Audrey Emma

Yesterday's Movement

2010-04-06T08:29:00.002-10:00

"Mommy, that was a splendid poop!" (The senna tea worked.)

Pink Arthur

2010-03-22T11:05:00.001-10:00

"Look Mom, there's pink Arthur!" [Pink Panther]

Like You

2010-03-02T06:40:00.001-10:00

Last night as we began bedtime stories, Audrey said with feeling, almost sighing, "I wike you, Mom." Big glow.

Pips

2010-02-15T18:42:00.001-10:00

"Wook at my tiny widdle pips!"

Face Painting

2009-11-20T16:50:00.000-10:00

20 Nov. 2009

Tonight Audrey "painted" me . She said, "you want this one?" pointing to an imaginary poster of options. Then she said, "okay. How about a whale?" She took a paintbrush with no paint (which she had begged for as I was putting laundry away), and gently, with deliberate motions, painted my cheek. Then she asked me what I wanted on my nose. I said "a star." She brightly said, "okay, a star!" and painted away. Next were the bottoms of my feet (?), and then my hands.

I love seeing the way Audrey remembers things from a long time ago, and recycles them into new stories or imaginative play. She is always telling herself a story, or talking to an imaginary person, telling Oliver a story, or making up a new song.

Fall Images

2009-10-27T06:59:00.001-10:00

http://mandysee.smugmug.com/Other/Fall-Images/10107549_GCP9C/1/694196253_ZFra4

Here is a collection of images of Audrey and Oliver this fall. They were at an arch (by our house), the county fair, a mission, a Japanese Tea Garden, our table, and an old hotel (on base). The password is "audollie."

Happy

2009-10-26T06:09:00.003-10:00

I just heard Audrey say, "This is gonna be so fun, guys!" She loves to work together and for everyone to be happy. If I've gotten upset, in the subsequent pause, she'll say, "Are ya happy, Mamma?" Sometimes I have to say, "I feel frustrated right now..." but mostly I can lighten up and say, "Yes, Audrey. I am happy." She loves for everyone to be happy.

Aquarium

2009-10-16T19:09:00.002-10:00

We love going to the aquarium. I usually don't take a camera, because there's just too much going on. But I finally tried a point-and-shoot the other day. We were so glad to meet up with our new friends--Audrey loves Isabelle!

http://mandysee.smugmug.com/photos/682481333_8VFes-L.jpg

The password is "audollie."

Catching Up with Audrey

2009-10-15T22:08:00.002-10:00

Somewhere I long for a special date with my girl, the dark theatre embracing us in glittery dreams snapping across a gigantic screen. So we went to see Ponyo at a special, old, beautifully restored theatre downtown. Half-way through the film, Audrey started yelling out, “I want to go home now, Mommy! It’s too scary!” This from the girl who has loved, dearly loved, My Neighbor Totoro with a mesmerized affection. Still, Audrey insisted, so we left. On the way home, she wanted me to carry her—all uphill. Where was my big girl? What was happening? I asked her to walk, several times. Finally, she said something like, “Mommy, I’m just getting tawer and tawer [taller and taller], and you won’t be able to carry me.” Audrey reminded me that she is growing up, and I should enjoy carrying her while I still can. Panting, wincing, and blinking in the sun, I was struck with a perpetual conflict in parenthood—trying to be in the moment, to appreciate small wonders, to treasure every drop of cuteness—and the fact that she was, in fact, very heavy, I was very tired, the hill was very steep, and the lark was waning. I’m slowly embracing all of these feelings—they just are, sometimes all together, at once.

Audrey often talks about growing “tawer and tawer”. At dinner (on 31 August) Audrey told me that she was getting "tawer and tawer," and that one day when she's very tall she is going to swim with whales and sea otters. Then she said that I could come too, if I want. She told me that I could fly across the air to her, and we could swim with whales and sea otters together. I love the way her hands course the air when she concocts a story, like the director of an enormous orchestra. Of course I want to join my little honey in her magnificent quest!

Audrey calls Oliver “widduh boi,” [little boy] as in, “are you okay, widduh boi?” She also calls him “buddy” a lot. If he gets hurt or upset, Audrey will say in the most whimpering, sympathetic tones, “oh, buddy!” It sounds like my grandmother Berniece. She takes Oliver by the hand and guides him around the house. For a long time he seemed to love being dragged along. But as he gets older, he seems more independent, and he appreciates less her increasingly strong direction, especially through stores and on errands. She can tell I’m in a hurry, and she pulls his little hand so hard. He seems to shut down the world to wait for him. We all have to wait for his pace, one small step at a time, one moment after the next, steadily growing up. I have to say, though, it was fun to watch Audrey initiate Oliver into piratehood, helping him into a hat and saying, “aaarg, matey!” One night she bent down into his face, like the starting line of a race, and said, "Dude! Wet's get in da baf!" Bath time never began so well.

Another funny saying came after Jon’s attempt to cease Audrey nose-picking, which really bugs him. He had asked, “are you finding any gold in there, Audrey?” Later when I pulled her hand away from her nose, she yelled, "Hey, der's gold in dere!" When I saw her putting her yogurt into her malt-o-meal, I felt my throat constricting, my eyes wincing, getting annoyed. I started in: “Audrey—why—what are you doing? No. No! You don’t—“ When Audrey told me, quite simply and adamantly, “I'm making my malt-o-meal feel better."

Audrey is very interested in telling time and in dropping references to time, like “last night” and “tomorrow.” I remember her starting that during our swim lessons several weeks ago. I tried to focus her enthusiasm to get in the water, when we had to wait for our lesson to begin, by showing her the big clock on the wall, pointing to the big hand and the twelve, saying, “as soon as that big hand gets to the twelve, we can get in the water.” For a long time she dropped other time references quite out of place, saying things something like, “I will want more ice cream yesterday. Yeah. I will,” talking about tomorrow.

That also shows Audrey’s bend for logic and argument. When she wants something, she’ll find a way to rationalize towards it, accepting compromises and ultimately accepting delayed gratification. For example, tonight she had chocolate pudding in a jack-o-lantern carved orange. She had helped make the pudding this morning, and her dad had helped finish the fun presentation. It was a very fun treat. But she couldn’t finish it all due to a stomach ache. Later she asked for it, and I explained that we had thrown it away. She said, “Alright. Mommy, I will like to make another special treat tomoiyyo [tomorrow].” I grinned and replied, “Really? You would? You would like to make another special treat tomorrow?” She was satisfied with her final answer, “Yes. I would.” That seemed to satisfy her, which relieved me. She can be very loud and adamant about certain things she wants—especially sweets. But occasionally making her case and being heard seems to settle things—until she remembers the next day, and revives the issue.

