whitney, ted, sydney and soren

I'm walking!

2009-12-06T15:40:00.000-08:00

For the last few weeks I've taken a step or two at a time, but today I really walked for the first time! Daddy and I were playing with my socks, and as he moved to the other side of the room, I walked from the chair over to him to try and get them back. Two videos below!

Soren playing "Night-night/Wake-up"

2009-08-10T15:35:00.000-07:00

Mommy and Daddy keep trying to teach me to play peek-a-boo, but I wasn't so interested. Instead, I like to pretend I'm asleep and then I rollover to wake up and laugh! It's funny when we all play it together, too. Games are so fun.

I'm Still a Rockstar, I've Got My Rock Moves

2009-07-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

The best part of our visit with the Tallmans was Sydney dancing with Grandma Nora and singing "Twinkle, Twinkle". An 80+ year age difference means nothing when you are singing and dancing.

Dancing with Grandma Nora

Hawaiian Dancing

Turn up the volume to hear Sydney sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"

Visit with the Tallman Family

2009-07-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

We had a fun visit with the Tallman's in Bakersfield on the way to and from LA, where we were able to spend good time with Courtney, too. I was so glad to finally meet them after all the fun things Sydney had told me. We had fun making up for lost time, and I could definitely get used to all the attention and kisses from Joan and Kristen. We even had lunch at the club with Joey. Sydney loved running circles around the house, being chased by Joe and me, and finally warmed up to the dogs by the end of the trip. Next time, we'll take a trip on the boat, preferrably in a lake not in the pool, as Sydney suggested.

Ready to go on the boat... next time.

Sydney splashing in the pool with Kristen. She did swim with Mommy.

Breakfast with Courtney in Beverly Hills.

So Big!

2009-06-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

Mommy, Daddy, and Sydney have been trying to teach me to raise my arms and say, "Soooo Big" when they ask me, "How big is Soren?" Well, we finally caught it on video and have some photos. Of course now I do it all the time, but usually I just want someone to pick me up.

Towers visit

2009-06-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

Sue and Denny were in town visiting friends and were able to come over for lunch and meet me! I stared at Denny the whole time, and Sydney was so glad to have more friends to see her toys and play with her. We had a great visit and will get to see them again in Bakersfield and later this summer, when I get to meet Sophie!!

Soren's got a girl

2009-06-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't see as many babies regularly as Sydney did when she was my age, but I'm working on it. There are three baby girls in our playgroup. We went to a playdate with some of them recently, and I couldn't stop staring at Calleigh. We liked making each other smile, and she made me drool. Mommy had to take our picture, since we were so cute.

Laughing all the way home!

2009-06-08T22:31:00.001-07:00

I am a happy little guy, and I just got happier! Today I let out my biggest and best laughs yet! My laugh is pretty funny, and Sydney even makes me squeal! Mommy and Daddy think the pom poms make me laugh even harder. (It's just a show to see how hard they'll laugh, too - shhh, don't tell.)

Rollover, Rollover...

2009-06-03T17:45:00.000-07:00

I rolled over today from my back to my tummy, and Mommy caught it on video! Woo hoo! I'm almost 6mos (5 3/4 months) and I weigh 19lbs 4 oz. Mommy was shocked that I weighed less than 20lbs. I don't go in for my official 6 month visit until July, so I can see our pediatrician (I went in today for a yucky cold). I am still waiting on these teeth to finally come in. All I have now is a whole lot of drool!

Be patient with me, it takes me a bit to finally roll in the video.

Laughing

2009-05-31T09:33:00.000-07:00

I'm a pretty happy guy and I sure love to laugh, but I don't always perform on demand. It's a two person job to get me laughing and capture it on video. Enjoy!

I love my brother

2009-05-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

"Soren really, really likes me, and I love to make my brother laugh." I like to give him baby toys, and I am learning to be careful with toys that are dangerous for him. I really don't like it when he pulls my hair or tries to play with my toys, but we sing and laugh a lot during the day. We're friends, and we even look alike.

The ballet

2009-05-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

Mommy and I had a girls day today with Madeline and her mommy, Allison. We went to see the matinee of The Little Mermaid Ballet (shortened Hans Christian Andersen's version, not the Disney version). I really wanted to dance ballet, even though Mommy kept telling me we were going to watch other people dance ballet at the show. After the show Mommy took a video of Madeline and me dancing. Madeline wanted to be Prince Eric and I was Ariel. We had a great time, and it was fun to get dressed up and go to the theater.

Waiting for the show to start.

Showing off my ballet moves with Madeline.

After the show, we go to see the ballerinas and look at the costumes. This is Ursula. She was very good, but I was afraid of her make-up. The Little Mermaid was my favorite, especially since she was pink.

Look, no hands!!

2009-05-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting on my own now. No hands, Mom!!

Sitting with my sister.

Mommy thinks I looks a little like a picture of Haden.

Sibling fun

2009-05-28T21:37:00.000-07:00

Sydney likes to climb up on the side of my crib and talk to me. Today she put all of my stuffed animals in the crib while I was in there. She likes to make me laugh, and I love to watch her, as long as she doesn't startle me. That makes me cry. Here's a video of rare footage that Mommy is always trying to capture - Sydney singing and me smiling at her.

Jake and Baby Nathan come to play

2009-05-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to have Jake come over and play with my summer backyard toys! We were able to play with the water table and croquet set, but it was too cold and windy to use the pool/fountain. Soren and Baby Nathan played on the blanket, and we all ate pizza for dinner!

I wanted Jake to play dress up with me, so Mommy showed him all of my hats. Jake wanted Soren to wear the viking hat! He looked pretty funny.

My first food

2009-05-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

I am a hungry guy, and I wish I could eat all of the yummy food my family eats. I know this rice cereal stuff may not look as delicious as Mommy's chicken and noodles, but I LOVE it!

The first time Daddy fed me, I couldn't wait for the next bite!

Happy Faces

2009-05-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

Now that I am smiling more often, it's easy to catch my many happy faces, smirks, giggles, and grins.

This is one of Mommy's favorites.

Teddy Bear Picnic at Preschool

2009-05-19T23:07:00.000-07:00

For the end of the year celebration of our first year of preschool, we had a Teddy Bear Picnic one night with all the families (most anyway). We brought our own picnic and a teddy bear. I chose to bring the one that was Mommy's and is wearing a Baylor t-shirt, because it is really special to me. After the picnic, we sang some of our favorite songs for the parents. It was a lot of fun. In the video, you can't hear the singing very well, but you can hear me at the beginning!

Jumpin' for Joy!

2009-05-11T21:36:00.006-07:00

I love to jump and spend a lot of time in my Johnny Jumper. I also like my exersaucer, and now my legs and back are very strong, which is helping me sit better and push with my legs. I'm a busy boy, until my sister walks in the room, and then all my attention is on her. This is the beginning of my life when every time she says "jump", I say "how high?".

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T21:36:00.005-07:00

We spent the weekend as a family, celebrating Mother's Day. We had a fun day at lunch in Half Moon Bay (I slept) and drove up the coast to find a beach to play on. We found a great place, and hiked down to Montara Beach (I slept on the hike). Mommy helped Sydney build a sand castle, but all she wanted to do was "break it". At least she's getting ready for the wild energy I'm going to unleash on her stuff someday. We spent Sunday at home after church, just playing and relaxing. This was just what Mommy wanted for Mother's Day weekend, and she was happy to have some time with just the four of us.

My sister is already a little priss - no peeing in the bushes for her!

Daddy and Sydney on the cliff

Building sand castles

There were a lot of waves and they were pretty big and fast. No wonder so many surfers come here.

"Super Soren"

My mommy loves me!!

Sydney loves to say, "Look, he's laughing" or "I want to make my brother laugh". And of course I think she's pretty funny, so I laugh too.

This is about as happy as I get!

Mommy and Sydney in our backyard on Mother's Day

Sydney's favorite thing these days is picking flowers. Last week she and Mommy cut roses and callalilies from our yard and put some in every room in the house.

Sitting!!

2009-04-09T22:25:00.002-07:00

Today Soren sat on his own for the first time. Mommy calls it the "tripod" position, since Soren is putting his weight on his hands to sit up. We were so excited, and I pulled out my pom-poms to cheer him on. Yea Soren!

Soren's First Smiles

2009-02-18T15:04:00.000-08:00

I'm smiling! Mommy finally caught it on camera. I smile a lot, especially when Sydney is around. Life is better when I smile.

Family Outing

2009-02-15T14:27:00.000-08:00

We took our first "family of four" outing to Muir Woods for the day and dinner in Sausalito. I had fun looking at the tall trees, the trees that fell down, and the trees where you could see inside. We talked about the animals that might live in the forest (my new favorite word) and why the trees fell down. Soren slept most of the time, but we all had fun!

