Newest COSI family!

I can't believe we didn't do this sooner! That was pretty much the phrase I kept mumbling to myself over, and over, and over again. I had told myself that COSI was really for older kids--and frankly, I can't tell you the last time I was there--so in my defense, I plead ignorance...

...well, a friend from Amara's music class (well, his dad) and my mom were talking last week about classes they go to, from time to time. That got me looking at their website, and one thing led to another, and Eric and I decided to take Amara to COSI today.

They don't open until noon on Sunday--so it worked out ok for us. Around 2:30, when Amara got up, we all got ready, dressed and out the door. We hit McD's on the way up--since lunch was kind of skipped--Amara usually doesn't eat much right after eating, but we thought we'd have something for her, for a quick bite.

Upon entering, the amazement on Amara's face answered any questions about "becoming members" we may have had. The neon lights, kids everywhere, unicyclist overhead, etc. had her mesmerized! Dad got our (2 year) membership--and we headed for the "little kid area." I have no idea what it's really called, I just know that some super-smart doctor planned this amazing area for kids aged infant to 5 or 6, and I couldn't wait to see it.

I figured it'd be large, but it was HUGE! And it's in the old part of Bicentennial High School (I think that's what it was) with this great light, huge windows, and great view of the river and downtown.

Of course, kids everywhere--but like I said, PLENTY of space, and toys to accommodate the ages and levels of everyone there. Amara just took off going, and exploring, her little head spinning around and going as fast as she could go. Every so often, she'd turn to see if we were "keeping up" with her--but that was about it!

She found familiar things--a level (just like daddy's) and plenty of balls, but also new things too--like this cool bike/trike thing and a fun water table, where she dove right in!

The windows weren't just great for ambiance either, Amara LOVES buildings! We spent a good chunk of time looking at the river and talking about the buildings--and dad caught this shot ( I LOVE ) of her point at them as we talked about all of them.

I'm not sure if we'll ever make it to explore the REST of COSI--but for now, we are all LOVING this experience--and can't wait to go back.

We had passed a dippin' dots stand on the way in (which sounded like a perfect ending to a lot of playing) but it had closed--as we LITERALLY stayed till the "COSI is closing in 15 minutes..." announcement. So, without missing a beat--dad got us a Jr. Frosty from Wendy's, which hit the spot.

That little girl (and us, frankly) played our hearts out--we all enjoyed every second, and I do believe, that is MY new favorite place too--on the way out to the car, Eric said "now Beanie, when we say we're coming to COSI--this is what we mean..." and she echoed "COSI..." so I hope she gets it. If not, we have a SLEW of photos to remind her!

Dirty & Clean

For some reason, I have this believe that regardless of the mess it makes, 99% of the time I let it go--because I think Amara is "learning..." (clearly a character fault:))

That said--and with the knowledge of last summer's pudding painting, etc. it should come as no surprise that I encourage Amara to feed herself, try new tastes, activities, etc.--which often causes quite a mess (and cleanup for mom and dad).

A while back--I think it was Grandma (or daddy) who tried chocolate pudding, and surprisingly--Amara wanted nothing to do with it. I think I even tried it soon after the fact, and chalked it up to being "too sweet," ...though it was sugar free...oh well.

I should also mention that I try to "re-introduce" foods (because I read somewhere that works) several times to truly determine if a toddler doesn't like something, or was just surprised by it, or perhaps has a temperature/ texture issue (which I TOTALLY get).

For some reason, a pudding found its' way out onto the counter. Amara spotted it and asked for it, so I put a bib on and held my breath. Immediately she loved it--so much that she walked off with it! At that point, the "trying to get it back--" or even enough to get HER into her chair, was a dance between her, the pudding, the dog, and each other (oh, and dad with the camera).

In the end, we gave up, got out the little green clean machine (to clean up the aftermath) and just laughed about it.

LUCKILY--the same day, we received a BOAT LOAT of bath paint/soap products I had eagerly ordered a few days prior. Amara loves the bath--always has, so getting her in there has never really been an issue; however, one of her favorite toys recently bit it, and frankly--there wasn't a lot for her to do in there that didn't seem "too baby" for her now.

I decided to go creative. She LOVES to draw, paint, do crafts, etc. so I hoped this would work.

