Sylvie Harriet Two-Week Photo Shoot (yep, we are behind on posting!)

Early March Quotes

"Elsie's little baby Sylvie is hissing at her!"

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Mama:  "How did you sleep last night?"

Elsie:  "Elsie slept really good, but Olga Bunny was hop, hop, hopping all over Elsie's bed all night long!"

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Daddy:  "...and you have to eat all your vegetables to grow big and strong."
Elsie:  "Hmm...well, maybe when Elsie is older Elsie will know how to eat all her vegetables."

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Daddy and his girls

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"Elsie is pretty slow, but Pongo can run super, super, super fast!"

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Daddy:  "Good-bye, Elsie, I am going running!"

Elsie:  "Have a good run Daddy, and be very careful because there is lots of ice on the ground outside and it is very slippery!"

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Daddy, walking into the room:  "Mooooooooooooooo!"
Elsie, not missing a beat:  "Oink, oink!"

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Elsie:  "Mama, tell me some ideas for tomorrow."
Mama:  "Well, tomorrow we could bake cookies!"
Elsie:  "No!  Different idea, Mama!"
Mama:  "We could make chocolate cupcakes!"
Elsie:  "No!  Different idea, Mama!  A silly idea!"
Mama:  "We could build an airplane and fly it to Grandma Dorothy's house..."
Elsie:  "YEAH!"

On another night, sharing more "ideas" with Daddy:
Daddy: "You could wear all purple tomorrow!"
Elsie: "No!" 
Daddy: "What would be a better idea?  Why can't you wear purple?"
Elsie: "Because, Daddy, Elsie can't wear purple clothes.  Elsie has nice blue clothes to wear tomorrow!"

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Elsie and her tent

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After a series of furballs appeared in her tent, it was washed and put away.  After a few weeks, the following conversation happened as we set up her tent again:

" Elsie was worried about her tent!  I couldn't find it anywhere!  Kitties, no more furballs in Elsie's tent!"

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"Elsie don't like that kind of dinner (stir fry)!  Elsie just likes apples, pears, treats, bananas, and apples!  Elsie can't eat that kind of dinner, because it will make my tummy feel bad and then we will have to go to Elsie's room and get my medicine so I will feel better!"

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While looking at old pictures of Ping, Pongo, and Toodles together:
"Elsie doesn't have a Toodles anymore.  Elsie just has a Ping and a Pongo and an Izzy.  Now Elsie is a big kid, so maybe now Elsie can have another Toodles!  Can Elsie have another Toodles?"

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Mama:  Elsie, did you have good dreams last night?"

Elsie: "Yeah, Elsie did have good dreams!"

Mama:  "What did you dream about?"

Elsie: "I dreamed about Mama and Elsie's little baby piggies and Elsie's little baby Sylvie!"

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Elsie: "I want pears for snack!"

Mama: "I think we ate all the pears.  Maybe we can get more at the grocery store when we go."

Elsie: "Yes.  We can go and get pears and cupcakes at the grocery store."

Mama: "Just pears and cupcakes?  We don't need anything else at the store?"

Elsie: "Hmmm....no.  Elsie don't think so.  We just need pears and cupcakes."

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"When I wear my kitty coat, I look just like Pongo Kitty!  He is a very special, special kitty.  But I don't have whiskers like Pongo does."

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"When I wake up I have CRAZY hair!"

Girls morning out!

Mama and my Baby Sylvie and I all had a special morning out last week. It was really cold, so we went to a sunny cafe together, and had a treat and did lots of playing! Here are some pictures to show how much fun we had:

I found two little bears that I played with.

They even helped me to do some puzzles.

Sylvie made funny faced and slept most of the time.  She does that a lot.

The bears and I chilled in the warm sunshine while Mama finished her coffee.

More Elsie Quotes

*context* I was playing outside with Elsie, a lot of running/chasing...
A: How did you get so fast?
E: Because you teach Elsie daddy!

