Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Kitchen in the kitchen


[As transcribed by Daddy]

I woke up with a sniffle today. Looks like I'm getting Daddy's cold. This morning Mommy and I said bye-bye to the Nixons, and then Mommy got to work sewing me some more toys and stuff. You really oughtta see the stuff she's bene making - it's pretty incredible. Daddy's really been blown away by it all.

Mommy also bought me a kitchen online, and had it delivered to our door. Now there's a very small kitchen sitting inside our normal-sized kitchen. Weird. I like playing with it - it's fun! It came with a little plastic cell-phone for me to call Daddy and GG with.

Aside from all that, I was a pretty grumpy baby today, most likely due to my runny nose and my severe diaper rash.

Listening to: Sondre Lerche and The Faces Down - Phantom Punch


Tuesday, February 27, 2007

The Human Canvas


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Due to a number of factors, I didn't get a lot of sleep last night. Because I didn't get a lot of sleep, my parents and Basil didn't get a lot of sleep either. Surprisingly, it didn't really seem to effect us during the day, aside from the two and a half hour nap this afternoon.

I ate a lot of fruit for breakfast today, named my baby doll "Jumbo", ran around the house with a baby wipe cleaning everything like a maniac, spent some time visiting at Gamma and Grandpa's, demanded to be ticked by my mother, and most significantly, I drew. On everything.

I drew on the furniture, the seat covers, on Basil's face, on paper, on books, on newspapers, and all over my face, hands, arms, and clothes. It was probably inspired by the fact that one of Cool Uncle Gareth's pieces was just purchased by the Museum of Modern Art!


Monday, February 26, 2007

Popcorn begets popcorn


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Daddy's got a brutal and sudden head cold, so Mommy and I let him rest a bit this morning. In the meantime, I spent some time visiting with the Nixons. They showed me a video game that I thought was kinda cool. We had a late breakfast, and then a late lunch, which led to a late nap.

While I napped, Mommy and Daddy ran around like crazy people cleaning and tidying. I heard Daddy mention getting popcorn, so I demanded some popcorn of my own. Ergo, before we could all drive out as a family to buy popcorn, Mommy and Daddy had to make some for me to eat on the journey. That which I didn't eat I ground into the carpet.

Nick and Leslie came over for dinner and to watch TV. Basil and I were really excited to see them - in fact, I refused to go to bed on time. How could I, with all the excitement going on?


Sunday, February 25, 2007

Selling off a piece of my childhood


[As transcribed by Daddy]

It's cold out again. I shouldn't be surprised... I mean, it is February. In Canada. Oh well. We're all going a bit stir crazy, and can't wait to resume our weekend hikes once it warms up.

Today we took a trip to the butcher's, picked up some groceries, and then headed home for lunch. I had a nap, and when I woke up I was happy to discover that the Nixons had come over to Gamma and Grandpa's for a visit!

Mommy and Daddy and I went for a quick drive to look for some fabric, felt, and stuffing (you gotta see the adorable little bunny Mommy sewed for me). Wal-Mart sure as heck is insane on the weekend. Mommy made me scallops for dinner... I can't say I liked them at all. Before bed, Mommy managed to sell off my old baby car seat via Craigslist. She got really emotional about it, too.

Listening to: The Raconteurs - Broken Boy Soldiers


Saturday, February 24, 2007

Yam Stashing Day


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy decided to do some serious tidying today, since we're probably going to have people over on the weekend. Once my bedroom was completely clean, I started jumping on the bed (right after having a tall glass of milk). I threw up all over it. Mommy had to clean it all over again! Bwa-ha-ha!

I wanted to do a lot of playing today. I laughed at everything her and the dog did - I told them they were 'silly' and 'funny' a lot today. I even blamed one of my stinky diapers on the dog today, and once Daddy came home I did a lot of bouncing on his tummy and stashed Easter Eggs all over the house. Well, I didn't have Easter Eggs, so I used yams instead.

I watched an episode of Go Diego Go today, and actually started interacting with the characters. When they characters asked questions of the audience, I answered. Correctly, even. Freaky!


Friday, February 23, 2007

Snowman


[As transcribed by Daddy]

It's been pretty warm (given the season) the last few days, so we were all surprised to wake up to a veritable winter wonderland this morning. THe snowflakes were as big as me! Once Daddy was off to work, Mommy and I went to work as well... gathering mounds of snow into a large pile. It was fun! I didn't know why we were doing it, but hey - I was game. Once Mommy started dressing the mound in human clothes and gave it a face, I took a step back and announced "Man!". Hence, my first snowman.