Family Dinner Out

2009-01-31T14:03:00.000-08:00

We had our first family night out at The Counter for burgers & sweet potato fries! We all needed a change of scenery. Soren really wanted some fries!

Dinners and friends

2009-01-23T15:04:00.000-08:00

Well, we have been lucky to have so many friends bring us meals, send gifts, and let us know they are thinking about us and happy that I'm finally here. It's also nice to have folks come over for a visit, since we aren't getting out much, and Mommy and Daddy are so tired from being up all night with Sydney and me. We were so happy to have our good friends Christi, Karl, Jake and Baby Nathan over to play and have dinner. They couldn't believe how much Nathan has grown, and it was fun for me to meet all of the boys.

This is what I have to look forward to from my older sibling. ha ha!

Actually, Baby Nathan adores Big Brother Jake. Mommy was thinking tonight that she can't wait until Sydney and I can play together and make each other laugh like the boys do.

1 monh & growing

2009-01-11T15:03:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess it's time for me to tell you what I'm up to rather than let my sister do all of the talking. I'm finally growing after a slow start. I had to have fortified milk for a few weeks since my jaundice made me sleep a lot and I wasn't gaining enough weight. At two and a half weeks I weighed 8lbs 10oz.

These days I do a lot of eating, the sleeping thing, and listening to a lot of noise from Sydney. She is helpful though, and brings Mommy or Daddy a diaper or burp cloth when they ask her to help. She also likes to "read" stories to me when I'm in the bouncey seat or swing (my favorite place), as well as talk to me while I'm on my tummy or looking at the animals in my play gym (neither of which I like very much. Mommy tries to hold me and get me to sleep while she plays with Sydney, but I don't really like this and often tell her at a very loud volume, and Sydney soon follows my lead. At least Mommy can't complain that we don't have opinions!

Sydney wanted to help feed me "baby's milk" after practicing on her baby all morning.

Puttin' on the Ritz

2008-12-31T16:24:00.000-08:00

Before Gramma left to go back to Minnesota we wanted to take her out to the Ritz to see the coast and enjoy some lunch somewhere other than our house. :) We all enjoyed the drive and getting out for a bit. Hppy New Year to us!

Mini Golf

2008-12-27T15:03:00.000-08:00

We had a great time at mini golf with Tanta, Uncle Aaron, Lillian and Ellenora. Gramma stayed home with Soren so that Mommy and Daddy could both play with me. We all needed to get some fresh air.

This golfing thing sure is a lot of work!

Christmas

2008-12-26T15:02:00.000-08:00

Yea.... It's Christmas!!! We all went to our church on Christmas Eve and I watched my friends sing in the choir. It was so fun to go to Big Church and take my cousins, too. Soren was pretty good and only cried in the car because he was so hungry. We opened one gift on Christmas Eve and then we started early with presents from Santa (dollhouse for me and fire truck for Soren!!), stockings, and gifts for each other.

We stayed in our pj's most of the day while Mommy, Gramma, and Daddy prepared the food. Tanta and Uncle Aaron kept us entertained, and we all enjoyed a fun day together. Mommy was so glad to host everyone at our house!! We even introduced everyone to "Baby Jesus Cake", which has always been a special tradition in Mommy's family - chocolate cake with a plastic manger scene on top and birthday candles, so we can all sing Happy Birthday to Jesus.

We decorated Christmas cookies for Santa...and for us! Another fun tradition Mommy and I enjoy! (Daddy enjoys eating them, but we made him save one for Santa).

Tanta curled my hair, and it was so fun to sit like the big girls and have curled hair.

We wore our matching dresses to church for Christmas Eve.

Gramma's joys!

We all 3 opened our Christmas pj's to wear to bed (and everyone had special Christmas pj's to wear too!) Gramma also let us all open matching blue "twirly dresses", as Lillian calls them.

Writing my letter to Santa with Mommy's help. I told Santa what a good girl and good big sister I've been and what a good baby Soren has been. I asked for a dollhouse and for a firetruck with a fireman for Soren.

Santa Soren in front of our Christmas tree.

I LOVE my dollhouse, but I was more excited to play with the envelopes with our special gift from Great Grampa that Santa brought all the way from Fosston!

Santa brought Soren a firetruck... a loud one!

T'-shirt from Gramma!

Daddy and I opened my present to Soren... puppets to entertain him.

He didn't care much....

but I did my best.

Helping Gramma open my present that I made for her - a special coffee cup because she always drinks coffee first thing in the morning when we're awake together so early! Gramma taught me all about hot coffee.

Mommy and Gramma cooking Christmas dinner.

Everyone eating Christmas dinner

Getting the Baby Jesus cake ready.

What a great way to end our fun Christmas Day!!

McKies meet Soren

2008-12-24T15:02:00.000-08:00

Tanta, Uncle Aaron, Lillian and Ellenora came to visit for Christmas and meet Soren. We had a great time, and it was so fun to celebrate Christmas at our own house!! They all slept in an RV parked in front of our house... Christmas lights and all!

I was so excited to have Ellenora and Lillian come visit and play at my house! I think we played with all of my toys while they were here, but dress up was definitely our favorite.

Sweet Lillian loved being the big cousin to Soren.

Ellenora bought pacifiers or "nukkies" for Soren now that she's such a big girl and doesn't use them any more. She was so excited to give them to Soren!

Uncle Aaron was so excited to make orange juice from our fresh orange trees! The girls had fun, too!

Poor Gramma watched more Dora with us than a person should ever have to...especially at 5:30 AM. But she does it because she loves us!

Randaddy's visit

2008-12-22T15:02:00.000-08:00

Randaddy and Marti were scheduled to come the weekend that Mommy was scheduled to be induced, but Soren came early, and Marti was sick, so we missed her this visit. She sent Christmas gifts that we opened while Randaddy was here. (I opened the presents for Soren). Soren was excited to meet Randaddy, and I was proud to show off what a big girl I am.

Gramma meets Soren

2008-12-15T15:00:00.000-08:00

Gramma's first meeting with Soren. She was so excited to meet her first grandson at only 4days old! We had a great visit. She stayed for Christmas with the Tanta & family. Gramma and I had lots of fun, often at 5:30 or 6am, while Mommy and Daddy went back to sleep. (We had lots of nights when Soren and I were both awake in the middle of the night!)

The Cincus visits

2008-12-14T23:37:00.000-08:00

Sally, Elena & Alin came to meet Soren at the hospital Thursday night. They were so excited, especially after keeping me at their house all night and feeling the anticipation with me. They can to visit us at home a few days later, too bearing gifts. Thank you!

Soren Comes Home

2008-12-14T18:38:00.000-08:00

Mommy and Daddy decided to come home from the hospital Friday night since Mommy was sharing a room and wanted to be home. They had to go to the doctor the next day because Soren had some high jaundice levels and low weight gain (eventually requiring lots of doctor visits for weight checks). Anyway, we were all happy to be home for a night before DeeDee left.

Look how tiny he looks in the boucy seat!

Christi's visit

2008-12-14T13:56:00.000-08:00

Friday afternoon, Christi came to see us at the hospital and meet Soren. She brought me some gifts from Jake, and we were so happy to see her. We were lucky to have the Cincus and Schwoobs so close by to visit and keep me company! Thank you!!

Day 2 at the hospital

2008-12-14T13:36:00.000-08:00

The day after Soren was born, Daddy came home to spend the morning with me (and he was supposed to nap, but neiter of us really did), while DeeDee went to the hospital. I was so excited to go back and see Mommy and hold Soren. Of course, I didn't want to hold him for very long becuase I wasn't really sure what to do, but I think he is very cute and like to look at his tiny toes and fingers.

Hello World!!

2008-12-14T13:34:00.000-08:00

Hello! I'm Soren, and I'm so happy to finally be here and meet my family. I have a really sweet big sister, and of course, nice parents. I'll be letting Sydney keep her role as narrorator for awhile, but I may jump in with my two cents here and there. I'm definitely not going to be a wall flower, no sir! Thanks for all of the gifts and cards and messages to welcome me into the world. I sure am happy to be here.

DeeDee came to visit Soren

2008-12-14T13:19:00.000-08:00

DeeDee (aka Wendi, Mommy's sister) decided that she couldn't wait a month to come see Mommy & meet Soren, especially since he was coming 2 weeks early. So.... she flew to San Jose the day Soren was born & stayed for a quick 48hr trip (a few hours longer than her similar last minute trip when I was born). It was great for all of us because it meant Mommy didn't have to be alone much & I got to sleep in my own bed. Thank you Uncle Jon for letting her come!

Meeting Soren!!!!

2008-12-14T13:17:00.000-08:00

I am SO EXCITED to get to meet my Baby Brother Soren! I jumped up on Mommy's lap and got to see him. I kept saying, "it's Baby Soren." He was talking to me, and I told him I loved him so much! Mommy and Daddy were so glad that we had a happy day!

