Block Parties, Birthdays, and Pre School

What a summer this has been! We've really lived it up and enjoyed hanging out with friends and family, getting outside and to the pool, and getting ready for preschool at the end of August. Highlights include: Dell's trip, Ainsley's 3rd Birthday Bash in the backyard with Mr Twister (Oak Park's premier balloon guy and lil' kid magician), having our niece Amalia Molly Rose in from Nevada for a week, Van Howe family time and athleticism over the Bix weekend, Wisconsin Ave. Block party, and great conversations and laughs with friends over grilled delicacies and delicious brews and cocktails.


Ainsley will start on 8.29 at Concordia's Early Childhood Center. When Ainsley came to me somber the other day and asked for cuddles and talking on the couch, I was touched and could see she that something was on her mind. After some initial questions about why parents don't stay with you at school, she started to whimper. I told her that Scott and I would help her transition, visiting a couple of days, that we wouldn't be far away. She said, "No momma. I'm not worried about that. I don't want to put my toys away, and I don't want to put the other kids toys away. Can you tell the teachers that I don't want to put the toys away?" I knew the whole separation anxiety bit was a ruse....the little stinker was concerned about her level of clean up effort!

Three years is awesome. Sure, every age is special, and we know we forget, but it is sheer delight to watch her come into her own. Her experimenting (emotionally, verbally, physically) is something to see - from new tactics at manipulating mom and dad, to mastering self-expression in many instances ("That hurt my feelings because...") to thinking more and more about others and their feelings, helping mom and dad with chores including chores we didn't know existed and fixing things we didn't know were broken, to interjecting her opinion on big things like why gravity works or why it is that we can't see God, or how her imaginary friends Doo Doo, Dee Dee and Rainy translate words into French, Japanese and 'Balinese'.

We are still really tired most days. The kid is constantly on the move and her mind is always at work. I'm learning to build in more time for her to enjoy her pretend play and engage with her toys and just be a kid without structured activity. We think preschool will be a great thing for all of us for many reasons (as long as she doesn't get booted for not putting her toys away).

In adult news, work is going well for both of us even amid this crazy economic environment and the various changes awry in the pharmaceutical and nonprofit worlds. We know lots of laid off and under-employed people who are eager to work. Our church has been engaged in a visioning process since March and we're all hopeful that we'll have a clearer sense of that vision and our place by this fall. Intense feelings of limbo these days but we remain grateful and optimistic. We look forward to spending Thanksgiving with Scott's family, having Lori Rauser in during October, and making a point to take some more formal vacation time during 2012.

Love Fest of Family and Friends

Time keeps on slipping into the future, and we are sadly lagging in our blog entries. Where to begin? At Easter we had the Van Howe side and close friends over for dinner. The girls had a blast dressing up for church, hunting for eggs in the back yard, and just being together. We look forward to more time with Grandma and the Van Howe's of Davenport, when we take a long weekend in June at a condo in the Dells. It will be our first time braving the Dells during the summer. Wish us luck and perspective!


Scott turned 40 and Jerry visited us at the start and close of their father-son trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame. It was a once in a lifetime trip and they both were beaming upon their return.

Godmother/Auntie Lori paid us a visit and showered us with attention and energy. Grandma hung out too and we enjoyed Ainsley and Lori's first trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Lori and I also spent a day downtown; the whole family took in the Botanical Gardens in Glencoe; she helped us with some outdoor projects and watched Ainsley so we could go out for a nice dinner; and we all enjoyed and braved the odd May weather.

Ainsley will begin preschool at Concordia's Early Childhood Education Center in the fall, and it's nearly all she can talk about. She is gleeful about turning three in July, and we have regular conversations about her b-day party themes -- from snowmen to zebras and fairies to princesses and Pinkalicious. She is a girl with ideas and vision. Some Ainsley moments:

• After telling her she must work on her listening and not dart down the sidewalk or out the back door without speaking with a grown up first, she responds with a kiss and "Did the kiss make you feel better about yelling, momma?" To which I say, "I am not yelling, I am serious about you being safe." Ainsley: "Okay, I'll try to listen better." -- cue Ainsley grin.

• Common vocabulary these days, "Did you imagine that....." as well as "I have an idea. I suggest we...."

• To stall bed time, she now asks "one last question" and these usually include questions like, "How does hair stay on your head?" and "How do walls stay up?" And "why don't fans fall down?" She must know that even these can stump her mom.
  

• She continues to enjoy making up songs, changing words, and requesting certain artists and play lists. Some of her favorites include the dance song, "Dynamite" as well as "Kookaburra" and "Puffer bellies." She really grooves to puffer bellies, running around shaking her body when the tempo picks up, cracking up and yelling "toot toot."

• We've enjoyed visits with friends Sachi, Alex, and Poloma and we are thrilled to have old friends back in town-- Nallely, David and Alex Gass.

• She also gets a kick out of poop jokes...which I thought didn't start until close to age 5...She'll say "poop on your hair," or "water poop, wait, water doesn't poop" and also make up various poop knock-knock jokes. I blame the book our French friends gave us, where a mole is trying to figure out who pooped on his head -- Silly French!

Like so many of you, we are ready for the weather to mellow and enjoy a warm summer of outdoor activities. We are particularly excited about having our niece Molly out for a week in July. Not only will it be lots of fun, but I know she will be a super helper.

