A Philly Family

Chloe's Birthday Day

2012-01-24T09:04:00.000-05:00

Today, at 3:22pm, this little girl will turn three years old. Her father and I are in utter disbelief.

Here she is with Daddy on the day she was born.

Here she is with one day of clean living under her belt.

And here she is, four days old, dressed and ready to go to the doctor. Look how her sleeves and pants are all rolled up. This was a 0-3 month size outfit and it was WAY too big on her.

Today, she is three years old and poised to take over the world. I was holding her on my lap the other day and puzzling over the fact that she used to live inside my body. Now, she's too busy for even a cuddle - there is dancing to do and tea parties to throw and baby dolls to prepare for nap time. It's all gone by too fast.

Happy Birthday, Muppet.

Chloe's Birthday Party!

2012-01-23T10:59:00.003-05:00

Chloe: YAY! Today is my birthday party and we are wearing matching princess dresses! YAY! I love birthdays and princess dresses!

Amber: I've tripped on this dress 47 times and I've been wearing it for 10 minutes. It's going to be a long afternoon.

Chloe: Look at this cake Mommy made - I love it! You should know that Daisy Duck also wears a purple dress and shoes, but Mommy said free hand is hard.

Chloe: Here's Aunt Diane! I love my Diane.

Amber: We have you to thank for these dresses, don't we?

Chloe: This is such an interesting time - they are all singing to me in homage, which I find thrilling and embarassing all at the same time. Sing on, peeps.

Chloe: Excellent job, Mommy, but I'm just going to eat the sprinkles even though I insisted the cake be strawberry, which is silly since I will not eat the cake because there is more sugar on the top.

Chloe: Oh, will you look at this? Aunt JoJo found a doll that is NAMED Chloe and is a BALLERINA! Just like me!

Chloe: Mommy said I can wear this new ballet dress to class next week!

Chloe: I got so many nice new presents yesterday: My Little Pony activity books (with Pinkie Pie on the cover!!!), lots of beautiful new clothes, a princess book with my name in the story, Tiana and Rapunzel play sets, ballerina books, my new Chloe doll - so many nice things and I'm so thankful... but, I have to tell you all: Sam is the one to beat. She threw you all down the steps at Christmas time with my new princess kitchen and just look what she found for my birthday. A Rapunzel doll with a MATCHING DRESS FOR ME.

I must have been an AWESOME flower girl.

Amber: Rah, rah. Now, take this dress off me and find me some jammies.

GET DADDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-10T10:34:00.003-05:00

You have to watch the first four photos in quick succession...

Didn't you laugh out loud? I do everytime I see those photos in that order!

A Dancer is Born

2012-01-09T11:50:00.003-05:00

Chloe: Of all the times I have looked bootiful, I have to say that this is my crowning moment. I have never been so bootiful, so graceful, so GIRLY in my entire life.

Chloe: I am a Fancy Dancer. Sigh...

Chloe: These are all my new friends, each more beautiful and graceful than the last. I know none of their names.

Chloe: We learned oh-so-much in just one class... we learned the importance of balance and putting our feet in the right place. Don't worry - when I lost my balance, I bent over and put my feet back into Third Position.

Chloe: And then at the end, we danced with scarves! Dancing with scarves is one of my best things!!! Finally, we all sat together and embraced ourselves and said, "I am a beautiful dancer."

This is just the best thing ever.

Amber (off screen): She will now be IMPOSSIBLE to live with. Thanks, Mom.

Christmas Eve!

2012-01-04T16:03:00.002-05:00

Chloe: These cookies are for Santa... we want him to be well-nourished and happy when he visits our house.

Amber: Cookies!

Chloe: Amber, these are for Santa! He's going to come and leave us presents if we're good.

Amber: You're saying there MIGHT be presents tomorrow and I'm saying we KNOW there are cookies right now.

Chloe: Amber!

Amber: Oh, ok!

Chloe and Amber: Good night, Grams! We have to get ready for Santa!!

Red Noses

2011-12-21T10:49:00.004-05:00

Rudolph has become quite the favorite around these parts. Chloe was all set to be the star of her class singing presentation since she was the only one in the group who knew all the words, but alas. My girl choked.

She said to me afterward, "Mommy. I not nervous downstairs... but then I got nervous in here."

It was true - she saw all the parents and cameras and she froze like the proverbial (rein)deer in headlights. But, she made a pretty cute little reindeer anyway.

Then, Grams showed up with these little winners:

Which Chloe and Amber agree are pretty hysterical. They are all ready for Santa -- how about you?

Amber Post: My Party!

2011-12-19T15:26:00.003-05:00

Amber: I totally forgot about my party! With Grams arriving and Christmas coming, I totally forgot! But, then Mommy started baking and Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop showed up with balloons and stuff and then people started getting here...

Amber: Plus, we had these awesome hats and Mommy hung up some lanterns with Elmo and the guys and we had really yummy snacks.

Amber: Here I am with Mommy BEFORE I got cake in my hair.

Amber: Everybody sang me a nice song and then...

Amber: ...there was cake. Cake is freakin' awesome.

Amber: Plus, there were presents!! I got new outfits, a back pack, a Pooh bear, two balloons and this awesome Kewpie doll! We have a big sister Kewpie, but this one is mine, all mine. Mom-Mom found it for me because Mommy thinks I'm just as cute as she is!

Amber: I love my birthday - and I get another one next year!!!

Amber: Until then, I'm out!

Amber's Birthday-Day...

2011-12-12T11:06:00.004-05:00

Chloe: Happy Birthday, Amber!

Amber: Yay, it's my birthday! I'm having a party on Sunday with an Elmo cake and Mommy made cupcakes for school today and yesterday, Aunt Diane threw a birthday party for me, too!

Chloe: Well, yesterday was Aunt Diane and Uncle John's Christmas party - that wasn't a birthday party.

Amber: What do you mean?

Chloe: You have to share your birthday month with the baby Jesus.

Amber: Do I have to share my cake?

Chloe: No, he's not into that.

Amber: What does he like?

Chloe: He has frankinscence and stuff.

Amber: Can you eat that?

Chloe: No.

Amber: Then, we'll have no disagreements between us.

"Amber My Baby"

2011-12-08T13:00:00.003-05:00

Last night on the way home from school, Chloe announced that she was going to be a mommy. Ed and I said, "Yes, someday..." and she said, "No, I a mommy now." We tried to explain that she needed to be older and we got the stock response that we always get when we say that: "I older now."

Then, Ed said, "Well, Chloe, you can't be a mommy until you have a baby, so you have to wait until you get a baby."

"Amber my baby."

"Well, no, Chlo - Amber is Mommy's baby."

As Chloe's face fell, I was quick to point out, "She's your baby SISTER, though."

Chloe thought about this for about thirty seconds and said, "But, I cook. I a good cooker."

Daddy was perplexed for that one until I said, "Yes, you help me cook -- you're practicing to be a good mommy."

Daddy finally caught on and said, "Yup, Chlo, but you have to practice a lot to be a good mommy... when you get older, you could be a mommy... maybe not as old as Mommy, though."

If I hadn't been driving, I may have kicked him.

Reporting in from the Lights at Rose Tree Park

2011-12-05T13:02:00.005-05:00

Chloe: Mommy said she had a surprise for good girls on Saturday if we behaved and listened all day... it was hard, but I'm glad I did my best. We had so much fun at the Rose Tree Park Festival of Lights!*

The festival had lights all over the trees, fun displays we could walk right up to and touch, little houses that had open windows I could peek through and a visit from Santa! I had seen him already, but it's always good to take a moment and remind Santa that you are a good girl who likes Pinkie Pie.

Chloe: When I told him that Pinkie Pie is my favorite pony, Santa smiled as if he already knew! Maybe Mommy really HAS been talking to him like she said!**

Chloe: I also made Mommy climb a big, muddy hill so I could walk right up to the reindeer! Rudolph my favorite reindeer - I love to sing the song about him whenever I'm not trying to be a Rockette or watching White Christmas.***

Chloe: Here I am, dancing with Christmas-delight!

Amber: Where was I?

Amber: Oh, right.

---

Notes from Mommy:

*This was really pretty cool. The display is not huge (you're done in about 15-20 minutes), but considering the price of Longwood Gardens, I'm all about Rose Tree Park. It was free to go in, free to park my car, free to meet Santa and take my own picture, free to drink hot cocoa. Big thumbs up here.

**I have been talking to Santa and he knows about Pinkie Pie. And Fluttershy and Apple Jack and Princess Celestia and Rainbow Dash. Rarity and Twilight Sparkle will have to wait.

*** FOUR TIMES this weekend. I mean, I love me some White Christmas, too, but FOUR TIMES. This morning, I heard Chloe announce to an imaginary crowd, "And now... The HAYNES SISTERS!"

Jiggling Mounds of Sticky Sugar - AKA Jell-O Jigglers

2011-11-29T08:02:00.000-05:00

Amber: Hi, Mommy, hi! What do we have here?

Chloe: Jell-O Jigglers - Grams sent us the mold to make Santas and trees and stars and snowmen.

Amber: Intriguing. Jell-O you can hold in your hand...

***

And the verdicts:

Mommy: Too sticky, too concentrated, prefer regular Jell-O in a bowl.

Daddy: Where's my bowl of grape Jell-O you promised to make for me?

Chloe: It's good... but Jell-O in a bowl is better.

Amber (silence)

Mommy: Amber? Your thoughts?

Amber: Can't talk. Eating.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-28T11:56:00.002-05:00

Chloe: Yay! It's Thanksgiving!!

Amber: Remind me again what this one is about?

Chloe: We go to Aunt Diane and Uncle John's house to celebrate --

Amber (interrupting): They have scary cats there.