Soren at 1 hour

2008-12-14T13:14:00.000-08:00

After Soren was born, Daddy and the nurse took him to get cleaned up and make sure he was healthy. He was doing great and loved getting wrapped up in a warm blanket.

And here's Soren and Mommy spending quality time together. Mommy was so glad when the time in the nursery was over!

Soren Jacob Hillestad

2008-12-12T13:05:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to announce that I have a baby brother! Soren Jacob was born at 4:24 AM on December 11, 2008 at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, CA. He was 7lbs, 13oz and 20.5" long, and came about 2 weeks before his due date!

Spendnig the night at Elena's House

2008-12-11T12:57:00.000-08:00

Mommy and Daddy left for the hospital, so I got to spend the night at my friend Elena's house! She and her parents were so nice to me!

The Big Night! December 10th!

2008-12-11T12:52:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday afternoon, Mommy wasn't feeling so good. Daddy came home early from work, and I heard them call the doctor. I think i will have a baby brother soon! I'm going to go spend the night with my friend Elena, and her mommy and daddy Sally & Alin.

Santa!

2008-12-07T12:45:00.000-08:00

I really like Santa, and I know that if I'm good he will bring me a present on Christmas. But I wasn't too happy this year sitting on his lap. We went to see Santa with my friend Jake, Baby Nathan, and Christi.

As long as Mommy held me, I was happy to see Santa, and I talked about him for a week.

Decorating the Tree

2008-12-01T12:39:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun decorating the Christmas Tree. We hung lights and ornaments, and on top we put a "dangel." Now whenever I see a Christmas Tree I look to see if it has a dangel on top!

Hanging Christmas Lights

2008-11-30T12:36:00.000-08:00

O' Christmas Tree

2008-11-29T12:23:00.000-08:00

On the day after Thanksgiving, we drove up into the hills between Los Gatos and Santa Cruz to find a Christmas Tree! I had so much fun running around and looking at all the trees. They were all "taller than Daddy!"

Mommy's belly

Daddy with his hatchet that made Mommy very nervous!

Elena's Birthday and the Beach

2008-11-20T12:48:00.000-08:00

In November, we were going to dinner in Santa Cruz to celebrate my friend Elena's 8th birthday, but since we didn't get to the beach much this summer, we decided to go and spend the day at the beach. The weather was beautiful - a rare Fall day of clear skies and mid-80 degree weather. We ended the perfect day with a yummy birthday dinner with the Cincus and Schwoobs. We always have a great time with all of them!

I may look like a diva, but.....

I love to play in the sand....

no matter how dirty I get.

"Oh, I love the beach!"

Happy Birthday to Elena!

Sally holding Baby Nathan

Jake likes my sunglasses.

Elena and I sat watching Sally's iphone and then she played with my hair - my first braid!

Jake LOVED the chocolate pudding.

Tea for Two (Mommy and Soren)

2008-11-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

Mommy's sweet friends wanted to do a little something to celebrate Søren's arrival and help us prepare for life with a boy. Joan and Kristen came up for the weekend and gave a tea with Christi and Sally for Mommy and a small group of friends. I got to come with Daddy for some cookies at the end. Everyone brought a book to add to Søren's library, but I'm already having fun reading them. Thank you to our friends.

Kristen and Mommy

Anna, Esther, Marielos, and Christi are mommies of my friends.

Mommy in the nursery (still in progress).

Silly Sydney and Fall Fun!

2008-10-09T23:10:00.000-07:00

These are just some fun photos that Mommy took over the summer and early Fall. Some of these are from her phone, since sometimes my funniest moments don't last long enough for Mommy to grab her camera.

I like to fold up paper and call it a "ticket" and keep all my special things in a bag.

Singing is what I do best....

and it's never to early to turn your hairbrush into a microphone.

Sitting in the cabinet of our antique radio cabinet.

Playing with sunglasses!

Why is it that dress-up is more fun when all you are wearing is a diaper?

Here are more photos from this Fall.

Daddy was so excited for us to see the Blue Angels at Fleet Week in San Francisco.

Fun at the Pumpkin Patch

Jake, Katie, and me.

Halloween

I was a princess for Halloween, and Mommy dressed up as a cowgirl. We went to a party at school and with my playgroup. We went to trick-or-treat with Sally, Alin, and Elena, and then played at Jake's house with Christi, Karl, and Baby Nathan. I had so much fun!

Fun in Minnesota

2008-10-09T23:00:00.002-07:00

We went to Minnesota twice in October, for Grandpa's wedding in Stillwater and my Great-Grandpa's 90th birthday party in Fosston. We also got to celebrate Gramma's and Lillian's birthdays (with cake!). I had a lot of fun spending so much time with my cousin's and Daddy's family. It was fun to see Fall in Minnesota, and we actually saw snow on the day we left for the airport!

St. Olaf, where Daddy went to school

All the girls opened matching Christmas pj's early from Mommy, and Gramma got to open Soren's. Perfect pj's for this Christmas, when Gramma and the McKies will come to our house for Christmas for the first time. We're so excited.

Great Grampa with all of the grandkids (Søren on the way).

Grampa, me, Ellenora and Lillian (right to left).

Mickey Party

2008-10-09T22:58:00.000-07:00

I had a Mickey birthday party! Lots of my friends came, and Gramma was here too. Mommy dressed me up in red and white like Minnie Mouse. We all wore Mickey ears and ate Mickey cake, and we had a Mickey pinata! I had so much fun, and I thought it was going to be my birthday every day!

Sydney BE 2!!

2008-09-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

For my 2nd birthday we had lots of celebrations! I helped Mommy make cupcakes to celebrate with my preschool friends at the park. At school they sang a special birthday song, and my friend Noelle and I got to be birthday princesses together, sit on the throne, and wear crowns and capes. Gramma came in town for my birthday, too. For dinner, I got to eat on the "I am Special" plate and then I opened lots of presents. What a fun day!

Tumbling fun!

2008-09-20T21:11:00.000-07:00

This Summer and Fall I'm taking a tumbling class with Mommy at Little Gym. Some of my friends are in my tumbling class, too. I love going to see Jake and Christi, and Baby Nathan. I've made a new friend, Sawyer, who I think is funny, and he likes to give me hugs. Dylan and Aaron and their mommies are in my class, too. Now, Enia and Marielos are in our class, too.

I've learned to walk on the low beam with bars and the high beam holding Mommy's hands (forward and backward), throw a ball, jump, do a sommersault (sort of ), hang from the bars, and even go upside down when Mommy (one time Daddy) or Teacher Dennis help me. It's funny, I'm sometimes so clingy to Mommy when we get there, but I always have a good time.

Run, run, run! My favorite thing to do is just run around and scream with my friends, especially Dylan. Mommy used to try to redirect me to practice a skill, but now she's just glad that I have a safe place to run free and scream that doesn't require her to chase me, tell me no, and that isn't in our house.

Swinging with Enia.

Teacher Dennis does bubbles at the end of each class, then we sing the good-bye song, and get a stamp. I love stamp time. I get one on each hand, each foot and even my belly!

Jake thought I was a horse, and I thought it was funny.

Daddy meets Sawyer.

I was so excited that Daddy came to tumbling the week of Mommy's birthday!!

This was my attempt at smiling for Mommy at lunch with Jake after tumbling. You can see that tumbling either winds me up or makes me pass out in the car on the way home. Mission accomplished.

Happy Birthday to Mommy

2008-09-16T21:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Mommy! We had a fun day together starting with lunch at Nordstrom's with Christi and Baby Nathan, followed by some shopping. I got to ride the cars and "ponies" (carousel) at the mall. Then we met Daddy for Mexican food near our house. It was yummy, and they even sang to Mommy and brought her dessert with a candle I got to help blow out. We came home and opened presents. We had a really fun day together.

Mommy introduced me to the tradition Mimi and Daddy-Sid practiced when Mommy was little. Mommy says Mimi called it an "unbirthday" present. Mommy bought me a soft Minnie Mouse when she was in LA for Alexis's baby shower. I love it and put Minnie to sleep in my room every night.

Daddy and I gave Mommy a card that sings "The Mickey Mouse Club" song. We loved listening to it.

Helping Mommy open presents from Daddy and me.

Road trip with Mommy to LA

2008-09-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

For Labor Day weekend, Mommy and I took a 5 day road trip to Bakersfield and Los Angeles (yes, I'm learning to say the name of the city where I was almost born). We left right after preschool on Thursday and had dinner with Kristen, Joey, Joan, and Joe's and spent the night at their house. I got to celebrate my birthday early! The next day we drove to LA to meet up with Allison and stay with Alexis and Mark for a weekend of baby showering, mostly for Megan. I even got to spend an afternoon at the beach, where Mommy's friends gave her a "Sprinkle" for baby brother. We had a great weekend visiting with good friends. Too bad Daddy had to work so much. Mommy was back in LA two weeks later to give a shower for Alexis and her baby boy on the way in January. Babies, Babies, Babies!

