Friday, August 29, 2008

Grin and polar bear it


Before I head out for the holiday weekend, I wanted to share details of yet another trip I took recently (seems like I'm always on the go!). Last weekend Mom and Dad took me into the city and we visited the Central Park Zoo. It's a smaller size, so it was perfect for me because we were able to go through the whole place in an hour or so. There were so many cool animals to see. My favorites were the polar bear and the monkeys. Take a look:



After being with Mom all week at Wildwood, it was nice to do something fun with Dad too.


And now it's time to enjoy the holiday weekend. Hope you have a great one, and I'll see you back here next week. Wouldn't it be great if I came back to find some questions in my mailbox?

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Love those Wildwood days, part 2


What could possibly make my Wildwood vacation even better? A visit from Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Paula! They came down and spent a whole day with me, Mom, Babcia and Dido. Here's some photos from our day together.



Grandma and Aunt Paula tried to teach me to build a sandcastle. But I like knocking things down a lot more than building them up.



I was finally able to use the beach toys Grandma bought me long ago.




Here I am again enjoying the beach. It's hard to believe that back in April when Mom and Dad took me to the beach at Turks & Caicos, I hated having my feet touch the sand!



After we had our fill of the beach, we got ready for dinner. I like to eat around 4:30 or so, which made early birds Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Paula very happy!



Dad thinks this photo is funny because it looks like I'm bartering to get some of my precious Cheerios. In reality, I just like walking around and lifting up my shirt so everyone can admire my belly button. But yes, I do love Cheerios.

Speaking of Grandma and Grandpa, I'm going to visit them tomorrow for a few days. I hear Grandpa is having a very big birthday!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Love those Wildwood days, part 1


Last week, Mom, Babcia and Dido took me to Wildwood for the week. We had such a great time on the beach, on the boardwalk and everywhere in between. I also tried several new yummy foods, like scallops, New England clam chowder and french fries (thanks Aunt Paula). Mom didn't bring the video camera — taking that thing near sand probably isn't the best idea. However, she did bring our regular camera, and took lots of photos from our trip. Here are some of them:


With Dad stuck at work, Mom had to take me on the carousel.



And she took me on other fun rides too! I know this was tough for her because she doesn't really like going on rides, but I'm so glad she did.



Babcia didn't want to miss out on the fun, so she took me for a spin on the carousel too!



It was nice going away with Babcia and Dido. It was also nice getting a photo with them, as I have far too few photos of the three of us together.



After months of trying, I finally broke a pair of Mom's glasses (her sunglasses) during the trip. She bought another pair, and I didn't waste any time getting my hands on them.



You know how much I enjoy sniffing flowers. We spotted these during one evening strolling around in Cape May, and I was in heaven running around and smelling them.



More rides! Here's Babcia pushing me on the tire swing.



And finally, a beach shot! There's much more where this came from, because tomorrow I'll tell you all about the day we spent with Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Paula.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Welcome to the dollhouse


I had a busy weekend, and will tell you all about it, but first I have to catch you up on what happened last weekend. I went out to Long Island to visit Audrey (whom I had just seen in Connecticut a week earlier) and her family. Her dad was nice enough to bring out Audrey's huge dollhouse so the two of us could play with it. Then I had a great time loading up her baby doll stroller.



There were so many fun things to do at Audrey's, like go on the see-saw and slide in the backyard and play with their dog.


To give you an idea of what a busy bee I was, here's a long tracking shot (director Brian De Palma would be proud) of my adventures around the house. There's no edits or cuts in this video - just one uninterrupted shot of me on the go (as Audrey and her brother Carl clown around for the camera)!



Thanks for being such a great host, Audrey, and I hope we have another playdate soon!

Friday, August 22, 2008

Adios, Abby


What better way to end the week than by taking one last look at my Sesame Place trip? My daily viewings of the videos from last month's trip got me primed for our return visit to Abby Cadabby's stage show. Mom was smart enough to get in line early and snag us a front-row seat this time, so I was able to interact with a few of the characters when they ventured out into the audience. Take a look.



I also was able to attend the parade, which we missed the last time thanks to my nap schedule. I didn't make the same mistake this time. As we waited for the parade to start, I played with my sunblock, and modeled my Zoe hat.


Then the parade began, and it was partytime!