Chloe: Well, you'll have to get over it if you want to enjoy Thanksgiving... you don't want to miss pumpkin velvet soup and turkey and stuffing and creamed corn and CRANBERRY SAUCE and pie!

Amber: THAT'S WHAT THANKSGIVING IS?!! ROCK ON.

Chloe: There's also something about pilgrims.

Daddy: Are you ready for your first Thanksgiving, Amber?

Amber: Open up that pumpkin lid, Daddy. I want what's inside. Do it. Do it now.

Chloe: Thank you for making cranberry sauce, Aunt Diane. I love you. You're the best friend ever.

Amber: Thank you for making EVERYTHING, Aunt Diane! I finally mastered the sign for "more."

Sweatsuits and Deception

2011-11-18T16:10:00.003-05:00

Amber: So, what's going on?

Chloe: It's Cozy Sweatsuit Day at school.

Amber: That's a weird theme.

Chloe: I know. They might as just well call it "Friday," but this was at least something Mommy could use as an excuse as to why I can't wear a dress today.

Amber: True. What else is going on?

Chloe: MMmmm, well, tomorrow is Water Babies.

Amber: Hot. What else?

Chloe: Mommy said that we need to clean this weekend so we can get our Christmas decorations out next weekend and she said she wanted to go and do some Christmas shopping.

Amber: What's Christmas?

Chloe: Christmas is my favorite time of the year! We make cookies and go to parties and buy presents for each other and Santa comes and brings us toys!

Amber: That sounds great. Did you buy me a present?

Chloe: I did.

Amber: What is it?

Chloe: I can't tell you -- it's a surprise. You have to wait until Christmas morning.

Amber: Oh... well, what else is going on?

Chloe: It's Thanksgiving this week and we're going to Aunt Diane's and then Mommy and Mom-Mom will take us to see Santa and --

Amber (interrupts quickly): What'd you get me?

Chloe: I got you a-- Oooh! You almost got me.

Amber: Shucks.

Chloe: Be good, Amber. Santa is always watching -- no tricks!

Amber: Ok, I'll be good from now on.

Chloe: That's practically my mantra.

Holiday Gift Idea

2011-11-17T14:09:00.002-05:00

Amber: These are awesome! Santa, pay attention, I want some Ollie Flaps!

Chloe: What are they?

Amber: They are so cool! They are these little flaps that you attach to your skating shoes so that when you're thrashing on your board, you tear up the concrete instead of your shoes.

Chloe: I have no idea what you just said.

Amber (petulantly): PAY ATTENTION. When you are doing skating tricks, you can totally ruin a very expensive pair of shoes by shredding them on the pavement, so you can buy these Ollie Flaps to attach to your shoes and they'll take all the abuse! I totally want some!

Chloe: You can't even walk yet.

(pause)

Amber: Yeah, but I'm all about thrashing.

***

Mommy: My girls may not be old enough to put these to good use, but if your kids are, go and check out the Ollie Flaps site for some great stocking stuffers. My good friend, Rich, says thankya, kindly.

Chloe Post: Founders' Day

2011-11-14T12:08:00.006-05:00

Chloe: Aunt Diane and I were so excited to celebrate Phi Sigma Sigma's Founders' Day. We were eating lunch and then I realized that she and Mommy were wearing the same pin. Mommy explained that she and Aunt Diane wear the same pin because they are sorority sisters. It made me so happy that I reached up and gave them both a big group hug!

Then, Mommy explained that she is sorority sisters with all three hundred people in the room! I find that very confusing, but I love Sigma Sigma. They sang a very pretty song and had a lot of desserts. Mommy and I each won a raffle prize and everyone complimented Teresa and I on our matching dresses.

Mommy was proud that my dress didn't stop right under my booty and said that I might be an inspiration to others! I love being an inspiration to others!

I was also so proud of Aunt Diane - she won a very special award and I was so excited that I jumped out of my seat and ran up to give her a hug! Everyone said, "Awwwwww!"

This is my friend, Miss Beth. She planned Founders' Day and is one of my BFFs. She did a fantastic job. We had such a fun day! I can't wait to attend her next event!

***

Afterthought from Mommy: I tried to explain to Chloe on the way home that so many of the people she has met are Phi Sigs and that if it weren't for Phi Sigma Sigma, she wouldn't have an Aunt Diane. I don't think she got it, but she did ask me to sing the Liebestraume (again), so maybe something sunk in.

All joking about skirt lengths aside (come ON, girls!), Founders' Day is my favorite Phi Sigma Sigma event. I am willing to give much to my sorority, but I demand much back... and we don't always see eye to eye. But, on Founders' Day I am reminded of the strength and commitment to friendship and service that ten women of differing backgrounds shared in 1913. I very much enjoy looking around the room and realizing that so many of the women who have inspired me in my life are either present or there in spirit. Diokete Hupsala, "Sigma Sigma" sisters.

Captions from the Weekend

2011-11-07T14:48:00.002-05:00

Sassy!

Mommy and Chloe can't wait for Thanksgiving... and if Amber knew what the word "pie" meant, we're sure she'd agree!

"This seemed like a good idea five minutes ago..."*

Baby's First 'Bucks!

*Our cowgirl persevered. She made it once around the big loop, smiling, before she informed the boy that "This pony making me dizzy. I get off now."

Well, That's Why There's Chocolate and Vanilla...

2011-11-03T11:04:00.003-04:00

Amber: This is AWESOME! What is this?

Chloe: Mommy said it's called lasagna.

Amber: Magnifique! Simply fantastic! MORE!

Chloe: I don't really like it. Can I have your corn?

Amber: Are you insane?

Amber: Lasagna rocks!

There's Snow on the Pumpkins, Dear Liza

2011-10-31T11:52:00.003-04:00

Amber: This is weird.

Chloe: I know - who could have imagined it would snow in October?

Amber: No, I mean, what the hell is this stuff?

Chloe: Oh, right, you probably don't remember last winter.

Amber: Last winter? Where was I?

Chloe: Asleep in the boppy.

Amber (musing): Good times... anyway, what is this stuff?

Chloe: Well, it was snow, but now it's just sort of ice. We can't really do much with it...

Amber: I'm kind of digging it.

Chloe: Yeah, Mommy said we could do some experimenting, so we melted ice with hot water and salt and smashed it with a wooden spoon.

Amber: Yeah... what is up with your outfit?

Chloe: I'm wearing a hat and jacket and boots - I'm perfectly attired for this weather.

Amber: Is that a summer dress peeking out under your jacket.

Chloe: Just because it's snowing doesn't mean I have to stop being the girliest person on the planet... besides, your own outfit is a touch much.

Amber: You know, she did this. I wouldn't have come up with this on my own!

Chloe: Whatever, you're just bitter because I get to be Ariel and you have to be Flounder.

Amber: I think I may have lucked out. You and Mommy will be freezing your cockleshells off and I'll be warm in my hoodie...

Chloe: WHAT?! WHAT?!

Amber: Here we go...

Chloe: I WANT TO GO IN THAT FARM. I WANT TO TRICK OR TREAT. WHAT IS GOING ON? MOMMY, OPEN THAT GATE.

Amber: I don't think she can--

Chloe: OPEN IT.

(Mommy tries to punt and finds... Horses! Horses are farmy!)

Chloe: MOMMY, I SEE SUMPIN! I SEE SUMPIN!

Amber: Crisis averted.

Chloe: I feel much more relaxed now.

Amber: I'm glad. And we can ramp that energy right back up again. I hear PattyAnne made cupcakes.

Chloe: Bye, horsey, see you next time!

Amber: When that farm better be open!

Mommy: Word, Amber, word.

Chloe: Ok, Mommy, let's go to JoJo's - let's see everyone and say Trick or Treat and have cupcakes.

Mommy: Dinner first.

Amber: Kill-Joy.

Chloe: Who's that with you, Amber?

Amber: This is Uncle Bob. He's a really good sharer.

Chloe: What do you mean?

Amber: Well, when I reached over and scooped some mashed potatoes off his plate, he didn't mind at all.

Chloe: Please tell me you used a spoon.

Amber: I did not.

Chloe: Classy, Amber, way to stay classy. This is why I'm the princess and you're the fish.

Amber (smiles, nods): A well-nourished fish.

Amber: See? We're BFF.

Mommy: Thank you to everyone at Aunt JoJo and Uncle Fuzz's house for such a fun Halloween dinner... and Colonial Plantation, don't think this gets you off the hook. Chloe and Amber WILL be back. I don't know if you have sheep, there, but I'd advise you to get a couple if you don't. Chloe is expecting sheep. Don't disappoint her twice, Colonial Plantation!

Mommy's Favorite Picture

2011-10-31T11:34:00.003-04:00

Hi all,

The girls are prepping a very large post which will hit the blog in a little bit, but before they do, I wanted to share with you my favorite photo from the weekend.

The best part: this isn't posed - they do this all the time.

Happy Halloween!!

2011-10-31T08:26:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween from Ariel, Flounder, King Triton and the Mermaid Mommy.

I Literally Can't Stop Kissing Them When They Wear Footie Pajamas

2011-10-28T10:27:00.000-04:00

At the Park...

2011-10-27T10:17:00.000-04:00

Amber: This is fun! Swinging! I love the park - this is great!

Chloe: This IS really fun.

Amber: Eh, I'm over it. I'd like to eat some woodchips now.

Chloe: You're not allowed.

Amber: The park sucks.

Chloe: You'll like it once you are big like me - you will lose your interest in eating lumber and get to go climbing like me and my friend.

Amber: Oh, he's your friend, is he?

Chloe: Yeah, he my friend.

Amber: What's his name?

Chloe: Uh. His name... his name is... "hey, friend."