Joan and Joe are always so excited to see me!

I'm a doctor, just like Dr. Fazilat, my pediatrician.

Joey was nice enough to put my new car ramp and garage together. I love it, and the cars even make noise. Mommy has seen how much fun I have with Jake's cars and the old Fisher Price garage at Gramma's house that was Daddy's (one of Mommy's favorite toys when she was little, too).

Trying to read instructions to help Joey put the garage together.

Helping Megan and Michael open gifts for Baby James.

Everyone painted onesies for Baby James to wear.

I loved seeing Courtney & her doggies!

I'm a movie star!!

Karen & Matt gave us a baby "Doggen" for Baby Brother.

The whole group - Alexis, Allison, Courtney, Megan, Mommy, me, Matt, Emerson, Karen. Matt and Karen just happened to be down from San Francisco the same weekend.

Allison wanted to take Pixie home with her.

Mommy, Megan, and Alexis are all having baby boys within 3 months of each other, and September was the month for baby showers.

Two weeks later, Mommy was back in LA for a baby shower for Alexis.

Trains and books were the theme. Mommy and Megan made a train cake with candy on it, and Mark's cousin made the pretty candles.

Alexis and Mark got lots of things they needed for Baby C.

Karla and Alexis

I love the beach!!

Concert in Golden Gate Park with Baby Emmerson

2008-09-07T23:02:00.000-07:00

Daddy planned a day for us to go to Golden Gate Park to the Power to the Peaceful concert that we went to last year. Karen, Matt, and Baby Emerson met us there. We had a fun afternoon and enjoyed the great weather and music.

Matt and a happy Baby Emerson having fun in the park.

Daddy holding Emerson and me. (I'm getting much better at this)

I liked making him laugh.

Daddy had lots of fun holding Emerson.

Karen is a great mommy.

Party at my house!!

2008-09-06T23:01:00.000-07:00

My friends from the new moms group Mommy went to when I was just born get together to celebrate our birthdays every year (all of 2 years in a row). This year it was at our house and we all bring one gift to exchange. We had fun playing outside, although it was so hot! The mommies go to dinner for Moms Night Out, and we try to get together with daddies and kids when we can.

Katie and Enia playing on the slide Gramma and Tanta sent me.

Sitting in the shade with Katie. We don't get to see each other as much lately, but we used to take a tumbling class together every Friday. We have fun together.

Michaela spraying us with her water bottle.

Marielos showed me how to squirt water bottles with Enia.

Jake and Enia having fun.

Showing Diego my car and my toys.

Daddy holding Baby Nathan, Jake's baby brother. He was awake and looking at Daddy for a long time.

Our best attempt at a group photo:

Aaron, me, Katie, Michaela, Enia, behind me is Jake, Deigo and Tagore.

Go Go Pre-School

2008-09-01T21:10:00.000-07:00

I love going to preschool! I go on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, while Mommy "buys groceries". Mommy and Daddy both came with me the first day. During August, Mommy came with me a few days and then she stayed outside with the other mommies, since I didn't turn 2 until September. I am making good friends in my class and love my teachers.

We play outside first in the "tree house", sandbox, and water area, then we come inside and sit on the shapes to sing songs and read a story. (It took me a few classes to learn to sit still on the carpet, and that it wasn't the Sydney show when we all sang songs with the mommies). We have a craft each day after snack, but we get to choose what we want to do: pretend in the kitchen/dress up area, color, play with playdough or paint, wash plastic items that go with our theme for the week, or choose from many toys and books in the room.

Mommy is reminded of stories Joan tells about her preschool days, when she would sing the song of the day the whole way home and tell every detail. I love to sing the songs we're learning at school. Sometimes I sing songs that Mommy doesn't know, so she has to ask my teacher to figure out what the "real words" are to the songs I'm singing. We love singing together.

Go Go Airplane, See Gramma

2008-08-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

Summer is fun at Gramma's house, and the Minnesota weather is so nice. In mid-August, we rode another airplane to Minnesota to see Gramma, spend time with my cousins, Tanta and Uncle Aaron, and visit with Grampa, too. We had lots of time to play together, swim in Gramma's pool, and I even got to go with Gramma to pick up the girls at school. We'll get to see all of them a lot more this Fall, and they are coming to visit for Christmas after the baby is born. It will be so fun!

Pat-a-cake with Tanta and Ellenora

Snack time with Lillian and Ellenora.

Singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider" with Grampa.

Gramma read us a new book that I love so much, Mommy bought me one for our house. "One Duck Stuck"

Reading stories with Gramma is so much fun!

Being silly in Gramma's bed.

Daddy wanted to be silly, too.

Playing the piano is always more fun with a friend ... or cousin.

Hugs for Ellenora

On Saturday morning, we played outside with Lillian, Ellenora, Tanta, and Uncle Aaron all morning, and even went to Gramma's pool on Sunday.

Snack with Ellenora and Lillian on Gramma's porch. (I'm wearing Lillian's headband).

Reading with Tanta

We also went on Grampa's boat and celebrated his birthday.

Grampa let me lick the icing off the candle. What a treat!

Jake's Birthday

2008-08-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

Jake turned 2 and had a super fun sports themed birthday party a a cool park with a water feature (foutains shoot water out of the ground), which I loved. I hit a Mr. Potato Head pinata, my first real pinata experience. I had fun with Jake and our friends and was so happy for Jake. I can't wait for my birthday party!

Jake, Karl, and Christi

I love to give hugs to Christi.

Mommy showed me how to hit the pinata. I had a lot of fun!

Playing in the water.

Eating lunch with Michaela. She's a pro at this birthday party stuff.

I got nice and dirty in the sand.

Elena managed to stay clean.

Sally and Mommy had a lot of time to "chit chat" as Sally calls it.

Elena holding Baby Nathan. Jake's Uncle Vinny, a friend, and Jake's cousins Pauly and Luke.

Birthdays

2008-08-19T21:55:00.000-07:00

I'm gaining a better understanding of what birthdays are all about, and hopefully by the time I reach my birthday party, I'll know what to expect. I've sung Happy Birthday to Daddy, Tee (Marti), my friend Michaela, Grampa, Abbott and Ainsley, and soon will sing it to Jake and Deedee. Mommy taught me Harper's trick to sing Happy Birthday to myself when I wash my hands, so I wash long enough. I think that is my favorite.

Big Girl Bed!!

2008-08-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

We had a great visit to Deedee and Uncle Jon's house in July and spent some fun time with Abbott, Ainsley, Haden, and Harper. We went for Mommy to move some furniture to California from Dallas. One of the special things we moved was my Big Girl bed that Nana had made in Singapore when she was in high school. The bed was Deedee's and Mommy's, and now it will be mine. Mommy has been really looking forward to this, and it gave her an excuse to fill our house with lots of furniture that's been in our family since Nana, Mimi, and Daddy-Sid's days in Singapore, and that Randaddy wants us to enjoy.

When we visited Gramma, Tanta, Uncle Aaron, Lillian, Eleanora, and Grampa in Minnesota, Gramma wanted me to have a quilt that Grampa's mom made a long time ago. It's perfect for me becuase it's pink with lots of pretty colors! Gramma also gave two of Daddy's quilts that I am so excited about. I love to hide under them and call them "Daddy's blanket". Mommy and Daddy are so pleased with my new bed, and they bought me some pretty polka dot sheets with the colors that are in my quilt.

The rule is for me to sleep on the polka dots, so that I won't get off the bed and play. It worked the first couple days, but if I'm not tired at nap time, Mommy hears me open my door and sees me appear in the hallway. So far I haven't torn my room apart or pulled all of the diapers and wipes out of their containers, but Mommy is not holding her breath.

I'm going to have a Baby Brother!!

2008-08-01T20:16:00.000-07:00

Today I found out if I'm going to have a baby brother or sister. Mommy asked her friends to vote this week, and 18 people said H2 will be a girl, and 13 said H2 will be a boy.

Well, today we went to the doctor and I saw the baby on TV, and we found out I'll have a baby brother! I'm so excited to have a baby brother to play with, so we went to the store and I picked out a toy for him. I can't wait for everyone to meet him!

Arrival of Baby Nathan & Playing with Jake

2008-07-28T06:07:00.000-07:00

Baby Nathan was born July 19th. Mommy stayed with Jake overnight while Christi and Karl went to the hospital. A week later, Jake came over to play while Christi and Karl took Nathan too a wedding. We had so much fun, and I love watching Baby Nathan! Mommy keeps telling me that our baby will be that small. Wow!

