Party Animal

I had so much fun this past weekend, celebrating two of my best friends.  On Saturday, Julia rang in her first year with a rockin' party.  I arrived just in time to help Julia open - and play! - with all her presents.  Julia's mom made really tasty cupcakes that looked like little owls.  They were so cute!  And since the pool was open, I even got to go for a little dip.  The water was a little chilly at first, but I was having too much fun splashing my mom and dad to mind.  I was having a pretty good time, but my mom said it was time to go when I started pushing and pinching the birthday girl.  Apparently, my mom does not approve of PDA (public displays of aggression).

On Sunday, I was feeling like a nicer little girl, which is a good thing!  We met up with my friend Danny at the Church to celebrate his Christening.  I wasn't struck my lightning or anything when I walked into the Church, which my mom was afraid of, so I guess I'm just your average toddler.  After Danny took a bath at the front of the church, we went back to his house for some playtime and yummy cake.  I had a blast blowing bubbles outside, and playing with Danny's ride-on dragon inside.

I'm a lucky girl to have such fun friends!

Spring has Sprung!

I have been such a busy bee, I haven't had a chance to tell you about last weekend!  My friend Julia kicked off Summer at her crib with a kickin' BBQ.  All my friends were there, as well as some new ones (wad up, Leah and Quinn!). 

Danny and I provided some musical entertainment for the grown-ups

Jackson and I hung out

I stole some sippy cups from my friends

My dad got to catch up with some old Goucher buddies

It was a great way to start off Summer.  BBQ and good friends - there is nothing better in this world!

So I was pretty excited this weekend when my mom took me into Washington, DC with my friends Jackson and Blair (and their moms) to see Train Day at the Postal Museum.  And you'll never believe who was there - Uncle Taylor and Julia!  I was delighted to see they had brought Julia's mom and dad, too.

We collected stamps

I got to play with a bronze version of Owney, one of the coolest dogs ever

Jackson, Blair and I plan to take over the Capitol one day

It was such a beautiful day in Washington!  We had a lovely picnic near Mom's work, then took a stroll around the Capitol.  It's a really lovely building.  I can't wait to start my rise in power!  Just watch, I'll be back on those steps again one day.  It's gonna be awesome.

When we got back from train day, Blair and Jackson stayed for a few hours.  We enjoyed sippy cups while frolicking in the yard.  It was a fantastic day!

Grandpa

Dear Grandpa,

I'm so glad you had a chance to meet Laura this December.  It was so important to me to make that trip up to Vermont, despite the crazy weather.  I can't tell you how much it meant for me to see Laura with her great-grandfather.  You were such a wonderful Grandpa for me - the only one I ever knew.  Laura won't remember meeting you, but I will.  I will always cherish that last visit. 

I remember you "trapping" me on your lap when I was a toddler, and never letting me go.  I laughed till I cried every time you did it. 

I remember visiting you and Grandma in Wallkill, where I got to drink grape juice which was never allowed at home.  I still love purple grape juice, and am sad it's not longer sold in that glass bottle.

I remember eating "wait-and-see" every night for dessert.  For the longest time, I thought that was an actual dessert, something one could order at a bakery.  I think it was usually pie and ice cream, but it was always delicious.

I remember the smell of your studio, when I went out to watch you paint.  The pungent oils made my eyes water while I stared, mesmerized, at your works.  You were always so patient at explaining how you painted, why you painted, and what you painted.

I remember going out to Wyoming to celebrate your fifty years of marriage with Grandma.  Fifty years.  It was a big number to me back then - and is still such a big number now.

Just yesterday, I was thinking about how you and Grandma came to be married.  So in love, you defied your parents wishes and eloped nearly seventy-one years ago.  Amazing, that just yesterday I was reflecting on your seventy-one years of love.

I will miss you and Grandma, but am happy knowing you are together again.

Happy Easter!

What a weekend!  When I got home from school on Wednesday, my Grammy and Grampy were on the front porch with lots of stuff from Super Grammy's house!  Madness ensued, as they started bringing sideboards, tables, pictures and teacups into the house.  I sat in my highchair and directed traffic.  The house looks great, thanks to my keen eye for decorating.

On Thursday, I took Grammy and Grampy to Mom's work.  I showed them around a bit.

Caution: Baby at work!

 After a few hours of hard work, we went to the National Zoo for some fresh air.  It was a beautiful day for a walk in the beautiful zoo.  After Mom got creeped out by the birds, we headed over to the Great Cats.  The huge tiger yawned and showed us his enormous teeth.  Right next door, we saw several big lions pacing for their dinner.  I loved watching the baby lions jump all over the mommy.  I took notes.

