 |
| Tiger cub, tired of playing |
 |
| Vivian and Annelee are hanging with the 'Roo |
 |
| Riding the camel at the playground |
 |
| Watching the sea lions |
 |
| Smiling |
 |
| Watching the sharks |
 |
| Shark attack! |
 |
| Books are more interesting than sharks! |
Tiger cubs at play
Showing posts with label annelee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label annelee. Show all posts
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Trip to the Zoo
RHS hosts an annual birthday party at the zoo every year, and this time, I decided to take the girls. Free tickets, and Vivian is old enough to enjoy the zoo now, so it really was a no-brainer. This time, we started at the end (since we have always bailed before we got there) and visited the tigers, petting zoo, kangaroos, beavers, deer, playground (where we had lunch) and then headed over to the polar bears, with a detour through the tunnels to see the sharks. Then, we headed over to the RHS party where we saw some of the staff, picked up gifts for the kids and watched the beginning of a puppet show before Annelee decided enough was enough and we left. Both girls were fast asleep on the way back in the car ... a sign of a good outing, I think.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Nine Months
Annelee had her nine month check-up yesterday.
Let's start with the vitals, as usual. She's in 90-95th percentile for both height and weight:
As usual, the pediatrician was overall very happy with Annelee. She asked if Annelee already recognized any words, but immediately added that it would be very early. The only one I could think of was "Vivian". So I turned toward the wall with her and asked her where Vivian was. She turned around to try and look at her. Imagine the beaming proud Mama I was to have one of my girls perform on command for once in my life ;)
I later thought of another word she recognizes: "fishies "(I guess I should teach her "fish" one day). Every time we change her diaper, I ask her where the fishies are (the mobile over the changing table). She looks directly at them. Then, when the diaper is changed, I pick her up and we look at each fish and the shape of his mouth (they are different) and make the sound they would make if they could speak. I used to do the same with Vivian and both girls love it.
Anyways, the pediatrician was pleased with her eating (in addition to all sorts of jars of baby food, Annelee has eaten mashed potatoes, pasta and sauce, blueberry pancakes, bagel, bananas, avocado, soup, cheerioes, grits, and probably a whole other host of things I forget). She recommended adding meat for iron. So, that evening Annelee had BBQ chicken and corn mixed with one of her jars. To round it off, she had applesauce and a taste of Daddy's home-made mango sorbet. That little baby of ours is such a gourmet!
Her grasping at things and pince grip as well as sitting up were all on target, too.
Then came the (not so) fun part. Because of her recent throwing up and stomach pains, they wanted a urine sample. Which they do with babies by taping a bag over their "girly bits" and waiting until they pee. And wait we did ... but she finally performed and all looked good.
We then went for a blood draw (finger prick) that afternoon (which they always do at 9 months) which Annelee did not appreciate. When we were leaving, someone in the waiting room asked "What were you doing to that baby?". Ooops. They may have to sound proof their office next time. :)
Next appointment after her 1st birthday.
Let's start with the vitals, as usual. She's in 90-95th percentile for both height and weight:
- Height: 29.5" (75cm). Vivian had her beat (just) with 30"
- Weights: 21 lb 12oz (9.87 kg). Vivian continued to be a lightweight by comparison: 19 lb 11 oz. At least the gap hasn't widened from the 6 month check-up. In fact, it has shrunk :)
As usual, the pediatrician was overall very happy with Annelee. She asked if Annelee already recognized any words, but immediately added that it would be very early. The only one I could think of was "Vivian". So I turned toward the wall with her and asked her where Vivian was. She turned around to try and look at her. Imagine the beaming proud Mama I was to have one of my girls perform on command for once in my life ;)
I later thought of another word she recognizes: "fishies "(I guess I should teach her "fish" one day). Every time we change her diaper, I ask her where the fishies are (the mobile over the changing table). She looks directly at them. Then, when the diaper is changed, I pick her up and we look at each fish and the shape of his mouth (they are different) and make the sound they would make if they could speak. I used to do the same with Vivian and both girls love it.
