The Adventures of Milo & Willa

Willa Celebration #2

2011-01-21T12:12:00.001-08:00

Some Snow

2011-01-21T12:04:00.000-08:00

After last year's blizzards—this year's snow seems lame-o. But you both love "SNOW" (as Willa likes to yell it) and so we take every opportunity to play in it—even if it's an inch or two at 7 PM. My favorite moments: Milo doing snow angels and saying, "Mommy, it tastes like rain!"

34 Weeks—January 9th

2011-01-21T11:56:00.000-08:00

Willa Celebration #1

2011-01-21T09:16:00.000-08:00

WILLA IS TWO

2011-01-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

Ohh, my silly Willie. My ray of sunshine. My sweet, happy, mop-topped, nanny obsessed, Barbie and baby loving GIRL. You are two! And so independent. You like to scoot down the steps on your tush, you love to drink from a real cup and eat mommy's cereal/yogurt/whatever "my self." You sometimes like to sit on the potty naked. You speak so well. You can put together little sentences and really express yourself well. You love your brother (wo-wo) and your dog. You are still relatively easy to put to bed (most nights) and still take great naps. You crack yourself up. (And us too.) Your favorite word is still NO and we are getting a whiff of the Terrible 2's. Sometimes you eat great, sometimes no. You have a sweet tooth just like your brother. You love your Anna. You like to wear watches and dresses. You love "bafffths" (baths.) And playing. You adore Milo but also like to antagonize him. You heart "Ming Ming Tuck" and "moveee" (Monsters Inc.) You are the best baby girl a mommy could ever ask for. And as Milo says, we're about to be outnumbered, so we gotta stick together.

My First Baby Shower. Ever.

2011-01-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

Well, it took twins ... but I finally had a baby shower! I'm glad I waited! So nice to feel relaxed and happy and really know what I needed for the boys. It was one of the nicest afternoons I've ever had. Lots of family (mom, Aunt Karen, Beth, Gail) and a ton of friends. The boys are so lucky to be surrounded by so much love! The highlight: sitting in Susan's glider! And despite it being bitter cold—no snow! And I didn't go into labor. And I made it up the stairs. And the food was so freaking good. And I loved every second.

Work Shower

2011-01-21T08:32:00.001-08:00

No surprisingly mommy was late to her surprise work shower. It was so lovely and I felt spoiled and loved. Two cakes for "Mike" and "Ike" and a birthday cupcake for me. Three cards. Three balloons. And two gifts. I'm enjoying my leftover cake while my belly still dwarfs my thighs.

M&W @ 4 & 2

2011-01-18T18:50:00.000-08:00

35 Weeks

2011-01-18T18:44:00.002-08:00

Babies. Mommy is getting tired. And my feet look like Macy's Day Parade floats. And I have heartburn. And I can't sleep. And I still think all this might be easier than two babies at once! The doc today said that mommy's uterus is measuring 51 Weeks. That's like being 11 weeks overdue. No wonder I am cranky. If you don't come on your own ... seems we will meet in week 38. Butterflies!

Milo Getting Married?

2011-01-18T18:44:00.001-08:00

Kirsten Sandberg Caffrey January 18 at 7:11pm

So, do you know anything about the big fairy tale weddings happening tomorrow? Kiera tells me she proposed to Milo and he said "oh yes, sure" and she is sooo excited because he is going to kiss her. (Um, excuse me?). Milo said he did not want to wait so that is why they are getting married tomorrow. And more big news, Gracie is marrying Javi, and Sara marrying Christian, Olivia marrying Brooks. And Christine is going to tell them all to kiss.

Have you heard any of this news in your house? Bob is out-of-town, but I think he is going to have to give Milo some talking to about this kissing stuff!! :-)

Willa/Willa

2011-01-02T13:19:00.001-08:00

End of 2009:

End of 2010:

Milo/Milo

2011-01-02T13:14:00.001-08:00

At the end of 2008:

And the end of 2010:

He-Haw

2011-01-02T09:41:00.001-08:00

What you call a horsey.

