Life + L

Couch Friends

2012-01-24T20:07:00.004-05:00

I asked L to make room for me on the couch. She says, "I can't they're watching t.v. You can sit on me."

1.21.12 ~ Her perch

1.22.12 ~ Her turn down the slide

1.22.12 ~ cupcake time. All that stripe and color.

1.24.12 ~ Adjusting Pizza's diaper

Loving Pizza

3 to 13

2012-01-21T14:01:00.000-05:00

1.21.12 ~ Mass Ballet, Framingham

Apparently our three year old is going on 13. She wants to see the Fresh Beat Band in concert and she must get the cd. She's been asking for the cd for two years now. It finally comes out at the end of the month. We told her she could use her Christmas gift card.

Last night, she convinced Dave to take her to the mall. They were there for almost three hours. I thought they might have gotten lost there...they didn't get home until 9PM. We asked her what she wanted to do today and she said, "go to the mall."

She had to call her Dad today because she couldn't find her chap stick. They used it last night. Listening to her on the phone is quite comical. She was all worked up explaining she put it back in the same place...the pocket of red sweatshirt and it's not there. It was there last night and asking him if he knows where it is.

She says things like:
The dog's name is Loula. That's a cool name.
Isn't that awesome.
Isn't she beautiful.
That is so cool.

1.20.12 ~ First real snow of the season

1.20.12 ~ L and Dave...they share of bowl of cereal most morning

1.22.12 ~ Silliness before ballet

1.22.12 ~ Getting ready to go

Project365 Review

2012-01-19T18:48:00.003-05:00

I went back and looked at the photos I took for Project365. Here is my favorite from each month {there were many}. Wow!...it's amazing to look back and to see the changes in L and in the way I took the photos. I did learn to take better photos {not very hard with the subjects I had}.

I may do it again some day, it's just hard in the beginning of the year. Maybe I'll try mid-year or even in April.

Random

2012-01-18T17:25:00.000-05:00

Random pics since last week.

1.12.12 ~ nothing is better than a little laughter before bed.

Tucking L in to bed the other night, she says to me, “you’re my lovey dupey, cuddle with me.”

1.14.12 ~ trying to get away...no more photos.

1.14.12 ~ I see you.

1.15.12 ~ Lessons

After ballet L went to her first movie with a couple of her girls friends...Beauty and the Beast 3D. They were cute...excited to see one another when we met up with them at the theater.

1.16.12 ~ sitting with Daddy and playing on the iPad....All the best!

The Mall continued…Dave and L spent almost ½ the day at the mall {most know why, they are stir crazy kindred}. From what I heard they enjoyed it. L loved the mini golf {“I love it!”}. At mini golf, Dave asked L to pick his ball up for him. Her response, “you’re a big boy, you pick it up.”

1.17.12 ~ t.v time before dinner.

Monday: MLK Day

2012-01-16T12:56:00.002-05:00

1.16-12 ~ Natick Mall, photo take by Dave and sent to me at work

This is a what happens when I have to work and Dave and L are home. Dave and L head to the the mall and L has convinced Dave to get one of these carts. It's L's dream...as she usually says to me, "I wish I could..."

I usually have to guess what they are doing, but this I know...L gets spoiled. She pretty much run the house and is getting many shoulder rides {she loves} and eating whatever she wants.

365/365: Five

2012-01-10T19:55:00.000-05:00

Daddy clipping L's nails

I can’t believe I haven’t posted since the 2nd. This is the final photo of the 365 project. Work and overall tiredness has me slowing down on the blog posts. L is L, happy as can be even after she spends 4 hours in the office with me on Saturday. She had to skip her gym class this week, but had ballet and swim lessons.

We’re amazed by her bravery in the pool this past weekend. She was a go getter at lesson. So gung ho…she lied to her swim teacher. The swim teacher was doing an exercise where the kids had to take turns. The teacher said the 5 year olds would go first. She asked who was five, and L raised her hands immediately (while the 2 five year old did not even raise their hands). I had to correct her and she smiled.

When I asked her about why she lied about being five, she said, “I wanted to go first.”

364/365: Happy 2012

2012-01-02T10:31:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

Don't they just put a smile on your face?!?

This is L...pure JOY and HAPPINESS!

Sending good wishes and cheers to a Happy and Healthy 2012

363/365: Eve

2012-01-02T10:10:00.002-05:00

12.31.11 ~ dipping her feet in the hot tub

L waiting for us before heading down to breakfast

There was more pool time before we headed over to visit with Auntie Van, Uncle Tuan and Logan.

We hung out before heading to an indoor play area for L. She went grocery shopping and served her Dad lunch at the dinner. She was so happy went there was a baby that looked like Pizza. She had to take care of it before heading into the arcade.

L taking a picture of me taking a picture of her.

I am so crazy in love with these two.

