Out and about

We just love putting her hair in pigtails (ponytails?). This addresses my quandary from a previous post...she is getting better about allowing us to put her hair up but when she's out and about she prefers to let it hang loose. Fair enough. I can compromise. Life with a 2-year-old is all about compromise.

Annika had her 2-year check-up last week and the doctor, a rather reserved chap (WARNING: BRAGGING ALERT) offers up this gem: "Wow! She is really talking very well. Very clearly and in sentences. I rarely see this with a child her age, and generally I hope that they can speak 50 words. Her vocabulary is very impressive!"

A moment of silence for her burgeoning genius.

She also weighs in at 30 pounds and is 34.5 inches tall. To spare you an Internet search, that means she's about 80th percentile in weight and 75th for height. He said that tracks nicely and "whatever you're doing is working." We'll also pull her off whole milk and start with lowfat. It starts so very early.

The Negretes took us for a free ride (no pun intended) to Gilroy Gardens this Sunday. Most people outside of Northern California (and let's face it - most of us within NoCal) have no idea what Gilroy Gardens is. My understanding is that the place makes no money, but for toddler-aged kids; this place is perfect. Not too crowded, rides built for the little ones, and nicely manicured landscaping. Maybe the last part isn't so interesting to a toddler, but I found it pleasing.

What I found a little odd about the place is that there was a walking garlic character (apparently named "Gil") with very short arms. Annika happens to worship anything in a big puffy/fuzzy suit (see Chuck E Cheese and Lou Seal) so she was all over it. I am also pleased to report Gil did not smell of garlic. He gave her a high five and was quite friendly. Little Nico reported that he had purple shoes.

I told Chris that taking Annika to theme parks and/or other family outings to engage and entertain her makes me feel more like a parent. It feels responsible and selfless to find activities uniquely designed for her. It also feels good. I just love watching her have fun. (P.S. Also makes up for quite a few trips to the mall & Starbucks).