had a hankering for egg salad, so Mommy appeased me) I went for a walk to buy a lollipop with Daddy, where we ran into our friend Samantha (my best friend, I told her), who came over for a quick visit to pick up some old baby stuff of mine that I didn't need anymore. While she was over, I had a nap.

Daddy woke me early from my nap a few hours later so that we could go and visit our friends Joanna and Rob (I was at their wedding a year ago) who are visiting from a place called 'Shampton' in England. My tiredness caught up with me, and I really started acting up. We moved from the restaurant to the beach, where I rolled around in the sand, hurt my foot, and dug for treasure.

After we bid adieu to Joanna and Rob, I threw a super-tantrum when we didn't go to Starbucks (my folks owe me a trip there tomorrow). Quite the dramatic evening.

Listening to: Joe Jackson - Look Sharp!


Saturday, September 22, 2007

Not the Cloversaurus Long

[As transcribed by Daddy]


Mommy and I went to our weekly visit with Julie & Sarah today. Sarah was in a pretty 'off' mood for most of the visit... but then she discovered the fine art of jumping, and cheered up in a flash. I picked off where she left off, though, and remained in a grumpy mood - especially when it came time to go home.

Mommy was exhausted today... I tried to kinda go easy on her. I had a decent nap, but was in a horrible mood when I woke up. I did some playing with Gammy and kinda felt better. We joined her and Grandpa and Nee-Nee for dinner - I played hostess, and went from person-to-person, making sure that everyone "was okay" and had enough food etc.

When it came time for bed, I put up something of a fight, of course, and forced Mommy to tell me a story about a dinosaur in a cave NOT called 'Cloversaurus Long.'


Friday, September 21, 2007

Noxious Fumes

[As transcribed by Daddy]

New teeth! I've got two new teeth. I guess that might explain some of the grumpy moods over the past few days, eh? Like I needed a reason. Anyway, I'm very happy to show off my new teeth.

Mommy and I were minding our own business today, tidying the house, arranging and folding Mommy's sewing and crafty stuff, when some auto yard a few blocks away blew up or something, sending plumes and plumes of noxious, black smoke into the sky, covering the entire south eastern part of the city. Man, did it stink! We had to close all the windows and hide indoors. Daddy came home from work a little early to make sure we didn't have to, like, go stay with relatives for the night until the chemicals in the sky dissipated.

After dinner, we took a drive to Ikea to do some shopping for odd and ends. Mommy brought me into the bathroom with her at one point, where I (quite audibly) proceeded to ask a million questions... "Why are we in the bathroom? Why are you going to the bathroom? Why don't you wear a diaper? Why do you pee? Why do I pee? Why am I not peeing?" and so on.

Listening to: Ween - The Friends EP


Thursday, September 20, 2007

Cooking for Weswee

[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy and I did a lot of cleaning today - the kitchen, the living room, bedrooms, the bathrooms... one thing is for sure, and that's the fact that I am totally afraid of the vacuum cleaner. I will avoid it at all costs. Mommy finished tailoring my new jacket, and it's extremely cute!

I helped Mommy make a nice carrot cake - I ate a lot of frosting, and when Mommy told me to knock it off, I had a mini-meltdown... which probably helped me have an easy nap with little fuss hours later. That and the great progress I made on the potty.

I did some playing with Gammy out on the front yard, and then Daddy came home with Leslie ("Weswee"), and she joined us all for a nice dinner. She and I played together in my room a lot - I pretended to cook and prepare her a full meal of Ice Cream, Ice Cream Cake, Hot Chocolate, and Greenions.


Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Strawberry Tree?

[As transcribed by Daddy]

I guess I've been somewhat inspired my Mommy's sewing and stuff, because today I grabbed as much felt and fabric as I could, kinda slapped it all together, and called it 'a book.' Meanwhile, the coat Mommy bought for me off of the web arrived via the mail... but it's too small. So today's project was to custom tailor it.

Yet again I freaked out when it was time to have a nap. I really yelled and wailed, but I've gotta hand it to Mommy... she held up (by eating ice cream to block out the screams) and eventually I fell asleep.

After I woke up, I ran around on the front yard ("Ha ha. Ha ha.") and pretended the bush at the end of the yard was a ...strawberry tree? Then it was off to Fabricland with Mommy after dinner.

Listening to: Kevin Drew - Spirit If...


Tuesday, September 18, 2007

I didn't know ham could walk.

[As transcribed by Daddy]

The postman must think I'm a total nut. Those who know me have probably seen the crazy thing I do on the lawn... as soon as I see it, I start running in circles with my arms out, yelling "Ha-ha. Ha-ha. Ha-ha." Anyway, Mommy and Gammy and I were hanging out on the lawn, I started doing my circular-run thing when the postman came by and commented that I looked like I was having fun.