Another great stage

A few weeks back, she picked up her harmonica and started working it like a miniature Dylan. Okay, we exaggerate, but she brought some musicality to it, and started singing after she'd get out some notes, or enjoy a slide. She's started making up her own songs, like the one inspired by her bumping her head on the bike rack outside of Trader Joe's. "When you're two and a half, you bump your head on that thing outside of Taydah Joes." Already hooked by the story of Cinderella, after a visit from godmother Amy, where she sang along to Amy's Disney anthology, she started trying out various protagonist anthems, [arial] "bet they don't wepwimand their daughters, bright young women, sick of swimming, ready to stand." Or, "mom, you sing the Anastasia part and I'll do Cinderella" -- where mom sings "Sweet Nightingale" ugly and off pitch, and Ainsley comes in as Cinderella, breathless. Truly, Cinderella is the only Disney movie she has viewed, but she's obsessed with the plot line, wrestling with the motivations of the characters and loving to re-enact the dress ripping scene with mom and dad. In undergrad, I vowed to keep my child from Disney, and look at me. But there is some value in it, and she loves it...so we strive for balance and hope that she gets more of the character development, fantasy and female empowerment stuff than the back-stabbing girl-against-girl stuff.

Visiting great grandma last week, she was ecstatic: the center of 30+ seniors' attention, talking and waving to everyone and wanting to help them with their walkers. Great grandma Elva always has wonderful toys to play with and ends the visit with an ice cream sundae. Ainsley was particularly impressed that a painting from a few weeks back was showcased prominently on Great grandma's door. Visiting the retirement home is right up there with going to museums or having playdates with special friends. It really is awesome to see seniors and toddlers interact.

She loves reading, loves visiting the library, and has enjoyed story time at the small branch near us and with her music class pals. She's always filled in phrases in books, but now she's memorized books, so that's fun to hear. She is also becoming more discriminating, overall, in terms of clothing, food, and book preferences. "How about we return this book to the library, because I don't think I like it." She's become more cuddly with both parents. She asks to cuddle and wants to hear aural stories about when she was a baby and wants to re-enact scenes from videos of her as a baby. Often when cuddling in bed at night, she'll ask: "Do you want to close your eyes and watch a movie with me. Do you see it?" Then she'll describe what she's seeing in her imagination. Just precious.

We saw nana and papa this month, and Ainsley was excited to be with them. Unfortunately, they were in for the funeral of a dear family friend, and Ainsley also became ill with a nasty respiratory virus. Although it was a sad time, it was good to be with family and close friends. After being at the viewing and funeral, Ainsley asked some questions about her friend Camryn's papa, where God was, and where heaven was. Obviously this will be an ongoing conversation that makes parents pause.

Our friend Rob was in town and we were able to see him and his wonderful parents (good friends from Rockford and also from Augie) and Ainsley was thrilled to hang out with them. Ainsley had met Mike and Lynne a couple of times, but at this age, she was drawn like a magnet to nurturing and vivacious Lynne. They played like old buddies and Ainsley asked her during the evening, "Are you a babysitter?" wondering if she could hang out with her another time.

Today was a big day for Ainsley (and momma). She had her first visit to the dentist. And she was a pro. She barely lets us get in her mouth, and when she does she proclaims, "Look, momma, dadda, I'm not crying tonight. You can brush my teeth." And then we're supposed to be super grateful. With our dentist, she was an angel. They engaged in small talk and she asked where his girlfriend went at one point (the hygienist, who is not his girlfriend). She not only allowed him to count her teeth (she has all her 20 baby teeth in), but allowed the polish and the suction. She even let him brush some vitamin wash over her teeth, and she was cool. On the way out, she said she felt a little icky and was gagging a bit, but she held strong and told mom, "I think noodles and TV will make me feel better." We indulged her, and she was back to herself within no time.

We then went to our first preschool "interview" today. She was off the charts excited about visiting the preschool and remembered its smell from the last time we were there dropping off an application, "momma, it still smells like lemon." A teacher took her up to a classroom while we waited. She exhibited no separation anxiety and asked the teacher if she could play some more. At the end of the interview when she was returned to us and we were debriefing, she asked if she could go back to the classroom. We told her that when she was 3 she could come every day, to which she replied, "but when I'm 2 and a half, I want to look around and play now."

This whole preschool search is a bit of a trip. The good news is that Oak Park has lots of amazing choices. The not so good news is that it can be pretty intense with getting applications in and getting on waiting lists in the winter and then not hear until late spring...so far we haven't had any terribly negative experiences, but it is a little nuts to jump through these hoops. As was no surprise, the feedback we've received thus far is that Ainsley is curious, takes direction well, and seems very comfortable with other children. One teacher joked, "I don't know, she just doesn't seem that interested. She's such a wall flower." We'll see what happens. We've got applications in at 3 places, and we're working on being attentive to our guts and keeping up with our daily prayer. It really does seem to be helping us in lots of decision-making.

Work wise, the Avers' are doing well. My business has more than doubled in less than a year and a half. Scott is making great progress with his military account. And we truly pinch ourselves daily that we're both able to work from home and have so much time with Ainsley. This is the life. We continually remind ourselves to embrace it and not get busied or worried by the small stuff. Things definitely get hectic, and while having mom and dad both at home is great, there is often reasonable tension over work space, personal time, etc. Tonight, Ainsley says, "Momma, I like you best. Dadda, I like you best. And can I have a baby someday? I want a baby. Can I have a brother?" It seemed she wanted to work both of us to get to whether she was going to have a playmate. Although the idea of a second is amazing, we are in such a good place now and it took so much time and medical intervention to get us to Ainsley, and I have my business...we just don't have enough in the pro column to move forward. Maybe in the future, I can convince Scott to consider foster parenting.

