First comes love...

Christmas

2012-01-21T21:33:00.000-08:00

If I had to describe my Christmas break in one word it would be "epic." I hear this is a trendy word for young whipper snappers such as myself to use.

In any case, I played in snow, went skiing, saw dancing lights at the zoo, sang my first solo in front on an audience larger than 4, got my first acting gig as an angel in our family nativity pageant, spent some quality time with my extended family, saw Happy Feet 2 in the theater for the second time, and learned to give Grandpa choke holds from Brooklynn, my new bosom friend. Speaking of Grandpa, he does a mean jig in green tights.

Here are a few video highlights. Please pay particular attention to the way I pulled of a coordinated dance along with my rendition of "Rudolph."

As it turns out, the low light was, in fact, Christmas morning. The camera angle isn't great, so you'll just have to imagine the scene based on the audio (I make a short appearance at the end).

But I made a nice recovery after Grandpa ditched the red suit and I saw all the loot!Thanks to everyone who made my 3rd Christmas so awesome!

Jingle Bells

2011-12-17T20:56:00.000-08:00

Mama's girl

2011-11-26T13:18:00.000-08:00

My parents are frequently at odds over whether I'll be a soccer player/lawyer type like my dad or a musician/science lover like my mom. Well, unfortunately for Dad, Mom and I spend a disproportionate amount of time together which means I also have more opportunities to succumb to her propaganda. So while I'm average at best when it comes to kicking a soccer ball and have never successfully negotiated an all-candy meal, I am way ahead of the curve when it comes to singing songs about the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T00:01:00.001-07:00

Yes, I picked my costume all by myself.

Five Little Pumpkins

2011-10-25T20:50:00.000-07:00

With Halloween just around the corner I've been busy learning all the customs surrounding this holiday so as not to make a ~~ghoul~~ fool of myself when the big day arrives. You might be thinking, "But Elizabeth, this is your third Halloween. Surely you know what goes on by now." And to some extent you're correct. This is technically my third Halloween and I should be an expert by now. But as it turns out I slept through my first Halloween...

I fared no better last year. The curvature of my cheeks made the duck suit a tight fit, cutting off the circulation to my brain and ruining my ability to recall anything that happened that day.

So this year I've had to start from scratch. I've been reading Halloween books, learning Halloween songs, drawing Halloween pictures, wearing my Halloween costume and destroying all our Halloween decorations. I even carved a jack-o-lantern! Here's a sample of my work:

Translation:

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate.

The first one said, "Oh my, it's getting late!"

The second one said, "There are witches in the air."

The third one said, "But we don't care!"

The fourth one said, "Let's run and run and run."

The fifth one said, "I'm ready for some fun!"

Ooooh went the wind and out went the light,

And the five little pumpkins rolled out of sight.

Happy Birthday to me!

2011-08-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why I keep hearing so much about the "Terrible Twos." As far as I can tell there's nothing terrible about it at all! I know I only have one day of experience, but c'mon! If I don't get what I want I scream and instantly several people surround me, ready to do my bidding if I'll just stop crying. It doesn't get any better than this.

Oakland Zoo

2011-08-04T21:31:00.008-07:00

My favorite things, in order, about my trip to the Oakland Zoo:

1) the train ride
2) the carousel
3) brushing goats Steven and Faye
4) the fake pigs
5) the fake butterfly on the fake rock
6) the fake bugs at the playground
7) the fake bugs on the sidewalk
8) the fake frog
9) a select few of the real animals

Santa Cruz

2011-08-04T20:58:00.006-07:00

What does a girl have to do around here to get her parents to take her to the beach? Talk about it non-stop for three weeks apparently. Two visits to the beach was just not cutting it for a beach bum such as myself. I just love me a good beach.

Now, you might think it's because of the soothing pattern of crashing waves, the smell of the briny air, the feel of the warm sand between my toes... But all those are just peripheral. The nasty, rubbery, stinky seaweed is where it's at. I found out from my Dad, who happens to know a lot about seaweed, that the one and only Nemo swam right by a piece of seaweed I found. I held on to that seaweed like a thirteen year old girl holds on to an autographed photo of Justin Bieber. See photo exhibit.

Summer Fun

2011-07-25T13:36:00.007-07:00

My mom finally cleared off enough space on the computer so I could load the videos of myself from the past couple of months. Here's a taste of what my summer has been like.

Busy

2011-07-18T12:53:00.005-07:00

Sorry I haven't written in a while. I've been busy wearing laundry while my mom tries to fold it, emptying my drawers out when my mom is in the other room and sitting in a pot.

Mishap

2011-06-06T19:51:00.002-07:00

This might be why my mom said I shouldn't play with my dad's sandals.

Party Girl

2011-05-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

I was invited to my first birthday party a couple of weeks ago. With both parents as engineers, Jayden is destined to become a world-class scientist by the time he's 5. So it was only fitting that he threw a science themed bash. We each got our own lab coats (which I refused since it would cover up the outfit I chose specifically for this occasion) and goggles. I had to try on each different color of goggles several times because I wasn't sure which one went best with my complexion. We played with army men, goo and bottle rockets and ate cake. As you can see, I took my responsibilities as "party goer" very seriously.

Being harassed by the paparazzi on my way to the party.

The goggles.

The goo.

Watching bottle rockets.

The cake.

Dueling sippy cups.

Playing army parachute men at the playground.

Birthday hug!

The only downside to the party were the embarrassing goggle marks.

Art

2011-05-17T18:49:00.004-07:00

Things I have asked my mom to draw this week:

-every letter of the alphabet

-Nana in a boat

-a TV with Cheerios on it

-a different TV with Cheerios on it

-the Audi

-a toilet

-Patsy and Waite (Penguins from the aquarium)

-a whale tail

-a pink monster

I call it like I see it.

2011-05-16T12:49:00.004-07:00

Me: Picture! (pointing to the above flyer on our fridge)

Mom: Oh yeah, there's a picture on there. What's it a picture of?

Me: Two pizzas kissing!

My Best Friend

2011-05-07T21:48:00.015-07:00

So my old man gave me a lot of grief last year for not writing anything about my mom for Mother's Day. I tried to tell him that I had a lot on my mind this time last year: moving to D.C., trying to learn how to walk, visiting Nana and Pops, and adjusting to sleeping in a closet (Trust me, it wasn't nearly as bad as it sounds.). But as is so often the case, my dad was right. I really blew it last year and decided to try to make up for it this year.

So even though this is not nearly as poetic as my "Ode to My Dad" for Father's Day last year, I wrote this post so you all can know how awesome my mom really is. Most of you may already know this but I thought I'd provide a little proof from the past year of my mom's coolness:

So basically my mom is the coolest, funniest, kindest, smartest, most fun, and most beautiful person in the whole wide world. This got me thinking. For those of you who know my dad, you understand what I mean when I say he is kind of a nerd. I'm just being honest here. Over the past little bit I've caught myself looking at my parents and wondering how in the peck my dad tricked my mom into marrying him. I realize my dad can be pretty tricky--especially when we are playing hide-and-go-seek--but he's not tricky enough to dupe my mom into spending the rest of her life with him.

I thought he might have used magic like Elmo's friend Abby Cadabby. So I searched our whole house looking for a magic wand and couldn't find one, although I did find some old Cheerios under the couch. I can now assure you my dad is not a sorcerer, so there had to be another explanation.

Next I thought perhaps my dad was just really good at bribing my mom. He is a master briber. I should know, he bribes me all the time when he takes me shopping. Don't tell my mom but sometimes he takes me to this amazing place called 7-11 where he buys me chocolate. But after thinking about it more I realized this wasn't the answer. My mom is probably smart like me and would take a bribe from my dad and not be manipulated.

