Reading The Paper

There is a lot of serious stuff in the paper.


Although our newspaper will not be around much longer, Kaia and I read the paper every morning at breakfast. Evie Lu has decided she wants to join us. She asks us, "Read the bitter?" (Strangely "paper" and "diaper" sound almost identical in Evie-talk. So a "dirty bitter" could mean a couple of things.) We usually give her a section of the paper we are not reading and let her go to town. It makes me happy to think we are raising someone who will value reading. If only I could get her to pay more attention to spring training box scores.

Do you want to come read the paper with me?

Fat Tuesday

What am I giving up for Lent? Well it sure won't be my super cool style.


Now that it is late February in the northwest we are back to rain. With the rain comes the resurgence of sickness. We have had an almost daily scare that Evie Lu might develop croup. So far we've been blessed and the dreaded cough has not returned, but there is still time.
Evie Lu is clearly at a developmental stage of some sort because her patience is at an all time low. Kaia and I know she's trying to communicate, but the message isn't getting through as quickly as our little girl would like. Sometimes she just goes and takes care of what she wants by herself. In the picture above she wanted a hat like I was wearing. I wasn't understanding fast enough and so this picture is just after she found one of my hats and exasperatedly put it on. That's my girl.

Something To Puzzle Over

Hmm, where could this go?


You never know what is going to spark the imagination of a toddler. Evie Lu received an awesome birthday present from her great aunt Bev and it has been the favorite in our house ever since. The gift is a farmhouse puzzle with light sensors on the board so that every time you replace a piece the animal sound plays. As you can see in the pictures Evie Lu loves to pull her rocking chair up to the ottoman to play with the puzzle.
It took Kaia and I quite a while to figure out the sounds were triggered by a light sensor. One night as we were getting ready to go to bed, Kaia almost had a heart attack when a parakeet sound came from seemingly nowhere as the lights went out. Watch out for those toys, they'll get you!

Did you hear that?

Making Valentine's Day Cards

Ooh, this one is going to be good!

I am married to a wonderful and creative woman who is also a great mom. Kaia decided to have Evie Lu make valentines for aunts, uncles, grandmas and grandpa this year. I just sat back and watched the whole thing go down. Kaia would make the templates and Evie Lu would add her artistic flourishes.

Her artistic flourishes often jumped off the page and found her face. Do you know how difficult it is not to laugh at Evie Lu with a marker face? Very tough.

All done!

The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades

Hey, let's be cool.


After the last post I had to share some pictures that reflect what Evie Lu is like for the vast majority of everyday.
Evie Lu's most recent trend is to want to talk to her grandparents on the phone. She is very vocal before we dial the number, but once the conversation starts she tends to revert to one word answers to questions. The crackup for us is when she tries to show the phone things. Evie doesn't quite understand you can't see through the phone. Of course after we say goodbye she turns into a chatterbox again. That's our girl.
The picture below is Evie Lu's best effort at the peace sign.

Peace man!

I'll Stop The World And Meltdown With You

I said no pictures!


Evie Lu is getting very good at the zero to sixty meltdown. I know it is all part of learning how to relate and figure out her place in the hierarchy of the world, but I have to say my daughter can throw a fit like a champ. The best part is when she gets distracted and forgets what she was so upset about. In an instant the tears are gone.
I don't know if you saw Bruce Springsteen at the super bowl, but if you did and remember how he dropped to his knees and leaned back then you've got a pretty good idea of what Evie's favorite tantrum trick looks like. I swear she's going to have knees as bad as mine by the time she's 12 if she keeps this up.
You'll notice in these pictures she doesn't even have tears worked up. We are definitely raising a little drama queen.


Whatever it is you want me to do, I refuse!

Fancy Shoes

Oh these old things? Yes, I just wear them around the house.

One of my great co-workers gave us the shoes you see in the pictures. Her little girls were done playing with them and thought Evie Lu would like them. Oh boy does Evie like them. She says to me, "Daddy, I want my fancy shoes." The best part of the shoes is the clip clop sound they make as she parades through the house on the hardwood floors. Fancy shoes indeed.

Do your shoes have feathers?

Two Year Check-up

Mommy, you stay where I can see you.