I didn't want to nap today. Mommy put me in my crib and I yelled and screamed for one heck of a long time. I was a good girl when it came to the potty training today, so she let me help her make dinner. Mommy glazed a nice ham, and then put it back in the fridge while I was distracted by some corn. I turned to play with the ham, couldn't find it, and dropped this awesome one-liner: "I didn't know ham could walk."


Monday, September 17, 2007

The 'Johndin Song'

[As transcribed by Daddy]

Pancakes for breakfast! After that, it was a trip to the supermarket to re-stock all of our pancake-making ingredients (as well as the usual weekly haul of groceries). After that of course, was the requisite trip to the butcher to buy some smoked salmon for Daddy, who graciously allowed me to mooch about half of it off of him during lunch.

We headed out for a hike (after buying new shoes for Daddy) out in the forest again... which may not have been such a hot idea. I mean... we liked the path we found and everything, but after yesterday's hike I was just waaaay too tired. Towards the end of the hike I refused to go any further, and just wanted to snuggle with Mommy on the ground.

Eventually my folks got me back into the car, where I claimed that half of the songs we heard on Daddy's iPod were called 'Johndin Song.' Several hours later, after I was put to bed, I woke up after a nightmare - I dreampt that I dropped my ice cream cone while riding on a merry-go-round.

Listening to: The Go! Team - Proof Of Youth


Sunday, September 16, 2007

Humungous Fungus

[As transcribed by Daddy]

Today started off with a visit to the Chiropractor, to help get Mommy's massive migraine taken care off. The solution? Acupuncture on her face! After a quick stop home, we got a quick bite to eat and headed out to York Regional Forest to do some hiking in the chilly weekend air.

We found a couple of awesome trails, and I ran and scurried along for at least 30 minutes without asking anyone to carry me. I saw a lot of big mushrooms (I called them 'humungous fungus', which made my parents laugh), collected pinecones, and had fun shouting funny noises into the sky with Daddy.

I snoozed on the car ride home, and then we had mostly canned food for dinner, which I enjoyed, along with the ice cream for dessert. All the running and playing in the woods today made me tired, though - I crashed pretty hard.

Listening to: Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam


Saturday, September 15, 2007

Everybody Likes (Shepherd's) Pie

[As transcribed by Daddy]

The weather was funny today - hot and cold, sunny and rainy, windy and humid. Pretty weird. Anyway, this morning Mommy and I went for a nice trip over to Julie & Sarah's house. We had a nice time, hanging out, socializing with the kids, playing with toys, running around... you know the drill. Anyway, there was copious amounts of Shepherd's Pie for lunch, and man oh an, did I ever pig out on that stuff. Love Shepherd's Pie! I ate so much I barely touched my brownies for dessert.

Mommy and I headed home and had a quiet afternoon - we kinda had to, seeing as how Mommy developed a headache strong enough to fell an elephant. I played while she writhed in pain on the couch.

I've already asked Daddy if we can have more Shepherd's Pie for lunch tomorrow. Who'd have thought that a traditional English dish of minced beef, mashed potato, and vegetables would win out over ice cream.


Friday, September 14, 2007

The Mother of All Tantrums

[As transcribed by Daddy]

I threw the mother of all tantrums today. After an uneventful, low-key morning, I developed a really really bad mood (none of us even remember why), punctuated with throwing crap around, screaming, crying, squealing, yelling, foot stomping, and general parent-testing. I really wore Mommy out - she ended up putting me in my crib, where I screamed and howled until I passed out. More than an hour later, when I woke up, I rubbed my eyes, smiled at Mommy, and told her "I'm better now."

She and I did some baking, and then Daddy and Grandpa took me out for ice cream! See how it works? Freak out and be a total spaz and then several hours later get ice cream (with sprinkles!).


Thursday, September 13, 2007

The Carseat Shimmy

[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy and I started out the day with an extra-long marathon hike through town over to the nearest Wal-Mart (stopping for coffee and muffins on the way). We did some quick fabric shopping, and then decided to take the bus home. Several hours later, Mommy would finally feel the effects of the walk.

I had a nice nap in the afternoon, but was totally out of it when I woke up. My bad mood was placated by a few delicious slices of ("big orange") processed cheese.

After Daddy came home from work, we went for a quick ride to Starbucks... I danced and shimmied and swayed to the music in the car, which I really seemed to love!