362/365: Pool

2012-01-02T09:47:00.000-05:00

12.30.11 ~ Somerset, NJ

We spent the weekend in NJ visiting my sister and L got lots of pool time. We finally got L to jump into the pool.

361/365: Out

2011-12-29T21:13:00.003-05:00

L getting ready to go get her flu shot.

Yesterday, while we were in the car L says to me, "when I grow up I want to be a doctor." I was surprised by this because she's so afraid of them.

Today, she while in the car.

L: I want to be a different number.

Me: What number?

L: I want to be four.

Me: What?

L: I'm big now, I want to be four years old.

Poor L, her friend A moves up to the Pre-K 2 class and I think she wants to go.

All her friends

360/365: Time

2011-12-29T21:03:00.000-05:00

Framingham, at the Library

We've been spending a lot of time at home. L wants to stay home and play with her toys, watch tv, play on the computer and iPad. It's fine...we do venture out at least once a day.

Dave will take L to her gym for open gym, we went to the library for a couple of hours, made it to the mall for L to build her bear. She has agreed we should give her bear away {she picked a Hello Kitty bear and named it Gabriella}...she was breaking out in hives on her face when she rubbed the bear on her face.

At the library coloring, playing on the computer, talking to Fred the turtle and doing puzzles and picking up all the toys {some from her, but most from the kids before her}. She's a good sport and does a really good job.

359/365: Bus

2011-12-27T21:44:00.000-05:00

L driving the bus as we wait for our pizza.

The same photo in color.

358/365

2011-12-27T21:38:00.001-05:00

12.26.11 ~ L after her morning walk with Ba Noi

L and Emmitt

L and Ba Noi...she might have been showing Ba Noi something on her Leappad.

357/365: Silent Night

2011-12-27T21:13:00.002-05:00

12.25.11 ~ Aliza and L

Here's a video of L singing Silent Night.

356/365: Gathering

2011-12-27T21:08:00.000-05:00

12.24.11 ~ L and her cousin, Mason

Christmas Eve is always about the family gathering on the Nguyen and Hill side.

It's always about the kids, especially the younger ones. They are so delightful to be around. One was break dance, one was doing the Chicken Dance while the other was singing. She does have a sweet voice...at Mass when Silent Night came up she just sang. This was after she went and hugged a random stranger.

355/365: Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas

Joy to all...from our family {MONSTER} to yours.

354/365: Angel

2011-12-24T10:31:00.001-05:00

Our little Angel. The weather was so nice she had to run around before daycare. It's winter, but it feels more like fall.

353/365: Eve

2011-12-24T10:20:00.003-05:00

Christmas Eve...a time to make memories with family and enjoying great food. As L would say, "We're celebrating Jesus birthday today." Happy Eve to you all.

352/365: Lyla

2011-12-20T22:16:00.000-05:00

We’re finally getting the holiday cards out. L wanted to sign each and every one, but half way through she said, “I’m done.” The first card had a different color for each letter in her name. I was thinking the cards would not get out until after Christmas.She stayed with one color.

She asked if she could finish tonight and then put her name on the envelopes. I had to tell her I sent them out. "Why? But I wanted to write my name."

L on Tuesday. She gets herself ready most mornings.

351/354: Happy

2011-12-20T22:15:00.002-05:00

She woke up happy. Got herself dressed and was still happy when Dave picked her up from daycare. I think all the activities she's going on the weekends has been good for L. She's not so scared of people and just seems content and happy!

350/354: Twins

2011-12-18T21:26:00.001-05:00

Brave girl getting her hair cut...no crying this time.

L had a birthday party to go to today. Before heading to the party she wrapped the presents and got a hair cut. (the different tones in the photos are as a result of trying different functions on the camera.)

She had a blast at the birthday for the twins. She had free range of the gym. Another gym...she's loves them.

349/365: Another Saturday

2011-12-18T21:23:00.001-05:00

Chilling before ballet

She had a blast at Mighty Mites. She's already talking about having her birthday party there. They were getting ready for a party while we were there. She asked what all the balloons were for...listing all the friends she wanted to come to her party. She even wants to invite her teacher to the party.

348/365: Present

2011-12-18T21:21:00.001-05:00

12/16/11 ~ Framingham, Relaxing after a long week at daycare.

From standing in front of the t.v. to jumping on the couch while I watched. "Watch me Mommy."

First thing I found when I woke this morning was presents scattered around the living room. L woke up to presents under the tree. She was so excited until she found out none of them were for her. Dave told me she was upset when she didn't see her name on any of them. She sat in my lap and asked if she could get some presents under the tree.

347/365: Practice

2011-12-18T21:18:00.001-05:00

She's been practicing her swimming techniques in the tub...lay on your back, cross your arms and float.

346/365: "Not Every Time"

2011-12-15T18:57:00.000-05:00

Giving her ornament kisses.