Audrey recently learned to skip, and it’s been a fun addition to her ballet class. We’re taking little breaks here and there with that class, not putting too much pressure on her, and trying to just let her grow into it. I’m confident that she can do all the steps in her own time, and will demonstrate ability to concentrate in the strict environment more and more as she matures. In the meantime, I think having the class in doses helps to keep it a positive force, engaging, and new.

Audrey has been practicing Halloween, going around the house saying, “trick-or-treat,” and talking about candy. Secretly, I hope the events we attend will actually have small toys or favors instead of so much candy. But. That’s probably wishful thinking.

At her three-year check-up (in September), Audrey weighed 30.5 pounds (in the 65 percentile), and was 37 inches tall (in the 60 percentile).

Big as she is, Audrey still loves to strip down and cuddle in a soft blanket. I’ll find her undressed at odd moments, and trailing a “bwankie” like a queen in a magnificent cape. She also refuses to ride in Jon’s truck—with no explanation necessary. And even though she stopped wearing Clifford pull-ups many months ago, occasionally she will still declare, “I’m Clifford, Mommy. Clifford the Big Red Dog.” She likes to be called “Clifford,” then, and will correct me if I misstep.

Tough

2009-08-27T20:53:00.004-10:00

No. I don't buy it. My kids are not so much. I am tough! Yes! MEEEE! I am tough. THEY are posers. I "tried" to have a photo "shoot" with my kids "pre" photoshoot for a REAL newborn. My kids, however, showed me how NOT to have a shoot--with just a little fabric on an innocent solarium. I am tough. Because. I did not beat them.

They do not do small spaces. Divas!

Bristle Blocks

2009-08-27T20:03:00.002-10:00

Audrey's creation with bristle blocks. I'm totally embarrassed here: I had to photoshop-mutilate a perfectly fantastic baluch to upload this picture (that's just how dirty my carpets are). Having said that, apologetically, my kids are, um, orderly.

Pumpkin Plant

2009-08-27T19:03:00.002-10:00

This post is a little on the fence--maybe it should go on my "other" blog. Maybe its' more about me: I'm the one who has a favorite holiday in October. For Audrey, perhaps it's a sign of indocrination. Audrey and I have been watching a pumpkin plant grow. I had no idea: they have yellow flowers. Now I'm wondering what kind of pumpkin plant we got. I'm nervous; I hope it's not too small or wimpy. I really want a hearty, big, big (but not too big--as if they could be too big!) series of pumpkins to come forth.

We awoke one morning to instant entertainment on the solarium floor. Audrey has been watching the blooms ever since, pointing them out to me. I'm hoping that the sturdy yellow splash is a good sign of uber-photographable-look-cute-with-kids-in-costumes-bigger-than-life-ultimate-pumkins are in the works.

Newspaper

2009-08-25T19:32:00.010-10:00

Doesn't matter how much he works. Doesn't matter that he deployed. Jon is their hero. The kids are ever trying to emulate Daddy and be a part of whatever interests him.

I love having Jon home on Fridays.

Breakfast. Last Friday. Jon trying to shush the kids by handing them the old bits.

"Dancing Cwose"

2009-08-25T19:22:00.007-10:00

Audrey got to pick out her own clothes the other morning. She found a special shirt Grandma Gloria had sent. She picked out pants (that went pretty well!) herself. She announced, "This is my special shirt. These are my dancing cwose" (trans: "clothes"). So. There it is. Of course she proceeded to dance. We went to the park and waited for Daddy to pick up Oliver to run errands. Then she and I were headed somewhere...I don't remember where. The day was really about that stylin' shirt, feeling special, and the need to dance.

Tons more pics of both kids at http://mandysee.smugmug.com/Other/Dancing-Cwose-and-the-Park/9411449_Xp2aj/1/630634571_NgAyV. The password is "audolllie."

Sunglasses

2009-08-04T12:27:00.001-10:00

Audrey is headed outside to play with her new sitter. I get to edit pictures. Oliver's up from his nap. Everybody's full of cantelope. The sun is out. Life is good!

Dragon

2009-08-03T05:15:00.003-10:00

Aunt Julie happened to visit us in Hawai'i around Chinese New Year, and when we went out to eat the last night, a Chinese dragon visited the restaurant, complete with fireworks, drum, and (incredibly loud) gong/cymbals. Audrey was entranced. She's talked about it ever since--how the eyes were glowing, how she fed it money, how it went, "boom boom boom."

Last week we studied Chinese new year dragons. Audrey's favorite book was "The Last Dragon." In it, a boy and his new community work together to restore a ten-man silk dragon to its former, colorful glory.

Audrey made a long paper dragon. I was very proud of her process, because she was patient and she made the decisions herself--to give it an eye, just how to make the eye, how to decorate the lips, to give it an ear, and so forth.

Here Audrey makes her dragon. the next morning it's dry, and she plays with it. Oliver joins in the morning fun--with a bat.

There are more pictures at http://mandysee.smugmug.com/gallery/9139870_9SJgP/1/609467766_NheQD. The password is "audollie."

Here are some videos of lion and dragon dances:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTDc6bg0fm8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LORoV7Ep_Zw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKsTts2KKJA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2kkQuW1fpw&feature=related

Audrey's Birthday Breakfast

2009-07-20T12:30:00.003-10:00

Audrey awoke yesterday morning to a brightly decorated room, with cards on the table, presents in a pile, party favors scattered at each place setting, and a special breakfast in the works. Jon cooked smashing sausage, eggs, and hashbrowns (his best ever--delicious)! We had chocolate covered strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries afterwards (great idea, Julie!). We had music an dancing and presents and merriment of all kinds. It was a nice beginning to the day--birthday number three.

There are more pictures of breakfast here: http://mandysee.smugmug.com/gallery/8980137_vHWtP/1/596916888_uiThv. The password is "audrey."

First Ballet

2009-07-18T23:35:00.004-10:00

Shopping for Ballet

Yesterday Audrey and I had a date to buy her ballet outfit—leotard, tights, and slippers—at a fancy smancy ballet boutique downtown. Immediately Audrey saw nylon painted umbrellas in the window, and immediately she went nuts. The owner had stepped out, but Audrey wasn’t interested in letting me shop down the street. She insisted we wait on the sidewalk for the lady to come back; “here. Sit here,” she said, so hopeful, so determined—utterly focused on the umbrellas.

I did finally get Audrey to try on several pieces, and we did find our outfit, and I believe she was excited.