Mommy and I walked with Grandpa to the drug store today, so I definately got my exercise. It put me in a great mood - I was happy, playful, and lots of fun.


Thursday, February 22, 2007

Sleep Talker


[As transcribed by Daddy]

I woke up to discover that Mommy had made a plate of Rice Krispie treats the night before. AFTER I went to bed. How dare she?! I demanded and demanded that I have some for breakfast until my demands were met.

Today was fine and all, but even still, I put up something of a fight when it came time to have a nap. Mommy was so tired from all the haranguing that she fell asleep with me. When she woke, she had a brutal headache. Ain't it always the way? While she recovered, face-down on the couch, I tried to climb up Daddy's CD towers. Good thing he and Grandpa actually drilled them into the walls a few months back.

Daddy drew me a bath before bed (it was "warm" and "nice" - I told everyone so) after which I talked in my sleep. About hiking.


Wednesday, February 21, 2007

492 words


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy read somewhere that the average nineteen-month-old toddler knows about 20-50 words or so. That kinda shocked her, seeing as I'm such a motormouth - so she put me to the test, and made a crazy long list of all the words I can say. I'm a bit better than 50... she gave up at four hundred and ninety-two, and that includes "ebola", "capybara", and my newest addition to the Clover lexicon, "toothbrush."

Mommy made me another dress today (but it doesn't fit and she sorta sewed it inside-out), and we located my hidden stash of crayons, which meant we also did a lot of colouring and drawing and stuff. Later, I went to Gamma and Grandpa's and made a tower of pillows and seat cushions and toys on their living room floor.


Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Scary Measuring Tape


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy is still in craft-mode. Today, she made me a little toy crocodile out of felt (you should see it - it's adorable!) and a new smock! I wasn't exactly co-operative when it came to the smock, though. She had to take my measurements, and whenever she'd approach me with the measuring tape, I'd run away crying. I had to be tricked into standing still.

For all intents and purposes, Mommy and I managed to keep the apartment relatively clean all day long - until, that is, Daddy was about to come home from work. About ten minutes before he walked through the door, I managed to absolutely wreck the place. I'm quite the artiste!


Monday, February 19, 2007

Nineteen Months Old!


[As transcribed by Daddy]

To celebrate my birthday, my parents let me take the car out for a drive. I crashed it!





Seriously, that's not what happened. This morning we went to a nice Dim Sum place for lunch (Daddy's stupid enough to have forgotten that it's Chinese New Year), which was packed and insane. I loved the food (even that which I threw on the floor), but got really amped up by all the excitement. I did NOT want to have a nap as we went for a drive, and was really acting up in the car. Mommy got fed up with me and asked Daddy to pull over, out in the middle of nowhere... check the above photo for the result.

A nice old lady in a nearby house lent us her phone, so we called for a tow. After some weird credit card / CAA / towtruck related shenanigans, we got back out on the open, snow-drifty roads. I eventually fell asleep, and once I woke in Hockley Valley, several hours later, I went right back to being cranky. Some dinner a la Gamma seemed to cheer me up before bed.

Listening to: The Pursuit Of Happiness - The Wonderful World Of...


Sunday, February 18, 2007

Sunday-Saturday


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Today was a Sunday-Saturday. Here's what I mean: We had lot of plans, but laziness and lethargy managed to dash them all. Long story short - we were gonna try to go for a hike, but ended up lazing around all day and barely managed to even make it down the street to Best Buy and Wal Mart to look for some useless crap to NOT buy.

We did manage to do some more grocery shopping at the butcher's this morning, after I got Daddy out of bed by standing over him and saying "Wake!". I played a lot with Mommy and Daddy and Gamma and Grandpa, during which I bumped my head on their coffee table. It should bruise nicely by tomorrow.

It's a fact - there is no sweeter sound in the entire Universe than the sound of me laughing hysterically while Mommy tickles me.

Listening to: Deerhoof - Friend Opportunity


Saturday, February 17, 2007

Answering


[As transcribed by Daddy]

A quiet day today. I talked to Daddy on the phone - in fact, when he called from work, I immediately answered the phone and said "Daddy?!" He was pretty surprised. Maybe I have ESP! Since I was in an 'answering-mood', when Anisa came over briefly today, she first knocked on our door, as is customary. I responded with a quick and sharp "C'min!"