Haircut # ... Ohh who can keep track anymore

2011-01-02T09:35:00.000-08:00

December 31st, 2008/December 31st, 2010

2011-01-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

12 days before Willa was born ....

A few weeks before the boys are born ...

Midnight Noon

2011-01-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

We made it to our 3rd annual Midnight Noon at the Science Center. It was packed, as usual, but we managed to listen to Milkshake, make party hats, hang out with Gracie, get a tattoo, and have some snacks before naptime meltdown.

Annie

2011-01-02T06:47:00.000-08:00

The day after Christmas we braved the "snow" and Milo & mommy headed to Olney Theatre to meet up with Gran-Poppy. It was one of the first plays you've ever been too ... (Gran-Poppy had taken you to "How To Be a Pirate") ... and you did, umm, ok. You didn't want to stay in the seat, you didn't want to stay on a lap, you wanted to go home, you wanted to play (loudly.) Not a huge surprise but you got bored pretty quickly. I think maybe 4 was to young ... but mommy really loved the show. And there was a live dog, and snacks at intermission (and during the show), and you got to go home with Gran-Poppy afterwards. And Annie was one of mommy's first shows too.

Let's Go To the Movies

2011-01-02T06:41:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas Day enjoying the peace and quiet. We made pancakes in the morning and headed to a movie in the afternoon. We went to go see Tangled. They both did really well ... and luckily the theatre was not that full. Willa was entertained by a giant tub of popcorn and Milo only wandered at the end. It was Willa's second movie (after Toy Story 3) and Milo's fourth or fifth—his first being Night at the Museum when he was like two months old. And Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Toy Story 3 with mommy and daddy ... and maybe a movie Grandma Marianne and Grandma Nancy attempted to take him too.

Christmas Eve Eve & Christmas Eve

2011-01-02T06:33:00.000-08:00

You are lucky to have so many friends that invite us over to celebrate their holidays. We spent Eve Eve with the Dove's and Eve with the Esch's. There was yummy food, Christmas trees, lots of stuff to play with, a few meltdowns, and a Wonder Woman costume.

Our JumpZone Mishap

2011-01-02T06:28:00.000-08:00

The Thursday before Christmas—Willa's playgroup got together at JumpZone in Columbia. Mommy braved it alone with the two of you—which was hard because you both wanted to go in separate directions. And then Willa "got trapped" according to Milo. They both went into a jump thing but Willa couldn't get out and mommy couldn't get in and Milo couldn't help and none of the other little kids could help. She was trapped and pissed and hysterical. After 5 minutes mommy was going to climb in but Anika's daddy was nice enough to go in for you. Crisis adverted. Willa passed out before we could meet everyone for lunch—so we did "Old McDonald's" instead.

31 Weeks—December 19th

2011-01-02T06:21:00.000-08:00

Brittnie

2011-01-02T06:18:00.000-08:00

Our youngest and most energetic houseguest was Brittnie. She survived snow, two kids under 4, and our constant need to entertain her (Walter Wick exhibit, Baltimore Museum of Industry, Stoop Stories, Hampden) ... I think Milo called her Aunt Gail until the day she left.

Last Farmer's Market

2010-12-31T17:20:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure how many Sunday markets we've been too since May—my guess would be a lot! We made it to the final one on December 19th with Brittnie. It was coooold ... but we got our coffee and donuts, and did a small shop—milk, bread, etc. It just doesn't feel like Sunday without the market—but we'll be back in April when they reopen with our new brothers in tow. Some of our favorite memories: Milo always having to pee when we get to the market (and the many trees he's peed on), anything from the mushroom stand, all of Milo's favorite samples: cheese and chocolate, pickles on a stick, our smoothie made by bike, our farmer's market guests (Brittnie, Beth, Lawrence & Angela), favorite buys (granola, brussel sprouts, cider, focaccia) ....

