Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, we got together with some friends for brunch - and their kids!


Don't my friends have just ridiculously cute children?

As you can see, Maisie is one of the older kids in our friend group. The other toddlers are both about six months older than her. And then there are a couple of babies coming up, including Ravi, who you can see wearing a fabulous hat, and sitting up in this picture. Go Ravi with your fabulous sitting skills!

Baby Beatrix is lying on the grass, which she loves, at the bottom of this photo... but she'll be sitting up soon too!

Hanging out with family

My sister had an appointment yesterday, so Dylan came over and joined us for dinner and some fun. As you can see, he and Maisie had a good time playing "fort" together under the table!

They had a good time together all evening, until Maisie went to bed. Then Aaron, Dylan and I watched a good movie and ate some popcorn. It was lots of fun, and we always enjoy having Dylan over at our house. I am even starting to teach him to crochet. He's got a head start, so he'll probably be much better than me!

Today, my mom came over to see Maisie. After all, it's been a few days!

Maisie and my mom played a really funny game of Maisie's devising. Maisie patted the big floor pillow, showing that she wanted my mom to lie down there. Then she'd cover my mom with her blue blankie, which is a very special blankie, and pat her, putting her to "sleep." Finally, Maisie would rip it off, my mom would say "Good morning!", and Maisie would laugh and laugh. It was really, really funny.

They played that game over and over, until it was time for Maisie to actually go to bed.

Weekend update

Wow, it's been a long weekend, and I am exhausted!

Maisie's weekend actually started on Friday - daycare was closed, so she and Aaron stayed home.

It was a beautiful day, so they went to a park near our house and played for a long time. Maisie had lots of fun on the teeter-totter and the swings!
(I went to work and had a reasonably all right day. It was fine, but it was no tire swing in the sunshine. Maisie definitely has more fun than I do during her days.)

Yesterday we went to the zoo.

Maisie's Uncle Chris (who you can see in this picture, behind Aaron) was in town with his girlfriend Kim, visiting Kim's family. Hi Chris and Kim! We had fun at the zoo with you. Here, Maisie and Aaron are checking out the flamingos and some African ducks. Maisie is a big fan of birds, so this is a highlight of any zoo visit for us.

Today, we spent a LOT of time outside working in the yard. We planted a bush that my mom gave me for Mother's Day, popped a bunch of dandelions out of the lawn, mowed the grass, and cut down some scrub trees that are popping up a little too close to the house. It was a lot of work! We tried to grill, but our charcoal didn't light, so we ended up cooking brats and corn in the kitchen. It was good anyway.

Maisie ate grill food (even if it wasn't grilled) for the first time! She put away half a wild rice brat (from Chase Brook Farm, yummmmm) and as you can see here, dug into my mom's corn on the cob!

This is going to be a very fun summer!

Crafty interlude.

So as I mentioned before, I've been working on crocheting - I thought I'd share some of my creations.

I made a hat and some baby booties for baby Trixie recently!

The purple booties go with the hat; the orange booties are for someone else, actually. Both the hat and the booties were quick and easy to make - the booties more so just for their size. They are so wee!

As you can see here, they're actually a mary jane-style bootie, with a faux strap and a sewn-on button. I know buttons can be a choking hazard, and I usually don't put them on things for babies. Don't worry, I sewed the button on really tight! Plus, any babies with feet small enough for these booties won't be able to pull off the buttons.

But so it turns out, I really enjoy making toys - no pesky sizing or swatches needed, they work up quickly, and they're fun for both giver and recipient. Everybody wins!

My most recent creation is a crochet Cthulhu.

I made it using the pattern found at the Cthulhu Crochet blog. Cthulhu, if you didn't know, is a colossal ancient monster from H.P. Lovecraft's writings. I mean, though, it's obviously a horrible monster and not at all cute, right? I made him for my friend Kyle who's a huge Lovecraft fan, using yarn that Jo gave me last time we were in Iowa.

I also recently made Maisie a dinosaur.

I got this pattern from Jo last time we were visiting. She is clearly my crafty inspiration. Thanks Jo! It was fun to make, although the pattern is kind of weird and I think I have figured out how I will be modifying it next time I go to make a dinosaur. I think it looks very happy, although sometimes Maisie uses it to attack my feet while she says "RAHR!" Super cute.

I'll end with another monkey.

I think he looks like a Chicago Bears fan, don't you?

Happy mother's day!

This is my second mother's day with Maisie! We had a really nice day. But first I have to tell you about yesterday, because there's a great picture from yesterday that I want to share.