WOW, did it ever! She loved getting the paints all over her, mixing the colors, and getting it everywhere--and the best part? It didn't matter! We painted each others' hands, she painted her belly, she even tried to paint poor Ily! The soap paint smelled like bubble gum too, and didn't stain a single thing, so bonus for me!

Not only did we get to bring her love for art into the tub, AND help pudding clean-up, but we now are not shy on things to do in the tub for the next month or two (hopefully!)

Grandma Lucy

The same day as the "C'mon, people" incident, mom had taken Amara to Mt. Carmel East, to visit her friend Jeanette. They had been in the cafeteria, eating lunch...

Walking down the hall on the way out of the hospital--Amara says "Lucy."

Mom turned around and saw a lady--who, believe it or not, resembled Grandma Lucy. Through their tears, Jeanette and mom explained to Amara that Grandma Lucy was with Jesus and that the pretty lady wasn't her--something I was glad for, because as much as Grandma loved Amara, I would never want Amara to think Grandma Lucy was ignoring her--something she never did.

Amara was just over 11 months when Grandma Lucy passed last year. We talk about her often, and we have photos around--one in particular of Lucy holding Amara at around 4 months old--that is in her family photo book...but she hasn't seen or been around Lucy in almost 10 months.

I wondered if Amara would remember Lucy from all the photos, video, songs, etc. that we were lucky enough to have with her--but that moment, that one tiny moment, makes me realize the impact Grandma had on that tiny little girl--and all of us.

Looking through photos, these have to be some of the last we got together of them. The one in the sweatshirt was at one of Amara's swim classes in April--where clearly Granny was cheering Amara on as if she was going for the gold medal...and the others, (although not so flattering of Amara) were just after Easter at mom and dads, in mid-April. I would bet money that there--like always, she was singing "Here we go round the Mulberry bush" as she did a thousand times with all of us.

I was so amazingly lucky to have my Granny here with me until I was almost 34 years old. I enjoyed her so much, and miss her terribly. I know Amara had fun with her while she was here, and I don't think has the capacity to truly miss her--but maybe Amara reaching out to that lady in the hospital, was somehow Granny's way of reaching out to Amara--to let her know she's there for her, like we all know she is.

C'mon People!

In the category of "things Amara is picking up" from her caregivers...I heard a new one this week.

Mom was sick--so Eric and I got to stay home with her. I was home Monday and Wednesday--so I got to take her to gym class, and I decided to hit the library too!

We had a great time, and she enjoyed the G.C. library (as well as getting her own library card to check out one of her new favorite books "Please, baby please!")...but the real gem of the day was on the way home.

I'm driving up 62, and it's just after school had let out--so there's a fair amount of traffic. I'm pulling up to a light, and I hear this little voice say "C'mon people!" in kind of a bewildered tone...

I looked up to the rear view mirror--mouth open wide, to see this smiling face looking back at me. She said it 2 or 3 more times before I couldn't help it and just cracked up. I said "what did you say?" and then SHE started laughing and giggling, and putting her hand over her mouth as she snickered (also a new development).

I immediately had to make a phone call. I knew this, right away, to be the work of my mother. I can't TELL you how many times I've been on the phone with her (with Amara in the car) that I hear mom say "c'mon people..." so it was just a matter of time before she picked up on it--like anything else toddlers hear over, and over, and OVER again.

I asked mom if she had ANY IDEA where Amara might have picked this phrase up?

(I mentioned mom was sick...) but she laughed (HARD) and said "I really needed a laugh today..." and that was the end of it.

Two days later, I'm at work and I get a phone call, from mom--Amara in the car...saying "I just heard it! I had said "c'mon people at some old lady who couldn't drive and Amara said it right back at me!" She was laughing so hard she almost couldn't talk--but did get out "at least I don't swear!" I guess she's right :)

Well--there you go. Don't say anything around this one, you don't want repeated back!

Ummm...

We've officially crossed over into the realm of "game playing..." as far as I'm concerned. Playing "getchu" (as in "I'm going to get you") is a multiple-times-a-day event, usually with Daddy.

The latest addition to this game is the "Ummmm" element. As Eric is walking around the room "looking for Amara..." he would often say "Umm...is she outside? under the table, etc."

After Eric catches her, we started noticing that if Eric didn't "start" trying to find her soon enough, she would start saying "umm..." on her own, as in "get to it dad! I'm hiding here!"--as if to coach Eric as to how to play the game.