Pee/Poop

2010-12-31T13:19:00.000-08:00

You like to sit on the potty even though you don't actually do anything. You like to get naked and sit on "wo-wo's potty" and read a magazine and wipe (ewwww you say when you look at the toilet paper) and throw the paper in the potty and close the lid and wash your hands. Mommy is happy you are so interested in the bathroom—but would like for just a drop of bodily fluids to one day enter the actual potty.

The Boys

2010-12-31T13:12:00.001-08:00

We are now at almost 33 weeks ... life will never be the same in a mere 3-5 weeks. Both boys seem to be growing well. We had a sonogram on Monday and Baby A is head down and 3 pounds, 11 ounces. Baby B is breech and 4 pounds. Sometime between Wednesday night and Thursday morning one of the babies dropped and it felt like mommy had a bowling ball between her legs. Yikes. Yesterday was a very long day. Luckily, today is better and it's much better if I just sit vs. lay. It takes a lot less time to get up. Babies are still moving a lot and kicking, punching, rolling. It is getting harder to do stuff .... but as a seasoned mommy I know how quiet/mobile/manageable they are vs. when they are born. Am trying to enjoy my last few weeks being pregnant.

Join the Club

2010-12-31T13:07:00.001-08:00

"Mommy, I'm tired of washing my hands."

Are You Placating Me?

2010-12-31T13:05:00.000-08:00

Now you say to me:

"Ok whatever you say"

and

"yes my dear."

Scooby-Doo

2010-12-31T12:59:00.000-08:00

Milo's newest fascination. His favorite vampire on the show is "Lightling Stripes."

Flu Shot Advice

2010-12-31T12:56:00.000-08:00

After inquiring about a "reservation" for a flu shot—daddy asked Milo if he should be scared. "No, you're the daddy."

And On the Eight Night of Chanukah ....

2010-12-24T12:44:00.001-08:00

On the Seventh Night of Chanukah ....

2010-12-24T12:37:00.000-08:00

On the Sixth Night of Chanukah ....

2010-12-24T12:32:00.000-08:00

On The Fifth Night of Chanukah ....

2010-12-24T12:18:00.001-08:00

On The Fourth Night of Chanukah ....

2010-12-24T12:09:00.001-08:00

On The Third Night of Chanukah ....

2010-12-24T12:06:00.000-08:00

On The Second Night of Chanukah ....

2010-12-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

On the First Night of Chanukah ....

2010-12-24T11:55:00.000-08:00

Chanukah @ School

2010-12-24T10:14:00.000-08:00

Just like grandma and poppy did so many years ago ... mommy and daddy came and taught your class about Chanukah. We read a book, showed your classmates all our Chanukah gear, and did a yummy dreidel craft. (Next year sharper toothpicks!) You were so proud to have us there! Next year we'll make latkes ...

Happy Holidays 2010

2010-12-24T10:09:00.000-08:00

28 Weeks—Nov. 28th

2010-12-11T19:14:00.000-08:00

MD Game

2010-12-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

Mommy & daddy made their annual trip to the post-Thanksgiving Maryland game. We won. Barely. And we survived the cold. Barely.

Pink

2010-12-11T19:08:00.000-08:00

The Kids

2010-12-11T19:05:00.000-08:00

Turkey Time

2010-12-11T19:00:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving with the Erlichman-Nathanson-Lazarus-Marlow clan. Loads of kids, turkey, and running around. It was perfection. (Well, except for our car getting hit part.)

Your Family—Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-11T18:35:00.000-08:00

Mommy Tries To Get All Martha Stewarty

2010-12-11T18:04:00.000-08:00

We made cookies. Well, we bought the dough, rolled it out, traced our hands, carved it with a knife, cooked it, and decorated it to look like turkeys—all on the eve of Thanksgiving.

4 Year Appointment

2010-12-11T17:39:00.000-08:00

On Nov. 24th you had your 4 year doc appointment with Dr. W. You were much better than last year's appointment where you refused to be weighed. This year you weighed in at 37 pounds and 40 inches tall. A very respectable 50th percentile. We talked about your whining, penis, school, your "tummy hurting," your shyness, your coming into our bed every night, your Pull-Ups at night, and that little thing in the corner of your mouth—which is impetigo—a strep infection of the skin. Turns out you are a pretty normal 4 year old. And you ended up with a ridiculous number of immunizations and your flu shot. You were very brave.

