Her logic is her own

Sunday together--too short, but still so sweet

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.

~ J. Robert Oppenheimer

Update

I think she likes it there...

Signs of baby

The carseat for Franny's future brother arrived yesterday. After her afternoon nap, Franny saw it for the first time and gave it the Franny inspection--front, back, underneath, wiggled the handle, tried to pick it up, tested the straps. Without question, she knew it was for a baby, as she repeatedly pointed at it while saying "baby! baaaaby!" with her sweet inflection. It quickly became a home for Elmo and her doll.

I wanted to get the seat early enough so that we could move Franny's carseat to right side of the middle seat and have her accustomed to the new position before we put in the baby's seat. I am hoping that this approach will prevent her from any bad feelings that she is getting bumped out of "her place." And, I think she will like it better, as it will give her a closer look at all the cars, trucks, busses, vans, dogs, and pedestrians with hats that she enjoys pointing out on all our rides.

Dressing for success

For quite some time, Franny has been very adept at getting her clothes off. The last couple of weeks, however, she has become increasingly better skilled at putting her clothes on. Probably 90% of the time she will get her shirt on right; 99% of the time she will put her shoes on the right feet; 99% of the time she can get her socks on; 75% she can get her jacket on; pants are still a challenge, but getting better; and sleepers are a long way off, yet. She really enjoys dressing herself, and I have also found that she will leave her clothes on longer if she has put them on herself, and longer yet if she has picked them out, although in most cases these outfits are ones we can't leave the house in.

I definitely have to allow more time to get out the door, but I am finding it fun to ask her to put on her socks, shoes, and jacket on, and then see her accomplish the tasks with such enthusiasm and pride. Two years ago, I would never have anticipated that I would experience joy through such a mundane activity as putting on shoes and socks! Life must be good.

That face

I've had many sympathetic friends ask me how I make it through the week. To which, I always respond that I have great support. While this is unquestionably true, what gets me through above all else is this face. It warms my heart, gives me strength and perspective, and takes my breath away. I am so very fortunate, indeed.

Up and down

Franny loves going to the mall. And no, the main attraction is not the kids' play area. For Franny, nothing beats the escalators--she can go up, run around, go down, and then up, and then down... Sometimes she walks up and other times she just rides, but either way it's great fun for her! And we love to see that smile! Tearing her away, though, is a another story...

First haircut

It's been awhile since Franny has had a "first". But, this morning, she had her first real haircut. Overall, it quite the experience. She was very serious during the actual cut, but once it was over she was very pleased, especially with her new pony tails. I was going to take them out when we got home, but there was such a protest that we left them in. Ever since, she has been reaching up and touching them, to make sure they are still there, and then flashing a big grin when she confirms that they are still there. I am anxious to see how her hair looks with her new cut, but it seems I will have to wait until tomorrow.

Sunday in the city

Sunday, we enjoyed the last part of a 60+ degree day by going for a late afternoon walk along the Eastbank Esplanade. We cherish our Sundays together, and it was a wonderful treat to be able to spend it outside in the city we love. Franny always enjoys being outside, and this was no exception--she saw joggers, dogs, bikes, strollers, and birds, just to name a few. That, in addition to being with daddy--what could be better?

Strolling along the side ledge

Just taking a moment

Checking out what was going on way down below

Goofing around with daddy

Tossing and turning

When we check on our wild sleeper and see her end up in positions like this, it makes me wonder if she will ever be ready for her toddler bed!

Cutie

Whew!

Around December, Franny became quite certain that the supermarket cart was about the last place she wanted to be. Feeling the need to set firm limits, as well as the need to be consistent in my expectations for her, Franny and I went head to head in our most difficult battle, to date. Unfortunately, her Houdini-like ability to wiggle free of the seat restraints became my downfall, and I conceded the fight three weeks ago. Since, we have shopped on the weekends, with Franny and her daddy staying together, while I do the grocery shopping by myself. This has worked well, but because we spread our grocery shopping across four locations (although not every week), this weekend we ran out of time to get it all completed.

This morning, I decided to attempt the shopping excursion again, although anticipating the worst and preparing myself for possibly returning home empty handed after a bitter battle. As we approached the entrance to New Seasons, I spotted one of those "car carts", and decided to try one. What a life saver! Franny absolutely loved it--we cruised around for about thirty minutes, and she was content the entire time, honking her little horn and leaning out to shout "Hi!" to me or anyone who passed us. I have refrained from using them before, mostly because the ones at FM are very large and cumbersome, not to mention germy, but the NS carts were very compact, manageable, and clean. They also have an additional bonus--the basket is on top of the car, so I didn't have to bend over to unload. These days, that's a very big deal!