Anyways, the pediatrician was pleased with her eating (in addition to all sorts of jars of baby food, Annelee has eaten mashed potatoes, pasta and sauce, blueberry pancakes, bagel, bananas, avocado, soup, cheerioes, grits, and probably a whole other host of things I forget). She recommended adding meat for iron. So, that evening Annelee had BBQ chicken and corn mixed with one of her jars. To round it off, she had applesauce and a taste of Daddy's home-made mango sorbet. That little baby of ours is such a gourmet!
Her grasping at things and pince grip as well as sitting up were all on target, too.
Then came the (not so) fun part. Because of her recent throwing up and stomach pains, they wanted a urine sample. Which they do with babies by taping a bag over their "girly bits" and waiting until they pee. And wait we did ... but she finally performed and all looked good.
We then went for a blood draw (finger prick) that afternoon (which they always do at 9 months) which Annelee did not appreciate. When we were leaving, someone in the waiting room asked "What were you doing to that baby?". Ooops. They may have to sound proof their office next time. :)
Next appointment after her 1st birthday.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Deja Vu
Apparently, certain clothes appeal to me for certain photographic situations. Here's one that I took of Annelee yesterday.
And here's one that I took of Vivian almost 3 years ago (May 2008), not far from the spot where I took the photo today. I commented on the picture at the time that she was moving her shoulder, hence the funky blur.
And here's one that I took of Vivian almost 3 years ago (May 2008), not far from the spot where I took the photo today. I commented on the picture at the time that she was moving her shoulder, hence the funky blur.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Bed Time Routine
Since the girls have started sharing a room, our bed time routine has gone through several transitions and experiments. I think we've finally found something that works, that's fun and that's manageable (read: doesn't take all evening).
Here's what usually happens.
During dinner, Annelee starts rubbing her eyes. So, once we are done eating (around 7pm - 7.15pm), I take her to make the rounds to say good night to Daddy and Vivian and we head upstairs. Annelee's bed time is still super simple. I take her clothes off, change her diaper, put her in her jammies and sleep-sack.
Then we dim the light, make sure we have a binky and I sit down and nurse her. She's usually drifting off before I even manage to switch her to the other side, and by the time she's done nursing on both sides, she's asleep. So I simply put her in her crib, kiss her good night and leave the room.
While I get Annelee ready, Vivian gets undressed and puts on her pull-up and pajamas and then goes downstairs to play with Daddy. I join them and - if I'm motivated - we clean up before heading upstairs. Vivian does the rest of her bed-time routine with only very little help (but frequent reminders of what she should be doing ...). Brush teeth, wash face, brush hair.
Then we curl up on the bed and read a book or a story. It's often the same one many nights in a row until she finally tires of the book or I can't take it anymore and insist on a different book (usually the latter).
Then, we pick up the phone and Vivian calls Daddy (yes, we make a phone call every evening because we are too lazy to go to the basement ... ). I actually like it because soon, she will have memorized his phone number and would be able to make a phone call independently. My number is next :) Will answers the phone and Vivian says breathlessly "Daddy come up and kiss me, Mommy and I will hine [hide] for you". Then we hide under the blanket until Daddy comes up.
He and Vivian will then kiss and cuddle and tickle and whatever else (none of that "winding down before going to sleep" stuff for us, apparently). Vivian usually kicks me out for this part with the words: "Mommy, go downstairs". Once they are done, I come back up, and Vivian tells me how many kisses and hugs she wants (great practice of counting in German, she more or less makes it to 20 these days) and then I tell her how many I want.
One last quick stop to go to the bathroom, then I sneak her very very very quietly into her room, tuck her in, lay down for a minute and then say good night one final time before walking out.