It was supposed to be a 24 month check up, but it was a 25 month check up by the time we got Evie Lu in to see Dr. Ann. Evie Lu is growing like she should. The updated stats are 34.6 pounds to keep her ranking in the 95th percentile and a height of over 34 inches to be in the 75th percentile. We have a very healthy girl on our hands.
As excited as Kaia and I were to see that Evangeline continues to do well, Evie Lu was just as upset to have to be in the doctor's office. If you want Evie Lu to run away from you just wear scrubs or a white lab coat. Of course getting a shot didn't help matters. Does anyone have tricks to making the Dr visit less traumatic?

This is all going to end in tears.

Sunday Nap

Dad, quit moving. I'm trying to nap.


There is nothing like coming home after a busy Sunday morning at the church and hanging with my little family. Evie Lu is usually just finishing lunch and heading off to a nap while Kaia and I get to hang out. When Evie Lu gets to sleep I usually try to catch a little nap too. Sometimes I get company for the nap.
In the span of 10 minutes on Sunday Oscar joined me and then Evie Lu woke up and wanted to nap again. Life is good.

That's better. Oscar, quit breathing so loud.

Evie Lu Is Hiding

Sometime in the last week Evie Lu figured out she could play real hide and seek with us. Previously she would just run away into another room to hide, but now she understands closets are a great place to not be seen. Evie Lu's m.o. is to go into the closet and say, "Where did Evie go?" Then she pops out and says, "I see you!" If you listen closely you can hear all that in the video below. I apologize for the shaky camera action. Just think of it as an independent film.

Does It Fit? No!

Okay, what needs fixing?

We have many stories to share with you this week, Evie Lu has been on fire! One of the funniest was from this Saturday after Kaia and I had spent most of the afternoon rearranging the house. After we were done we found Evie Lu playing with the tape measure. I asked her what she was doing and then she proceeded to walk around the room measuring various items and saying, "Does it fit? No. Does it fit? No."

Since Evie Lu says nothing fits we either have too much furniture or our daughter is a minimalist who will never own a couch. Either way it is pretty funny.

Yeah, I can get you an estimate, but that alligator is going to be a problem.

House Of Contagion

It is reaching out to get me! Help me!


The picture above is from the snow we got in December. Kaia took Evangeline out to build a snowman and Evie was not amused. Not in the slightest.

Since Evie Lu started daycare we've seen a parade of germs come through our home. Usually Kaia and I stay relatively healthy while we fret over our little girl. This last couple of weeks has seen a shift in who gets sick. Evie is healthy as a horse while Kaia and I have been fighting various bugs. We keep expecting Evie to get sick, but she hasn't. I wonder if she'll loan me some of her immune system.

Just before family came out for Christmas, Kaia taught Evie Lu a fun little song about the black plague.

A song we sing for daddy.

Watch as I wave to my people!


We had several fantastic options for "You Write The Caption", but there was a clear winner. Grandma Bev wrote, "Arrrrggghh!! Ahoy, ye Matie. I, ah, couldn't find my pirate hat in these rough seas so I grabbed the first thing I could get my hands on!" Clearly my mother in law knows my love of all things piratey.

We have been surviving stagnant air in our neck of the woods. That means we get heavy fog in the first part of the day and then possibly sun or just more fog. It is very odd. The sun did come out enough for us to go play at a park this weekend and although a bit chilly it was a great time. Evie Lu is no longer so easily fooled by our attempts to get her to do what we want. Letting her wear my sunglasses was the only reason she agreed to come home with us.

I'm not sure where she picked this up, but Evangeline is now a fan of telling us to be careful. I first heard her say it as I was putting a sweatshirt on her. "Be careful", she cautioned. I was amazed. She is growing up too fast.


I'm writing a song for you.

That's Funny & I'm Sorry

Evie Lu is learning early what being a Cubs fan is all about.

Evie Lu has picked up a couple of phrases recently that she uses in sporadically appropriate times. The newest is, "That's funny." Evie is usually accurate with this one although this morning she looked at me and said, "That's funny." I asked her what was funny and she just laughed.
I'm sorry came about after she body slammed Oscar the cat. I don't think it was entirely intentional, but I felt she should apologize. I told Evie Lu to go say, "I'm sorry" to Oscar. Now she walks around apologizing for everything. Evie Lu has no concept of what it means, but I think she just likes saying it. She does remember falling down on Oscar and brings that up from time to time.


It has been a while, but it is time again for, "You write the caption!" (By the way those are pants she's put on her head.)

Movin' On Up

I like to organize.