We've joined a church, United Lutheran, and it's just wonderful. We feel like we've committed our time and spirits to a great faith community, and Ainsley is enjoying time in the nursery and learning various rituals and prayers. Our parents raised us in the Lutheran church, and while we appreciated it, it's amazing to see how it did form us and how we are now sharing this tradition with our daughter.

Long Cold Winter

Trying to embrace winter as an opportunity for reflection and a slowing down our lives, I share a blog post with limited thought and preparation....blame Old Man Winter. He is draining me....and I resist, resist, resist...remain optimistic, remain optimistic...Anyone have any promising winter mantras I can try on for size?

In this first border-line appropriate picture, we see two cuties enjoying bathroom time together. Girls like to go in twos, and cousins have limited privacy rules. (Sorry for this one, Ellie, you're happy faces are too much not to share with the somewhat filtered blog audience). As evident from this potty pic, New Year's with Grandma and the van Howe's of Davenport was fantastic. The grown ups even got in some 4-person Wii. And thanks to Grandma, Jen gained a good 5 lbs in Fisher chips and truffles (ouch). We also were paid a visit by the Harned family, which is always a blast. Maddy was particularly patient with Ainsley manhandling her hair accessories and overall person.

To kick off 2011, we checked out the Shedd for the first time as a family, and truly enjoyed ourselves. Luckily, we beat the rush and had purchased tickets ahead of time, likely saving us a good 45 minutes in line. Having packed our own lunch, we sat near a large window that was less frequented (for whatever reason), and we took in the dolphins and belugas. It was an awesome view and felt like our own private viewing. Of course, I loved the Wild Reef, saw fish and serious sharks (gotta love the sharks). Ainsley seemed most excited about the arts activities, the interactive kids' stations (penguin environment with slides, submarine, and water filled plastic coral and anemones). I think dad dug the anaconda and octopus most -- and just making the early bird parking special put a spring in his step too!


We are still very much enjoying Musikgarten classes and it's tremendous to watch Ainsley's musical confidence, ability and curiosity grow. She also enjoys Friday night gymnastics with her buddy Benjamin. We feel that something happened over the last couple of weeks where she is putting together more complex and conditional phrases than ever before and emphasizing her opinions and various other emotions. The common question this week has been, "What does x mean?" I share a few favorite comments and interactions:

• When at Bed Bath and Beyond and fixated on me getting her the Buzz Light Year faux computer, I try to explain that just because we want something doesn't mean we can just have it. Things cost money. We need to work for special things, ya da ya da... She looks at me and says, "It's okay, momma. You can just get it. Kids don't work."
• When fighting bed time, and angered that we set limits, she says, "I'm frustrated with daddy. He is breaking my heart."
  
• Another one the other night, "I need to get off from my parents".....which I think translates to, "I'm trying to get away from my parents," or "These parents need to go away -- get off..."
• When I tell her that we are all done with stories, and she is trying to push bed time, she looks intently and says, "Say one from in your mouth"--translation: from your memory... Or she starts flipping through a book, "I don't remember the words. Can you say them with me?" She clearly has inherited her father's negotiation skills. I'm not ready to take responsibility for her emotional hyperbole--let me chalk it up to toddler hood for now.

Hang in there Midwest brethren, and a pox on those who are enjoying warmer weather. Okay, no disease...just jealousy that you have the smarts to live in warmth. Man, I am getting old and crotchety. I wonder if there is any good nonprofit strategy work in the Caymans?

Christmas 2010

This was a special one, for sure. We started the Christmas celebration earlier in the month with a trip to Kathy and Jerry's in Henderson, NV. The weather was spectacular and the company was even better: it was a joy to have the cousins together, to see Molly, Tommy and Zoe adjusting well, and to have quality time with the whole Avers' clan. The kids played tirelessly, got in some swimming at the hotel, became paleontologists and searched for dinosaur bones in nana and papa's desert sand, and cracked each other up. Unfortunately, Miss A came down with a nasty stomach bug but tried hard not to let it keep her down. It resolved itself (pretty much) within 24 hours but set us back with family photos (professional), so we opted for some more casual photos in the Avers' front lawn (do they call it a lawn in NV?). Even more unfortunate, we left behind the stomach bug souvenir for the cousins (so sorry!). Ainsley loved traveling by air, and continues to tell us, when in the car driving to friends or others who she says are "far away" that we "could take a p[l]ane and get there fast."

Kathy, Jerry and Barb took Ainsley one night (with cousins happily playing babysitters too), played games with new toys, watched movies, made cookies with nana -- "I made snowman cookies with nana - yummy, yummy." While Scott and I spent a night at the Paris and fully enjoyed the Strip. We felt like youngin's again. No gambling, but we did walk all over, visit the Bellagio displays, check out the swank new City Center, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks at a Wolfgang Puck restaurant, then walked up to the Cirque ticket line at MGM and made it in to see KA -- amazing performance, per usual Cirque standards. Scott and I joke that it must be art because it's nearly impossible to explain later.

Walking some more, we realized we should have brought our trusty Dr. Scholls insoles with us -- ironic...so took a cab back to MGM and had a late dinner in a "french" cafe. Our view was fantastic -- we could see the Eiffel Tower from our window and see and hear the Christmas-themed fountain shows at the Bellagio. The next morning, Kathy and Jerry brought Ainsley down, and we walked around and enjoyed a delicious birthday brunch, in Kathy's honor, at Mon Ami Gabi. It was a lovely morning -- and nana won some moolah post brunch -- birthday boo-ya!

