At last, the delightful birthday gift (Mini) from Jason, Katie and Bailey has come into his own at the Team Gootch headquarters. Kate finally likes him for what he was intended. At first she just liked petting him, eventually she enjoyed listening to his whinnying and clopping from afar (and dancing to the clomp), but finally she likes to ride him, whinnying and all. She can even - sometimes - get up there by herself. Also enjoy this display of some new tricks (for your information, the bee says, "zzzzzz," the cow says, "mmmmm" and the dog pants). This video may be perceived as a little long, but there is a treat for you at the end. Hugs.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Mischievous Mouse
There is no doubt that things are rapidly changing around our house. With the recent posts you've seen new hair styles and heard about new words and activities. Today; however, Kate took it to a whole new level. She has an infatuation with bottles and tubes of personal care products (lotions, soaps, hair gel). One morning, as we both were stumbling over her in the bathroom, #2 suggested that we give her some empty bottles with which to play. They hold her attention for a few minutes each day. Success!
Today she caught on to the fact that #3 needs a bath. Kate took an "empty" bottle of body wash and poured the last remains over ATD's back, rubbing it into a nice lather. Oh - and by the way - the carpet and the wall got a little shampoo while she was at it. And it begins... the craziness I only read about on other people's blogs.
How many more days until Grandma gets here?? 28!
Today she caught on to the fact that #3 needs a bath. Kate took an "empty" bottle of body wash and poured the last remains over ATD's back, rubbing it into a nice lather. Oh - and by the way - the carpet and the wall got a little shampoo while she was at it. And it begins... the craziness I only read about on other people's blogs.
How many more days until Grandma gets here?? 28!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Kate's Biggest Fan
Some of you out there enjoy this effort at blogging, some of you probably think I'm on the nutso side of things. At first I created this so that everyone (Grandmas!) far away could see what Kate was up to (and I needed an outlet for all of the pictures that I take), but let's be clear... now I do it for her biggest fan of all - herself.
This video was taken while watching the post, "Elmo and my Other Monster." If only all of us loved ourselves this much, the world would be a better place.
This video was taken while watching the post, "Elmo and my Other Monster." If only all of us loved ourselves this much, the world would be a better place.
Kate on the Town - without Mom
Last week Kerry watched Kate for the morning due to our terrific sitter being unavailable. Our friend Bailey joined us for the day due to no school that day. The Joey Cooper family and the Triplet family joined them at the park for some good times - and both of them shared their photos with us. Thank you!
(from left to right: Courto, Joey, Kate, Bailey, McPhee, Leona. Narration by the Triplet's Mom, Julie)
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Elmo and my Other Monster
Who knew that buying a little stuffed Elmo would bring on visions of the Terrible Two's? Today I finally found a little, plain, cheap, stuffed Elmo. Every time we're at a store with toys I look to see what Elmo's are available and almost always Elmo has some sort of gimmick. He might be wearing a diaper, or holding a pizza, or his limbs stretch in every direction, or his body is rock solid (why would that be appealing?). Today we found a $5 Elmo with no gimmicks. Kate fell in love the instant she saw him on the shelf. I handed him over to her (she ahh'd with delight), as well as Cookie Monster (another ahh); however, when I started to take them away she easily let go of CM and clung to Elmo. The cashier had to scan Elmo's tag while he remained in Kate's grasp. On the way home she chit-chatted to him almost all the way. She ended the car ride by saying, "E, E, E, E, E, E" in the softest, most loving manner. She came in the house holding Elmo by his giant eyeballs and showed him to ATD, then carried him around until nap time. After her nap we ordered a pizza and she carried him around until it was delivered. When I put on her bib for dinner she held out her 1 free arm to be picked up and placed in her highchair, but she clung to Elmo with the other. I pried him away and sat him on the table, facing her. She SCREAMED as though someone had placed her on an open flame. I placed him in a chair as though he were going to eat with us. She SCREEEAMED. I gave in. Elmo sat in the highchair with her and she carefully placed a piece of sausage in his mouth saying, "mmmmm!" (see video). It sat there the length of dinner. Apparently he didn't care for it. When bath time came I knew we were going to have a fight. OF COURSE she felt that he needed to go in the tub with her. I fought this one, much to her (tantrum) dismay. I sat on him so she couldn't see him and eventually she calmed down. He is now hidden away and am debating about whether or not he comes out tomorrow. I mean, when I go off to work in the morning is it really fair to make the sitter fight these battles? If I were her, I would say no (but not to my face). So, for now, I think Elmo is going into hibernation. I'm sure he'll emerge soon enough, but maybe only for special occasions. Special Occasion Elmo. They haven't thought of that one yet, have they?