I want to play with the tiger!

In case we hadn't had a busy enough day, we finished Thursday evening with a few frames of bowling for Daddy's work!  I had trouble lifting the ball, but was quite intriqued.

Strike!

On Friday, Grammy and Grampy took me to Sherwood Gardens to see the tulips.  I wore my best frock (in honor of the royal wedding, of course), and had great fun exploring the flower beds.

Peekaboo!

Time for tea!

Saturday morning, I hopped in the car with Mom and Dad to drive to Pennsylvania to see my other Grandma and Grandpa! I saw some more tulips outside Church on Easter Sunday.  I looked really pretty in my fancy Easter dress!

Can I eat this?

 I changed into some cooler clothes after church, and had a great time playing with all my aunts and uncles.

Happy Easter!

 I'm not sure why the cheery eggs can open, but I sure did enjoy picking them all up and putting them in my basket!

I'm a very good Easter egg hunter

What happens at Grandma's stays at Grandma's

My usual paparazzi was strangely absent this weekend.  Mommy left after work on Thursday to go to New York with Auntie Maria, Auntie Liz and some friends for wine tasting.  I guess it was some sort of way to celebrate the bride-to-be Auntie Liz before the wedding.  Daddy had a similar trip to Philly for Uncle Vin.  Since Mommy and Daddy were off being busy with the aunts and uncles, Riesling and I jetted off to Grandma and Grandpa's for the weekend.

We had a blast!  Four dogs for me to torment play with - I was in heaven.  As was Ries.  She was so happy to have some other doggies to play with.  She ran and pounced and wrestled and had a great time. 

Grandma took me to a baby shower (though I didn't get very clean at that shower), where I was crowned with a fancy tiara and matching purse.  I've known for a long time that I'm a princess; it's nice to be recognized as such.  We also went to church this morning.  There were really big leaves for me to play with!  I borrowed a truck from the little boy down the pew, and played very nicely with one of the sisters.  It was a blast. 

After church, Mommy came to Grandma's to get me!  I was SO excited to see her, but obviously started asking after daddy.  A girl has her priorities.  We finally got back to our house - and Daddy was on the porch waiting for us!  I think it's safe to say Mommy and Daddy both had wonderful weekends too.  I'm just not exactly sure what they did or why it had to be so far away from me.

My paparazzi was back in full force this evening as I played as cutely as possible.

I'm so cute!

I'm good at my shapes!

Daddy & Me

I started my weekend in a very leisurely manner: sleeping in with my dad.  It was a lovely way to start a lovely weekend.

We are so angelic

Saturday morning, Mommy and I hopped in the car with Auntie Maria for a pleasant drive to New Jersey.  I didn't see any new t-shirts when we got there, but I didn't see any really old ones either.  Go figure.  What I did see  was my Uncle Matt and his beautiful bride-to-be, Melissa.  We went to a party just to celebrate their upcoming nuptials!  Melissa got to open lots of presents.  I got to play with those presents - as well as some really awesome wrapping paper.

I'm so happy for you guys!

 When we got home after the shower (where we didn't get wet at all, and there wasn't even any soap or toys), my mom left again to go out with her buddy, my Auntie Guzel.  It's Guzel's birthday this week, and they wanted to celebrate!  I guess they didn't need my help with cake or anything.  It was just as well, because I was very excited for a night with just my dad.  We ate pizza and watched TV and played and had a grand old time.

The next morning was super fun too.  We went downtown and wandered up the street until we found a lacrosse game going on!  We stayed to watch.  I really enjoy my sports.  We had a tasty lunch downtown, and then wandered home.  It was a beautiful day to be outside, so I'm really glad we were able to enjoy it together.

Exhausting

It was a very exhausting weekend, but for all the best reasons.  I am especially glad I got to spend so much time with Daddy Saturday night and Sunday.  Happy birthday, Auntie Guzel!

I can't make this up

Laura's mom here, showing some pictorial proof of some of Laura's latest antics.  Yesterday, Laura spent a good amount of time trying to put a sock on Riesling's foot.  We are so lucky to have a very patient dog as Laura's "big sister."

 So when I got home from work today, I started cracking up when I saw Laura's best friend, Lamb, wearing a pair of size 4 MaryJanes.  I can't make this up - Laura put those shoes on that lamb by herself!