It is now between 8.30pm and 8.45pm and if all goes well that's the last that we hear from Vivian until the morning, and some nights, that's even the last we hear from Annelee until she wakes up around 6am to nurse (for which she comes into our bed and often falls asleep again).
On days where Vivian starts whining and getting noisy when I walk out of the room (or when she gets up again for some reason), all bets are off, unfortunately. We have instituted a sticker reward chart for not waking Annelee up and that has been working pretty well for the last couple of nights.
One final funny story about the sticker chart. We visited with friends on Saturday and put Annelee down in their spare bedroom. Bob, our host, forgot that she was in that room and walked in, turned on the light and woke her up. Vivian's immediate comment was "Bob will not get a sticker in the morning because he woke Annelee up!". I think we have drilled that concept into her pretty well, huh? :)
Here's what usually happens.
During dinner, Annelee starts rubbing her eyes. So, once we are done eating (around 7pm - 7.15pm), I take her to make the rounds to say good night to Daddy and Vivian and we head upstairs. Annelee's bed time is still super simple. I take her clothes off, change her diaper, put her in her jammies and sleep-sack.
Then we dim the light, make sure we have a binky and I sit down and nurse her. She's usually drifting off before I even manage to switch her to the other side, and by the time she's done nursing on both sides, she's asleep. So I simply put her in her crib, kiss her good night and leave the room.
While I get Annelee ready, Vivian gets undressed and puts on her pull-up and pajamas and then goes downstairs to play with Daddy. I join them and - if I'm motivated - we clean up before heading upstairs. Vivian does the rest of her bed-time routine with only very little help (but frequent reminders of what she should be doing ...). Brush teeth, wash face, brush hair.
Then we curl up on the bed and read a book or a story. It's often the same one many nights in a row until she finally tires of the book or I can't take it anymore and insist on a different book (usually the latter).
Then, we pick up the phone and Vivian calls Daddy (yes, we make a phone call every evening because we are too lazy to go to the basement ... ). I actually like it because soon, she will have memorized his phone number and would be able to make a phone call independently. My number is next :) Will answers the phone and Vivian says breathlessly "Daddy come up and kiss me, Mommy and I will hine [hide] for you". Then we hide under the blanket until Daddy comes up.
He and Vivian will then kiss and cuddle and tickle and whatever else (none of that "winding down before going to sleep" stuff for us, apparently). Vivian usually kicks me out for this part with the words: "Mommy, go downstairs". Once they are done, I come back up, and Vivian tells me how many kisses and hugs she wants (great practice of counting in German, she more or less makes it to 20 these days) and then I tell her how many I want.
One last quick stop to go to the bathroom, then I sneak her very very very quietly into her room, tuck her in, lay down for a minute and then say good night one final time before walking out.
It is now between 8.30pm and 8.45pm and if all goes well that's the last that we hear from Vivian until the morning, and some nights, that's even the last we hear from Annelee until she wakes up around 6am to nurse (for which she comes into our bed and often falls asleep again).
On days where Vivian starts whining and getting noisy when I walk out of the room (or when she gets up again for some reason), all bets are off, unfortunately. We have instituted a sticker reward chart for not waking Annelee up and that has been working pretty well for the last couple of nights.
One final funny story about the sticker chart. We visited with friends on Saturday and put Annelee down in their spare bedroom. Bob, our host, forgot that she was in that room and walked in, turned on the light and woke her up. Vivian's immediate comment was "Bob will not get a sticker in the morning because he woke Annelee up!". I think we have drilled that concept into her pretty well, huh? :)
Monday, February 28, 2011
Story Time
Vivian wanted to hold Annelee on her lap to read her a story. She is a fabulous big sister!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Reunions
We had a double reunion this weekend in Virginia. Our games night group got together for dinner and a game for the first time in over 5 years:
And Vivian and Sam also reconnected almost immediately over a video, despite not having seen each other in about a year and a half.