Amber: As I suspected. Just be careful.

Chloe: I careful.

Amber: I'm just saying that when boys don't take the time to make sure you know their name, they could be trouble.

Chloe: Whattya talk?

Amber: This boy could lead you right over a cliff... or a jungle gym.

...

(Chloe travels to a different playset)

...

Mommy: Chlo, be careful! That boy is bigger than you... I don't know if that's a good---

(CRASH)

(tears, kisses, tears, kisses, hugs, fear, tears, kisses)

Chloe: Sometimes the park sucks.

Amber: Yup.

We're Communicating!

2011-10-26T10:12:00.000-04:00

Amber: Mommy and Daddy are always trying to get me to sign things since I refuse to speak to them. They are always saying "Eat, Amber? Do you want to eat?" while tapping their mouths or they say, "More, Amber? Do you want some more?" while tapping their fingers together.

Whatever.

Sometimes I throw them a bone and do weird things with my hands so they think I'm listening.

Mommy especially enjoyed this one. I kept putting my hand up and then she would slap it and then she would put her hand down and I would slap it. We both laughed and laughed.

I have no idea what we were talking about... turns out, neither did she.

Mommy: Daddy! Daddy! Amber and I are communicating... but I don't know about what.

Amber: Heh! Just as I planned! I'm the mysterious one.

Negligent Blogging

2011-10-25T13:06:00.001-04:00

Chloe: I can't believe that Mommy hasn't typed for us since October 7! Today is October 25th? What was she thinking?

Amber: I know, it's as if she has abandoned us. Just locked us in the kitchen and abandoned us.

Chloe: I think she's been really busy at work.

Amber: I don't think that is an excuse.

Chloe: Well, you've always been judgmental.

Amber: True.

Space Travel and Dinner

2011-10-07T11:38:00.002-04:00

Chloe (rummaging through cabinet as we are cooking dinner): My helmet!

Chloe (still rummaging): Look! Mommy, look! Here a helmet for you! Put this on your head, Mommy! PUT THIS ON YOUR HEAD!

Daddy: Oh, I need a picture of this.

It Was Monday and I Couldn't Cope... and This Conversation Really Happened

2011-10-06T11:32:00.003-04:00

Chloe: Oh, MOMMY! I wear THIS today! I wear this!

Mommy: Chloe, it's really too cold for that...

Chloe: I WEAR IT.

Mommy: Chloe, it's 50 degrees outside, you can't wear a ballerina costume.

Chloe: I WEAR IT.

Mommy: Chlo, I don't think that will work.

Chloe: I WEAR IT.

Mommy: Sigh... Ok, I will make you a deal - you can wear it, but you have to wear tights and a cardigan.

Chloe: OK! OK!

(Mommy searches for tights - find a pair, but they do not match. Mommy cares not. Finds a white cardigan.)

Chloe (pointing): I not wear that [cardigan] or that [tights].

Mommy: THAT WAS THE DEAL.

Chloe: No.

Mommy: Then no ballet dress!

Chloe: All-riiiight.

****

(We get ready and go outside to get in the car.)

Chloe: Mommy, you take my picture!

Mommy: Chlo, why don't you dance for me?

Mommy: Chlo, I said "dance."

Chloe: This IS dancing.

Mommy: Oh.

***

It is worth noting that none of the other parents at school even NOTICED this ensemble - they were all as Monday shell shocked as I was. Also, this ballerina dress is too powerful for school - it brings out a dark and demanding side of the Chloster. When I arrived, she said, "Mommy, I had a rough day." When I looked at her teacher, she confirmed, "IT WAS A ROUGH DAY." Ballet costumes are now only for the weekend.

Weekend Recap

2011-10-05T12:51:00.002-04:00

Amber: We had such a busy weekend... just like we always do! Mommy finally got some photos of Daddy and I at Water Babies.

Amber: We like to swim right next to Chloe and Mommy. And then we celebrated all our exercise by going to Perkins for breakfast! After all the aerobics paired with the carbohydrates, Daddy and I were ready for a nap! We skipped Chloe and Mommy's outing to Haverford Township Day, but they said they had fun.

Amber: On Sunday, we visited Aunt JoJo, Uncle Fuzz and PattyAnne. I have been working on my dancing and finally learned to clap! Everyone was so enchanted with me that they completely left Chloe to her own devices... it wasn't until later we discovered that she was trying to make footprints with Bingo markers.

Chloe: I'm very creative.

Amber: Yup.

There's Liberty Leaking onto the Floor

2011-09-29T08:39:00.000-04:00

Chloe: Dude, this bell is broken and has a spelling error.

Liberty FAIL.

Gigi: I like it.

Chloe: You're just blinded by love.

Captions from the Wedding

2011-09-28T08:27:00.000-04:00

"Make-ups are for big girls so I not have to share this with Amber. This mine."

Sam's dress is bigger than Chloe's. What is up with THAT? Whose wedding does she think this is, anyway?

Chloe and her pals, PattyAnne and Kate.

My updo cost $65 + tip and took 45 minutes, one hair tie and 46 pins. Chloe's was done in 30 seconds by the bride and required one hair tie and one headband. And I like hers better.

Here is Chloe and everyone in "her" wedding party.

Let the tears begin.

At least Gigi's first experience with this nutball clan was paved with cocktails.

I love this picture of Josh and Grams... and wonder where the hell Grampa was for the entire wedding since I have no pictures of him at all.

I love this picture.

I am not as drunk as I appear. Ed is. You should have seen him on the dance floor! Scaring the white people! LOL

This is one of my favorites from the night... I just happened to have my camera up and ready as Uncle Josh and the Flower Girl made their way through the crowd.

The Wedding Rehearsal

2011-09-27T13:02:00.002-04:00

Chloe: Sam's wedding was on a really big boat! When we got there, I told Mommy, "I going to drive this boat" and I sure tried. She said that the boat wasn't going to go anywhere, but I tried anyway. Anytime I saw something that looked nautical, I tried to push it or pull it...

Amber: Me, too! I figured there had to be an on button somewhere, but we never found it.

Chloe: Yeah, I'm not sure what's up with that. We looked a LOT.

Amber: I'm just glad I made it onto the boat!

Chloe: It was cool that you were there. I especially liked how you crashed the rehearsal by crawling over to my place by the bridesmaids. You totally wrecked Rev. Donna's concentration.

Amber: I know. That's probably why I had to stay home with Mom-Mom during the real wedding.

Chloe: Yeah, probably. It was good that you got to explore, though. You know, Daddy would have freaked out that Good Cop let you crawl all over the poop deck.

Amber: Don't I know it! Hope he doesn't read this!

Chloe Post: On BEING a Flower Girl

2011-09-26T16:00:00.002-04:00

Chloe: Last week, you heard from my sister about NOT being a Flower Girl, so today, I will offer a different perspective and let you know what it feels like to actually BE a Flower Girl.

It *rocks*.

This should totally be my job. I kick butt at this.

Of course, it may just be in my genes:

(Side note from Mommy: Chloe was Samantha's Flower Girl. Samantha is Craig and Joanne's daughter... and I was *their* Flower Girl. Which means that Ed is getting old.)

On NOT Being a Flower Girl

2011-09-19T14:26:00.002-04:00

Amber: There is going to be a lot of discussion over the next week or so about Chloe. You see, she's telling everyone about "her" wedding this weekend and how "bootiful" she's going to be. If I could say the word, "Samantha," I would be happy to point out to my dear sister whose wedding it really is, but alas, I cannot.

What I do know is that there has been an endless parade of outings for Chloe... go buy the dress, go pick up the dress, get the dress altered, pick up the altered dress, figure out the bow, go to FIVE STORES to find shoes, etc. etc.

What I also know is that Chloe is a doll baby for Sam... right up until the time when Patty Anne or Kate shows up.

Further, I know that *I* would have been a TRUE AND LOYAL FLOWER GIRL. If I had been asked. Which I wasn't.

Finally, that one may be "bootiful," but look at me. I'm a-freakin-dorable.

Chloe (off-screen): Yeah, but you can't walk down the aisle.

Amber: Curses! Foiled! I'm off to tie Lillian Gish to the train tracks.

Visiting Friends

2011-09-16T13:23:00.003-04:00

We had a lot of fun hanging out with Brenda, Matt, Logan and baby Sophia last weekend! The Mommies and Daddies welcomed the chance to talk to other Mommies and Daddies, Chloe and Logan had a great time playing with all of Logan's toys... and sharing dessert, Amber took lots of opportunities to share her new favorite expression and we all liked watching Sophia sleep. Ed and I were mystified that our own Littlest was actually that little just a few short months ago.

Chloe and Amber Learn Their ABCs

2011-09-15T15:26:00.001-04:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Pop-Pop is a Riot

2011-09-13T13:28:00.000-04:00

I have the funniest picture of Pop-Pop playing with Chloe... I remember that day so clearly - he was "throwing" her up in the air and they were both laughing. And I caught the photo on the way down. Chloe thought he was a riot... and clearly, so does Amber. :-)

Chloe at Work

2011-09-12T13:17:00.002-04:00

Chloe: I had a three day weekend! Well, sort of. On Friday, I had to go to the dentist... I don't understand why - I had already brushed my teeth that morning. Anyway, Mommy said that if I was a really good girl, I could go to work with her afterward instead of going to school. So, I promised to be on my best behavior. Cinda gave me a huge package of post-it note paper so I spent most of the time coloring while Mommy did paperwork. She said she got a lot done, so then we had to take all the papers across campus.

I got to run around campus and check out all the art! Plus, I met a lot of people who said they love my curls.

I get that a lot.

I REALLY wanted to spend more time with these guys - they are so cool! Mommy said that they are the Addams Family, but I don't know what that is. I really wanted to stay, but Mommy said she was leaving for pizza without me, so I had to boogie.