So we're finally done with Sesame Place, which I'm sure is great news to any of my readers 8 and up. Enjoy the weekend, and I'll be back next week with photos from my fantastic week in Wildwood.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Easy rider


I'm on my way home from Wildwood today, but I still have more to share from my Sesame Place trip. When I first visited the park last month, I had my eye on some of the bigger rides, and Dad promised that he'd take me on them someday. He wasn't lying! Ava is a daredevil, so I decided to keep up by going on some of those rides with her. Mom wasn't too happy with Dad for taking me on them, and I have a feeling that will be a recurring disagreement at theme parks for years to come. Here's an overview of my day, which included a mixture of new rides and my favorites from last month's trip.



While the bigger rides were fun, for now nothing beats going on the carousel. Whenever I see a horse (real or fake), I start bouncing up and down, because I'm ready to giddyup.



I'll finish out the week tomorrow with some final Sesame Place memories.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Cookie for breakfast!


It's already been a week since my second trip to Sesame Place, and unlike my first visit, I knew what to expect this time so I was energized from the start. (I think my daily viewing of the Sesame Place videos from my first trip had more than a little to do with that!) My cousin Ava came along with her parents Arita and Todd, so I had even more fun this time around. Our day started out with another character breakfast. Last time Elmo was the guest of honor, and this time it was another of my favorites: Cookie Monster! Here's a look at all the friends Ava and I hung out with during breakfast:



I met a new friend: the Count. And I can already say his name!

I've got a few more Sesame Place stories to share, so keep checking back.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Don't drink the bathwater


I haven't talked about it much this summer, because it hasn't happened as fast as it did during my first 12 months, but I'm getting bigger. I just grew into a new shoe size (size 6 now for me). And Mom and Dad took me to the doctor's over the weekend because they thought I might have an ear infection (I've been cranky and rubbing my ears), but it was just my molars coming in. While we were there, we found out I've only gained a pound since my year checkup. I'm now at 27 pounds, 8 ounces - all that running around is keeping me relatively slim!

And another sign of my getting bigger is that I have outgrown my baby tub. Now I have the whole bathtub to myself. That gives me more space to play with bath toys and do some other things, like drink the water (which never fails to gross out Mom and Dad) and play my new game: Up and Down. Take a look.



I've learned some other new words besides "up" and "down." I also know "baby," "uh-oh!" and "no," which I talked about yesterday. And one other new word: "Count." But more about that tomorrow when I talk about Sesame Place!

Monday, August 18, 2008

Perfect fit

I'm on my way to Wildwood for the week, with Mom, Babcia and Dido. As for Dad? He can't take vacation this summer so he's stuck at work. I know he'll really miss me, but on the other hand he might appreciate not having to indulge my latest obsession: watching my home videos. I insist on going to the computer and watching some videos first thing each morning, as well as the last thing at night before I take my bath and get ready for bed. Combine that with my newfound ability to throw tantrums, and it gets really ugly when I don't get my way. And even when I do get my way: if I'm not the one who decides when enough is enough, the result is just as bad as if they hadn't shown me any videos at all. (If you listen closely, I think you can hear Mom and Dad laughing at me during my fit. Someone call child services!)



I'm hoping this makes Dad a little less sad about being without me for a few days. As for the rest of you, I guess my dirty little secret is out: I'm not always the happy little angel that you see on the blog.

And by the way, the above scenario is about to get even uglier, because I just learned the word "no" yesterday!

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Ask Julia: 8/16/08


When we were in Connecticut last weekend, Mom took me by her old house (which she said was Babcia and Dido's old house too). She said she has a lot of wonderful memories there, but I don't think that's true, because none of them involve me!

I've got lots of Ask Julia questions to answer this week. First up is Audrey, whom I saw last weekend and again today:

Thank you for including me on your blog again. I like to look at myself almost as much as watching you interact with the Sesame characters on your island adventure. (My mom had to permanently bookmark the Beaches part of your blog, since I request it almost daily.) During your visit to my grammy’s house, my mom noticed you whipped your head around excitedly anytime my mom used Ukrainian words she knew, while speaking to your mom. You really seem to respond positively to Ukrainian. It’s either that or you were just surprised my mother knew any Ukrainian words. Do you feel you have a language preference at this point in your life?
I was shocked that your mom knew those words, because I thought only Mom, Babcia, Dido, and my friend Isabella's family knew them. I don't have a preference between English and Ukrainian — I like them both. And most importantly, I understand them both. So everyone is happy.

Speaking of Isabella, she's up next:

My mom just read your blog to me...the one about the scooters. I'm so glad that you like them because they're my favorite! Alec and I have been riding my Mom's and Dad's (why on earth would parents have such things...I bet they don't even know how to ride them!) Next time you come over, we'll ride.
We'll be back from vacation the same week that you're back. Want to play in the park?
Let's do it! We can steal each other's food again!