Upon returning home, the merriment continued. Grandma came in from Rockford; Grandpa visited as well; we enjoyed a couple lovely church services at our new church. We visited great Grandma in Lisle, and she and Ainsley enjoyed their usual engaging banter – with Great Grandma taking her down to the ice cream shop. Christmas evening, our dear neighbors invited us over for a delicious dinner.

Christmas morning was fantastic. Ainsley woke and when we asked her if she wanted to see what Santa left, she said, “not yet, maybe later.” It was something to see her figure it all out. When we did descend the stairs and she saw Santa’s gifts, she was thrilled, very grateful, and kept saying, “No Way. Oh No. No Way Jose.” We got great clips on video – but unfortunately as Scott was uploading the camera/disc crashed. We have not been having good luck with video these days. Alas. But we do have some pictures and, of course, memories. She loved having Grandma here and played non stop with her grocery cart, Glow Doodle, cash register and money, and is definitely into princesses and fairies – full on. Scott and I have been busy playing various games and roleplays with her Tinkerbell, Ariel, and Sleeping Beauty dolls.

The stars aligned and we were able to hang out with the Connors for an early Christmas party and we made it to Brookfield Zoo lights with our friends the Swanson’s and Colleen--a treasured Christmas tradition. The kids had a blast with each other and we enjoyed a great dinner in LaGrange with the whole crew.

Thinking of you all and so grateful for our blessings. We love seeing the Christmas cards come in, see babies growing into big kids, and hearing happy updates about new jobs and other opportunities, and thanks for spoiling our daughter! Wishing you all a fantastic start to 2011!

Nearly 29 months

We have been doing pretty well with potty training, though Ainsley is an expert at control/mind games. Potty charts with different levels of stickers for different toilet behavior, princess pajamas, and m & m's. Some days she is a Dr. Sears' poster child; other days, she's a Depends commercial. Today, while out to lunch to celebrate Grandpa Van Howe's 60th birthday, Ainsley exclaims, "I have to go poo poo and pee pee." Letting us know when she has to go is HUGE right now....so I'm eager but try to play it cool. Upon entering the restroom, she tells me, "I got it momma." With a little help to get onto the full sized potty, she starts grunting, and oohing and ahhing...pretty loudly...I don't want to diminish her enthusiasm...but it's pretty loud grunting...so I say, "Ainsley, honey, let's be a little quieter." And she responds, "Is someone sleeping?" Anyway, big success at her favorite lunch spot -- Blue Max -- and then out to tell the whole crowd in the dining room what she did.
Yesterday, Scott and I were working on getting her out of a tight space between computer cords, and she goes rag doll on us. Scott and I both quote Knuffle Bunny and ask her to not go "boneless". Somehow comparing her to cartoon infant from a story of hers offends her..and she starts crying, but at the time, we are not sure if she hit her head on the computer desk. So I ask, "Are you hurt?" She replies, "My feelings are hurt."


Lately, with our close friends and family members having to make trips to the ER or see the doctor (everyone is alright), Ainsley has become mystified by hospitals. Thus, her imaginary friends have been pretty violent lately, landing one or the other in the "hopsibal." Petty and Doo Doo have been hitting each other in the face a lot and ending up needing medical attention -- it hasn't been pretty. After we watched Charlotte's Web the other day and she understood that Charlotte was sick and died, we saw a neighbor who told us that his wife was sick. Ainsley starts crying, concerned that the neighbor will die. Poor thing! We assured her that Laverne was just sick and going to be alright -- but that look on her face! She is putting things together like never before.

She's also got the knack for distancing herself from mom and dad. We're happy about this and realize this is on par with 2 year old development, asserting her independence, testing boundaries, exploring on her own. "No," and "Go away," and "(L)eave me alone" are pretty constant in our house. Today, she took it to a new level. While wrapped in outdoor hosing, she tells me, "I want to be alone forever and ever and ever." Then she asks for a "wittle help" with the hose.

Of course, the sweet and caring side appears as well. Asking us how we are, asking about friends, saying "please" and "thank you" like a champ. Telling us, "I had a great day," or "thanks for taking me to the p(l)ay zoo. You are my friend." Or, "I just want to cudd(l)e." She loves being with her friends and regularly says, "I miss my cousins." Or becomes concerned when one part of a family isn't present for an outing. We visited with Connors and Wesolowski kids at Lockwood Park in Rockford -- so precious. They really get a long so well together -- just like their mommies! And Ainsley adores those kids, calling for Evvie and checking in on Lydia. Being silly with Millie and hugging Eva.

We have had a great time with various fall activities, from pumpkin patch outings with friends, to block parties, time with the van Howe's of Davenport, grandpa and grandma and making Halloween decorations. Ainsley has been asking me, "Is it Halloween time yet? Almost?" She has a pig outfit that she was less than keen on while ago. Luckily, some friends suggested she be a piggy princess (as princesses are cool right now) and she is now a pig with a glowing wand. Thanks, Amelie and Baptiste~ She also enjoys wearing the crocodile costume grandma bought her and roaring to everyone. She will tell you that, "I'm not afraid of dinosaurs" and "The crocodile will chomp you."

Scott and I are well, and his traveling has eased as the year comes to an end. We made it to Wrigley to see our friend Kristen play softball -- so awesome. And we have made December plans to visit the Avers in Henderson and look forward to seeing Barb and the kids too. We are hopeful that Mayo Clinic will help get my mother closer to a diagnosis and treatment associated with her episodes of tachycardia. I'm hoping to join her for an assessment in November. On the whole, we are doing well and reflecting on a fantastic 2010, already considering our personal, work and family goals for the coming year.

Seasons: And What a Character!