XOXO
One more new thing - that quite possibly is the BEST new thing Kate will ever do, and that is kisses. Real, normal people kisses, on purpose (versus those sloppy, open mouthed baby kisses that were still pretty great). There are even lots of little smooching noises and laughter after the kiss is complete. For a while I was the recipient of these delights, but recently she saves them only for #2. As you might imagine, he is in love with these kisses, and I am jealous.
The Latest and Greatest
Life is getting very fun at the teamgootch household. Kate has changed so much lately that watching her development is entertaining, to say the least. Of course, by "entertaining" I mean to say that it makes my heart swell with love and pride and admiration on a moment-to-moment basis.
Detailed here is what we've been up to:
-Kate has officially grown enough hair for pigtails. It is a dream come true (for me). Thankfully I had Kerry (Nanny McPhee) watch Kate on Friday while I worked and she tried it for the first time. Now I can't stop.
-Friday our friend Bailey (see "Katie and Family" link on left) came and spent the day with us since she didn't have school. It was super fun to have her hang out with us. When she arrived at our house Kate had just woken up and was obviously excited to have an audience for dancing and showing off. Kate liked having Bailey here as much as Bailey liked being here. THANKS FOR COMING, BAILEY!
-Kate has all of a sudden started using sign language. I've been encouraging her to do so for some time, but admittedly, not with 100% consistancy. About a week and 1/2 ago she just started busting it out! It is so nice that (in some situations) she can answer my questions or communicate what it is that she wants (versus grunting like an animal). She currently signs the following: more, eat, drink, all done, and please.
-Kate has started using a lot of new words, but even just a few new words seems like a lot in comparison to the 4 or so she had before. She now says: Annie, ball, coat, cool, go and "E-I-E-I-O". Momma and Dadda have sort of fallen off the list lately...
-Kate and I started swimming lessons this week. It is a month-long class, one morning per week. Kate (I) loved it - especially since the morning started with me NOT dropping her off in the daycare at the YMCA. Then we went to the locker room, which had fun drains on which she could stomp her feet. Next we had the pleasure of going through the showers (a requirement for getting in the pool). Kate's never been in the shower (and hardly has even seen one - by design, since I think once she understands we have them at our house she won't want a bath anymore) and squeeled with delight when the water came shooting out at us. Then we got in the warm pool and she laughed and squeeled through the entire lesson. Until, the part came when I was to lay her back, cradle her and look up at the ceiling while singing "Twinkle Twinkle" at which point the excitment got the best of her and she started falling asleep. Yes, in the pool. After the lesson I took her into the wadding pool, which is filled with small children, balls and a fun dragon slide. It is so shallow that she can stand on her own and the water comes up to her chest. Even though her teeth were chattering and she had goosebumps, she was so excited she could hardly stand it. Back in the locker room she discovered the best time to wander away from me was while I was dripping wet and trying to change out of my suit and into clothes. I'll have to figure out something better for next week, as she OF COURSE headed off to an open toilet to see what that was like (as if she doesn't already know from the countless times she has stuck her hand in one of ours). Needless to say, she fell asleep in the car on the way home. I don't know who had more fun...
-When asked Kate proudly points to the following body parts, followed by excited clapping: foot, leg, belly, hand, lips, nose, ear and hair. Sometimes we get lucky with eyes and arm. Oddly, when I hold her coat up and ask for her arm she sticks it right out, but when asked to locate it she tends to point at her ear and then claps. I join her.
Detailed here is what we've been up to:
-Kate has officially grown enough hair for pigtails. It is a dream come true (for me). Thankfully I had Kerry (Nanny McPhee) watch Kate on Friday while I worked and she tried it for the first time. Now I can't stop.
-Friday our friend Bailey (see "Katie and Family" link on left) came and spent the day with us since she didn't have school. It was super fun to have her hang out with us. When she arrived at our house Kate had just woken up and was obviously excited to have an audience for dancing and showing off. Kate liked having Bailey here as much as Bailey liked being here. THANKS FOR COMING, BAILEY!