I heard you were going to Wildwood for a week. Enjoy the beach! Are you going surfing?
No surfing for me, but I hope that one day Mom takes me to the same Surf Diva class she went to several years ago with some friends in San Diego.

And finally, my Aunt Paula chimed in with a couple questions:

You are really good on the scooter. How did you learn to use your one foot to move the scooter along?
I have no idea. It was just instinct. Kind of like when I threw Mom's leather sandal in the bathtub the other week. No one taught me to do it, it was something I decided to do on my own.

You sure like cauliflower. I have to admit that that is probably the last veggie (next to lima beans) that I like. Have you got to taste chocolate yet? That is my favorite.
My Mom hates cauliflower too. And I don't think she'll ever forgive me for forcing her to eat broccoli for nine months while she was pregnant with me. I tasted chocolate for the first time ever today, when Mom gave me a piece of Carvel ice cream cake. I was in love from the first bite, and ate the whole slice!

I understand that you will be going to Wildwood? I sure that you will have fun.
I sure am! I'm going Monday, and I heard a rumor that I might see you (along with Grandma and Grandpa) one of the days I'm down there. I sure hope so!

That's it. No need to send in Ask Julia questions over the next week, because I still have lots of videos to catch you guys up on, especially the ones from my second trip to Sesame Street. And don't worry, because even though I'll be down the Shore starting on Monday, I'm putting together a few posts before I go so there will be plenty to see.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Cauliflower for dessert

Dad has been calling me a vaccum, because of all the food I suck up at mealtime. Lately I've also been sneaking in an extra meal during the week. I eat my dinner, then later when Mom comes home from work, I manuever myself onto her lap so I can share her meal too. I did that last week, helping Mom finish her cauliflower. I ate some of it, but got a lot of it on myself and on the floor too...



In between meals, I play with my toys. Every week or so Mom brings out something new for me. Last week it was a set of toy vehicles (cars and planes), perfect for rolling around. The packaging it came in was also fun to play with.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Scoot 'em up


I had the best time yesterday, because Mom and Dad took me back to Sesame Place. My cousin Ava also came along with her parents. It was even better than our trip there last month! But I still have to go through some other videos before I can talk about that.

Now, back to my weekend in Connecticut. Sunday I spent the day with my relatives, who hadn't seen me since my birthday party, which as you recall was the day before I started walking. We went to the park, where Dido helped me as I took a spin on my cousin Abby's scooter.



It was really nice to spend time with my cousins Abby (why does she have the same name as Abby Cadabby?), Sophia and Ava. I hope we all see each other again soon.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Back to pool


Michael Phelps isn't the only one who knows his away around a pool. After visiting Audrey and her family in Connecticut, we spent time with Aunt Ileana and her kids Lucie and Andrew. They have a backyard pool, so I went for a dip with Mom. I was finally able to try out the floatie device that Mom and Dad initially got for me (they had ordered it before they found that super-compact one with the canopy that we took to Turks and Caicos).


Lucie was nice enough to let me play with her inflatable pool toys, including a dolphin and an alligator. She also kept entertaining me by doing handstands underwater. I would watch her feet poke out of the water after she went under.

When we dried off, I also had a blast running around their big backyard with Lucie. I just kept squealing and squealing! Here's a video of my pool time with Mom and Lucie:



Between all the fun I had with Audrey and Lucie on Saturday, it's little wonder that I was so tired out that I almost slept 12 hours that night. I slept all the way until 8 in the morning, which is the first time I've done that in months! You're welcome, Mom and Dad.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Joyriding with Audrey


I was visting friends and family in Connecticut over the weekend. Since Mom's friend Kirsten was also in town for a visit, that meant I got to catch up with her daughter Audrey, who's a big fan of my blog. Audrey was nice enough to take me around for a spin in her toy car.


Her brother Carl was also there, and I was fascinated by her grandmother's two dogs. Here's a look at how I did behind the wheel:



We're going to visit Audrey again on Saturday, which should be even more fun.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Ask Julia: 8/9/08


It's been a few weeks since I've done an Ask Julia posting, so I thought it was the perfect way to start the weekend. When I'm done putting this together, I'm going with Mom and Dad up to Connecticut for the weekend. So I don't have a moment to lose.