Listening to: Kanye West - Graduation


Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Trading TV for PP

[As transcribed by Daddy]


I'm a breakfast person. It's usually the biggest meal of the day for me - why, today I had a bowl of delicious bran flakes, toast with peanut butter, and three apples. Goodness me!

Mommy and I played outside and then went for a nice walk up-and-down the street, collecting more pinecones and leaves and stuff. We traded in most of my television watching for some quality potty training time, which was something of a success... I made pee-pee in the potty at least three times. Thrilling!

After a nice nap (which I awoke from in an awful mood) I did some baking with Mommy. She offered to let me help her peel some apples in front of the TV, where we could watch my Toopy & Binoo DVD, but I told her "No, Mommy! That's MY DVD, not yours!"


Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Cheesemonica

[As transcribed by Daddy]

This morning I found my little backpack, put it on, and told Mommy that I was all ready to go to school. So... she walked me to the end of the block and back. On the way, we saw two cats and collected some dandelions and pretty leaves. When I came home, there was a mysterious tin box waiting for me at the top of the stairs... I put my stuff in there.

We did some more toilet training today - Mommy read some books to me while I sat there (no pressure to, you know... do anything). I'm slowly getting more and more comfortable on that thing.

After Daddy came home from work and we had some dinner, he took Mommy and I grocery shopping, where I played a block of cheese like a harmonica.

Listening to: Tori Amos - Under The Pink


Monday, September 10, 2007

Crow Conversation

[As transcribed by Daddy]


The family and I enjoyed a nice, hefty breakfast of french toast a la Mommy. We were all so stuffed that we decided to forego a normal lunch and drove through the rain to the mall with the big balloons in it, so that we could do a whole lot of shopping for me. You know... new jammies, a pachuco hat. The usual.

We headed home, had the lunch that we had put off earlier, and as the sun emerged, we all decided to go for a nice weekend hike. We loaded Basil into the car and headed out for the York Regional Forest and had a lovely walk in the woods. I heard the crows 'caw'ing, and so I decided to 'caw' back - and then (get this) I asked them to go to the store to buy me some apple juice. My parents were in stitches.

We came home, had what has to be the first spaghetti dinner we've had in months, and then I had a bath to remove said spaghetti from my face.

Listening to: Ben Folds - Ben Folds Live


Sunday, September 09, 2007

Fiddling About

[As transcribed by Daddy]


Weirdly, I slept in until 11:00 a.m. this morning. Nobody knows why, but Daddy is particularly thankful for the extra few hours of weekend snoozing.

After a quick lunch, Mommy and Daddy drove me through the city over to Kleinburg, where we attended the annual Binder Twine Festival for the second year in a row. I don't think it was as good as last year's festival, but I have to tell you... I absolutely loved the step-dancers and fiddlers. Great stuff! We brought home gifts, dips, and sauces.

Daddy's intestines were bothering him, so we raced home, and ordered in Swiss Chalet for dinner. I loved it, and the chemicals therein (coupled with a run around the block) helped knock me out at bedtime.

Listening to: Belle & Sebastian - Dear Catastrophe Waitress


Saturday, September 08, 2007

Tea with Badger

[As transcribed by Daddy]


I was up really early this morning, so Mommy had to get out of bed at a ridiculous hour and hang out with me, half-asleep on the couch. Once we were both comfortably cognizant, we had a tub.

We were back at the 'ol toilet training grind today. I wasn't really into it - didn't like sitting on the potty, although I'm always up for not wearing diapers. Lord knows I love to pee in my clothes. Hilarious!

Right before my afternoon nap today, Mommy overheard me telling my toys something about being "upside-down" and "Weee!". I then proceeded to have a tea party with my stuffed Badger.

Mommy really got a kick out of watching me laugh and play with Daddy (who fell asleep in my bedroom this evening).


Friday, September 07, 2007

The Magical Fruit

[As transcribed by Daddy]


It was freezing yesterday, and it was boiling today. Wish the weather could figure itself out. Anyway, Mommy and I hung out at home today - she asked me if I wanted to have a nap, but since I said 'no' she decided not to fight it and just keep me home, relaxed, and quiet. We had a nice day! We happily discovered a rather large family of pillbugs living in my sandbox outside. That was wacky.

After I made cookies with Mommy, Daddy came home and we all had a big soybean salad (trust me... you don't wanna be hanging out in our apartment tonight). Before bed, my folks took me for a car ride to the bookstore, where Daddy bought a present for his co-worker, whose last day at the office is tomorrow.

I hope she didn't just read the above and have the surprise spoiled.

