We've been celebrating Christmas a little bit every day since Christmas Eve on Sunday. This year my true love sent to me food poisoning and I gave it back. Bruce spent most of Christmas Day in bed and I spent all of the 26th there. We would both put it in our top three most severe illnesses in the past five years. It was worse than Mexico. Worse than Salt Lake City for those of you in the know of my 18 years of courting disaster with food.
On the bright side, Grandma and Grandpa were here to take care of the girls and have an uninterrupted love fest.
And presents, there were presents galore. Juliette is the proud owner of a Ukelele and Evie a piano which autoplays Auld Lang Syne.
Grandma and Grandpa go home today. Boo Hoo!
Aunty Heidi and Uncle Howard come in today. Yay!
Let Christmas keep going!
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
The Barefoot Contessa
Remember when we posted how much Juliette likes to cook?
Well, today we were watching Everyday Italian (which Juliette prefers over Oprah) while Mommy folded the laundry. Is it my imagination or has Giada De Laurentiis never had a bite of pasta in her life?
I digress.
There was a bunch of laundry, consquently our TV viewing bled over into the Barefoot Contessa. The Contessa was making cranberry fig muffins for Christmas. She measured her flour and dumped it.
Juliette asked "Isn't she going to sift that, Mommy?"
For those of you who visit us, if you had any doubts you can now rest assured the flour in your breakfast muffin will have been properly respected prior to baking.
Well, today we were watching Everyday Italian (which Juliette prefers over Oprah) while Mommy folded the laundry. Is it my imagination or has Giada De Laurentiis never had a bite of pasta in her life?
I digress.
There was a bunch of laundry, consquently our TV viewing bled over into the Barefoot Contessa. The Contessa was making cranberry fig muffins for Christmas. She measured her flour and dumped it.
Juliette asked "Isn't she going to sift that, Mommy?"
For those of you who visit us, if you had any doubts you can now rest assured the flour in your breakfast muffin will have been properly respected prior to baking.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Party Girls
Evie went to her first Christmas party today at her Auntie Debbie's open house and ended up being really comfortable with her role as social butterfly. Juliette was slightly more hesitant but warmed up after a cup of punch and who knows for sure how many cookies.
We've had some snow and a visit from grandma since we last posted. Juliette and grandma made the gingerbread house below. The picture is of Ju Ju eating some of her potential decorations.
Evie is no fan of snow. Guangxi is a tropical climate and while she is ok in proxemity, our southern girl shows no tolerance for direct contact. Juliette will have to work on her and maybe she'll come around.
During this advent season we are missing our friends who are far away. Know we are thinking of you and missing you this time of year.
We've had some snow and a visit from grandma since we last posted. Juliette and grandma made the gingerbread house below. The picture is of Ju Ju eating some of her potential decorations.
Evie is no fan of snow. Guangxi is a tropical climate and while she is ok in proxemity, our southern girl shows no tolerance for direct contact. Juliette will have to work on her and maybe she'll come around.
During this advent season we are missing our friends who are far away. Know we are thinking of you and missing you this time of year.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Speaking of Love
Many of you know Juliette has been a regular nocturnal visitor to mom and dad's room ever since we returned from China. No, we didn't nip it in the bud when we should have. Yes, we are exactly what is wrong with today's parent.
We've nicknamed her Jackrabbit because she kicks like one in her sleep.
To address this issue, Bruce and I have been taking turns doing floor duty in Juliette's room. She will often come out of bed and sleep on the floor with whoever is on duty. There is no question, Juliette is a pack animal.
This morning I asked Juliette why she likes sleeping with Mom and Dad so much. After a thoughtful pause she said "It is because I just love you SO much I want to be with you all the time." My cold heart warmed in my chest - what a sweet and thoughtful child!
A little while later, I discovered Juliette had torn more wallpaper off the wall in her room. This is the second time within a week. I sternly reminded her of our earlier wallpaper conversation and asked her why she had done it again after the first reprimand.
She thought for a moment, "It is just because I love the wallpaper SO much...."
We've nicknamed her Jackrabbit because she kicks like one in her sleep.
To address this issue, Bruce and I have been taking turns doing floor duty in Juliette's room. She will often come out of bed and sleep on the floor with whoever is on duty. There is no question, Juliette is a pack animal.
This morning I asked Juliette why she likes sleeping with Mom and Dad so much. After a thoughtful pause she said "It is because I just love you SO much I want to be with you all the time." My cold heart warmed in my chest - what a sweet and thoughtful child!