We now return to our regular scheduled Evie Lu updates. Kaia has promised to share some potty updates, so I won't touch those. (Insert your own baby poop joke here.)
Our little girl has made a big move in daycare! She is now in the Toddler C classroom. No more little kid stuff for Evie Lu. Evangeline has been having a blast with her new teacher and with her friends who have made the move. Zeke is with her in the class for those keeping track.

My daddy drinks diet caffeine free. What a maroon.


One of the big differences between classrooms is the amount of imaginary play the group does. There are dress up clothes all the kids can use and each day I see Evie Lu in an outfit which seems like a mix between Stevie Nicks and a clown.
There also seems to be a lot of aggression from the boys in the class. I'm hoping that Evie Lu and the other girls have not started wagering on the battles. It amazes me that the girls mostly ignore the stupid boys when they fight. Good start Evie Lu, good start.

I'm all done. Isn't my work fantastic?

Birthday Girl!

A whole cake! The greatest present ever!

Our second annual New Year's Evie party was a blast. The menu included pulled pork sandwiches, cheese and crackers, boxed wine, and cake. What else do you need? Evie Lu was thrilled with having a house full of people around just to celebrate her.

Those are my presents and I have a wand. I'm special.


Kaia made two beautiful cakes and although the singing of Happy Birthday seemed to scare the birthday girl, the possibility of cake snapped her out of it. By the time we got to opening gifts, Evie Lu acted like the old hand that she is. We just need to teach her to write thank you notes.

It is important to have a good breakfast after a big party.


New Year's Day was a day for reading all the books and playing with all the toys Evie Lu had received over the previous week. It won't be this summer, but Kaia and I are pondering a summer birthday celebration for Evie Lu in the next couple of years. As her Aunt Megan can attest, having a birthday right around Christmas is not always the most fun.

When is the next party?

Christmas - Take Two

First order of business, story time with Grandparents.


Evie Lu definitely felt the family love this year as so many people came out to see her. Grandma Rhonda was out for five days and in the midst of that time Grandma Bev and Grandpa Wayne came out as well. Days after everyone is gone Evie Lu is still looking around for a Grandma or Grandpa to drop by.

You gave me something! I'm so excited! What is it?


Although I don't have a quality picture of them, Aunt Megan and Uncle Chris came out to celebrate with us and we had a second Christmas gift opening. (Evie Lu is going to think an every other day gift exchange is the way all families operate.) It was a great time of blessing with even more high pitched squeals from Evie. If you look at the picture above and imagine what kind of sound would come out of that face, you'll be pretty close to spot on. A great time with loved ones!

Watch how I model the "Sweet as a sugarbeet" jacket. I am smiling with my eyes.

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Milk and sugar cookies, does it get any better?


Before I get you highlights of Christmas with Kaia's family I thought I'd share some of the pictures that made me happy between celebrations. Evie Lu is becoming more of a little lady each day and seeing her sit politely drinking out of a coffee cup just kills me. That is my little girl.

Actually hanging out with Uncle Jody and Oscar is better.


Evie Lu is a big fan of her Uncle Jody. Maybe it is because she knows he'll let her play video games in the not too distant future or maybe it is just because he is a great guy.

The bread photos are from a great gift from Pr. John at the church. He is a baker and brought over a ton of rolls, sticky buns, and assorted bread products. The gift he handed Evie Lu was a toddler sized loaf of bread. I was not home at the time to see my daughter tear into the gift, but she managed to polish off most of it in 10 minutes. So much for my polite little lady.

Can't talk. Eating bread from Pr. John.


We have to share a funny back at daycare story in the midst of recapping Christmas. Tuesday at daycare Kaia picked up Evie Lu only to find out an "incident report" form had been filed. Evie Lu had a scratch on her head and a bump because she was on top of a foam climber hugging a new little boy named Quinn and they lost their balance. Apparently Zeke is out of the picture. As a dad I don't like the looks of this Quinn character.

I told you I couldn't talk!

Christmas Morning - Take One

Reading a book from Aunt Kathy with Grandma!


Evie Lu's second Christmas Day was a blast. She went crazy opening gifts from Montana and California family. There is nothing more entertaining in my book than to see a kid open gifts. Evie Lu had the hang of it right away, but got frustrated when someone did too good a job of using tape. She discovered tape is not her friend. A baby (made by Kaia), a baby stroller, clothes, books, and every gift were greeted with a huge squeal of delight.

Supervising the opening of gifts


For the big meal Christmas Day Kaia made Swedish meatballs. It was fantastic. Aunt Kaitlin and Johny came by to hang out and enjoy the day. Evie Lu spent hours running between all her new things. I got tired just watching her.