When Daddy came home from work, I was so happy to see him that I grabbed his face, gave it a really hard squeeze, and then picked my nose and put boogers all over his face.


Friday, February 16, 2007

Shh!


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy was feeling kinda crafty today, so she made me some toys out of felt. She made me a chicken, a flower, and after I went to bed, she sewed me a new smock! It's pretty cool!

At one point today I got it into my head to put some of my toys down for a nap. So I laid them down on a pillow, put some little cloth handkerchiefs on them as blankets, and shushed everyone in the house, to make sure nobody woke them. I sure do seem to have quite the burgeoning imagination! You should have heard the wild excuses I was coming up with to avoid ME having to have a nap.

After Daddy came home from work, I got yams all over my face during dinner. As a result, I got a tub, where I sat there and washed my tummy for almost ten whole minutes (while I wasn't putting bubbles in Daddy's hair).

Listening to: The Sword - Age Of Winters


Thursday, February 15, 2007

Tummy Issues


[As transcribed by Daddy]

We all awoke to a ton of snow outside this morning. Daddy managed to fight his way to work, but Mommy and I had to stay stuck indoors. We're all really looking forward to warmer weather, I can tell you.

While I was having a tub today, I asked to sit on my potty - not to go to the bathroom, though... just because. I also played with some stickers Nana sent me in the mail for Valentine's Day, which I stuck to my body. Speaking of which, I sure was having a lot of tummy issues today. I couldn't seem to keep it in my shirt, and I couldn't seem to keep food off of it.

I stole a cookie off of the kitchen counter while Mommy tidied the house. I still can't say I like that vacuum very much. I made it up to her though when Daddy asked me what the most beautiful thing I had ever seen was, and I answered "Mommy" and made her month. Happy Valentine's Day, Mommy!


Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Enter: "Naughty Toby"


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Here's a weird one.

Pretty usual day, today. Mommy and I were cooped up yet again - at one point we were gonna go for a long walk, but after three steps outside we decided to make it quick and just go to the corner store and back. It was freezing! Mommy made Valentine's Day cookies when we came home, and I threw a tantrum since Mommy wouldn't let me have one. She put me down for a nap... but when I woke up, I climbed out of bed all on my own and went right for the cookies.

Later on, after Daddy came home from work, he and Mommy hung out with me in my room, jumping on the bed and that sort of thing. At one point they asked me to say my name, and I said what sounded like "Toby." They thought this was funny, and asked me again if my name was not 'Clover', but "Toby." Crazed and laughing hysterically, I told them my new name was the troublesome and mischevious "Naughty Toby" ('Naughty' being a word I've found to be hilarious for the past few days).


Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Catching the Bus


[As transcribed by Daddy]

This morning Mommy and I headed off to a play group. I had a great time, and as usual wowed the other Mommies with (a) my cuteness and (b) my ability to modulate my voice. For example, if you ask me what a bear says, I'll say "Grargh!" If you ask me what a BIG bear says, I say "GRARGH!" and if you ask me what a little bear says, I saw "...squeak!"

Later in the day, we went to the mall so Mommy could pick up some make-up. Unfortunately, she left her wallet in the glove compartment of the car yesterday... so we had to wait until Daddy came home from work later on and go back. At one point, Mommy left the mall and saw the bus about half a block away. She ran super-fast and caught it just as it was starting to drive off. I didn't like the running part (I was strapped to her chest at the time), but I have to admit, I thought it was awesome that she caught the bus. I rewarded her by being cute for the rest of the day.

Listening to: Mr. Bungle - California


Monday, February 12, 2007

Sledding


[As transcribedb y Daddy]

Two days ago, Daddy slipped on some ice and fell down the stairs at the side of the house, and while he was fine yesterday, today he was really sore. Mommy decided to let him sleep a bit while we hung out and watched a terrible movie on television.

After lunch, Daddy drove Mommy and Basil and I to the store, where we bought a blue sled. Then we drove out to Rouge Park, where we went for our best winter hike yet! I got to sit on the little sled while Mommy and Daddy took turns pulling me over fields and along paths and through forests. It was cold, but great! We all had so much fun! Of course, Daddy was stupid and forgot to bring the camera.

When we came home, I actually peed in my potty! My parents were so proud, they told the whole family.

Listening to: The Hives - Tyrannosaurus Hives


Sunday, February 11, 2007

Flying Spaghetti Monster


[As transcribed by Daddy]

To take care of Mommy's neck, Daddy drove her and I to the chiropractor's. While she was getting all fixed-up and acupunctured, Daddy and I messed around with the exercise equipment and therapy balls. Fun stuff! Then we did a whole lot of grocery shopping, and I got to have some cake before lunch.