27 Weeks—Nov. 19th

2010-12-11T17:37:00.000-08:00

A Low Point

2010-12-11T17:30:00.000-08:00

We scheduled pictures with Heather on Nov. 19th. I explained several times that there would be great rewards for well-behaved children. When Heather showed up you were both "Hello" and super charming and sweet. But it was downhill from there. Really downhill. Like you went home and into timeout downhill. Like Willa was terrible because she saw you being so bad. Like Finley was bad because he saw you being so bad. Like so bad that mommy and daddy were pretty sure we didn't get one picture from the entire day. Somehow Heather was magic—so you'll live to see another day. And you're pretty damn cute. (Even if you insisted on the hat in every picture and the cape in most.)

The Hair

2010-12-11T17:24:00.000-08:00

Just like your brother—those beautiful curls have turned into some dreads. Especially right on the back of your head that you sleep on every night. We condition and try to untangle—but finally there was nothing to do but cut it. It made your hair look a little funny—but it was worth it. Curly-haired mullet girl.

24 Weeks—Oct. 31st

2010-12-11T17:23:00.000-08:00

Halloween (The Real Deal)

2010-12-11T16:47:00.000-08:00

And finally on Oct. 31st we went trick-or-treating in Fells Point (at all the businesses) and then around our neighborhood. The Spiderman costume—on its last leg—held on for one more night. And there was candy galore.

Your Party

2010-12-11T16:16:00.000-08:00

WHO: Milo & Friends

WHAT: Your super birthday party

WHEN: Saturday, October 30th

WHERE: Canton Tot Lot

WHY: To celebrate you turning 4!

We lucked out with GREAT weather! Most kids came dressed as superheroes (or other Halloween costumes), we had activities (pumpkin decorating, Test Your Strength), amazing cupcakes, and loads of friends!

Your Birth Day

2010-12-11T16:11:00.000-08:00

We skipped soccer (the best gift ever!) and headed to Miss. Shirley's for breakfast and presents from family! Then we headed home and got ready for the super birthday party. After the party we had pizza (and more presents!) with Marin and Cooper (and families.) Best day ever.

4!!!!!!!!

2010-12-11T16:06:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe you turned 4. A boy. A real kid with opinions (ohh, boy do you have opinions), and an amazing imagination and a great sense of humor and a love of all things superheroes, and pancakes and bacon, and building stuff, and drawing, and spelling your name (M-I-L-O) and telling us when you are right (seeee!) and insisting things be done a certain way ... and you have grown so much this past year. And I don't mean in inches. I just mean in brain power and kisses and good habits (brushing your teeth) and bad (trying to sleep in our bed.)

Your Mommy & Daddy

2010-12-11T14:52:00.000-08:00

YOUR FAMILY 2010

2010-12-11T14:51:00.001-08:00

Hallow ... ummm International Day at school

2010-12-11T14:31:00.001-08:00

Instead of Halloween school celebrated International Day. Each kid picked a country in a specific continent. You picked South Africa. You learned about the country, made flags, and on Oct. 29th had an event at school for the parents. So each kid was suppose to dress in their country's clothes and make a dish to share with the fellow kids. Luckily, our new neighbors hail from South Africa. They loaned us a flag, coins, and a vuvuzela. You knew all about his country, where it was on the map, and how to blow the vuvuzela. Of course when it came time to do it for the school program .... it was a no go. You didn't want to participate at all. You didn't want to point to your country or sing along with your classmates. You cried and caused a scene. It was very typical you. (Ohh, and daddy made frikadelles—South African meatballs for everyone to eat.)

Ahhh Nuts

2010-12-11T14:29:00.000-08:00

Milo's new phrase of choice. You say it because you know it makes me laugh ... and also because sometimes it's exactly what is needed.

