3.16.2008

Hello Two,

EsmeTantrum

It’s been awhile, two years to be exact, since you’ve reared your sweetly mischievous and charming (if slightly neurotic) face. And although we’ve met before, we consistently underestimate you. Because even though you’re small, you are undeniably mighty in your power to render us, as a family, helpless in our defense.

You never cease to amaze us, Two, in your keen ability to transmutate completely at the sight of mis-cut grapes, an improperly sung song, the mere mention of unwanted pigtails. Your shrill protests render our ability to think, reason and articulate above the level of a kindergartener completely invalid.

Now please don’t take us wrong, Two. We welcome your resolute ambivalence with all the love, patience and humor that we possess (which can be challenging if you’re Four) and understand that we will soon miss these days of sweet, but sincere, irreverence.

So for now, Two, although you sometimes replace your sweet toddler smiles with sideways sneers, although we can never again show our faces at the Concordia New Seasons after yesterday’s fitful adventure, and although you leave us worn and bewildered after each day’s medley of quarrels, colloquies and coup d’etats, we still hold your sing-song voice close to our hearts (as we dodge your flailing limbs), we embrace your shrieks of joy (along with your screams of dismay), and we remember to always respect and admire your innate desire to rule your world (and ours), because Two, we love and adore all that is sweet, duplicitous, you.

3.14.2008

Conversation with a 4-year-old Duck Farmer

Holden: we have a duck machine at school
Mama: a what?
H: A DUCK MACHINE
M: what does your duck machine do?
H: it cracks eggs
M: oh, ok.
H: and the baby chicks come out
M: oh, an incubator?
H: yeah, an INGLOOBLATOR!!

M: got it.


Sneak Peek

Drawings

Project is going well, and is Holden-approved (because I was holding my breath on that one…you’ll see!). So far this deadline thing is working for me and I am glad to have something to think about other than Esme’s current icky sickness (pooped herself awake from her nap yesterday, poor little e!). Did I mention she’s teething too? Yeah, it's been one of those weeks!


Here's a little sneak peak of the project. As soon as naptime's over, I'm breaking my golden rule and dragging everyone to fabric depot. I know, I know...but I just need thread. And a bias tape maker since I discovered this tutorial. And maybe one quick dash through the vintage prints for a summer Esme dress. And then we'll invariably have to peruse the Cars fabric section...Yes, we're headed for disaster this afternoon!

Happy weekend!!

3.12.2008

Ooo, Ooo, Oooooo

Can I tell you how sweet my husband is? Would you mind if I gush a little? I fear I left a bad impression after my last post…really, he’s a great dad and expert prune juice dispenser.

Said sweet husband is on his way now, at exactly 9:30pm, to buy a cd on which I’m craving a song (Norah Jones/Sunrise) along with a
chocolate hazelnut milkshake (which we should NOT be consuming at 9:30pm!! Bad, Bad!). But can you believe this sweetness exists in the world? (and I’m not talking about the milkshake!)

Mind you, I never sent him on those pregnancy hormone-induced midnight runs for peanut butter and sprout sandwiches. Those cravings could wait until morning. But this song in my head is so sweet and simple and is the perfect background music for the project I’m working (diligently) on. Plus, Holden loves this song and I’m envisioning waking him to sweet sounds and homemade muffins…aww.

Oh dear. I hear raindrops. Thank you BriBri!

Smock Me

Another project that doesn't count, but wanted to get them up here before the kids paint them into oblivion...

HoldenArtSmockEsmeArtSmock

Inspired by these and this! Main goal was to incorporate the infamous Cars print into something we could both love.

In other news, daddy narrowly escaped marital distress last night when he fed the baby (I know, she's 2, but she'll always be "the baby") 8+ ounces of prune juice and then sped off to his Mufon Meeting. Yeah. Needless to say, it was a productive evening but thankfully only resulted in 3 diaper changes.

The prune juice has mysteriously diappeared as well.

3.11.2008

Spring Sprung


NatureTableWEB
Originally uploaded by melmelmel
This is our nature table, in transition: pine cones, Camellias and sweet smelling Daphne. Mama nature has thrown us a few teaser days to assure that spring is on its way and we can't help but to bring her optimistic outlook indoors.

Above the table (and sweet little helper hand) is a completed project! Although it doesn't really count toward the weekly quota since it was completed sometime last month and took all of 30 minutes to make. I got it from my favorite little hut because I knew a calendar would be the perfect motivational project to get me in the crafting mode. The kiddos picked the fabric backings so it doubled as a crafty kid project, too.

And the project of the week is coming along nicely, although I do have to commandeer the kid's craft table in the evenings for more space. The paint and craft glue splotches just add to the charm, right??

3.10.2008

In Order

Did I really say a craft project a week? Yes. I did. And I can do that...just need to make me some lists, because I loooooooove me a good list!! And lists of lists? Those are even better. So far I have:

craft project list
kid's project list
craft + kid's project list(?)
blog update list
blogs i love list
housework (bottom of list!!!)

And I scrapped fabric list (pun intended) because there is nothing worse than walking into a place like fabric depot with a list. Believe me, I've learned that the hard way as those trips usually end in tears. And those would be my own tears, as I've also learned never to bring my kids on fabric shopping trips as it'll inevitably entail 1) many angry glares as the babes scream their way up and down the aisles and 2) me inevitably coming home with yet another Cars print that Holden falls in love with.

Anyway, I got my fill o' fabric at this weekend's FD sale AND I have gift certificates to Superbuzzy and Bolt just screaming to be spent, so into the wild crafting yonder I go...

(and thank you, lisa! you've deflowered my blog with it's very first comment!)

3.08.2008

Hello World...

...It's me (mama) making an attempt to finally start the craft blog of my dreams. I hope to follow in the footsteps of some of my most favoritest and craftiest of crafty internet blogger peeps. A tall order (for a shorty like me) so I'll take it slow and hope to complete a project a week (gasp!) to blog aboot.

So here goes...wish me lucks!!!

3.07.2008

Repurposing


Birthday2008
Originally uploaded by melmelmel
Oops, didn't realize it had been one year since I last blogged [ahem].

Amazing just how much, and how little, can happen in the span of a year's time: Mama burned through yet another career (she collects job titles as a hobby these days), Daddy finished and sold Pinky and bought a new pink house (again, the collecting thing) and Esme and I turned a year older. So in the spirit of turning over new leaves, I am turning my beloved blog over to mama in hopes that it will spark within her the creative fires that once be'd. Esme and I will likely make guest blog appearances and will absolutely insist on updates on our wellbeing and worldly words of wisdom. And yes, grandma, there will be plenty of pics!

3.15.2007

Small Steps

Well, 12 (almost 13) months and a scant few blog posts later, my little sister Esme is now a toddler. Yes, she's walking. Can you believe it? Well, it's probably categorized more as something in between walking and toddling -- wobbling? Anyway, she's bipedal and has thus enlisted our family in a whole new ballgame. I just hope M&D are ready for the major leagues.

Speaking of sports...somehow, mommy got involved in March Madness. She has her very own bracket all filled out in pretty purple ink and is doing quite well. For those who don't know...neither M nor D were blessed with the sports enthusiast gene that it seems 98% of the rest of the world possesses. So, this March Madness thing gives some hope that I may have some exposure to the world of sports (does spectator sport betting count???)