She spent most of the night in her room because there was not much she could do downstairs. Since she was bored she just went to bed...that's where I found her when I went to check on her. She lost tv and the computer for not being nice to her friends. I asked if she's mean to her friends at daycare everyday. Her response..."not every time."

345/365

2011-12-15T18:52:00.000-05:00

344/365: Monday

2011-12-12T22:30:00.001-05:00

She wasn't happy to have her photos taken this morning. She will be happy for me to finish this project. Unfortunately for her I will not stop taking photos...she loves to take photos too. Maybe I should allow her to post a few of her own photos since she received a camera for Christmas from Auntie Va and Uncle Tuan. Plus, she loves to type words.

343/365: Holiday

2011-12-12T22:20:00.001-05:00

Sweet girl got in the picture before we went to pick out a special ornament. Can you guest what she chose?...a Toy Story ornament.

We had the day planned out. It was a more relaxed day. Before swim lessons we picked out supplies for L to finish her Christmas project after lessons. After lunch, L was ready to work on her project.

342/365: Ballet

2011-12-12T22:04:00.000-05:00

Mass Ballet ~ Framingham

She was so excited when the ballet instructor asked if the girls where ready to line up. She turned to me and said, "is it my turn?" Her first lesson and she was very eager. Parents can view the lesson on the tv screen. She didn't say much about the lesson, but I could see she enjoyed it. The only thing she mentioned was the teacher talked about the nutcracker.

From ballet it was off to Mighty Mites, gymnastics like class for preschoolers {"at my own gym just like Daddy goes to the gym"}. It's a month long class that meets on Saturdays after ballet.

My Gym ~ Framingham

341/365

2011-12-10T21:05:00.000-05:00

340/365

2011-12-10T21:01:00.000-05:00

L telling to me stop taking photos.

339/365: Fair

2011-12-07T18:53:00.000-05:00

Dinner ~ when Dave has class it's usually spaghetti or hot dogs.

I received an email from Dave this morning reminding me of a few things and to tell me L wanted to bring two toys to daycare and when he said no, she cried. So he let her bring one to daycare.

L knows the rules...they prefer kids do not bring toys to school. L and I had a conversation about her crying and bringing toys to school. She told me she didn't think Daddy would tell on her.

Me: Lyla are you allowed to brings toys to school?
L: No
Me: Why did you bring a toy?
L: The others bring toys to school
Me: You are not allowed to bring toys to school
L: No fair, the other kids bring toys.

I had not response to the comment...thinking three year olds shouldn't know what is fair and what isn't

338/365: Merry

2011-12-07T18:39:00.000-05:00

The holiday season is so MERRY and BRIGHT...especially with her around.

337/365: Project365

2011-12-05T21:57:00.000-05:00

Project 365 has been a great project. While at times it has seem more of a tiring task, I’m so happy I have taken it on. It’s true, if you want to learn about your camera, this is one way. The camera is always with me and people do notice. I got a quick tutorial at L’s swim lesson yesterday. One of the parents asked if I wanted to learn a few tricks with the camera. Of course I do and in the two days I’ve been using his techniques, I’ve seen a change in my photos. This makes the project so worth it.

336/365: Party

2011-12-05T10:47:00.001-05:00

12/4/11 - Santa, Newton, MA

She was brave this year with Santa. It’s been a big year for L. I feel she’s growing and I’m so proud of her. She’s worked very hard on her anxiety of strangers and even people she knows.

{I asked her what Santa said to her and she said he asked if she's been nice this year.}

Before lessons I asked L to go get her bathing suit and clothes for swim lessons. She came down with this outfit with the sweatshirt on backwards (the hood is in the front) with no bathing suit on. Dave had to help her fix herself.

The instructor is so patient with her. At the end of each lesson the children go down the slide. L has a fear of jumping in and going down the slide. She thinks jumping is the lesser of two evils. I feel I’m waiting with my breath held hoping she will jump in. Instead she decides the slide is the better route to get in the pool.

From the pool it was to a Kid’s Holiday Party. L still sits outside the circle of kids. This will be another growth path. Santa gave her a motorized Strawberry Shortcake care. We were quite impressed she mastered the remote control quickly.

I love this photo. This is L and Dave. This is their relationship. He makes sure she’s well cared for and she just adores being with him. My 336/365 photo would have been this because of the emotions it creates, but I choose the Santa photo because it's a hurdle L has passed.

335/365: Tree

2011-12-04T18:25:00.000-05:00

Dave and L

The tree was picked out and decorated. L in her eagerness to get the ornaments on the trees, broke quite a few. After the breaking them, she wanted me to decorate the fragile ones...telling me which ones to do.

Russell's Garden ~ Wayland, MA

334/365: Stickers

2011-12-02T19:51:00.000-05:00

Daddy's shirt got decorated...notice the straight line.

333/365

2011-12-02T19:48:00.000-05:00

Thursday morning ~ L getting ready for daycare.