I was so happy with her, even though we were headed home for lunch, we indulged in the cookie samples as we left.

Tickled pink in pink

Today, during her weekly visit, Franny's Auntie brought her an adorable Easter dress. The ribbons, flowers, and soft fabric impressed and intrigued Franny. After Auntie had left and the day's excitement had subsided, Franny brought the dress to me, and proclaimed a most emphatic "On!". Once the dress was on, she grabbed the tag with a strong and serious request for it to be "Off!" She was unquestionably taken with the dress, and spun in circles and danced around until, as with all clothes, it eventually needed to come "Off!" again.

She got it!

Yesterday, Franny managed to get her jacket on all by herself for the first time! If that isn't a smile of total pride, I don't know what is! Great job, Franny!

The tricycle adventures, part 2

Today, we spent some more time in the driveway with the tricycle. Franny was very excited to go outside and her version of the word tricycle was adorable, although maybe only recognizable by me. Unlike Monday,this time, she was very serious and although she spent some of the time pushing it while running up and down the driveway, she spent more time in what appeared to be careful scrutinization of the mechanics. She inspected the wheels, experimented with the pedals and what they did when she went forward or backward, checked the trunk numerous times, and tried to release the handle bar lock. And although she wasn't successful, it was clear she did understand what it did. She is always so much fun to watch, as I can see her mind at work, and I just wish I could know exactly what she is thinking and if I am reading her accurately.

Then, toward the end of our time, she seemed to understand that her tricycle is actually a type of bike, and she ran into the garage and returned with her bike helmet in tow. As with all her clothes, she didn't quite get it on right, but it's all about small steps, after all!

Sunny Monday

The last few weeks, Monday has been a dreary day for us. But today, the sunshine and warmer weather gave our spirits a boost, and we ventured outside for some fresh air and outdoor fun. Our driveway was perfect for Franny to speed around on her new tricycle. She is still mastering her pedal skills, but she is ecstatic just to push and pull it up and down the driveway, and to have me push her. As with everything with Franny, speed is a good thing--the faster the better! After about an hour with the tricycle, I managed to distract her long enough to put it away, so we could go on a short walk around the block. I hope the weather continues, because the sun and fresh air was exactly what both of us needed!

Got vitamin C?

This week, Franny's favorite foods have been oranges ("oransh") and strawberries ("berries!"); both have been consumed in mass quantities. Tuesday, between her lunch and snacks, Franny had 2 1/2 oranges. Today, for lunch, she consumed nearly an entire pint of strawberries. The oranges, though, are the most amusing. She will sometimes just suck out all the juice, leaving a plateful of dry, withered pulp and rinds; other times she will devour the whole thing--peel and all. Regardless, they are one of her favorite things to eat--and say. And, right now, also one of my favorite phrases to hear. "Oransh, please"--who can resist that? Too cute--I love it!

New suit

It seems just a little funny to be swimsuit shopping when it's freezing outside, but Franny really needed a new one, since both of hers were getting a bit on the tight side. Fortunately, stores are beginning to carry them again, and we found this great ladybug suit for her. Not only does she love that it's red and that there's ladybugs on it, but she really loves that she can point to her tummy and say "belly-belly", which is Franny for "belly button".

A two waffle day

I don't know if it's the snow, an active morning, or just a growth spurt, but this morning, Franny insisted on two waffles--of course, smathered in a thick layer of cream cheese--for her morning snack. Not even at nine months, when her appetite really peaked, did Franny ever go through two complete waffles! We'll see what lunch brings...

Stuck!

Over the course of the day, Franny gets very intent on either putting on or taking off clothes. And, her fascination isn't limited to her own--in fact, I think she prefers our clothes, because they are bigger and have easier openings to get arms and legs into. Sometimes, though, her ambition can get the best of her. Today, she managed to get her head stuck after she wiggled it through the arm hole of her daddy's shirt. Poor girl!

And, of course, it's all the more frustrating and embarassing when your mommy, who is supposed to save you, prolongs your pain in order to snap a few unnecessary--but very amusing-- photos!