Here are pictures from their previous encounters:
And, to round things off, here's a shot of how Annelee spent the evening:
 |
| L to R: Sam, Randy, Anne, Laura, Mark, Franziska (with Annelee), Vivian. Will was taking the photo. |
Here are pictures from their previous encounters:
 |
| September 2009 |
 |
| December 2008 |
And, to round things off, here's a shot of how Annelee spent the evening:
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Cheeks
My Mom asked me the other day if Annelee could lift her head at all with those big cheeks. Just about! :)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Annelee's Six Month Check-Up
Vivian and I took Annelee in for her six month check-up on Monday. As usual, here are the vital stats first:
Height: 28in (71cm)
Weight: 19lb 5oz (8.75kg)
For comparison, Vivian at six months was exactly the same height, but weighed in at only 16lb 3oz. In fact, even at her 9 month visit, she didn't weigh much more than Annelee does now. It's all in the cheeks and legs with Annelee. Certainly not the head (circumference, at least, good thing that head size is not an indicator of intelligence!), because that's actually smaller than Vivian's was at the same time.
The day before the well-visit, Annelee finally decided to roll from her belly to her back. Several times even. I was excited to be able to answer a question about her "rollability" with yes, but the pediatrician never inquired :(
Everything else looked fine, too, the pediatrician was pleased that we had already started solids and that Annelee liked her food. We talked a little bit about the sleeping arrangements and who falls asleep where and spends the night where ... we'll be experimenting with that a bit. See if we can't figure something out where we can leave Annelee to "chat" for a bit during the night without Vivian ending up overtired and sleep-deprived.
Then, Annelee got her vaccinations (four shots and one oral one - OUCH!) and she was NOT HAPPY!!!! Even before the nurse got started actually. Luckily, she did calm down pretty quick again afterwards, and Vivian wasn't too phased by it, either. She ran a bit of a fever the next day, but even that's already gone again and she's back to being her happy self.
Height: 28in (71cm)
Weight: 19lb 5oz (8.75kg)
For comparison, Vivian at six months was exactly the same height, but weighed in at only 16lb 3oz. In fact, even at her 9 month visit, she didn't weigh much more than Annelee does now. It's all in the cheeks and legs with Annelee. Certainly not the head (circumference, at least, good thing that head size is not an indicator of intelligence!), because that's actually smaller than Vivian's was at the same time.
The day before the well-visit, Annelee finally decided to roll from her belly to her back. Several times even. I was excited to be able to answer a question about her "rollability" with yes, but the pediatrician never inquired :(
Everything else looked fine, too, the pediatrician was pleased that we had already started solids and that Annelee liked her food. We talked a little bit about the sleeping arrangements and who falls asleep where and spends the night where ... we'll be experimenting with that a bit. See if we can't figure something out where we can leave Annelee to "chat" for a bit during the night without Vivian ending up overtired and sleep-deprived.
Then, Annelee got her vaccinations (four shots and one oral one - OUCH!) and she was NOT HAPPY!!!! Even before the nurse got started actually. Luckily, she did calm down pretty quick again afterwards, and Vivian wasn't too phased by it, either. She ran a bit of a fever the next day, but even that's already gone again and she's back to being her happy self.
Monday, January 31, 2011
New Sofa
Yes, we have a new sofa. Which, by the way, also converts into a comfy bed for guests (hint, hint ;) ). But I have a feeling you are going to be more interested in the shenanigans of the girls than the sofa. I love it when they make each other giggle! Bright morning sunshine means you can't always see Vivian very well, but who would say no to morning sunshine. Enjoy anyways!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Trip To Germany - The Journey
The traveling was going to be the easy part. I had already traveled to Germany with Vivian twice. The second trip (previously known as "flight from hell", now known as "well, that wasn't sooo bad") took 30 hrs, such a freakish delay would never happen again. The kids had just proven on a trip to Virginia that they are good travelers even when strapped in a car seat with no easy access to entertainment via their parents. Delta had added a flight from Pittsburgh to Paris, leaving us with just one plane change. Easy peasy.