332/365: Hair

2011-12-01T15:37:00.001-05:00

She's watching Toy Story 3.AGAIN. I asked her what she was going and she says, "doing my hair."

There seems to be some strange things happening in the house lately. Dave who is reminds me to turn off the lights before leaving in the morning and turn up the heat up when I get home left a light on before he and L left.

He says he found the bologna in the dining and we both didn’t get it out of the frig. L’s says, “that naughty ELF.” She blames ELF who has named Tinker Bell. She says Tinker Bell is a boy. Dave’s response, “poor ELF.”

331/365: Three (and a half)

2011-11-30T19:25:00.000-05:00

11/29/11 ~ Cheese

L is one of those children who go through ½ year developments phases that tend to be a little {at times a lot} difficult. I ran across this post on-line while doing some research on it and can’t believe the similarities between this writer’s child and L.

Characteristics of Three (and a half) Year Old Behavior

L exhibits all ten traits and it makes sense now. The writer references a book called, Your Three Year Old: Friend or Enemy by Louise Bates Ames. I love the title...I times I do think it.

330/365: Awesome

2011-11-30T19:19:00.000-05:00

11.28.11 ~ Silly

I love hearing her sweet voice {as does Dave}. The words “COOL” and “AWESOME” get used a lot…coming out of a sweet three year old voice makes it quite “EXECELLENT” to hear. “Wasn’t that cool Mommy?” “That was awesome!” She adds to it with the wave of her hands and the expressions on her face.

329/365: Elf

2011-11-30T19:14:00.000-05:00

11/27/11 - Crawling bundle of joy, Logan

Elf on the Shelf has entered the building…our house. Dave has been reading the book to L the last two nights. I admit, I have not read the whole thing yet. Today L went searching for Elf and he was right on the window sill. “I found him!” Next thing I hear, “you’re not supposed to pick him up, he’ll lose his magic.” Yes, I need to read the book and apparently L needs it read to her again. She was so excited she had to bring Elf to me to show she found him.

328/365: Thankful

2011-11-28T16:10:00.000-05:00

A walk with Ba Noi to see the cows before we headed to my father's annual remembrance gathering and then home.

It was a wonderful week in Maine with much to be thankful for. Thankful for family and friends. Thankful L has become more comfortable around people…giving hugs and kisses to everyone. Instead of being with me at all time, I had to go find her this year. When asked how her day was, she said, “I met three new friends.” She’s met her cousins before, but now she’s more aware and open.

I am very thankful for cousins. I remember my childhood with cousins and the fun we all had…glad L will have those memories. Memories with many more cousins…my siblings children, Dave's brother's children and my cousin’s children.

327/365: Turkey Day

2011-11-25T09:08:00.000-05:00

Maine ~ Teasing Daddy

Happy Thanksgiving!

Teasing Daddy and helping Ba Noi with an apple crisp. The only helping was helping herself to the peeled apples.

Time spent with family and friends from both sides of the family.

326/365

2011-11-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

Maine ~ More games at Ba Noi

325/365

2011-11-25T08:53:00.000-05:00

Packing for Maine

324/365

2011-11-25T08:50:00.000-05:00

Puzzles before bed. We ran out of pajamas so it was this for bed. She questioned it..of course.

323/365

2011-11-25T08:48:00.000-05:00

Framingham ~ This is what I want to wear and why do I need a sweater?

We in Maine for the rest of the week so it's just picture post for the next few posts.

322/365: Electricity

2011-11-20T22:15:00.000-05:00

After swim lessons and a nap L got to do something she wanted to do. She wanted to do a project with paints. The girl is quite thoughtful.

She was not happy with us this morning. She was so mad I thought she would just stand in the hall way and not go to swim lessons.

The rule before leaving the house is to make sure everything is shut off. The computer was still running because I was running something on it. She stood her ground and kept telling us the computer was still on. Dave and I tried to explain to her why it needed to stay on. She was mumbled something about wasting electricity and so on {her face was getting all red).

She is stubborn...finally talking to us when we got caught at the train tracks waiting for a mile long train to pass. She remembered Ong Noi loves trains and she went on a train with Ong and Ba Noi.

321/365: Leaves

2011-11-20T21:54:00.000-05:00

Finding her Dad to be funny...as he cleans the gutters

We spent yesterday and part of today raking leaves. It was 60 bags of leaves this year. L was a good sport about it. She spent part of the time outside and when she was done went inside to color and watch tv. She did make it out again this time with her umbrella.

We had lobster for dinner. She and Dave fought over the claws and knuckle {I do all the work and hand them the plate} . L grabbed all the knuckles before handing Dave the plate {with a grin}.

"Um good. Yummy in my tummy" as she would say.

320/365

2011-11-20T20:59:00.000-05:00

She says this is her fishing. Dave and L went to Lowes after pick up and got this

On Friday, as we approach daycare, L says, “I want to be first” First as the first person at daycare.

Me: You can’t be first.

L: I want to be first.