Go Kansas!
HS

1.09.2007

Toddler Soup


bath
Originally uploaded by melmelmel.
A simple recipe..........

Ingredients:
3-4 Gallons Lukewarm Water
3 Squirts Bubble Bath
1 Toddler, slightly tarnished
Bath toys, to taste

1. Add water to large tub. Adjust temperature to be within 0.1 degree of Toddler's desired comfort level. This will be fairly obvious, as Toddler will be very vocal about his/her temperature preference.

2. Add Bubble Bath, stirring frequently until foamy.

3. Stir in Bath Toys, taking note not to add cell phone, car keys or any other water-sensitive devices.

4. Slowly and carefully, transfer toddler into tub and mix all ingredients. Return to step 1 instructions if protests arise.

5. Bathe toddler, taking care to wash hair with extreme caution. Excessive negotiations may be required.

6. Stir frequently and baste every 10 minutes. If toddler's lips turn blue, adjust temperature as needed.

7. Let simmer 10-40 minutes, depending on how much time is left before bedtime.

8. Remove Toddler from tub when extremities are appropriately shriveled. Wrap in cozy towel to prevent shivering and dry thoroughly.

9. Enjoy naked-nudey dance once complete.

Variations:
Toddler + Baby Soup
Follow steps 1-3 as noted above. Add baby to bathtub and let simmer 5-10 minutes before adding toddler.

Quick Bath
Exclude steps 6 and 7. Remove toddler when clean.

Very Quick Bath
Exclude steps 2 through 7. Remove toddler when clean enough and whisk to bed.

12.01.2006

D:Lightful


Xmas06Picture
Originally uploaded by melmelmel.
Well here I am again... sitting upon the lap of Mr. Claws. I did much better this year, although the smile on my face is not a happy one. It is the begrudging smile of a toddler who's just been told that if he smiles pretty he can tell the big guy just exactly what he wants for Christmas (a guitar) and get the heck out of this merry hellhole. So although my smile is forced and my Christmas socks are dominating the picture, I am secure in the knowledge that I will see said guitar under the tree on Christmas morning. I know Santa understands my request since "a guitar, a guitar, a guitar" became my mantra during the life-long picture-taking session. And I do have to admire my little sister's cunningness for if you look closely at her hand gesture, she's subtly telling Santa and all his merry little elves just what she thinks of this picture taking business!

Props go out to daddy for fixing mommy's computer. It died, and she lost all her emails and addresses, BUT he was able to recover her missing D: drive. So, picture CDs may be a viable Christmas solution this year. yippee.

Speaking of drive, Miss Esme Claire has discovered the ever-delightful but exhausting feature of existance known as "mobility." She can crawl, cruise, pull-up, roll, shimmy, creep and clamber to any and all places her little 9-month-old heart desires. This is exciting and terrifying all at once to everyone involved and although M&D have experienced this before with the infant version of myself, they are still novices at the art of keeping the baby out of trouble. Their only solace lies in the fact that she's not walking...but they fear that day is right around the corner...

Over & Out,
HS

11.17.2006

Cowboy Holden & Fairy Esme


CowboyHolden
Originally uploaded by melmelmel.

Hello World!

Sorry we've been MIA for awhile, but we're still around and I've posted pics to prove it. This is me, all cowboy'd out. Yes, the picture is fuzzy and my lips are bluish -- both due to the fact that Portland decided to bestow upon us unsuspecting trick-or-treaters the coldest weather imaginable. We only managed to make it half a block before me and my pack of 8 or so toddler friends wimped out. And mommy only got to snap a few pics before I completely lost it. As you can see, Esme was perfectly happy fairying around at home while we braved the elements...

FairyEsme

So, we survived Halloween...onto Thanksgiving!

Howdy-out,
HS

10.06.2006

Big Boy Blues

Wow, can you believe it's already October? What the heck happened to the summer? It's like I blinked one day and suddenly mama is dressing me in sweaters and talking about Hollow Beans.

Speaking of which...this hollow bean business is creeping me out. Everywhere I look there are spider webs and eerie floating mummy heads and worst of all...COSTUMES! I am not a fan of this crazy dress up business. Mama tried dressing me in a yoda costume and I would have none of it. When people ask me what I want to be for Hollow Bean, I tell them "Holden." And that's that. Well, I might don the nifty cowboy rainboots that mama bought for me on ebay, only because she is trying so hard to ease my qualms.

In other news, Miss Esme Claire (who, incidently, doesn't mind her fairy pixie costume) is imminently close to crawling. Her favorite pastime is getting up on all fours and rocking rocking rocking, then crying crying crying when she realizes all that effort led her nowhere. Mama is enjoying her last few days of sanity before having two mobile monsters to contend with...

Oh and I almost forgot - I am officially a Big Boy, as I am now sleeping in my Big Boy bed and residing in my Big Boy room. The cute pastel giraffes and happy dancing hippos adorning my walls have been replaced with Robot paraphernalia and Joan Miro prints. I do still let Pear Bear sleep with me at night since I, errr HE, can feel a little lost in the vastness of a twin bed.

xo,
HS

9.12.2006

Dastardly Deeds

It seems SOMEONE experimented with putting various objects into bean's cd player and got a penny stuck in there...

And SOMEONE turned the volume up to the max on our living room stereo and blew the speakers completely out...

And the same SOMEONE hasn't been taking his much needed afternoon nap for the past few days and is a bear to be around in the evenings...

Tico and Esme are usually the first to be blamed for this recent string of NoNos, but if they're not around I'm not above blaming any random tiger or monster that happens to be passing by. I think M&D are onto me though, as my imaginary prankster friends aren't as *cute* as they once were.

Off to find more trouble...
HS

8.24.2006

Sick House

Poor us...we barely had a chance to enjoy our half-year unbirthdays before getting smacked with head colds. Especially poor baby Esme - only 6 months old and already has an ear infection. Sad face. At least we got to see the cute man doctor today and I got a toy for being good during the exam.

Tonight I helped with dinner, really and truley. I personally helped shuck the yummy little fava beans out of their little green pods. M&D were so impressed. Oh and another Holden milestone: I rode the horsie at Freddies and was brave enough to let daddy put money in him to make him run. I held on tight and figured this was the first step toward riding the neat rollercoaster I saw on TV today. Baby steps...

Good night [sniffle, sniffle]
HS

8.19.2006

Our 1/2 Year Unbirthdays!

Can you believe I've existed for the past 2 1/2 years on this planet? And that my little sister has already been here 6 months??

So, Things I can do as an official 2 1/2 year old (AKA, things they don't mention in the "What to Expect" books):

  • Stand on one foot -- literally! When M&D ask me to stand on one foot, I place my left foot on top of my right and literally "stand on one foot."
  • Stand at the top of the slide at the playground and dictate who can go down (and up).
  • Make "pancakes" out of bark chips at the playground. "Feed" various passerbyers if I'm feeling generous.
  • Finish the last word of sentences in most of my books (um, we really need some new books around here???)
  • Open the refrigerator and take out/put away my sippie drinks (M&D not thrilled about this one).
  • Go through my very own mail at the end of the day (I get alot of credit card offers and donation requests - go figure).
  • Hold a 5+ minute conversation on the phone about various toddler topics with various grandparents.