I haven't figured it out yet and am still stumped. But I guess what is most important is that my dad realizes that he really does have it made. And when it comes down to it, I have to admit that I too am really lucky to have my mom in my life. My dad and I get to spend everyday with the most amazing person in the world. And we both can be quite a handful. Mom, I want to thank you for:

always reading one more book;
giving me the best hugs and moving your hair out of the way when I want to put my head on your shoulder;
jogging with me daily and always ending our jogs by playing in the park;
hosting the best dance parties this side of the Mississippi;
singing me my favorite songs over and over again;
kissing my boo boos and comforting me when I'm sad or cranky;
putting up with Dad, especially when he gets me hyper right before bed time;
teaching me all kinds of new words and phrases like "shoot," "nut," and "ya and shoy";
laughing with me and tickling me like crazy; and
letting me know that you love me every single day.

These are just some of my favorite things that you do for me, and I could thank you for so many more. But most of all I want to thank you for being my very best friend in the whole wide world.

Happy Mother's Day and I love you!

Crazy

2011-05-07T20:57:00.002-07:00

If my mom looks tired lately, this might be why:

Letters

2011-05-05T13:35:00.003-07:00

Stomach flu + "Letter Factory" DVD + new alphabet bath toys = now I know all the letters and their sounds.

Look what I spelled in an effort to keep my cousins' plight on everyone's mind!

Remember each person can vote for the BLUE team once per day on this site: http://www.citytv.com/calgary/show/micro/multimedia/116763--my-rona-home-season-2?tid=123240.

Easter

2011-04-27T22:46:00.003-07:00

After all my parents told me about how the Easter Bunny brings eggs, toys, books and candy I was pretty psyched for Easter to finally arrive. But what they neglected to tell me was that sometimes the Easter Bunny also brings the stomach flu. I'm sure he doesn't mean to, but with hopping from house to house like that he picks up a lot of germs along the way. Thankfully he made it up to me with a killer Easter basket and an egg hunt. Never underestimate that Easter Bunny.

The Wheels on the Bus

2011-04-22T14:19:00.003-07:00

P.S. Remember to vote BLUE (my cousins) everyday at www.citytv.com/myronahome!!

Important Message

2011-04-07T20:41:00.008-07:00

I always felt it would be irresponsible of me to use my good looks to solicit things from friends. But a cause so important has come to my attention that I've shifted my perspective a little. I am now joining the ranks of many a Hollywood star before me in exploiting my appearance for a worthy purpose.

Let me explain. My second cousins, Jacob and Allie, are Canadian reality TV stars! Their family was chosen to compete as the BLUE TEAM in the My Rona Home competition to win a free home. Their parents have slaved away on finishing and decorating their dream home, but it doesn't become theirs until they win the competition. That's where you come in. They need your votes, and I'm told voting is a civic duty so I don't want to see any of you slacking.

Now, in case my good looks weren't compelling enough, let me tell you a little more about their family. My mom's cousin and his wife, Jordan and Robyn, recently moved back to Calgary from California after Jordan completed a chiropractic program. Like any recent graduate, they have been struggling to pay off student debts while they raise their oh-so-adorable little family. They have been living with and caring for my Great Grandma in 2 small bedrooms and a make-shift playroom in the basement. Now, I love my Great Grandma as much as anyone and I hate the thought of taking them away from her, but I think even she would say this is an opportunity that can't be missed! Plus, I need a cushy place to play when I visit Calgary, so I must admit my intentions are not completely unselfish.

And if that still isn't enough to make you vote Blue, then perhaps if I also exploit their good looks it will push you over the edge.

So here is what I want from you, faithful readers:

1. Take a post-it note and write the following:

My Rona Home
Starting Sunday April 10th
vote BLUE EVERYDAY
www.citytv.com/myronahome

Place the note next to your computer or somewhere where you'll see it everyday.

2. Every single day starting today go to the above link and place a vote for the blue team. You can vote once per computer per day, so if you have multiple computers please vote from each of them. The drop down box on the voting page includes U.S. states even though it only says provinces.

3. If you are able, watch the show each week (or not- you can still vote!). If you can't get it on TV, you can download it online 24-48 hours after it airs.

4. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

W

2011-03-31T14:31:00.001-07:00

All dressed up with nowhere to go

2011-03-30T08:35:00.001-07:00

No one ever accused me of lacking style.

Aquarium

2011-03-28T21:40:00.003-07:00

I was starting to think I was the only kid alive who hadn't been to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. My excuses of "everybody's doing it!" and "It will be educational!" didn't work on my parents. What did work? Days and days of being locked indoors due to an unseasonal amount of rain (though I think my strategically placed fussing was the clincher). Here is a clip of my adventure. And stay to the end. I don't disappoint.

It's a Jolly Holiday with Grandma!

2011-03-02T20:50:00.008-08:00

Once again I've been delinquent in my postings. I have been in the depths of despair since my Grandma left a couple of weeks ago. I could barely see the keyboard in between sobs. My first attempts at writing about Grandma's visit yielded so many typos on account of my blurry eyes that even I couldn't tell what I had written. But now it is 8:53pm and I'm too tired to cry (it helps that I'm sound asleep in my crib) so I thought I should take advantage of this opportunity to finally document the fun we had during the month she was here.

I've been told I have a tendency to wax verbose, so I'll just get to the point and say that Granda and I lit up the town. We played at parks, collected rocks, puddle jumped, visited Niner and Perry (Palo Alto's community donkeys), went to the junior museum and zoo, went to the San Jose Children's Museum, walked the dish, splashed in a pool, dressed up, read books and, of course, played on the iPhone. We also enjoyed a weekend visit from Grandpa.

The only problem I have with Grandma visiting is that she makes normal life seem so boring!

The Beach

2011-02-14T21:39:00.000-08:00

Yes you East Coast and Canadian suckahs. That's me. At the beach. In February.

Operation Valentine's Day: Success

2011-02-14T20:22:00.004-08:00

Another successful Valentine's Day has come and gone. Dad bought me roses (we told Mom they were for her). Then we decorated and ate sugar cookies. Mmmmm.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-13T22:17:00.002-08:00

I have the greatest mom in the universe.

2011-02-08T12:48:00.007-08:00

I probably don't talk about my mom's awesomeness enough. She's been learning to sew and over the weekend she sewed me Egbert, my "bappo."

I like to carry him.

I like to ride him.

I like to poke his eye out.

I like to bite his nose.

And after a long, hard day I like to sit with him in my lounging chair.

Did I mention how awesome my mom is?

The Eensy Weensy Spider

2011-02-01T12:38:00.004-08:00

...climbed right into my affections.

My Grandma has been visiting for the past couple of weeks, breaking the monotony of my otherwise repetitive life. Among other talents, Grandma is an excellent musician, so it naturally follows that I've been picking up her musical repertoire (which is quite extensive). One gem that has been life-changing is the Eensy Weensy Spider. After learning this little ditty, we happened upon a spider hand puppet at Ikea. I found myself a little short on cash, so Grandma picked up the tab and home I went with a song in my heart and my new friend in tow.

After a few days I think it's safe to say that my "new friend" has graduated to "roommate" and possibly even "sibling" status. He sleeps in my crib with me and comes on car rides. Frankly, I'm not sure what I did before he came into my life.