After lunch, we drove out to Uxbridge again to resume our winter hike from a few weeks ago. It was still really cold and snowy out, though, and while I did look incredibly adorable hiking through the snow in my bright pink snowsuit, I kept falling on my face and my parents were getting worried my rosy red cheeks and nose. So... we came home.

Just for fun, during dinner I decided to wear my plate of spaghetti like a hat. You should try it sometimes - it's fun watching all those noodles fly.

Listening to: Outkast - Speakerboxxx


Saturday, February 10, 2007

MAP


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Poor Mommy. She slept on Daddy's side of the bed last night, and woke up with a major headache and a pulverized neck. She was in a serious amount of pain all day long. We managed to keep ourselves entertained, but complicated acrobatics and scuba diving were completely out of the question.

As I do from time to time, I happened to catch an episode of Dora The Explorer on television while Mommy was writhing in pain. Some of you may have seen this show, and will understand the magnitude of what I'm about to tell you. For those that haven't, well... too bad for you. Anyway, today Dora asked viewers "Who do we ask for directions" or words to that effect, and I answered aloud: "MAP!" When Dora confirmed my response, I ran around the house, applauding with glee!


Friday, February 09, 2007

Colour Me Magenta


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy and I went for a walk to the bakery this morning, and I actually did all of my own walking - unaided! Er, well, except for the crossing-the-streets part. But hey, that's pretty good, right? Half an hour of urban hiking, all by myself!

The other notable moment of the day occurred while Daddy and I were visiting with Gamma and Grandpa and Nee-Nee. Daddy drew a cartoon of me, and I started colouring it in with, announcing which parts I was colouring. I coloured the teeth green, the hair orange, and everything else I made magenta. I know it's a bit of a garish colour scheme, but hey - an artist sees what an artist sees.


Thursday, February 08, 2007

I Love You


[As transcribed by Daddy]

In another attempt to wow me with her culinary skills, Mommy cooked me a cinnamon apple, and I didn't even eat it (I wanted a hamburger)! Hours later, when she had her OWN cooked cinnamon apple, well of course - then I wanted one.

Maybe it was the cinnamon apple, or maybe it was something else, but for a while there, Mommy wasn't feeling so good. While she lay down on the couch clutching her stomach, I watched an entire episode of Dora the Explorer. Miraculously, it didn't make Mommy feel any worse.

The big news of the week is that I'm now officially saying 'I Love You', although sometimes I have to be tricked into saying it. Nobody's sure if I really know what it means, and it comes out as 'Aboo!' but my folks'll take what they can get.


Wednesday, February 07, 2007

The Mystery of Bannat


[As transcribed by Daddy]

It's still "peak-of-Mount-Everest cold" outside, so for yet another day, Mommy and I were pretty cooped up in the house. We made the best of it, though, and played a lot in my room. You know, jumping on the bed, reading, tumbling and reading. We (and by "we" I mean Mommy) used some blankets to make a canopy around the bed, and yeah... ...good times. Mommy had a shower in the middle of the day, and instead of doing the usual (standing outside the shower and yelling at her to hurry up and entertain me), I sat quietly, read some books, and kept an eye on her.

Today, Mommy also solved 'The Mystery of Bannat.' For the past few days, I've been asking for 'Bannat', and nobody seemed to know what I was talking about. After some keen detective work, she figured it out - 'Bannat' is Colverese for 'Wombat', the star of one of my favourite books.


Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Who's the Infant?


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Mommy and I were both pretty sleepy, all day long. We were generally lazy and mopey, but also did a lot of lying around and stuff. Even the bath I had this morning was pretty lackadaisical. My overall grogginess didn't prevent me from being extra sweet and cuddly, though.

Mommy came to a shocking realization today - she'd never ever fed me any egg salad. It seemed to her that it would be the kind of thing I'd totally go for, so she went to the trouble to make up a whole lot for lunch. Unfortunately, it didn't go over very well. I kinda think it sucks.

It's nice to know that I'm not the only 'immature' one around here. Daddy keeps trying to get me to shout the word 'fork' at Mommy, because I mispronounce it, and it sounds like I'm saying something naughty. Now, I ask you - who's the infant?