He and I just looked at each other in astonishment, that she had picked up on this tiny detail that he and I never really paid much attention to.

Now, whenever they are "hiding," or playing various games--and there is a lull, you will often hear Amara start in with the "ummmm" portion of the moment. It's evident now more than ever that she REALLY hears, and interprets what you're saying and doing, every second of day.

EARMUFFS!

Daddy's hat

We kind of have a hat "thing" in our family. We really always have, and it has just grown since Amara.

I think Eric and I each have given a full trash bag of hats to Goodwill over the last 2 years, and now Amara seems to be following in our footsteps--she LOVES them!

Here, she snagged Daddy's right after he got home one day.

She was still under the weather from her cold and not feeling her best (still in her jammies) but this made her perk up a little and smile, even if just for a few seconds.

Heather & Ali's visit

We were SO happy and lucky to have Heather and Ali visit us a couple weeks ago!

They came into C-bus to do some visiting, then head back up north to visit a LOT of family up there too. They came in on Saturday afternoon, and back to our place--immediately, Amara was in Ali's face trying to figure her out, touch her, etc. (she's not really around babies much) but then just as quickly, was content to try and sit in her carseat, etc. and more interested in Ali's "stuff."

I could tell Amara liked Ali--because in addition to her yelling "Ali, ali, ali!" anytime I mentioned her name--she was sharing her toys, and even tried to give Ali a cheez-it (clearly I stopped her, but you get the point!)

I like the picture of Ali "looking up" at Amara--like they are really sharing in the singing animal moment.

Ali was trying to crawl and I "think" catch Amara--but I think she was most interested in the singing dog, bear, and gorilla's she received for Valentine's Day.

We had a little sip-n-see for Ali and some friends and family at our place on Valentine's Day, so both girls enjoyed the balloons and decorations too--in fact, we STILL have them! Those mylars last forever!

They are hoping to come back in the summer--the girls will be SO different then! We'd love to get out to Scottsdale to visit too--we'll have to see :)

Suncatchers

On the weekends, Eric and I like to do those things we don't get to do during the week together--trips, classes, crafts--that kind of thing.

We stumbled across our package of suncatchers today (that we started last month and I think got put away with Christmas stuff) and decided to work on a few more.

It's amazing to me, in a short month's time, how much more hand control to squeeze, aim, etc. Amara has in drawing, painting, etc. and if I didn't know better--I'd say she was actually ENJOYING making the little bugs!

She seems like she is REALLY paying attention to detail and is obsessed with the caps and pens and different markers, crayons, etc. Though she still has a short attention span (Gemini), I have a feeling she has an artistic eye :)

Eating snow

Well, it's not really snow-cream (which, frankly--I'm o.k. with) but she likes it!

What better to do on a lazy Sunday morning than to eat snow, right?

I'm not even sure HOW it got started to eat the snow--but now she brings us a bowl and says ice, and we eat it with a spoon--now, mind you, she does enjoy a bowl of crushed ice from the fridge now and then too, so I guess it's not a stretch :)

It's not like she does it all the time, and I think it's pretty funny actually. It's practice for her eating with a spoon on her own, and she's getting really good at it too! Not to mention--she is ALL about the sharing!

Cracks me up.

Post-sledding

BRRRRR!

After a cold run outside, what better than hot cocoa and marshmallows, right? Well Amara can tell you--how about strawberries, peaches, apple pie, vegetable soup--just about anything nailed down! She was a little eating machine, to the point of it being comical--though, I should mention this was a swim-class day (earlier in the day) which I think always makes her hungrier...

Grandma Jackie was ready to go with the hot chocolate and marshmallows, even before we got snow-gear entirely off!

I ask you though, is that the smile of a kid having a great time or what?

We played for a little while--it's funny, even though she's there plenty, she goes to her toys like she hasn't seen them in years and it makes me smile (mostly because the toys she loves are largely MY childhood toys, and I think that is sweet)...but we didn't dilly-dally, because I had an idea she'd crash as soon as we could get her home.

Before we knew it, it was getting purple in the sky...and we had a yawning kiddo...once she went to sleep, I KNOW how soundly she slept, and we didn't hear a peep till late this morning. What a great day!

