Talking 'Bout Playdoh

The artist at work


Have I mentioned that Evie Lu has the best mom ever? Kaia recently made playdoh for Evangeline and our little girl loved it. You can see the green version, but there is also a blue, a red, and a hybrid made from Evie Lu mixing them together. Kaia said Evie Lu played for an hour at one sitting!

This is what happens when you ask me to smile


These days Evie Lu is all about pretend play. Whether she's making you dinner or performing some surgery on Oscar (have I mentioned our cat is very patient?) Evie Lu is seemingly always on the imaginary move. Kaia and I have caught ourselves laughing out loud at some of the things Evangeline does. She's something else.

Here is my real smile and it is for Grandma Bev today

Evie Lu's New Friend

Kaia and I both have very fond memories of the pets our families had when we were younger and this weekend with Grandma Bev in tow we picked out a new member of our little family. Evie Lu's new pet is a one year old cat named Oscar. Oscar is a sweetheart of a guy who was rescued from a cat hoarder. Evangeline really likes him, although getting the two of them to sit still for a picture has been impossible so far. Evie Lu doesn't say Oscar exactly, but she does say "Oskies." It is too cute.

A Weekend With Grandma Bev

Evie Lu and one of her "Bahpahs"


This weekend brought a visit from an under the weather Grandma Bev. (It is in the character of grandmothers not to let any kind of flu or virus prevent them from seeing their grandchildren.) So despite not really being able to hear, Grandma Bev and Evie Lu had a great few days together. There were many stories read, laughs shared, and of course plenty of hugs. Evie Lu can't wait until she gets to spend more time with her grandmas, after all December is just around the corner!

Stay tuned for an announcement about a new addition to our home!

Just A Little Chat Over Snack

A Pox On You

The artist at work.

There are times when you have to ask, "Is this a coincidence or part of some evil genius' plan?" Today is one of those times. Evie Lu's daycare had a teacher training day scheduled for Monday and so they are closed, but would Evie Lu have gone to daycare today? No, because she has the chicken pox. Interestingly enough Evie's doctor said the worst should be over by Tuesday and our little girl probably wouldn't be contagious by Tuesday or Wednesday. Hmmm. (Imagine toddler teachers tapping their fingers together making evil genius hand motions.)

Do you want me to sign it for you?


As a result of having a sick little girl we've ramped up indoor fun time at our house. (When I say "we" you should think "Kaia." My lovely wife is by far the more creative and fun parent.) On Saturday it was watercolor paint day. (We'll have to have Grandma Rhonda give Evie Lu painting lessons when she comes for Christmas.) Our rainy day baby is doing well, all things considered.

Not quite Picasso, but definitely Evie Lu!

Duets With Dad

Mommy would never know if I took her snacks and pens.


I get worried sometimes that Evie Lu is not keeping pace with other toddlers in the communication realm. I see other almost two year olds saying "I love you" clear as day (I'm looking at you Olivia) and I wonder when Evangeline will take that next step and have understandable full sentences. Kaia keeps pointing out all the things Evie Lu does say and how she is communicating more clearly every day. Yesterday, I stopped worrying so much.

I was sitting with Evie Lu as we waited for Kaia to come home and I asked Evie Lu what song she wanted to sing. Evie Lu replied, "Old MacDonald." I was shocked. So we sang Old MacDonald and Evie Lu joined in on the animal sounds and the E I E I Ohs. It was great. (It honor of Aunt Kaitlin, whom Evie Lu calls Aunt Kay Kay, there was a lion on the farm.) Singing with Evie Lu is the best.

Watch out for the "naners."

Getting Better All The Time

A whole week of antibiotics later and our girl is 100% healthy. Unfortunately, going so long without her thumb has messed with her sleep cycle. We'll take missed sleep as long as it means Evie Lu is okay.

The funniest moment of the week was when we thought Evie Lu was starting to swear. Fortunately she was telling us her fork was on the table by saying, "Ah, fork." Kaia and I were mortified at first, but when we realized what was going on it was really funny. Yikes.