Tag Archives: Mom

December 2nd, 2018

Ella sleeping with her BFF, Margaret

“IT SNOW!”

Eleanor getting all bundled up for her first time playing in the snow as a toddler

The family that shovels together…

“COLD!” -Ella, reporting on scene that the snow is also bright

It was enough snow for short legs to need an extra hand

After a while she settle into her own little routine of effectively walking laps around the front yard through the snow. Mom and dad aren’t sure quite what’s going on, but she certainly had a mission in mind

Meanwhile Des is more than busy redistributing snow around the yard

Toddling in a Winter Wonderland

After a few laps with dad, she’s decided to go once solo…

Ella gets in on the clearing snow action

Yes, he’s shoveling the front yard. And clearly making a “snow mountain”

Monkey see, monkey do

The chef hard at working making a “snow pizza”

December 1st, 2018

On the most recent trip to the Asian Market, dad was walking towards the produce when he noticed the sound of Desmond’s footsteps no longer behind him. In the less than 10 seconds, Des had spotted the tub of blue crabs, found the tongs and managed to pick up a crab-

During a holiday gathering with friends, the coffee table transforms into a kids banquet table

Seasonal entertainment with Frosty the Snowman

But while the other kids just watch from wherever they were playing, Des and Ella immediately assume “movie night” position on the couch with blankets

Ella saying goodnight to everyone, with (self-imposed) mandatory hugs, kisses AND high-fives

November 25th, 2018

Hanging out under the tree while dad cajoles into lighting one final year

No, she’s not sleeping. Her “put ALL the things to sleep” hobby has evolved into herself as well.

“Awake,” Ella joins the rest of the family decorating the tree.

Desmond now has about a 50% accuracy rate, where only half need resetting by mom or dad as he fetches the next ornament.

Practicing a strict “look, but don’t touch” policy, Ella gazes at one of eight Snoopy ornaments

Des placing his special Darth Vader ornament

Des placing the star upon the tree

First viewing of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

November 24th, 2018

Saturday morning cartoons with Daniel Tiger. If it wasn’t for the abundance of quality EQ concepts for kids and valuable parental insights, it’d hard to read or watch the same thing so frequently.

Barn version 22, now with rocket-powered tractors

Writing birthday thank you cards, with careful supervision of the glitter markers. Ella is sticker captain.

First viewing of Frosty the Snowman

Des assisting dad make sushi

Des trying out a new set of trainer chopsticks while Eleanor tries out her new hand-me-down set

Taking much longer than dad expected, the first course of shelled edamame provided the right level of food and entertainment.

Edible.

A land speed record for consumption, from the little zen masters of the slow food movement

He had to resort to the prior chopsticks, still a bit too much to coordinate with four-year-old-sized hands

Thanksgiving 2018

The lego barn from last night gets a complete renovation

“YAY” for parades!

Eleanor checking on dad’s bread

Have to wear ear protection when watching marching bands, apparently this includes TV appearances as well

While there is a linear limit to track lengths in the living room, Des is eager to explore the limits. With a little help from the cow.

Ms. Lounge

…continued.

There was a bit of a mixup on meal/nap timing, with Eleanor eventually shifting into the ultra-rare “full gutted velociraptor mode.” Knowing time was of no use to the situation, dad resorted to driving her around in the car until she passed out. Even Eleanor’s inner strength and persistence is no match for being tired in a car on the interstate. Ten minutes into the nice fall drive towards the Loess Hills Scenic Byway (strategically selected for the sleeping-supporting shady ravines), she was out cold.

Des and Viv playing some variant of Go, obviously to their own rules

Saying “hi” to the chickens

Aunt Megan graciously giving shaggy Des a haircut

Pre-dinner arts and crafts time

That’s a Thanksgiving wrap

November 17th, 2018

Des helping dad fix mom’s new office lounge chair in grandpa’s garage

If an object has wheels, it will be ridden

Grandpa showing Des how flutes are made

Ella surveys the fresh falling snow, baguette in hand

Early Thanksgiving dinner at grandma’s house, Ella has found her legos

At age two, Eleanor has already perfected her perplexed-reading-instructions face

And of course dinner breaks out into a verse or six of “Baby Shark”

She found a minion!

Everyone humoring dad/brother/uncle for a family photo

That’s a cute cousin set

November 7th, 2018

The rare morning breakfast bar, with Max

Donning her chef hat for a cookie baking session

Few gifts have seen maintained the attention span like the tea set, cookie set and birthday cake

A Very Butterfly Birthday

Eleanor riding the birthday whale into her second birthday

Up close and personal with SO many butterflies, it was a magical birthday morning

Birthday hugs…

…followed by mom’s famous (birthday) blueberry muffins

Yeah, they’re that good.

Naturally.

It wouldn’t surprise anyone that she got up there all by herself.

Can you say “birthday envy?”

Aptly making a cake for sister

Exchanging family gifts, Des’ card

Pure joy upon opening her own Margaret Tiger stuffy

Combining two of her current passions- Margaret Tiger and putting any object to sleep with a blanket

She pretty much has stethoscopes figured out

New Daniel Tiger story book, and brother isn’t complaining

Let the wild, pink-spangled butterfly rumpus begin!

Reading with ma

…followed by asking grandma to read the exact same book again.

Grandma cheerleading taking bites with the slow/distracted eating crew

Weeks candle-blowing training comes down to one moment…

Nailed it!

Cake!

Saying good-bye to Ol’ Monkey Butt

The many faces of cake euphoria (during)

After cake, as you’d expect

All clean

Silly goose [mouseover/tap]

“Oh look,” the monsters shout. “It’s 6:08! Your present opening cannot wait!”

Cookie baking as a companion set to the much beloved tea set

Ella takes the same creative liberties to opening cards as she does bucking convention while eating sandwiches layer-wise

The birthday Hug of Thanks tour starting with grandpa

Kisses with ma

Cousin Cal, one of the finest huggers known east of 72nd st.

Dr. Des and Dr. Cal checking up on the llama patient

“It’s ok, her throat beat is strong!”