First up is someone who I haven't gotten questions from in a long time, Grandma. And she's got some good ones:

LOVE your "Fiddler on the Roof" fiddling!! What other musical instrument do you think you're destined to tackle?
This one's easy: piano. I spotted a toy piano in the basement (Mom and Dad are trying to be clever by keeping it in its bag, but I saw it anyway), so that should be next on my list.

Your loyal viewers haven't had a recent update on your teeth! How many are you (and your parents) counting these days?
I know it's hard to believe, but I still only have six visible teeth. There might be some others that are hidden away, but that's all that Mom and Dad can find. That doesn't seem right, considering how much I've been teething in the last month. I sure hope they come in soon, because with all the eating and chewing I'm doing, I need all the chompers I can get!

Also, I know you are enjoying (and loving) lots of different foods now (thanks to your Mom and Babcia), but besides bananas and ice cream, what are some of your other favorites?
Ah, another easy one. Whatever is on Mom's dinner plate, is what my favorite food of the moment is. Every night when she comes home from work and sits down to eat, I manage to finagle my way into her lap so I can help her dig in to her meal. So what if I just ate my own dinner a half-hour earlier?

PS: I'd like to see a picture of you pushing your "corn popper"!
Since you wrote in to me, I guess you're entitled to a request. I'll get right on that one!

Aunt Paula also checked in with a few new questions:

Do you have any more vacations planned?
Sure do. Mom, Babcia, Dido and I are going to Wildwood in a week. Dad apparently would rather work than spend time with me, so he's staying behind.

It looks like you mostly walk now. Do you ever go back to crawling?
Crawling? What's that?

Do you still play with your baby doll?
I still treat my baby doll the same way—i.e. go all Hannibal Lecter on her—but Mom has noticed that I've taking more of an interest in the baby dolls I see at the toy store. So as soon as she convinces Dad to get me a new one, perhaps I'll be a bit more respectful of her facial features.

Are there any new toys that you need?
Need? Nope. But want? That's a whole different story. Everywhere I turn there's something new that I want!

Well, I'm off to Connecticut, so thanks Aunt Paula and Grandma for the questions, and I'll see you next week. Why don't you keep yourself busy in the meantime by sending a few questions my way?

Friday, August 8, 2008

You can't have a pool without p-o-o


This week has really gotten away from me! I'll chalk it up to my elongated sleep schedule this week. For the first few days, I was logging over 11 (and one night, almost 12) hours of sleep. So that's left me with less hours in the day to blog.

So let's get back to it. Last Sunday, Mom and Dad let me play in my backyard pool. And in a daring move, they followed Babcia and Dido's lead and skipped my swim diapers, meaning that I wasn't wearing anything under my swimsuit.


Well I quickly showed them, and went poo in my swimsuit. Mom and Dad watched me crouch over and make a familiar face, then it looked like I had a little tail. It was fun watching them whisk me into the house. I don't think they'll make that mistake again!


But then I was back out, with a new swimsuit. Here's a video of the day, showing both my pre-poo and post-poo outfits.



I still have some Ask Julia questions to tackle before we get too far into the weekend, so I'll try to post those early tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Journey to the center of Central Park


Mom and Dad had big plans for us on Saturday. We were going to visit either the Central Park Zoo or the New York City Children's Museum. But then the weather started acting up—it was like a monsoon out there!—and I fell asleep just as we arrived in the city. So the zoo and museum plans were scrapped, and then Dad abandoned us to go see a Yankee game (something called Old Timers Day). But all was not lost, because the weather cleared up and Mom and I hit Central Park with Dad's friends Eric and Sara.


I checked out one of the playgrounds and climbed on some of the statues. Mom, Eric and Sara took turns playing with (and filming) me:



It was lots of fun, and Dad missed out on all of it!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Don't go chasing Waterfalls


I wasn't around to see the last big New York exhibit—The Gates—so I wanted to catch the New York City Waterfalls exhibit this summer, which is a collection of manmade waterfalls constructed around the city. Mom and Dad took me last weekend. We saw two of them close up (with the Statue of Liberty as a nice bonus), but it wasn't the glorious experience I had hoped for.



Sorry, guys, the videos can't all be winners!

Friday, August 1, 2008

Hat girl


I started the week with "bat girl," and I'm ending it with "hat girl." Now that I've grown to love hats so much, I'm no longer satisfied with just my own collection. I like to wear Mom's as well, even when they're so big that they swallow up my whole head:



Before I sign off for the week, I want to make a plea for you to send me Ask Julia questions. I haven't needed any for a couple weeks because I was busy recapping my trips, but I'm ready to tackle some new queries. Especially from those readers who have been silent for the whole summer!