Playdoh - the Devil's instrument!

How excited was I to bring out the multi-colored Playdoh kit Greta's great Aunt Cheryl got for her a few months back.

I was saving this childhood classic for a rainy day and this was it!

But how was I to know that Greta was going to have a full-on toddler-style panic attack when I took out the blue Doh and put it into the clunky garlic press-like tool. When the Doh started coming out the other end she went into a full out save-me the sky-is-falling wail and scurried into my arms like the playdoh would blind her if see looked at it.

It was a good 30 minutes before she calmed down...

Is Greta an anomaly or has anyone else's kids gone thru this?

I guess I can forget about a pottery class for her.

Greta has crush!

Have other parents found that often a child will feel more comfortable with one sex over another?

It is no mystery that Greta already loves to engage the "boys" after she gets over her shy period. In fact, at nearly 23 months, her flirting skills have far surpassed mine.

Her latest obsession is Ram (aka Poppa Bear). On Friday afternoon, we met Ram and his friend Shannon at Baked and Wired for cupcakes. It's the highly-acclaimed yet under publicized locals choice to the Georgetown Cupcakes monopolizing the tourist crowds on M Street.

Amazingly, Miss Shy-Girl was elated to let Ram walk her around the waterfront and see the boats and duckies. Ram quickly became her new best friend. I could learn a few quick tips from her!

Bad Mommy Tip: How to stop your child from crying!

I've found a sure fire way to quiet the tears of my 22 month old without giving into the empty promises of treats, milk or toys.


In fact, adults like these too!

Click on the play buttons below to see if they work for you:










If you have any sure-fire toddler-whisperer links of your own, please share them - we all know that repetition at this age can be maddening and it's time for some new material! :>

Oompa-Loompa

She is not yet old enough to enjoy the classic candy story or the remake but, boy, in this outfit - she could be the Oompa's leader!

If this post awakened your taste buds for a guzzle of the chocolate river, try out the yummiest new Wonka Nestle bar.

Bonus: each bar/bag comes with a golden ticket - if you select the lucky one, you could win a trip around the world with tons of pocket cash. Really!

(btw, these are PJ's but her Daddy interpreted them as some type of REI-made all-terrain outdoor gear with built-in shoes and took her for a walk - no kidding!)

Living with a drunk person 24-7

That's my latest philosophy on life with a toddler.

• Think about how toddlers behave and then compare this to the actions of any of your drunk friends:
  

• Erratic, illogical and out-of-control
• Scream at people (and no one in particular) at the top of their lungs
• Talk randomly about things that make absolutely no sense
• Make inappropriate comments in public (for instance, telling the check-out lady they have pooh-pooh)
• Emotionally wide-open
• Sometime stumble and trip over things
• Cry without reason or purpose
• Don't ever want the party to end - or go to bed!

Yes, we have all suffered through these moments with our best buddies at some point but just imagine waking up to this chaos everyday. Maybe if toddlers got hangovers from their bad actions - they would learn quicker. But then again, it doesn't stop our friends from imbibing...

If this is as bad as it gets - I'll take it since these are the moments I may miss most years from now.

(Note to any over-protective parents reading this: the beer bottle she is sucking is empty and dear daddy is the one who shot the photos.)

Too young for Fireworks?

At 21 months, is Greta too young to enjoy the loud pops and bams of July 4th?

I want her to experience awe and lgith show, but don't want to traumatize her.

My reasoning is that if they have them at Disney - it can't be all that harmful.

Chime in with your opinion!

Oxford English Dictionary (OED) - Toddler terminology

Kiki! Kiki!

Can anyone figure out what Greta's word "kiki" translates to in English?

I am not sure how William Chester Minor (un-publicized, crazy contributor/author to the OED) would have defined it as but in Greta's world - it has a definitive, urgent meaning!

(hint: it's in the picture)

The Dude..

...or just a lazy Saturday morning?

I can guarantee everyone that she is not yet permitted to drink Caucasian's.

It's been a while..

..but we are still alive and well

The biggest update is that somewhere between 20 and 21 months, Greta has had a talking explosion. She would put Jabber Jaws and Chatty Cathy to shame.

On the other hand, I understand about one half of one percent of what she is saying since it tends to be either jibberish or a toddler-enhanced form of Spanish.

In the last month, Greta has evolved into a pleasant little girl who is Mama's Little Helper. She can even dress herself in pants, socks and shoes (does it matter if they are on the wrong feet).

She finished up her first round of Water Tots classes and is preparing to start round two of Tumbling.

At work, I had a very successful Expo and afterwards, I enjoyed a quick getaway to Cancun to celebrate a friend's wedding.

In the picture above you can see that we have already begun to enjoy the (long, hot) days of Summer at the nearby spraypark!

Babies for Mother's Day!

No worries - I am not hinting at anymore babies for me.

But I am excited to go check out the new documentary, Babies, with a couple friends tomorrow. It's out just in time for Mother's Day.

Derek is also taking us out for brunch at the trendy, new Hotel Palomar - I am hoping that she sits next to him for this particular meal service. 19 months is not a good age for dining (of any type) outside the home.

Believe it or not, this picture with us together was Greta's first ever professional photo and it was free! It happend last week when we crashed the Penn Camera tent Sale that Derek was working at all weekend - they were doing free kid's portraits. Good deal! See daughter with daddy on the job below....

No toys for Greta

True fact:

Since Greta has been born, I have only bought her two toys.

Seems impossible especially at almost 20 months old, right?

Well, not if you have generous grandparents, friends and family members.... plus many toy stores nearby.

Instead of buying her new toys, we often go to local toy stores or the Barnes & Noble (where these photos were shot) to test out the latest and greatest. Most have test models and dedicated play areas for the kids.

Here she has befriended her favorite Yo Gabba Gabba character Brobee in the form of a backpack.

Every now and then I will buy a book or crayons to pay for time we spent in the store "playing".

It's easy on the pocket book and always a new delight for the child - I suggest every parent trying a bit of this strategy before getting out the credit card.

Classic is back: Big Wheel Tryke!

Or was the Big Wheel ever out?

Greta and I received an impromptu visit from my cousin Christine and her parents, Steve and Cheryl this weekend.

And yes they came like the three wise men bearing gifts and more gifts for little Greta.

Her favorite (and Aunt Cheryl's) by far was the Dora the Explorer tryke! It's a souped up electronic Spanish speaking version of the classic Big Wheel. Groovy!

She can't quite reach the peddles yet but that does not stop her from spending hours touring on it bedrock-style with her little feet.

Uncle Steve is the youngest of my Dad's brothers and no doubt the brainiest working as an engineer. Turns out that his daughter, Christine, inherited the "smarts" as well and is (knock on wood) coming to DC this fall to get her masters in public health at George Washington.

Greta and I could not be more delighted to have dear family move to the area!!