Little daredevil

The adventurous nature of Franny never ceases to amaze me. I knew she would enjoy the rides at the fair, but they didn't have any of the tame rides I'd expected they would have for little kids. She was actually just a couple of inches shorter than she needed to be to go on any of the rides, but not wanting her to be disappointed, when I held her up to the measuring line, I helped her gain her missing height. But then, when I tried to go with her on one of the roller coasters, we were told that adults were not allowed on the rides with the kids. Since our ride card was already scanned, I asked her if she wanted to go without me. Although she (of course) answered "yes", I really thought that she would end up getting back off before the ride started. To my astonishment, she climbed right in the car on off it went, with Franny laughing and smiling the whole way. It's hard to choose just a few of the pictures we took of her, but here are a few. (Well, more than a few!) Franny is the little head with the big smile in the middle car.


The Dragon Wagon

And they're off!

Waiting in line (not so patiently) while it was closed for maintenance

Fair day

Once again, Franny had an incredible adventure at the Clackamas County Fair with her Auntie. As with last year, we checked out the animals--rabbits; chickens (not impressed with these); goats; sheep; cows; pigs. But, this year, instead of ending our day with lunch, we forewent the nap schedule and added the rides to our agenda, and finished up with ice cream. Franny had been asking for ice cream all week, so this finale was a big, unexpected treat for her. But once again, it was all about spending time with Auntie. Franny fell asleep on the way home, but woke up midway through a Portland traffic jam. The rest of ride home it was Auntie...Auntie's house... Auntie...Goldfish crackers...Auntie... (and not in her "happy voice"!) The two have such a special relationship, and I love being able to see them together as that grows. But, I am bracing myself for the day that she asks me to stay home! Mama's days are numbered, of that I am sure.

Checking out the rabbits


Nose to nose with a goat


Mmmmm, a real corn dog--not one of those soy dogs!


Fun on the rides


Ice cream time--Auntie is her hero

Summer of adjustment

Adjusting to life with Cole isn't always the easiest for Franny. There has been a lot of tears and frustration. And, it has been hard for me, as well, learning to divide and balance the attention between the two. Sometimes it seems that neither of them get the focus and attention they both deserve and need. Beyond what is apparent to us, I have no doubt that Franny has a lot of emotions and frustrations that she faces and manages on a day to day basis that we will never know. Because we try so hard to temper those difficult feelings for her, it makes the sweet moments the two have together all the more heart-felt, and makes me hope they grow up together with a happy and close bond. Here are my two wonderful and amazing children together.

Franny's magic carpet made of steel

In addition to Franny's fun morning on Sunday, Auntie treated Franny to a great adventure at the Molalla Train Park. It is operated by the Pacific Northwest Live Steamers, who built and now maintain several 1.5 scale steam engines and cars. The train route runs through the shady, forested area of the park's two acres. Franny had a wonderful time! Don't let the serious face fool you--she talked constantly about the train and Auntie until she went to bed and then, into Monday, as well!!


At the station

The Shady Dell Pacific Railroad

Riding the rails

Sunday in the park with Auntie

Fashion statement

I can almost hear her thinking: Well, if I have to wear something...

Balancing the birth order

We try to encourage Franny in every way possible to be involved in Cole's daily routine. Although every time she shoves the pacifier into his mouth, I make a silent apology to Cole, I hope that these acts will help to nurture the sibling relationship much more than it actually causes him any discomfort. When I see expressions like this one, however, I can't help but sympathize with poor Cole. But then, I figure that if Franny had to suffer through our parental inexperience as the first-born, then it's only fair if Cole is subjected to a little bit of sibling suffering as the second-born.

Spicy hots

To my amazement, Franny really likes one of my favorite treats--Chile Spiced Mangos ( I love Trader Joes' snacks!) . And these do pack a punch, as they are dried mangos covered in cayenne pepper and paprika. When she first started requesting them, I told her that they were "hot" and then, to avoid confusion, "spicy hot". When her interest wasn't diverted, I hesitantly gave her a small piece and expected her to balk. Instead, however, she wanted more. Now, when she sees them on the counter, she says "Spicy hot, please!" Between the two of us, we could probably finish an entire bag in one sitting, although we would be a little teary-eyed when we were through!

Two napping burritos

The Jeep Book

Franny and Auntie reading Pierre, the Paris Policeman

Franny absolutely loves her Richard Scarry books, so I recently bought a new one for her. This particular one was her Auntie's favorite growing up. Since she had dubbed it the "Jeep Book", we are continuing the tradition. It is a wonderful book, with a great mix of stories that will keep Franny's interest for a very long time. I love Richard Scarry books not only for great pictures, but because I don't have to read the story every time. The pictures are so great and have such a tremendous variety that we can sometimes just identify and point to different objects or make up our own story as we go. It's a lot of fun to pass on my childhood favorites to Franny, especially when she loves them too!

If only

With a toddler and a newborn, opportunities for doing cleaning and other routine household chores are few and far between. So, when I see Franny grab a broom and go to "work" sweeping with such immense and joyful enthusiasm, I can't help but wish that her efforts would actually ease my work load. Although I would never squelch her feeling that she is actually helping me, a heavy sigh always escapes me when I witness her undoing the work I've already done. The latest example is Franny's new lawnmower. In general, I buy very few toys for Franny, as her interest is typically minimal and she is much more into imaginary play right now. But after cleaning up multiple stains resulting from her pushing her stroller through the grass and then, into the house and across the carpet, I thought the bubble lawnmower would be a gift for us both. And, when she wanted it to join her sleeping entourage, it was confirmed that it was, indeed, a big hit. Now, if I could somehow get a child-safe blade on it, we would have the most manicured lawn in the neighborhood! Heavy sigh.