    And, Things Esme Claire can do as an official 6-month-old (AKA, fun baby tricks):
  • Sit up without toppling over.
  • Eat rice cereal, carrots, peas and pears (her favorite). Scream between bites because mama is not quite fast enough with the spoon.
  • Grab anything within a 1 foot radius of herself, be it a toy, someone's dinner or someone's hair.
  • Laugh hysterically at my crazy antics.
  • Smile real big at anyone and everyone that even halfway glances her way.

  • So, here's to another half year of baby milestones and crazy toddler antics!!
    HS

    Fava Revisited

    I was just about to describe the yummy little fava treasures we found at farmer's market today when I was hit with deja vu... I realized I was blogging about the exact same thing a little over a year ago. So although I missed my blogiversary, I wanted to say thanks for keeping up with my toddler ramblings and insights over the past 16 months!

    Anyway, back to our farmer's market adventure... I confirmed a very important culinary fact today: watermelon rinds are truly inedible. I attempted to sneak a bite to validate the theory which instantly set off mama's toddler alarm. She had her hand in my mouth scooping out halfway masticated rind before you could say "choking hazard."

    Aside from the watermelon incident, we had a nice day today. After naps we took a lovely walnut levain to Laurelhurst park and had brie and pear sandwiches on our picnic blanket. Nothing like an impromptu picnic amongst the pines and shrieking toddlers.

    Side note: Miss Esme Claire has a cough. Nothing sadder than a 6 month old hacking between her rice cereal feedings (Yes! She'll be 6 months old on Tuesday!!!)

    HS

    8.18.2006

    Holden Sheets, PhT

    Ever-inquisitive toddler that I am, I'm beginning to question anything and everything that I encounter: Why is that man wearing a hat? Why can't I have my feet on the table at dinnertime? Why can't I put french toast on my head? And M&D are becoming quite creative answerers: ...because his ears are big. ...because they smell funny. ...because we SAID SO (not so creative).

    I've also mastered the art of the long, drawn-out bedtime ritual: I ask for more [fill in the blank] water, hugs, kisses, songs, etc., pick out the longest books and ask tons of questions on each page (my "whys" come in handy here, too). And if I'm refused said water, books, answers to questions, etc., I pull out the all-time surefire way to buy more time: "Holden need to go poopoo on the potty." I think M&D are quickly losing their enthusiasm over that one ;-)

    Hugs and slobbers from HS & ES!!

    8.16.2006

    The Potty Train

    Mommy and I (and Esme) went on an underpant excursion and to mommy's relief, I decided to forego the pretty pink sparkly panties for the ultra manly spiderman briefs (although mommy would've loved me just the same if I was wearing barbie underwear). No poopies on the potty today, but I did manage to impress some playgroup friends by peeping on their pot. It's fast becoming my new favorite party trick. I'm just wondering where to board this "potty train" that M&D keep talking about?

    In Esme news, my little sister is getting more fun every day. She adores my somewhat whacked toddler sense of humor and lights up every time she spots sight of me. I dare say she loves me even more than M&D, as I'm the only one that can get her to giggle without the merciless tickeling strategy. And unlike myself, she loves food. In fact, if she doesn't get her allotted meal of rice cereal + veggie during dinner time, she SCREAMS until someone gets up and feeds her.

    Pictures promised for next post!

    xo,
    HS

    8.13.2006

    Potty Pooper

    Guess who pooped on the potty tonight? Meeeeeeeee did!!

    Yep, I am blowing M&D's plan to ignore potty training for awhile right out of the water (pun intended). During jammie time I told mama I needed to poop. I ignored her suggestion to go in my diaper, and instead insisted on sitting on my porta-potty. After the usual grunts and strains, we peered into the little bowl and voila -- two toddler-sized poops peered right back at us!

    Mama was so excited she called daddy upstairs with the video recorder and we recorded the moment, and the two nuggets, in history. We then proceeded to flush the little guys down the toilet (M&D were quite relieved that I wasn't too attached to them and let them flush, flush away without protest).

    So, tomorrow we venture to Target for an underpant quest. M&D are hoping my new My Little Pony infatuation doesn't extend to fashion accessories (but are willing to let me don MLP underpants if that's what it takes!)

    Over & Out,
    HS

    8.08.2006

    Tico

    This blog is dedicated to my new, not-so-imaginary-friend, Tico. Tico is a bear that lives under our living room couch and eats sandwiches. I haven't decided yet if he is a nice bear or a mean bear and sometimes he pops up in unusual places (in Esme's carseat, inside the inner-workings of my umbrella, etc). But, he's the newest member of our family and we're all growing to love and appreciate him.

    In other news, my little sister is not so little anymore. She's actually quite the little chunk-chunk and getting more animated and fun to be around. She started sitting up a few weeks ago and is an old pro at it now. She can also skooch around on her belly to get to her newest most favoritest things in the world - TOYS!! Mama is not encouraging her efforts to crawl, as if having two small humans isn't terrifying enough...imagine when we are both mobile!! So, we're trying to keep Esme stationary for as long as possible.

    Daddy is still toiling away on the NoPo house. It should be done in a couple weeks (ya, we've heard THAT one before!) and then he moves onto finishing pinky's landscaping. They tell me that someday soon I will have a small park of a backyard all to myself. Well, me and Tico, that is...

    Sweet Dreams!
    HS

    5.29.2006

    Hi Friends! We're still here. Still starring in the Holden and Esme show...

    Can you believe Esme is almost 3 1/2 months old? She's all smiles, but apparently we're not funny enough around here because she's not laughing yet. Seeing as how she spends about 17 hours a day in sleepyland, it's not too surprising.

    And I am the ever-busy toddler as always. Mommy asked me what I want to be when I grow up and threw out a few suggestions (fireman? teacher? doctor?) NOPE! I told her I want to be a rocketman!! And I've been refusing to sleep until someone sings me the entire rocketman song before naps and nightnight.

    bye for now,
    HS (future rocketmaaaaaaaaaaaaaan)

    5.10.2006

    Update!

    For the inquiries regarding my sister's bowel habits (or lack therof)...Yes, she finally pooped after 7 days. And miraculously, it wasn't the huge blowout we expected. Just a delicate, mustardy little load inside her sweet little diaper. Unlike me, Esme is just not a pooper. (I, on the other hand, went 3 times today).

    School is going well. The novelty has worn off a little and I've decided to resume napping. Little e and I are actually beginning to give mama a break and coordinate our napping schedule. Mama's much too frazzled to "nap when the babies nap" as everyone tells her to do, but she's working on it. Right now she's content to just sit on the couch and stare into space (she's careful to stare UP and not DOWN at the incredible mess that is our home).

    And, big boy that I am, M&D bought me a little seat that fits on the back of daddy's bike. It's pretty nifty to be able to sit back, relax and wave to the passing neighbors while daddy bikes me around. I offerred to do the biking and let daddy sit back there, but he didn't think my feet would reach the pedals. Maybe next month...

    xo,
    HS

    5.03.2006

    It's 7:47pm (hey I should be in bed!) and my weatherbug says it's 70 degrees outside! Once again, Portland is skipping spring and heading straight into summer. It's ok with me as it means park days and stroller rides galore.