I think my mom is jealous though. That's probably why she "accidentally" left him at Grandma's apartment yesterday. :(

Fashion Forward

2011-01-14T12:27:00.002-08:00

Christmas Part 2

2011-01-11T13:03:00.009-08:00

Here are a few highlights from the Christmas break:

1. New Cousins. I got to meet my new cousin Michael for the first time, and simultaneously lost the ability to say the name Michael, which I was never very good at to begin with. I now refer to him as "Baby! Baby! Baby!" which I think is a much more fitting name since it more accurately depicts his current life stage. I also got another new cousin named Holden, which I also can't say and who I also refer to as "Baby! Baby! Baby!" for reasons previously mentioned. Nevertheless, I like the look of these two and foresee lots of mischief in our collective future.

2. The Shower Misadventures Continue. My mom is such a sucker. She thought that because I was happily playing with Nana that she could take a shower without my intrusion. She didn't realize that I learned how to open the shower door all by myself. So while she was washing her face, and thus unable to see, I decided that my hippo jammies and I needed a good cleaning. Mom opened her eyes to find me standing there, soaking wet, at her feet.

(sorry, no photo)

3. Walking in a Winter Wonderland. I didn't really get to see snow before we left Boston, so my parents were thrilled to find a fresh, white blanket of the stuff in Virginia for me to play in. It turns out, though, that Santa and snow have a lot in common. They both make me do this:

4. Uncle Ben. I've always been a little standoffish with men who are not my dad. It's part of my girlish charm. But I was caught by surprise when I noticed myself growing increasingly attached to my Uncle Ben. Could it be because he can stack yogurt containers better than anyone I know? We may never know the answer to that question. All I know is that every time I would see him through the window I was compelled to shout, "Ben! Ben! Ben!" and run to the door awaiting his entry.

5. Family. Of course the ultimate highlight of my Christmas break was hangin' out with Nana, Pops, Uncle Chris, Aunt Jen, Michael, Aunt Holly and Uncle Ben. As my mom often tells me, I'm one lucky duck to have such a wonderful family.

Christmas

2011-01-04T13:41:00.008-08:00

I'm afraid all the heavy lifting I did for our move zapped my energy and blogging had to take a back seat. Speaking of back seats, I'm still stuck riding in one but my parents finally turned me forward facing. Talk about a whole new world! Now I can point to things and yell their names over and over again (which unfortunately all sound like "bah! bah! bah!", or, on occasion, "Bee! Bee! Bee!") and cry when my parents can't figure out what the heck I'm pointing to. But I digress...

We successfully made it out of Boston and started our journey to Nana and Pops' place. Much to my dismay my little friends Cold, Fever and Ear Infection came with us. Once we got there I was carted yet again to the doctor's office where I got a shot of antibiotics which gave me another allergic reaction. So they put me on a different antibiotic, benadryl and steroids. This cocktail gave me the superpowers of screaming/crying all day long without even needing to take a breath, being offended by everything in sight including my parents, pooping like there's no tomorrow and making life generally miserable for everyone I came in contact with. Luckily my family has the superpower of loving me anyway.

The steroids wore off in time for me to enjoy a surprisingly wonderful Christmas morning. Why was this a surprise, you ask? Well, I have a long and complicated relationship with Santa as depicted in the following photos of my previous encounters with him:

I couldn't imagine that I'd enjoy anything he was involved with! But that was just because my underdeveloped cognitive functioning prevented me from understanding before the fact that this Bowl-Full-of-Jelly would be bringing me all sorts of new toys to play with. Things went a little smoother once we got that misunderstanding cleared up. I also got some pretty neat stuff from my family.

I would be remiss if I forgot to mention that my mom turned the big 3-0 on Christmas Day. I helped her open her presents since she sometimes has trouble with the tape. Dad and I got her this awesome book with nice notes from many of her friends and family. In celebration I did a hula dance in my new authentic Hawaiian grass skirt from Gwama. Then we ate delicious cupcakes... only the true story is that everyone else ate delicious cupcakes and I went to bed.

All in all (apart from the lack of cupcakes) it was a great day and a great week. Stay tuned because in the next installment I meet a new cousin, bathe a hippo and myself at the same time, walk in a winter wonderland and develop an attachment to an unsuspecting uncle...

Miss Lizzie: An Autobiographical Poem

2011-01-03T15:48:00.004-08:00

There once was a girl named Miss Lizzie.
Her antics left her parents dizzy.
She got a new pad,
and made her mom mad
with the ways that she chose to keep busy.

New Cousin!

2010-11-26T18:49:00.001-08:00

Dear Michael,

This is the best I got.

Love,
Elizabeth

The 10 Days of Sickness

2010-11-26T17:02:00.004-08:00

After...

10 days of fever
9 sleepless nights
8 calls to doctor
7 re-runs of "The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That"
6 days of antibiotics
5 million thermometer encounters
4 daily doses of ibuprofen
3 meals a day I didn't eat
2 trips to the doctor
1 new word ("Doctor")

I am finally feeling better. I'm so happy I could kiss a bird.

Low rider

2010-11-24T15:51:00.002-08:00

Civilized

2010-11-17T06:56:00.002-08:00

Mom thinks it's time I learned to eat with a spoon. I think the beard negates any lady-likeness I gain from using a utensil.

Happy Halloween!!!

2010-10-30T21:01:00.000-07:00

Foliage

2010-10-24T17:22:00.007-07:00

With only two months left in Boston, I am trying to take advantage of everything the city has to offer. So is Elmo.

What do you do with a drunken sailor?

2010-10-16T10:41:00.004-07:00

I don't know, but I intend to find out.

Last weekend we drove directly from New Hampshire to Vacationland (aka Maine for my uneducated readers, but that name is much more boring) to catch some fall leaves. First we visited the Portland Head Light, a famous lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth (not a boring name).

The next day we took a "cruise" around some of the islands off the coast of Portland, ME. I was lucky enough to sit by a small family with a dog named Jarvis. Jarvis and I quickly became best friends! I spent the first half of the cruise tickling him until he had to get off. Luckily when he got off about a dozen dogs got on, so I spent the second half of the cruise running between them. I didn't see much of the scenery, but if this is was being a sailor is like then I think I've found my calling in life!

Sittin' on the dock of the Piscataqua River...

2010-10-16T10:18:00.007-07:00

It has a certain ring to it, doesn't it?

This entry will be brief since I've come down with a cold and don't much feel like typing. The first time I went to New Hampshire I slept through almost the whole experience. On a spectrum with "live free" on one end and "die" on the other, I certainly leaned toward the "die" side, at least figuratively. This has weighed on my conscience for some time, so I talked Mom and Dad into taking me again so I could try my hand at living free. Luckily my desire to go to New Hampshire coincided with the LDSSA retreat to Portsmouth. Here are some photos of me hangin' out on a dock on the Piscataqua river that divides New Hampshire from Maine.

What can I say? Birds love me. And I love them.

Watching a duck eat some fish.

Doing my best fish face.

I got dressed first. Dad wanted to match me.

Mom didn't get the memo.

I dare you to find a baby cuter than me.

I'm an independent woman. No hand holding necessary.

Potty Training

2010-10-12T09:41:00.003-07:00

Lately we've been doing some potty training- as in my mom is trying to train me to stay as far away from the potty as possible. But, you see, I live to thwart my mom's every move. Serendipitously I have recently dropped to one nap, which means my mom has to shower while I'm awake. This leaves me with several minutes every day for mischief making.

Shower attempt #1- Mom put me in my crib with all my favorite toys, then waited until I was happily playing to jump in the shower. I realized quickly that she was gone and screamed bloody murder until she rushed out, towel in her hair, to rescue me from the confines of my crib.