She was even more excited about “the blue umbrella with pretty pink flowers painted on,” which she reminded me about in those very words when she couldn’t find it as we left the changing room. I told her we would add it to our list (thanks for this trick, Wendy!), her list of things she would like to have for her birthday. When she still couldn’t find it and seemed upset, I told her the shop owner was holding the umbrella, just in case anyone wanted to buy it for Audrey, since I told her it was on her list—her birthday list. “Ooooh!” Audrey exclaimed. She became very quiet.

Audrey’s First Ballet Class

Yesterday we went and saw Audrey’s ballet class room before anyone was in it. We climbed a steep staircase to an art gallery, where a gallery woman showed us a large room with wooden floors, a rail, and two big mirrors. Audrey looked at the room. It was dark. We looked at ourselves in the mirror. We left.

This morning at breakfast we asked Audrey if she would like to go to ballet class. She became very excited and exclaimed that there would be lights on, and girls there, and a teacher, and dancing! I thought Audrey might burst, she beamed so brightly.

Again we visited the art gallery. We climbed the tall carpeted staircase. We came to a large room with wooden floors. Music played inside. Tall girls were dancing. Audrey said she liked the ballerinas. But, she said, she didn’t want to go in that room. She said she wanted to be a ballerina, too. But she did not want to go in that room. We talked about the popping sounds an old record player makes.

We sat in the hall and got dressed. A transformation occurred. Audrey the scruffy, the wild, the billowing, the magnificent became Audrey in pink, with her hair pulled back—a prim ballerina, almost.

Audrey watched the tall girls. She bent her legs. She brought them together. She pulled them apart. She gazed and gazed, and pranced a little, then sat, legs folded, waiting. When a young girl arrived, her mother asked Audrey her name. For the first time, Audrey answered back in a clear voice, directly. She seemed ready to make new friends.

In a sudden rush the tall girls swept out. In flew a class of young girls, their mothers fluttering with folding chairs, siblings, and purses. Audrey happily went in that room.

Audrey’s first ballet class was nothing short of remarkable. She was the youngest student, I believe. Other girls were new. For Audrey, it was her first day. She had never heard, “first position,” “second position,” “third position,” “plié.” She tried to skip. She tried to walk forward counting “one, two, three, four,” and clap. She followed in line. The girls bent their legs behind them. They held their arms in front, like carrying an imaginary bowl. Some of them were five years old. For Audrey, the magic was in being a part, in learning to concentrate, to follow along. She began to absorb so many new ideas.

The last activity was Audrey’s favorite, and she recounted it to me later in deep earnest, focusing on the yellow of her scarf. She danced. Freely, with exuberance—Audrey mastered the scarf and all the girls flitted together.

Ballet class was a success.

I stood by Audrey for the first few minutes—she insisted that I be right with her. It felt odd to be the only mommy in a circle of preschoolers talking about “first position,” especially since I have no dance training myself. “Here,” Audrey said, “you can do it, Mommy.” She needed a crutch—but only for a little while. Soon I backed against the wall. Audrey turned, kept checking that I was still there. I stood there, apart from the other parents, concentrating on Audrey and her class. We made it through—no tantrums, no meltdowns, not too wild. There were a few moments that scared me at first. Eventually we hit a mix that worked, somehow, between the teacher’s focused calls and careful attention to Audrey, and a balance of encouragement and observation from me. We made it. I tried not to cry.

Afterwards I felt like celebrating. The sun shone. Crowds bustled in the busy but quaint downtown area. We stopped in a rug shop. We bought sweets from girls raising funds. They directed us to a museum down the street where local princesses were painting faces and helping with crafts. Audrey had a blast—no nap. Hours later, she asked in the car with great concern, “but where is Brother?” I did enjoy a date with my gal.

It was an exciting day, and when it was over, I was glad we did the museum, which was on our agenda for her birthday the next day. It helps, I think, to spread the excitement out over the weekend. Now it’s late at night/early in the morning. The breakfast table is set, decorated brightly, and I have hopes—not overly ambitious, I think—for a sweet kind of happiness for all of us on Audrey’s third birthday. What a gift she is to us!

Drawing Owie

2008-10-27T22:11:00.006-10:00

I was working at my desk--a quick moment of deep concentration--when Audrey said, "Brodder owie, Mommy. Brodder ah ah owie." I turned around to find the "owie" all over his back--she had drawn on him and herself. When I tried to take the pen away, she quickly chose a piece of paper, redirected her attention, and got very serious.

Orange--Monkey

2008-10-27T21:54:00.002-10:00

October is my favorite month. I love seeing the kids in orange. Audrey notices pumpkins everywhere. I love being drawn out of my thoughts and into her line of sight as she bursts out excitedly, "Pumpkin! There's anoder-one-a pumpkin, Mommy! Pumpkin!"

And here is Monkey. Trusted friend. Loyal cohort. Sweet, soft, cuddly--perfectly sized. Jon and I bought him at Toys R Us one fall like this. We had just found out that we were pregnant, and while shopping for other kids (and not finding what we were looking for), we found, instead, Monkey. I couldn't resist a little gift for our baby. Now it's Audrey's favorite go-everywhere comfort object. We all love Monkey.

Yeah!

2008-10-27T21:04:00.003-10:00

Some phrases suddenly don't sound so good when coming from the mouths of babes. We didn't know we'd taught it to her, but then again, maybe it's just easier to say, "Yeah,"--for everything.

"Audrey went to the store today..."

"Yeah."

"And she helped Mommy pick out the milk..."

"Yeah."

"Audrey, would you like a cup of milk?"

"Yeah!"

"Where is your sippy cup, Audrey?"

"Yeah."

Another word Audrey pipes more surprisingly is, "Oh!"

(Closet door opens) "Audrey, what are you doing?"

"Yeah."

"Audrey, close the closet door please--right now."

(Pause) "Oh!" (Slam)

In addition to words, Audrey has distinctive gestures now. When she gets excited and runs, she brings up her arms and swings them hard, her fists pumping near her face. She is trying on new faces and reactions to see how they go. She laughs a forced, contrived laugh, scrunching her nose, "no," as if, "you know I don't want broccoli--more goldfish!" It makes her seem grown up.

Hair

2008-10-09T15:56:00.002-10:00

Yesterday I was sitting on the edge of my bed, feeding Oliver, while Audrey combed her hair in the full-length mirror, getting ready to go. Before I knew it, she was behind me, her hands gently coursing my tresses, brushing, and saying, "Preeeety hair, mommy. It's so preeeeeety."

Numbers and Colors

2008-10-01T14:38:00.006-10:00

Today during a morning run I said, "Let's count in Spanish," as I do so often. So far the big participation from Audrey has been to say, "Ready, Go!" when I finish each round, one to ten, then each set of ten, then the teens, and so forth. But today, Audrey quietly started counting in Spanish with me.