    So guess where I went on Tuesday...SCHOOL!! Yep, M&D decided that I needed some socialization in a somewhat structured environment (what's wrong with staying in our pajamas until 4pm???), so now I go to school 2 days a week. I guess "school" is an overstatement. It's more of a toddler utopia...jungle gym, sandbox, bunnies, playdough, paints, hairdressing station, 'tactile' station (huge bowl of flaxseed), playhouses...the list goes on and on. There's even a toddler-height sink in the pottyroom to encourage my current OCD-like handwashing obsession. What more could you want?? (OK, Mommy wishes I'd take a nap there, but could YOU nap in the middle of nirvana?) We're even growing baby chickens under heat lamps for peeps sake!!

    Baby Esme is on her 4th poopless day today. We're finding an inverse relationship between the amount of smiles and the days she goes without pooping. So send some poop vibes her way!!!

    L8R,
    HS

    4.22.2006

    Cutest Easter outfit EVER


    Cutest Easter outfit EVER
    Originally uploaded by melmelmel.
    As promised, more pics!!

    Unfortunately, I need to figure out how to become a flickr "pro" before I can organize these into a set. So for now, click on the pic and hopefully you can rummage around in flickr to find the other easter pics.

    Over & Out,
    HS

    We're Alive!!

    Hello world!

    It's been an insane month but my goal was to post a message before my month ran out, so here I am. I'm learning how to be a good big brother. Some days it's hard and the overwhelming urge to poke Esme in the eye overtakes me... But most days I am a true sweetheart and have only smiles and hugs for baby sister.

    Mama spends quite a bit of time nursing baby sister which leaves me to explore my newfound independence. Usually I am good and catch up on my TV watching (mama wouldn't let me watch TV the whole first year of my life!!). But sometimes I am beckoned helplessly into naughtiness.

    Like yesterday, for instance. I tried to sit quietly and play with my legos, but somehow couldn't resist the urge to unroll a whole roll of toilet paper into the toilet and try to flush it (doesn't work). Mama figures that as long as I don't burn the house down, we're ahead of the game.

    Little Esme is two months old today, can you believe it? She's getting her chubby baby face (as opposed to her chubby newborn face) and is starting to wake up to the world. She's full of smiles and can stand up (with M&D's assistance, of course). Other than that, she's still just a little eating, sleeping, pooping machine. She's not much of a playmate yet. I'm looking forward to the day that we can build forts together. Maybe next week??

    Bye for now. I promise to post pics asap!!
    HS

    3.26.2006

    Hi All,

    Just checking in... I've been busy busy with gamma and gampa. They are helping Mama out alot by entertaining ME so she can tend to 'baby sistah.' They leave on Thursday, sad face :-(

    I'm happy to report that I am a very good big brother! If anything, I can be a tad bit TOO affectionate with baby sistah. The family member that M&D are more worried about these days is kitty. It seems I've been taking some frustrations out on poor kitty. (I got a time out yesterday because daddy caught me toting my golf club around saying "here kitty kitty kitty.")

    Anyway, all is good. Wish us luck when we're on our own on Thursday!!

    HS

    3.11.2006

    Rocky Rain


    IMGP4714
    Originally uploaded by melmelmel.
    So first, a pic of my sweet sister in her favorite sleeping position...

    And now onto the ever-interesting toddler news... We all thought spring was on its way after last weekend's 65 degree weather, but in true Portland fashion it changed on us and by Wednesday morning it was snowing in our backyard (and everywhere else I guess, but I was glued to our back door watching the white specks float down to the ground). The specks didn't stick, but it was fun anyway. And THEN...

    Yesterday was a little warmer but still drippy out, so we had hail. Although I didn't think the term 'hail' appropriately described the little white balls falling out of the sky, so I renamed them 'Rocky Rain.' A much more toddler friendly term for such a neat-o precipitate.

    That's about it. Oh, little sister wants to add something...

    Hi! It's Esmé. I weigh 7lbs 5oz and grew a whole inch in a week. My bellybutton fell off, so I got my first bath today (didn't like it). byebye!

    HS & ES

    3.01.2006

    A message from Esmé

    Hi!! It's Esmé. I love my big brother, my fingers, my hands, my mommy, my daddy and my fuzzy blanket. I don't like vaccination shots and diaper changes so much.

    I had my 1 week dr. appt. this morning and am happy to report that I'm back up to my birth weight and have a clean bill of health! Did I mention I love to eat, too?

    OK. Bye!
    ES

    2.27.2006

    She's Here!!


    I'm a big brother!!!
    Originally uploaded by melmelmel.
    Introducing our newest family member...my very own little sister...Esmé Claire Sheets!!! She was born February 22 - one day after my birthday and the same day as Gamma's birthday!! She weighed 6 lbs. 8 oz. and was 19 inches long...another string bean joins the family!

    See her flickr set here!

    So here's baby sister's debut story for those interested. I, the toddler, have a rather limited perspective on the whole birth process, so bear with me...

    2/22 11:30am: Mama, dada, Tutu and I happily shopping at Costco. Doctor calls to say delivery table available and to please proceed to the hospital. (Not exactly the traditional "Honey, it's time" scenario)

    3:00pm: Mama all settled into her (not) comfy hospital bed and happily watching HGTV (special treat!). Doctor started the pitocin and everything fine and dandy. 4cm and 80% effaced.

    5:20pm: In the middle of "What Not to Wear," some insane person decides to break mama's water.

    5:30pm: 7cm and wanting epidoodle.

    5:45pm: Wanting epidoodle NOW.

    6:00pm: Get epidoodle.

    6:05pm: Waiting for epidoodle to work...

    6:15pm: Still waiting...

    6:30pm: Get checked - 10cm and fully effaced. No epidoodle for mama today.

    6:43pm: Baby sister is born!!!!!

    So, a very happy ending to a not so fun labor. But baby girl was worth it! I'm a great big brother. I asked Esmé to read to me last night before bed, but it seems she still has some learning to do. Maybe next week...

    Hugs to all,
    HS

    2.21.2006

    Official 2.0 Release...


    My new "bobot" shirt
    Originally uploaded by melmelmel.
    OK, so my pre-release party was a little fancier, but I still had fun today on my real bday. We opened presents, ate pizza, stuffed ourselves with bday cake and took looooong naps to sleep off our sugary highs. My favorite present was my very own robot shirt that mama sewed for me. Check out my flickr set for more pics!

    Latest news on the baby front: mama's doctor wanted to induce her today, but since it’s my bday, mama thankfully talked her into tomorrow (to avoid future “it’s my birthday” “no it’s MY birthday” wars). So now baby sister's on the waiting list to be born tomorrow. I have no idea what that means… I guess the doctor calls and says, “Mel...party of 2...your delivery table is ready...” Geez!