We went over to Bethany's (and baby Trixie's) house yesterday to visit and to look through some books and DVDs that Bethany was getting rid of. On the way back, we stopped by the co-op to pick up some groceries. While we were there we got a big chocolate chip cookie that the three of us shared.

You wouldn't think that someone could get covered in chocolate from a chocolate chip cookie, but Maisie managed! When Aaron took this picture, she had finished her portion and was asking for (verbally and signing) "more." It looks like you've actually had enough, Maisie!

Today was lovely, as I said. Maisie and I went to the zoo with my mom, and we had a really nice time.

Maisie especially enjoyed the birds and the fish at the zoo. Then when we got home, we spent some time outside, popping dandelions out of the yard and kicking a ball around and generally having fun.

All in all, I can't imagine a better mother's day!

Happy mother's day to all the mamas out there!

Bath time!

If you remember, Maisie's bath time used to be not so much fun when she was really little. It kind of stressed her out, and she cried a lot.

Fortunately, things have changed!

Maisie really enjoys bath time now, which is fortunate given her fondness of playing in the mud! She loves her little duckies, and is a champion splasher. The only thing she doesn't enjoy is getting water on her face when we rinse out her hair.

Well, she also doesn't care for getting out of the tub - there are usually some tears then, too.

18 months

Can you believe Maisie is 18 months old already? Our baby isn't a baby any longer! She can kick a ball, talk in three-word phrases, dress and undress herself... and even walk in her mommy's shoes.

The milestones are passing so quickly now! She is becoming a sweet, affectionate kid, although a very strong-willed one. She won't hesitate to let you know if she's unhappy!

This weekend we did lots of fun things, aside from walking around in my shoes and chasing the cat around.

Maisie discovered that she can actually see through one of the hats that Grandma Jo made her, and hijinks ensued. She pulled it down over her face and ran around, chasing me and Aaron and the cats and laughing like a loon. It was so funny!

On Sunday, we went to check out the May Day celebration at Powderhorn Park. Maisie napped right through the parade, but we took a look at the floats parked in the park.

Her favorite was the Hare Krishna float, because of the balloons. But right as I was going to take her picture, she got distracted by the butterfly person walking by in the background.

Today was also my and Aaron's 8-year date-a-versary. Or, as Aaron said, it's our eight-a-versary! We hired a babysitter and went out to dinner. It was a lovely evening.

So, I'll leave you with a good picture of Maisie, since the above are all somewhat covered up of her! This is Maisie reading one of her favorite books, "Brown Bear Brown Bear," to Spiderman. This was on Saturday, shortly after the chasing-in-hat incident.

Maybe she was trying to make it up to him.

Other people's kids

Maisie is going through a real independent phase lately. She wants to do everything herself - or as she says, "MY! MY DO IT!" This includes putting on her clothes, opening the fridge, opening doors... you get the picture. So yesterday evening I took a little break from the constant struggle for independence, and hung out with a little girl who was happy to let me do everything for her.

That's right, it's little miss Beatrix! We spent a few hours together yesterday so that her parents could get out together on a well-deserved date night. She is such a sweetie!

Also: big fat welcome to our new friend Howie, who was born on Tuesday!! We can't wait to meet you, little guy.

Spring has faked us out.

Well, a week ago it was 70 degrees out, and we were wearing sunscreen and playing at the Falls. Monday was similarly lovely, and Maisie got to play outside after work.

She investigated our gardening materials, including taking a soil sample - that is, she ate some dirt. Reason Number One why we don't use chemical weedkiller or fertilizer in our yard!

However, the weather quickly changed, and a cold front came through - we even had snow on the ground! It was a big change from last weekend. By today, the high was back into the mid-forties and the sun was out. It was a relatively lovely day, so we decided to go check out the Minnesota Zoo.

The zoo was a good choice: it wasn't too crowded, as it was kind of cool out, but we dressed appropriately and were very comfortable walking around. Here, Maisie and Aaron are checking out the prairie dog exhibit. There was a woman in a group right behind us who was complaining loudly about how awful prairie dogs are: "You take your horse out into the pasture, and then he steps into a prairie dog hole and breaks his leg! They're terrible!" That's as may be, crazy lady, but they're still pretty cute.

Tonight Maisie entertained herself by creating a fort under the dining room table.

She had a grand old time under there. She'd roll her toy car over to Aaron, who'd roll it back. When we'd try to get her out, she'd move the chairs to block us, and laugh and laugh. It was really cute. Note the strap on the chair closest to the camera: that's Maisie's booster seat, because (as I think I mentioned before) she is a big girl who no longer tolerates high chairs. 'Cause those are for babies, you know.

