Electoral Abbie

We have found out that Abigail is a political animal. It must be in her blood, and this time she gets her fiery, combative style from my genetic code (hard to think she actually gets something from ME!).

And, apparently, she is a devoted Democrat.

I have tried to watch the political debates and speeches on TV as often as possible during the presidential campaign. And that's when I noticed a trend in Abigail's behavior and reactions. Every time I tuned in to the Republicans' campaign, she'd take a look at the screen and simply walk away, unfazed. But when the Democrats' campaign was on, she'd watch, pointing at the TV, and vocalizing a whole array of personal opinions: rebutting, endorsing or adding important details to the speech at hand. At times she'd giggle and join in the clapping and cheering (by pseudo-dancing).

For those of you who think that she was mimicking her parents behavior and reactions, think again. Neither Christopher or I had any particular reaction while watching the debates/campaigning, most of the times Abbie was already in bed.

I have explained to Abigail why I would watch so much TV in this case, and the process of electing a new President. I have also explained to her who was who during this presidential campaign: 'That's Barack, he wants to become the new president, he is Democrat'; 'That's John, he wants to be the new president too, he's Republican'. I told her that by the time she turns 18 she too will have the right to vote and express her support for the candidate of her choosing.

Something must have sank in, because on the day of the election, she walked around the house waving my little American Flag (missed photo op!!!) and then pontificated about the importance of voting.


She scoffed and acted horrified when I told her that many people don't believe their vote makes a difference, and therefore some choose not to vote.


In the end, I think she was just happy that she could be part of the process this time around, and able to put her two cents in.

One way or the other, that is.

The infinite world of Communication

Abbie has finally began to talk. Intelligible words, that is. She has always "talked", since she was born. We call her the ChatterBox for a reason, right? Anyway, in the last few weeks she has been striving to communicate with sounds that most resemble the ones she hears uttered by us. She has been saying words for the longest time, for example 'baby', 'daddy', 'bye-bye', but what is most remarkable now is that she doesn't just say the words, but uses them to communicate a thought or a wish.

Last Thursday, she said "cra-cas", for crackers. I gave her one while asking: "Do you want some animal crackers?" I put some more crackers in a bowl, and set it on the table. Abbie went to play, but after a little while she came to me, pointing at the bowl, and said "cra-cas!" It was so cute, she had me laughing for a while. Of course, I gave her a couple more, and she happily stuffed them in her mouth, saying "cra-cas, cra-cas!"
After that, and in the last few days, Abigail will come up to me out of the blue with imploring eyes and say "cra" or "cra-cas" because she wants me to give her some.

Another word Abbie has been using appropriately is "yes", which she pronounces something similar to 'chess'. Sometimes I'll ask her things, like: "do you want some juice?", and she will respond: "chess!" and hold her hand out.

She has also started to call me "mam-my". I am also "dad-dee" at times, too, but I am finally "mam-my". I love it! I love the way she says it, with an "a", "mam-my"! After going through so many metamorphosis, it's so endearing to hear her call me "mam-my"... Don't get me wrong, I LOVED being "Ahta'", "Ya-Ya", and even "dad-dee" (though I have shared this honor with Christopher for a few months). But "mam-my" just sounds so lovely when she says it...!

Another cute thing my little girl has been trying to do is call Shelby by her name. She has the SHHHH part down, and when she want to call the dog's attention, she will go "Shhhhhh! Shhhhh!". The -elby part is still under construction, though she manages to say "Sha'", or "Shay". I am trying to record it, because it's just too cute!

In the midst of it all, Abigail will throw in some Italian words, too. One of her favorites is "dai" (come on, get going). She uses it all the time when I am not up to speed with the things she wants me to do for her. If we go out for a walk, and she wants to go explore some place and I am slacking off somewhere, too slow for her taste, she'll call out to me and go: "Dai! Dai!", much like I say to her when she won't open her mouth for me for food she doesn't like :)

She'll also say "Hi", or "Eo" (for 'hello') when I put her on the phone with grandma Marie Grace. My mom absolutely loves it!!!