Me: Remember, you had to finish the show first. {It was Max and Ruby}

L: Oh ok. {insert phase and thought} I’ll be the caboose. {like it was the most brilliant idea she had}

After we got in the building L proceed to tell the Director we were behind a chocolate truck {we were behind a truck, but not a chocolate truck}.

319/365: Three Quarters

2011-11-19T06:23:00.000-05:00

She does not care for three quarter sleeves...so she rolls them up.

318/365

2011-11-19T06:16:00.001-05:00

317/365

2011-11-16T12:43:00.000-05:00

She's all about washing her own face and even her body at bath time. On this night it was bath time before dessert.

316/365

2011-11-16T12:39:00.000-05:00

After dinner and before getting on the computer

What do you say to a child who sits down at the dinner table with her dessert and says, "here you go butt head."

I could only say, "you don't say that. Who did you hear that from?" She looks at me and I can see she's thinking about it. Thinking about whether she should tattle. It takes a moment, but she tells me..."Daddy." I should have known.

He walks into the dining room with his dessert and I just look at him. He didn't hear what she said. I asked him if he heard what she just said. I tell him and he laughs...he is no help.

At bed time after L finishes brushing her teeth. She takes tooth brush and using Dave's towel proceeded to dry her tooth brush. Dave turns to me and says, "this is why I call her a butt head."

Next thing he'll start calling her a knuckle head. I can already hear it.

315/365

2011-11-13T18:10:00.000-05:00

She enjoys her swim lessons.

After the lesson we baked cupcakes, cleaned up a bit and went for a bike ride. The weather was beautiful.

314/365

2011-11-13T18:08:00.000-05:00

A little fresh air for a restless child. L ran around the yard while Dave raked. Next thing I know, L is inside crying. This morning we heard a crash and a cry. We're not sure what she was doing climbing the side table.

313/365: Jump

2011-11-12T00:39:00.000-05:00

L's work of art for a birthday card

L worked on her birthday card for Ong Noi before her play date with friends from daycare. It's no longer blue, but RED. She tells me "I still like blue, but I want red." She just may go through life in blocks of color. She does things with enthusiasm and the picture was one of them. I try to have a say in it, but the snowmen and Santas made it on the card and the page would have been covered if I let her just go.

Cars down the ramp

Up high

up the mountain and down the slide

She asked if I would take pictures of her jumping

As if lunch with the girls and time at Jump Around wasn't enough. She practiced jumping on Daddy {who would have though she had a fever yesterday}. It's all so she could gain confidence. She's timid, shy,cautious and quite curious...with lots of questions. Reading books at bed time isn't about listening it's comes with lots more questions. She curious and approaching her 1/2 birthdays. 1/2 birthdays are not my favorite times in L's life. We manage through it and I hope each 1/2 year gets better and better.

312/365: Rosy Cheeks

2011-11-10T19:57:00.000-05:00

I was woken up this morning..."Mommy, excuse me Mommy. I'm hot." Yes, she was. We're both home today. She woke up ready to tackle the day and wanted rice for breakfast. How could I not make some for her.

Before Dave left for work he asked if she realized she was sick..."No!" But, she certainly knows how to use the I"m sick card. When asked to do something, she says to me, "I can't. I'm sick. I'll cough and my nose will run." But, she's well enough to dance and ask me to dance tonight.

311/365: Morning

2011-11-10T19:46:00.000-05:00

Before daycare.

Dave had drop off, but I was able to snap this photo before I left for work. I am amazed when I hear stories of their morning. On this morning, Dave went to comb L's hair and she had a melt down. Crying hysterically and Dave did not understand why. She mumbled something about Mommy, but that's all he got from her. They left the house without her hair combed. He picked his battles...gave her a hug to calm her down.

310/365

2011-11-10T19:41:00.000-05:00

Making sure her sneakers are in her bag for daycare. She insists on wearing her winter boots in 50+degrees.

309/365

2011-11-08T13:46:00.000-05:00

She loves "Little Bear" in the morning.

308/365: Dress Up

2011-11-06T21:32:00.000-05:00

Playing while I picked up

It's been a low key day. L seems to be run down so it was swim lessons this morning and then hanging out at the house. We did get out to walk around Target. L wanted to buy everything, but we left with nothing.

We tried outfits on for L's photos at daycare tomorrow. With L it's all about prep. She had her favorite and Dave had his. In the end it was her choice.

She asked me what his name is...referring to the photographer. She feels more comfortable in front of the camera when she knows the person's name. I told her I would ask Ms. M to ask tomorrow. On the form there was a comments section so I asked the photographer to introduce himself first..wondering if it was neurotic of me to note this.

307/365: Dressed Up

2011-11-05T20:02:00.000-04:00

Arranging all her friends for photos.

After arranging her friends for photos. She had to dress them up in Pizza's clothes {bottom center photo}. She then wanted to get dressed up for the tea party.