Listening to: U2 - Boy


Thursday, September 06, 2007

Miss Independence

[As transcribed by Daddy]


Some bizarre sort of arctic wind seems to have localized itself in our apartment. It was freezing in here today! Mommy and I were shivering for most of the day... which is weird, because it's not like it was cold outside.

We played in my room an awful lot today - you know, playing with toys, hanging decorations, and reading the same book over and over and over and over again. I continued my streak of not-having-naps, and finally Mommy let me help her make dinner by pounding the heck out of the chicken.

Daddy came home from work late - but very happy to see me. He's noticing my 'independent' streak - I'm becoming extremely assertive in my insistence to do everything by myself ("I can do it," "let me do it," "Clover can do it", etc...)


Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Taking Candy from a Baby

[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy and I went for a really really long walk around the neighbourhood today. We didn't really have a plan... we just kinda headed out and made it up as we went along (I was in the stroller for a good chunk of the journey, mind you). At one point, we stopped at the corner store - and the man generously gave me a lollipop. Mommy then proceeded to take it from me, which freaked me out. I mean... what did she expect?! She went on about my health and saving it for later in the day or whatever, but... I wasn't hearin' none o' that.

I refused to nap this afternoon, and just hung out in my crib for a couple of hours, yelling. I kept growling when Daddy came home from work and played 'Dinosaurs' with me in the backyard.


Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Python constrictor

[As transcribed by Daddy]


Mommy and I had something of a quiet morning as Daddy slept in again... we hung out, tidied up, and I threw a few fits (my rough night last night translated into some variable moodiness).

After a nice nap (my first in several days), Mommy and Daddy drove me out to the zoo (despite my requests to return to the Merry-Go-Round). It was really hot and pretty busy, and the humans around were much less dignified and well-behaved than those who were officially on display. For once, the big fat hippos were out, and some gigantic fish and the big huuuge Python actually paid us some attention. I asked to hug it... Daddy figured it might be a bad idea.

I came home to watch TV with my folks, only to discover that their favourite show was a repeat tonight. No fair!

Listening to: David Bowie - Station to Station


Monday, September 03, 2007

Birthdays and Twisted Ankles

[As transcribed by Daddy]

It was Daddy's birthday today, so Mommy and I let him sleep in (until 11:00am!) and baked him a cake - which was difficult for Mommy, as I kept eating the ingredients. We also made him breakfast in bed, because we're awesome.

After a big breakfast, we joined Gammy and Grandpa for presents, and I twisted my ankle on the lawn. Watching me limp around is pretty sad! My folks and I went to the bookstore to pick up some reading material and then to Best Buy for some blank DVDs. I played video games there - fun stuff, although I only seem to be able to press one button at a time.

I went for a walk with Daddy and my grandparents (on Daddy's shoulders, because, you know, the ankle and all) and then went to a nice restaurant with my parents and Nick and Leslie. Considering I didn't have a nap all day, I'd say I was pretty well behaved! Then it was home again for cake, and a rough night's sleep.

Listening to: David Bowie - Young Americans


Sunday, September 02, 2007

Whiny

[As transcribed by Daddy]


Mommy painted my toenails red! Check out the above photo - isn't it cute? Anyway, once Daddy woke up and had his coffee we headed out to do the grocery shopping at the grocery store and the butcher. The lack of people everywhere makes me think it must be a long weekend.

After lunch, we moved my car seat into the Mini and went for a drive and a hike. Of course... my toys were all still in the other car, which made me bored, cranky, tired, and extremely whiny. I really drove my folks and Basil nuts with all my whining and complaining. Eventually I had a 15-minute nap, but it seemed to do me a world of good, because I was in a great mood for our hike through the woods! I even managed to walk most of it myself (except for the time when Daddy had me up on his shoulders, fell down a little hill, and dropped me on my bum).

Listening to: David Bowie - Scary Monsters


Saturday, September 01, 2007

Merry-Go-Round (and Round, and Round...)

[As transcribed by Daddy]


Today Grandpa drove Mommy and Daddy and I to the Ferry docks... we took a big boat (a novel experience, but not my first time) across the harbour to the Island. I loved running on the grass, running through the fancy hedge maze (and falling on my face in the dirt)... we had a long, terrible lunch, and then came my favourite part - the amusement park!

The first ride I went on was the Merry-Go-Round. By the time we got off of it, I was already asking to go back. I tried to bail on the second ride in order to go back to the Merry-Go-Round, so... my parents just let me ride on it, over and over and over and over again until we were ready to pass out...

...which is what we all did once we got back home to Basil (who is feeling much better). What a great day! I can't wait to go back to the Merry-Go-Round, and neither can my parents, who loved watching me enjoy myself so much.


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!