Hi, my name is Jen. I am a mom of a toddler. I am no longer in denial that those nice three months or so of regular naps, easy bedtime routines, and a willingness to use the potty are over. I greet a new season of Ainsley.
I will try not to overreact when she puts a bag of buttons in her mouth, spits them out and says, "you like it, momma?" I will not give in or laugh when she yells, stomps and demands, "momma, you rock right now. I don't want to s(l)eep. Ainsley is mad. Momma s(l)eep wit(h) me. P(l)eeeeeeeeaseeeeeuh." I will not show her fear when she goes into her defiant-language-and-behavior-mode, throwing food, running around, beating up her dolls and yelling, "Doo-Doo-Wah!" Thank goodness she can express and find her voice!



I will relish these harder moments as well as the stupendous ones. Beaming when she tells me, "you are my friend mom. You are generous, and you are spectacular. What does spectacular mean, momma?" When she uses her hands to stress a point and tells me that daddy will be back on Tuesday and Thursday and that she wants to go to music class with him in September. That she misses daddy because he is in "Ger-MAH-Neee" and his car is at the airport and we have to use another one. When she relays to neighbors that "mommy got a bee sting on foot and I kiss it." When she jumps up and down, feigns hyper ventilation and says, "I'm excited. I have a big girl bed!"

I will remain grateful to the family and friends who are able and willing at different times and stages in their lives to be present and contribute to our happiness and stability. I will grieve that family members go through rough patches and cannot be present and cannot always contribute, and I will be proud of our self-sufficiency.

A 2 year old celebration commencing in Vegas

At the end of June, we spent a week with Kathy and Jerry in Henderson, NV and had a fabulous time. Ainsley acted a seasoned traveler when navigating cabs, security lines, trams, and terminals; she is a social little gal and enjoys action. Scott was able to use his exec premier status to get us up to first class, and it was lovely. Ainsley was quite comfortable enjoying the food and beverages up front as well as the extra leg room and leather seating. We are a bit concerned about her expectations -- on our return trip (also in first) she awoke from a nap, asking us and the nearby flight attendant, "Where are my eggies?" Eeks.

Nana and Papa Avers went all out to celebrate Ainsley's impending birthday. An Elmo celebration complete with loads of Sesame Street paraphernalia took place, and good family friends attended with their three wonderful children. The birthday blowers were a hit, along with the Elmo games and time in the water with the kids and family. Big Deal: Ainsley went under the water (holding her breath most of the time) and was very proud of herself -- lots of great swimming milestones.....

Besides the great bash at the Avers' casa, we went to Rain Forest Cafe (chez MGM) to celebrate. Initially overstimulated, after some walkabouts, Ainsley eased into the environment and hasn't stopped talking about the monkeys, fishies, stars and the "Cafe" her nana and papa took her to. Whenever we say we are going to a restaurant, she asks (sometimes pitifully), "Wain Fowest Cafe?"

We also decided to go for a gondola ride at the Venetian -- so cheesey and so wonderful. Our gondolier, Santino, sang a few folk songs and "Buon Compleanno" (happy birthday) to our bella bambina. Luckily, Santino steered us to the exit just as Ainsley started to show signs of a very Sicilian meltdown. I reassured myself that the canals chez Vegas were just a few feet deep so if the baby did go overboard, we had good chances of retrieving her.

Nana and Papa also took us to a polar bear preservation exhibit where Ainsley dressed up like a penguin and slide down ice glaciers and also ventured to a great public park with lots of cool water features, where Ainsley was enticed by her papa to jump around and in various spouting animals and shapes.

Scott and I got away to the Marriott Resort in Summerlin and had a great time swimming, sunning, and relaxing. Ainsley had a blast with her grandparents, and we came back to parenting more refreshed.

When we returned to Oak Park, we kept busy and kept celebrating with the 4th of July weekend, Ainsley's first fireworks (which she loved), seeing more friends and family, and then welcoming my mom and her friend Christophe to our house (after their stay in France). It's been a busy and wonderful July.

Ainsley had her 2 year check up last week and is just under 25 lbs, 20th percentile for weight and 10th percentile for height. She impressed the doctor with her verbal acumen and also her physical prowess (climbing up the examining table, etc.). She did really well with her shots except that one of the sites was pretty sore for a couple of days -- hard to see her limp around and feel lousy, especially now that she can communicate her pain so well. But she's better today (3 days post).

Today, when putting her down for her nap, she made a few attempts to climb out of the crib. I figured we would just try lowering the crib again, but that made everything even more dangerous, just given her leg length and distance to the floor....so the rail came off entirely, and she's now sleeping big girl style. So far, so good.

She's an absolute delight and surprising us each day with her sentences, spunk, and determination. This was a special birthday. 2 is really awesome!

Big Kid

We have a big kid, and it is fascinating to behold.

Some developmental milestones:

• Sensing when it's time to use the potty and letting us know -- consistently successful potty "experiences"
• Many more full verses of songs "that's the way the money goes, pop, goes the weasel"
• More full sentences, like: "Come on, let's rock a bit, mama"
  
• More negotiation with parents (see previous bullet as one way to stretch the bedtime routine). Also got this one today, "I do it myself, Jenny Avahs."
  
• More silliness and testing of humor -- calling a bear a cow and laughing, initiating silly games with various objects around the house and saying "whoopsie," loving and saying punch lines like " you tell, em, buddy boy," or " but I don't" after various phrases and then laughing
• Making more connections -- e.g., always knew a stop sign was an octagon but now seeing octagons elsewhere, hearing a name of a friend and then learning it's not the same person and saying "different one" or checking to make sure she is clear on the subject being discussed, "LuLu mommy is Lola, right?"
• Becoming more particular about her clothes, her daily routines, which day she does what, etc.

