Halloween 2008-Butterfly

Vanessa and I go to a play group twice a week. She has a great time running around playing and hanging out with the other kids. Sometimes she joins in with the songs and that's always cute to see her do some of the actions and clap at the end. Today we had a Halloween party. Vanessa was unsure of the situation. Everyone had costumes on and the toys weren't out and the place was decorated. There were more kids than usual so with all that Vanessa hid under the slide for a while while she got her bearings. It didn't take long before she got out and played like her old self.

Vanessa was in heaven when the food came out. She had a huge snack. She had a plate full of food and went back for seconds. She ate so much she didn't have lunch but we did have dinner early. She had lots of healthy food but her favorite were the Cheetos. I got the wipes out right after snack.

On Tuesday the kids made trick or treat bags. Today they had a mock trick or treat. Vanessa wasn't sure what the fuss was about but once they put candy in her bag she walked of to a quieter place sat down and checked out her loot. She pulled off the wrapper from the lolly pop so I let her have it. It was grape flavour and she loved it. She sucked and drooled with it in her mouth all the way home. She wasn't impressed when I took it away to clean her hands before nap. That didn't last long because she loved playing in the soap and water.

Tomorrow we'll be dressing up for the actual day. Not sure what we're going to do though.

Miss Manners

Vanessa is learning new words fast. Most of the words are single syllables and need an interpreter to understand. She says "more" but it sounds like "bore". I've been waiting a long time to here her say Mommy. I'm going to have to settle for the sporadic. Bobby. She says Da and Pa for Daddy and Grandpa. I wonder what's next. Today she pointed out circles, squares and a star. I know it's all small stuff but it surprises me no less.
For the past week, Vanessa's had a new word. I didn't prompt her to use it so I was shocked when I realized she was saying Sorry. This morning Eric was getting ready to leave and Vanessa opened the gate to get by and she blocked his way and said Sorry. She is a little fuzzy on the concept still because she'll throw things on the floor and say sorry.
We've started asking her to say please. It works like a charm because she's so happy to use her new words on anyone. This afternoon she handed me her cup and said Bore Please. It's progress!

Kieran, Christine and Tim stopped by today to hang out. Vanessa loves her little cousin. She gets really close with her eyes really wide to soak him all in. She kisses him and touches his head and says Soft. It's so adorable. I'm glad that she's old enough to be gentle with him and to young to pick him up. When he cries she puts her hands out to hold him. She's to small but it's sooo sweet. I look forward to seeing them grow up together.

Cool video

Vanessa's Swimming progress

This morning I got off my lazy butt and went to check out Vanessa swimming. She now wears a floating bathing suit and can really get around. She has a grin on her face the whole time. She's the youngest in the class but that doesn't stop her. She can swim circles around them. I patched together some video. It's a little grainy but you get the idea.

Introducing Kieran

On Saturday, October 11th Christine and Tim welcomed their first born into this world. Kieran was born 7 1/2 lbs and 20 inches. I'm so happy for the three of them. Everyone is healthy and beaming with joy.

Dance, Dance whereever you may be...

Vanessa loves music. She finds music everywhere. Sometimes I see her dancing to the rhythm of bread cutting and this week-end she danced to table pounding to incite the bride and groom to kiss. It was a lovely ceremony and a fun reception. Vanessa's favorite parts were the fruit loops (to keep her busy), the chocolate mousse, running down the hall with her friend Brianna and the live band. Salty Dog played at the wedding. Vanessa's eyes opened wide when they started to play. She was determined to get up on stage with them. Hopefully they'll still be playing when she's a teenager and she can join them.