    Excuse me while I go sleep off my sugar high...
    HS

    2.15.2006

    I'm a String Bean

    I had my 2.0 doctor's appointment today: I'm 34 in. tall (50%) have a 49 cm. head (75%) and weigh 24.5 lbs (10%). I'm basically a string bean with an inflated head! I did manage to impress the doctor with my charm and wit, and giggled uncontrollably during the exam. It was all fun and games until the mean nurse came by that likes to shoot vaccines into unsuspecting toddlers. Ouch. At least I got a plastic dinasour out of the deal...

    Nothing much else to report. I was such a good boy at my dr appt that mama decided to lift our house arrest and venture to OMSI for fun and frolic. Always fun times there, and I came home caked in sand from visiting the sandbox after the water fountain. Mama always forgets to do those activities in reverse (lucky me)

    Oh and not that mama likes when I get shots, but I did take a loooooong peaceful nap afterwards (my signature post-vaccination nap) that she managed to finish up a few projects. I'll try to post pics soon.

    Over and Out,
    HS

    2.08.2006

    EEP OPP ORK Ah-Ah!


    jetson_eep2
    Originally uploaded by melmelmel.
    I almost forgot to write about my most recent milestone: today I got my very first song stuck in my head!!

    It was "EEP OPP ORK Ah-Ah" by the Violent Femmes (from the Jetson's episode where Judy is in love with Jet Screamer). I was happily singing away when mama realized what "eep, ork, ah-ah, flyyyyyyyy me" meant. Aunt Steppie put this on my bday CD and I think it's been stuck in everybody's head ever since...and I've proven that toddlers are not immune to sticky song lyrics!!

    OK, happy toddling again...
    HS

    Counting down

    So we are about settled into our new temporary life. We've all survived the first week of mama being home with me all day and it's actually been alot of fun! Portland helped us out a little by being sunny, bright and cheerful and allowing us to spend time at the park and go on leisurely walks around the neighborhood. Messy art class has been a toddler's dream: all the glue, glitter, pens, paper and paint that you can get your hands (and hair, and clothes...) on. And I've been able to catch up with a few friends that I lost touch with for awhile.

    Alas, it will only be short lived. Mama's doctor has put us on 'house arrest' until baby sister arrives because her bud pressure is rising (couldn't have anything to do with my new "NO mommy, DADDY do it" phase, could it?) So we will just have to concoct our own messy art projects here at home and think up other creative activities to spend the remaining 11.5 hours of the day doing...Any suggestions? Mama didn't seem to go for painting and glittering the kitty...

    Happy Toddeling,
    HS

    2.04.2006

    Holden 2.0!


    robot cake
    Originally uploaded by melmelmel.
    I'm finally getting around to posting my Bday party blog (yes I got mama's slacker gene). Mama decided on a Sci-fi themed party with lots and lots of robots. She realizes that although I drooled and gushed over Thomas and Elmo in the Birthday Express catalog, this very well may be the last year that she could dictate my party theme so went ahead full force (although she's already hinting about a kung-fu party for Bday #3).

    So I set up a flickr set for you to peruse. It's my first ever set, so I hope I did it right...

    Anyway, the party was a hit. Mama & Steppie made robot costumes for us toddlers to toddle around in. They made little felt robots for party favors. And even made the robot centerpiece to watch over everyone's food and alcohol consumption. The only thing mama FORGOT to do was videotape and take decent pictures (thanks to aunt steppie for remembering to take any pics at all!!)

    So, the memory of my 2.0 release party exists happily in our minds alongside a few fuzzy pics. (Actually, the party was celebrating my pre-2.0 release as I won't actually be 2 until Feb 21. This was mama's sneaky way of getting out of throwing a bday party when she's 10 months pregnant!!)

    Sweet Dreams!
    HS

    1.14.2006

    TwentyTeen


    sleepyholden
    Originally uploaded by melmelmel.
    This pic is for auntie steph. She was sad that I haven't posted pics lately, so I drug this one out of the archives. Can you believe this is ME? Back when I was just a sleeping, drooling, pooping, adorable lump of a baby...almost 2 years ago!

    Now I'm a big boy and can walk and talk and chase kitty and vacuum and do all kinds of big boy things. I can even count all the way up to "Twentyteen" like I did with Auntie Steph yesterday!

    Boy do I have lots to teach baby sister when she arrives!!

    HS

    1.08.2006

    Bouncing Toddler

    I am into making sentences these days, and busting them out faster than my little mouth can say them. Some favorites so far:

    Hi baby chicken (my first sentence)
    My butt poop
    Poop in here (pointing to diaper)
    Daddy's shoes outside
    Daddy's shoes stinky
    Holden shoes on peeeeez
    Holden brushing daddy's hair (longest sentence ever!!)

    I may have others, but they become lost on M&D's untrained ears.

    M&D and I went shopping for a big boy bed today. We came home with a nice bouncy one, along with a new raspberry on my forehead from test-bouncing all the mattresses. We also got me some new sheets and a guard rail to keep me from flying out of bed at night. Now we just need the courage to let me try sleeping in it (and potentially giving up my perfect 12-hour a night sleeping sessions!)

    Aren't I a big boy??
    HS

    12.27.2005

    My Loot

    Well, the insanity of Christmas has come and gone, and I am left with a huge, overwhelming pile of toys, books and other unidentifiable toddler objects. My favorites so far are my very own vacuum cleaner that makes noise and 'yites up,' my very own DJ station that I can sing my ABCs into, and my little wooden fruits and veggies that I can cut and drool upon and then share with my play buddy. These things are neat. The other multitude of 'semi-neat' toys were cast aside and hope to be played with some day when the 'neatness' wears off of the above 3 toys.

    Other Xmas-related activities included:

    • Seeing Tutu, Koka & BreeBree and reliving the whole present opening festivities again.
    • Eating about 5 bites of the massive Christmas dinner mama, gamma and tutu cooked and declaring 'all-done.'
    • Driving down Peacock Lane and yelling "NAY NAY!" out the window to the horsies.
    • Seeing Unka, Gigi & Jett the next day and reliving the present opening thing yet again (does this ever end??)
    • Bestowing upon my wonderful gamparents and mama the ultimate toddler Christmas gift: the snottiest, nastiest cold you can imagine!!

    Time to help mama 'bo nose'

    HS

    12.24.2005

    It's "Mismas" Eve!!

    The big day is almost here and I've been ever-the-so-helpful little toddler elf:
    • Help wrap presents (strategically place tape and bows; sometimes on myself).
    • Carry presents from wrapping area to Xmas tree (sometimes sneak peek at present).
    • Return presents that have been unwrapped to be rewrapped.
    • Rearrange Xmas tree ornaments (only one casualty so far).
    • Point out every santa, snowman and reindeer in the house and on Xmas tree.
    With all the company we've been having, I've picked up a lovely new habit of opening the bathroom door on people. I like the funny surprised looks and the screams of excitement that come from the potty-er inside. Mama is trying to break me of the habit, but I (and the potty-ers) seem to be having too much fun with it. So I'll risk a few more time-out sessions to continue the 'potty surprise' game.

    Aren't I fun??
    HS

    12.23.2005

    Fun with Gamma & Gampa

    G&G taught me this fun new game called Hide & Seek. It goes like this:

    G: "1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, ready or not here I come!!"
    H: [Giggles from under dining room table]
    G: "Wheeeeeere's Holdennnnnnnnnnn???"
    H: [Laughter from under dining room table]
    G: "Is he heeeeeeeeeeere?"
    H: [Hysterical laughter from under dining room table]
    G: "Found You!!"