A little while later, I discovered Juliette had torn more wallpaper off the wall in her room. This is the second time within a week. I sternly reminded her of our earlier wallpaper conversation and asked her why she had done it again after the first reprimand.
She thought for a moment, "It is just because I love the wallpaper SO much...."
Monday, November 28, 2005
That look of love is in your eyes
Evie recently said to dad with her eyes," you are my lifeline to the world!"
Dad replied," yes I know dear, let's keep it that way!"
Evie and Dad continue to agree that she is his baby.
Dad replied," yes I know dear, let's keep it that way!"
Evie and Dad continue to agree that she is his baby.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Friday, November 04, 2005
Halloween and Michael Jackson
November 4 - Happy Birthday Bruce! We love you!!
Halloween was a blast. We went out trick-or-treating with Amelia the Tiger and Rachel the chicken.
Evie LOVED going trick or treating. We were surprised and shocked by this, but she really seemed to enjoy herself. Juliette was an old pro, saying trick or treat and thank you like she has been doing it for years.
The only mishap occurred when Juliette ran into Michael Jackson. She was petrified of him and would not move until he went away.
On the way home she said. I don't like Michael Jackson. We'll see what she thinks when she hears Billie Jean and ABC.
Signing off for the ladybug and the blue fairy...
Halloween was a blast. We went out trick-or-treating with Amelia the Tiger and Rachel the chicken.
Evie LOVED going trick or treating. We were surprised and shocked by this, but she really seemed to enjoy herself. Juliette was an old pro, saying trick or treat and thank you like she has been doing it for years.
The only mishap occurred when Juliette ran into Michael Jackson. She was petrified of him and would not move until he went away.
On the way home she said. I don't like Michael Jackson. We'll see what she thinks when she hears Billie Jean and ABC.
Signing off for the ladybug and the blue fairy...
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Top Ten Things Juliette Likes to Do
1. Change her name. Some days it is Juliana, other days it is Beedzzo. We don't know why.
2. Sing! Especially make up songs. Today's song was about two bananas on the see saw.
3. Play outside - at the park she LOVES to climb and swing.
4. Go to school. She wishes every day were a day with her teacher Mrs. Koppe.
5. Read books. ....Strega Nona, the Original Tale, Big Anthony His Story, Angelina Ballerina....Over and Over.
6. Take pictures. Especially at the mall.
7. Walk her 'baby'.
8. Art projects. Especially cutting.
9. Play with Amelia.
10. Kiss baby sister and be a great big sister!
2. Sing! Especially make up songs. Today's song was about two bananas on the see saw.
3. Play outside - at the park she LOVES to climb and swing.
4. Go to school. She wishes every day were a day with her teacher Mrs. Koppe.
5. Read books. ....Strega Nona, the Original Tale, Big Anthony His Story, Angelina Ballerina....Over and Over.
6. Take pictures. Especially at the mall.
7. Walk her 'baby'.
8. Art projects. Especially cutting.
9. Play with Amelia.
10. Kiss baby sister and be a great big sister!
Top Ten Things Evie Likes to Do
1. Walk
2. Cling to either parent's knees/legs like a barnacle while walking
3. Throw stuff - especially flinging stuff off tables
4. Pulling her sister's (anyone's hair) although her sister's hair is most easily grabbed.
5. Poop after having her diaper changed
6. Eat! Anything and everything - this kid can pack it away!
7. Getting her picture taken (crawl toward the camera exceptionally quickly during focusing)
8. Riding in her stroller (picture Kate Winslet hanging off of the front of the Titanic)
9. Chatter. Mom and Evie have complete conversations with words like "ba" and "da" - they can be several minutes long.
10. Playing with mom and Juliette - knock over towers, steal art project tools, etc.
2. Cling to either parent's knees/legs like a barnacle while walking
3. Throw stuff - especially flinging stuff off tables
4. Pulling her sister's (anyone's hair) although her sister's hair is most easily grabbed.
5. Poop after having her diaper changed
6. Eat! Anything and everything - this kid can pack it away!
7. Getting her picture taken (crawl toward the camera exceptionally quickly during focusing)
8. Riding in her stroller (picture Kate Winslet hanging off of the front of the Titanic)
9. Chatter. Mom and Evie have complete conversations with words like "ba" and "da" - they can be several minutes long.
10. Playing with mom and Juliette - knock over towers, steal art project tools, etc.
Monday, October 24, 2005
The Cat that Walked across France
All I can do is praise God for the day my sister Heidi gave us the Cat Who Walked Across France (TCWWAF). It is the perfect cadence and tone to put a certain two and three quarters girl who is NOT sleepy to sleep.