She gets quite excited these days and expresses them with words. Tonight she comes out to the kitchen and says to me, "Daddy has the coolest race car Cheez-Its EVER!"

306/365

2011-11-05T19:50:00.000-04:00

I didn't get to take photo 306. Work has been crazy so morning photos have been limited and last night we went out to dinner at a "too fancy" place for Dave and L. I'm using a photo take today with L's camera. A camera made for a toddler which terrible photos.

305/365: PLAY-DOH

2011-11-05T19:38:00.000-04:00

A little Play-doh and Elmo before bedtime.

304/365

2011-11-05T19:34:00.001-04:00

303/365: Tired

2011-11-01T22:07:00.000-04:00

After her usual two books, L was out...she was tired.

She tells me she likes to cuddle with Bear and Elmo at night. She loves Pizza, but she like to jump in the bed while they are all sleeping so she has to stay in the carriage downstairs. L loves to tell stories now.

The funniest thing while the power was out these past three days was L and her tv. While she and I were out and about we would go back to the house to check if the power had come back on. We would walk into the kitchen and I would say, "there is still no power." She doesn't believe. She has to check for herself. Her way of checking would be to go and try to turn the tv on. "Nope, no power." She did this every time we came home. But, when the power came back on today, the thing she did was to go on the computer.

302/365: Hotel

2011-11-01T21:50:00.001-04:00

With no power at home or daycare on Monday, L went into work with me. I had a dentist appointment in the afernoon so Dave took her for a bit. Then L and I checked into the hotel. She loved the bed.

301/365: Power

2011-11-01T21:39:00.000-04:00

We lost power on Saturday and finally got it back today. The first two nights we spent out home and last night stay in a hotel. We were hoping to wake up to power on Sunday, but it was not so. We went out for breakfast to warm up and then it was off to swim lessons.

After swim lesson L and I went to the mall and then the library where there was heat. Everyone around us seemed to have power except for our block.

There was snow shoveling before swim lessons and breakfast. Then the mall and library. Good thing the library is open on Sundays.

L wore this to bed. I had her all bundled up. She decided on the gloves. Dave tried to take some of the layers off, but she won't allow him. She had a tank top, long sleep shirt, sweater and two pairs of pants. She wore every layer to bed. It was cold in the house. We tried to book a hotel room, but they were all full. We could have driven into Boston or Cambridge, but it was a long day and I just wanted to go to bed.

300/365: Treats

2011-10-29T19:23:00.001-04:00

Trick or Treat, Wholefoods, Framingham

L trick or treated while I grocery shopped. Each department was handing out treats to the kids. L seems to get extra, but I think it was because she was dressed up.

We all got up early and raked up the leaves before the snow hit tonight. Dave was outside raking and L had to go and check it out. When I went to check on L and Dave, I ended up helping. We got most of it up which only counts for about 10% of what has fallen.

Off to hunt down treats

She loves asking for treats. They were handing out her favorites...chocolate and Pirate's Booty

It was pouring when we drove into the driveway.

{It seems we're all ready for bed at this point. Even L is tired. At 7pm she tells me, "I'm tired."}

299/365: Snow

2011-10-28T20:49:00.001-04:00

First snow fall of the season and L wanted to explore.

298/365: Dance

2011-10-28T20:46:00.001-04:00

A little dancing around the house to get you going in the morning

L wants to take ballet this winter. She's so excited she's been practicing.

297/365: Laundry

2011-10-28T20:43:00.000-04:00

Putting her clothes away one pile at a time

Before bed L helped put her clothes away. First the pile of shirts, then pants, then underwear, socks and bathing suits. She grabbed so many they kept falling.

297/365

2011-10-26T09:21:00.000-04:00

Enjoying her one treat she insist on sharing with someone. Then as we talking about heading home she told me, "I want to go with Daddy, but I'll give you a hug."

My company had their annual children’s Halloween celebration. Three groups were assigned to a room and it’s up to them to come up with a theme which will be judged. Dave brought L in again this year. She had so much fun, she wanted to know why we had to leave.

L loved the room where she picked a pumpkin and decorated it with stickers. We had to move her along. In the next room she wanted to climb the ship and we had to tell her it was just a flat board and good treasure hunting. In the next room she got to pop the balloon for a price and then wanted to do it again. Then it was a trip “Around the World. She didn’t want to leave the because she got to hit the globe hanging over the door. I won’t want to either. You started off getting your picture taken for the passport and then it was off around the world. She found a price in the hay at the rodeo in the US, got a henna tattoo in India, climb the Great Wall of China, pinned the flower on the stem in Holland and walk the Beatles path in the UK. She didn’t want to cross the street in the UK.

It was a great afternoon for her, she got two tattoos, run around attending all the activity and picked up a lot of candy along the way!