Picnic with Jake

We were both covered in chalk after playing outside all morning

Watching the cars and motorcycles drive by

Jake showing me how to say hello to Baby Nathan.

Waco Pool Party

2008-07-27T23:59:00.000-07:00

Mommy and I spent an afternoon with Mommy's college friends and their kids. We ate pizza and swam at Miss Cari's mommy's pool. It was so fun to play with the big kids and meet the newest addition: Baby David. Mommy was able to visit with her friends while I took a little snooze, too.
Reese, Huston, and Shea surfing on the raft

Baby David and Baby Katie

Mommy and I showed off my swimming skills

Mommy's friends -- some drove down from Dallas, and Mary planned her trip from Baton Rouge so we could meet Baby David.

Texas - home for a short while

2008-07-27T23:53:00.000-07:00

Back in July, Mommy and I went to Texas to see my cousins (and move furniture from Texas that now takes up half of our house). We had a great time, and I loved playing with my cousins. Daddy was able to come for less than 48 hours, but we of course packed in a lot: BBQ at Rudy's and a day at the water park. Mommy and Daddy even got to go out to dinner with just Deede and Uncle Jon, which is a first ever in the last 7 years (as long as Daddy and Mommy have been together).

I had so much fun, that after we got home, I asked Mommy to sing the "Good Night Song" to Haden, Harper, Abbott, and Ainsley every night for weeks. This is why it's fun to visit cousins, so I remember until the next time, which won't be until after the baby is born.

Ainsley does not like to have dirt in her toes!

Abbott is often observing the happenings around him, and he's a pretty happy guy!

Caryl came to visit, and we had lots of fun playing together.

We also met April, Nick, and Baby Autumn at Rudy's BBQ for lunch - it's Daddy's favorite outing. Autumn is almost 1 and growing up so fast. I loved watching her eat lunch and talking to her.

Ainsley, Abbott, and I all love playing the piano, rather loudly. We also like dancing to songs on the Disney sing-a-long, Elmo, and the Wiggles. We all three caught a yucky respiratory virus, so there was extra TV watching with all my "breathing treatments.

DeeDee and Uncle Jon took us to the Waco Water Park while Daddy was in town, and we all had so much fun on the slide, in the lazy river, and in the fountains.

Daddy might have had as much fun as the kids!

Haden is so sweet to Ainsley and takes good care of her.

DeeDee and Uncle Jon also took Mommy and me to dinner at George's for fried pickles - yum! Mommy had not been there in years and doesn't remember ever eating their fried pickles... how did she miss that!?

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

2008-07-27T23:22:00.000-07:00

July 5th

2008-07-27T22:32:00.000-07:00

Mommy and Daddy celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary this year. They wanted to go out on a nice date, so Christi and Karl let me come over to play with Jake. We had a great time playing with Jake's toys and reading his books. I always have a good time with Christi and Karl, and they are so good to take care of me!

Washington DC - July 5, 2003

Southern California - one month

Boston, Mass -one year

Northern California - 5 years (there seem to be no photos of just Mommy and Daddy)

Looking Back...

2008-07-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

Jake's little brother, Nathan Vincent, was born this weekend to proud parents, Christi and Karl. Photos and more to come, but as Mommy slept on their couch while Christi and Karl were at the hospital, she couldn't stop thinking about my birth and wondering how things might be similar or different with Baby H2.

Tonight Mommy and Daddy spent some time looking back at blog entries they wrote when Mommy was pregnant with me. Mommy was surprised that she did a pretty good job of journaling during her pregnancy. She wanted to look back at photos of how pregnant she looked at different stages of her pregnancy after all of the "you don't look pregnant" comments lately, and Mommy and Daddy both needed help remembering when they first felt me move (21 weeks). They were also amazed at how much my ultrasound pictures look like me. We need to post some photos of Baby H2's first ultrasound, and we'll have more in a few weeks.

Mommy and Daddy could feel Baby H2 move and kick by 17 or 18 weeks, which is a lot earlier. The baby is also a lot more active than I was. I think the baby is a girl, but we'll find out soon!

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-05T09:39:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July! This year we spent the 4th at my friend Elena's house. Her mommy and daddy (Sally & Alin) were great hosts, and they made some great hot dogs and hamburgers! Jake was there, too, and some other friends. I loved playing with Sophia and Baby Simon. We had so much fun running around and playing in their backyard.

We liked just sitting insdie and playing, too.

Believe it or not, we had the most fun playing in a toy "house" that Alin made out of a cardboard box. We spent so much time hiding in there, and loved having our parents surprise us every time they opened the door!

Syd-ee hide!

2008-06-29T22:29:00.000-07:00

I have always loved hiding, and recently the activity has taken on a new level. Once I start hiding, Mommy and Daddy have a hard time refocusing my attention. "Hide, hide!" is what I say almost as soon as I show my face from under the blanket, shirt, or towel, you name it.

I don't have to hide with anyone else, but I have the most fun hiding with Daddy, probably becuase he has almost as much fun as I do. One afternoon I discovered Daddy hiding behind the floor pillows and under a blanket. This became my afternoon activity, which lasted for hours!

Beach Day!

2008-06-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

Mommy, Daddy, and I headed to Santa Cruz for the day for some beach time to celebrate Daddy's birthday and their 5th anniversary, which again was chilly and gray. We still had a great time. We happened to be there on the day of the "Woody's on the Wharf" festival. Mommy and Daddy loved seeing all the old cars and ... interesting people.

Ready to go with my sunglasses and phone, just like Mommy!

Woody's on the Wharf

Everything was pink: leather seats, stearing wheel, surfboard, and old fashioned suitcase.

Walking on the boardwalk with Mommy.

Checking out the beach scene.

Looking at the big waves.

We of course made time to watch the surfers.

A little stroll past the light house before we headed home.

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

2008-06-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

Mommy and Christi planned a fun day for Jake and me to go to this park that has been around for ages and is closing for improvements. It's called Happy Hollow. We met some of our friends there, Arun and Dylan, and Arun's mom, Param. We rode on the rides, played on the cool playground, and rode the train. We'll have to go back when it opens again!

I rode in the police car. I was so excited, but the fire trucks had really loud bells, and Jake was not happy about that. Mommy got a headache from all the loud bells.

Yea, cars!!

I'm having so much fun!

I loved the swinging octopus, who looks like Henry the Octopus on The Wiggles. I had a hard time standing up when the big kids came to play. I wonder if this is one of the things they'll be improving or if I can come back and play with it.

I had fun riding on the whale.

Jake liked riding on the elephant.

Here we come! There was a sllide inside this ladybug, and it was super steep. Mommy and I flew off and made a big bump.

We loved the little boating village.

Cute Christi and Funny Jake blowing kisses.

Mommy and I had lots of fun together!

My new favorite word since Gramma came to visit is "safe", so Christi knew I'd love the Safety House. It had pictures of what to do in case of a fire. It was just my size and way too small for Mommy.

Dylan on the fire truck.

Arun on the cars!

Mommy and me riding the dragon train.

Murphy Street Block Party

2008-06-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about where we live is that we're just a few blocks from downtown Sunnyvale, which has restaurants and shops along Murphy Street. Every Saturday there is a farmers market, and during the summer on Wednesday nights, they have a block party with a band and booths with food from local restaurants. We met our friends Sally, Alin, and Elena for dinner and music the week of Daddy's birthday. Elena was very entertaining during dinner, and helped me color and made me laugh, as usual. We did a little dancing in the street to the fun music. We can't wait to go back!

Dancing with Elena, she's a pro!

Elena and Sally are the ones who taught me the "Hey, Mama" dance.

Dancing with Sally!

I love Sally!

Princess Picnic

2008-06-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

The week Mommy and I were home recovering from our stomach bug, we decided to do something fun at home since we couldn't go to the park or see any friends. Mommy found some crowns for us to wear, and Elmo wore the flower sunhat. We set up my Princess table outside for lunch, so we could have a Princess Picnic.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

2008-06-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

Daddy's birthday was on a Monday, which means he had to go to work! While he was away, Mommy and I worked on some surprises for him.

First, we spent part of the afternoon baking a cake! I really liked helping Mommy mix the batter. And I look pretty cute in my apron!

Then we went outside and we created a Happy Birthday sign for Daddy on the sidewalk using all kinds of fun chalk! When Daddy got home, I was so excited to show him what we made, and pointed out to him all of the shapes that were there. We had everything from "square" to "triangle" to "flower" to "clouds!"

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Finally, we wrapped Daddy's presents, and I used my crayons to draw on his cards that of course had Minnie and Mickey on them. I also colored one of my other favorite people, Dora! I love watching other people open presents, and I try to help everytime!

I think Daddy had a great birthday with me! (that was before he and Mommy woke up with the stomach bug I passed onto them.)