It's thrilling to watch her come into her own. It has to be liberating for these little ones as they become more independent and communicative and start testing making their own choices. Although there are tough moments, we are really digging this 2 year old thing! Can't believe the 6th is around the corner. We look forward to celebrating with Nana and Papa. "They grows up and grows up."

Daddy and Baby weekend-Big Success!!!

Ainsley and I spent this past weekend enjoying some quality daddy and daughter time.  We had a blast!  She didn't miss mommy very much at all.

The secret was to keep her nice and busy, which surprisingly wasn't as tough as I thought.  I mean, walking down the street can take a half an hour, if you stop to pick up sticks, admire each blade of grass, sit on random neighbor's steps, etc.  We got super lucky in that a bunch of mini cars sponsored by the body shop up the street drove by us on their way to a parade.  Talking about the mini-cars provided some endless fascination.  It also brought out some neighbors for us to play with-always a good thing!

Not even rain on Saturday morning could slow us down.  After taking our time with breakfast, getting dressed, etc. we decided to go to the park, only to have the heavens open up the minute we stepped on to the porch.  No worries, we diverted to the basement and played down there for a while.  And in true daddy spirit, as soon as the rain let up we loaded up the BOB and went to the park anyway!  I figured that the park (I should say tot lot) would be empty and we can always wash wet sand off and change damp clothes somewhat easily, and I was right.  We even had a nice surprise when our neighbors John and Sebastian joined us.  Two kids with the tot lot to themselves on daddy's watch?  Now that is a good time!

Later Saturday we had a great visit from Brad and Sachi.  We haven't seen them in a while and it is always great to catch up with good friends.  Sachi moves so fast and is so adorable!  She and Ainsley had some fun together and are pretty cute too!  Somehow I managed to get them both in the pink bucket long enough to take this picture with my phone.  First try, mind you! 

I booked us solid on Sunday to keep the momentum going.  We started by a nice run in the BOB followed by a trip to Jewel for a donut for Ainsley and a Sunday paper for daddy.  As expected, the cake donut was just a vehicle for frosting and sprinkles.  She pretty much just at the top and left the rest.  I only had one bite I swear.  I even managed to take a quick post-run shower while she played in her room!
From there we went out on the town.  First we went to see Max at the car wash.  In case you haven't heard, Ainsley loves going to the car wash to "see Max".  Despite a name that to me makes him sound old, he is a young guy who has always thought Ainsley was adorable.  Come on, he's got a point!  Now little Ms. Thing goes in all excited to see Max and clams up the minute she gets in the place!  It is really cute and gives him a good laugh and us something to do.
Next was the big trip to Day in our Village.  Here is where the real difference between daddy and mommy comes in.  She sat in the stroller while we walked to nearly every booth!  We walked around for 45 minutes and she didn't say a word, just occasionally looking around but totally content to just chill.  Jen said she would never do that for her!  After that, we treated ourselves to lunch at Chipotle where the black beans, cheese and chicken were, as expected, a hit.
Only while waiting the extra two hours for Jen's delayed flight to arrive did she lose it and cry for mommy.  She did make it to the airport and was so excited to run up and give mommy a big hug.  I was excited too.
Conclusions?  Not only is being primary care giver exhausting mentally and physically, you can't get anything done!  Laundry?  Ha.  Dishes?  Maybe.  Paint the windows and front stairs, which I desperately need to do?  Yeah right.  Oh well, those things can wait.  I was having too much fun.  It was great to get the chance to run the show and it was even better that it was such a success.

Sentences

Over the last couple of weeks, Ainsley's phrases have rocketed. As you parents know, it takes your breath away. Here are her favorites:

* "Mom and dad are very nice." (we really didn't put her up to that)
* "Boys are icky" (learned that from her nana)
* "Sit down, right now."
* "We go to Miss Amy's music c[l]ass"
* "I miss Mimi, Benja."
* "P[l]ay park 2 minutes more, momma"
" Are [you] okay, momma [or dada, or grandpa, or grandma, etc.]?"
"Mom, Dad, Ainsley Avahs [Avers] [l]ive Illinois, Park."

She also enjoys talking about her friends, naming all of them when we say our prayers, talking about swimming and playing in the back yard, seeing her relatives, trying the potty, going on her tricycle, washing her hands and feet (very important). She's become more particular about routines, choices in clothes, which car we take and why, and what to eat for meals. It's fantastic (and frightening sometimes) to see her personality develop -- to see the bits of her parents' stubbornness or temper in her.

As the weather improves, we are increasingly enjoying outdoor activities -- the trips to the zoo, where Ainsley is now more interested in animal interaction and how animals relate to each other, where her dad and she spent a good amount of time discussing elephant behavior; trips to the tot lots in Oak Park where she is learning to share with others, take turns; exploring our backyard and visiting neighbors. It's a good life!

The Dells, Arizona, and Nana and Papa

Our spring has sprung with a bang of fun activities with family and friends. In mid-April we rendezvoused with close friends the Wesolowski's and Connors' and spent a great weekend at Wilderness Resort in the Dells. Ainsley loved the water and loved hanging with her pals and didn't mind my sweet god-daughter Evelyn doting on her 24/7. Ainsley demanded Evvie's attention, and Evvie eagerly obeyed--checking on her in the morning, getting her her food and drink, coaching her on how to play games, gently caressing her cheeks. Way too precious!! The biggest issue of the weekend was trying to explain to a 21 month old why she didn't need a bracelet to get into the water park -- everyone else had one, why didn't she? I eventually cut mine off in the middle of the night because she was fixating on not having one, crying from her pack-n-play. Now we know, when you get wristbands, always get one for Ainsley too.