Then she started the counting, and I was repeating after her.

Then she said one number, I said the next, and she followed with the next, back and forth, and so on.

What fun! Hearing Audrey pipe up with what she has been soaking in is delightful.

We're working on colors, but those are coming slower than letters or numbers. Everything is "Yeeeeallow!!!!" I've tried to introduce other colors, but so far, Audrey just thinks hard about it. She'll repeat after me, but recognizing them is another issue. A couple of weeks ago she had a new-to-her kind of juice, and asked for it later in the day: "Greenjuice?"

Favorite Books

2008-09-19T00:44:00.005-10:00

I've enjoyed buying books for our kids--new ones, used ones, garage sale ones, thrift store ones--for many years now, well before Audrey was born. Right now her absolute favorite book is a retelling of the lullabye, Hush Little Baby. Sylvia Long's version is full of images from nature and other sweet ways parents bond with kids. The image of a mamma soothing her baby to rest appeals to Audrey. She frequently asks for "Hushliabeabea" and tries to sing along, mostly landing on the ends of phrases, "Hushliabeabea ah ah a wouDD."

Here are a few more favorites Audrey enjoys at the moment.

Taco Bell and the Arcade

2008-09-19T00:31:00.004-10:00

15 September 2008

Tonight we went for a slummy meal and ended up having a blast. Jon said later, “we should have more impromptu moments like that.” Taco Bell in the food court served up dinner for four for under eight dollars. As I finished spooning oatmeal cereal into Vane’s mouth, he craned in his high chair, his eyes long tunnels to his sister and Dad, who were starting the fun in the game room next door; I had urged them on.

Jon and Audrey returned moments later with Audrey exclaiming, “I won!” She had exchanged four dollars for quarters.

Vane and I joined the pair for a singularly vicious game of air hockey, me holding Audrey (who laughed hysterically at first, but eventually became a little wigged out as the game escalated). Jon held Vane, who stared transfixed by the game, then whimpered as the puck began to be hit violently across the table, off the table, onto the floor.

I should have almost won. The table wasn’t working properly—really. I lost at least four points to my puck getting stuck in Jon’s goal, but not going in, then lost another point because the score board simply didn’t register it. But Jon insisted on smearing my nose in the final score, 7 to 1.

We played several rounds of Cyclone, which gives quite a number of tickets if you hit it just right. Jon wanted to win tickets for Audrey, but I wanted to hold her up to the machine and let her push the button herself, helping her feel the rhythm of the flashing light so she could push it on a high-ticket number. Both styles worked: we all played, we all felt giddy, and we all won copious tickets. As we fed our tickets into the counter, Audrey helped shove them forward and watched in eager anticipation. We cashed them in for a note pad, a harmonica, and a styrofoam flying glider.

It’s funny: Audrey had no idea about the prizes, or how to pick one. But Jon and I wanted to make sure she got something cool, and actually put our heads together about it. There we were, searching, debating, so serious, going back for more tickets, knowing when to say when—we might as well have been discussing whether or not to have her immunized against a new disease. Our excitement led to hers, of course. Now she can proudly “play” a harmonica.

Grateful

2008-09-18T23:36:00.002-10:00

Audrey has been so grateful these days. Sometimes she says “thank you” for no reason. But usually it’s so completely sweet and unexpected—it bowls me over. Yesterday I took the kids shopping and decided to get a special treat, a new kids’ movie. It seemed there was absolutely nothing we needed when I actually started looking at the DVDs, and then I saw Hayao Miyusaki’s classic, My Neighbor Tortoro, and put it in the basket. “Thank you, Mommy. Thank you, Mommy,” Audrey piped, over and over again, like I’d given her gold.

I'm not sure she even knew what was in the DVD case--maybe so, but she never said "movie." She was just so grateful that I'd bought something for her. Ah, she steals my heart.

Movie Night

2008-09-18T23:31:00.003-10:00

18 September 2008

It’s funny how development works. We work on lessons, ideas, and skills over and over again. One day, it all comes together—bam.

Tonight I watched a new (to us) movie with Audrey, My Neighbor Totoro. I sat on the couch, and she giggled and giggled when the furry creatures appeared. She turned to me, her smile a Christmas tree, then sweetly asked for milk. I brought it to her, perched on the arm of the couch, and she told me emphatically and articulately to “sit down here,” pointing next to her, on the other side.

She commented on the movie. When Tororo and his friends flew around a tree and the countryside, Audrey insisted, “he come down. He come down,” pointing down. She was concerned about the Mommy in the hospital, and loved the cat who turned into a bus. She was suddenly articulate, suddenly an active participant in the movie, commenting on it, critical. I was delighted: my little pal.

I usually feel guilty if I let Audrey watch a movie, because I don’t think it will enhance her brain power, but tonight I sat next to her, enjoying the story together, and smiled: my child was interacting with an audio-visual text.

Another verbal leap caused Jon and I both to do a little double-take: “is that our daughter? Did YOU teach her that?” Last weekend I took the kids with me clothes shopping. As I ripped off the tags back home, Audrey saw me pulling pink and blue athletic shirts out of the bag, and snuggled up on the bed and commented expressively, “cool shirt mommy.” It was the first time we’ve heard her call something “cool.”

Later that day, Audrey noticed the ole exer-saucer anew, and cried, “cool!” She’s been on her “cool” kick ever since.

Daddy

2008-09-16T01:47:00.002-10:00

15 September 2008

Audrey's biggest hero these days.

Peek-A-Boo

2008-08-30T20:41:00.008-10:00

Audrey found a hiding place behind the closet doors, which quickly turned into a roucous game of peek-a-boo. Every time she opened the doors and rushed out, her face burst into super-glee.

Flowers

2008-08-20T08:56:00.029-10:00

23 February 2008 Audrey admired the flowers from a dinner date the night before. It was the first time I think she understood how to sniff them, despite the many plumerias spun before her nose during our evening walks to the beach.

Fit

2008-08-20T08:56:00.024-10:00

29 February 2008

I remember one particular doctor's check-up when the doc said, "So, we're starting the terrible twos a little early, eh?" I hate that term. Poor Audrey--so much emotion spewing out. She is an intense little gal. Sometimes it wears me out. But she's learning how to handle her feelings. Now that she's a little older, time outs help her deal with her emotions and help her get a handle on her behavior. Here I just kept clicking. Of course, two minutes later she was laughing.