As in ...

MILO: Is there school today?

MOMMY: Yes.

MILO: Ahhhh nuts.

The Phone

2010-12-11T14:27:00.000-08:00

Willie loves to talk on the phone—real or not. You have full conversations in mostly gibberish words with whomever you are speaking with. You rock your head back and laugh like they said something soooo funny. You cock your head to the side to keep the cell in place. Right at this very moment you are "talking" on the phone, wearing jeans, a hoodie, and a watch. What are you—27?

Two Points for Mommy

2010-12-11T14:24:00.000-08:00

Mommy scored tickets to Toy Story on Ice. We took Marin and Eric. We got to meet Buzz & Woody beforehand and had great seats for the show. Considering the time (it was late) you did great .... and got a very cool Buzz. And popcorn.

MORE Halloween

2010-12-11T14:13:00.000-08:00

Aunt Beth was in town so we dragged her along to Member's Night at the Science Center. We did the wind tunnel and the kid's room. We tried to sit through the planetarium—but after about 6 minutes Milo decided he'd had enough. He wore his pirate costume (Aunt Gail) and his new cape (Aunt Beth) to be a very impressive Super Pirate. (Willa liked the earring.)

Cheers!

2010-12-11T14:08:00.000-08:00

One of the extremely cute things you say in your always adorably hoarse voice. Also, "surprise."

You Love Each Other

2010-12-11T13:58:00.000-08:00

HalloWeeOnes Parade

2010-12-11T13:51:00.000-08:00

Your superhero obsession of course surfaced in this year's Halloween costume. It took weeks to nail down which superhero you wanted to be—Captain America, Superman, and finally Spiderman. Willa was easier—Wonder Woman. Seeing both of you dressed up was awesome! And I think it was exciting to finally wear the costume outside of the house!

Evidence

2010-12-11T13:49:00.001-08:00

Milo—if you ever do anything criminal—will they point to this picture of you "playing" soccer in your jacket?

A Few Of Your Favorite Things

2010-12-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

1) Nanny
2) Puppy

Pumpkins

2010-12-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

Halloween felt like it went on forever this year.—maybe because we hit our first pumpkin patch on October 10th. But we love going to North Run Farm—though somehow this year it moved to the other side of the road. We did the hay maze, corn cut-outs, hay ride, and picked—literally—two gorgeous pumpkins.

Finger Paint

2010-12-11T13:31:00.001-08:00

One year a very long time ago Eli got you finger paint for your birthday. Mommy tucked it away and recently we unearthed it. It's been so much fun. You love to get your hands all goopy .... Willa not so much.

Miso Soup

2010-12-11T13:29:00.001-08:00

You both LOVE miso soup. Milo you make me take out the tofu and "leaves." But you like the "circles" AKA scallions. Willa eats it all.

20 Weeks — October 3rd

2010-12-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

Your Friends

2010-12-11T13:22:00.000-08:00

While Willa has "friends" you have real friends. The ones you choose to be with outside of mommy forcing you.

I would say your good friends this year include: Marin (duh!), Gracie, Paul, Jaxyn, Millen ("I love Millen, mommy," you told me just yesterday.), Kiera, and some of the time—your sister Willa.

There are also kids at school you always talk about—Brooks, Rajin, Javi, Jacob, and Lily H.

Soccer

2010-12-11T13:14:00.000-08:00

This blog post is for mommy to read next year when she thinks about signing you up for soccer again. DON'T DO IT MOMMY. Milo, you hated it. Well, you liked the uniform and the ice cream afterwards. But none of the in between stuff. Not the drills, or running around, or playing, or kicking the ball, or being teammates with your friends. None of it. It's hard for mommy to understand why you hated it so much. You were on a team with your friends playing against more friends. But you truly hated it. Tears, tantrums, threats. It sucked. Stick with swimming.

Noooooooo Willllllllaaaaaaa

2010-12-11T13:13:00.001-08:00

Might be the most annoying thing I've ever heard. Overheard about 600 times a day. Everything she touches you want. Everything is yours.