*context* Elsie and I were sitting by the window in the morning after a snowstorm, watching a neighbor's Bobcat move snow.  She asked what that was making "all that VERY loud noise" so I explained what it was.  Later on when we went by the window:
E:  Daddy- where that kitty truck go?!

*context* At night Elsie likes to talk about "Ideas" this can be random things like "how about we go jump on the moon" or "how about tomorrow we go to the Library."  Usually she wants you to come up with dozens which she laughs about then says "No" but sometimes she has some...  A couple from tonight:
E:  Elsie have idea- how about tomorrow we go find a pink spaceship,
 then go ride in that pink spaceship!

And another:
E:  Elsie want to go play outside with no clothes, and, and, play in in the garbage with no clothes!

A few more hospital pics of Sylvie's first moments...

In the birthing bed with Mama.

Daddy holding Sylvie for the first time, exactly one hour after birth!

Sleepy girl!

Elsie Quote

*Context - Elsie was looking through Josie's collection of High School senior photos*
Elsie  - "Daddy who is this?"
Andy - "That is one of  momma's friends I have never met."
Elsie - "Yes, yes and that is one of Elsie's friends Elsie has never met!"

Family outing!

We took our first outing as a family of four yesterday!

After Tuesday's snowstorm, we all wanted to get out of the house a little bit, so Mama and Sylvie attended a "Mom and Baby" yoga class while and Daddy and I played at the cafe next door.  I ate an entire cinnamon roll before playing with all the cafe's puzzles and toys.

The ladies of the house all took nice afternoon naps to celebrate the great occasion, while Daddy took a much-deserved run by himself.  I think we are figuring out this "family of four" thing!   

Sister Time

Guess who loves having a sister?  It has been a hard transition but times like this are so precious:

 

And of course when you smile you need to close your eyes ^_^ 

Sylvie's First Photo Shoot

The family at home!

 A guest post from Dad while momma and baby rest safely at home.  First here is the big sister last week at a "jumping Birthday party" for a friend.  Apparently Elsie was getting significantly more air on here jumps than the other kids - she does practice jumping a lot at home so no big surprise there ^_^  Apparently her repeated bribery of "baby candy" encourager her little sister to come meet her so she is pretty proud.

 My first time getting to hold baby Sylvie, freshly clamped and already trying to eat her hand!

Cute little toes!

And another in the delivery room.

After a quick vitals check in the family room.

Elsie was very exited to meet her new little sister! [only challenge was the many "Alligators" (Elevators) in the Hospital]

Exhausted but checking out!

And safely at home - Elsie was very happy have her momma back!

We are pleased to introduce you to....

Sylvie Harriet!

She was born on 2-28-13 at 23:05, arriving a little bit earlier than expected, but at full-term.  She weighed in at 7 lbs 13 oz, and is 19.5 inches tall.

Everyone is healthy and happy!  Elsie loves her new little sis, and is practicing holding and burping her.

We haven't taken the time to upload our camera photos yet, but we have a few iphone pics and what may possibly be the world's most boring video to pacify you in the mean time.  Enjoy!

Oh, Daddy, you are so funny!

Look at my beautiful chins!

February Quotes

Elsie playing with Lila Puppy during a big winter rain storm.

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After bath time:
"This (baby) oil is very nice.  Elsie is going to put on lots, all over Elsie's self.  It makes Elsie's itchies go away!  It is very nice oil."

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Sitting on the potty chair:
"Mama, this pooper is going to be SOOO stinky!  I can already smell the stinky!  When I stand up, we will have to cover our noses because it will be TOO MUCH stinky for our noses!"

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Elsie has figured out how to navigate the camera function on our phones, so we end up with a lot of pictures like this.

At lunch:

Elsie:  "What is this in my milk?  Mama, I think it is a seed!  How did this seed get in my milk?  I think a birdie must have put it there, because the birds have lots of seeds.  We fill their bird feeders with seeds, and a bird flew into Elsie's house and put a seed in my milk!  It probably flew in through my window!"

Mama: "Well, the windows are all closed right now- it is too cold to leave the windows open."

Elsie:  "Hmm...maybe the birdie flew in the front door!"