Monday, February 05, 2007

Superbowl Sunday


[As transcribed by Daddy]

This morning, I woke Daddy up my shoving my books in his face. Somehow, he managed to read them to me while still asleep. Nobody could verify whether or not he included the funny voices.

After lunch and some playing with Mommy outside (it's officially eight trillion degrees below zero, and that's not including wind-chill), her and Daddy and I loaded up into the car and went for a lovely winter drive. I fell asleep, and missed the lovely scenery.

After I woke up, we drove to Daddy's friend's place for a Superbowl party in Hamilton. I made lots of friends, and got to hang out with Chloe, who I chased around for hours, constantly reminding her that she's a 'DOG!' I ate a lot of pretzels, vegetables, and dip (see photo) while entertaining everyone. In fact, I was far more entertaining then the Ninendo Wii.

I stayed up past my bedtime, too, and fell asleep on Daddy's side of my parents' bed. Looks like he'll be sleeping in my crib tonight - sucker!

Listening to: Wig In A Box: Songs From & Inspired by Hedwig And The Angry Inch


Sunday, February 04, 2007

It's Potty Time!


[As transcribed by Daddy]

This morning Mommy and Daddy and Basil and I went to Gamma and Grandpa's house, but they weren't home. We waited for them for a while, and I got pretty bored, running around while Daddy took photographs of me. Mommy made me lunch, and then when Gamma and Grandpa did come home, I stayed with them and drew while Mommy and Daddy went to the butcher's.

After my nap, I watched Daddy play some video games before he drove Mommy and I out to the mall. We bought a new pair of hot pink winter boots (A little late in the year, I know), some odds and ends, and my very first potty! When we got home, Mommy sat me on it for a while. I have to say - it's pretty comfy!

Listening to: Rage Against The Machine - Rage Against The Machine


Saturday, February 03, 2007

Abjow


[As transcribed by Daddy]

After my morning bath, Mommy and I played with my letter fridge magnets and started learning to spell. So far, I have the letters a, b, o, j, and w memorized (I can even sound them out!). To celebrate, Mommy taught me how to dance the Cha-Cha.

Once again, I really didn't wanna go down for my nap this afternoon. Desperation led to me inventing a new way of getting out of it! I started complaining that my diaper was full, even though it wasn't. Mommy was forced to at least start changing me. Aren't I crafty?

After Daddy came home from work, he took Mommy and I grocery shopping. Something about him dragging his feet and the metal shopping cart led to a build-up of static electricity, and he kept shocking me. I used it as an excuse to get some sympathy from Mommy.

Listening to: Imogen Heap - Speak For Yourself


Friday, February 02, 2007

Grandpa is my Problem


[As transcribed by Daddy]

I missed saying good-bye to the Nixons before they left the morning. So... if they're reading this - goodbye, Nixons!

I wanted to go and jump on Grandpa's bed, but he wouldn't let me, and that really ruined my mood. When Mommy asked what my problem was, I said "Grandpa!"

The fun was just getting started. We took a quick walk outside in the cold after lunch, during which I fell asleep for about five minutes. Once we got back, Mommy tried to put me to bed, but I was dead set against it, so I complained: "My socks are bothering me. I don't like this blanket. I need a different blanket. Now I need the first blanket. Now I hate all these blankets. Where's Ah-Hoo? Ah-Hoo? Ah-Hoo's crowding me. I don't like Ah-Hoo. Sing a Song. No, not that song... a different song. Not that song either. No, not that one either. Sing 'Piggy'. I don't like you, Mommy. Mommy, your ear feels funny with my toe in it. I'm gonna stand over here and pull these pictures off the wall. I don't want to lay down this way. I want to lay down the other way. Where's Ah-Hoo? Where's my piggy? I'm poopy!" Etc. etc. After 45 minutes of that, MOMMY needed a nap.


Thursday, February 01, 2007

In bed with Ah-hoo


[As transcribed by Daddy]

Today was a day of books, blocks, and magnets. I managed to play with 'em all. At one point, Mommy built me a huge tower out of my building blocks. I walked up to it, knocked it over with one swift slap, and in a sinister voice shouted "Brokeeeen!"

I didn't really want to have a nap, but since I had to, I demanded that Basil join me in bed. We managed to get him in there with me, but he took up waaay too much space (I'm finally learning something Mommy and Daddy have known for years) and I started complaining.

And on a somewhat sad note, two more mice perished during the night. At this point, most people regularly reading this blog probably have it in their heads that we live in a rodent-infested shack. Honestly, though... our place really is nice!


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!