Sleepy Dress-Up

2008-08-20T08:56:00.021-10:00

Audrey found her red stockings, a hand-me-down from her cousin Abigail, and insisted on putting them on. Plus socks, right? Oh, and the red cherry outfit…we had to keep going. After naps, she was still into her new get-up and had to show it off. Bed head topped off the ensemble in marvelous hurrah.

Sharing

2008-08-20T08:56:00.018-10:00

What a blessing that Audrey likes to share with her brother. And man o man, are we lucky that he hasn't been smothered.

Together

2008-08-20T08:56:00.011-10:00

6 February 2008 As much as they are in the same room together, as much as they love each other, as much as Audrey tried to “play” with Brother from the beginning, it has always been hard to get them in the same picture together. Still, I try. So here’s a crumby office shot. Oh, well.

I can’t believe how big Audrey’s cheeks are in this picture.

Audrey kept pointing out the “Beebee.”

Princess Hat

2008-08-20T08:56:00.006-10:00

6 February 2008Had to buy it.
Loved it. Forgot about it. Will have to get it out again.
Thank goodness for swap meet crud.

Bag Head

2008-08-20T08:56:00.003-10:00

30 January 2008Audrey began an amazing dress-up stage not long after Oliver was born. There she was, eighteen months old, and loving to try on "hats." Someone once presented me with the idea of trying on hats, metaphorically, as an adult. The idea was that playing with the different iterations of ourselves, different friends, different dates, trying on hats, helps us to see what we like, what fits. I'm not sure Audrey thinks all this through--her identity--as she visits her dress-up chest. Then again, I can't get away from the feeling that it matters.

Dinner and a Bath

2008-05-26T16:25:00.021-10:00

28 January 2008It must have been a good dinner--I can't remember now, probably spaghetti. I like the sticker for added effect.

Dinner and a Bath

2008-05-26T16:25:00.020-10:00

28 January 2008It must have been a good dinner--I can't remember now, probably spaghetti. I like the sticker for added effect.

A Dinner to Remember

2008-05-26T16:25:00.019-10:00

Grandpa Gary escorted Audrey Emma into the restaurant.
He entertained her while we waited for a table.
Gary H. always notices playful little Audrey, and delights her.

Somebody told Audrey who to hit up for coins for the fountain.

Holy cow. What a dinner it was. The food was good, I'm sure. Audrey, poor little toddler, was spinning like a top by the end. I wanted to dump her in this fountain--and give her a hug.

Thank goodness for Daddy.

Swap Meet

2008-05-26T16:25:00.018-10:00

It's hard to say who was more playful at the swap meet, Audrey or her Grandpa.

Audrey loved feeling Grandpa's whiskers on her face.

Gary H. found a new shirt, and we all felt very "island." We didn't shop very long--which was perfect for everybody.

Botanical Gardens

2008-05-26T16:25:00.017-10:00

Out to Lunch

2008-05-26T16:25:00.010-10:00

25 January 2008 The gorgeous Meme.
Oliver slept soundly all through lunch, waking only to eat, briefly.

Audrey, on the other hand, had had very little nap in the car, and started out like a ravenous dog on speed. Here you can see two hands (Meme's and Popcorn's), eagerly trying to appease her, before another round of shrill screaming could ensue.

Such a little pill that day, Audrey wouldn't even smile for a picture, even though it was Meme and Popcorn's last day on the island. But c'est la vie. What's toddlerhood without a few dramatic moments?

That's easy for me to say: Popcorn held a sandwich in one hand, and walked Audrey through the grounds of the restaurant with the other. I had a nice lunch ;-)

Happily Complicated

2008-05-26T16:25:00.009-10:00

23 January 2008

Being a mom just got twice as complicated. But I love it. Some moments are hairy, I admit. But luckily both of my kids are sweeties, and I'm focusing on the lovely, happy moments.

Pool

2008-05-26T16:25:00.005-10:00

Bliss! I love jumping into a pool, and with Audrey it's twice as fun.
Audrey practiced blowing bubbles in the water.
Audrey had as much fun as I did--or more. That's a feat.

Too bad we don't have a picture, but Meme was a great hero and played with Audrey in the pool a long, long time.

With Brother, Meme, and Popcorn

2008-05-25T21:40:00.023-10:00

Audery adored her brother right away, and has sustained a healthy curiosity about him. Her little fingers seek out his tiny mouth and nose, especially, as she asks and exclaims, "Baby? Baby? Baby!"

Diner 1

2008-05-25T21:40:00.020-10:00

20 January 2008

Audrey loooooves to "help." I'm grateful that she finds safe endeavors, like pushing the stroller. I'd rather her do that than dig up plants any or peel chewing gum off sidewalks. As we waited for a table, Audrey kept the wheels in motion.

Diner 2

2008-05-25T21:40:00.014-10:00

Meme took Audrey to play outside while we finished our meal. Ahhh. It was nice to finish a meal--in peace. Audrey found magic of her own with Meme, of course.

Birthday Party on the Beach

2008-05-25T21:40:00.011-10:00

19 January 2008

At the time I had a vague hunch, which I tried to shove down, that my parents might have thought I was crazy. With Oliver only days old, I was determined to take Audrey to her friend's birthday party on the beach. We loaded up tons of gear. Popcorn kept Vane out of the sun while Meme entertained Audrey. We had a great time celebrating Miss S.'s first year.

This is the first time I saw Audrey really "get" the idea of a treat bag. She dove into it, and Oliver's too, after watching attentively while Miss S. opened all her presents. We all sang "Happy Birthday" and had cake. I love rituals like this--and what a setting!

Wrapped

2008-05-25T21:40:00.007-10:00

19 January 2008
Now that I look at these pictures again, I see that Miss A. had her Popcorn well in hand. If I was by myself, I might have had a meltdown if she had refused to ride in her wagon on the way home from the beach while I was pregnant or holding O.V. But Popcorn took it in stride and let our little princess parade the streets (safely) in her Santa hat.

Reading with Popcorn

2008-05-25T21:40:00.004-10:00

18 January 2008 Audrey enjoyed a snug storytime with Popcorn, counting ladybugs.

The Village

2008-05-25T21:40:00.003-10:00

Have I mentioned how grateful I am to my parents? They made Audrey's transition to siblinghood a smooth and happy one. Look how confident she looks here--not at all like the forgotten and displaced little girl I feared she would feel upon her brother's arrival. She had the time of her life with Meme and Popcorn. On this particular visit, Oliver slept soundly in his new carseat while we enjoyed the late-afternoon view.

Feeding Popcorn

2008-03-31T08:08:00.008-10:00

17 January 2008 When Audrey gets determined, it's best to submit if one can. Popcorn's a willing soul, anytime. Here Audrey took a notion to feeding him her cereal, which she now calls "schoo schoo."