Can you hear Karma laughing out loud as I type this? Here's what really happened.
Plan
Actual
I had a much longer post started with more of the details, but that would've turned into a book. Suffice it to say the kids held up remarkably well and the train travel was made much easier by the fact that our luggage was MIA at the airport so didn't need to be lugged around. As a sidenote, we never did get the luggage back while we were in Germany, it was delivered back to us in Pittsburgh more than a week after our return. As I am typing this, there's a box full of Christmas presents on my desk, waiting to be taken to the post office to be mailed to Germany...
Here are some pictures we took during the trip. Really, the only time we even contemplated taking photos was when the kids were sleeping somewhere. Note that some of these are from our cell phones, so the quality isn't always as good.
Can you hear Karma laughing out loud as I type this? Here's what really happened.
Plan
- Dec 22, 2.30pm. Leave house to pick up kids from daycare and head to airport
- Dec 22, 6.20pm. Depart Pittsburgh
- Dec 23, 8.20am. Arrive Paris
- Dec 23, 9.45am. Depart Paris
- Dec 23, 11.20am. Arrive Hannover to be picked up by Mutti with the car
- Dec 23, 2.00pm. Arrive in Sennestadt
- Total travel time door to door: 17.5 hrs
Actual
- Dec 22, 2.30pm. Leave house to pick up kids from daycare and head to airport
- Dec 22, 6.20pm. Depart Pittsburgh
- Dec 23, 8.20am. Arrive Paris (so far, so good)
- Dec 23, 9.45am. Flight canceled. Rebooked for 1.25pm
- Dec 23, 1.25pm. Flight overbooked. Bumped from flight. Rebooked for 7.35am next morning
- Check into hotel at the airport
- Dec 24, 7.35am. Flight canceled. Rebooked for 1.25pm
- Dec 24, 1.25pm. Flight canceled. Booked on train to Koeln
- Dec 24, 4pm. Train delayed. Go to eat something
- Dec 24, 5pm. Train missed. Ooops
- Dec 24, 6.20pm. Next train. Depart for Cologne
- Dec 24, 11.00pm. Arrive Cologne. Too late to continue to Bielefeld
- Check into hotel at the train station
- Dec 25, 9.20am. Depart Cologne
- Dec 25, 10.15am. Arrive Hamm
- Dec 25, 11.00am. Depart Hamm
- Dec 25, 11.45am. Arrive Bielefeld to be picked up by Mutti with car
- Dec 25, 12.30pm. Arrive in Sennestadt. Hallelujah!
- Total travel time door to door: 64.0 hrs
I had a much longer post started with more of the details, but that would've turned into a book. Suffice it to say the kids held up remarkably well and the train travel was made much easier by the fact that our luggage was MIA at the airport so didn't need to be lugged around. As a sidenote, we never did get the luggage back while we were in Germany, it was delivered back to us in Pittsburgh more than a week after our return. As I am typing this, there's a box full of Christmas presents on my desk, waiting to be taken to the post office to be mailed to Germany...
Here are some pictures we took during the trip. Really, the only time we even contemplated taking photos was when the kids were sleeping somewhere. Note that some of these are from our cell phones, so the quality isn't always as good.
 |
| Waiting for yet another flight to be called or canceled... |
 |
| I don't even remember exactly which part of our airport adventure this is ... |
 |
| Utterly exhausted - and we haven't even left Charles de Gaulle Airport yet! |
 |
| Annelee in her sexy socks, spending Christmas Eve in a Parisian Cafe (sounds quite nice that way, doesn't it) |
 |
| First class travel to Koeln. We managed to snag four seats, even though we had only reserved two. |
 |
| A little to tall to lie straight on her seat, but asleep nonetheless |
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Yum Yum Yum!