Of course, we are still far away from full blown conversations! But Abigail is very resourceful, and she has found many ways to communicate her wants and needs, even her feelings, to us. She is using ASL, too, the little I taught her is proven very useful, I am glad that both Christopher and I have been somewhat diligent in teaching her this skill.

Another detail that we have been noticing more and more is that Abigail actually asks us to tell her the name of things. For example, she will point at a cluster of pictures, and turn to me saying: "dat!". So I tell her: "those are pictures. PIC-TU-RES!", and she'll go "peas, peas...". Or, she will pull my leg as I turn on the blender in the kitchen, and when I pick her up she'll point at the blender, and say: "dat!". So I tell her: "That's a blender. BLEN-DER. I use it to mince things, to make your juices, and to cook. BLEN-DER". She'll say "bindeh". There are a lot of sounds Abbie has problems with, still. The "L" is a little hard for her, and of course more complex combinations are out of the question. But she'll give it a try nonetheless.

And, eventually, as my husband puts it, she'll be "talking our ears off". I can't wait!

Spooktacular Abbie

This was a great Halloween! Abbie dressed up as a white tiger, and looked so absolutely adorable, tail and all.

In the morning, we went to her Mainly Music class, Halloween Edition. She had fun, even though she was a little tired from getting up early in the morning. She was mesmerized by a little girl dressed up like a chicken: this girl had a very fuzzy, bright yellow suit, and Abigail went to investigate it up close and personal. It was so funny, because she kept on running her hand up and down the furry costume, ever so gently, and chuckling. Then she'd leave, and after a little while go back for more. It made me laugh. I think it definitely passed inspection.

In the afternoon, we had set up a fun Halloween get-together with our playgroup in Clifton, at 3 pm. But, as it turns out, Miss Abigail was exhausted, and slept until 4 pm. I went ahead and met with my friends, while Christopher waited for her to wake up, and then brought her over to the Clifton playground. I had a great time with the girls, and watching the kids play and interact with one another. They were all soooo cute in their costumes, and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. Clifton turned out to be a great venue, perfect for the occasion! I was so excited! It was charming, cozy, colorful, and perfect, just perfect, for Halloween. Could not have asked for a better and more characteristic place!!!

Finally, Abigail joined the celebration, a little late, but with a big grin on her face, and threw her arms around me as soon as she saw me. I had missed her! She played about the playground, rolled in the leaves, interacted with her friend Cameron as they always do, other kids as well, and altogether had a BLAST. She was so happy! By the time we headed home, it was around 6:30, and the Trick or Treaters were all out on the streets, the entire little town was lively with noises, laughters, lights, scary monsters, witches, little pumpkins, and everything anyone could possibly imagine. We didn't want to leave!!! Abbie was absorbed by everything and watching everything, taking it all in.

Yup. Another of her father's genes has been passed along: she's definitely a Halloween Girl.

Quarterback Abbie

Today was an important day in Abigail's life. Her daddy took her to the park, where there is a practice field for local football teams, and she decidedly expressed interest in trying out for a (any) team. As a matter of fact, she didn't limit herself to ask her daddy if she could: she just went ahead and showed her bravery at tackling and blocking. She ran, picked up fights with block-dummies (they ARE the opposing team, duh!), and tried to make it to the goal line on several occasions, unabated. For being the offspring of completely football-uninterested parents, Abigail showed not only prowess and great ability at the game, but also an incredible understanding of how it works. Regardless of the fact that she didn't have a ball. What do you expect, she's only 14 months old, give me a break!

Definition of Football Widow: someone wisely said - "During football season, throngs of men thrive on nachos and “brewskis” and intentionally ignore their best interests -- their wives." I wonder if I will become a football widow, too... except I still will have the husband, but the child will be on the field, fighting the good fight.

In the spirit of the game (yeah, right?) and to show her my support, I decided that I should get acquainted with the sport itself and proper terminology. So I did a little research. This is what I understood about it so far.

Football Game -- A physical challenge, played by two opposing groups that strive to look as if they’ve tripled their upper body bulk. This effect is achieved through the use of props, though the use of steroids has also been proven effective for proper bodily inflation. Players have shriveled little legs (but only because their shoulders look SO big), and small little heads (again, a quirky effect of the shoulder enhancement). They use those legs to run about a big green field throwing themselves at each other, seemingly under the spell of an inflated piece of pigskin which possesses the key to eternal salvation, or perhaps the answer to all human queries.