January 15

2008-03-31T08:08:00.005-10:00

Why not? It's after Easter, approacing Mother's Day. Here's a little ho ho ho cheer. Yes, Meme, it's still going. At top volume. To stunning effect. The dog still sings and dances, and so does Audrey.

Blurry

2008-03-16T23:09:00.002-10:00

Why is it that the best pictures, sometimes, are the worst ones, photographically--blurred out, washed out, nearly discarded. I remember this moment so vividly, though. Perhaps because I stopped to take a picture.

When Oliver was born, I was worried about "replacing" Audrey, feeling guilty about spending so much attention on our newborn, and having to let Audrey go a little bit, on her own. Fortunately, Jon and my parents were on hand to pick up the parenting slack.

But those days are in my mind a little bit blurry, like this photo, taken one morning when I thought, "I must savor her, too--she still needs my attention." She was adjusting to being one of two, and she reveled in her milk-drenched face. Audrey has a spark that brightens our days.

Mr. Bean

2008-02-07T08:57:00.000-10:00

Right this minute Audrey is giggling to an old Mr. Bean episode. Ah, the thrills of kindred hearts!

Bag Head

2008-01-25T16:28:00.002-10:00

Audrey loves to put things on her head these days. I have to be extra careful to keep plastic bags and mailers out of the way. I had to laugh out loud when she got into a travel drawer and came out of my bedroom sporting this new look.

On another note, tonight Audrey gave her first kiss to Daddy--a spontaneous surprise, so sweet. She's made her puppets kiss her, and she's kissed my leg (a ploy to get me away from the computer, probably--how sad!). But this was a real, I love you and it's just because with no prompting kiss. Lucky dad! Jon felt so special.

Drunk

2008-01-25T16:28:00.001-10:00

Okay, okay, okay. So I made us leave the house. Late. And Audrey had a "hardly" nap in the car on the way to the restaurant. And my sweet father chased her (with a sandwich in one hand and her sqealing self in the other) as she ran all over the marina-side cafe. Then I wanted to go on a hike, but we settled for a few minutes at a scenic lookout. It probably would've been a better day for them if I'd taken my parents' advice and left after naps. But. It's their last day here. And I wanted us to enjoy the beautiful day together. So we stopped at the beach on the way home (!). It was such an amazingly gorgeous day, and I'm so high on breastfeeding hormones from Oliver, that I felt drunk. And Audrey with her "barely" nap must have felt that way, too.

From this shot, you can't even tell she was a pill at lunch, can you?

What a wonderful day. Audrey has been in toddler heaven with her Meme and Popcorn here for the past two weeks. It's been a huge blessing and a terrific pleasure for me, too.

Whale Watching

2008-01-25T16:28:00.000-10:00

After lunch today we stopped for a pretty view, hoping to peek at whales (but they eluded us). C'est la vie!

Brother's Birthday

2008-01-15T01:23:00.000-10:00

Audrey showed a great deal of excitement over her brother, saying, "Beebee! Beebee! Beebee!" She is still quite enthusiastic about the little guy, much to her mommy's relief. Audrey's adjusting to so many changes now. Some moments are bliss. Others are really tough.

This was a blissful moment. My heart felt full; I was so happy to have my two kids, to watch Audrey immediately connect with her brother, and then fall into a place of energy and responsibility with the present we brought with her to the hospital. She used it vigorously, just as I had imagined she would (and just as her cousin Braden did with his, when his sister was born).

The room rang with the rattle of Audrey's play stroller wheels, and Oliver Vane slept soundly, neatly swaddled in his blanket.

Family Photo Shoot

2008-01-02T21:54:00.000-10:00

Early in December (but too late to get holiday cards out in a timely fashion), we had a little photo shoot on the beach with my friend Sara. We were so grateful that Sara helped us capture our family in expecation of what is to come, and in celebration of where we are at this moment. Soon a baby boy will join us--any day now.

Back for More

2007-12-28T17:29:00.000-10:00

I love this particular cathedral so much that Audrey and I returned with friends for more pictures and more playing. It was raining, as it does so often this time of year. But that didn't stop our fun. I'm glad the people of the church are so gracious and welcoming of babies, smiling (rather than scolding) upon the shrieks and giggles that ensue when little ones explore.

Residual Christmas

2007-12-28T17:16:00.000-10:00

I love the way Christmas builds and builds, and the big moment actually turns into a big sigh and a leisurely cup of hot chocolate. Afterwards a lingering happiness settles around my mouth, and a colorful scene dances in my mind when I close my eyes.

Part of the anticipation and celebration of this year's Christmas season was a trip to a cathedral downtown with Audrey, organ music wafting through the air, its master practicing during the week with the massive doors agape, Audrey running up and down the aisles and over the grounds.

Christmas Day

2007-12-25T20:07:00.000-10:00

Poor Audrey: she had to wait to do Santa until the coffee was made...and the danishes ready, mom and dad showered, batteries charged...

Hopefully it was worth the wait to her. She saw her own new table and chairs, and enjoyed them all day long in many activities.

Her chunky puzzle was mostly a hit, although we're still working on getting the shapes in smoothly. She loves the sounds her farm makes. And the play-doh set became an afternoon of family fun, with all three of us enjoying it together on the lanai.

Jon read a new book from Grandma Gloria to Miss A. She listened and enjoyed sitting in his lap--and kept pushing the button on her new board book that played music.

Our little elf and her flair hair.

Jon's delicious Christmas chicken. I made the veggies. Lotsa eggnog, chocolate--good times.
Audrey concentrated on her meal and ate voraciously.
After lunch she enjoyed perhaps her favorite toy, a cell phone from Uncle Josh and Aunt Miranda. Who knew play-doh could be so fun for everyone--even the adults! Jon and his girls (hey, I happily eschewed being in a picture this year! Yeah! I just look tired--very, very pregnant and tired. These guys show the real joy of the day).

A few highlights of Christmas Day 2007:

swordfighting with empty tubes of wrapping paper--all three of us
orange danishes for breakfast--and Audrey's sugar high (and crash)
Jon's homemade peanut butter ice cream
visiting Foxy (the dog) next door--and laughing at her antics with Audrey
playing Christmas music ALL day long

Santa

2007-12-24T13:18:00.001-10:00

Santa came to Jon's work party, and we tried, briefly, after all the other kids had gone, to get her in Santa's arms for one quick picture. My flash didn't work, she squirmed straight to the floor, and the whole shot was black. But, voila, there's Photoshop (kind of).

Why does it make me laugh to see her in such distress in Santa's arms? She really was hilarious--laughing and playing, and then in extreme meltdown mode when she was handed to Mr. Clause.