The Beat Down

2010-12-11T13:11:00.000-08:00

You have officially started beating up your brother. When he takes something from you—you grab his shirt, his hair and you yell. I try not to laugh but it's pretty funny. He doesn't fight back. Just cries.

HEREYAGOHEREYAGOHEREYAGO

2010-10-07T05:39:00.000-07:00

Still your favorite thing to say! And you say it over and over and over again until I take what ever you want me to take. It's also like your Shalom—it has several meanings. It's also your "thank you."

Bloody Monday

2010-10-07T05:36:00.000-07:00

Willa—You woke up Monday covered in blood! Your PJ sleeve and pillowcase and even Pink Piggie. Turned out the eczema spot on your arm was to blame. You finally scratched it to the point of no return. We went in to see Dr. W to make sure it wasn't infected. She couldn't believe all the blood! And asked if it was a bloody nose. But no, there was no blood on your face! She gave us a cream for your arm and an antibiotic and now—Thursday—it looks so much better. I feel bad. You've had that spot for so long. I just kept thinking it would go away.

Ohhh Boy!

2010-10-07T05:33:00.000-07:00

We found out last Friday that we are having TWO more boys! We decided if anyone can handle having three brothers bookending her—it's our non-wallflower Willa. And Milo will (eventually) love having all those brothers to play with! I'm just thinking of all those Saturday sporting events—soccer, lacrosse—and HUGE grocery bills. I still can't believe I'm going to be the mom of 4.

Your Words

2010-09-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

You've had a word explosion in the last month. Now you repeat EVERYTHING. And you have the funniest voice. It matches your personality. Loud and with purpose.

Down

Finley ("doggie")

mommy

daddy

Milo ("wo wo")

baby

all done (my favorite thing you say!)

bubble

balloon

bath

apple (your favorite thing to say)

banana ("nana")

Anna ("Ani")

Addison ("Atta-hahahahaha")

poppy

grandma ("mommy")

uhh-ohhh

nanny (pacifer)

Anna's Wedding

2010-09-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

My Milo - I didn't think you would do it. I didn't even think we were going to get you in your suit ... but you did it! You were Anna's ring bearer and you walked down that aisle looking handsome and adorable.

And Anna looked so beautiful. She was just beaming all day.

The person most excited? That would be Willa. She only had eyes for "My Ani" and kept giving Felipe the stink eye. We had to keep you inside during the ceremony so you didn't run after Anna. You got to dance with Anna. Your love for her makes my whole being happy.

Pool Farewell

2010-09-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

Our last day at the pool 2010.

When G&G Came to Visit

2010-09-30T12:57:00.000-07:00

Labor Day Weekend was our annual Grandparent-palooza. We headed to our country home (Frederick) for a sunny weekend of cows and backyard pirate adventures.

Nature Baby

2010-09-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

Peeing

2010-09-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

You prefer peeing on trees and the side of the road to a boring toilet.

Hon

2010-09-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

The Beach

2010-09-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

Yes, mommy is like two months behind—but didn't want to forget about our beach vacation in August. We did a quick weekend at Rehoboth Beach with grandma, poppy, Aunt Beth, Coco Glenn, and the Goldblatt's. You both had a great time. With our usual early morning visits to the coffee shop/book shop, playing on the beach, and taking Playland by storm. We came, we sunbathed, we ate Thrashers.

TWINS

2010-09-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

My how your life is going to change. We are having TWO more babies. Twins. Willa you kiss my belly and say "baby" but you have no idea! You love other babies—just not sure how you'll feel about two babies in your house taking time away from your mommy. And Milo, you certainly understand more this time than when you were a little bunny and Willa was in my tummy. You know we have two babies in there and that it's called "twins" and you can tell me who else has twins (Greg, Dora.) But do you really know what life will be like? Probably not since mommy & daddy can't even imagine it. We're almost halfway there (20 weeks on Sunday) and we can get a preview of the babies tomorrow. Four kids—insanity.