I had every intention of working on photos from our Christmas trip to Germany this weekend, but then Annelee finally convinced us to give her real(ish) food, so I of course need to document that first.
For weeks now, Annelee has been grabbing at my plate, my mouth, the tablecloth, and anything else she can get her little hands on during mealtimes. We were going to wait until her 6 month well-visit with starting solids, but she just plain wore us down. So, this afternoon, the family sat down to feed her some oatmeal and cinnamon. To say she liked it would be a huge understatement. She absolutely loved it!
She was rather impatient, and always tried to grab the spoon (Daddy was spooning the food in too slowly, maybe?) and then lunged her whole body forward to meet the spoon half way. Vivian was laughing almost manically at the whole thing, she clearly thought it was the funniest thing she had ever seen!
She later told Grandma on the phone: "Annelee got baby oatmeal. I'm a big girl and eat big girl oatmeal. Annelee's face was all dirty". Someone let her in on a secret: Her face is still all dirty after she has eaten, too!
And here's a video of Will and the girls in action:
Last, but not least, here are some photos of Vivian's first taste of solids (May 15th 2008, so she was about 2 weeks older than Annelee). Vivian, too, absolutely loved the food (rice cereal for her by the looks of it). They are both clearly our daughters!
For weeks now, Annelee has been grabbing at my plate, my mouth, the tablecloth, and anything else she can get her little hands on during mealtimes. We were going to wait until her 6 month well-visit with starting solids, but she just plain wore us down. So, this afternoon, the family sat down to feed her some oatmeal and cinnamon. To say she liked it would be a huge understatement. She absolutely loved it!
She was rather impatient, and always tried to grab the spoon (Daddy was spooning the food in too slowly, maybe?) and then lunged her whole body forward to meet the spoon half way. Vivian was laughing almost manically at the whole thing, she clearly thought it was the funniest thing she had ever seen!
She later told Grandma on the phone: "Annelee got baby oatmeal. I'm a big girl and eat big girl oatmeal. Annelee's face was all dirty". Someone let her in on a secret: Her face is still all dirty after she has eaten, too!
And here's a video of Will and the girls in action:
Last, but not least, here are some photos of Vivian's first taste of solids (May 15th 2008, so she was about 2 weeks older than Annelee). Vivian, too, absolutely loved the food (rice cereal for her by the looks of it). They are both clearly our daughters!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!
Apparently, Annelee's New Year's Resolution is to pull herself up by her boot straps. The rest of us are less ambitious :) We wish everyone a happy and healthy 2011! Will, Franziska, Vivian & Annelee!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Nikolaus 2010
As in previous years, the German Nikolaus paid a visit to 745 Gypsy Lane this year.
Because Annelee doesn't yet wear shoes, I asked Vivian to pick out a shoe from the big box of outgrown shoes of hers. Big mistake. She wanted to try on every pair, no matter how often I told her they wouldn't fit. She finally picked a pretty black one.
I then asked Vivian to pick one of her shoes to put out, too. She kept telling me in a very worried voice that she, too, needed a "nicause shoe". None of her own were acceptable. I finally figured out that she needed a "Nikolaus shoe". We settled on her tap shoe.
The next morning, Vivian went downstairs to discover the gifts the Nikolaus had brought for them (a stamp and coloring kit for her, a rattle for Annelee). Both toys were a hit.
Vivian immediately started stamping (yes, they are supposed to be used on paper, and yes, the ink is water-soluble)
Annelee immediately started a new work-out program
And then Vivian insisted that Annelee wear her "nicause shoe". Maybe to prove the gift was really for her? Kind of like the cinderella test? I have no idea. But I thought it was cute.
Because Annelee doesn't yet wear shoes, I asked Vivian to pick out a shoe from the big box of outgrown shoes of hers. Big mistake. She wanted to try on every pair, no matter how often I told her they wouldn't fit. She finally picked a pretty black one.