Here I am, sharing my art... and believe you, me, this is just a small sample of the incredible contributions to the arts I made last Friday.

Amber: I have one word for you. UNFAIR.

My Current Favorite Picture of Amber

2011-09-12T13:10:00.000-04:00

Grocery Shopping

2011-09-07T14:16:00.001-04:00

Chloe: Mommy, there's no more room in this cart... Mommy...

(Mommy adds another bag.)

Chloe: Mommy, seriously. I'm in here! Chloe's in here! Mommy!

(Mommy pays the bill.)

Chloe: Amber, can you help a girl out, here?

Amber: Sorry. Busy eating keys. Good luck.

Chloe: Sigh.

Blueberry Pancakes

2011-08-30T08:54:00.000-04:00

Amber: I may only have two teeth, but that does not mean I can't eat blueberry pancakes.

Amber: And just because I'm eating them now does not mean that I won't try to steal Daddy's when he wakes up. Because I totally will.

Chloe (off screen): Piglet.

Last Beach Trip of the Summer

2011-08-29T12:43:00.003-04:00

Chloe: I am so depressed.

Amber: What's the matter?

Chloe: Last weekend was our last beach weekend of the summer. On the ride home, I fell asleep and when I woke up, we were in our driveway and I cried!!

Amber: But, fall is coming!

Chloe: I still don't undestand what that means. Who is falling? I don't like falling.

Amber: No, I mean 'autumn.'

Chloe: Yeah, Mommy said that, too. I don't know what that means either.

Amber (pauses): It means not summer.

Chloe: AND THAT'S WHY I'M DEPRESSED.

Amber: But, fall, I mean autumn, whatever has lots of fun stuff! Halloween and pumpkins and we can put spider things on the windows to scare Daddy.

Chloe: Mommy really does enjoy that.

Amber: Yeah, and then we can dress up for Halloween! Didn't Mommy say we were going to all be superheroes? That will be awesome! I can't wait to dress up as---

Chloe: WAIT! Don't tell. We have to give people reason to keep visiting the blog, Amber.

Amber: Oh, right. But, it will be so fun! And if we're good, maybe they'll take us to StorybookLand for trick or treating and I'll be outside Mommy's uterus this time.

Chloe: That would be cool... but I'm still sad. I want to be with Aunt Diane!

Amber: She will be home in the city soon and then we can see her here! Plus, she will have us over for Thanksgiving and again, I'll be out of Mommy's uterus!

Chloe: Ok, I feel better. Let's get to captioning.

Amber: Very good! Here I am, trying to climb over Daddy to get over to the sand that he does not want me to eat.

Chloe: Yeah, he's a pistol that way. I find that if Mommy is watching you, she actually will let you eat a fist of sand before stopping you.

Amber: Well, I guess I drew the short straw. Mommy was letting you MARINATE in the stuff and I just wanted a small taste.

Chloe: Daddy is fun, though. He and I were doing a lot of building.

Amber: I think I slept through that.

Chloe: Daddy kept trying to design things that didn't look inappropriate for children and eventually came up with the idea of designing a number wheel so we could talk about numbers while we were building.

Amber: Yeah, he's like the freakin' PBS channel... always trying to sneak stuff in while we're not looking.

Chloe: Well, I started counting for him to help him out, but when I said, "1, 2, 3, 4, 9" he grabbed his head and built a 5.

Amber: Ah, here she is... our lovely hostess.

Chloe: Yeah, I just love her. Hey, where was Uncle John?

Amber: I think he was working that day.

Chloe: What a sucker.

Amber: Yeah.

Chloe: When Mommy told me at the end of the trip that we had to leave, she explained that Aunt Diane and Uncle John had to go back to work and she asked me if I knew what people worked for and I said, "To buy me nice things."

Amber: What did Uncle John say?

Chloe: "Well, that's accurate."

Amber: LOL!

Cozy Tots

2011-08-29T12:28:00.004-04:00

As I mentioned on Facebook last week, I scored a ton of great stuff at the recent Cozy Tots sale. For $47, I got everything pictured below + a 2-DVD set of Friends episodes for myself.

Chloe came with me and I told her she could get one toy, but I'm weak. She had already picked out a doll house (later switched it for this doll house castle) when she saw the talking, dancing Dora. She was so delighted and excited (and Dora was $2), so she got two toys. The castle was $5, I think. Dora is always a hit, but she's really into the castle. She has a Little Mermaid toy set and she uses them in the castle. Everyone gets a place in the castle. Even Ursula... but Chloe is then quick to point out, "I no like Ursula. She bad lady."

I really wanted to get one of these things for Amber. They have similar ones at school and she likes them. I love that this one has lights, along with sounds and also has a mirror. And I love that it was $6.

Chloe bee-lined right to two hangers. This was one of them. This set includes a light-weight jacket, pair of embroidered jeans and a long-sleeve tee. None of the pieces look like they were even worn! $2 for the whole set!

This is the other thing that grabbed her attention. She is very interested in the princesses right now and this fleece sweatsuit was a must. I think it was $4 or $5.

I don't remember the individual prices on the rest of this stuff, but nothing was more than $3 or $4 and many were $2. The Friends DVD set was $5. Pretty cool, no?

Who Eats Penguins, Anyway?

2011-08-16T08:15:00.000-04:00

Last week, my friend, Helda sent me a link to this cool blog. Inspired, I made this for breakfast for Chloe on Sunday:

I used plain pancake mix (we like the Aunt Jemima wheat mix). For the feet and beak, I used the compote I made Friday night consisting of white tangerines that were about to go bad, cinnamon-sugar, water and a pinch of nutmeg. For the tummy, I used the cherry yogurt that Chloe insisted on getting the day before at Starbucks and then didn't eat. For the eyes, I used two of the black cherries for the yogurt.

Chloe was completely delighted when I made it. And then, she ate the eyes and the wings. She came back 15 minutes later and enlisted my help in cutting up the body of the bird... and ate about 2 bites. She refused to try my compote. Sigh.

At least, the picture is cute.

They're Coming to Take Me Away...

2011-08-15T13:55:00.004-04:00

Amber: What is all this?

Chloe: Mommy said there would be a costume parade at the pool barbecue and I dressed up as Minnie Mouse if she were going to go swimming.

Amber: Or exotic dancing.

Chloe (glares): I see that you were dressed as "baby that doesn't walk or eat real food." Again.

Amber: Yeah, but I do swim! I overheard Mommy the other day say that I wasn't ready for Water Babies class with you because I didn't like the water.

Chloe: That's true. She said that.

Amber: Well, I'm tired of being left out, so I figured I'd better up my game! When JoJo got me in the water, I was kicking and kicking and kicking! I'm ready!

Chloe: Good job.

Amber: Well, I won't lie... I also want one of these ducks!

Chloe: Hold your horses there, Flounder. This duck is mine. I even named it "Chloe Duck" so that there will be no confusion.

Amber: You do what you want, but I said "Mama" on Saturday, so I just may be the current favorite daughter.

Chloe: Yeah. You probably have that all sewn up because I was a BEAST to live with yesterday.

Amber: You sure were. What's up with that?

Chloe: Mommy said I am trying to make her a crazy person.

Amber: Well, you better stop it. If she's institutionalized, who will drive us to the beach this weekend?

Chloe: Good point. I'll do my part... now, if you could sleep more than 2 hours in a row, maybe she won't take complete leave of her senses.

Amber: Well, I'll try. But sometimes, I'm just compelled to be difficult.

Chloe: I know just how that feels.

Crawling!

2011-08-12T11:44:00.000-04:00

Amber: I got this.

Reporting in from the Peach Festival

2011-08-09T13:34:00.004-04:00

Chloe: Thanks to the good people over at the "Fun Things to Do with Your Kids in Delaware County" blog, Mommy took us to the Linvilla Orchards Peach Festival on Saturday.

Amber: I'm still too little to do a lot of the stuff, but it was nice to get out and you did a pretty good job of keeping me entertained...

Amber: I mean, this was worth leaving home for, all by itself.

Chloe: OINK OINK

Amber: HA HA HA HA. I mean, I know it shouldn't be *this* funny, but you are my sister and a piggie. At the SAME TIME.

Amber: Let me just see... I want to touch... how is this possible? Chloe AND piggie at the same time...

Chloe: C'mon, Amber, there's more to do and see... Mommy still has to go spend all her money on peaches and pies and stuff in the market and then I'm going to go dance.

Amber: Dance?

Chloe: Oh, yes... after all...

Chloe: It's fun to stay at the Y - M - C - A...

Amber Introduces the Family

2011-08-01T16:09:00.003-04:00

Amber: This is Da-Da. My Daddy. Ddddd Da-Da.

Amber: This is my big sister. I will probably say her name next because she is my FAVORITE PERSON IN THE WHOLE WORLD. She's big and pretty and she has cool toys and she can make this funny noise with her lips that always makes me laugh and she sings to me and makes faces and shares with me and tries to sneak me Pez when no one is looking. I just love her! So, I'm sure that I will say her name next.

Also, there's some lady that lives with us. She's holding the camera.

Chloe and Amber, Stay the Hell Home

2011-07-27T16:19:00.003-04:00

"The No-Kids-Allowed Movement is Spreading"

What's upsetting is not that restaurants, resorts and other establishments are adopting "no kids allowed" policies, but that they feel the need to do so.

It never fails to amaze me when I see parents drag four year olds to horror movies or bring toddlers learning to master finger food to a fancy restaurant and then expect those children to not scream in fear and beg to leave or throw food at a waiter. And then, the parents KEEP ON with their evening as if it is not happening.

To quote every single mother of a child my age, "I *will* turn this car around."