Shower attempt #2- Mom put up the gate so I wouldn't fall down the stairs and let me wander around the whole upstairs. I pulled every article of nicely folded clothing off my mom's shelves and pulled everything out of my laundry bin. I got pretty close to pulling everything out of the trash bin as well but my mom cut her shower short to stop me.

Shower attempt #3 (today)- Mom put up the gate and set up the portable DVD player just outside the bathroom door with my favorite Baby Einstein DVD on. I pretended to be interested in it until she was in the shower. I then dismantled the DVD player, took the DVD out and started banging it on everything in sight. My mom heard, jumped out of the shower without rinsing her hair and put everything back in place (she tells me those DVDs are expensive and that I'm not to wreck them). She then went to rinse her hair. I tried to be quiet, but she must have heard some noise because a minute later she peaked out the shower curtain to find me with my hand splashing around in the toilet bowl. The toilet brush had clearly been played with too. Before I knew it I was stripped down to my birthday suit and having a grand old time in the shower with Mom. What mom didn't realize is that it's not so easy to dry yourself and a baby off at the same time. So once I was dry, she was forced to let me run around diaperless. I gingerly ran into Mom and Dad's room and peed on the floor.

Sometimes when I look in the mirror it's hard even for me to believe that I'm capable of this stuff!

Dizzy Lizzie

2010-10-03T20:07:00.002-07:00

Grandma

2010-09-26T11:56:00.008-07:00

My Grandma lives to satisfy my every whim. So when I told her I needed her to come out to Boston 3 weeks after seeing me in Canada she gladly complied with my request. It was for her own good.

To sweeten the deal for her I took her to Applecrest Farms in New Hampshire where she had the pleasure of photographing me while I was mauled by sheep and goats. I also took her on a hayride where a nice little girl gave me my very first freshly picked apple. Grandma let me eat some apple cider doughnuts and dance to live bluegrass music in a pumpkin patch.

We spent a lot of time at the park where I became a sailor and an astronaut all in one day.

We also went to Salem, MA to experience its rich cultural heritage. It turns out it's kind of a dump, though I've heard it's hoppin' at Halloween. We did manage to pick out a few gems. We ate some decent pizza, saw the Bewitched statue and wandered through a graveyard. I wanted my palm read, but Mom talked me out of it.

There's only one thing I loved more than having my Grandma there and that was having her iPhone there. Every time she came through the door I couldn't wait to rummage through her purse to find it. My mom says if I'm good Uncle Chris has promised to buy me one for Christmas. Too bad there's not much chance of me being good.

Grandma, come again soon!

Virginia is for lovers...

2010-09-07T12:54:00.016-07:00

And babies. I happen to be both. The baby part is obvious to any casual observer. But a lover, you ask? Well, I'm a lover of the great outdoors, animals large and small, homegrown tomatoes, birthday cake, family, stroller races, and playing transformers. I found all of these things on my recent trip to Virginia.

We were fortunate enough to overlap for a couple of days with all my Walker aunts and uncles, as well as my cousins Max and Elle. I hadn't seen Max and Elle since January so we had a lot of catching up to do.

Max is my hero. I could follow that guy around for hours! In fact, I think I did. He's the best race car driver I know and plays Transformers like nobody's business. He also invented this great game where he rolls a ball off my head and makes me giggle.

Nana has a real sense for toys and provided Elle and I each with a stroller and a baby to push around. Despite being great friends, our competitive natures really come out when wielding strollers. Let's just say I have a lot of respect for Elle as a person, and an athlete.

While we were all together, my family threw me a huge birthday bash complete with Spongebob... things. I'm not sure what they are called, exactly, but you can see them in the picture below.

We had a lovely dinner and divine birthday cake (I have a very refined palate, so I don't throw around that word lightly), but I must say the highlight for all of us was gift time. Max and Elle helped me open all my presents. The wrapping paper and tape were no match for our combined excitement and nimble fingers.

Thanks to my generous family, I raked in some sweet bath toys, a Counting Candles Birthday Cake, a Tickle Me Elmo, my very own remote control, a new dress, and ... wait for it... WOOD BLOCKS!!! I could go on about the virtues of each of these gifts, but in lieu of time I will limit my comments to this: wood blocks are not only fun to play with but also delicious. So delicious I had to share with Dad.

After all my aunts and uncles left I got to spend some quality 2 on 1 time with Nana and Pops. I had heard Nana is a softy and will take her grand kids anywhere they want to go, so I put on my sweetest face and begged her to take me on an animal safari. Yes, you heard right. An animal safari. It just so happens that there is an animal safari a few short minutes from Nana and Pop's house. I'll let the photos and video do the talking.

We also spent a lazy summer day at Boxerwood Gardens where we walked through foliage tunnels, played with pots and pans, sat in the stream and looked at the fish on Nana's big blanket.

The week went by quickly and before I knew it I was strapped into my car seat driving back to Boston. Once again my parents tore me away from the ones I love. They should have to buy me a new toy as compensation for my heartache.

O Canada

2010-09-07T12:33:00.013-07:00

Jeepers I have a lot of catching up to do! This could take a while.

First, I should note that birds and I are on the outs lately. I have now focused my attention on fowl of an aquatic nature. Sure I still get excited when a feathered friend flies through my field of vision, but the arm waving and hysterics usually only follow a sighting of a web footed comrade. And when my mom holds up an object and asks, "Elizabeth, what's this?" I am three times more likely to say, "Dut" (translation: duck) as I am to say, "Buhd," regardless of what the object actually is.

But more on that later. I wrapped up my Palo Alto experience with bittersweet feelings. On the one hand, saying goodbye is never easy. But it's like I always say, a goodbye to one thing is really just a hello to another thing. So I said hello to Whistler, B.C. where I met my family for a week of partying and bear sightings. I got to live on a golf course, jog by the lake every morning, see all kinds of amazing animals, and take my first gondola ride. I also had more playmates that I knew what to do with. Ah, it was the life!

The week flew by and before I knew it I was headed to Calgary for a few days of fun in the ... bitter cold rain. I didn't let that stop me, however, and managed some quick visits with my great grandmas and first cousins once removed. First cousins once removed seem to pop up a lot in my life.

Of course the culmination of my time in Canada was my first birthday! We spent the day at Prince's Island chasing squirrels and various fowl. We then headed to Gwama and Gwampa's for some deluxerrific birthday cake. Later, everyone gave me gifts of tissue paper (with a few toys and clothes that shook out in the mix). It was a sight to behold!

The next day I tried to be strong as I packed my bags for Virginia. Saying goodbye to Gwama and Gwampa was awful, but I was comforted by the thought of Nana and Pops and my aunts, uncles and cousins waiting to greet me in Virginia.

Word count after Canada= 3, bird, bear and dog

My First Word

2010-08-04T10:21:00.002-07:00

This will come as no surprise to those familiar with my pigeon chasing ways.

Discovery

2010-07-26T15:16:00.010-07:00

I've been discovering lots of things lately. It all started last weekend when my friend Jayden took me to the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito. We hung out at the Tot Spot where we:

Discovered water and fish.

Discovered animals and animal sounds.

Discovered crawling through tunnels.

Discovered toys and mirrors.

Discovered bird chasing.

Discovered climbing.

Mom got that sweet action shot of Jayden's face as he scaled the ledge. Before Jayden came into my life I had only tried climbing wimpy things. Here are some things mom has caught me climbing ever since Jayden showed me how it's really done:

Thanks, Jayden, for a great weekend!

