Evie Lu - Rock Star Rules

You must study your instrument.


Evie Lu has graduated for the first time in her school life. She has moved from Toddler A to Toddler B. I told her it sounded like a demotion to me and I'd talk to her manager if I was Evie Lu. Evie Lu actually should have moved two months ago, but Miss Sharon liked her so much she kept her in the Toddler A classroom for an extra month and a half. (That's what I tell people about the four years I spent in third grade.)

In Toddler B Evie Lu is hanging out with other 1.5 to 2 year olds and having a great time. Evangeline is so animated these days and you can tell she's picking up a lot from other kids. (And thankfully not just germs!)

Don't be afraid to look foolish as you play.


We are getting ready to welcome Evie Lu's Aunt Megan, Uncle Chris, and Aunt by adoption Jillian. The last time Jillian came to visit us (she actually came to visit Dave Matthews, but that is another story) Evie Lu was working hard on crawling. Jillian made it her mission to get Evangeline to crawl. Jillian failed, but it was a noble effort. Fast forward a year and I'm afraid of what they will decide to try and teach Evie Lu. She is such a mimic.

Remember to pose often. You never know where your fans are.

Our Little Cook

I like to sit when I cook.


Since Grandma Bev got a shout out in the last post, I figured we needed to get Grandpa Wayne in the mix too. (Grandma Rhonda we'll just have to take tons of pictures when you come for Christmas!) Grandpa Wayne came bearing gifts for Evie Lu from Minnesota. He brought Kaia's childhood chair/step stool and some play cookware. Evie Lu took to both right away. If you come over and ask nicely, Evie Lu will cook for you too!

I'll make Grandpa taste it first.

Sorry, Grandma Bev...

...but it was so warm, and I was so cute, that I kept my sundress on after church. In fact, it was so comfy that running outside in the sun, rolling on the ground, and splashing in my pool was as easy as pie. Hmmm...pie. Because all this dress needs is another stain. Oh, well. I'm nothing a bath and oxyclean can't handle.

Missing My Ladies

Slip slidin' away!

Travelling without Kaia and Evie Lu is never as much fun as travelling with them, but it is really hard when you are seeing family and friends. (The number one question I get, "Did Kaia and Evie Lu come out too?" The second question is, "Why didn't Kaia and Evie Lu come out?") I know I'm loved, but I'm far from the main attraction.

I'm coming to get you.


These are some great pictures from an Evie Lu trip to the park. The picture below is great because the way Evie Lu has her tongue between her teeth and smiling is just like my dad. It is funny how depending on what Evie Lu is doing who I think she looks like. There is a picture of Evie Lu staring up at Grandma Bev and you have no doubt that they are related. I see my dad in Evangeline's face in this one.

Making a face like Grandpa Ralph.

Shoes!

Sometimes I like to put two feet in one shoe.

Evie Lu loves shoes. Her shoes, my shoes, Kaia's shoes, it really doesn't matter. Evangeline will bring you your shoes if she thinks it is time to go somewhere. The best though, is when she tries to put on your shoes. It may be cruel, but I've watched Evie Lu struggle to put my tennis shoes on and I let her just keep trying. It is a hoot to see her lift one leg up really high, but not quite high enough to get her foot in the shoe.

I think you'll find I'm more convincing in mommy's shoes.


Yesterday Kaia heard a strange thumping noise in the house and upon investigating found Evie Lu with one rain boot on her foot and one in her hand. Our little girl was just clomping around the house as happy as can be.

Oh no, I'm losing the shoe.

Our Little Family

Hey now, make sure you get my good side.

One of Evie Lu's teachers asked up for a family picture so all the kids could see their friend's moms and dads. And so here we are on a gorgeous summer afternoon on the back deck. The ladies look great and they put up with me, so I'm happy.

The new game I like to play these days is, "What did Evie Lu learn this time at daycare?" I was driving Evangeline to school the other day when I asked her if she liked the song on the radio. As I looked at her in the mirror Evie Lu put an index finger to her lips and shushed me! Kaia and I certainly didn't teach her that, but now it is in the repertoire. I figured I had at least another year until my daughter started telling me to be quiet. Yikes.

Catching Up With Evie Lu

Grandma, I want to swim with the ducks!


It has been too long since we've updated you on Miss Evie Lu, but we've been busy. There are a couple of stories I want to share with you from the Minnesota Grandparents visit. Grandma Bev had a great time teaching Evie Lu all sorts of new things. She taught Evangeline that bunnies scrunch up their noses and breathe heavily through their noses and Evie Lu apparently learned how to run, jump and say "pow" from Grandma. Kaia and her mom came up with the clever cover story that Evie Lu just started "powing" on her own, but I'm not buying it.

Evie Lu was having such a great time with family in town that she did not want to go to sleep. It seemed like each night Evangeline would sing or complain in her crib for an hour or so before finally dozing. On Friday I tried to keep nap schedules in line by teaching Evie Lu what sound a wolf makes. Fast forward to Saturday night when Evie just would not go to sleep. All of a sudden Kaia and I hear this odd sound from Evie's bedroom and Kaia turns to me and asks, "Is our daughter howling?" It was with no small amount of pride that I answered, "Why yes she is."

Okay you two, hold my hands and follow me.