Daze of the Week

That is Cece's impression of me after a long week of toddler entertaining and chasing. Am I dazed? You bet. But check out all the fun we had!

Monday morning Cece realized she is now tall enough to scale every chair ... and table!

Later, Mommy finally finished Cece-proofing all the kitchen cabinets.

Tuesday night was beautiful so we went for a sunset stroll at the park.

Off she goes!

Wednesday morning at the Sculpture Park downtown waiting for friends.

Lots of fun stairs to run up and down!

Playing in the Thursday afternoon sunshine on the back deck.

TGIF everyone!

Cece's First Seder

Uncles Alan and Rob asked us to join their Passover Seder again this year - Cece's first! Traditions mean a lot to us and we love being included as family. Above, Cece and Spencer become best buddies. He even let her chew on his toys. Mmmmm!

Uncle Alan cooks up quite the feast and guides us through the haggadah which is the telling of the story. Cece especially loves the charoses which, my fellow gentiles is pronounced HA-ro-sis and is made with apples, cinnamon, nuts and wine. She even tried the gefilte fish along with more than her share of matzoh.

Their friends Doug and Karen were also at Passover two years ago when we announced we were expecting. They were thrilled to meet Cece. Mommy was thrilled that this time she could have plenty of Manischewitz!

Many thanks to Uncle Rob and Uncle Alan for a very special evening. We love you!

March Gladness

A long winter of hard work and discipline pays off. It's time for the final four ... day weekend of March! Auntie Leslee joined us on our home court and schooled us in toddler zone coverage.

Auntie Leslee reviews the plays, "Milk, brush, books, bed. Got it?".

In an effort to limit free throws, Auntie teaches Cece how to use a fork.

"See? No dribbling!".

She shoots! She scores!

Daddy gets the assist from Auntie during tub time.

Thanks to our dear friend and Cece's adoring Auntie Leslee for traveling ... and a wonderful visit.

We love you!

Okay, But No Scissors

The toddler stage is not without it's challenges but has an awful lot of cuteness to make up for it. Every day or so Cece latches on to a random object or two to play with. A wine cork, a curler Kathi gave her or this week's favorite - a rock. This morning Cece came around the corner with her precious rock and a fluffy swag of toilet paper. If it makes her happy ... right?

A Thousand Words

Enough said.

A Little Aunt-sy

We are so lucky! Aunt Sheree was in town for back to back meetings and we got to spend two whole weekends together! We hardly sat still the whole visit. We played, walked, ate, shopped and stayed up late every night. Cece learned a few new things from Aunt Sheree including how to say "I don't know!" complete with grand hand gesturing as you can see above. Cece is still recovering from all the fun ... as is Mommy!

Aunt Sheree made sure to wind Cece up every night right before bed. Good times!

Who can focus on books at bedtime with such a special visitor in town?!

Oh, well. We'll sleep some other time.

We love you, Auntie and we'll see you again in May!

Spring Has Sprung

My Dad was a funny man. So many of our friends and family can instantly recall one of his jokes, quick comebacks or stories. He had one poem he used to recite to us kids every Spring. At the first and most perfect opportunity, Dad would stand up straight and strike a pose like he was in front of an esteemed group of colleagues and say:

Spring has sprung.

The grass is riz.

I wonder where

the flowers is?

After the first few years of laughing, we would groan. As we grew older, we'd moan and roll our eyes while hiding a grin or giggle so as not to encourage him. I smile broadly when I think about it now knowing that poor Cece is in for the same with her Daddy. So, off to the park we go to enjoy the amazing blue skies, the cries of the fledgling eagles and a run in the new grass to find out just where ... the flowers is.

I love you, Daddy.