People always remark to me how well-behaved Chloe is when we are out. You know why that is? She likes being out and she knows that we are not.having.it. When Chloe has thrown a fit in a restaurant, we remove her from the restaurant. When Chloe has insisted on whining and throwing sand at her sister after repeated admonishments, we remove her from the beach.

WE TURN THE CAR AROUND.

And here's the other thing: we don't take our kids to the Four Seasons for tea and expect them to fold their napkins perfectly. We take them to Applebees where they hand out crayons. We don't take our kids to a movie that is not appropriate for them and then expect them to watch it quietly. We take them to animated things that I don't give a shit about because it is what *is* appropriate for them.

If more parents were willing to take responsibility for their kids' behavior, make choices that don't suck and turn the Goddamn car around once in awhile, no business would have to make these policies.

But, then I wouldn't get to pretend I'm all high and mighty either.

Look-a-like

2011-07-26T09:35:00.000-04:00

I finally figured out who Amber looks like...

Kewpie. :-)

Look at those cheeks! Looks at that adorable nose! Look at that slight chin! Look at that hairline!

Of course, my little Kewpie Amber wouldn't smile for me to complete the comparison...

...so here is one with her smiling.

Water Babies

2011-07-25T11:01:00.003-04:00

Chloe: I love to swim! So, Mommy and Daddy said that I have to learn officially... which is why we go to Water Babies class! I kick my legs, paddle with my arms, blow bubbles, swim on my back and play with toys. It is so fun!

Chloe: Here I am blowing bubbles... which are hard to capture.

Chloe: Look at me go!

Chloe: Apparently, Mommy's boobies also came to Water Babies class.

Actual conversation... And a hypothesized ending

2011-07-08T20:51:00.002-04:00

Chloe: Mommy, Amber like this food.

Mommy: What food?

Chloe: My food. Amber like it.

Mommy: What do you mean? Wait... Do you mean her bottle or the lemon pez?

Chloe: Lemon pez.

Mommy: Wait... You didn't... Oh, you did...

(mommy crosses room and removes well-sucked on lemon pez from mouth of 7 month old.)

Amber: GIVE THAT BACK! MY SISTER GAVE ME THAT!

Surfin' USA

2011-07-07T10:54:00.003-04:00

Chloe: If I can just sort of... get up here... I think... that...

Chloe: Guess not.

Chloe: Surfing is hard!

Amber: How hard can it really be? I mean, we're in a foot of water, there's no tide, there's no jellyfish, there's nothing. Just do it!

Chloe: If you think it's so easy, why don't you try it?

Amber: Ok, I will.

(silence from Amber)

Chloe: Well?

Amber: Um...

Chloe: As I thought.

Amber: Let's just stand here and look cute. I don't have to work so hard to hold up my head to just look cute.

Chloe: Agreed - that comes naturally.

Amber's First Fourth

2011-07-01T12:54:00.002-04:00

American Cutie: Yay, my first Fourth! We're all dressed up for a party at school!

America's Sweetheart: It's true - it should be really fun.

American Cutie: What will we be doing today?

America's Sweetheart: Well, I will be playing in the sprinklers, eating pizza and then capping it all off with an ice cream party!!

American Cutie: What about me?

America's Sweetheart: You'll be in the baby room in that exersaucer thing.

American Cutie: But, I do that everyday!

America's Sweetheart: True.

American Cutie: When will holidays stop sucking?

America's Sweetheart: Around the time you can walk.

American Cutie: When will that be?

America's Sweetheart: I have no idea. Mommy assures me that you won't stay a baby forever, but I don't know if I believe her.

American Cutie: I've been a baby my whole life!

America's Sweetheart: My point exactly.

American Cutie: Will you sneak me some ice cream?

America's Sweetheart: I'll try, but they fixed the gate.

American Cutie: What is this, the third world or something? We are celebrating INDEPENDENCE DAY, aren't we?

America's Sweetheart: Seriously.

Back to the Beach

2011-06-28T08:34:00.000-04:00

Chloe: Yay, back at the beach!

Amber: Yay!

Chloe: The good people of Sea Isle City finished the new playground just in time for our arrival! New slides, new climbing things, new spinning things that all the Mommies hated and all the Daddies tried to ride themselves. It was so cool, don't you agree, Amber?

Amber?

Amber (snore).

Chloe: Wow. She can sleep anywhere. Amazing. It's lucky that she's asleep, actually. The only thing not finished was the area with the baby swings. Can you just picture the attitude if the ONE thing her size was unavailable? Sheesh. She did get to ride a bit, though. Because I refused to stay one side of the playground, Mommy had to keep dragging her around on that blanket.

Chloe: Besides, it gave me time to pose for the paparazzi.

Chloe: One of my favorite things about the beach (besides going in the ocean with Aunt Diane) is finding other kids to play with... sometimes, the big kids don't want to play with me, but that's only because they don't realize what an asset I can be! On Saturday, I finally found a great group of girls who welcomed me into the fold. I helped them make this awesome castle!

(Insert from Mommy: Attention, Nathan Brat Child: If you again try to take my kid's shark or ball with you up the beach after you repeatedly refused to share your toys OR play with her in any capacity, I will have no compunction at all about telling your mother that you are a BRAT. Leave my kid alone.)

Amber: I really like the beach, too. When Mommy isn't looking, I like to eat sand. Chloe usually is a good supplier. She tends to get sand EVERYWHERE. Sometimes she gets in trouble. But, hey. If you can't do the time, you shouldn't do the crime.

Chloe: Yeah, Friday afternoon wasn't great for the ol' Chloster. But, Mommy had forgiven me by dinnertime.

Amber: Yeah, she's pretty chill that way.

Chloe: Anyway, thank you Aunt Diane (and Uncle John)!

Amber: We had a great time! We love you!

I Deserve a Medal

2011-06-27T12:13:00.002-04:00

TWO pictures in which BOTH children are smiling!!!

"It Matches"

2011-06-21T16:44:00.002-04:00

Chloe's new thing is matching. When we went to the Cape May Zoo in May, she was wearing her "Turtley Cool" shirt and when we came upon the turtles, she tried to show them her shirt, "It matches!"

When we met the Low Rent Dora a couple of weekends ago, she was wearing a Dora shirt. "It matches!"

So, she was thrilled when I showed her these matching dresses from Grams and tried to immediately disrobe to put it on.

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-20T11:34:00.000-04:00

Chloe: Yesterday, we had a lot of fun celebrating Father's Day at the City Tap House.

Amber: The food smelled really good, but no one would let me have any.

Chloe: Don't feel bad. Mommy wouldn't let me taste her drink. And it looked really yummy!

Amber: Did you remind her that we share?

Chloe: Somehow, I don't think that would have helped my case. But, we digress.

Amber: Yes. What we really wanted to say was HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to Daddy and Pop-Pop...

Chloe: ...And Grampa and Uncle John (our Godfather). Even though we didn't get to see Grampa and Uncle John yesterday, we were thinking of them and sent them cards.

Amber: I feel like I could have also sent them each an email if I could figure out how this thing works.

Chloe: Or maybe you would have just put it in your mouth.

Amber: Eh, you're probably right.

Low Rent Dora

2011-06-15T09:47:00.000-04:00

Chloe: This is not how she looks on the TV.

Chloe: Hold me, Mommy!

Visiting Big Mommy

2011-06-14T16:44:00.002-04:00

Chloe: Big Mommy, our Great Great Aunt is moving to Virginia soon, so on Saturday, we got all gussied up to go and see her!

Amber: I think she likes me best.

Chloe: She likes me, too! She gave me a cool pillow with animals on it... what did you get?

Amber: Keep up with that attitude and I'll be getting your pillow the next time you're in the corner.

Chloe (narrows eyes).

Hot Fun in the Summer Time

2011-06-10T16:58:00.002-04:00

Amber: This is nice... cooling. I feel good... happy...

Amber: PAY ATTENTION, CRAZY MAN. WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU?

Amber: Oh, ok, I will forgive you.

What Do You Get When Chloe and Aunt Diane Go Shopping Together?

2011-06-08T11:22:00.004-04:00

Hot Pink Tutus.

These photos of Amber are off the topic of hot pink tutus, but look at her! Sitting up on her own and standing up like a big girl in the exersaucer! (And she is also wearing a dress from Aunt Diane.)

My Bedspread

2011-06-08T08:57:00.000-04:00

Earlier, I posted about a bedspread that my Mom-Mom made for me which featured quilted scenes from my favorite books that we used to read together. I thought it would be fun to share each one because they are all so beautifully crafted.

Winnie-the-Pooh

Peter Rabbit, caught in Mr. MacGregor's garden

I don't really remember this. I remember that there was a book about a doggie who wore a bandage, but was he hurt? Blind? Related to Bret Michaels? I have no idea. When I saw this one (prominently displayed in the middle of the quilt), I got a flash of a memory of Mom-Mom reading this book and of her enjoying reading it to me... but the same flash made me think that I had feigned interest in it because she liked it so much. I'm thinking that maybe the dog WAS hurt and that's why I was lukewarm for the story. But, my memory may be failing me on this one.

The Wombles

No idea on this one. A flash of a book with this ghost, but only a flash.

This is from the Grover book from when Grover is trying to hide, but he can't and he asks the reader to just SAY he was hidden so he can win hide and seek. This book was in the same box as the bedspread, so Chloe and I have been reading it. She sort of gets that she's supposed to say she doesn't see Grover, but not really.

Clearly, this was a book about ducks. Or the ocean. Or Noah's Ark. I've got nothing.

I think we all know this one! The Very Hungry Caterpillar

I *loved* this book. And after searching Amazon, I found that it was called Mousekin's Golden House. Sadly, out of print. :-(

Snoopy & Woodstock

I vaguely remember this... another Mousekin book? (There was a series.) Or Santa Mouse?