-Kate has all of a sudden started using sign language. I've been encouraging her to do so for some time, but admittedly, not with 100% consistancy. About a week and 1/2 ago she just started busting it out! It is so nice that (in some situations) she can answer my questions or communicate what it is that she wants (versus grunting like an animal). She currently signs the following: more, eat, drink, all done, and please.
-Kate has started using a lot of new words, but even just a few new words seems like a lot in comparison to the 4 or so she had before. She now says: Annie, ball, coat, cool, go and "E-I-E-I-O". Momma and Dadda have sort of fallen off the list lately...
-Kate and I started swimming lessons this week. It is a month-long class, one morning per week. Kate (I) loved it - especially since the morning started with me NOT dropping her off in the daycare at the YMCA. Then we went to the locker room, which had fun drains on which she could stomp her feet. Next we had the pleasure of going through the showers (a requirement for getting in the pool). Kate's never been in the shower (and hardly has even seen one - by design, since I think once she understands we have them at our house she won't want a bath anymore) and squeeled with delight when the water came shooting out at us. Then we got in the warm pool and she laughed and squeeled through the entire lesson. Until, the part came when I was to lay her back, cradle her and look up at the ceiling while singing "Twinkle Twinkle" at which point the excitment got the best of her and she started falling asleep. Yes, in the pool. After the lesson I took her into the wadding pool, which is filled with small children, balls and a fun dragon slide. It is so shallow that she can stand on her own and the water comes up to her chest. Even though her teeth were chattering and she had goosebumps, she was so excited she could hardly stand it. Back in the locker room she discovered the best time to wander away from me was while I was dripping wet and trying to change out of my suit and into clothes. I'll have to figure out something better for next week, as she OF COURSE headed off to an open toilet to see what that was like (as if she doesn't already know from the countless times she has stuck her hand in one of ours). Needless to say, she fell asleep in the car on the way home. I don't know who had more fun...
-When asked Kate proudly points to the following body parts, followed by excited clapping: foot, leg, belly, hand, lips, nose, ear and hair. Sometimes we get lucky with eyes and arm. Oddly, when I hold her coat up and ask for her arm she sticks it right out, but when asked to locate it she tends to point at her ear and then claps. I join her.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Happy Easter!
We were warmly welcomed at Peter and Kerry's for Easter Brunch today, along with Mike, Courtney and Joey. Everyone made a ton of food, we dressed our kids up in their cutest, we blew bubbles and pretended to have an Easter egg hunt. Kate loves her plastic Easter eggs, and loves to walk around holding her Easter basket, but she didn't quite grasp the concept of HUNTING for them in the out of doors and placing them IN the basket. Maybe next year?
Anyway, as do most crazed mom's, I took a ton of photos/video hoping to catch the cutest picture/video ever. In the days leading to Easter I considered leaving the tags on the Easter dress I bought last year - I mean, a dress with matching sweater, socks and bib (not seen here) is worth a lot on Ebay - NWT! Alas, I decided she should wear them, especially after I pulled them out of the closet and was reminded of why I bought it all in the first place. I hope she never grows out of this dress.
In spite of playing outside, eating Kerry's sugar cookies, and being 15 months old, she stayed clean and sweet and adorable all afternoon. Now she is happily napping after all of the good times with our friends.
Anyway, as do most crazed mom's, I took a ton of photos/video hoping to catch the cutest picture/video ever. In the days leading to Easter I considered leaving the tags on the Easter dress I bought last year - I mean, a dress with matching sweater, socks and bib (not seen here) is worth a lot on Ebay - NWT! Alas, I decided she should wear them, especially after I pulled them out of the closet and was reminded of why I bought it all in the first place. I hope she never grows out of this dress.
