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).

But seriously...

Garfield asked me yesterday to give her an update on me...not Annika. What does that even mean?? But seriously folks, there is no me without Annika anymore. She is my life, my love, my everything. Doesn't mean that I don't do things without her...I go to work everyday, I sometimes go to dinner with my friends sans el bebe and Chris and I even manage to sneak away once in a (great) while. But we always want to go back. We are in love - with each other and with her. Ok, ok - enough cheese.

To illustrate some of this, Chris and I had a short weekend together in May to attend my brother's wedding. I like this picture because it looks like we actually enjoy each other's company...don't worry; it's all for show. I kid! But seriously folks, we do enjoy each other, though our alone time is limited and the strains of full-time jobs and a full-time baby sometimes get to us. We are absolutely not perfect, but we definitely try to get it right. If someone could carve me out enough time after work to make dinner, play with Annika, give her a bath, put her to bed, provide some lovely chat time with my husband and get me to bed by 9:30 - CALL ME!

So you don't go Annika-less, here's a picture of her at the Apple Store in Palo Alto when I was there for the iPhone launch. Man, that was crazy. But seriously folks, I am so lucky to have a husband (and even parents - if you squint, you can see my mom in the background) who rolls with the punches and simply handles the business when the demands of my job literally keep me from handling the demands of my real life. That weekend was Annika's birthday, but everyone's patience and understanding really got me through it. I don't even think Annika noticed that I was working...which was awesome. We even managed to squeeze in a party. And a lot of presents.

Garfield - enough rambling. To answer your question: I'm (but seriously) doing great. Thanks for asking.

I'm not old!

Annika, how old are you?

I'm one.

Nooo! Annika...how old are you?

I'm one.

Annika! You're two!!!

I'M NOT OLD!

True story.

She is older, and of course, wiser. She needs longer legs, though - still can't pedal the two (yes, two - it's a theme) tricycles she received for her birthday. She asked us to sing her the happy birthday song twice...yes, yes, a theme I tell you!

I'm sorry for the delay between posts. Nothing delights me more than telling you about her triumphs, but it's been a rough month. Never fear - there is light at the end of the iTunnel.

Random updates: She speaks in complete sentences...she can swim on her own (with a delightful inner tube-like device that makes her feel like she's swimming)...she heard Uncle BB's voice on the answering machine and knew it was him, despite the fact that she's only seen him twice in the last 6 months...she's going to North Carolina in August to see her GG and Uncle Erik...she wears a 2T...she is a Daddy's girl...she loves to bounce on the bed with Grandma...she always asks where Pop is when he leaves the room...she still pinches Nana, but Nana loves it...only Papa can get her out of the car...Uncle Ben makes her giggle...Nico is her best friend...Braden is trying to kill her (don't be alarmed)...no plans for a brother or sister (right now at least).

Much love!

It's been a while...

...but she's still cute.