A few hours later (nearing bedtime), Laura decided to give some of her Little People a ride on the horse:


Laura is one smart and imaginative little girl!

Bag Lady

My mom calls me a "bag lady."  She  laughs when she says it, like there is some sort of connotation I'm too little to understand.  I think it's pretty cool to be a bag lady!  I mean, I'm a lady for one and I get lots of bags for another.  I love bags.

Bags are the perfect accessory for every outfit.

I am totally cool: I carry my dog around in my purse.

I even let my bear borrow one of my purses!

March Recap

March 2011:

• Laura takes her books very seriously.  She sits in her fort or on her rocking chair and reads aloud to us.  Most of the pages read, "Yash.  Yash, yash.  Dog!  Yash."  She always nods her head in the affirmative when she says "yash." 
• A few times, Laura has also said "OK," and "Oh yeah."  Nice to know she is so positive!
• Laura loves rocking in her chair.  She can climb onto it by herself, and is very good at making it rock.  Sometimes she gives her friends a ride.
• Laura's favorite friend (at the moment) is Lamb, with Jingle coming in a close second.  And of course, neither friend is machine-washable and both are white.
• Laura just started running, which is hilarious to watch.  Half the time, she is careening forward out of control.  Her legs swing to the sides as she flies by, like those funny lizards who run on water.
• Laura isn't a huge fan of meals these days.  She mostly eats on the go, grabbing a handful of food off our plates on her way to some important toy.
• Laura loves dancing!  She'll dance to just about anything - especially TV commercials.  If it's a fast song, she bounces along.  If it's a slow song, she bends down slowly and sways.  It is hilarious.  I keep trying to catch it on film... one of these days I will!
• Laura loves purses.  She carries at least one wherever she goes.
• Laura's favorite friends are Lamb and Puppy.  She's also pretty keen on a soft, furry little blankie.  But if her favorites aren't around, anyone soft and cuddly will do.  Laura almost always has at least one friend under her arm.Laura has started giving kisses when we ask for one.  She leans her head in, and even makes a smacking noise!
• Laura says "All done!" while making the corresponding sign when she has finished eating or drinking something.  If I ask, "Are you all done?"  She answers "All done!" 
• Laura points to her hair when we ask where it is.  If we ask "where's Mommy's/Riesling's/Daddy's hair?" she will point to it.  What a smarty-pants!

Boston

My mom and I went in a big plane the other day and flew all the way up to Boston.  It was remarkable - we could see all the towns and islands all the way up the coast!  I loved looking out the window as Mom passed me snacks and toys.  I was very happy.  When we got off the plane, Grammy, Grampy, Aunt Torie and Torie's friend were there to meet us!  Imagine my surprise at seeing all of them at the very airport Mom and I were at.  It's as if it were planned...  We drove from the airport straight up to Cape Cod.  The next morning, I got to see Super Grammy at her new place. 

I love Super Grammy!

I really enjoyed playing in the cheerful library.  I wanted to touch the fireplace, but I am told it was quite hot (whatever that means).  So I settled for reading some books and getting hugs from various family members.  My Uncle Clint was especially excited for hugs.  I'm so cute, who could resist?! 

Me and Uncle Clint!

I really liked Super Grammy's new place.  They have cookies out for everyone to share!  I greatly enjoyed my sugar cookie.  Grammy tried to get a bite, but I held firm and ate it all by myself. 

Grammy, this is my cookie.

After spending the day on the Cape, we all went back to Grammy and Grampy's, where my Uncle Parke and Aunt Sarah were waiting for us.  There are lots of toys at Grammy and Grampy's, so I always have a good time.

Hangin' out with Mom

I spent lots of time hugging Grammy and Grampy.  I am the best hugger, so I thought I'd share my talent.

Helping Grampy check email

 The best part about having Uncle Parke and Aunt Sarah with us is that they brought their dogs, Scout and Jenny!  I just adore dogs, and was delighted to make them play with me.  We had this really fun game going, where I would chase the dogs and they would all run away and hide.  It was so much fun! 

I let Lamb play too

I am really good at petting dogs.  They are so soft.

Me and Scout

 I am especially fond of Little Jenny.  She is so cute!

Jenny is just my size!

I was sad to get back on the plane to go home.  I fussed a little bit, so Mom kept plying me with snacks.  I was really happy to get off that plane.  Daddy was at the airport waiting for us.  I was so happy to see him!   I hope Mom, Dad and I can get up to Grammy and Grampy's again soon!  I love visiting them.