Thanks for your patience, readers! I'll try to be more diligent about posting this week. I know everyone likes to get their Maisie updates in a timely fashion!

Spring has really sprung

Happy spring, everyone! I know that the season officially started about a month ago. But here in the Twin Cities, the last of the snow has finally melted and the daffodils are starting to poke their shoots through the soil. So, it's finally really spring.

This weekend we spent a lot of time playing outside!

Maisie's dealing with a little bit of a cold, but it was too nice out to stay inside all weekend. Plus, Maisie really loves playing outside. Yesterday we played hide-and-seek around a box elder tree in our backyard.

Today we did all kinds of outdoor activities. I think the most interesting was when we went to Minnehaha Falls and walked all around. We saw the waterfall from the top of the falls, which Maisie thought was really interesting. Then we went down, right to the riverside. Maisie really wanted to walk right into the water, but we wouldn't let her - it was cold, and moving really fast!

Maybe later this summer when it's a little slower, we can go wading there.

But we made up for the totally unreasonable parenting choice by having some raspberry chocolate chip ice cream when we got back up to the top of the falls.

By the way, check out Maisie's cute hat! Her grandma Jo made it for her, out of yarn made out of corn. Isn't that interesting? Maisie really loves the hat - when we saw "Time to go outside!" she'll run to her room to get her hat before we head out the door.

Camera fun

I was trying to take a picture of Maisie playing tonight, but for the first time, she was really interested in the camera. I said, "Sit down, Maisie! Smile for the camera!" She obediently sat, then immediately jumped right up to look at the screen. So we took a self-portrait: Maisie and her mama.

She liked looking at the screen at the pictures we took. It reminded me of how when my mom takes a picture of Dylan with her film camera, he'll immediately demand to see the picture. "It's not that kind of camera," she has to explain. Barring a serious interest in photography, I wonder if Maisie will ever have a camera with actual film?

I think it's funny that digital cameras are what Maisie will immediately think of for "camera," much in the same way that it's funny that she may never see a corded, rotary phone. I wonder what kind of camera she'll use to take pictures of her kids? My phone with camera and email still kind of seems like something out of a James Bond movie to me!

Goodbye high chair!

It's funny that I got those two recent videos when I did, because this past week, Maisie said ENOUGH! to the high chair. We'd try to put her in it, but she wasn't having it - she'd kick and scream and basically let us know, in no uncertain terms, that she was not one little bit interested in taking her meals in the high chair.

So this weekend, we got her a booster, with which she is very pleased. She can now sit at the table like the big girl that she is. She was so happy, she even shared her dinner with me.

She loves to feed us little bites of whatever she's eating. It looks like she's saying "Open wide!" It's very cute.

We had lots of fun this weekend, but unfortunately didn't bring the camera! We visited Dylan and Auntie Laura, we visited Brian and his puppies and got to meet Maddy & Ronica (so cute!!), we went to IKEA, and we had brunch at Gramma J's. It was a very busy weekend. Very fun... but very busy too. Maisie hit the hay really early tonight, and I think Aaron and I are going to do the same!

Monkey!

I made Maisie a monkey!

Front view:


I made one with a bright pink sweater for Maisie's cousin-to-be when we were in Iowa, and had to made one for Maisie too. Grandma Jo supplied the yarn. Thanks Jo!

Isn't it cute? I think there might be more monkeys in the works, just as soon as I get some more brown yarn. They work up pretty quickly, and are fun to make. But I have used up all my brown yarn!

The only thing I might change is that I feel like the sweater is kind of short. I keep wanting to tug it down, and that's not really possible. Perhaps this monkey needs some pants.

Side view:


Anyway, overall I really think it turned out well, and am happy with the monkey. Generally I am really enjoying this newfound craftiness. And don't worry - I promise, the next post will have pictures of Maisie, who last weekend learned how to say "hi." I just had to show off my monkey.

We do a lot of laundry

Maisie has discovered the joys of feeding herself.

This video is from breakfast the other day. It's called "yogurt is not a finger food." She's relatively new to using the spoon, which is why I keep remarking on what a good job she's doing with it. She really does, though, don't you think?

This next video is dinner the same day. She's been eating peas and other finger foods by herself for a while now. This, however, is the first time she's tried to drink the peas.

Winter's last gasp

Sorry, Maisie, it's not quite time for planting yet...