Balloon

2010-07-22T11:50:00.003-07:00

Um, why did no one bother to tell me about balloons before? Mom and I hit the Nordstrom anniversary sale yesterday to get me some shoes I can actually walk in. To thank me for my patronage of their department, they gave me a beautiful purple balloon. I took it with me everywhere. I just can't believe I had to find out about these glorious balls of helium from NORDSTROM!!! I thought you people cared about me.

Cousins

2010-07-20T11:48:00.003-07:00

Last weekend I got to spend some time bonding, mostly through the medium of dance, with my first cousins once removed. Shout out to Teya and Adri! Here's Teya and I having some serious fun, baby style.

Snaggle tooth

2010-07-20T11:43:00.002-07:00

Despite being, well, fat, I have never been very self conscious about my appearance. Until now. My right incisor is coming in before any of my other top teeth. I'm going to look like a snaggle tooth baby! Eek! So if you see me, please be cautious not to damage my sensitive ego.

The beach

2010-07-18T08:39:00.004-07:00

Mom and Dad took me to Half Moon Bay yesterday to visit the beach. They had high hopes that I would fall in love with it. I'll let the video do the talking.

In between tears they were able to snap a few photos in which I look deceivingly happy... or at least not freaked out.

Identity Crisis

2010-07-14T13:58:00.007-07:00

Until recently, I was content in thinking I was a Boston baby. But now that I've spent some time getting reacquainted with my birthplace I'm not so sure. Since arriving in California on Saturday it has been nothing but sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. I know they can't all be California girls, but let's just say I think I'd make the Beach Boys proud.

Here are some shots of me out for an afternoon stroll by my new apartment.

Yup. Definitely a California girl.

Bling

2010-07-06T15:06:00.002-07:00

At nearly 11 months old, I still didn't have any bling. So I convinced my mom to get me some in the form of new shoes.

Long Weekend

2010-07-06T11:33:00.009-07:00

This weekend we went down to Nana and Pops' house for some fun adventures. While we were there I:

went a pickin' blackberries with Nana and Pops, ate said blackberries and got a blackberry mug.

splashed in Nana and Pops' hot tub.

Played peek-a-boo with Nana in the Hammock.

ate some grass.

went to Boxerwood Gardens to stimulate my senses and exercise my imagination.

wore a pretty dress.

celebrated Independence Day.

and got pooped!

My new toy

2010-06-29T14:28:00.004-07:00

In preparation for our flight to California my mom got me a few new toys for the plane. She gave me a sneak preview this afternoon to see if I would like them. One of the toys in particular captured my attention- keys! I have seen my mom misuse keys many times by sticking them in locks and such. I decided it was time to education her on what keys are really meant for.

Swimming

2010-06-27T08:32:00.006-07:00

A couple of days ago my mom and dad gave me a bath in a huge tub. It was pretty dandy until I realized that they filled it with cold water and forgot to take my clothes off. I promptly removed myself from the tub and walked home.

Ode to my dad

2010-06-21T07:51:00.003-07:00

You're awesome.

I'm 10!

2010-06-17T18:10:00.006-07:00

... months old. In celebration, here is a video to keep my most loyal fans abreast of my recent developments. It includes rare footage of me dancing (with my legs- until recently I could only dance with my arms), making funny noises, and taking a few steps. Enjoy!

Mount Vernon

2010-06-15T12:43:00.006-07:00

I know I'm supposed to be showing off my teeth, but they're not quite big enough yet to show up in a picture and I couldn't wait to tell you about my exciting trip to Mount Vernon. It was about 95 degrees and the line to get in was 45 minutes long. Mom and Dad nearly wilted and turned back, but I coaxed them into waiting to see it. I mean, I'd like to know how a president lives if I'm going to be one someday. We made it through a tour of the mansion, and I also got to see the gardens, wash house, smoke house, beautiful view of the Potomac, some sheep and the "necessary." The necessary is where they did what I do in my diaper. The crazy thing is that in each necessary there were 3 seats, for lack of a better word. Did they seriously go to the bathroom 3 at a time? I'll take a diaper any day over one of those! Maybe being the president isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Take a good look at my face...

2010-06-11T11:10:00.002-07:00

... cuz the next time you see it there is a good chance it will be sporting teeth. Yes, the two lower beauties are on their way! I think I'm gonna have some steak to celebrate.

Don't you wish your Daddy was funny like mine?

2010-06-01T18:46:00.002-07:00

Today I was going to go swimming for the first time, but when we arrived at the pool we realized that it is only open on weekends. I was terribly distraught until my dad came up with an awesome idea of something to do that was even more fun!

Rockbridge Baths

2010-05-24T11:57:00.008-07:00

Warning: If you are of a jealous nature, do not read this post. I had an exciting weekend and you might not be able to handle yourself.

On Friday evening Mom and Dad drove me down to Rockbridge Baths to visit Nana, Pops, Uncle Ben and Aunt Holly. I was so well behaved on the drive. I even took a nap from 7:30-8:30pm so that I would have the stamina to play with them into the wee hours of the morning. Unfortunately they did not nap at this time and thus I was put to bed at 11:00. In protest I woke up three times that night.

I thought I was going to be able to spend a lazy Saturday lounging around, eating, and sleeping, but they had other plans for me. I was put to work crawling under the pool table, playing the piano, knocking over towers of blocks and learning to stand (unassisted), clap and snort. I also took a bath in the big girl tub. While it wasn't my idea of a relaxing vacation, I look back and realize it was for my good. And it could always be worse. I could be running a marathon in 2 weeks like Aunt Holly.

On Sunday I donned my finest church dress that was a gift from Nana. I was very happy that I had learned how to clap on Saturday so I could be equipped with the skills necessary to express my delight at looking so cute on Sunday. I even cut my naps really short so I could have more time to show off.

After church my parents had to pack up the car. Those that know me know that there is nothing I hate more than packing up a car! So instead I hung out with Nana and Aunt Holly and humored them with my belly laugh when they would dance and make funny noises at me. One good dinner later and we were on the road headed back to D.C. I can't wait until my brain develops to the point where I can remember these things.

Moving

2010-05-16T17:27:00.005-07:00

My responsibilities as a mover and a shaker obligate me, from time to time, to move. So this week I moved with the 'rents to Washington D.C. for my dad's internship. Wanna see my new place? Allow me to give you the grand tour.

Here's where I cook up my signature pureed carrots with barley cereal. This is also where I play darts.

This is the barricade my mom erected to keep me away from the electronic devices. Don't tell Mom, but I don't think it's working.

In order to make the living room feel more like home, I made a big mess. Also note my mom's crude attempt at babyproofing the table. I cut my nose on the corners, so she had to tape some cushions on them.

My parents tell me this is my bedroom, but there's something fishy about it. Notice how it resembles a closet?

Here's a gratuitous shot of me looking cute in the hallway.

After we got all moved in, we helped Auntie Michelle move. It's a good thing I arrived in time to help pack the truck! Many hands make light work!

As a treat for helping out, I got to play on the park fence.

More from D.C. later! We've got some fun things planned!

Happy Belated Mama's Day

2010-05-09T05:00:00.004-07:00

Note: I composed this entry in advance knowing I would be moving over the weekend. Unfortunately our internet is not working in our new apartment, so I have been unable to post it until now. I know my fans count on me for timely information and I feel ashamed to have let them down. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Dear Nana and Gwama,

In honor of the mamas of my mama and dada, I did this special photo shoot for you. But unfortunately I was very hungry and misbehaved a little, so here's the best I got:

Total destruction

2010-04-29T06:50:00.004-07:00

Here is an insight into what I do every day. Sidenote: this is after my mom cleaned 3 times.