Christmas Craft

2007-12-24T13:11:00.001-10:00

Jingle bells! Our lives have been so busy with Mommy's work and preparing for a baby on the way, that we've hardly celebrated with traditional holiday moments like shopping, card writing, and Santa visiting. But we stopped to make cards for Audrey's cousins for Christmas.

Audrey loved the feel of the paint, and smeared each glob I put on her paper. Then, of course, she noticed her hands, and after that it was a finger painting exercise. Then she tried to eat it off her hands, and our session was quickly over. So that's why they sell kids' paints--ah-ha!

Nap Hair

2007-12-24T07:19:00.000-10:00

I love Audrey's hair. Lately she's gotten sweaty during naps, and woken up with some wild 'dos. Here she was a week ago (I'm getting caught up!).

Zoo

2007-12-24T06:40:00.000-10:00

Audrey made a rather gritty trip to the zoo a couple of weeks ago. She would not nap that day, and finally fell asleep about 10 minutes before we got out of the car. Zeesh, I thought. But I felt we had to go.

At first, Audrey was in total glee, seeing her friends and all the animals, and simply being outdoors. We had a few no-nap meltdowns, and she insisted on pushing her stroller (in all directions) at several points. But thank goodness for the zoo where she could run around and even get a little muddy--the better to sleep at night.

Here she was (with no hair) at the zoo in August and (not even walking yet) way back in June.

Catwalk

2007-12-24T06:32:00.000-10:00

When Audrey was a baby, she would not wear bows in her hair. She pulled hats off, unless they were tied under her chin. Now, however, it's a different story. She let me put a bow in her hair one day in early December, and she acted differently, as if she felt fashionable. The bow, however, was off and disassembled by the time we reached out destination.

Now Audrey pulls hats off her rack and wears them around the house, just for fun. Does she know she's being cute, or is she simply experimenting?

Crab

2007-12-22T23:53:00.000-10:00

Audrey has been with me on several photo shoots recently. On this particular one (in late November), she had an absolute blast, not only because one of her best playmates was the main attraction, but also because his engaging grandfather found all sorts of adventures on the beach, incuding a coconut that was home to a family of crabs. Zousers, Batman! And Audrey got to touch one. Cool!

With Daddy on the Beach

2007-12-22T23:42:00.000-10:00

Jon took Audrey for a brief stroll before she braved the (chilly) water with Aunt Julie and me. Gotta love the waves--in all seasons.

Aunt Julie and Uncle Jim

2007-12-22T23:31:00.000-10:00

When Aunt Julie and Uncle Jim came to visit, Audrey was transported. One of them was always making faces and playing with her. Audrey even learned to say "apple," (which sounds like "bapble") and has kept it up ever since, noticing apples everywhere. We miss Julie and Jim and can't wait for them to come again! Aunt Julie helped Audrey brave the waves in the ocean. Audrey gained a few extra accessories on the way to the car.

Audrey has been to this temple before, but she's never had so much fun. Aunt Julie bought Audrey bird/fish food, and fish and foul alike had a feast to remember.

Apron

2007-12-22T08:38:00.001-10:00

I love this tiny apron. My grandmother made it. Audrey loves it too. We tried it one day in mid November, and I got very excited about Aunt Julie and Unlce Jim coming to visit for Thanksgiving. Aunt Julie is an amazing cook (our feast was fantastic!), and she is magical with wee ones. I could imagine Audrey baking cookies with her when she put on this apron and ran around in glee. Audrey is too young, really, to cook, but she totally enjoys putting on festive gear.

Halloween

2007-12-22T07:58:00.000-10:00

Audrey's dragon costume was the perfect way to kick off her Halloweens. It was comfortable and cute, and although we didn't get a "roar" out of her, she does make that sound with her dinosaur toys, so it fits. I love the little hood!

My friend and I threw a little pre-trick-or-treat party for kids from our playgroup. We spent days planning games and crafts and building an enormous haunted house out of boxes.

It's a good thing Audrey enjoyed the haunted house while we were building. She and her playmate were in absolute glee as they ran in and out of the front doors.

Just as we placed the hauted house out of our neighbor's lanai and into our backgard, we battled not only gale-force winds that had battered the structure all week while we were working on it, but it also poured down rain. We watched our cardboard house turn almost instantly to goo. No haunted house for the kiddos. Later I thought of a million things to do differently, but really, it was just a sad "oh, well."

We set up a little backdrop in the living room to take pictures of our party goers in their festive duds. Audrey helped me test the backdrop before the party began.

No, it's not a live flame.

I love pirates! I'm so glad my friend encouraged me to dress up as one. Arrrrggg!

Here's Audrey peeking out of the bean bag toss. I'd love to post more pictures of our other games and crafts, but I'm committed to not posting pictures of other people's children for their privacy.

The kids decorated balloons with foam stickers. They scooped floating eyeballs and duckies out of a tub full of water. Audrey went right in, head first, with a big splash. Her costume spent the rest of the party in the dryer, and came out just in time to trick-or-treat.

Pumpkin Patch

2007-12-22T07:33:00.000-10:00

Audrey and I went to a working farm to pick pumpkins with a couple of other friends. Even though we relish all the experiences of a tropical island, it's also fun to incorporate traditions that remind us of other places. This working farm was just the place to feel like we were on a farm on the mainland.

Audrey tried to lift the pumpkins.

But truthfully she was much more interested in pulling her wagon. Pumpkins, smumpkins. She loves to push and pull.

We went for a hayride around the farm. Then we got in our wagons and headed to an open patch where the girls could romp and explore--and to find the "perfect" pumpkins.

I love being where Audrey can romp freely.

I am so lucky to spend days like this with my little girl!

Costume

2007-12-12T22:41:00.001-10:00

When Audrey's Halloween costume arrived in the mail, she took it from the box, brought it straight to her face, and walked around the house, cuddling it. It was a big hit, super soft, roarable dinosaur.

Pool

2007-12-12T22:36:00.001-10:00

There is nothing like a backyard pool: so little fuss, so much fun. Here is Audrey, basking in hers, on Sept. 28. I finally got her to blow bubbles, which was fantastic. Now she does it in the bathtub and loves it when I join in.

Sunglasses

2007-12-12T22:04:00.001-10:00

She finally likes them. How is it that shades make a gal feel stylish at any age?

Yogurt

2007-12-12T21:58:00.000-10:00

I'm thrilled that someone shares my enthusiasm for yogurt.

New Lens

2007-12-12T21:41:00.000-10:00

On September 10, a new lens arrived in the mail, and Audrey helped me test it out. What a nice lunch!