Mama: "But when we opened the front door to bring in the groceries this morning, the milk wasn't poured yet."

Elsie:  "Hmm...maybe the birdie flew in the back door!   It used its wings to open the back door and put the seed in Elsie's milk!"

It was later determined that the seed was of the strawberry variety, and most likely made its way into the milk during morning snack time.  Mystery solved.   

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Singing the Popcorn Song ("Sizzle sizzle sizzle *POP*) while Elsie cuddled next to me, she was intrigued by some very well-times kicks from the baby.  Suddenly, she sat up and declared,

"Mama, the baby is ready to be born!  Mama, can you see her?  She is dancing in your belly!  She LIKES dancing!  That means she is ready to be born!"

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Elsie playing "doctor" with Rody Pony.  Checking his eyes, ears, and mouth with a flashlight.

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"Baby?  Are you ready to come out?  Come out, now, please!  We have baby candy for you!"

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While driving:
"This road is so, so bumpy!  Why is this road so bumpy?  Kermit Car, you are so silly for making Elsie's head go bump-bump-bump!"

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"Mama!  I can wear all my clothes and hop, hop, hop to the river just like a frog!  And when I get close to the river, I can take off all my clothes and be a hopping naked bear!"

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Painting with Watercolors

The View from the Big Kid Room

The other morning while looking at the bird feeders outside the window of my Big Kid Room, I decided it was necessary to make an emergency call.

Looking at the birds...

"Dialing" my phone...

And making the call to Grandma RJ.

"Hello, Grandma RJ?  Do you see my Mama Cardinal?  Do you know how we can get her some red feathers like the Daddy Cardinal?  Mama Cardinal only has brown feathers, and she wants some red feathers, too.  Okay, thank you, bye-bye."

Surely Grandma RJ will know what to do!  I'm still waiting for her to return my message. 

Aside from the pair of cardinals, we've also seen chickadees, sparrows, blue jays, and finches!

Panera

On the way to a brunch at Panera with Mama and Daddy:

Elsie:  I see Panera!  Can we please go to Panera to eat?
Mama:  It's either that, or the Hemingway Cigar Lounge next door....
Elsie:  Hmm...Mama, how about we go to BOTH?!?

We decided to skip the Cigar Lounge, but based on the number of kisses and cuddles invoked, I think Elsie was pretty happy with our special Sunday morning anyway.

Inside fun on a cold day!

Elsie and her friend had a blast playing at a coffee shop on a cold January morning.  I'm not sure what game they were playing, but it lasted for a good twenty minutes and it certainly seemed like they were having fun!

After the dance party was over, things calmed down a bit.  They carried the blocks to a very warm, sun-filled window sill and entertained themselves by building towers while watching for dogs and red cars to drive by the coffee shop.  And one last pic them all bundled up and ready to tackle the arctic chill!

 

Early spring meditations...on babies, weather, and potty chairs.

As Daddy is leaving for work in the morning:
"Be careful, Daddy!  It's icy outside!  Be careful out there!"

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While being tucked in for nap time:

"Mama, please don't go to the hospital to have the baby while I am sleeping, okay?  Okay, good night!"

Two minutes later, after "nap," leaning in to rest her head on my belly:

"Mama!  All done with nap time!   Elsie got up from nap early!  Baby?  Are you still in there?  You did not come out during nap time?  Okay, good.  Later Mama and Daddy and Elsie and Baby can all go to the hop-itals (hospital) together." 

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At bedtime, talking with Mama about plans for the morning:
 "....and after yoga, we'll go to the Co-op and I will need you to be my big helper."

"No, Mama!  That's Elsie and Daddy's store (Trader Joe's)!  You can't go there!"

"Well, this is a different store.  You've never been there with Daddy."

"Hm.  Okay.  Then I will be a big helper, and I will not need a cart.  Elsie can be a walker!  But first I will have to use the potty chair."

"You need to use it right now?"

"No, Mama.  In the morning, when we wake up I will have to use the potty.  Then we will go to yoga, then the store, and we will probably need to buy a treat at the store because Elsie will know right where they are."