Juliette didn't nap two days last week and drove her mom more than a little crazy (because more than anything I have no patience reserve for a tired non-napper when I'm sick).
She didn't nap yesterday, although she did "rest" for a while and let me sleep on the floor next to her in three minute allotments while she amused herself.
Today, after I had read a story and sung two songs, she announced. "I'm not tired" for the fourth time in eight days. I knew I was in serious trouble. Thinking quickly, I told her I would read her one more story and sing two more songs. Reaching deep into the arsenal of mommy sleep tools, I pulled out TCWWAF, she was asleep by the end. I was SOOOO grateful, I can't even begin to tell you.
Plus I love the book, it is beautifully illustrated and such a touching story.
So, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to Heidi, for giving us TCWWAF. I am forever grateful.
Juliette didn't nap two days last week and drove her mom more than a little crazy (because more than anything I have no patience reserve for a tired non-napper when I'm sick).
She didn't nap yesterday, although she did "rest" for a while and let me sleep on the floor next to her in three minute allotments while she amused herself.
Today, after I had read a story and sung two songs, she announced. "I'm not tired" for the fourth time in eight days. I knew I was in serious trouble. Thinking quickly, I told her I would read her one more story and sing two more songs. Reaching deep into the arsenal of mommy sleep tools, I pulled out TCWWAF, she was asleep by the end. I was SOOOO grateful, I can't even begin to tell you.
Plus I love the book, it is beautifully illustrated and such a touching story.
So, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to Heidi, for giving us TCWWAF. I am forever grateful.
Friday, October 21, 2005
I'm Walking, Yes Indeed
Evie officially is on the road to walking! While her preferred mode of transportation is still hobbling mom while clutching her knees, Evie took at least half a dozen steps half a dozen times today!
She is a very happy little girl, especially when food is around or when she is walking.
Juliette also continues to amaze on almost a daily basis. She is the official phone answerer although she often puts the phone down without mentioning she is doing so to me and it might take me a while to get to the person on the other end.
Today Jennifer turns 37! Also a milestone, Bruce and Jennifer met 10 years ago today. How time flies.
To surprise mom, Dad and Juliette put sparklers in a cake and sang Happy Birthday to mom in bed at 6:30 am. Mom was dead asleep, Juliette was scared by the sparklers and started to howl, then the fire alarm went off. Needless to say, it was a BIG surprise!
She is a very happy little girl, especially when food is around or when she is walking.
Juliette also continues to amaze on almost a daily basis. She is the official phone answerer although she often puts the phone down without mentioning she is doing so to me and it might take me a while to get to the person on the other end.
Today Jennifer turns 37! Also a milestone, Bruce and Jennifer met 10 years ago today. How time flies.
To surprise mom, Dad and Juliette put sparklers in a cake and sang Happy Birthday to mom in bed at 6:30 am. Mom was dead asleep, Juliette was scared by the sparklers and started to howl, then the fire alarm went off. Needless to say, it was a BIG surprise!
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Pumpkin Patches
When we did Juliette's big adventure, we knew the story was a finite one. But there is still so much to report in Juliette and Evie's lives now that we're back in the U.S.! The girls are growing and changing every day.
For instance, today the girls and I went with Amelia and Rachel and Dawna and David to a pumpkin patch. There were rides, slides, farm animals, cider and picking out pumpkins. Juliette had a great time playing with Amelia on a perfect fall day.
Evie is so close to walking! She loves practicing and will pull herself up on my legs whenever possible to get some more time on two legs under her belt. She is up to eight teeth and smiling more every day.
For those of you interested in their adventures, this blog will serve as a continuing adventure for both girls. Sometimes from their perspective, sometimes from ours.
Thanks for spending a little time with us!
Bruce, Jennifer, Juliette, and Genevieve
For instance, today the girls and I went with Amelia and Rachel and Dawna and David to a pumpkin patch. There were rides, slides, farm animals, cider and picking out pumpkins. Juliette had a great time playing with Amelia on a perfect fall day.
Evie is so close to walking! She loves practicing and will pull herself up on my legs whenever possible to get some more time on two legs under her belt. She is up to eight teeth and smiling more every day.
For those of you interested in their adventures, this blog will serve as a continuing adventure for both girls. Sometimes from their perspective, sometimes from ours.
Thanks for spending a little time with us!
Bruce, Jennifer, Juliette, and Genevieve
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