Auntie Jennifer

2010-04-26T07:54:00.010-07:00

I'm a little late writing this entry, but I wanted time for the full weight of the subject matter to sink in. Auntie Jennifer came to visit last week on her way home from her internship in D.C. Auntie Jennifer graduated last week, which means she's really smart, which means I had to work extra hard to impress her.

The first day was rainy and miserable!

As I don't yet have the maturity to not let the weather affect my mood, I was likewise miserable. Especially at lunch.

But through my tears I stoically gave Jennifer the grand tour of Harvard. Here she is touching John Harvard's toe.

I'm an animal lover and a patriot, so I talked Auntie Jen into coming with me to Wilson's Farm in Lexington, MA on Patriots Day. We spent some time looking at chickens, roosters and a llama with really bad teeth.

We then walked through the Patriots Day parade on Main Street. It seems that all my life I've been naive about parades. I always thought that a parade moved while the observers stood and watched. Not so in Lexington, MA! For some reason no one in the parade moved. They just parked on the side of the street while we walked through. I got to see the Wells Fargo wagon, U.S. soldiers from every war, Boy Scouts, a 4H drummer band, Lobsterbacks and some very patriotic clowns. I think one of the Lobsterbacks was hitting on me. And one had shifty eyes, which is to be expected of Lobsterbacks.

After a day of fun we were ready for some culture, so I showed Auntie Jennifer the Harvard Art Museum. Only it turns out that Auntie Jennifer showed me. Remember how I said she was smart? Let's just say we skipped the docent tour and had our own private tour. Unfortunately I forgot my camera.

Auntie Jennifer and I still found time to play amidst all this excitement. But I'm a little shy of people who aren't my parents so it worked best when she enticed me with treats.

Auntie Jennifer, thank you for introducing me to a whole new world of aesthetic appreciation and for all the sweet potato puffs. You will be missed.

Mt. Everest

2010-04-24T09:49:00.002-07:00

I climbed 5 stairs today, which is basically the equivalent of Mt. Everest. I got a measuring tape as a reward.

Babyproofing...

2010-04-23T14:45:00.001-07:00

... is apparently not going very well.

Happy Patriots Day!

2010-04-19T12:21:00.003-07:00

Eight Months

2010-04-14T17:59:00.015-07:00

I'm 8 months old today! Here are 8 things about me:

1. I love animals. Especially birds, squirrels, lambs and the rats from the pet store (see photo #2).

2. My linguistic skills astound even myself. Sorry about the video cutting off my head. I'm working on fixing it.

3. Eating is not my forte...

4. ...unless we're talking about eating my crib, in which case it is the exact opposite of not my forte.

5. I still love to play with my dad.

6. One of my favorite pastimes is shaking branches.

7. I made a new friend recently.

8. I'm not so crazy about being stuck in my stroller, but find it tolerable as long as I can find my toes.

I don't like to talk about it much for fear of coming across as a little conceited, but I have many admirers all across the country (continent, really). Last week, for example, I entertained 3 guests who came to see me. Oh, they pretended to care about my parents too, but I know the truth.

Uncle Derek and Auntie Courtney made the long awaited trek to Boston from Utah. We had such a splendid time seeing all the sites, like the upstairs and downstairs of our apartment. I got to show them around Harvard and took them for a windy walk along the Charles where I experienced dust in my eye for the first time. We drove around a little too. Auntie Courtney gets a little fussy when she's in the back seat all by herself, so it was good that I could keep her company. The entire visit was delightful, except for the time my mom left me with Auntie Courtney while she went for a jog. She should know better than to leave me when I am entering the height of my separation anxiety! Luckily Auntie Courtney handled me like a pro and we all lived to tell the tale.

Last Friday my parents friend from college, Linda, came to stay for the weekend from Seattle. I am told that she played an integral role in getting my parents hitched, and happened to come on the 6 year anniversary of their engagement. Linda is awesome for so many reasons, including her bright green socks and purple suitcase with the one really cool wheel that I fixated on. And the iPod that I wanted to eat. And the fact that she saved my life on more than one occasion when I dove head first off the couch or blow-up bed.

Now that my admirers are all gone I'm trying to catch up on my beauty sleep. Auntie Jennifer comes on Friday and I don't want to disappoint!

Busy Bee

2010-04-07T14:21:00.001-07:00

If there's one thing I've learned in my almost 8 months of life it's the value of hard work. Mom and Dad like me to earn my keep, so I've been hard at work on a household project for the past couple of days. I call it "Operation Empty Bookshelf."

Rainy days and Mondays always get me down

2010-04-05T13:04:00.001-07:00

A Whole New World

2010-03-31T10:26:00.001-07:00

Now that I can crawl there's a whole new world of things to discover! Like door stoppers, for example.

From Walker to Crawler

2010-03-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true. I'm changing my name. But don't worry, I'll change it back in a few months.

Look what else I can do!

You'd think all this hard work would make me tired, but you'd be wrong.

Spring Break

2010-03-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

We recently returned from our trip to D.C. It was my first road trip! My parents thought that it would be best if my meltdowns were endured only by them instead of 150 passengers on a flight. I made up for it by screaming 150 times louder. When will they realize that they can never win?

Here are a few highlights from the trip:

During the drive I acquired a new favorite song and my parents subsequently acquired a new least favorite song. As we pulled into D.C. we hit a traffic jam that coincided with one of my killer fussy spells. After several minutes, Beyonce's "Halo" came on. It was so exquisite that I shut right up in order to take it all in. And then I had to take it all in again and again and again. On the ride home I once again needed my Beyonce fix. Each time the song would end I would grunt my disapproval until my parents hit the rewind button. We listened to it for a few hours in total. I can't figure out why my parents don't like the song anymore.

We stayed at Uncle Chris and Aunt Jen's new place. Nana, Pops, Aunt Holly and Uncle Ben drove up to see me for the weekend. I got so much attention and a much needed break from my mom. I love her and all, but sometimes a girl just needs to spread her wings a little. Nana tried really hard to get me to crawl forward, and I almost did. But then I remembered that it is my goal to only do things on my own terms. I still haven't crawled forward despite several weeks of backwards crawling.

Gwama flew in after Nana and Pops left, and came bearing gifts! She brought me a t-shirt and dress from Cabo which I will have to model at a future date, two headbands, Sofie (my new giraffe), and some awesome Calgary Flames goalie mask slippers from Uncle Dennis. I still need to grow into them, but in the meantime I have enjoyed eating them.

Gwamps came a few days later, and we got to spend a bunch of time with him, Gwama, Auntie Michelle and Auntie Jennifer. I was a charmer by day, and a hellion by night. I enjoyed spending time with them so much that I managed to bump my bedtime 3 1/2 hours later than it normally is. My parents are still scrambling to get it back with little to no success.

I got to see a few of the D.C. sites. Auntie Jennifer took us on an abbreviated, baby friendly tour of the National Portrait Gallery where she interns. As we all know, everyone who's anyone has their portrait in there. Someone really dropped the ball though because my portrait was nowhere to be found.

At the end of a successful week it was time to leave. A few traffic jams and tantrums later and we were back in Boston. Sigh. I'll always have the memories. Except I won't because I'm a baby.

Oops!

2010-03-04T07:48:00.001-08:00

It seems those "other ways" might also get you stuck under a coffee table.

Ouch!

2010-03-03T19:33:00.001-08:00

Remember those "other ways" of getting around I told you about? It turns out they might propel you head first into the corner of a desk.

Willaby Wallaby

2010-02-28T13:12:00.001-08:00

Dear Family,

As mom and I were singing this morning, I was saddened to hear that an elephant sat on all of you. I hope that your recovery is going well and that said elephant did not cause any permanent damage.