Just a couple weeks post Dells, we visited my godmother, Lori, and her fantastic husband, Kent, in Scottsdale, AZ. Ainsley was a great traveler -- prefers the freedom and social environment of an airplane to a restrictive car setting. We visited the Phoenix Zoo, played in Lori and Kent's pool, took in the new Musical Instrument Museum (AMAZING!), and Scott enjoyed various links across the dessert with Kent. Ainsley bonded with Lori and Kent's sweet Golden Retriever Addie, and the two were very entertaining. Turns out a toddler and 4 year old Golden have a lot in common -- wrestle with many of the same dangerous curiosities, though Addie exercised a bit more discipline than Ainsley most days. Ainsley enjoyed splashing water on Addie and pretend-sleeping on her cot and doggy bed. Lori also taught Ainsley how to get Addie's food ready in the morning -- a ritual that Ainsley really enjoyed. The rocks and sand of the dessert spoke to Ainsley and she spent lots of focused time, picking up rocks in Lori's backyard, dumping them in various cups and canisters, and running her hand through patches of sand around their house, at the zoo, and in the local park. She was in heaven!

On May 1st, Scott's 39th b-day, we flew home and that night Scott picked his parents up at the airport. Ainsley was out of her mind -- first a week with Lori and Kent, and then quality time with Nana and Papa. Kathy and Jerry spent a couple days in Peru with Barb and her kids, took in Starved Rock and swam at the hotel. When they returned to Oak Park, we spent time in the back yard, enjoying the weather, Jerry helped install our new microwave (thanks, Jer!), and we visited the cemetery, the new Caputo's market (Nice!), and got out for a great meal at Maya Del Sol to celebrate Scott's b-day and MBA. Ainsley enjoyed playing Rhino for her grandparents and jumping on the air-mattress (I think she got her rhino impression from Michelle and Benjamin...She puts her hands on the side of her head and yells "Rhino, Rhino, Rhino" then shows where a Rhino's horn is located and goes "honk").

Now we have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend to look forward to, with my mom coming in to visit with us. Life is good, indeed.

Weaning, 'Cuse Me, See, Peanut Butter, and Barack Omama

Ainsley is a big time big girl these days. When she wants Scott or me to listen, she says sweetly yet commandingly, "See, mama" or "See, dada." When a person or object blocks her path, she exclaims, "Cuse me."

We started testing peanut butter on her hand over the last week, and she looked forward to the nutty rubbing every day. She had no negative reaction (phew) so we've started giving her some toast with pb and j, and she loves it -- and often asks that we continue to rub her hand with peanut butter.

She is increasingly becoming a Barack Obama fan. She's heard us speak of him and even has a baby book about his life, but the other day, as Scott was reviewing the Wall Street Journal, she points and says, "Barack Omama"....and has been correctly identifying him for the last week. Since she always gets laughs when she says his name, she will tell her peers and other adult pals, out of the blue, "Barack Omama" and then theatrically laugh, "ho ho, hee hee."

Our biggest news for mother and daughter is that Ainsley has officially kicked the mommy dairy bar. I knew our feedings were decreasing and was excited about this next step, but we did not know it would happen so quickly. The other morning, Scott got her from her crib, and she asked for her "cuppy," rather than mommy and "mooky." We're at 48 hours of no b-feeding, so I think it's official. The first 24 hours, I was thrilled for both of us...and as the day wears on...maybe it's hormones, but I am a bit sad. It's likely a combo of weaning along with her wanting to walk down our back stairs like a big girl and just looking at me and saying, "mamma hand" and then asking me to "go" when I dropped her off at Michelle's today. I know, it's all healthy, appropriate, and she is developing her independence. It's just amazing how profound these feelings are...didn't expect the first 2 years to be so emotional... incredible highs of joy and moments of pride and grief all at once.

Wishing all a Happy Passover and Easter. We meet our new niece Nora this weekend! Can't wait to see the girls all interact. We had Molly, Tommy, Zoe and Barb at our place last weekend and had a blast with them -- Ainsley adores all of her cousins. It's fun to see the family grow -- in age and in number.

Octogans, Train Spottings, and Accessories

Month 20 has been awesome. Ainsley is a great playmate. She has a fantastic sense of humor and always keeps us guessing.

Given her lack of patience in the car from being restricted, as she screams, "tight," I figured we'd talk some more about how traffic works, why I have to stop, etc. This helped calm her frustration some, and she soon became obsessed with pointing out every stop sign and calling, "octagon" and "stop." I'm not making this up. She has no interest in saying "circle or square"...we may get "heart" now and then...but her favorite shape, hands down, is octagon. She equally enjoys yelling,"green, go, weeeeeee!!!"

Now that the weather has thawed some, we've resumed our walks by the animal shelter, peering in windows to see the kittens and puppies, and then going to the walking bridge over 290 to watch the CTA trains zoom under us. Usually, Ainsley vigorously waves as the trains get close, and an obliging train conductor waves out his/her window and toots the whistle. Ainsley goes nuts and reenacts the waving and whistling for daddy when we get home. I enjoy the whole experience just as much, seeing it all through her eyes.

Like so many toddler girls, she's discovered the fun of accessories. Sun glasses are most exciting, followed by necklaces and bracelets, followed by hats. Tutus were always top dog...but now that the world of girly-ness is expanding, they've taken a back seat.