Stacking

2007-12-12T20:49:00.001-10:00

Here was Audrey in mid-September with a few stacking toys. We have been working on stacking since she was about six months old. I heard from my sister-in-law that this is an important milestone, and I really harped on it.

On her 15-month well-baby check-up, I was happy to answer "yes" to "Does Audrey have blocks? Can she stack them?" Buddy we're regular tower makers and a full-scale demolition team (since Audrey also likes to put her blocks and megablogs back into their containers--which makes me so happy and proud!).
Audrey stacking.

Devilish grin because...

she just knocked them over. And then...

everything goes in her mouth. Everything.

Socks

2007-12-12T20:24:00.000-10:00

Audrey started a phase in September of wanting to put on our socks. She walked around like a little centaur, very brave on slippery floors. I think she felt mighty. She looked it--like she was on stilts.

Daddy's Gear

2007-10-30T00:34:00.000-10:00

In her quest for all things grown-up, Audrey takes a keen interest in her daddy's gear.

Mommy's Shoes

2007-10-30T00:25:00.001-10:00

Audrey's favorite shoes are grown-up shoes. In fact, she likes most things grown-up.

Mulit-Colored Shoes

2007-10-30T00:12:00.000-10:00

With these new shoes, I'm sure Audrey could climb Mt. Everest. At least they work well in play lands. They are well-cushioned and offer good support. And they jumped off the shelf, tri-color and all.

White Shoes

2007-10-29T23:39:00.000-10:00

After Audrey's tumble (her knee still has a white spot), we went and bought better shoes, sturdy shoes, shoes that don't merit their price, even though we paid less than full retail. I feel better about these shoes--like I'm helping Audrey have a solid start, less wobbly. Here she is trying out her new white shoes by Stride Rite.

One More

2007-10-29T23:38:00.000-10:00

Audrey has one more freckle on her right arm. I love her little arms.

Behind

2007-10-29T23:36:00.000-10:00

I've been a little busy, and am behind on posting Audrey's blog. So I'll step back and catch up a bit.

Freckles

2007-09-21T07:36:00.000-10:00

Audrey has four freckles. One is near her temple.
One is on her face, (her right side) between her mouth, cheek, and chin (the rest is sand).

One is on her shoulder.

And one is on her toe.

The bottom of her foot is NOT covered in freckles.

Ready

2007-09-18T21:17:00.000-10:00

Audrey woke up from a late nap in time to join us for dinner with friends--in our living room. She was so happy when she woke up, I asked Jon to snap a quick pic of us before Miss A came to dinner.

New Shoes, Skinned Knee

2007-09-18T12:01:00.000-10:00

Until recently, Audrey would tear off her shoes in disapproval or half-hearted curiosity. We found a pair of slippers in her new size, 4. They are squishy and bright. These shoes she adores.
The first day she wore her new slippers, Audrey tried to act nonchalant, but I could tell she felt spectacular in her new, tall, squishy footwear. She took off running, though her feet could barely keep up with her enthusiasm.
Even though she never cried, it was hard for me to watch her slip on the edge of the concrete sidewalk, get up, and fall over again. And again. She skinned her knee--a thorough wound that is still healing, nearly two weeks later.

At first it looked superficial. Soon, though, blood was gushing, then dripping down her leg.

Criminal shoes!

I'm trying to put a skinned knee in perspective, trying to remember the big picture, the goodness that surrounds us and is in us. Scar or no scar, Audrey immediately had other things on her mind.

Her knee appeared completely inconsequential when she heard a dog barking across the street.

Total glee.

Nannie Toy

2007-09-17T14:08:00.000-10:00

When I was a baby, my Nannie gave me this way-cool and ultra-sturdy pull-toy. When it moves, the top part spins. Audrey really "gets" it now, and even untangles the string when she gets it caught in the wheels. I love sharing a piece of my childhood with Audrey. Thanks for the long-lasting toy, Nannie!

Picnic

2007-09-17T13:57:00.000-10:00

When Audrey plays with her picnic set, sometimes it's about out and in--taking pieces out of the backpack and putting them back in. Sometimes it's about carrying the backpack like a purse--prissy and important business. And sometimes--this thrills me--playing picnic is about pretending to pour liquids, stir bowls, and sip from cups with little slurping sounds.

Do-Rag

2007-09-17T13:49:00.000-10:00

Audrey’s imitating us more and more, and sometimes it’s fun to manipulate that, helping her play “dress-up.” Here she and Jon get their pirate on.

Asleep

2007-09-01T21:36:00.000-10:00

Every mother says it: I can't believe how much Audrey is growing. (Here she was less than seven months ago.) My heart aches for how quickly time passes and how monumentally she changes. Yet I thrill to see the new, more developed Audrey each day. She is quite a gal.

Going to the Beach

2007-09-01T21:15:00.000-10:00

Tired Audrey.

Airy Princess Audrey looking over her imaginary crowd of adoring subjects. Or maybe this is Romantic Audrey, in love with nature.

Reality Audrey saying, "Seriously. Nix the camera."

Meltdown Audrey, past time for the beach, apparantly.

I know it's lame to wish or to regret. But simple moments are the best, and sandy moments are no good for cameras or camcorders; I wish I had a picture, I regret that I do not have video, of the moments that followed these pictures, at the beach. Audrey's blue eyes sparkeled above her bright pink suit, like two fish shimmering in water. She giggled and screamed. She put sand in buckets and ran into the waves. She explored the shoreline and settled under a little alcove, where the rock was worn almost smooth by pounding waves. I held her in the rough surf, sitting in the sand, and we were tossed together. Her little tongue between her teeth, gleeful giggles rose over the sea foam with every pounding we took.

Cereal Box Toy

2007-09-01T20:50:00.000-10:00

We didn't buy the Rice Krisipies for the cool Shrek ear mounted flashlight. It was a total bonus. A glowing red flashlight for your ear--how wierd is that?

Nectarine

2007-08-30T06:58:00.000-10:00

The whole thing, Dude.

Interrupting

2007-08-26T21:30:00.000-10:00

It's challenging to shoot babies and toddlers with my own toddler right in the middle, pulling on my arm, jumping in each shot. But I had a great time shooting other kids. And I believe Audrey loved the playtime and interaction. Here she is helping me again as I took a little break in between shots.

Helping Get Ready for a Shoot

2007-08-26T21:10:00.000-10:00

We tried doing inside photo shoots this week. Audrey helped me get ready--it was a marvelous time, me experimenting with light and setting, her trying out different faces and playing in fabric.

Tongue

2007-08-26T20:40:00.001-10:00

Audrey utilizes her tongue quite a lot these days. She loves to compare tongues in the mirror. If you stick yours out, she might grab.