Love,
Lizzie

Squirmy Wormy

2010-02-25T07:49:00.000-08:00

I can't crawl yet, but I find other ways to get around. I did the following all by myself:

In other news, my Great Uncle Darren came to visit me last night all the way from Utah. What a party animal! He stayed until about 8:00! I couldn't keep up with him, so I went to bed early.

Happy Birthday Gwama!!!

2010-02-23T10:58:00.000-08:00

I wanted to jump out of a cake in the nude, but I couldn't bake a big enough cake. So this will have to do.

Older and Wiser

2010-02-18T11:47:00.001-08:00

Yes, the rumors are true. I'm 6 months old, 28 1/4 inches long and 16 lbs 13 oz today! For my half birthday present I wanted a new toy, but instead my mom got me the gift of no Hepatitis B.

New Year's Resolutions

2010-02-02T11:39:00.000-08:00

Like everyone else, my New Year's resolutions include sticking to a good diet and exercise regimen. Here's a little update on how I fared in January.

Diet:

I have taken quite a liking to organic, whole grain rice cereal. So much so that I hyperventilate in between each spoonful. I've tried loading the video a dozen times but unfortunately it won't work, so you'll have to settle for pictures. I've also started eating prunes, but they aren't working as I had hoped. This weekend I get to try avocados. I also enjoy drinking water from my mom's cup.

Exercise:

My daily exercise routine consists of a combination of activities. I spend a good deal of time bouncing in my Jolly Jumper. My mom says I'm such a good bouncer that soon all the bars in town will be recruiting me. I think my mom is corny. I also do tummy time. It makes me mad, which elevates my heart rate and gives me a good cardio workout. Lastly, each night I spend a few minutes climbing on my Jungle Jeff. Yes, you heard me. Some people climb on Jungle Gyms, but I prefer my Jungle Jeff.

So all in all I think I've done a pretty good job on my goals. The only thing that strikes me as odd is that I continue to gain weight at breakneck speed.

I Love to Laugh!

2010-01-30T17:16:00.000-08:00

Loud and long and clear, as evidenced below:

Jolly Jumper

2010-01-28T11:55:00.000-08:00

The week I was a Michigander

2010-01-21T19:45:00.000-08:00

We just got back from our trip to visit my Uncle Corey, Aunt Ashley and cousins Max and Elle in Michigan and I'm pooped! Max and Elle really know how to wear a girl out!

Upon our arrival Max gave us a private tour of our 5 star hotel (i.e. their new house). All I can say is wow! Actually, that's a lie. I can't say that word yet, but if I could... The house came with my own personal entertainment system in the form of Max and Elle. Max had me chuckling right away with the way he flew his helicopter around my head and called me Cutie Patootie. Elle is one talented acrobat and makes the coolest noises. We got along famously! She gouged my eyes and I pulled her hair, then we held hands a few times. And then she drove a car over my head. I was so jealous of her mad skillz that I worked really hard and can now sit up without support!

I have always loved Uncle Corey. When he holds me I calm right down. Yesterday he took us on a driving tour of Midland and also to the car wash, a new love of mine. Aunt Ashley babysat me twice so my parents could go on their first two dates since I was born. And her cooking is AMAZING! Or so I've been told.

So after a full week of fun I'm back in Boston. Here are a few pictures from my trip.

Thanks Uncle Corey, Aunt Ashley, Max and Elle!!!

Look, Ma! No Hands!

2010-01-18T19:47:00.000-08:00

Flying Baby

2010-01-15T11:22:00.001-08:00

Today I was flying around my apartment, as I often do, when a voice that sounded suspiciously like my mom's came blasting on "the radio."

"The government will pay one BILLION dollars to the person who can help them solve the mystery of the flying baby."

I urged my mom to turn me over to the authorities. I mean, one billion dollars is a lot of dollars. But she refused and assured me that I am worth more than a billion dollars to her and Dad.

The Christmas Chronicles (Part 2)

2010-01-11T13:52:00.000-08:00

A few days after Christmas I met my Grandma Toni and Great Auntie Lorraine for the first time, but was so excited I forgot to take a picture. Sorry! Maybe I can photoshop one in between naps.

The rest of my break was spent mainly playing with my Aunties, Uncle and Gwamparents. During this time the following things happened:

1. I got pretty close to rolling from my back to front. As long as Gwama nudged my bum a little, I could do it.
***Update: I have since mastered this. This morning Mom was changing my diaper on the floor, luckily, and turned away to pick out an outfit. When she turned back I was on my belly. It was grand! Now if only I could keep my arm from getting pinned underneath me. Then I might be able to roll back instead of just fussing until my mom finds me in this compromising position.

2. I learned to sit for a few seconds independently as long as I am folded almost completely in half.

3. I had my first few belly laughs. Man that family of mine is hilarious! I think I laughed for every single family member, my mom being the last, as usual.

4. I ate my first real food. Gwampa kept trying to sneak me stuff, but Mom has a quick eye. Finally when she was distracted Gwamps let me suck on a carrot stick. Auntie Michelle, this is where you and I must agree to disagree. Never have my taste buds encountered such a delectable essence. I spent the rest of the week dive bombing every carrot in site.

5. Speaking of dive bombing, I did not limit this solely to carrots. I discovered that I pretty much like dive bombing everything, mouth first. Using hands is just a waste of energy. My favorite was my Gwama's Diet Pepsi cup. When unsuspecting Gwama was holding me she went to take a sip but I got there first. Too bad I missed the straw and only got the cup.

6. I added to my modeling portfolio. I sure hope they don't discover that getting your picture taken causes cancer.

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end, so yesterday I said farewell to Gwama and Gwampa and took the long journey home with my mom. I didn't go without a struggle, however. With the help of my doting (and french-speaking) Gwampa, I delivered this note to my mom at the airport to no avail:

Dear Mom,

This is very hard for me to say, but the time has come for me to come out to you. You know I don't always understand what you say. That's cuz I's French. There- I said it. So I flinks I better liv wif my gwampa. Au revoir. Je t'aime.

Lizzie

So here I sit, back in Boston with nothing but the memories (and some toys and clothes). Good thing I have a trip to Michigan coming up on Saturday. I am looking forward to seeing my cousins Max and Elle, and to officially becoming the most jet-settingest baby ever!

The Christmas Chronicles (Part 1)

2010-01-05T08:35:00.000-08:00

Did you miss me? After the passport incident I decided I needed some serious R & R so I took a little break from blogging. However recent events have nudged me back. There have been some exciting developments in my life lately.

Let's start with Christmas. After waking me up at 4 in the morning to get to the airport, my parents had the nerve to expect me to sit quietly during both flights to Calgary. Boy did I show them! Let's just say they were ecstatic when Gwama greeted us at the end of the trip and promptly turned me over to her care. Upon arriving at Gwama and Gwampa's, I was greeted with a plethora of smiles and kisses from a bunch of people who sort of look like my mom. That was nice, but I was so tired that I crashed at 4:30pm. Apparently time here is not the same as time back home in Boston.

The benefit of going to bed at 4:30pm is that you can arise at 4:30am alert and ready to start the day. My parents probably should have gone to bed at 4:30pm too as they did not experience the same benefit.

Christmas Eve was a delight! I got to meet my great grandma, great aunts, great uncles, first cousins once removed and second cousins. What other 4 1/2 month old do you know that can keep all that straight? I got a little confused when I met my great grandma because I thought I already had a great grandma. It turns out I have a great grandma and a regular grandma who is also great but we just don't call her that. After the Christmas Eve dinner, I dressed in my best Santa suit and went to visit the Milligans, as my family has been known to do every Christmas Eve since dinosaurs roamed the earth. Here are a few pictures for you to chew on.