I've got nothing on this one. Nada.

***

Isn't this hella cool? I should learn to quilt.

Chloe and Amber Post: The Beach!

2011-06-07T10:42:00.006-04:00

Chloe: One thing we can agree on - we love going to the beach to visit Aunt Diane and Uncle John!

Amber: That's true - we had such a fun time!

Chloe: I didn't want to go home.

Amber: I know, but I don't think they are quite prepared for a full on Chloe experience without Mommy there.

Chloe: Sigh. And we were getting on so well, Amber.

Amber: Fair enough.

Chloe: I was SO ready to go to the beach on Saturday and everyone was taking too long to get ready! I was just sure I could pull this wagon down there myself. If only I could get the angle right...

Amber: Yeah, I'm sure that the right angle was all you needed.

Amber: Here we are with Mommy!

Chloe: Doesn't she look so happy?

Amber: Mommy said she felt so relaxed and happy to be at the beach with her two beautiful girls.

Chloe: Hey, what's that? I didn't have one of those!

Amber: It's my SuperBrella. It's awesome.

Chloe: When I was your age, I had this stupid tent that Mommy kept trying to open and close and keep in one place and it was a mess. This is way cooler.

Amber (beams).

Chloe: Well, good for you. I mean, you're not old enough to go in the ocean with Aunt Diane (like me) or dig in the sand (like me) or go shopping on the promenade (like me) or eat one of Aunt Diane's yummy sandwiches (like me) so I'm glad you have that SuperBrella.

Amber (glares).

Amber: ANYWAY.

Chloe: When Mommy and I were shopping, we bought these cool matching Sea Isle City sweatshirts for us. I picked out the dolphin ones for us, Amber. Do you like them?

Amber: What was the other option?

Chloe: Flowers.

Amber: There are no flowers on the beach!

Chloe: That's why I got the dolphins.

Amber: Smart move.

Chloe (beams).

Amber: Don't let it go to your head.

Chloe: This was really fun, too! Aunt Diane and I love the slides!

Amber: That woman is insane. Very fun, but crazy.

Chloe: Just like me!

Amber: That's for sure.

Amber (snickers).

Chloe: Here I am, helping Uncle John. We were gardening. He bought a LOT of mulch. I'm not really clear on what mulch is.

Amber: Yeah, it smelled funny. I stayed away.

Chloe: That wasn't the mulch, it was your diaper. Ha!

Amber: WOW. Now, I know you guys are crazy!!

Chloe: I know. It *was* a little scary, but I was trying to be brave. Some of the other rides really scared me and I was trying to be big. I really want to be big and not be afraid!

Amber: You are brave. You're my big sister. I love you.

Chloe (sniffles): I love you, too, Amber.

Amber: Don't worry about those other rides... by next summer, you'll be helping me be brave on them, right?

Chloe: Yeah. Yeah, I will. Thanks.

Memorial Day

2011-06-06T13:53:00.001-04:00

The girls' blog typist had a VERY busy week last week between a shortened week, the possibility of pink eye (negative) and leaving for the shore... so here are some shots from last week's Memorial Day block party... beach shots up tomorrow. With fun commentary. I promise.

That Was Mine!

2011-05-29T11:55:00.001-04:00

I had completely forgotten about this... my Mom-Mom made me this bedspread that depicts all the books we used to read at bedtime! As soon as we transform Chloe's crib into a bed, we can start using this bedspread for her... as you can see, she didn't want to wait!

The First Shore Weekend of 2011!

2011-05-28T12:40:00.001-04:00

Chloe: I love going to the shore! So much to do and see and eat and everything! One of my favorite things is to go to the Cape May Zoo - I was so glad that Grams wanted to take us.

Amber: Great. More animals I won't be able to see.

Chloe: Oh, don't be that way - it's fun!

Amber: Isn't this supposed to be MY blessing weekend?

Chloe: You get a DAY, Amber. Not an entire weekend.

Amber: I wish I had been born first.

Amber: But then, I'd probably be the one doing this. Snort!

Chloe: Ah, the zoo was fun, but I was most excited to get to the beach! Aunt Diane and I love the beach!

Amber: I like cuddling better. At least this year.

I So Love Being a Mom of Girls

2011-05-27T12:37:00.001-04:00

And Now... The Photos.

2011-05-26T14:00:00.005-04:00

With the first baby, there are lots of perks. You take lots of photos at the baby shower and plan to show them to the baby when he or she is grown. Family members find heirlooms that they insist be passed on to the special new baby. Friends make photo albums and everyone gets super excited as the days count down to the baby's birth and future milestones.

And then you become pregnant with Miracle #2 and people shrug and go, "Oh, doing that again, huh?" and go about their day... which is why I am over the moon to report an incredibly cool thing that Amber got that Chloe didn't: a professional photographer at her christening.

Thanks to the generosity of the very talented (and awfully cute) Kevin Yoshimitsu, I have WONDERFUL photos to share with you!

Amber's Blessing...and A Philly Family's Odd Spiritual Journey

2011-05-26T13:25:00.005-04:00

When Ed and I decided to get married, one of the most challenging decisions we faced was HOW to get married. We don't go to church (even rarely) and we don't share a faith. We wanted the ceremony to be inclusive of all our friends and family, so we didn't favor city hall and I wanted it to have a spiritual context of some sort... and we had no idea how to accomplish these (seemingly, at the time) conflicting goals.

Like all modern brides, I took to the internet. How people EVER planned a wedding without the world wide web is a mystery to me. Anyway, once a-surf, I discovered that plenty of people had our same problem and that there were many wonderful officiants who would didn't need the four walls of a church to marry us in a spiritual, familial way.

This is how we found the utterly marvelous Rev. Paula Legere. Rev. Paula helped us to craft the type of event that would welcome our loved ones into our marriage ceremony and share with them the role we hoped they would play. I was so pleased that during the reception and the days and weeks following our wedding, I was told repeatedly by friends how much they felt included in the ceremony and how much they enjoyed it.

After Chloe was born, we again turned to Rev. Paula to help us to craft a blessing ceremony that would once again hold true to our feelings about spirituality and involve those close to us. Once again, she helped us create a very memorable event that deeply touched those who attended.

So, now with my Littlest, we again reached out to Rev. Paula. As the mother of two girls very close in age, I'm conscious of wanting each child to be recognized in their own special way. Several things about this weekend's ceremony were similar to Chloe's: once again, we chose the beach for our setting; once again, we chose Diane and John to be Godparents to our baby girl; once again, Rev. Paula invited everyone present to offer their own blessings to our new baby. This time, though, we included different readings, new prayers, and a feature I loved: Rev. Paula asked those present to gather around us. The men placed one hand on Ed's shoulders and the women on mine and she asked that everyone understand that we understand that it does take a village. I remember standing on the beach and looking at Amber and Ed and Rev. Paula and the incredible ocean beyond and feeling utterly supported and loved and blessed by the presence of those who are so present in our lives.

Thank you to all who helped to make last Sunday one that I will always remember. In the next post, I'm going to share some very special photos from the weekend - I didn't want anything to distract from them, so they will be placed in their own post. :-)

In the meantime, I wanted to share with you the readings. These were read by the grandparents and the last one was read by me as it was one I felt very connected to when I was researching. Of course, we also had prayers, a parents' commitment and a godparents' commitment. It truly was a beautiful event.

“A Prayer Celebrating the Spirit of a Child” (Anonymous)

Give us the spirit of the child.
Give us the child who lives within - the child who trusts, the child who imagines, the child who sings, the child who receives without reservation, the child who gives without judgment.
Give us a child's eyes, that we may receive the beauty and freshness of this day like a sunrise.
Give us a child's ears, that we may hear the music of mythical times.
Give us a child's heart, that we may be filled with wonder and delight.
Give us a child's faith, that we may be cured of our cynicism.
Give us the spirit of the child, who is not afraid to need, who is not afraid to love.

Amen

“Blessing” (Anonymous)

Be true to those who trust thee,
Be pure for those who care.
Be strong, for there is much to suffer,
Be brave, for there is much to dare.
Be a friend to all – the foe, the friendless.
Be giving and forget the gift.
Be humble, for thou knowest thy weakness.
And then, look up and laugh and love and live.

Our Child (Zuri Indian poem)

Our child
Now this is the day.
Our child,
Into the daylight
You will go out standing.
Preparing for your day.

Our child, it is your day,
This day.
May your road be fulfilled.
May we live in your thoughts,
May we be the ones whom your thoughts will embrace,
May you help us all to finish our roads.

Adventuring at the Aquarium

2011-05-18T16:27:00.003-04:00

Last weekend, Ed, Mom-Mom, Chloe, Amber and I piled into the car to visit the Adventure Aquarium in Camden and, as always, hilarity ensued. - Mommy

Chloe: Daddy and Mom-Mom said we were going to put 2 fingers each on the sharks. It sounded ok in the abstract. I was sure they meant PRETEND sharks.

Daddy and Mom-Mom are out of their damn minds if they think I'm putting 2 of my fingers on REAL sharks. Where's Mommy?

Amber: I can't see any sharks back here.

Chloe: WADDLE WADDLE WADDLE WADDLE I love penguins!

Amber: I can't see any penguins back here.

Chloe: I am the Queen of the Ocean. I will ride this turtle all the way to Sea Isle to see Aunt Diane.

Amber: I can't see any turtles back here.

Chloe: Daddy is a freak.

Amber: I don't need to see it to know you're right on this one.

Chloe: THERE WAS A DORA MOVIE AT THE AQUARIUM. DORA.