    Round Two:

    H: "2, 7, 4, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, he come!!" [wander from room to room, spy kitty, chase kitty for awhile...]
    G: "I'm hiiiiiiiiiding"
    H: "Gaaaaaaaaaampaaaaaaaaaa?"
    G: "I'm hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiding"
    H: "4, 7, 2, 8, 9, 10"
    G: [patiently waiting for toddler, comes out into plain view]
    H: "Found oooooo!!"

    Is there anything more fun in the world than Gamparents???

    HS

    12.20.2005

    Ho Ho Holden

    Just poking my head in to say hi....HI!!! Gamma and Gampa are here so I have a captive audience for the next 2 weeks (hey, if gamma and gampa are here, who exactly is reading my blog???) Anyway, I'm getting excited for the big Xmas day. The presents are starting to pile up and I've learned (the hard way) to keep my mitts off of them. I've only broken one ornament so far, yay me! We've been cooped up inside for awhile due to the pretty ice storm that blew in over the weekend, so to relieve my impending angst the G's and I went house shopping this afternoon. I'm thinking they should move into the house right next door but I don't think our neighbor would appreciate a toddler arriving at 7am for a Gampaaaaaaaa wake-up call.

    OK off to poke at some more ornaments...

    TFN,
    HS

    12.11.2005

    My Visit with Santa

    M&D’s suggested trip to visit Santa sounded innocent enough and I was curious to see the actual person behind all this hype, folklore and poor fashion taste, so I consented. On the way there, I got caught up in all M&D’s excitement and by the time we parked, I could talk about nothing other than ‘anta.’ I brought Pear Bear along for the ride and noticed his quiet unresponsiveness, but thought nothing of it at the time. Once inside, I happily made my way through all the awe and woo of sparkly, christmasy toddler-temptations and managed to make it to the tree-lined area of His Santaness. And this is where the story, and the toddler, fall apart...

    Santa was big and weird-looking and did not fit the fuzzy, happy, cartoon character of my toddler imagination. He made fun of Pear Bear (addressed him as ‘Care Bear’ ???) and broke the ultimate toddler golden rule: he looked right into my eyes and tickled my chin. The Indiginity!!

    I decided it was time to leave, but M&D had a different plan. They handed me off to the bearded maniac and suggested we document the whole sordid affair with a picture. I would have none of it, and decided for posterity’s sake, to ‘show it like it is’ and screamed for the entire picture-taking event. M&D thought it was ‘cute’ anyway and displayed it proudly next to last year’s almost identical picture.

    (Note to self: be very weary if M&D suggest visiting the Easter Bunny this spring!!)

    Sweet Santa Dreams,
    HS

    11.28.2005

    Meet Pear Bear


    pearbear
    Originally uploaded by melmelmel.

    This is my newest most favoritest creature...Pear Bear (so named for his loveable Pear-y shape). M&D bought him on their honeymoon, and I have since adopted him as my 'peary' own. PB and I do everything together...read, eat, sleep, push buttons, wave bye-bye...and PB even has his very own taggie to sleep with at night. And daddy loves when I 'talk' my PB (since daddy doesn't speak PBese, he doesn't know that Pear Bear is actually making fun of him).

    Pear Bear has recently gotten into a bit of trouble, because it seems he can't keep his peary little paws off the newly assembled Christmas tree. How can you blame him??? Something so big, fuzzy and sparkly just screams to be grabbed, shaken and drooled upon. How can you expect a toddler...errr, a PEAR BEAR to stay away from such an amazing object?

    Anyway, just wanted to post a quick hi to introduce my buddy and give a sneak peak at this year's Christmas Card pic. Watch your mailbox for a Christmas Cow near you!!!




    11.14.2005

    Words Words.

    Still no pictures because daddy is in charge of pictures and he's frantically trying to get the basement ready for our new carpet tomorrow! Once that's done, I promise to post some pics...even if I have to take over the picture transferring process my very own self!!

    Gamma sent me a Christmas book today (thanks gamma!) I was convinced that the white bearded man in the red suit was Gampa and ignored mama's insistance that it was some guy named Santa Claws. It was so obviously Gampa, I don't know what mama's been smoking.

    For all you that have been asking about new baby's name, we've decided to name her KICKY. All she does is kick kick kick all day and night and even gave me a good kick in the ribs tonight when we were reading our nigh-nigh books. Sibling rivalry is already beginning...

    Good night allllllllllll!
    HS

    11.08.2005

    Shucky Ducky


    IMGP4015
    Originally uploaded by melmelmel.
    Well this is an old picture, but I feel bad that I haven't blogged lately and I have SOOOOO much to update you on. So, here's a kernal to keep you entertained while I get my vacation and Halloween pics organized. I will tell you that I've been busy sprouting some new eyeteeth lately. Boy were they the buggeriest of all teeth to break through. The bottom ones are in and I fought my whole entire naptime with the top ones (that's right, no nap for me today!!!)

    So I promise I will get those pics together and share with you my wonderful and not-so-wonderful holiday adventures!!

    xo,
    HS

    10.16.2005

    Countdown!

    TWO is the magic word today...it's my favorite number, actually. When asked how many raspberries I'd like at lunchtime, "TWO, please" is always the answer. When asked how old I'm going to be, TWO is the number that gets M&D all giddy with excitement. When asked what number comes after six, TWO is the obvious choice. TWO is the default answer to any numerical question that comes my way. And since Tuesday is TWO days away, I finally got the answer correct when M&D asked how many days until our big trip. YEP! In TWO days I'll be on an airplane flying to Santa BlahBlah!! Isn't TWO just grand?? So, wish me luck and be sure to wave at me when you see me flying overhead!

    toodles,
    HS

    10.09.2005

    A Day in the Life...


    IMGP4019
    Originally uploaded by melmelmel.
    I don't remember exactly what provoked this, but here is a picture of me having a time out. One of my first. I'm pretty good about it - I sit on the rug by the sink and contemplate my bad deed while one full minute of my life ticks away on the clock overhead. I've found that "bad" is a relative term, and M&D and I are still trying to figure out just what warrants the dreaded time out. So far the only thing that's earned my time on the rug is running into the street. And that's BAD. Luckily, just a warning of a time out usually works well enough for the not-so-bad stuff. I'm finding there's a lot of grey area in toddlerhood.

    So our Santa BlahBlah trip is about a week away! And after that, M&D are planning a fun weekend getaway to celebrate daddy's bday - SANS TODDLER!! Why anybody would want to go anywhere without their toddler is beyond me, but...whatever floats their boat!! I will be just as happy at home with Tutu and Kitty all to myself.

    TTYL!
    HS

    10.05.2005

    My Fall Day


    IMGP4031
    Originally uploaded by melmelmel.

    In true Portland fashion, just as suddenly as winter became Summer this year (yes, we missed out on Spring!) our Summer turned to Fall. Fine by me - I love Fall! Especially those first few days full of fallen leaves and HUGE MUD PUDDLES!!