Teaming up with Dad to beat Uncle Jody at football

A Very Fine Celebration

For the first time as a little family we hosted Christmas at our house. With the exception of my sister and neice everyone made it out west and we had a blast. Over the next few days I'll give you the highlights of Evie Lu's second Christmas and second birthday.

Evie Lu models her Christmas Eve dress.


Christmas Eve featured four church services. Uncle Jody attended all four and Kaia, Grandma Rhonda and Evie Lu went to two. Evie Lu made her presence known during the 9 pm candlelight service. She'll be in the choir soon I figure.

My ladies


Evie Lu and her Grandma Rhonda with beautiful smiles


Let's to go to church!


Evie Lu has been more aware this year of gifts and the excitement of opening presents. This will be the last year Kaia and I will shop for Evie Lu's gifts with Evie Lu in the cart. We bought a small Elmo doll that for two weeks she was looking for in the house. The little chirpy voice asking for Elmo almost convinced me to let her have the doll early.

Christmas morning

A Memorable Baby

On Saturday we took a trip to see Erik and Cam's new addition Reece. Evie Lu was enthralled with her new friend. As Kaia was holding Reece, Evie Lu plopped down next to her and held her arms out expecting to hold Reece. Not yet, Evie Lu. We've been giving Evie Lu a Reece fix by looking at Erik and Cam's blog. Here is what that looks like.

Snow Fun

I'm going to get you!

We've been hit with some serious snow and that meant bundling Evie Lu up to go play. She likes the idea of snow more than the reality, but throwing snowballs was a real thrill for her. Somewhere along the way Evie Lu got it into her head that "snowman" is the word for snow. When you ask her if there is snow, she points and says, "Snowman!" The best was today when she told us she was walking in the snowman.

Snowflakes are tasty.

Singing At Supper

Getting ready for Christmas!

Will got a Christmas tree last week and we spent Friday night decorating it. Evie "helped" by holding Christmas lights for me and hanging ornaments (and taking them down and putting them back up, repeatedly). We have the tree lights on a power strip, and Evie has learned to flip the switch to turn the lights on and off. She is very proud of herself, and walks around the house saying "lights on!" or "lights off!".



This princess dress is a hand me down from one of Will's coworkers. Will has been trying to get Evie to wear it, and this is the only time she would put it on. I guess she isn't into dress up yet (unless it is Will's baseball cap or my dress shoes).



With the tree up, our house now feels festive and cozy, making it nice to be at home. That's a good thing, because we have been spending a lot of time at home. Evie woke up on Monday morning with what looked like pink eye. The doctor took one look at her and confirmed our diagnosis. The doctor also found Evie had a double ear infection. Oh, how we love daycare! She wasn't running a fever or tugging at her ears, so we saw no sign of an infection. But now we have a reason for her recent crabbiness. Anyway, Will and I are taking turns being stay at home parents with our little toddler until her ears and eyes clear up. The antibiotics must be working as she seems on the mend. If it isn't one thing, it's another!

A tale of two toddlers

Evie is in the middle of a language explosion. We knew she was hitting some kind of developmental milestone because she has been waking up a lot during the night lately. The conversations have been delightful, but her new language also means she can make it very clear what she wants. Instead of pictures, I have two conversations demonstrating Evie's two sides.

Setting 1: Bedtime
Evie (pointing at my eyes): Glasses. Eyes!
Me: Yes. Mommy wears glasses over her eyes. Does Daddy wear glasses?
Evie: No!
Me: Does Oscar wear glasses?
Evie (laughing): Nooo!!
Me: Time to sleep, Evie. I love you very much!
Evie (thumb in mouth): Vivi loves Mama much.

I had to pull her thumb out and ask her what she said again. Clear as a bell, she says "Vivi loves Mama much". Heart melting. It is also kind of cute that she now refers to herself as "Vivi".

Setting 2: Dinner
Me: Time to eat, Evie.
Evie (pleading): Applesauce?
Me: No. Tonight we are having beans and rice!
Evie (stating matter-of-factly): Applesauce. Oat-meeeeal.
Me: No, we have oatmeal for breakfast. Now we have beans and rice.
Evie: Applesauce! AAAAAAaaaaahhh!!

And now we are all reduced to tears (and yelling and more tears and lots of snot). Applesauce is her favorite food, with oatmeal a close second. Go figure. The good news is, she is learning to be independent. The bad news is, she is learning to be independent.