Game Day -- The day you know you'll have the house all to yourself, except, of course, the big screen TV room.

Fourth and One -- A period of seconds preceding either an eruptive scream of jubilation (like YES! or WE WON! or something along victorious lines) or a dangerous time for anyone or anything within kicking radious.



After learning so much about this sport, I am unsure about Abbie's marked interest in it... Really. 

I think Abigail is under the impression that she will succeed at her new enterprise, and who am I to stand between her and her dreams... But, I have to admit: I was hoping for soccer.

Love Grows (and nobody knows like me)

There is a song I love, which evokes thoughts of Abigail in me, it did even before she was born: Love Grows, by Edison Lighthouse. I like how happy and funny it is, and how sweet, too. So for the past few days I have worked on a little project I've had in mind for a while - a video of Abbie for Abbie: something that she can watch when she is older and smile at.

Luck has it that Love Grows' lyrics are not too far fetched from reality nor from the feelings I have for my daughter. I only had to make a few... "adjustments" here and there! Beware: I'm a pathological perfectionist, and while the video is not quite like I wanted it to be, I decided that the quirky errors of timing and technique make it unequivocally more me. I'm leaving it like it is: a playful way to express myself.

In Loving Memory

"The music is my heart I bore, long after it was heard no more."
William Wordsworth

Once again, without warning, we have to say goodbye. Once again, we treasure the memories we have, and cry for the memories we won't be able to make together. This is for Scott. You left too soon, you left too much behind.

Our hearts go out to your family, your loving wife and your young kids. And they go out to you, for all the life you didn't get to live.

We will miss you.

Scott Winland
October 6, 1963 - October 9, 2008



_________________________________________________________



This year just won't quit.

I'm so tired of this. I promised myself I would not let it all seep through my writings on this post, but boy am I feeling tired.

Last night I couldn't sleep. After receiving the news about Scott, I just couldn't quiet my mind. I kept on thinking of him, of his family, and of how horrible it all is. I feel angry. I kept thinking of all the friends I have been blessed with knowing and cursed with loosing.

My friend Giovanni.
My friend Laura.
My friend Jim.
My friend Claudio.
My friend Carol.
My friend James.
My friend Abdul.

I remember them all, so vividly, and love them still. I miss them all. I miss knowing they are here. I miss talking to them, I miss them, I cannot believe...

I have been counting my blessings, I am so grateful for them. I don't know that I deserve all that I have been given. Actually, let me rephrase that: I know I don't. But lately, I feel defeated, picking up the pieces and making them fit again has been hard, for me.

I have one prayer, burrowed deep in my heart: Please spare Abbie from knowing the pain of such losses. It's hard to make sense of a young life that is no more. Please spare Abbie this pain. May her life be filled with wonderful memories, with loved ones, with friends, with warmth and joy, and so much hope.

Driving Miss Abbie

Abigail is learning to drive. She parked her dad's car in our parking spot the other day. I am amazed at her newfound ability, and at how quickly she is picking it up. Another step toward total autonomy and independence, I guess. Can't stop these kids, nowadays, they are so much more advanced than we were at their age...

[Here she is resetting the odometer]

[... Ensuring the left blinkers are working...]

[... and of course the right blinkers too, she'll need those]

[... Checking the side mirrors...]

[... And ready to go!]

Stay out of the roads, everyone, Abbie's coming!

Hard hat Abbie

Abbie has a new passion: manhole covers.

Every time I take her out for a walk, she will stop and examine, up-close and personal, each and every manhole cover in her path. I really don't get it. But Abigail will automatically pilot to every manhole, stand on it, stomp on it, touch it (I always carry a disinfecting hand-spray!), trace the letters on it, talk to it (or herself, I am not sure), laugh at it and be entertained for the longest time. If there are two manholes close to each other, she will go from one to the other and back to the first one, and so on. I grow cobwebs while I wait for her to be done with her examinations.

I am taking pictures of Abbie and her manholes, I want to have a spread of all of them for the blog. Right now, I only have a couple of shots, but more will be forthcoming!