Her verbal communication is getting so impressive, I regularly reel when hearing a phrase or full sentence. I'm trying to remember that just because she can now ask me for something, it doesn't mean I have to give it to her...but it's so hard not to...

In short, life is good. The Avers' are happy. Scott will finish up his MBA this month (CONGRATS!) and my business is doing really well. We look forward to a few get aways this spring and summer -- the Dells with old friends, time with the Rauser's in Scottsdale, a week with Nana and Papa in NV (and a visit from them in May), and celebrating my mom's retirement from 35 years of teaching -- and I've got a Jen and Amy weekend planned in NYC over my b-day. And of course, Baby Van Howe will soon be on his or her way; we are thinking of Farah, Jim and Ellie on a daily basis -- any day now!

Kickin' It Toddler

When Ainsley hasn't been suffering from an upper respiratory infection or toddler trots this winter, she has been in an absolutely joyful mood. She is gaining words and gestures by the day and has an incredible sense of humor, and sense of the dramatic (AKA manipulation of adults and even her peers at times).

She's been enjoying dress up and imaginary play, loves getting in daddy's clothes and shoes, and often mimics mommy and daddy going to the store, going upstairs, doing a chore, or leaving for the day.

We spent Valentine's Day with Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Farah, cousin Ellie, and Grandma. It was a blast watching the girls interact with each other -- inside jokes at the dinner table, rough and tumble hugs and kisses, dancing, singing, watching snippets of childrens' movies, or "moo-ees" as Ainsley calls them. She loved having grandma sleep in her same room on Sunday night when we were at the Residence Inn -- kept checking on her, "Ga Ga, Ga Ga" lots of laughing. The girls took like fish to water in the pool, and Uncle Jimmy gave them a show while blowing water through noodles and surprising them from under the water.

Earlier this month we went bowling with Grandpa Van Howe. And I admit, I was skeptical that we would make it to shoe rental. But Grandpa was right. She soaked up the environment, started clapping for other players, and eventually got into trying to push the ball down the lane (bumpers included, of course). She reminisces about the bowling experience every time my dad calls -- in toddler code -- granpa, bawal, push, (pushing and clapping motions). And Grandpa and I had fun too -- has been a while since we took in the lanes.

We've enjoyed seeing Alex Criminger more these days. While his mom and sister are at girls' club, Ainsley and I hang out with Alex, ("Akah" per Ainsley). This 11 year old is amazing with her, very patient, and willing to play various games and get beat upon. And like clock work, she knows which days she is to see Alex and she expects him -- eerie and cool all at once.

One of my New Year's resolutions was to get to know the MacBook better, figure out how to do more with videos, and get the videos loading again on the blog....now that I've officially stated this to all of you, I have to actually make an effort (thanks, accountability of Blogger land). We've got some good clips of this 19-monther.

It is amazing to watch her personality unfold; we are so grateful. And we look forward to the spring -- when we can get out more, and when we will welcome some new babies and adopted toddlers into the family. And we keep praying for all the wonderful prospective adoptive parents we know and love....

18 month superstar

Today was Ainsley's 18 month check up. As we entered the doctor's office, two families with newborns were anxiously waiting to hear the nurse call their names -- first official appointments since the little ones were born and the families' first set of vaccinations. I read the exhaustion on the mothers' faces and the nervousness on dads'...and I felt for them while also relishing that I had an 18 month old. Phew...The toddler time is certainly eventful and trying, but I am LOVING her increased ability to communicate and express her needs and personality. Don't miss those first months one bit (no offense, Ainsley)!

So here are the 18 month stats:

• Weight: 20 lbs 14 oz and just over the 5th percentile (that's serious progress, people, and added assurance that we re supported in turning her car seat forward)
• Height: 31" and now in the 25th percentile (up significantly)
• Head circumference: 46 cm, not sure the percentile, just know she luckily didn't inherit my huge Dutch melon
• Slight heart murmur detected (no worries or concern; she must take after her grandma van howe)
  

She is vebalizing more and more and is particulary talkative about the people in her life and what they've done together. For example, she giggles and often reminisces of when she and shewey (cousin Zoe) took a (bat) bath, and Tum (Tommy) with his toy snake (sssss) and how he frightened shewey (this part acted out). She talks of Eyaya (cousin Ellie) and does impressions of her older relative shaking her head or playing hide and seek. She adores Michelle (MiMi) and Benjamin (Beene) and often gives us accounts of her day playing in Mimi's basement (been-tah) with a ball (bawah) or singing and dancing (full movement replay). She seems to understand all that we are talking about, and we have to be careful. She knows how to play daddy versus mommy -- though, who am I kidding, she's pretty much had that down since infancy. But it's fun to watch the wheels turn and see her try different approaches for different people to get what she wants.

She loves going out, socializing with others, is fearless and confident -- though she still struggles when I leave her at the gym day care -- (for less than an hour one time a week). But we are working on that...as much a growing opportunity for me as for her, and Scott and our pediatrician are talking me down the ledge to let her learn to adapt.

In short, all is well and couldn't be better. We had a wonderful Christmas season, celebrating early with Barb and the kids, Skyping with Jerry and Kathy, and hanging out with mom, Jim, Farah and Ellie in Rockford for a good chunk of time; my dad made it into Rockford for Christmas as well. We also enjoyed being home as a threesome and playing with all of our new Christmas toys, organizing and storing toys and baby clothes, and trying out various veggie crock pot recipes and Food and Wine stews and soups.

Excited about 2010 and wishing all you bloggers well~