{click to enlarge}

296/365: Striped

2011-10-26T08:33:00.001-04:00

We're working on getting L to pick out her clothes and dress herself in the morning. It's a struggle and she procrastinates {much to my annoyance}. There’s always one excuse or another. “I haven’t watched tv yet” or “in a minute” or “I need cereal first.” To speed up the process she wants our help.

If she picks her clothes they all have to match. In her mind, as long as everything has the same color in it the it matches. The large striped dark pink shirt matches the small light pink striped pants. "See it matches, pink and pink."

She wanted to do her hair all by herself this morning.

295/365: Tired

2011-10-23T20:37:00.001-04:00

Bubbles while Daddy moves the lawn

After swim lessons, baking a blueberry cake and watching Toy Story 3 {three times in two days} L and I went for a bike ride while Dave worked on the lawn. Right after we got back from the bike ride L had to play with bubbles.

L loves frozen blueberries...evident on her face and now on her clothes

It was lazy Sunday. By 2pm, L and I were on the couch watching another movie {Tangled aka The Girl and the Horse} since I couldn't watch Toy Story 3 AGAIN. She's obsessed with the movie. We both fell asleep during the movie waking up to make our weekly library run and run to the store to get apple sauced. I couldn't believe what I heard from the back seat of the car, "You tire me out, Mommy." I didn't think I would ever hear those words come out of her mouth. It's usually reversed. She tires us out.

Before heading to the library, L had to change her babies diapers {there's three today} and put them to bed. She tells me to be quiet and to tip toe out of the room because they are sleeping.

Back to Toy Story 3...after dinner, she tried to get Dave to put Toy Story 3 on, but he said no as well. We know she's seen it too many times, because she's quoting from it...."reach for the sky."

294/365: Who Moved the Pumpkins

2011-10-23T20:04:00.000-04:00

Nice October day...checking on the berries

We had a case of "who moved the pumpkins" this past week. Every day L and I would find our pumpkins moved from the front steps. Something was also eating them. We caught them in action trying to get to another. We've lost two out of the four we picked in Dayton a couple of weeks ago.

L attended a birthday party Saturday night. What a wonderful place to hold a party for preschoolers. There was about one hour of free/group play followed by pizza and cake. L enjoyed it, but was reluctant at times. She kept wanting to know when we were going to open gifts. She wanted to play with the gift she picked out.

293/365: Monster Face

2011-10-22T20:15:00.000-04:00

292/365

2011-10-22T20:13:00.000-04:00

291/365

2011-10-18T19:32:00.001-04:00

Dave had training tonight so I had pick up. I fed her left over while I cooked tonight's dinner. After she ate her dinner and while Dave was putting a load of laundry in the wash, L ate all his rice.

290/365: Bandaid

2011-10-18T19:29:00.000-04:00

L had a birthday to attend this past weekend. Her friend had the stomach flu. I told L it was postponed because her friend, "A" was sick and had the stomach bug. L's response, "her Mommy will put a bandaid on the stomach bug."

289/365

2011-10-18T18:41:00.000-04:00

There's one swim lesson left and L is already talking about how she wants to go back. She's become quite competitive. She finally went down the slide into the water after "N" went down. "I want to do it just like N."

Here's a video of L riding her bike through the neighborhood calling out like an animal. The neighbors got a kick out of it.

288/365: Here and There

2011-10-15T17:35:00.015-04:00

Celebrating with Wholefoods...10 years in Framingham

L and I did the usual things this morning with some added outings. We went grocery shopping, made trip to the library and then went to "Pie on the Commons" held by one of the local churches. Then we went and celebrated with Wholefoods...10 years in Framingham.

Pie on the Commons had tables after tables of pie and treats. It also included vendors selling their goods. It was a beautiful day and we always like to just walk around and explore.

Pie on the Commons

L had to pet every doggie we saw...there's a rule. She has to ask the owner first and she has to do the asking. L also had to try on every hat she saw. She wants a tiger hat and has wanted one since we saw some teenagers in the mall a couple of weeks ago.

Wholefoods 10 years in Framingham

Wholefoods always has something for the kids. Today's kids activity include art and crafts and a balloon artist. L wanted a bunny on a hat. He originally was going with a white bunny. He ended with a the pink and purples bunny. The artist made the mistrake of asking L what colors she wanted. I think he wanted to added white to it but she wanted yellow and red.

Wholefood had great food and live music. L loved the music. There was someone on the steel drums and deejaying.

All this was before noon. We were up early on this Saturday and by 1pm we were tired.

287/365

2011-10-15T17:22:00.002-04:00

"A marching we will go, a marching we will go. March, march, march..." Off to bed for her.

286/365: Sweet

2011-10-14T20:46:00.002-04:00

Our sweet child. One of L's treats when she and Dave go get gas is to buy a package of chocolate chip cookies. On this night they ate one and then L told Dave to save the other one for after dinner. After dinner Dave and L split the cookie. She turned to me and asked me if I want to have half.