    Whilst daddy and I strolled through the lovely Laurelhurst park today, I could not control my toddler urges and plummeted butt-first into said mud puddle that was deeper and slicker than either of us could ever imagine. Mud-covered toddler was the result, although daddy managed to snap this cute pic of me before the mayhem ensued:

    IMGP4039

    Muddy dreams to all,
    HS

    10.04.2005

    A,B,,,,,Geeeeeeeeeeee!!!

    My newest latest and greatest thing: I can sing the ABC's!!! Well, the condensed toddler version... It goes like this:

    Mama: a,b,c,d,e,f
    Holden: geeeeeeee. Aych.
    M: i,j,k
    H: elmo. peeeeeeeeee.
    M: q,r,s,t,u
    H: veeeeeeeeee.
    M: w
    H: ecks
    M: y
    H: zeeeeeeee. yaaaaaaaaaaaaay! (clap, clap, applause, thank you, thank you)

    I am getting excited about my approaching trip to Santa BlahBlah. I hear Gamma & Gampa have a tangerine tree right in their backyard, so I plan on spending LOTS of time back there...and mama plans on bringing LOTS of butt balm to deal with citrus-induced diaper rash.

    Mama is quickly becoming educated in all things baby couture. I mean, look at this. And this and this. And THIS! How could you NOT spend your entire savings on this stuff??? I actually hate shopping and scream if I'm strolled anywhere near baby Gap, so I entirely approve of her latest online shopping addiction (although I wouldn't have minded a pair of these when I was a robeez-wearer!!)

    TTYL,
    HS

    10.02.2005

    Guess What Daddy Got Mommy?!?!

    PREGNANT!! Yep, I'm gonna be a big brother! I'm hoping they birth something fun like a kitty or parakeet. Mama had an ultrasound Friday and came home with pictures of what looked like a little otter, so I'm pretty excited! I think it'll be fun to have a little sister. I'll always have someone to play with and laugh at my jokes. And since I'll be 2 when she gets here, M&D will have an exponential increase in diaper changes (I can show her how to wiggle out of their grasp and run around the house stark naked). Mama is finally getting her little shopping buddy so she's happy and has recently taken a second mortgage on the house to pay for all the cute girlie clothes that she could never buy for me. It would be extra nice if she comes out sleeping through the night, because we're getting quite spoiled by our current luxurious lifestyle (I slept in until 7:30 this morning!!!).

    Mama had morning sickness pretty bad, and I had a lot of fun imitating her. Nothing like a toddler standing beside you making gagging noises while you toss your cookies first thing in the morning (I'm always good for a laugh around here). Due date is Feb 27, 2006 - don't quote me on that. I was born Feb 21, so it'll make for some interesting birthday party planning on mama's part... Hey, if NewBaby is the baby of the family, what does that make me?

    Pondering my babyhood status,
    HS

    9.06.2005

    Letter B

    Just took it easy today...played with some tinker toys, went on a walk, stopped to sniff the leaves...

    Not much to report on, so I'll sing you my favorite song:

    (sung to 'Let it Be')

    When I find I can't remember
    What comes after "A" and before "C,"
    My mother always whispers,
    "Letter B."

    She told me "B" starts "Big" and "bird"
    and "Ball" and "bat" and "battery."
    Yes, buh-buh-buh-buh-buh means Letter B.

    Letter B, letter B, letter B, letter B.
    She whispers "Buh-buh-buh means Letter B."

    And when I feel downhearted,
    Mother whispers "B" words constantly,
    Like "bib," "Bob," "Bulb," and "bubble," Letter B.

    Now in my hour of darkness
    There's a sound I know will comfort me,
    It's the buh-buh-buh-buh-buh of Letter B.

    Letter B, letter B, letter B, letter B.
    My mother whispers "B" words, Letter B.

    Nighty-night,
    HS

    9.05.2005

    70th Avenue Tricycle Gang


    bike
    Originally uploaded by melmelmel.

    That's the name of my soon-to-be gang of tricycle-toting toddlers. And this is fearsome ME on my new tricycle. Aren't I the fiercest?? Grrrrrr.


    My favorite pasttimes these days are:
    Riding my new tricycle
    Pushing my new tricycle around the house
    Standing on my new tricycle when nobody's looking
    Attempting to drive my new tricycle over kitty
    Throwing tantrums if M&D make me do anything non-tricycle related

    M&D have started preparing me (and themselves) for a trip to Santa BlahBlah in October. They are terrified of taking me on an airplane, but I can't wait! Can you think of anything more grand than spending two straight hours on an airplane with a nap-deprived toddler? I wonder if they'll let me bring my tricycle.

    hmmm.

    xo,
    HS

    9.04.2005

    Sad Face


    sadface
    Originally uploaded by melmelmel.
    This is my sad face. I'm very sad for all the people on the Gulf Coast that have had their lives ruined, and I'm mad at our government who has failed miserably to help them. I'm especially sad for the babies and toddlers and mamas that are there. I've decided to donate my old baby clothes and toys to them. I wish I could have them all come live in my room with me.

    HS

    I'm Baaaaaack!!


    pottyboy
    Originally uploaded by melmelmel.
    Hi Blog! I haven't posted in awhile, but seeing as how I need mama's help to post and she's had the icky sickies, it's not entirely my fault. Anyway, it's been awhile, and must catch up...been BUSY!

    So, big boy that I am, (or am becoming) I went peepee on my brand-spankin new potty! I just sat my naked little butt down, let out one tiny fart and peed about a teaspoon of peepee. Check it out here.

    I also had a visit from gampa and gamma! They came up to visit me from that mysterious Santa BlahBlah place. We played and played and played. We went to a garage sale and bought the most fabulous of toys called Tinker Toys that are now my latest obsession. Daddy is obsessed, too and we tinker the most fabulous of creations together. Check them (us) out here.

    Finally, mama's starting to feel a little better, so we went berry picking on Sauvie Island yesterday. We found a special farm that breeds sweet, genetically-engineered thornless blackberries. We threw caution to the wind and ate the little mutations, and enjoyed the fact that I could help pick without getting tangled up in blackberry bramble. If I start growing an extra head, well just blame M&D... Anyway, here I am picking away.

    Hopefully that will satisfy some picture-hungry grandparents for awhile.

    nigh-nigh sweet blog!
    HS

    8.10.2005

    Number Cruncher

    Hi Blog. Sorry for the delay. Mama's been feeling icky and hasn't been able to help with my blogging duties (she has to push a button every now and then). But good news: the fam has survived my molar emergence and it looks like clear sailing until my 2-year molars rear their ugly, toothy heads. I'm sporting four sets of white, ridgy bumpy things in the place that my massive molars will soon be!

    In other news...I can count!! Well, Kinda. Here's how it usually goes:

    Mama: Oooooone
    Holden: Doooooooo
    M: Twooooooo
    H: Teeeeeee
    M: Threeeeee
    H: Foooooe
    M: Fooooour
    H: Fiiiiiiiiiii
    M: Fiiiiiiiive
    H: Sic
    M: Siiiiiiiiix
    H: Eiiiiiiiight
    M: Seveeeeeen
    H: Niiiiiiiiine
    M: Eiiiiiiight
    H: TEN! YAAAAAAAAAAAY!!
    M: Niiiiiiiine
    H: TEN! YAAAAAAAAAAAY!!
    M: Ten! Yay!