In spite of playing outside, eating Kerry's sugar cookies, and being 15 months old, she stayed clean and sweet and adorable all afternoon. Now she is happily napping after all of the good times with our friends.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Family Music Time - "ROAR"
Tonight after dinner Brad played and played on his guitar and Kate and I danced and danced all around the living room. I think this should become a ritual in our house - especially since all of the swaying, jiggling, bouncing and laughing seemed to wear Kate out into the perfect mood for crashing into bed at the end of the evening. I know I feel like crashing into bed at the end of this evening,... although that seems to be an obvious statement. After all, I chase after a 1 year old day in and day out. I know that most people probably wonder what could possibly fill our days - home alone together all day, every day (except for my 3 mornings at work now), but trust me - you would be amazed! Today she pushed the plastic dog food bin up to the pantry shelves and started climbing on up. Yesterday she put her hand in a toilet at least 10 times. The day before that she ran the bathtub water in our master bathroom and managed to soak herself all the way down to her toes (from OUTSIDE the tub). One day last week she opened the front door, stepped on out and ran down the sidewalk (wearing no shoes or coat). And these are just snap shots of the mischief and dismantling of our home that happens daily.
I know the Grandma's out there are laughing at me - I can hear you! The joy of it is that Grandma B will be out here soon to watch her, alone, for 10 days while I go off with #2 to do things like drink wine, sit quietly, sight see, walk upright, have a conversation and maybe not even put my hair in a ponytail - all on a different continent to boot. We'll see who's laughing then, Grandma! I've heard people say, "you're leaving her for how long?" My response is, "not long enough!"
This said, obviously I'm infatuated with her, she is the center of my universe, and I will be yearning to see her pink face and fluffy white head of hair upon my return, but a grown adult needs to be a grown adult! And I shouldn't have to spend EVERY day of these first few years hiding #3's food bowls, locking the toilet shut (so even I can't get in it in a timely fashion), locking ourselves in the house so that none of the convicts escape, and tiptoeing around during the light-sleeping-queen's naps! And for pete’s sake - she'll be in her own home, with her own things, with someone much more capable of caring for her than me (and more capable of breaking her of all these terrible habits I've allowed her to develop). That said, join me in wishing away the month of April! Istanbul, The Netherlands, London, I am an adult, hear me roar!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Rainy Days and Tuesdays
Today we set out for a walk, but ended up at the Connell's since it was raining hard enough to make it unpleasant for an extended period out of doors. We always like a trip to Joey's house, since he has a bunch of toys that seem new and different, no matter how many times we visit. One of the things Kate instantly seeks out is a pacifier thrown here or there by Joey, and out of sight for Mike and Court. She always finds one or two, and usually she chews on the handle portion of it. Today I think she finally figured out what a pacifier is all about... and she liked it! I hope she doesn't think this is now exceptable at 15 months old.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Snow Bunny Kate 2008
It was a bluebird day in Boise today and we decided to take Kate skiing. She loves being in the backpack and with a nice nap this morning she was a delight to have up there. Please enjoy our footage.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
As I mentioned earlier this week, I've had some difficutly with my movie making skills. I don't know if those issues have been resolved, but I am attempting to deal with them today. As a result, I'm glued to the computer while Kate entertains herself with books and puzzles that I've been hiding for a rainy day (FYI - it is a beautiful blue bird day today).
A few weeks ago our great friends Peter and Kerry acquired a gently used slide from another neighbor. They won't be able to use it for a little while, so for the short-term we get to use it. Kate LOVES it. Here I've captured her first couple of runs. Shortly after this photo shoot we moved the slide inside where within a day she figured out how to climb the ladder and shoot down the slide with no supervision. This made #2 very nervous, so the slide is now back outside. I'm looking foward to the ground drying up a bit more (I've quickly learned that pink stains very easily in the mud) so we can spend afternoons outside climbing up and zooming down this delightfully entertaining slide.
THANKS AUNTIE KERRY AND UNCLE PETER (don't worry - we'll give it to Finn the Fetus when he's ready)!
A few weeks ago our great friends Peter and Kerry acquired a gently used slide from another neighbor. They won't be able to use it for a little while, so for the short-term we get to use it. Kate LOVES it. Here I've captured her first couple of runs. Shortly after this photo shoot we moved the slide inside where within a day she figured out how to climb the ladder and shoot down the slide with no supervision. This made #2 very nervous, so the slide is now back outside. I'm looking foward to the ground drying up a bit more (I've quickly learned that pink stains very easily in the mud) so we can spend afternoons outside climbing up and zooming down this delightfully entertaining slide.
THANKS AUNTIE KERRY AND UNCLE PETER (don't worry - we'll give it to Finn the Fetus when he's ready)!
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