Here is a video of excerpts of today's 15 minutes/60 feet "walk" :~)

With a little help from her friends...

Abbie has had a few intense days in the past week. First, I took her to a Mainly Music class on Friday morning, and she and four other little friends had a blast dancing, clapping their hands and playing with each other. I have to admit: I had fun too. The class was cute, perfect for young kids who have so much pent-up energy. Since there were so many people singing I was able to sing all the songs out loud without scaring anyone, which is a plus. Abbie had an absolute blast, as can be seen from these pictures:



On Monday, we went with our playgroup to Van Dyck park, where Abbie spent two hours of steady fun. She played in the sand box for the very first time: this germophobe and mysophobic mom had to surrender - after all, I'm going to have to get used to it sooner or later, even though the very thought makes me cringe. Anyway, besides my constant wiping her hands and clothes off, I did pretty well. Abbie took her usual circumspect approach: slowly touching the sand, feeling it between her fingers, then sitting on it, and finally trying to figure out how to play with it. I love this aspect of Abbie's personality: the fact that she won't jump into anything head on, but rather prudently assesses any situation first and foremost. She is much wiser than I am, as it turns out!


While at the park Abbie made friends with a little 8-year-old, Isabella, who just would not leave her side and who apparently was there with her mom and brother. Isabella asked me if she could hold Abbie, and as soon as I said "Yes, but be caref...." she took off with Abigail to play near the benches. She showed Abigail some ladybugs, the trees, and a few other critters I was not too impressed with. I thought the whole thing was cute, so I let them have their fun: Abbie loved it, she grinned the whole time and didn't seem bothered in the least. After a while, I felt the familiar "I miss my baby" feeling, and went to retrieve Abigail. I took Abbie to the swings (with Isabella trotting right behind us), to meet her other little buddies. Isabella insisted I'd let her play with and hold Abbie again, and since I was chatting with other moms, I let her, keeping an eye on them. But, in a second, they disappeared behind the climbing wall, and when I got closer, Isabella was carrying Abbie to the top of the slide. I just about fainted. I said: "no no no, what are guys doing?", Isabella said "Oh I am just going to ride the slide with Abigail!". I guess I could have let her, but I snatched my kid and told Isabella "sorry, she is not used to it!" I felt the biggest knot at the pit of my stomach, and also felt bad for Isabella: she was so sweet, did not mean any harm, and was totally enamored with my little baby.



At any rate, besides that little scare, Abbie and I had a great time. She made new friends and met up with some old friends, including a little baby, Camden, only three months old, whom Abigail took a instant liking to. She kept on looking at Camden, and touching her little fists with her index finger.



And finally, Abbie met Fred. Fred the dog. As soon as Abbie saw this big, furry pup she ran to him and started to squeal in delight: she adores dogs. I don't know why, because Shelby doesn't give her the time of day. But regardless of her home experiences, Abbie is always happy and excited to see furry friends. So she spent the longest time petting Fred, and hugging him around the neck. I pretty much had to pry her off of him when I noticed that Fred's owner was wanting to leave. Abbie cried.


All in all, with a little help from all her friends, Abigail is having the time of her life. And so am I.

Strawberry Fields Forever

Abigail has started to develop some very identifiable likes and dislikes when it comes to food. In general, she is a very good eater, I have no cause for complaints. Regardless, there are some things that will come out of her mouth as fast as I try to stick them in. Such dreadful food items include carrots, most red meats, sweet potatoes, raw apples.

On the other hand, Abbie simply loves avocados, fish, chicken, kiwis, mangos, bananas, cherries, tomatoes, leeks, cheese (any kind), toast, spinach, yogurt, peas and more. She could literally eat large quantities of any of these items. She will tolerate (to a certain extend) broccoli, asparagus, some types of red meat and cereal.