Little Miss Talks-alot

2008-06-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, I hear it all the time. I talk a lot, just like Mommy, but Daddy was a big talker when he was little, too. Mommy and Daddy are always laughing at things I say, but I'm just telling it like it is. Stating the obvious or repeating what someone else just said. I am getting pretty good at my please and thank you's, but only because Mommy and Daddy remind me every time I ask for anything. Now I can say "Thank you, Mommy cup" or if I really concentrate "More milk please, Mommy".

I'm a little TOO friendly sometimes, because I talk to almost anyone I see, especially if they haven't noticed me yet. "Hi" is usually what I say (about ten times if they don't respond), but when Mommy asks me if I'm saying hi to the nice lady (to keep people from feeling uncomfortable at Safeway), I'll say "Hi, Lady" or "Hi, People".

People is a word I've known for awhile, but I'm now much more opinionated, and I've realized I don't always want to see or be around people, so I use it differently. (I do not get this from Mommy.) In the past two weeks, when a show that isn't animated is on TV when we turn it on, I am very adamant and slightly concerned in saying, "no people, no people" until Mommy can change it. For the first time this week, we were at a kids park and zoo, and I kept saying "no people, no people." Once Mommy explained that these people were kids who also wanted to ride the rides, I settled down... a little. The same happened when we arrived at the church pot luck, where all the kids were my friends. Once I saw the people that I knew, I was OK. Now Mommy has started preparing me for situations that will have lots of people and helping me notice other things besides the crowd.

My favorite word and answer to everything for a long time was "No", but now I also say "Yes" to a lot of things, especially after I've said no to everything and realize that isn't what I meant. This makes it hard for Mommy and Daddy to know what I want. When I was sick last Sunday, Mommy and Daddy were trying to figure out what was wrong with me. Daddy asked me if my tummy hurt-yes, head hurt-yes, mouth hurt-yes. Then Mommy asked me if my brain hurt, and of course I said "yes".

I'm usually very excited about everything I see, so I'll walk into a room and say, "oh, Syd-ee hat!" or "oh, coloring". because I'm so glad that I've just found it. In the morning when Daddy comes in to pick me up, I say, "oh, hello, Daddy!" If it doesn't start with "oh" it starts with "yea". "Yea, change you diaper" or "Yea, Mommy car".

Lately, I've been saying sorry a lot. At Nora's I would say "Sorry, Syd-ee" when someone else was supposed to apologize to me (repeating what the adult was telling the child). My newest thing is apologizing to one thing or person when I choose something or someone else (hmmm, sounds like a people pleaser in the making). "Sorry Mommy hold you" when Daddy holds me instead. "Sorry, Brown Bear" when I choose to read The Mitten instead.

I love to sing, and I'm starting to sing songs on my own like "Jesus Loves Me" and "ABCs". I learned a lot of fun songs by watching The Wiggles, and my favorite is "Play the Guitar with Murray" with the motions, I look like I'm putting on deodorant (which I also like to do). We have a nursery rhyme CD from DeeDee that we listen to in the car, and I knew "Jack and Jill "and "Mary Quite Contrary" from the book that goes with it, but now I know a lot more and will start saying "Hey Diddle Diddle" or "Little Miss Muffet" when I hear them on the CD.

Mommy and Daddy love that I can say so many things, but of course that also means always needing to decipher what I'm saying when it isn't quite clear enough, as well as responding to my many opinions and demands. This is just the beginning!

Fun with Jake!

2008-06-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

Christi and Karl were nice enough to let me come play for the afternoon the weekend after we moved, so that Mommy and Daddy could get some boxes unpacked. We had a great time playing in Jakes pool and being in their backyard. They are always so sweet to me. Here are some pics from mid-May!

2008-06-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

Mommy and I drove up to San Francisco to meet Karen and Baby Emmerson for a day at the beach down near the marina. We had a great time, even though it was a short visit. It turned out to be a rough day for all of us. Karen and Emmerson had just had a fender bender before we arrived, and Mommy and Daddy were up most of the night trying to decide if Mommy should go back to teaching next year. This was an incredibly hard decision for Mommy, since she worked so hard to build a strong program to help her students, and she really loved teaching at Egan. I'm excited that she'll be at home with me more, so we can play together and go fun places.

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T17:11:00.002-07:00

What more could Daddy ask for than to go out to Father's Day breakfast with Mommy, Gramma, and me and hold his sleeping little girl? Well that's how the morning started. I was wiped out after a fun weekend with Gramma, but now it was time to wake up and celebrate Daddy's special day.

After we said goodbye to Gramma, Mommy and I wanted to take him to the beach, and Daddy chose his favorite place: Half-Moon Bay Brewery, where we can have lunch on the water and watch the boats. Of course the weather was cold and gray, but we still had a good time coloring, playing, and we even stopped to ride the ponies on our way home. Mommy and Daddy were so proud of me for riding the pony and not being scared. A year ago I was afraid to even go near Tanta's pony, but now I'm much more comfortable around most animals. What a fun day!!!

"Sydney color!"

Sharing crayons with Mommy.

Bread... my favorite just like Daddy!

Notice the funny sign! hee hee

Look at me!!

Watching the bunnies run around.

Pony rides!

Ponies! Ponies!

Look, no hands!

And of course we couldn't end the day without a little fun in the back yard.

I'd still rather sit on the ball or watch Mommy and Daddy kick it than try to kick or throw it, but I know what it is: soccer ball!

Gramma comes to visit

2008-06-15T17:11:00.001-07:00

Kisses for Gramma! Gramma came to visit the day after Mommy finished school, and we were so excited to have her come. We spent a lot of time playing with my toys when I woke up early in the morning (Mommy and Daddy got to sleep in). Gramma loved seeing our new home and neighborhood.

We picked oranges so that we could show Gramma how we make orange popsicles.

Do you see me hiding behind the fence?

Here I am!

I love to put the holders in the juice for popsicles.

We also did some shopping to get out of the hot house, and Gramma bought me some new toys for the backyard. Mommy and Gramma put the car together, and Daddy put together my bike so that I could ride it to the farmer's market Saturday morning.

The word of the weekend was "safe". Now everytime we get in the car I make sure everyone is wearing their seatbelt, and I say "seatbelt and now we're safe". Mommy and Daddy love this because now they can tell me when I'm not safe and I understand it a little better (like when I won't sit down in my chair and stand in it instead).

Also, when I get into "Syd-ee car", I put on my seatbelt and say "click! Now safe."

Riding the bike in my PJs.

Let's go to the market.

Gramma and I played with all of my toys, read lots of books, and sang songs. She gets so excited about all of the new things I've learned since she last came to visit.

Newport & Edwards Anniversary Party

2008-06-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

Mommy and I spent a weekend in Newport Beach with Randaddy and Marti, the Tallmans, Towers, and Garons for the Edwards' 40th Anniversary party. My favorite part was getting dirty in the sand on the beach and playing in the waves! Marti and Randaddy helped Mommy take me in the waves, and even though the water was cold, I wanted "more waves, more waves" and cried when Mommy said we were finished.

I had lots of fun with Randaddy and Marti at the beach.

Snuggling with Randaddy

Joe's toast at the party. Bill and Nancy had a great time.

I sure had a great time.

Amy and Aaron sat with us at dinner. Amy did a great job planning the party.

Aaron and I had fun throwing sugar packets.

Chocolate cake!

Courtney always makes me smile. There aren't any pictures of me with Kristen because she took most of them, but Kristen and Courtney were the only people I asked to hold me. I was a little anxious around all the people. Courtney took me out to see her chihuahuas, Chester and Pixie, who were hangin out in the car while we ate dinner.

This was the first time the Tallmans saw me pet and hold one of Courtney's dogs. I've come a long way from being nervous around them to actually holding one. Pixie is just my size.

Hugs for Joey at his graduation party! His relatives joined all of us at the Tallman's place for brunch to celebrate his 8th grade graduation and start of high school.

I love Michael. We spent a little time together at Easter and I loved watching him hunt for his eggs. I hugged him as if I'd just seen him last week. I think I was so excited to see someone closer to my age.

He even read my books to me. He's so sweet. Jake might have some competition.

Mommy let me swim even though I wasn't in my swim suit, and she took me in the waves.

Getting ready to go in the waves.

Playing in the sand with Autie Eve and Michael.

We were sad that beach time was over, but I wanted to go home to Daddy.

Big Sister!!

2008-06-06T21:53:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to tell everyone that I'm going to be a Big Sister!!!

Shop til you drop!!

2008-06-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

Play Jake! Play Jake!

