Rollen (note this was started on 10/11/2011)

We've been working really hard on our baby exercises with Daniel. From almost day one we've been doing crunchies, leg standings, tummy time, and assisted rolls. Yesterday and the day before Daniel and I were doing rolls around the room, and every time he would flip over I ( and sometimes Liza) would cheer and rub backs or tummies ( i haven't been able to teach him 'fives' yet). Today I couldn't hardly leave him alone on the floor without him rolling over onto his tummy. Of course I would discover this because he would get frustrated and start to fuss. I was always walking into the room to find him stuck.  He tends to push off with his legs and get his face smashed up against the floor.  He did roll from tummy to back a couple of times today on his own, so with a little more practice he could be rolling around the room. I would be thrilled if he does. This is something uniquely Daniel and I'm tickeled.

this was a time where i wish the camera was in video mode. he flipped over on his own, smoothly, without any fuss or struggle.

All one Autumn Morning.

It feels like fall!! The temperature has cool 20 degrees, it's now consistently in the 80's instead of the 100's The kids usually get me up between 6 and 7 and we usually go through our morning routine of getting mommy dressed, feeding kids, getting kids dressed, and then starting our morning adventure. Some mornings we are more successful at this process than others. yesterday we got dressed and ate breakfast and in the middle of getting Liza dressed I got side tracked by Daniel. The next time I located Liza she was sitting in the recliner working on a puzzle. It was the first time I saw her putting the pices back in without any help and sliding them into place, instead of pushing harder when the piece isn't aligned just right. Liza was entertained for at least a half hour putting the puzzle together, turning it over and dumping the pieces out and starting over again. I couldn't bring myself to interrupt her just to get her clothes on, who am I to interrupt such a learning opportunity?

Thursday also happens to be trash day and I had some choice specimens to take out to the trash can, which was already out by the street. Of course I was unable to sneak outside alone. Liza said " I coming!!" So Liza came, diaper and all.

Eliza had a good time sings and walking around the poll.

Ahh the joys of running downhill with your favorite panda bear under your arm.

 If only I could walk around with such confidence!! I don't know if I could pull that off fully clothed, much less in only a diaper.

Making Muffins

Monday morning I found that Daniel had settled down for what was likely to be a long nap, an excellent opportunity for Eliza to be Mommy's special helper. I had some ripe bananas and I'm always on the lookout for things to expand Eliza's diet. Liza loved the exclusive attention, something that she doesn't get very often these days. I would measure the oats and flour and help her pour them into the bowl. I would take my eyes off of her for a couple of seconds and Liza would be putting the dry ingredients back in with the rest of the oats. Thankfully there weren't many oats left so it wasn't a big deal.

I also tried to help her use the spoon to mix the dry stuff in the bowl. We had moderate success. Liza's favorite ingredient? Mini chocolate chips.

transferring stuff from one bowl to another. In short a grand adventure together.

"Picking Apples"

 

Since the weather has decided to cool down one of our favorite things is to be outside.  I load up Daniel in the baby carrier  and Liza loads up her stroller with her current treasures; this can include a baby or two, a bear, sippy cup, keys, and baby accessories, her hat, and this time her little purse. With this summers drought the only green spot is our front yard and these flowers are amazingly tolerant of the heat and drought, I keep finding little ones growing in random places. When the flowers are done blooming the seeds are in green bunches. Eliza calls the seeds apples and enjoys picking them. Liza had a grand time running around the tree, it's on a little slope and gets a thrill from the added momentum.

After the Sunken Gardens

It's a short walk from the sunken gardens to the zoo, so after we had our fill of taking pictures we wondered over to feed the birds and look in on the hippos. 

Pics at the Sunken Gardens

Last Saturday (Sept 24th) we went to the Japanese Sunken Gardens to take pictures. As usual Lexi was kind enough to be photographer. The original plan was to get some good shots of Liza and Cade, since they both have had birthdays recently. I believe we get some good pictures of Cade, but Liza was tired and not her happy, cheerful self by the time it was her turn. We did get some good group shots and some nice close ups of Daniel. Afterwards we walked over to the zoo to feed the birds and take a peek at the hippos. A morning well spent, especially since the weather decided to cool off a bit.

My Happy Smilie Guy

 

smelling flowers, an  unsuccessful attempt to get Liza to pose

Checking out the koi. If you look closely you can see Liza's baby under her arm.

 Someone was kind enough to share a slice of bread with us, so Liza and Ryah got to feed the fish. They were swimming on top of each other trying to get the bread, if one didn't know better you would think they were starving.

Happy Birthday Liza!!!

On August 14th Eliza turned two. We just happened to be on our way home from our summer travels. While we were at my folks place  we had cake and ice cream for Liza and her Auntie Heather. And while we were in Idaho, Gandma Marla  got some tasty cupcakes, which we managed to enjoy in the midst of the whirlwind of Eric and Jessica's wedding. However, once we got home and the dust settled I wanted to do something as a family. We got her a little cake and Liza found a baby doll while we were out shopping together. Liza loves babies and she loves playing doctor. At every one of my prenatal appointments she did everything that the midwives did. When they took my blood pressure and pulse , Liza would watch intently and mimic whatever they did. This baby with its doctor kit went to bed with her that night.

Since she is two I wanted to share some of the things that we love about her. She is our happy smily girl and is very playful. One of her favorite games is hide and seek with her daddy, Jack hides and Liza seeks. She also loves to dance and is another thing she loves to do with her daddy. She will often express an opinion about the music and request her favorite songs,which include; "Trash'en the camp" , " Thriller", " Jesues want me for a sunbeam", and " Head, shoulders, knees, and toes". Liza has a thing for bears and babies and can't get enough of either. She also loves her books and coloring. Liza also loves to help and be a part of whatever is going on. Where ever we are during the day, so is Liza, doing what we are doing or playing nearby. This play is often getting into whatever is in reach. Jack washed the car Friday and Liza had a grand time helping. Liza is also a big tease, running away from diaper changes and tickling toes laughing all the while. She will often do something and then watch for your reaction. She is our sweetheart and we love having her around.