Although Spring has truly Sprung most places, here in the twin cities we still have snow on the ground thanks to a huge snowstorm on Monday. Already by Wednesday there's not much left - the high temps have been in the forties yesterday and today, so most of the roads and sidewalks are pretty clear. (And that's without even shoveling!)

But there's still some snow on the ground, especially in shady places like our yard.

The neat thing about this weather is that we can go play outside and run around in the snow without having to get too bundled up, because it's 42 degrees out!

But hopefully, this snowstorm really was this winter's swan song, and spring is on its way. It's been a long winter, and we can't wait to play outside some more. Maisie loves being outside - whenever we ask if she wants to go out, she runs for the door and says OUTS! OUTS!

We are really looking forward to this summer, and all the exploring we'll get to do now that Maisie is mobile and so interested in everything.

Virtual baby shower

Happy virtual baby shower, Rob & Liza! We are so excited for you and can't wait to meet your little girl. I am really looking forward to playing with her!


We are glad you like the hat and the blankie! As you can see, the hat fits me now, so it should fit your little girl in the fall or winter - I hear her daddy has a pretty big head! We think orange is a pretty color, especially on redheads.

My mommy and I put a lot of love into the hat and blankie. That's right - I helped my mommy make them. I really thought they needed some sort of bright yellow accents. Mommy disagreed, which was upsetting, but then she used the yellow yarn to make me a little ducky. So that's all right, then.

Love, Maisie

A nice evening out

Auntie Laura just sent me this picture from Easter, of Dylan showing Maisie something that he received in his Easter basket.

As you can see, he explains things very seriously to Maisie. I can't quite tell what they're talking about, but she seems to be taking it seriously too!

Last night we went out to eat at Punch, a St. Paul Neopolitan-style pizza restaurant that is a favorite of ours. Turns out, Maisie also likes it!

She quite enjoyed the focaccia bread we got as an appetizer, and seemed to enjoy the margherita pizza we got as well. Although, with fresh basil, buffalo mozzarella, and crushed roma tomatoes, who wouldn't like it? She washed it all down with some apple juice, and when she got bored we watched the cooks making the pizza and cooking them in the big brick oven.

It was a lot of fun!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter, and happy spring!

We went over to Gramma J's for brunch today, where Maisie got an Easter basket! It was full of yummy treats and fun little toys.

When we got home, Maisie had fun sharing the yellow paper "grass" from her basket with the kitties. She started out trying to tickle their noses with it, but ended up just putting it on the chair they were sitting on.

As you can see, she thought this game was hilarious!

Gramma J made Maisie the cute little dress she's wearing, by the way!

It hasn't been much of a spring so far - we got at least four inches of snow over the last few days. I've been spending my time indoors, when not chasing after Maisie, by learning to crochet.

I managed to make some things that are gifts, and those pics will get posted when the receipients receive them, so as not to give away the surprise! I also made some little Easter eggs and a ducky for Dylan. Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of them today... but I did just finish up a little bunny. Isn't it cute?

I am especially proud of the tail, which was my own idea, not even on the pattern! Look at me being creative!

It was remarkably easy to do. I am really enjoying this new crafty hobby. I can't wait to get better at it, and make lots of little toys for all the little ones I know!

I want to ride a tricycle

Aaron has caught the "fever virus", so Maisie and I went over to Auntie Laura and Dylan's house tonight for dinner by ourselves while he napped.

Maisie likes most of Dylan's toys, but tonight she was especially captivated by Dylan's tricycle. Her legs aren't quite long enough yet to reach the pedals, so we all took turns pushing her around the house. Dylan showed us his new bicycle, which Maisie also wanted to try. But she is far too small for that!

We had a good time, as always - yummy food and fun toys! Thanks Auntie Laura and Dylan for having us over tonight!

All better!

Well, Spirit Week came to an early end when Maisie was sent home on Thursday with a high fever. So you can pretend that this picture is from either Thursday (mix & match day) OR Friday (pajama day), since my shoes totally do not go with those jammies.

(It is actually from today. Maisie really enjoys putting on my shoes and trying to walk in them. She hasn't been able to walk in them yet, though. My feet are just too big!)

So, Maisie had a very high fever on Thursday that we got under control with some ibuprofin. Oddly, she had no other symptoms... so when we got her in to the pediatrician on Friday, she was diagnosed with a mysterious "fever virus."

I left work early on Thursday, Aaron stayed home on Friday. We gave her lots of fluids, naps, cuddles, motrin, and TLC, and that combination seems to have done the trick.

She was fever-free by Saturday, and back to her happy, energetic self today. We even went for a walk around the block!

We are so glad our Maisie is healthy again!