    It's pretty groovy, and M&D even have some footage of it. I'm a little confused about the whole ordering after 'sic' but I ad lib as I go and it seems to be working. Now onto those pesky letters...

    Sweet Dreams!
    HS

    7.26.2005

    Just for the record...

    I'm starting to get into the whole 'mine' thing these days, and mama found this cute little tidbit of information which I agree with wholeheartedly:

    Toddler Property Laws
    1. If I like it, it's mine
    2. If it's in my hand, it's mine
    3. If I can take it from you, it's mine
    4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine
    5. If it's mine, it must NEVER appear to be yours in any way
    6. If I'm doing or building something, ALL pieces are mine
    7. If it looks just like mine, it IS mine

    I'd also add that if it's your's, it's usually mine, too. And don't even try taking me shopping anymore, because everything in the store is fair game these days. M&D are devising pretty clever ways of distracting me from all the *neat things* I've apparently missed out on on all previous shopping trips. But I usually end up getting to take home one *neat thing* or other. Today it was a big green ball from Target (we were only there to escape the heat, but managed to spend $28 on pretty much nothing). Anyway, M&D have a feeling my 'mine games' are going to get much worse as I approach the dreaded 'terrible twos'!!! Mua-haha.

    Nigh-Night!
    HS

    7.24.2005

    Bad, Bad Blogger!

    I know, I've neglected you, sweet blog...but with molars and garage sales and lots of other exciting stuff happening, I have no time to sit my toddler butt down in front of the computer and type. But, here I am to give a little update before I'm beckoned by some toddler curiosity or other...

    On the garage sale front - we did well! We didn't make much money, but managed to get rid of ALL our CRAP! Well, most of it. I helped M&D out by taking the funny little price tag stickers off all the stuff and sticking them to various parts of my body. It was fun hanging out with Unka and Xev and talking with all our neighbors. We ended up giving most stuff away at the end, but were just happy to get it off our hands and into hands that will appreciate it (or, turn around and sell it at their g.sale in a year or so...ha!)

    On the molars front - not such great news. I'm still fighting to get these things through my gums. I have the two top ones through, and one bottom one came up, took a look around and then timidly retracted back down...ARGGG!

    Anyway, I must cut this short. I promise not to neglect my blogging duties and will ask mama for help in posting a cute video of me doing an insane rendition of 'ring around the rosie.'

    Toddler Toodles!
    HS

    7.14.2005

    Where the Blog?

    I swear I blogged last night, but I guess it got sucked up into outer space or something. Oh well...I'll try again.

    Mama and I had a disagreement today over whether the purple bulbous object on my high chair tray was a hat (my opinion) or a grape (mama's opinion). We argued for quite awhile: "at...grape...at!...nooo, grape!...AT...GRAPE!!" until I picked it up, put it on my head and demonstrated to mama that yes, it was indeed a hat. Holden 1, mama 0.

    I also made the first, ever so tiniest of baby steps toward potty training. After lunch, whilst playing with my beloved tractor, I looked daddy in the eye and pronounced a barely discernable 'poop.' Daddy sniffed and discovered that yes, I had made a deposit to the diaper bank. I'm thinking this communication thing might actually be a useful skill!!

    Off to slumberland...
    HS

    7.12.2005

    Diaper Dance


    diaperparty
    Originally uploaded by melmelmel.
    Here's me, boogie-ing out sans clothing (except for the obligatory diaper and tennies). You wouldn't know it from this picture, but I was quite miserable today. If getting your top two molars in at the same time isn't bad enough, my BOTTOM two decided to come in as well. So I'm currently in the process of sprouting FOUR humongous teeth through my poor, aching gums. M&D are thinking of buying stock in Baby Orajel.

    nighty-night!
    HS

    7.11.2005

    Daddy's helper


    toolbelt
    Originally uploaded by melmelmel.
    Daddy has ALOT of work to do on our house: finish the basement, build the kitchen porch, reroof the garage, build the deck, landscape the yard, etc etc etc... So, to help him out I've donned my handy dandy garage sale found toolbelt and am raring to go! I need to gain a few more pounds, but until then I don't mind that the toolbelt falls to my ankles every so often. You can't see it in this picture, but I also scored a toolbench to keep and organize all my tool treasures. With a little toddler help, daddy will be done with this monster project of a house in no time!! And when we're done, we can start in on Koka's monster house project, too! Three generations of building expertise...

    sweet tablesaw dreams!!
    HS

    7.07.2005

    Molar Misery

    Yes, I'm donning two shiny new upper molars that mama, dada and I endured sleeplessness and misery to obtain last night. This teething business stinks, especially considering the fact that the pain and torture of breaking these pearlies through poor, swollen gums results in a *temporary* set of teeth? All this work for a trip from the tooth fairy, maybe resulting in $10 net gain if I'm lucky?? Where's the ROI in THAT???

    Anyway, aside from the teething fiasco, I managed to participate in some enjoyable activites this past 4th of July weekend:
    • playing tennis with M&D (well, chasing balls around the court while M&D played 'volley around the toddler').
    • strollering in a parade, wearing my big funny glasses and waving at all the other strollerers.
    • coveting my first rootbeer at a neighborhood ice cream social (I normally regard glasses full of liquid as playthings, but not THIS stuff - I was careful not to drop a single molecule of this precious fluid)
    • hanging out with my little buddy, Holland and leading her intrepid daddy on toddler escapades around Kennedy School.
    • sleeping through the multitude of firework displays that our patriotic neighbors so loyally set off.

    A big weekend for a little boy...

    sweet, toothless dreams!!

    HS

    7.01.2005

    Happy Bday Gampa!!!

    It's actually a belated bday wish since the blogsite was being fussy last night and taking forever to load. So, Happy Bday gampa - I'll give you big slobbery kisses when I see you in August!!

    Guess What! We have a new addition to our fambly!!! Her name is Bean2, but we will call her Bean for short. Daddy took our old, devalued Bean to the minivan glue factory today and traded her for a brand spankin sparkly new van. She looks exactly like Bean1, but without the post-traumatic stress disorder. We were sad to see Bean1 go, but thank her for so bravely and courageously saving our lives in our icky accident.

    If flickr wasn't being a pain right now (what is it with these fussy websites?) you'd be looking at a picture of me in my new-to-me cozy coupe car. Mama's been looking for a cozy coupe just like zoe's and spotted a FREE one, along with a cute little toddler playset on our way home from Redmond. Luckily, they were only a block from our house so we sped home and sent daddy racing back with pepe (our handy dandy toy-finding truck) to bring them home. Now, every time we pull into our driveway I greet my wonderful new toys with "weeeng" (aka "swing") and we play and play and play. Happy Toddler!! PLUS, I finally got the haircut I've been waiting for (although when mama was cutting my hair, I was picking the cut pieces up and sticking them back on my head for fun) AND the SUN CAME OUT!! Yay! I'm still not quite sure what happened to our Spring, but now we have summer, so it's ok :-)

    Happy day!
    HS