I then asked Vivian to pick one of her shoes to put out, too. She kept telling me in a very worried voice that she, too, needed a "nicause shoe". None of her own were acceptable. I finally figured out that she needed a "Nikolaus shoe". We settled on her tap shoe.
The next morning, Vivian went downstairs to discover the gifts the Nikolaus had brought for them (a stamp and coloring kit for her, a rattle for Annelee). Both toys were a hit.
Vivian immediately started stamping (yes, they are supposed to be used on paper, and yes, the ink is water-soluble)
Annelee immediately started a new work-out program
And then Vivian insisted that Annelee wear her "nicause shoe". Maybe to prove the gift was really for her? Kind of like the cinderella test? I have no idea. But I thought it was cute.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
3 Years & 4 Months
The girls had a double-appointment at the pediatricians today. Vivian's 3 year appointment and Annelee's 4 month appointment.
Vivian had not grown since her 2.5 year appointment according to their measurements (still 42" or 106.5 cm), but had gained some weight (38lb, up from 34lb). Her height/weight ratio is perfect according to the pediatrician. I like that woman, she uses the terms "perfect" and "wonderful" a lot when it comes to our children :)
She is still impressed by how verbal Vivian is and how well she enunciates things (for her age at least), and kept stressing how important it is for children her age to drink milk with their meals (which Vivian does). I think that's definitely the pediatrician's hot-button topic. If your child drinks milk, all is well with her world. LOL.
Annelee had gained a ton of weight (I knew that, just not how much). She is now 26" (66cm) tall (just a half inch shy of Vivian at the same age) and weighs a whopping 16lb 5oz (7.4kg) which is a full two pounds more than Vivian at that same age. Can we say lots of delicious baby chubbiness? :)
Both got their shots. One for Vivian, three and an oral vaccination for Annelee. Where Vivian managed not to cry, Annelee more than made up for it ... she was outraged!!! But luckily, she calmed down as soon as it was over, she even managed to smile at the nurse at that point.
While Annelee got her shots and we were all distracted, Vivian managed to put good use to the extra band aids the nurse had given her ... she stuck them over her nipples. And on the way out, she asked me "Can I drive?" That girl cracks me up!
Vivian doesn't need to go back until she's 4, Annelee has to go back in 2 months. Let's hope her weight gain slows down a bit by then, otherwise she soon won't fit into any of Vivian's old clothes ...
Vivian had not grown since her 2.5 year appointment according to their measurements (still 42" or 106.5 cm), but had gained some weight (38lb, up from 34lb). Her height/weight ratio is perfect according to the pediatrician. I like that woman, she uses the terms "perfect" and "wonderful" a lot when it comes to our children :)
She is still impressed by how verbal Vivian is and how well she enunciates things (for her age at least), and kept stressing how important it is for children her age to drink milk with their meals (which Vivian does). I think that's definitely the pediatrician's hot-button topic. If your child drinks milk, all is well with her world. LOL.
Annelee had gained a ton of weight (I knew that, just not how much). She is now 26" (66cm) tall (just a half inch shy of Vivian at the same age) and weighs a whopping 16lb 5oz (7.4kg) which is a full two pounds more than Vivian at that same age. Can we say lots of delicious baby chubbiness? :)
Both got their shots. One for Vivian, three and an oral vaccination for Annelee. Where Vivian managed not to cry, Annelee more than made up for it ... she was outraged!!! But luckily, she calmed down as soon as it was over, she even managed to smile at the nurse at that point.
While Annelee got her shots and we were all distracted, Vivian managed to put good use to the extra band aids the nurse had given her ... she stuck them over her nipples. And on the way out, she asked me "Can I drive?" That girl cracks me up!
Vivian doesn't need to go back until she's 4, Annelee has to go back in 2 months. Let's hope her weight gain slows down a bit by then, otherwise she soon won't fit into any of Vivian's old clothes ...