What's funny about her taste in food is that she likes things I would never in a million years have thought she'd eat. For example, she loves pesto pasta, and cilantro rice. Just preys upon them voraciously. And another thing... the triple berry juice. Nothing compares to the berry juice that I prepare for her at dinner time. I am starting to consider it a big mistake, because in the last two days she would have nothing at all for dinner except for her berry juice. Also, she will only drink it from a regular glass, which is not a problem per se since she is very good at it, but naturally adds to "The Berry Juice Experience." It started out as something that I prepared for myself, and let her have a taste of. I was hesitant, in case of allergic reactions. But it went well. More so, it was love at first tastebud. I thought: "what a fast and convenient way to get her to eat so many types of fruit!" Yeah, right? Little did I know that she would, at dinner time, arbitrarily spit everything out while pointing at the juice. We tried hiding it from her until she has eaten something, but the trick doesn't work. The kid is ahead of us every step of the way: Abbie knows the juice is somewhere - she heard the blender go off. And she knows we'll eventually cave in. The whole Berry Juice Experience comes with soundtrack and special effects: a chorus of "mmmmmmmm!" will emanate from Abigail, as she drinks it and smacks her lips.

I wonder if it would be possible for anyone to live exclusively off of berries and milk? I better start researching this.

Abbie the Social Butterfly

So many social engagements, so little time.

Miss Abigail has been a busy girl lately, meeting friends at all hours of the day, as long as it is between 2 pm and 5 pm (a girl needs her beauty nap!). On Sunday, she met a few good friends at Burke Lake. I wanted to take her on the Choo-Choo train, but time went by fast! Miss Chatterbox played with her friends, and walked and ran all over the park with Da-dee. It was a beautiful day, perfect weather, and she had so much fun. I love to see that grin on her face, the "I'm-having-fun" grin, it makes it all worthwhile.

Today, she went to visit Julia and David, and had a grand ole time again. She really likes being in their company. She kept on looking at Julia, studying every move she made. Abigail is truly fascinated by the "big baby". She and David loved to play "I-want-what-you-have" and "What's-mine-is-mine-and-what's-yours-is-mine", and without too much drama they took toys away from each other. I am trying to teach Abigail the meaning of "sharing" any chance I get, it's never too late to lay the foundation for good manners, right? Later on, Bridget, Aidan and JP joined us as well. Bridget took a shining to me, and was always close by and demanding my attention, so Abbie came by a couple of times, hugged me tight and put her head on me with a few vocal exclamations - to set the record straight about whose mother I am. That was so cute :) My baby is jealous!!! :)

I have noticed that she is becoming more possessive, and likes to get involved in whatever the kid next to her is doing. So, I'm teaching her that when another kid is playing with a toy, she has to wait her turn, which is not an easy concept for her to grasp, understandably. But I think, in time, she'll be able to learn to exercise some patience.

Anyway, today was a blast, for me as well. We love the calm and welcoming atmosphere at Julia's and David's. Abbie cried when I took her to the car: she did not want to leave. Looking forward to more playdates with them, and to Clemyjontri Park on Thursday with other little friends! Her dance card is filling up quickly.

Demystifying the Laptop

I gave up. I let Abbie take full control of the laptop. Since she was a tiny little thing, Abigail has always shown a certain keen interest for my laptop. When she was much smaller, she used to stare at it and reach for it, and even when she was yet incapable of rolling over, she'd try her darndest to get her tiny hands on it.

One thing I believe catches her attention is her own picture: I always had pictures of Abigail as my wallpaper. But the laptop allure goes beyond that, far beyond that. It's a mystical attraction, a total eclipse of the heart. Abbie is in love with it: so many buttons to press, so many noises and beeps, a nice thick electrical cord, all these different lights and colors, and her picture smack in the center of it all. How can anyone resist that! Come on!

Whatever the reason, I can never, ever, get my laptop without her dropping whatever she is doing to come see the magical, much coveted item. So, I decided to let her figure out for herself how much fun a laptop can really be. Right.

She happily slammed the keys, tried to bend the screen down, and had the greatest of times. She talked to it, much like I do sometimes when it doesn't do what I want it to do. She attempted to lick or chew the screen, and even used the laptop as a chair. To her, it was a dream come true.

Abbie played with my laptop for quite some time. She closed it, and then demanded that I open it again. Here is a video with a few excerpts. In the end it all got old - Abigail up and left, zeroing in on other toys, leaving the laptop behind, never to look for it again.

Finally.