SLEDDING

What a beautiful day for sledding! Wonderful snowfall the day before, blue skies, not windy, low 30's, PERFECT!

At first she was having a blast immediately--but didn't really get what she was supposed to do...there was a lot of leaning over the side, grabbing a glove full of snow and eating it. After a few minutes, she picked up on sitting up, leaning back, and eventually started even holding on!

The snow was so perfect--just a little fluffy on top of a nice solid base--it still blew up in your face--but you could enjoy it and grab it too, perfect for a first-timer.

We had to make a few adjustments, but even with a wipeout or two, she just wanted right back on the horse and for daddy to go "more" and take off! Eric figured out smartly (after I trekked though knee high snow in the back yard) that Amara really enjoyed the speed of the tracks in the driveway, made by the vehicles--so the two of them really picked up some speed there!

Everyone got in on the action--the dogs were all there, jumping around, Grandma taking pictures and cheering her on, me pulling and taking pictures, and Grandpa and Eric taking turns pulling, taking video, and all of us laughing our heads off--what a great time!

AND AWAY WE GO!!!

Eventually, her cheeks were bright and rosey and we started getting worried about being so cold, so we headed inside. I wasn't sure if she'd cry and want to stay out, but with the promise of hot chocolate, marshmallows, and "boots and snow pants off," she headed for the door!

TO BE CONTINUED...

Pre-sledding

Anyone who has ever been sledding, skiiing, tubing, or ever participated in ANY kind of snow sport knows what a production it is to get ready. Layers, pants that you can't walk in, boots, gloves, etc. all at a break-neck speed, so you don't get so overheated you pass out, and oh, this is supposed to be fun, right?

Well, we decided we'd take Amara out to Grandma and Grandpa Jahn's yesterday after this last big snow--and we KNEW what a production it would be, so we had all our gear ready and were ready to roll the second she woke up from her nap.

We got down there and after pleasantries, got down to the business of getting ready.

Coat off (from ride over) new socks on, snow pants on, (zipped and buckled) coat BACK on, mittens, hat, balloons (she loves them--and I told her she could take them outside) and Grandpa to take her while I got ready.)

WHOOSH out the door...but wait! Glove check by dad. Are you SURE this is going to be fun?

TO BE CONTINUED...

Bathtime

Eric and I are playing with his camera, trying to learn more about photography and get better (considering we have such great subject matter).

He decided to try his hand at capturing some tub-shots with all the water, action etc., and he got some pretty good ones!

Though--I have to admit, Amara is PRETTY comfortable in the water. We're not sure if it was having her in swim lessons young, the daily baths, or just lucky (though she is her mother's daughter, so maybe I have rubbed off on her) but she'll spend anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes in the bath each night.

Recently, she's wanted to share stories or things she "can do" with daddy--so mid bath, she'll yell "dadddddddyyyyy" to him downstairs, and up he'll come. She'll point to the commode and say "sit," and he'll sit and watch her show off for him (see "Daddy and Bean post), tell him about her special soap--show him Tigger, Piglet, and Pooh, and all her other friends.

She's also recently started hiding or playing "find me" if you can call it that. She'll hide behind a curtain or blanket exactly long enough for you to ask where she is--at which point she'll pop out and giggle contagiously.

In fact--an issue I'm pretty sure a challenge not many parents face, is finding new bath toys. Rather than "regular" toys--we are always looking for new things for her for the bath--I guess we'll have to stock up on pool toys in the summer!

Daddy and Bean

Daddy and Bean are a pair. The yin to each others' yang. Sometimes the best snuggle buddies and sometimes so much alike, they are like, well--oil and water. When they are good, though, they are great--and so much fun to watch. In the last few days, I've been lucky enough to have a camera around when they were having some moments, so I had to share.

It's funny--there are things she'll bring to me to do, things she'll take to daddy to do, and there appears no rhyme or reason what her criteria are--but she knows it, and follows it.

The outdoor pics with both of them in hats are great--the blue eyes on both of them, quickly followed up by the darting look from little girl to daddy--which was somehow perfect with Eric in mid response (I'm sure) that we captured.

This cheek-to-cheek hug was spontaneous and I'm pretty sure caught Eric off guard too!

I can't pick a favorite, but the one of the two of them laughing at each other is priceless for me :) always playing and smiling--and helping--such a great pair.