285/365

2011-10-14T20:36:00.001-04:00

L's friend "A" turned 4 years old a day ago. Each friend received a goody bag. L is so fascinated by this toy.

284/365: Sand

2011-10-11T21:50:00.000-04:00

L taking her shoes off at the door and pouring the sand out. It's much better than her sitting on the potty and taking her shoes off and pouring the sand right on the rug. Last week she did this and when Dave told her not to do it again. She stared right at him and took off her other shoe and poured it out.

O's for breakfast. This morning she promised to listen to Daddy since he would be dropping her off.

I had picked out her outfit for the day. This was not the outfit. She told me she wanted to wear her butterfly shirt.

283/365: Chatty

2011-10-11T21:42:00.000-04:00

Chatting with Auntie Van

L has become quite the "Chatty Kathy." When I got home from work she wanted to talk on the phone. L spent Columbus Day with Dave since I had to work. It's funny to hear Dave talk about how much energy L has and how she had worn him out. This coming from someone who has just as much energy. He doesn't sit still.

L tells me they went to the park, went to Daddy's work, watch a movie with Joey. L has become quite brave. I was shocked to hear she went next door all by herself and knocked on the door to ask if Joey could come out and play. They ended up watching a movie instead.

282/365: Harris Farm

2011-10-10T23:19:00.000-04:00

Posing at Harris Farm ~ Dayton, Maine

L loved her weekend in Maine and wanted to know why we had to leave on Sunday. It's hard to pull her away. If she could spend her days in Maine and night at home with us, she would jump at it. She loves to spend time at her Ba Noi and Ba Nguoi's houses (her grandmothers).

Here are a few of my favorite photos from Sunday.

She waited for Ba Noi and me while we finished or walk. She was tired half way through and ran back to the house to stay with Ong Noi.

We went to Harris Farm to get photos taken by Joseph McKenney and to pick pumpkins.

L and Ba Noi on the way to get photos taken

L picked her gord and wanted to show us this.

She loved the hayrides to and from the pumpkin patch.

It was a delightful weekend.

281/365: Pumpkin Valley Farm

2011-10-10T10:59:00.000-04:00

Pumpkin Valley Farm, Dayton, Maine
L loved the tire swing...she wants her "Daddy" to build one at the house.

Pumpkin Valley Farm...we went again this year. Two years in a row it didn't feel like Fall. It was more like summer with 80 degree weather. There were things L did this year that she won't go near last year. Last year she refused to go on the Cow train, but it was the first thing she wanted to go on.

{click to enlarge}

She won't do this last year.

280/365

2011-10-09T18:57:00.002-04:00

Friday L needed a hat and coat before leaving for daycare. This weekend was such a different story.

279/365: Baby Beauty

2011-10-07T14:15:00.000-04:00

She insists on holding my smoothie

L's funny face

L found brushing her hair to be a humorous task this morning.

She does love her babies. She's gone from having Pizza to multiple babies. Meet "Baby Beauty." I was corrected that morning. "Her name isn't Beauty, it's Baby Beauty." Can you picture her saying this while her head is shaking?!?

278/365

2011-10-07T12:34:00.002-04:00

Our spunky little girl. These photos put a smile on my face.

277/365: Tried

2011-10-04T22:56:00.000-04:00

On our way to daycare on a rainy day.

L wanted to tie her own hair up. She tried and tried....got tired of me watching her. She left and tried in the other room. Finally, she came back into the kitchen and asked for help.

276/365: Really

2011-10-04T22:46:00.000-04:00

One of L's "really Mommy" look.

275/365: Weekend Walks

2011-10-03T14:30:00.000-04:00

All happy L about make chocolate cupcakes.

Evidence of too much chocolate batter.

Adventures of our walk with L...splashing, running, talks and lots of laughter.

274/365: Walks

2011-10-03T14:22:00.000-04:00

Framingham, trying to flash her Dad

We had a great relaxing weekend full of laughter. We shopped, baked, went to the library and went for walks. L loved them. She's so full of life and energy. Dave says our walk are now brisk walks/jogs. L runs ahead and he gets nervous and has to follow.

Her walks had no boundaries. She runs through the neighbor's yards like the neighborhood is her playground.

L telling the cars that passed by to "STOP."

Before telling the cars to stop, she told Dave, "You know better." This was because he was walking in the road and not on the side walk.

273/365

2011-09-30T20:13:00.000-04:00

Ummm...what did L have for dessert tonight?!?

Not only does she love to make funny faces at me she is also making up her song. Her own song? Maybe not, but taking show tunes and putting her own words to them. Like the "Wonder Pets" theme song. It goes something like this:

Underpants!
Underpants!
We're on our way
To help a friend
And save the day
We're not too big
And we're not too tough
But when we work together
We've got the right stuff
Go, Underpants, ya'ay

272/365: The Face

2011-09-30T20:11:00.000-04:00

She loves to makes this face at me. She thinks it's hysterical!