Me wif Auntie Michelle and Cousin Crystal

Me in my pretty red dress

wif Gwama

What can I say about Christmas morning? Not much since I didn't have a clue what was going on. I remember lots of camera flashes and playing with some crinkly paper and not being sure why everyone gets so excited about it every year. Then I took a nap. While I was sleeping a play gym magically appeared in the family room and I have since spent hours playing with it and eating its various components.

Coming downstairs on Christmas morning

Me wif Aunt Courtney and Mom

Here's me delivering Santa's annual letter to the Lee family. He delegated the task of writing it to me this year.

wif my play gym

My favorite present was from Gwampa

Great Grandma Lee and Hayden, my first cousin twice removed, came over for Roast Beast dinner on Christmas Day. I once again dove for my mom's mashed potatoes, but this time she caught me before my mission was accomplished. We spent the rest of the evening listening to Hayden sing and play his guitar while I acquired a new obsession- fire! I could stare at that stuff for hours!

On Boxing Day Uncle Dennis came over to meet me. I was feeling a little tired and shy after a long week, so it didn't go quite as I had planned, but I'm sure there will be many more chances in the years to come. Uncle Dennis gave me my beautiful Christmas dress (which I found very flattering to my figure) and my Santa suit.

Well, I'm afraid my little fingers are worked to the bone after typing this long entry. I will have to continue with my adventures later. Believe me, there's some good stuff to come!

Operation Get Me A Passport-- SUCCESS!!

2009-12-22T08:47:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that my parents can sometimes be dumber than a box of rocks. They proved this when they didn't realize until Thursday (the day before our flight) that I needed a passport to fly to Canada. I tried to tell them many times, but once again they didn't listen. Story of my life! Anyway, we had to stick around Beantown an extra few days while the 'rents scrambled to figure out a way to get me across the border. We tried making me a Canadian citizen, but can't prove it for another 10 months and I'd still need a passport. We tried getting me a pass to cross by land so we could drive to Montreal and fly from there, but we were once again told I'd still need a passport. Luckily in the end we were able to get an emergency passport appointment with enough time to make it to Gwama and Gwampa's for my first Christmas. So Canada, prepare for my arrival!!!

Happy Birthday Nana!

2009-12-15T05:33:00.000-08:00

Please pardon my inability to shake my maraca. I gave it my best shot, Nana, but I'm only 4 months old.

The making of a bad photo shoot

2009-12-03T11:39:00.000-08:00

It takes a lot of work to catch me at my cutest. Here's a behind the scenes look.

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

Turkey Day

2009-12-03T11:11:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry it has taken me so long to update you on my latest escapades. You see, I had my first Turkey Day last week and the tryptophan is just starting to wear off. Ok, fine. You're right. I didn't get to eat any turkey. But I did get to have my picture taken next to a turkey carcass, which my mom told me is even better!

I pretended I was satisfied at that, but when she wasn't paying attention I stole some of her mashed potatoes right out from under her nose. Who's the sucka now?

My favorite part of Thanksgiving, aside from the mashed potatoes, was seeing Nana, Pops, Uncle Chris, Aunt Jen, Uncle Ben and Aunt Holly. I get a little bored at home with my mom all day, and these guys entertained me for hours! I mean, look at this bunch. Who wouldn't be in heaven under these circumstances?

My Pops doesn't like having his picture taken, but I used all my powers of persuasion and came away feeling pretty confident in my abilities.

On one of the days I even got to go to the George Marshall museum and found it very educational. Did you know that guy's brother didn't want him to go to VMI because he thought it would disgrace the family name?

I did pick up one bad habit in Virginia as I've been known to do, being so impressionable and all. TV!!!

Much to my mother's dismay, I carried this habit with me back to Boston (pardon the mess).

Mom, get used to it! This is nothing compared to the bad habits Gwampa is going to teach me over the Christmas break.

As always, thanks family for a wonderful vacation!

---BREAKING NEWS---

2009-11-19T16:46:00.000-08:00

I just learned to roll from front to back!

Happy 3 Month Birthday To Me!!!

2009-11-18T17:01:00.001-08:00

I'm 3 months old today. Here are some interesting things about me:

1. My favorite game is called "Make Mom guess why I'm fussing." I like this game because she never wins.
2. I just discovered my feet and can't stop staring at them. I like to put them together and wiggle my toes.
3. I smile a lot when my Dad comes home from school.
4. I don't mind sleeping at night, but I HATE sleeping during the day.
5. I like going to Costco (other than the drive there and back) because that's where everyone tells me how cute I am.
6. I recently noted that there are other little people just like me. I like to watch them... for about 10 seconds.
7. I now smile instead of cry when I see myself in the mirror.
8. I'm good with numbers. Here's an example of my numeric prowess:

1 = the number of pieces of birthday cake I want but am not allowed to have
2= the number of hours I go between feedings
7= the time my parents wish I went to bed
11= the time I actually go to bed
Kagillion= the number of times I barf in a day

9. I like to watch hockey with my Dad, but Mom says I'm not allowed.
10. I think my mom takes way too many pictures of me.

Conversation with Mom

2009-11-17T14:14:00.000-08:00

Today I had a few things I needed to get off my chest, so I sat Mom down for a little chat. It went like this:

What's in a name?

2009-11-14T20:14:00.001-08:00

My mom says my name is Elizabeth, so I'm confused as to why she always calls me Stinker, Stinkerbum, Stink Face, Pumpkin Head, Chunker and Fatso.

Uncle Corey

2009-11-11T19:36:00.000-08:00

Uncle Corey was in town yesterday on a recruiting trip to HBS. Though I'm not technically at the business school, he was very impressed with my superior intellect and offered me a job on the spot. Unfortunately I had to turn it down as it would not afford me the type of lifestyle I want. Despite his disappointment, he was still willing to pose for a picture.

Oh yeah, and word on the street is that he's pretty good at calming fussy babies.

First comes love...

Christmas

Jingle Bells

Mama's girl

Happy Halloween!

Five Little Pumpkins

Happy Birthday to me!

Oakland Zoo

Santa Cruz

Summer Fun

Busy

Mishap

Party Girl

Art

I call it like I see it.

My Best Friend

Crazy

Letters

Easter

The Wheels on the Bus

Important Message

W

All dressed up with nowhere to go

Aquarium

It's a Jolly Holiday with Grandma!

The Beach

Operation Valentine's Day: Success

Happy Valentine's Day!

I have the greatest mom in the universe.

The Eensy Weensy Spider

Fashion Forward

Christmas Part 2

Christmas

Miss Lizzie: An Autobiographical Poem

New Cousin!

The 10 Days of Sickness

Low rider

Civilized

Happy Halloween!!!

Foliage

What do you do with a drunken sailor?

Sittin' on the dock of the Piscataqua River...

Potty Training

Dizzy Lizzie

Grandma

Virginia is for lovers...

O Canada

My First Word

Discovery

Balloon

Cousins

Snaggle tooth

The beach

Identity Crisis

Bling

Long Weekend

My new toy

Swimming

Ode to my dad

I'm 10!

Mount Vernon

Take a good look at my face...

Don't you wish your Daddy was funny like mine?

Rockbridge Baths

Moving

Happy Belated Mama's Day

Total destruction

Auntie Jennifer

Mt. Everest

Babyproofing...

Happy Patriots Day!

Eight Months

Popular

Busy Bee

Rainy days and Mondays always get me down

A Whole New World

From Walker to Crawler

Spring Break

Oops!

Ouch!