Jumping In The Crib

A few nights ago Kaia and I were putting Evie Lu to bed and it seems our little girl had a different plan. She went crazy. Evie Lu tapped into her inner Tigger and was bouncy, bouncy, fun, fun, fun. We didn't encourage this (much).
So, it is time again for You Write The Caption. You've got three pictures to choose from. Go to it!

Your Friendly Neighborhood Evie Lu

No, I will never reveal my secret identity!

Every parent warned us ahead of time. "It doesn't matter how fancy the toy is, your child will want to play with the box." It is true. Evie Lu does play with some of her fancy toys, but she loves the simple things. In the kitchen we have a whisk and sauce pan at her level and Evie Lu goes to it constantly. Evangeline is a champion mixer. Food service industry here she comes!

Well, the mask is a little itchy.


Another toy we need to unpack is Kaia's knitted hat. Hand that to Evie Lu and she'll play with it forever. We assume she can see through it. I really hope Evie Lu can see through it, because she pulls it over her eyes and goes running. I want to let Evangeline get a little more familiar with the layout of our place before we try out the blindfolded stunt baby trick. Or we could just dress Evie Lu like a hockey goalie.

See, it is just little old me.

Evie Lu Games

Peek-a-boo!


Evie Lu is more fun to be with everyday. She is definitely developing the tough side of toddlers with one heck of an attitude, but for the majority of the time Evangeline is a really sweet girl. If you ask Evie Lu for a hug or a kiss she'll give you one. Granted, the kiss is more of an open mouth attack.

Dad, I'm better at this than you.


Peek-a-boo is a game Evie Lu will initiate on her own. It is a crack up. There have been a couple of times that I did not mean to start a game, but Evie Lu saw me cover my eyes and the game was on.

We are pretty convinced Evie Lu says "tickle." It sounds more like, "tic-a-tic-a" but it is definitely there.

What a hug!

Trying To Get Back Into A Routine

There are boxes everywhere. I just don't know what to do!


A week ago we were getting ready for the first mid-week Lenten service and our living room was packed with boxes. Today there are boxes everywhere and we are starting to find all those vital things we've been missing since Friday. (I searched all morning to find the cord that lets me upload pictures from the camera.)

Evie Lu has been on a roller coaster. The joy of having grandparents here and the excitement/tension of moving meant that Evangeline's naps were anything but regular. Today starts the battle to get back on schedule.

Evie Lu loves her room and our guest room doubles as her play room. (If you plan on visiting, and I hope you do, you can weigh in on carpet colors. I was thinking we'd go with Evie Lu's favorite hot pink, but that might not be too restful.) What more could a little girl want?

Okay, I'll pose.

Moving On Up . . .

. . . to the eastside! We've spent the week and weekend moving, but I promise we'll be back up to full strength with Evie Lu updates this week.

Diversionary Tactics

All I know is that I'm finally in charge.


We have had a long standing (and mostly firmly implemented) no tv for babies rule here at our house. The one huge exception has been when fingernails need to be trimmed. Evie Lu hates getting her nails trimmed and Kaia found the PBS Sprout channel makes our little girl fall into a trance. It is a bit frightening to see Evie Lu completely zone out.

Once we turn the tv off Evangeline returns to her normal self. Well, almost normal as you can see from the picture below. Evie Lu is excited to see pitchers, catchers, and Grandma & Grandpa report on Thursday! (Just in time to move.)

You can pack everything except this hat.

Washing Is Very Important

Hey dad, bust off me. I'm washing up for dinner.


As Evie Lu continues to be move to little lady from baby, we are adding new elements to her routine. Kaia now helps Evie Lu to wash her hands in the sink instead of using baby wipes. I do not join in this activity often because I spend most of the time laughing at Evie Lu.

Hey you, use a towel not your pants!


Evangeline is also all about trying to whistle these days. Mostly she pushes air past her lips with little discernable sound and looks ridiculous. Maybe Evie Lu is trying to imitate her Great Grandpa Alfred!

When we are done we whistle.

Get The Door, It Is Evie Lu!

Can I cook for everyone?

It seems this week has been developing personality week for Evie Lu. There is a light in her eyes that makes me think she really know what is going on. Sometimes that isn't such a good thing. When Evie Lu realizes we are about to do something other than what she wants to do, she lets us know.

The other development this week is the absolute love of stairs. I have stairs at my office and Tuesday night we were at a coworkers house with a winding staircase. You could not pull Evie Lu away. The frightening part is that Evie Lu wants to go down the stairs the same way she went up. Just imagine Evie Lu's giant head going down carpeted stairs. Not good.

I can take out the garbage too!

What I've Been Doing

Hey check out Evie 3-D! I'm reaching for you!


Since I last posted our little family has had a busy few days. Here are the highlights:
Thursday - We find a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house for rent. (This house also has 2 bonus rooms and a nice deck and backyard.) Evie Lu decides today she doesn't want a morning nap.
Friday - Evie Lu and I go sign the lease for this house. We will move in on February 15. (Make your plans to come see us now!) For the second day in a row, Evie Lu goes with only one nap. Kaia, Evie Lu, and I visit a childcare center close to the church. (Kaia feels bad for the lonely looking little girl who hasn't been picked up by 5pm.)
Saturday - Evie Lu continues with the one nap theme.
Sunday - I took the day off so Kaia, Evie Lu, and I go visit Kaitlin at her church. Evie Lu discovers picking her nose mid-service. We watch the Super Bowl with a great group of friends, but Evie Lu gets frightened by the gasps/shouts/weeping and gnashing of teeth as the Giants win the game.

We are amazed by Evangeline's shift to one nap. We knew it would be necessary to fit in at daycare, but Evie Lu has made it way too easy for us. Maybe Evie Lu realized she was making it too easy and started the nosepicking as a counterbalance.


I can play peek-a-boo with one hand.