12 month check-up and Stats

Today little Abbie went through her occasional torture at the pediatrician's. She was not cooperative, not in the least: she just won't stay put, ever, but would rather run around and explore, so she gave the doctor a good run for the money. That's my girl :)

Overall: she is doing very well and is "very proportionate" for her age, her diet is good, and she seems healthy inside out. Her development is "right on track", too, which is always a relief to hear. The doctor wanted to see Abbie walk, and said that she is walking very well. Abbie's teeth look great and are coming in straight. The funny anecdote: the doctor said that Abigail has "pretty hair" and commented about how much she "talks" - "chatterbox" is the word she used! I thought: "If you only knew...! It never ends"
Here are Abbie's stats:

Weight: 23 lbs
Height: 32 inches

Then, it was time for her shots... Unlike the last time we went to the doctor's, this time they gave her her shots in the thighs, rather than the arm... She bawled, how could she not, and went from smily and happy to crying in two seconds flat. She got over it quickly, though. Poor little thing, my heart aches.

At any rate, I am glad it's over, at least for now. I dread these experiences for her sake, now all I need a valium, and things will be better!

Abbie on the road - and other changes!

I have so many things to write about lately, I literally need to jot them down on paper to remember them all. The fact that I continually lose my notes, though, is of no help whatsoever. I don't want to forget a thing and I want Abigail to know all the minutiae and little stories of when she was growing up. So I'll make an effort tonight to write on this blog some of the latest itty-bitty adventures.

First: Abbie has made new friends. David and Julia are especially noteworthy, because Julia is 3 years old, the first "grown-up kid" that she has befriended. David is one year old, only four days older than Abbie. And both Julia and David 's mom is Italian. I am excited when I think about future play-dates in Italian! I have to admit that I've not been teaching Abigail Italian on a consistent basis. It's a shame. Besides the fact that my family will KILL me next time they see us, it's mostly a waste of a wonderful learning opportunity. I am not, in the least, proud of myself for that. Speaking my own language here makes me feel odd for a variety of reasons. So, I generally abstain. But my new Italian friend and her kids will hopefully be a breakthrough! We have play dates scheduled with other Italian speaking moms and kids. I can't wait. This will be wonderful for my little girl - and for me. I need good, authentic and deep friendships too! I have given up, especially lately, on a lot of relationships that started on a very promising note just to turn out to be the usual superficial nothing-of-value. But the search for solid human relationships is still on, as hard as it is at times, and regardless of any and all disappointments.

But I digress...

Something else of recent date, a turning point in Abbie's path to world-discovery: her newly acquired ability to walk. Now that she can, it's all she is interested in! Can't stop her! Today, for example, I took her to our favorite park, Van Dyck, and as soon as I sat her on the swings she started to cry pointing to the floor: she wanted down. She is obsessed, seems like, with walking and running as much as she can to make up for the past 12 months! She walked here, there and everywhere. She interacted with anyone who'd give her the time of day but, mostly, she rushed from one place to the next. I got exhausted following her around, but she sure didn't. Never stopped, never faltered for an hour. Then we went to Wegmans, and as soon as we got out she wanted to get down and walk. She did, all the way to the car. She's still "crawlking", especially at home: interchanging crawling with walking, but there is a lot more of the latter being done.

Thirdly: She is also understanding the meaning on "getting dressed": she has finally stopped fighting me every step of the way. Today she grabbed a shoe I was holding and tried to put it on. Failed miserably, but it was so cute, I was mesmerized that she even tried! She has also learned to groom herself. Sometimes she doesn't use the right side of the brush, but she still rubs it on her head.

And then... and it pains me to say it: 'That Baby in the Mirror' has lost its allure and no longer captivates Abigail's attention as much... I am sad to see that go. It has been such a fun part of her play.

I have already mentioned that she is a chatter-box. Lately, my name has changed from Ahta' (which I loved) to Yaya. Don't ask me how the transformation occurred. Maybe it's just a softer way of saying ahta'... Her daddy is no longer Iaidada, but "Da-dee". She is trying to talk, and has specific names for things and activities, but I am not always in the loop about what she means with her babblings. I really enjoy hearing her lovely musings.