Amber: You would think I couldn't comment since they didn't bring me in to the theatre, but you would be wrong. When the first 4-D effect happened, Mom-Mom said a bad word so loudly that the whole aquarium heard it.

Chloe: Here I am making a cool hippo out of sand and sea glass and shells!

Amber: I can't see a hippo, sand, sea glass or shells BACK.HERE.

Chloe: Wow. Between the sharks and the seahorses and the seals and the penguins and the fish and the crabs and the jellyfish and the turtles and everything else, I have to say that I love the aquarium! I love it!

This was awesome!

Amber: This sucked.

Amber's Movin' On Up

2011-05-17T15:31:00.003-04:00

Amber: I totally rock at Tummy Time - I am SUPER BABY. But, Mommy and Daddy said that the Other One moved around more. Whatevs. Why should I move toward the toys when people will just give me more toys? GIVE ME MORE TOYS, PEOPLE. Where is my Lovey?

Amber: But, I do need to get more exercise so Mommy said I can start using this walker. Daddy brought it up from the basement and it's cool! I can move backwards, but not forewards yet. Who cares? There's nothing in front of me I need.

Chloe: LALALALALALALALOOKATME

Chloe: All that working out can tax a baby. Man, this kid can be a handful, but look at her. How could I not share my monkey with her? She's our sweetest thing.

I Like My Babies Extra Toasty... and Well-Fed

2011-05-12T12:57:00.000-04:00

Check out the Bread Art Project , an online "studio and gallery" which supports Share Our Strength, a national nonprofit "committed to ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives." On the site, you can create bread art and for each piece submitted and approved by June 30, the Grain Foods Foundation will donate $1 to Share our Strength.

"Chloe"

"Amber"

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-09T12:00:00.004-04:00

Amber: So, on Friday at school, they painted my foot pink and made me step on paper. What was that about?

Chloe: They did the same to me. Except I had to have my hand painted, too. I'm older.

Amber: Yeah. Rite of passage. What was it for, though?

Chloe (smugly): Well, BECAUSE I'm older, I know what it was for. Do you want me to tell you or are you going to keep up the 'tude?

Amber: In all honesty? Both.

Chloe: You're a pill. Anyway. The stamping was for the cards for Mommy. It's Mother's Day and it's nice to do something nice for Mommy on Mother's Day. So our teachers helped us make cards. Mommy said they made her so happy and she's going to keep them forever.

Amber: Oh, that is really nice. I'm glad all that tickling was heading somewhere good. You're right. It IS nice to do something nice for Mommy.

Chloe: Did you say I was RIGHT?

Amber: Don't get used to it.

Chloe: We celebrate other people on Mother's Day, too. Of course, we had brunch with Mom-Mom. She's Daddy's Mommy and our Grandmother.

Amber: I know who she is!

Chloe: Ok, who else did we celebrate?

Amber: I was asleep a lot.

Chloe: Yeah. We also sent presents and a card to Grams. I called her, too. She's Mommy's Mommy and our other Grandmother.

Amber: I know who Grams is!

Chloe: Sigh. Ok, Amber! You're smart. You're the smartest baby that ever lived. We're all in awe of you every day.

Amber (happily): I know.

Chloe: Then you should also know that we called and sent cards to Aunt JoJo and to Aunt Diane, our Godmother.

Amber: I was just about to say that.

Chloe: I'm sure you were.

"OHHH - Rice Cereal IS Food"

2011-05-06T14:00:00.002-04:00

Chloe: Mommy has asked me to come congratulate you on the incredible accomplishment of having swallowed a combined total of 1 tablespoon of rice cereal. Go, you.

Amber: That tone is not attractive on you.

Chloe: Yeah, well, that spit up ain't so sweet on you, sister.

Amber: Call it even?

Chloe: Might as well.

This Morning

2011-05-03T16:57:00.002-04:00

This is such a weird angle, but it's a photo of Amber totally rocking her tummy time. She managed to spin 180 degrees. Hopefully the inchworm is coming soon!

Chloe cried when I put the Easter baskets away for next year - I think this is her way of holding on to the magic as long as she can. Come back, Easter Bunny!

Amber: the Goddess of Sleep

2011-04-28T12:42:00.003-04:00

Look at this little KitKat girl. My precious, second born. My Littlest.

The one who slept for 10.5 hours last night, which got me 6.5 hours of UNINTERRUPTED SLEEP.

Don't tell Chloe, but Amber is my favorite daughter.

At least for today.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-27T08:05:00.000-04:00

Chloe's Updated Easter Egg Dance of Joy, complete with a mouth full of candy and her new Flower Girl hat being knocked off in the sheer JOY OF SPRING. And bunnies. And candy.

The sweetest thing for me about Easter this year was how Chloe couldn't wait to share it with her sister. She kept saying, "Amber wake up? I show her basket?" She kept running for the stairs and was so thrilled when the sleepyhead finally woke up so she could show her the loot that EB left for her.

Look how tranquil and charming Amber looks, surrounded by goodies. Later, she turned into a stark raving nut job, but for awhile before (and after - she was on best behavior at Aunt JoJo's house), she was utterly calm and lovely.

***

Side note: After Chloe discovered her filled basket and found all the eggs hidden in the living room, we had the funniest conversation.

Me: Chloe, do you know what Easter is really about?

Chloe: Yeah.

Me: What is it about?

Chloe: Don't know.

Me: Well, when the son of God, Jesus Christ, was betrayed by his friends and crucified, he arose from the dead and we celebrate that with Easter. (Chloe nods.)

(pause)

Chloe: The Easter Bunny goes hop! Hop, hop, hop into my house with basket! Hop with me, Mommy!

Chloe Post: Here Comes the Bride

2011-04-26T13:12:00.003-04:00

One day, Mommy has to tell me to stop kissing with my tongue out at school* and the next day, boom! Here I am in the veil and all set to go!

Ok, I'm just teasing!

I had so much fun on Saturday with Mom and Sam, trying on flower girl dresses for Sam's wedding. I was initially sort of confused, because Mommy said we were going to look at princess dresses, but Aunt Diane was not there. Typically, you start talking about princess dresses and boom! She pops out of nowhere like Tinkerbell.

But, that's ok - we had a really fun time. Mommy kept explaining that I wouldn't get to take one of these dresses home because we were just trying it and that I shouldn't get too attached to these colors because mine will be pewter.

I don't know what that is.

But, I did know that if I wasn't going to keep one of these, I wasn't taking it off without a fight! I looked bootiful. Totally bootiful. It was only after multiple promises of Panera that I finally agreed to put my "street clothes" back on.

Plus, I was allowed to run through the racks of prom dresses while Mommy wasn't looking and then Sam bought me a cool FG hat. So, all in all, it was a profitable day for Chloe. And that was all before noon!

*Note from Mommy: Sadly, it's true. We'll have to keep our eyes on this one.

Easter Party!

2011-04-21T10:50:00.001-04:00

Amber: And so today?

Chloe: Today is the Easter Party! Mommy and I made cookies last night... we made sugar cookies with red sprinkles, orange sprinkles and yellow sprinkles. I want to eat one with yellow. I already told Mommy and she said she would tell Miss Mel. I want yellow. A yellow cookie. Yellow.

Amber: Yes. Yellow. I heard you. Will there be candy?

Chloe: I'm sure there will! Probably beans!

Amber: Will I get any candy?

Chloe: I won't lie to you, Amber. It doesn't look good.

Amber: Easter sucks.

Chloe: I still love you.

Garden Girls

2011-04-19T09:02:00.000-04:00

Amber: What are you doing over there?

Chloe: I'm gardening.

Amber: Do you know how to garden?

Chloe: Uh, YEAH. I'm holding a shovel, aren't I?

Amber: Yeah, well, sometimes you hold the TV remote, but you've never successfully found Dora on your own.

Chloe: Whatever. Mommy told me just what to do. I'm digging a hole, we'll plant these tulips. What could be easier?

Amber: I hope Mommy doesn't kill these flowers.

Chloe: I know. It's kind of amazing that the state has never come to look in on us, don't you think?

Amber: I think that every day.

Captioned by Chloe and Amber

2011-04-18T12:53:00.003-04:00

"I don't want to go to bed after my pudding! I not tired, Mommy! It's WakeUp Time!"

-Chloe

"Mommy, you a princess! I a princess, too!"
-Chloe

(From Mommy: She chose her own outfit on this one.)

"I love my Aunt Diane!"
-Chloe

"I love my princesses!"
-Chloe

"RICE CEREAL IS NOT FOOD"
-Amber

An Uncomfortable Glimpse into the Future

2011-04-18T09:46:00.002-04:00

Chloe is fond of talking about all her friends and at the top of the list these days is Erin. Sometimes I refer to Erin as Chloe's BFF and sometimes as her frenemy. Some days they are like peas and carrots and some days, they just seem utterly disinterested in each other. Lately, though, Chloe is all about the love for everyone in her class (except for one boy who she pronounced "yucky" - I think there was toy theft involved).

On Friday, when we got to school, Erin was first in line for a hug from Chloe and she was so excited, "Erin, I love you! I love you, Erin!" Hugs and giggles all around.

Oh what changes a weekend can rend. Today, Erin was not pleased with Chloe (maybe with anyone) and refused Chloe's advances. She wanted to talk to me and wanted to know where Amber was, but not only was she not in the mood for a hug, she actively did NOT want one. Chloe being Chloe persisted and was rebuffed. On the second attempt and second rebuff, Erin pushed her a little (not hard and not meanly - more of a "I told you no back off lady" kind of way) and Chloe fell back against me (also not hard - no injury) and immediately became hysterical.

She could not be calmed by me or by her teacher or by me again on my second attempt. When we asked her what was wrong, all she could get out was Erin's name. I tried to explain that sometimes people are not in the mood for hugging and maybe Erin is just having a bad day and Chloe shouldn't have hurt feelings. "ERRRRIN!!"

