Hattitude Adjustment

What makes Cece cranky? Sleeping too late to see Daddy off to work.

What makes Cece feel better? Finding one of his hats!

Tickles your nose that way, doesn't it?!

And off she goes with a little spring in her step.

Buckle Up for Sanity

Ever notice how often toddlers get safety strapped into things? In the car - click! At the table - click! In the jogger - click! The more gear you have the more variety of strapping options. I am starting to see this is is less for the child's safety and more for the parent's sanity.

Regardless, Sunday morning we strapped Cece in to the bike trailer Daddy got me for my birthday last year. We pedaled a few miles and in strong winds while the princess giggled and chirped from the safety of her chariot. My face hurt from windburn and Cece's must have hurt from smiling. A great day!

Hey you two! Get back to pedaling!

25 pounds of cute in the trailer might be hard on the knees, but it is easy on the eyes.

Woof Woof Night Night

Our wonderfully sweet dog, Boomer had to leave us this weekend. As one friend said, he lived a great life and had Honey to thank for becoming part of our family. Boomer was a stray and wound up at the pound with Honey after she jumped out of my car window when I lived in Los Angeles. Let's just say I went to pick up one dog and left with two. That was 13 years ago and what a long, great trip it has been.

When Cece arrived, Boomer wasn't really sure what was happening. The night we came home from the hospital is one we'll never forget. I was in pain from the surgery, the heat was broken and Boomer was desperately whining and pacing around the house. It wasn't pretty. But in the next few weeks we all settled in to our roles and Boomer became Cece's ardent protector.

He was patient and loving even in his last months when she would crawl on him, pull his tail and pester him while he tried to sleep. I would say, "Cece, Boomer night-night" and she would wave her night-night wave and let him be. I think she has noticed he is gone. She looks around every now and then and says "Woof woof?". To which I reply, " Woof Woof night night". She gives me a little look as if to say, " Oh."

Although Cece won't remember Mommy's dogs, she'll know the story of how they kept Mommy company until Daddy came along then they kept Mommy and Daddy company until Cece came along. And, after Cece came along? Well, we're still writing that story.

In loving memory of Boomer, 1997 - 2010

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?