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While running errands in a wintry precipitation mix:

Mama:  "Look at this crazy weather we are having!  It is snowing and raining at the same time!  Who would have thought that we would need an umbrella in January?"

Elsie:  "Grandma RJ."

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During bath time, while washing the wall with soap bubbles:
"Mama, how will we ever get this wall clean?  This (foam) whale needs to go on the wall, but not until it is all clean.  Mama, maybe the baby should be born right now.  It is Elsie's bath time, so it is a good time to be born.  Maybe we should get Daddy so he knows.  Da-ddy!  Baby is going to be born!  Da-ddy!  Come here right now, please!"

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"Ma-ma!  Elsie has to make a pooper in the potty chair!  These big kid pants have Mickey Mouse on them, so I can't poop in my pants or Mickey would be sad.  Mama, look- is Mickey sad or happy?  He must be happy, because I did NOT make poopers on him.  Hello, Mickey Mouse!  I am glad you are happy!  Hooray!"

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"Mama, Elsie wants to cuddle up with you!  Mama, you stay here in your room, and don't go.  I will be back in two minutes.  Don't come in Elsie's room, because I am going to be very, very sti-nky on my potty!"

Winter Miscellany

A series of colds and the flu hit our house over the start of the winter season, leading to lots of movies, hot beverages, and time cuddled up in bed. We did manage to get out a few times, though!

Mama and I went to D and Baby R's house to play one day.

We had great treats, lots of fun games, and D even let me share his easel for some painting time!

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Mama (after a difficult tantrum day): "Elsie, what are we ever going to do when the baby comes?"
Elsie: "Well, well, well, we'll just have to take care of her, Mama!"

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 Elsie (at nap time):  "Mama?  Are you going to take a nap, too?  Because maybe you can lay in bed with Elsie, and we can nap together.  And then we two can both wake up from nap time early together!  You can lay here with me, and we can get up together in two minutes!"

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On another day, playing outside during the unseasonably warm December.

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While driving downtown, referencing her Daddy's ability to build tall towers out of blocks: "Mama! Look at the buildings! So, so tall! I think maybe Daddy must have built those tall, tall buildings..."

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As Mama is leaving to take Ping to the Vet:
Elsie:  "That's Elsie's kitty, Mama!  Don't take her!"
Mama:  "Her tummy hurts, Elsie, so I am going to take her to the doctor so she will feel better."
Elsie:  "No, Mama, she doesn't need to go to the doctor.  I will give her kisses, and my kisses will make her all better."

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When A, Baby J, and I all had the same cold, our Mamas decided to let us have a sck-day play date together.  What fun!  I helped take care of the baby, and A let me use her potty chair.  We practiced our ABC's and our dance moves and our sharing skills.  What a busy day!

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Elsie, talking to herself in the mirror while wearing a headlamp:
"My name is Elsie Rose.  What do I have on my head?  This special hat that helps me see things!" 

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Elsie (handing Daddy soaking wet socks):  "Here, Daddy.  These socks got a little wet."

Daddy:  "How did they get wet, Elsie?"

Elsie:  "They went in Elsie's tinkle!"

Daddy (noticing overturned sock bin next to a full potty chair):  "Did any other socks get wet?"

Elsie:  "Hmm...Elsie don't think so..."

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Elsie, running into the kitchen at full speed:

"Mama, quick!  Mama, come here!  Look, there is a polar bear chasing Elsie!  Right over there!  Next to the pirates!  They dance and sing "This is the best day ever!  This is the best day ever!".  The pirates came on a boat, and now they are friends with the polar bear.  He isn't scary, he just likes to chase Elsie.  Mama, save me from polar bear?" 

Annie's Birthday Party

My friend, Annie, had a birthday party, and Mama and I got to attend!  The best part was the Music Together class before we ate cupcakes.  This is a picture of me and my Henry friend doing a parachute game during the class.

The teacher played the guitar, and we sang songs that had finger plays, and songs where I played musical instruments, and even some songs that had special dances.

What a fun, fun way to celebrate a birthday!