Friday, December 3, 2010
Bath Time
Until recently, Vivian used to shower either with me, or by herself (with my help). Since Annelee has started bathing though, Vivian has decided to switch back to bathing, too. So, on a bath night these days, we do the following:
I run the bath for Vivian, she dumps all her toys in, gets herself undressed and gets in. In the meantime, I run Annelee's bath (in the baby bathtub on the floor). While I get Annelee naked, in the bath, washed, and out, dried and dressed, Vivian happily plays with two of her bazillion toys that float in the bath with her - a squeezy bottle and a tupperware container. Sometimes, she adds a washcloth, too. The rest of the toys are ignored.
Next, I hand Annelee over to Will, soap Vivian down, wash and rinse her hair and then she gets out, too, dries herself off, puts on her jammies and is ready for the rest of our bed-time routine. It works like a charm!
Here are some pictures and videos of them splish-splashing about in the bathroom. Bath time is fun!
And here are some earlier pre-blog bath pictures of Vivian!
I run the bath for Vivian, she dumps all her toys in, gets herself undressed and gets in. In the meantime, I run Annelee's bath (in the baby bathtub on the floor). While I get Annelee naked, in the bath, washed, and out, dried and dressed, Vivian happily plays with two of her bazillion toys that float in the bath with her - a squeezy bottle and a tupperware container. Sometimes, she adds a washcloth, too. The rest of the toys are ignored.
Next, I hand Annelee over to Will, soap Vivian down, wash and rinse her hair and then she gets out, too, dries herself off, puts on her jammies and is ready for the rest of our bed-time routine. It works like a charm!
Here are some pictures and videos of them splish-splashing about in the bathroom. Bath time is fun!
 |
| Vivian tries out the bath tub forAnnelee. Scroll down for a picture of her in it when we first bought it! |
 |
| Can you see the splashing water? |
A video of the girls splashing in their respective tubs
 |
| All clean and dry |
And here are some earlier pre-blog bath pictures of Vivian!
 |
| January 2008 |
 |
| May 2008 |
 |
| March 2009 |
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Halloween Sneak Peek
Just a couple of quick photos of the two gals. More once I've looked at the rest of the shots.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Walk to the Playground
Our walks to the playground usually happen like this: Vivian is happily playing with her toys in the basement playroom. Annelee is way overtired and fussing, but nothing I do will make her go to sleep for more than 52 seconds max. I finally convince Vivian that we need to go for a walk so that Annelee will sleep. Vivian and I have a long discussion as to why it is no longer warm enough for her to wear flip-flops. Annelee is finally in the car seat in the stroller, screaming. Vivian has grudgingly given in and is wearing seasonally appropriate footwear. As soon as we walk out of the door, Annelee falls asleep and Vivian cheers up. Usually, Vivian takes Dolly (who often is now called "Emilem" and is her brother) in the stroller with her. Vivian has picked her own additional attire that day (all I have enforced is that it's warm enough), but poor Dolly is generally still always naked. Today, Vivian chose the princess dress and the rain boots.
So, here are a few photos from today's trip to the playground. For a couple of months now, Vivian has worked on catching up with her climbing/running peers, and has almost achieved that goal. In the meantime, I have gained a few more white hairs.
All dressed up and on the way to the playground
Approximately 23 seconds after leaving the house ...
Climbing up ...
Climbing down ...
Sliding down ...
Not to be left out, Annelee wanted to have her photo taken where it looks as if she had gone down the slide. Then she changed her mind.
So, here are a few photos from today's trip to the playground. For a couple of months now, Vivian has worked on catching up with her climbing/running peers, and has almost achieved that goal. In the meantime, I have gained a few more white hairs.
All dressed up and on the way to the playground
Approximately 23 seconds after leaving the house ...
Climbing up ...
Climbing down ...
Sliding down ...
Not to be left out, Annelee wanted to have her photo taken where it looks as if she had gone down the slide. Then she changed her mind.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)