Fair Enough

Apparently this is the hot season in Southern California.  It's been getting into the upper 90's and sometimes tipping 100.  Yes, it is a dry heat but it's still hotter than two rats in a wool sock.  Being outside all day in the heat with 2 small children in a crowded place is not my idea of a good time.  However, I could not pass up the opportunity to go to the LA County fair.  (There is an Orange County Fair also, but we missed that one).  It took some convincing for Chris but since we may or may not have access to some "good old American experiences" for a while, he was game.

We ponied up and mentally prepared for the day ahead.  We asked Helaina if she wanted to know what the surprise was and she said no, which I love about her.  We had to stop at a Costco on the way for the 'package deal' -- so worth it -- which increases my love (or my wallet's) of Costco.  We found parking got in and Waaaaaaaaa Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ------- Though I measured Helaina at home and thought she was close enough for fair worker standards, she was denied on the first several rides we tried.  These clearly aren't the "carny workers" that ran things when I was a kid.  Yes, I know it's for her safety but does 1 / 12 of one inch really make her any safer?  She handled the disappointment in stride and on the outside I did as well.  On the inside I was quite let down.  That Farris wheel was spinning in the middle of the fair tauting me!  I wanted to console her and myself with "Next year will be great!" But a year might as well be a eternity to a kid and who the heck knows what is in store for us the next few years.  My Shanghai research hasn't quite delved into carnivals and fairs along with their height requirements. (not yet anyway).

Well we made the best of it anyway.  Helaina rode a pony, milked goats, ate burgers, watched little farm animals, trapeze artists and more.  We did notice a few rides that had people smaller than Helaina on them and we promptly got in line for those.  Upon reflection later, I'm not sure that this sends the right message IE "if you can get away with it."  Fortunately for us, she was unaware that she was not supposed to be on those rides so mommy and daddy get a do-over.

This goat is totally smiling at me.  

apprehension?

The funny thing about this is I was feeding Indigo at the same time.
It made me feel, well like a pig but grateful that I have only 1in need at this time.

She looks like a natural

Does your fair have a King Taco?
H was not so sure about this business.
I can't blame her.

There is nothing like the first prize you win with your daddy at the fair.

Dang sunscreen messed up an almost perfect picture

Lots of visual excitement for Indi from the best seat in the house

It felt like a fun filled day and everyone was ready for sleep when it was finished.  Hopefully the experience will give her something to look forward to the next time, whenever that may be.

On other news we decorated Helaina's room with laminate stickers.  This is as close as we can get in temporary housing to make her feel at home in her own space.  We put up the alphabet to help with letter recognition - which she is doing awesome at!  She helped me put her name on her door and Indigo's name on hers.  She also gave quite a bit of artistic direction for Chris when putting up the Owl's.  I love looking at the Owl with the leaf coming out of its arse and knowing that is where she wanted it!

Mr Owl, What is that underneath you?

on the mirror too

Daddy is so creative

We have finally found a mom's group that we enjoy and have met some really nice people.  We hope to get more involved after our upcoming trip.  Helaina has also started a 1x/week dance class.  The instructor runs a tight ship and apparently I am expected to dance as well.  That is not exactly what I had in mind but Helaina seems to enjoy herself so we'll run with it for the 12 weeks.  Sorry no pictures cause, I'm dancing the whole time.

We have started brushing Indigo's 2 new teeth and she loves it.  She also hates when it's over.  I hope she always is that way :o)  She has found one knee and is still faster than lighting getting around.  Her new thing is standing.  She prefers to be on the go or standing which should make for an interesting plane ride to the NE this week.      Her sleep and eating habits are pretty darn good so no complaints.  She is still Helaina's biggest fan and cracks up at the sight of her being silly.  She also gives the biggest smile when her big sister is the 1st face she sees in the morning.  

So happy.  Yes I am going to bring that toothbrush on
our carry on luggage.

Probably mean to pause for a picture but I had to.

The last few nights have been less crying after.

Yeah! She can now open cabinets.  #sarcasm

Our next blog will hopefully be in a few weeks and have lots of pictures of family and friends from NJ and VA.  Lots of love to everyone.  

Little Rocket

We may have to start calling Indigo, Little Rocket.  It's not cutesy or dainty like her aesthetically but it sure does fit her determination.  This girl came into this world with a bang (only 4 hours of labor from my first contraction and almost in the car) and has been rocketing ever since, especially as of late.  This girl can move all over our apartment with lightning speed and she has yet to find her knees.  Her scootching is hilarious to watch but it's no joke.  She propels her body at incredible speeds all by pulling herself with her arms and pushing with her feet.  She certainly doesn't stay where I put her and it's made life more interesting for sure.

She also has uttered her first 'audible' word and I can proudly say it's dada or 'ada'.  Sure I'm 'a little' jealous that it wasn't mama ( you know the milk lady that has sacrificed her body, all of my time, life, etc...) But at least her first word was that of the man I love, her daddy, instead of the our beloved dog "Bebe" as Helaina did.  Now if a bunch of other words come out before 'mama' I may need counseling.

She also decided to be an over achiever and is breaking not just a first tooth but a first, second, and possible third all at once.  I thought she was being a bit crankier than Helaina ever was with teeth breaking but who can blame her with three of them coming in at once.  We are currently investigating the amber necklaces to assist in case she decides pairs is the way to go for all of her teeth.

If you look really really close you can see the itty bitty 2 teeth coming in
on the bottom.  The other potential is on the top. 

I am contemplating making her Halloween costume a 'pretty' rocket.  I may only have a year or two left before she starts piping in on what her costume should be and I would love for it to be homemade and fitting for her personality.  My other little lady is already decided what she is going to be (I'm sure you are not shocked that she has her own strong opinion on this) and let's just say it's not homemade. (well because I can't sew).  Stay tuned for final decisions closer to October 31st.

In the mean time we just have to enjoy watching this girl explode through her milestones.  It is the bitter sweet privilege of parenthood to watch your children reach them.  It has the power to make you happy and sad all at the same time and it's something I never really understood until I had children of my own.    God has really used motherhood to make me a lot less selfish.  Well done.  We still have lots of work to  do but I think the girls are up for the job.