The only thing that would calm her is, of course, Erin. She did not warm up to a hug by the time I left, but did engage in some conversation... and Chlo, desperate for any attention from her friend (or today, her frenemy), took it and ran with it.

I got a sudden glimpse of little Lindsay Lohans on the playground and stolen boyfriends in high school and best friend break ups every other week and for the first time in two years, thought to myself, "maybe boys would have been better."

The End of Crazy Week: Cartoon Day

2011-04-08T16:17:00.002-04:00

Chloe: Well, we've reached the end of Crazy Week - Cartoon Day. I'm rocking Dora and you have Pooh.

Amber: Nothing crazy about this... well, your hair.

Chloe: At least I have some.

Amber: Witch.

Mismatch Day

2011-04-07T12:56:00.002-04:00

Chloe: Just smile. She's in a mood today.

Amber: I know - she was yelling at you!

Chloe: Yeah, I don't listen.

Amber: I've heard that about you.

Backwards Day

2011-04-06T16:23:00.000-04:00

Chloe: Before you ask, it's Backwards Day.

Amber: What criteria did they use when they selected this school?

Chloe: Oh, Amber, lighten up. You just have a onesie on backwards. I'm the one with a hoody in my face all freakin' day long.

Amber: Snicker. True dat.

Crazy Hat Day

2011-04-05T11:45:00.003-04:00

Amber: And what's all this?

Chloe: Crazy Hat Day.

Amber: Our hats aren't crazy! They're cute - Miss Stella made them.

Chloe: I know. Originally, I was going to wear my bunny ears and you were going to wear your leopard print hat, but Mommy couldn't find it this morning.

Amber: Such initiative she had.

Chloe: Don't pick on Mommy - she had a rough Monday.

Amber: That's true. Sorry, Mommy - I just want to fit in during that time old tradition, "Crazy Hat Day."

Chloe: You look adorable in this picture.

Amber: I know.

Amber: You and Mommy look crazy in this picture.

Chloe: I know.

Crazy Sock Day

2011-04-04T15:19:00.007-04:00

Chloe: I just want to eat my mini wheats in peace.

Amber: I just want to know why I'm wearing socks that don't match. We won't even talk about your outfit.

Chloe: It's Crazy Sock Day.

Amber: In her head?

Chloe: No, at school. It's a thing.

Amber: Yeah, I'm sure it's sweeping the nation.

We Love Daddy

2011-04-03T12:24:00.001-04:00

L.A.M.B.

2011-04-01T11:29:00.002-04:00

The other day, Chloe spotted this dress in the closet from Aunt Jennifer. We had just come upstairs to get dressed after she covered herself in her breakfast. So, when she saw all the gorgeous pink layers and tiny flowers, she gasped and said, "I wear THIS, Mommy! I a princess!" Of course, that freakin' groundhog was oh so wrong so I explained, "Chloe, you can wear this, but you will have to wear tights and a sweater... is it a deal?" She would have agreed to go up on the roof and do construction work at that point. "Yes, Mommy! I a princess!"

And apparently now, she's Gwen Stefani.

Chloe Post: 1-2-3-4 ROCK AND ROLL ROCK AND ROLL

2011-03-25T16:10:00.003-04:00

I love music! I am very musical, indeed. I love to tap my drum sticks together and say, "1, 2, 3, 4" before drumming and singing really loudly. The other day, I hung out with Aunt Diane and she taught me how to VERY LOUDLY sing, "1, 2, 3, 4 ROCK AND ROLL ROCK AND ROLL" over and over again which Mommy says is just lovely.

Usually, if I'm feeling musical, I have had to either stick with my drum or when I'm watching the Fresh Beats and want to be like Kiki, I grab my broom and pretend it's a guitar...

...Until now! Grams sent me this 'tar that's all mine!!! It's awesome! I let Mommy or Daddy use my drum and then we can be a band!

Except when Daddy is sleeping. Then, I am allowed to only HOLD my 'tar.

Mommy and Amber

2011-03-23T14:55:00.002-04:00

Mommy: Hi, Littlest! How is my KitKat?

Amber: I am doing very well, Mommy... isn't it nice, Mommy, to spend time together? QUIET time together... with just US. Know what I mean?

Chloe (off screen): LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LOOK AT ME LOOK AT ME LA LA LA

Amber: Sigh.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T10:33:00.003-04:00

Chloe: Happy St. Patrick's Day, AMBER!

Amber: Christ, what are you wearing now?

Chloe: I look FABULOUS today!! THE SHAMROCKS ON MY LEGWARMERS MATCH THE SHAMROCKS ON OUR SHIRTS WHICH MATCH THE CLOVER I PAINTED YESTERDAY AT SCHOOL.

Amber: Are you drunk? Seriously. Take Caps Lock off.

Chloe: I'm HIGH ON CHLOE. Just kidding. That's a pop culture reference. No, man, I'm just excited! Mommy made cookies last night for me to bring to school for the St. Patrick's Day party in my class. Is your class having a party?

Amber: Oh, yeah. The formula will be dyed green all day. Sure.

Chloe: Are you messing with me, Amber?

Amber: Sigh. Cross your legs, drunkalina!

My Angelic Children

2011-03-11T10:55:00.004-05:00

Chloe: 99% Angel, huh? So, I guess that was the 1% that showered our entire living room (including my monkey bean bag chair) with poop this morning, huh?

Amber: Nice hat.

Chloe: No one's asking for your opinion, Little Miss Poops A Lot.

Chloe Post: Sigh.

2011-03-08T09:48:00.001-05:00

You know what that is?

My monkey bean bag chair.

You know who that is sitting in my monkey?

(Hint: NOT ME)

Sigh. It just keeps getting worse. That kid!

Amber's First Day at School

2011-03-07T13:48:00.002-05:00

Look how relaxed she is!

Mommy's Favorite Hand-Me-Down

2011-03-04T09:45:00.007-05:00

I'm not sure this should actually count as a hand-me-down. My parents bought this cute Pooh onesie for Chloe and according to my mom, had quite the debate in the store over which size to buy. My mom (like most moms) thinks, "Let me get the most use of this I can - buy it bigger." My dad (like most men) thinks, "Babies are small! Buy the smallest one they have."

Eh, both are right. I agree - buy it a little bigger to make it last longer... but this is tough when the kid is a peanut who is always in the 12th percentile for height and weight (Chloe). So by the time she could wear this adorable onesie (size 3mos - 6mos) without the feet dragging six inches past her, it was too warm to use.

However, my little baby linebacker (Amber) is in the 50th percentile and started wearing her 3mos clothes a week ago. Score for Pooh!

P.S. I know that one of these photos is off-center... but I was trying to get her to laugh and take the photo at the same time! She scowls when she sees the camera, so I was trying to be crafty.

New Photos of the KitKat

2011-02-25T08:33:00.000-05:00

Here's my little Amber in a new outfit from Gretchen and Brian... Thanks, guys! This outfit is Ed's current favorite for her!

This is another favorite outfit... Another one that wasn't hand-me-down. :-)

And here's one of the only smiles I've been able to capture digitally.

My Current Favorite Picture of Chloe

2011-02-24T15:57:00.001-05:00

My Dora-lovin-Explorer-Girl!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!!!

2011-02-14T08:54:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!

xoxoxoxo,
Chloe and Amber

(Note from Amber: Can you believe the things that woman makes me wear? A onesie with a tutu sewn on it? Good Lord, deliver me.)

Amber Post: I am Catching Up!

2011-02-11T09:35:00.000-05:00

Yay! Finally a post to myself! I'd like to take this opportunity to share with you that I am catching up to Chloe! I am getting really big and have lots of things I can do now.

I can hold my head up really well (and smile).

I can sit up (when I'm leaning).

It can be challenging, though.

This is Daddy's favorite: I can help hold my bottle!!

(Check out my new hat that Miss Stella made for me - isn't it cute?)

I am doing really well and getting big and strong. I'm eating more, sleeping more at night and I make lots of demands when I'm awake. So, I'm right on schedule, right?

Chloe and Amber Post: Visiting with Grams and Grampa

2011-02-10T09:30:00.001-05:00

Chloe: I like it when we get to visit with Grams and Grampa.

Amber: Me, too. Grams likes to naps with me.

Chloe: And I make her cook with me! I also like how Grampa does tricks and stuff.

Amber: Why do you think we don't see them very much?

Chloe: Mommy said it's because they like deer.

Amber: That's weird.

Chloe: I know. Anyway, I sure enjoyed seeing them. Grams said we are her girls!

Amber: That's Grampa. I can't do any of the tricks he's trying to teach Chloe. (But, I don't feel too bad, she's not too good at them either.)

Chloe: What did you say?

Amber: I said, "she's looking forward to Easter."

Chloe: That doesn't make any sense.

Amber: Dude, I'm a baby.

Amber: This outfit used to be Chloe's, but it's mine now.

Chloe: Yeah, anyway. Grams and I like to read books...

Amber: And she and I like to take naps. You exhaust both of us.

Chloe: What?

Amber: Nothing.

Chloe (glaring): I think you're just mad that you are too young for space travel. This is when Grams and I went to the moon.

Amber: You're wearing a colander on your head.

Chloe: It's my HELMET. You know, a positive attitude will carry you far, Amber.

Amber: I am positive! Especially when I'm playing with this awesome toy that Grams bought for me!!

Chloe: That is a really nice toy. I really want to get in there with you!

Amber: Back up. It's mine!

Chloe (privately to reader): Sigh. When Mommy and Daddy talked about being a big sister, they only mentioned the up side. She can be *such* a challenge.