Adventures with Daddy

It's wonderful that Franny has such a special relationship with her daddy; he is always making special time to spend with her and they always have a lot of fun together. Their weekend outings frequently involve Franny's cousins, as she loves her time with them, as well. Today, Franny, her cousin Thomas, and their daddies went on a bike ride and a trip to the park. From seeing the pictures and hearing Franny chatter on about it during lunch, there is no doubt that they had a wonderful time. And the smiles tell all!

On her own terms

I tried, most persistently, to persuade Franny to wear her hat to the Fourth of July parade. I was unsuccessful. Since we've been home, however, it has been worn quite frequently--frontwards, backwards, and sideways. With Franny, I have repeatedly learned that she has her own, very strong sense of self and doesn't like to be pushed. I definitely pick my battles with this strong-willed little person, and save them for the important issues. And, I have learned, battles over a hat are too inconsequential to warrant any time and energy. I utilize a lot of the methods detailed in Love and Logic with Franny, to give her as many choices as possible to give her a sense of control over herself and teach her consequences. Of course, she is a toddler and an individual, so there is no magic formula to gracefully achieve this, but it has given me a lot of ideas that help. I have a feeling, though, that these challenging toddler years will pale in comparison to what we will face in the teenage years! In the end, I just hope that she will learn to challenge her will in ways that will help her be a productive and successful individual.

Franny and Cole

I think Franny is starting to enjoy having her little brother around. Yesterday, she got a big kick out of Cole reaching out to touch her face several times. I have decided to start a journal to document the growing relationship between these two, as I am finding some of the sweetest moments (like this one) are impossible to capture with the camera.

Pool, please!

Franny absolutely LOVES playing in the water. We have even had to strategically "place" her dishes set, because she would otherwise take them into the bathroom to play in the sink, and her enthusiasm would take several towels to clean up. But, summer is a very fun time for Franny, since her opportunities for swimming and playing in the water increase dramatically. Lucky for Franny, her grandparents set up a pool for her to play with this summer. And she loves it. Climbing in and out; giving the dog a dousing; giving herself a dousing; and just splashing about--for Franny, nothing beats it! It's going to be a very fun summer.

4th of July

Last year, we started a new family tradition--4th of July at Auntie Noelle's. Our very fun day began with the parade, which Franny really enjoyed, with all the different trucks, horses, and floats throwing candy. While we all go as a family, it is really a special day for Franny to enjoy with her beloved Auntie. This year, as an added treat, Auntie had a pool for her, as well. Franny loved it, and was constantly in and out all day, until we finally embarked on our ride home.

Enjoying the parade

Talking with Auntie

Sharing her candy stash

In the pool

The ride home

Sibs

Not the best picture of either of them, but...

Clever girl!

Franny is extremely interested in everything that is Cole's--from pacifiers and teddy bears to the bassinet we have downstairs. Needless to say, we strategically positioned the downstairs bassinet for times when we needed to put Cole down but also needed him safe from Franny. Although she would never hurt him intentionally, she does not always have the most gentle touch. Franny has been eyeing the bassinet for some time now, wanting to get into it. We have been telling her she is too big, but refusing to accept that, she pulled her bathroom stool into the dining room to test it for herself. Fortunately, we have rarely used the downstairs bassinet, so the fact that our "safe zone" has been compromised is rather inconsequential.

Franny's new suit

Among other "big sister" goodies, Auntie brought over a new swim suit for Franny during her visit this week.

And how pleased Franny was! We thought she would insist on wearing it to bed, but in the end, it came off, as all clothes do.

A rare mellow moment

Franny and her daddy enjoying a lazy morning.

It all depends on your perspective...

Franny is slowly adjusting to the arrival of her new little brother. She can be very sweet with him, but it has been very hard for her, as well. Although things are smoothing out a bit now, her temperment has been best described by her daddy as "unreasonable!". Although toddlers are unreasonable by nature, his assessment has merit. One way it has manifested itself is in her bedtime routine. She now is sleeping with her doll, Elmo, four plastic ducks, any combination of four blankets, two pillows, the same pair of PJs every night, as well as her favorite sweater and a water bottle. Keeping track of the location of all these things is a challenge in itself. An additional bedtime story is also frequently requested. She has also had some difficulty falling asleep--or, more likely, is fighting sleep--which has led to some interesting conversations with herself (or doll or Elmo or whoever) and some interesting sleep positions. I am a big believer in wisely picking my battles with Franny, so unless she is trying to push her limits, I try to let her do her thing and give her as much control as is reasonable. With sleep-deprived parents, however, the line between reasonable and unreasonable can be very fuzzy.

The pool was a big splash

This past weekend, Franny went to a birthday party of one of her playgroup friends. Fortunately, the weather cooperated and they were able to use the blow-up swim pool. Franny was in heaven. They climbed in and out, threw the ball at each other, scooted around on their tummies, and did A LOT of splashing and cannonballs. It's wonderful to see her have such a good time, after the hard week she had watching us come and go from the hospital. And having her come to the side of the pool and yell "Hi Mama!" made my heart melt and allowed me to escape a bit from reality's chaos. Not to mention that smile!