Lastly, for lack of time, she has learned to "feed" me. And she is rather smart about it, too: she only feeds me what she doesn't want to eat. Here is how it generally plays out: I am feeding her lunch, or dinner. I try to give her a little bit of everything - meat, or fish, or poultry, veggies, and fruit. She'll feed herself, and then she'll stretch out her hand toward me, with the biggest grin on her little face and the funniest look in her eyes: "eat, mom, eat" - I can hear her say. So I open my mouth, and she drops in her special treat. She loves to do that. It makes her day on several levels: she gets away (not always!) with not eating what she doesn't want, and, too, she makes a game out of it.

Well, I am done writing for tonight. But I know I am, by far, not done marveling at my little girl, at how wonderful she is, at how much I truly love her.

Astronaut Abbie... or is it "Darthie Vader"?

Abbie has a new game: breathing inside the bucket. She has a couple of toy buckets, one green and one clear plastic. She especially likes the clear one for the purposes of playing the Astronaut Game: breathing and blowing inside the bucket. She loves to "talk" into it, to breath into it and to listen to the "echo effect" - she thinks it's the funniest of things!

It reminds me of astronauts, with their big, glassy helmets. She has tried, too, to stick her entire head inside the bucket for a fuller effect, but quickly realized that the bucket would simply sit on top of her head. So, instead of a stereo surround sound effect, she is rather content with the monaural audio she is able to reproduce. Bless her heart! She'll emit cute, chirpy sounds, and then breath in and out, slowly, in and out, while her face is buried in her makeshift helmet - all the while looking around through the bucket.

There are a few variations to the Astronaut Game: blowing air into an empty shampoo bottle, or into a drinking glass. The common thread here is the breathing: controlled, slow, in and out, in and out, in and out... She sounds just like - what's his bucket... that weird fellow in Star Wars, with the big black helmet and the breathing impairment. Ah, Darth Vader.

I have to admit that her Darthie Vader persona is right on the money. Must be in her father's genetic code.

[I was only able to capture a few seconds of her new game on video. By the time I got the camera, it had already gotten old for the hour :)]

Laundry and the Peekaboo Game

Today Abigail was a riot. She was into everything, playing with everything, inventing new games and turning whatever she could get her hands on into personal toys.

I was doing a couple batches of laundry. I set the load of whites on the floor waiting for the first load to be done and, naturally, Abbie started playing with the clothes. She climbed on the pile to reach some picture frames. She attempted to stick one of the shirts back in the laundry basket she saw me take it out of (which has a lid, however, so Abigail just abandoned the shirt draped over the basket). She tried to put on one of her daddy's T-Shirts. She put towels or shirts over her head and eyes and pulled them off laughing, chatting and pointing toward us. Christopher and I decided that she may be trying to engage us in a peekaboo session. Of course we gave in right away, and we all played together for a while.

She had so much fun, as did we just watching her laugh. Unfortunately, I was only able to capture the tail-end of the landry game on video. I need a camera in every corner of the house...

It must be said, though: in the end, she left the pile of dirty clothes on the floor to go get her favorite toy of all - me! :)

Baby Moses

To the long list of Abbie's nicknames, we have recently added a another one: "Baby Moses".

In fact, no name could be a better fit for Abigail's new favorite activity: getting into the basket. There is a soft wicker basket in the corner of her bedroom by her crib with some of her stuffed animals: Puppy, Poopie, Snoopy and a very old beat-up doll that used to belong to my mother when she was a baby, Bambolina. Well, Abigail loves to get in with them: she spent a few minutes studying how to get in without it tipping over.

First, she rearranged the stuffed animals around the basket so that she could be in the center. Then, she carefully raised her leg and put it in the middle of the basket - then did the same with the other. Abbie slowly lowered herself in. With a big grin, she sat down amongst her buddies. But Abigail soon found out that, for her own comfort, Puppy, Poopie and Snoopy needed to go. So out they went, while she sat further down in the basket with Bambolina and stretched out. She held the doll, but mostly just sat there, smiling, cooing, talking, touching the wall, content, happy. She has created her own little niche with her favorite soft animals around her to keep her company.

I expect to find her there often.