2008-05-31T17:09:00.000-07:00

Jake came over to play at our new house, and I had so much fun showing him all of the fun things I like to do! I was so excited waiting for him to arrive, and whenever Mommy tells me that we're going to see Jake and Christi, I always say "Play Jake! Play Jake!" Jake is my best friend and we are lucky to see each other everyday during the school year, but next year I'll be going to preschool. Jake doesn't get as excited about seeing me as I do about him. He plays it COOL, but I know he loves me, too.

Jake and I had so much fun playing in the tunnel!!

Daddy might have had the most fun, though. We were moving so fast that most of the photos turned out blurry.

I'm wearing the pretty dress that Christi bought for me, as I show Jake all of the fun food and cooking tools in my kitchen.

Jake loves throwing balls, so he loved playing with our balls that light up when they hit the ground.

Say "grilled cheese!!" I love my princess table and chairs, and Jake and I had a great time climbing in and out of the chairs.

Snuggling with Jake after nap time.

Jake and I helped Mommy pick oranges in the back yard. (Notice the soccer ball is never far from Jake).

Look at Jake kick that soccer ball!!

He and Daddy had a great time, while I was....

smelling the flowers and...

taking care of the fruit. I just can't kick the ball as well as Jake yet, but I'll be competitive soon enough.

New House! New House!

2008-05-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, so we're renting, but I still like saying "new house!!" In mid-May, we moved into a nice house near downtown Sunnyvale (5 mins from Daddy's office). Now we have a backyard, a big playroom, and a third bedroom, not to mention just more space in general. We did downsize on bathrooms, and are learning to share just one.

Mommy and Daddy have been talking to me about us packing up all of our toys, clothes, books, and "stuff" in boxes. I was at the house for a little bit the morning that the movers came for our "stuff" to watch it leave our old apartment. We even went back to clean up and say good bye to my old room. Mommy is so excited about our new house, but she was really sad to leave the first place we lived as a family.

Here are some photos of our new house. We have lots of rose bushes, a few calalily bushes, three orange trees, a lemon tree, peach tree, apricot tree, and plum tree! We are learning a lot about gardening.

Pointing to our "stuff" all packed up.

Ready to move!

Daddy and me in our new living room.

My playroom was the staging area while we unpacked all of the boxes, but all I needed were my kitchen and a few toys.

Once Mommy and Daddy unpacked the boxes, Jake and I had lots of room to play!

We have the an original "retro" stove. Mommy really likes it, even though it's probably as old if not older than she is.

Mommy's kitchen - lots more cupboard space! The playroom is an add-on, so Mommy can actually look through the window and watch me play.

The front of our house.

Roses along the side of our driveway.

Some of our beautiful roses that didn't die off during the heat wave the week we moved.

Calalilis in our backyard.

Ready for summer!

Baby Emerson

2008-05-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

Our friends Karen and Matt had their baby on Mother's Day weekend! He's a cute, little, baby BOY!! Emerson is his name, and we went to see them in the hospital on Sunday afternoon. Karen had a very long labor, but Matt was a good help to her, and they are doing great at home.

We went to see them at their house when Emerson was 3 weeks old. I played with his toys and watched him sleep. I don't really like it when Mommy or Daddy holds him. It's just hard for me to understand, but I am getting better. I really love saying "Baby Emerson!"

Karen, Matt, and Baby Emerson!

Hugs for Matt!!

Mommy sat next to Karen so that I could see how tiny and cute Baby Emerson is.

Mother's Day

2008-05-11T20:52:00.000-07:00

On Mother's Day, Daddy and I took Mommy to a yummy lunch in Los Altos for Mexican food. Mommy was so glad just to have a weekend at home. Of course, we spent it packing boxes, since we're moving into a house! Yea! Pictures coming soon.

Kisses for Mommy!

I'm usually a really happy girl, but for some reason when I travel my "happy mood" likes to hide.

Walking with Daddy...

CHEESE!!!

You may have noticed that I like to stop and smell the flowers. Well, I stop and smell everything, even if it doesn't smell!

But I have fun doing it!

LA/Santa Barbara

2008-05-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

Mommy and Daddy's good friend Megan married Michael Pennie in Santa Barbara. Mommy went to LA early for the pre-wedding festivities, and Daddy and I met up with Mommy in Santa Barbara. We had a fast but fun weekend. Here are a few photos of our fun time... most of them are of me, of course. Mommy and Daddy love to take my picture.

Mommy, Megan, Allison, and Elizabeth in Redondo Beach at the shower for Megan and Michael.

Megan and Michael's rehearsal in Santa Barbara.

I ran around the rows of chairs while we waited for Mommy to finish her bridesmaid duties.

Having fun with Daddy.

I always stop to smell the flowers.... no matter where they are.

Yea!!!!

Karin and Brad at the rehearsal dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold, now!

Marc, Alexis, Allison, Dabney, and David.

I love telling everyone that I'm "one half" (really I'm one AND a half).

Dancing at the rehearsal dinner.

Kisses from Mommy.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Pennie.

Mommy, Laura, and baby Sabrina at the reception.

Daddy, Mommy, Allison, and me. We had such a good time!! It's been fun to see everyone so much in the last month.

Megan dancing the night away!

Alli and Megan having a blast together.

Marc and Lex

High five for Karla. She is so sweet to me!

Alli dancing with her Daddy, Jerry. Mommy has known Allison, Alexis, Jerry and Karla for ages. Jerry went to Baylor with Randaddy.

Mommy and me blowing kisses to Alexis and Marc.

Bluebonnets

2008-04-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

Well, if you aren't from Texas, you might not know what a big tradition it is to take pictures in the fields of bluebonnets, the state flower. Marti bought matching outfits for Ainsley, Abbott, and me, so we took the opportunity to take pictures in our cute new outfits in the bluebonnets and surprise them with pictures.

Waco!

2008-04-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

When our flight was cancelled home from Tampa a month before our departure, Mommy and I were able to arrange a stop over in Texas for a few days on our way back home. Mommy had some things to take care of, and I was able to play a lot with my Texas cousins, see Mommy's friends, and of course eat a Rudy's. Randaddy and Marti came down to visit, too, but that is a separate post (Mommy's camera died). We had a great time during our visit, and Mommy and Dee Dee never seem to get enough time together.

Driving with Haden at Rudy's

Going, going, gone....literally.

Playtime!!

Baby Autumn and April met us for lunch. It was so fun to see how much she has grown up since we saw her last. April looks fantastic and seems very happy being a mama!

Kissin' Cousins

Ainsley smiling and showing off her happy side. She really likes Mommy!

Abbott is a pretty happy guy most of the time... especially considering he'd just been in the hospital.

Cheese! I loved playing with the "new" toys at DeeDee's house.

It was so fun to spend a day with Haden and Harper. We went to Baylor for Diadeloso ("Day of the Bear"). It's a day of celebration every year and most classes are cancelled. Students put on games, shows, and activities for students and faculty kids. Haden took good care of me.

DeeDee and Harper showed me the horse that the Baylor Riding team brought to the intramural fields. I actually pet him. Yea, me! I'm becoming less afraid of animals.

Harper and Haden at the Diadeloso obstacle course.

Rockin' out with Harper to a band at Diadeloso.

Wendi and Jon enjoying a moment where they aren't having to coralle 4 little people.

We were able to coordinate a two hour block that Mommy, Donna, Cari, and Jenny all had in common to see each other with kiddos. April and Autums were able to come, too, so that she could meet some of Mommy's friends.

Hugs for Morgan

Cari with Katie

Mommy with Katie, not my happiest moment. I get very upset when Mommy holds someone else.

Autumn and Katie are only a month apart.

Donna and Huston, sporting his red shades.

Tampa!

2008-04-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

We drove from Key West to Tampa, FL to see some of Daddy's good friends that he grew up with in Minnesota. Sarah moved to Florida a few years ago, and Brooks and Chris followed shortly after. They are all very happy, and this was our first chance to meet Ben, Sarah's boyfriend.

We had a relaxing weekend that included lots of eating, visiting, napping, and watching the Masters. Sarah took us to the zoo on Monday morning, and I had a great time. It was actually a huge achievement for me, as I was not as afraid of the animals as I usually am. I even helped feed the goats and pet the giraffe. If you've ever seen me around dogs, you know that this is HUGE!

Standing on the railing trying to see the monkeys. I loved all the different kinds of monkeys.

The best part about his zoo was being so close to the animals. Daddy, Sarah, and I walked up the ramp so that we were at the same height at the giraffe's head. We didn't feed the giraffe, but I put my hand out to touch him.

Petting the goats with Mommy. Sarah bought us some food to give them, but Mommy freaked out when one of them jumped on her, so we just threw it on the ground and watched them eat it.

Daddy loves this photo of me just walking, but this is why Mommy can't let me more than 6inches away from her or I disappear and cause her a panic attack!

Look closely, and you'll figure out what we are doing.

Tea party with Ben.