The Tuck-In

2010-09-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

Bunny you tuck everything in. Your tees into your shorts. Your sweatshirts into your pants. It's hilarious because it's soooo different from what mommy & daddy do. I don't think I've ever seen daddy tuck anything in e-v-e-r.

Aunt Gail says ...

2010-09-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

"So cute ... it reminds me when we FORCED Jasen to play soccer. He was Milo's age and told us he didn't want to play. You know what—he was right. He just stood on the field and wouldn't move. Lesson #45 learned from my kid."

Torture Camp AKA Soccer

2010-09-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

We thought we'd try soccer again. 'Cuz, you know, indoor soccer went so well. We thought you'd be OK because you have great uniforms, all your friends are on your team (Gracie, Marin, Ella, etc.), and it's outside and fun. But you still hate it. Most of the "Sharks" hate it. There is lots of crying. Last Saturday it was just mommy, Milo & Willa and I had to run around with you during the game while dealing with Willa. Your favorite part? The ice cream afterwards.

The Screamer

2010-09-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

Lovely Willa Evie Diamond—you are a screamer, screecher, top of your lungs, people turn and look shrieker.

Karis + Milo

2010-09-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

Today at the pool, mommy was asking Karis if she was coming back to Baltimore Montessori School. She said no—she was going to the school near her house instead. "But I'm still going to marry Milo," she said matter-of-factly.

Maine

2010-08-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

We spent an amazing July week in Maine. Yes, there was 14 hours between Baltimore and Bar Harbor and you probably lost a few brain cells with the amount of DVD'ing you did in the back of the car—but we made it with little to no fuss. (And with Finley in the trunk.) We managed to fit everything we needed in the Pilot (and roof rack) and despite a stinky house and heat wave we had such a wonderful week.

The highlights:
*Chocolate ice cream every night for Milo
*Tea at Jordan Pond House
*Cooking our own lobster
*4th of July in Bar Harbor
*Bocce court at Lompoc Cafe
*Acadia National Park
*Sand Beach
*Bagels at Morning Glory Bakery
*Milo riding his scooter all over town
*Playing on the deck of our house
*Kooky boat ride
*Being all together

Milo's School Picnic

2010-08-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

To celebrate summer—Baltimore Montessori had an afternoon picnic for all the kids and families from both schools. We had pony rides, relay races, face painting, and lots and lots of food.

Our Milo, Willa & Mommy Day

2010-08-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

Willa & Cate

2010-08-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

Your bestie Cate—who was also our around the corner neighbor—moved to Philadelphia last month. Even though you two never really played together I know you looked forward to seeing Cate on Beep Beep as much as mommy looked forward to seeing her mommy.

Mommy & Milo Date

2010-08-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

We went on a date. Just the two of us. We had breakfast at Miss. Shirley's (pancakes, sweet potato fries) and then went to see Nickelodeon Live at the Hippodrome Theatre. You wore your Wonder Pets cape. Your favorite was the Backyardigan's. You got Pablo and we got Willa Tuck. It was so fun to sit across from you at breakfast and chit chat. And have you sit on my lap at the show and get you popcorn and run to the bathroom during intermission. We had a memory.

Scooter

2010-08-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

You are super really fast. I truly can't believe what a natural you are on the scooter. You zip around in your Spider-Man helmet. You do twists and turns and narrowly on purpose avoid people—even on our bumpy city streets. Willa loves it too.

Jumps, Googles & Pops

2010-08-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

Big Deal

2010-08-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

To commemorate being 100% potty trained (during the day) we surprised you with a scooter in June. Well, you knew you were getting a scooter. You would tell anyone who was in earshot of you and the bathroom after a poop that "I'm working toward my scooter"—you just didn't know when it was going to actually happen. So, one day while visiting grandma and poppy we put the scooter in the bathroom. It seemed appropriate. You like to poop in private—with the door shut. And you like reading in there. Sometimes Highlights, sometimes Popular Mechanics, and just today—the Land of Nod catalogue.