Walking with Sarah to Brooks and Chris's house. I love pushing my stroller. Can you even see me behind the hat and sunglasses? I'm in disguise.

Sarah, Ben, me, and the alligator at Chris and Brooks's house for dinner.

Chris is pregnant, and she and Brooks are expecting a boy in May. We brought them a pirate shirt for Baby Yeager (Daddy's friends try to come up with the best pirate jokes), similar to the pirate outfit they gave me when I was born.

Karin & Brad's Wedding

2008-04-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Karin and Brad's wedding was in the backyard of the gorgeous and historic Audoban House, and the reception was on the boardwalk in front of the hotel, right on the ocean. It was a beautiful wedding, and I was so lucky to be there. I was actually quiet almost the entire time, and no one else heard me when I did make some noise. I loved dancing to the music, seeing Mommy and Daddy's friends, and chasing after the roosters at the Audoban House.

Hugs for Daddy.

Brad and Karin dancing. This might be a rare shot of Brad!

Dancing with Allison and Karin was SO much fun!!

"Happy Wedding" and "Karin Wedding" were my new phrases for the weekend.

Family photo at the wedding

Key West - Vacation and Sunset Cruise

2008-04-10T21:06:00.000-07:00

When Mommy and Daddy lived in Washington DC (before they were married), Mommy shared a house with her friends Karin and Allison. Karin got married in Key West so I got to go along too! We had fun walking around town, swimming at the hotel, and dancing at the wedding! Here are pictures of us relaxing and of a sunset cruise Mommy and Daddy went on without me.

Strolling on the pier near the wharf.

Breakfast on in Key West. Every time I see a camera I say "cheese," but it actually makes my face look funny!

Bashful Sydney at Breakfast

Mommy in front of our hotel.

Sara, Allison, Megan, Karin, Leslie and Mommy on the sunset cruise

Allison, Megan, and Mommy on the cruise

Sunset in Key West

Mommy loved all the funny places we saw on our drive down to Key West from Miami. It was a gorgeous drive, but I slept most of the way since I slept very little at night on this trip.

I think mostly it made Mommy miss living closer to the ocean.

I made some nice friends at the pool, and we jumped in the water at the same time. They also played "who can make the biggest splash", which I loved!

Pool time!!

The Wiggles Show!

2008-03-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

Mommy and Daddy really surprised me with a trip to see my FAVORITE people, the Wiggles! I love to watch the Wiggles Show on TV, and I so enjoy singing and dancing along with them. We had such a great time at the concert! Thank you Mommy and Daddy!

Oh, and it was even better, because my friend Jake and his parents came along too!

18 mos and counting... literally

2008-03-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

Today, I, "Syd-ee", am 18 mos old. It's hard for Mommy and Daddy to believe that a year and a half has already passed, but I am just happy to be my independent self. I am learning something new everyday, saying numbers, recognizing letters, singing with Mommy, playing with Daddy, talking up a storm to whoever will listen, and sharing my opinions ("no", "good", "cute"). I can speak in sentences... sometimes choppy and short, but sometimes longer, "thank you Daddy water", "night night puppy, too"; "brown bear, brown bear, brown bear". I'm still a very happy little girl and love making friends, but lately I'm a bit cautious when I meet new or unfamiliar people. It just takes me a little longer to warm up to them.

I have lots of words, and although I copy everything anyone says to me, I can communicate a lot of what I am thinking or feeling... it just takes the average person a few more minutes to understand what I'm saying. People tell Mommy how great it is that I talk a lot (can't imagine where I get that), but sometimes I talk so much it gives Mommy a headache, like when I ask for milk ten or twelve times until it's in my hand. I am getting better at waiting, and I almost always say "pease" and "tanke'u". My favorite words lately are "otay", "aw-right, aw-right", and "duuude" which is accompanied by a knuckle bump. Just for the record, high fives and "dude" must always be given to everyone in sight.

Have I mentioned lately how much I love hiding? Not to worry, my newest hiding place has air holes just for kids like me. I have been known to hide in other people's kitchen cabinets and even in the cabinets under the sink at my doctor's office. Luckily those are empty, again because of kids like me. I am clearly adventurous and love to runaway so someone will chase me or hide so that someone will find me. It is one of my favorite games... until Mommy tricks me into thinking that she isn't going to run after me and just keeps walking in the other direction... then I run after her. This is sometimes the only way she can get me to walk down the long hallway to go down the elevator to the car. Payback for all the heart attacks Mommy and Daddy gave to Gramma and Nana.

I'm pretty silly!!!

Today I was getting ready to leave for daycare with Daddy, and I picked up my "two Elmos", which I've been saying for a month or so now. BUT today, when Daddy pointed to another Elmo, I said THREE! Mommy came running into the room, and they both said "YEA!!!" I did it again a few times, but of course not when they tried to video me. That is just too much to ask.

Easter

2008-03-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

"Happy Easter"! I said that to everyone on a very special Sunday that we spent in Bakersfield with the Tallmans. We drove down on Saturday, and I went to the nursery at Joan and Joe's church on Sunday. It was so much fun to stay at their house and be with them. Kristen and I had so much fun playing on Saturday night, and Courtney and I played "hide" on Sunday. Joan showed me how to die eggs, and Joe is my new best friend. After church, we were all about to walk out to the car, but I couldn't find Joe. I walked around looking for him"Joe? Joe", and when I found him I gave him a big hug around his legs and wanted him to come, so I tried to grab his hand "hand? hand?" until he came with me.

Joan made a wonderful meal, as always, with help from her sister, Eve, Courtney, and Kristen. Joe grilled the steak. Eve is Joan's sister, "Auntie Eve" as Mommy grew up calling her. Her husband Randy, his parents, and Michael drove in from Pasadena with Grandma Nora. It's always fun to see them, as they remember Easter egg hunts when Mommy, Kristen, Courtney, and Deedee were little girls.

Here is a video of my first Easter egg hunt.

Daddy helped me open the Easter basket from the Tallmans, which was full of goodies, like a ball with holes for me to grab the ball, a blue Hawaiian swimsuit, a Dora book, and candy! The Easter Bunny brought me a butterfly puzzle, a tiny backpack with "Abby Cadabby" from Sesame Street on the outside, wind up chicks and bunny ears!

Mommy wore the bunny ears because I wasn't a big fan.

This is my new "cheese" face.

It's hard to get a picture of me, since I'm always on the "go-go"!

Courtney brought her "babies", chiuauas Chester and Pixie, who I love to see and chase as long as they don't get too close to me.

Mommy wanted to get a family picture...

...but I wanted to stop and smell the daisies.

I was so excited about all the flowers that I want to touch all of them.

Family photo!

Hugs for Michael. I loved watching everything Michael was doing and wanted to do it to or at least watch him.

Time to look for Easter eggs that the Easter Bunny left for us.

The Easter Bunny is so smart. He marked Michaels eggs with a big M, so that Michael and I knew which eggs to find. Michael was really fast at finding his eggs, which were hidden way back in the flowerbeds. I wanted to badly to run back there with him, but the Easter Bunny hid all my eggs along the edge of the grass. Mommy didn't let me play in the dirt in my pretty Easter dress.

There's the last egg.

I had a hard time waiting until I found all of my eggs to see what was inside. I was ready to open them up and find the surprise inside, which was usually goldfish, raisins, teddy grams, and a few jelly beans.

I found a new play area in Joan's kitchen - tupperware!

Karen's baby shower

2008-03-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

The day before Easter Mommy helped give a baby shower for Karen in the city. Karen's friend Courtney planned for everyone to get a pedicure while they ate brunch. Daddy and I watched basketball with Matt at their apartment, and then we stopped by to say hello. I can't wait for their Baby H to arrive in May, so I have a real baby to take care of. He or she will love using my swing, bouncey seat, and ergo. Mommy and Karen are planning lots of playdates for the summer already.

Tice, Courtney, and Amity survey all the goodies.

Karen and Karen prepare to get pampered!

Amity, Tice, and Karen

Poh-wee time

2008-03-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

Mommy bought me a potty back in February. I love sitting on it like a seat and just playing with my potty. Mommy and Daddy let me do this for awhile to get used to the idea of the potty. Now that I tell Mommy and Daddy everything I'm doing, they thought I should try to pee-pee in the potty. The first time I tried I actually did it! Mommy was so excited! I "pee-pee potty"-ed three times in 2 days, so Mommy bought me some pull-ups.

Now I ask to go potty and identify "Syd-ee potty" and "Mommy potty" or "Daddy potty". I sit down on my potty (even with my clothes on) any time I'm in the bathroom. Now I know that it's not a toy and no one else uses my potty except Sydney. We're not aiming for full potty training yet, that's for summer when Mommy and I are home all day for a few days in a row. I'm sure you'll know when we reach that milestone. For now, I love my potty and love being a big girl!