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.

The Sky is Purple

....And other things my 2 and a half year old will argue with me about.

Well I must say that I expected for my daughter(s) to argue with me.  For one, this seems to be a mother / daughter right of passage.  Also, she is my daughter and if you know anything about me, I can argue with the best of them.  However, despite knowing that children are all different, I assumed this would begin at a much older age of at let's say 8ish.  Once again, each day is a new lessons in motherhood.

It would be one thing if this arguing were just limited to things like "Here is your shirt to wear today.  No, I want to wear that shirt."  Though we have plenty of this, what really throws me off is conversations such as this:

Helaina:  Mommy, will you cut my eggies?
(I start cutting the eggs)
Me:  Would you like your peaches cut also?
Helaina:  Yes
2 seconds later
Helaina:  DON'T CUT MY PEACHES!!!!!!!!!! WAAHHHHHHHHH
Bawling ensues for the next 12 minutes after I explain that I can not put the peaches back together.

Or one of 'my favorite' and more regular occurrences:

Each time we go to the potty (which is always "I don't have to go or I don't want to go" but that's another argument), I try to pull her pants to her knees and keep them there for expediting purposes.  To which her response is always to pull them or kick them off and cry "I don't want them on."  So in an attempt to keep some peace around here I have been trying to concede and pulling them all the way off to which you can guess her reply is "I want them on."  SERIOUSLY?????

When I step back and try not to take it personally,  I can see through some mature vision that it's merely her exploring her boundaries and learning different ways of communicating.  I must also consider that moving is hard on anyone and I can only suspect, earth shattering for my little people.  She is also 2 so there is that to contend with.  However, I'm not totally convinced that the terrible 2's are just a label that relatively new parents came up with until they realize that it is Effing hard raising children and by the age of 3 you become numb and stop putting titles on everything to cope. I digress.

Once again I can attest that Chris and I are pretty strict with her.  In this life long science experiment I call raising children, it's hard to tell how things are going to turn out.  Maybe we are too strict and this is her response.  Maybe it doesn't matter what we do and she is just predisposed to turn into (dare I say) minnie me.  I once again take a moment to semi - publicly apologize to my parents, teachers, & anyone else I have offended during my adolescence.  All this being said at the time of the offenses, I am bewildered that a 2 1/2 year old is purposely arguing with me.

Side note of Potty updates:  I suppose it depends on what you deem potty trained is to call it.  She only wears underwear and has been for a long time.   She will go 7 - 10 days without accident and then have 3 to 4 days with an accident every day or even 2.  If I'm really honest, it depends how on it I am.  I set an alarm for every hour and a half, based on advice from a friend with 4 kids (she's got to know something, right?).  When I am completely dedicated to the alarm, no accidents.   I'm panicking and envisioning me texting her in high school with, "it's time to make shi shi"  I know this is completely over dramatised but seriously, How do they make the transition?  How do they learn how to hold it?

Enough of my belly aching.  Despite all the everyday junk of dealing with these outbursts and cleaning  Minnie Mouse or princess underwear, we are still able to squeeze in some pretty great times.  Mimi (Chris' mom ) just came for a visit!  Chris and I scored tickets to go see a taping of our favorite (and only) show, The Voice.  We found out on a Monday and Mom was on a plane and to the rescue by that Friday (show on Saturday).  It was my first time away from the girls for 8 hours!!!!!!  Chris and I had some much needed couple time and really enjoyed watching the show.  We also got to spend the rest of the week with her and we had a grand ol' time.  Mimi never disappoints Helaina with her endless ability to play "bus" and other ridiculous silly things H likes to do, over and over and over again.  She also got some QT with the littlest grand baby Indi who took to her quite properly. We ate 'some' food, saw some sights and tried to wiggle every good moment we could out of her visit.  She was also instrumental in me not going postal as we moved apartments during her trip.  Mahalo (or maybe muchos gracias may be more appropriate now) to Mimi for making the trip.

We are settled in our new apartment which is a change from our last.  We have half the room we did at the last place, it's got paper thin walls and it's quite the party community -- which would have been cool if I was 10 years younger and If I did not have 2 kids.  However, It is thankfully on 1 floor which is great since Indi is training for the 2027 Olympic team with her scotching all over this place.  This girl hasn't found her knees yet but can get around fine with out them by just pulling herself there with her arms.  It's impressive and also would be scary if we were still in a tri-level apartment!   We also are located in a section of town that has a wealth of yummy restaurants.  They also have 8 really nice gas grills on property which we have gone without for WAY too long.  Time to step up the exercise regime with all this food!  The pool is also just the right temperature and great for swimming with the girls on all days (except Sunday Fundays for obvious reasons in a party community)

In other news.....Chris and I got each other an anniversary / birthday gift of a new, big girl/boy camera.  I LOVE IT!!!!  I take lots of pics with my iphone but this thing is the bomb digitty.  This camera is seriously great cause it makes my pictures feel professional.   If you don't think so, keep your opinions to yourself cause' perception is reality.  :p

This weekend we had a wonderful family outing to Underwood Farms in Moorpark.  It's about an hour drive from here and we went for the "You Pick 'Em" experience.  I love watching Helaina experience things and understand how they work and this was one that was sure to be of value.  It ended up being so much more as well.  They have the little kid market cornered with tractor rides, all kinds of animals, bouncy houses, all a whole slew of other things that kids love to do.   We watched an animal show but tried to stay focused on our intended visit.   Helaina was all business when it came to picking raspberries.  She was serious and shockingly, she didn't ask to or attempt to eat any during the trip!  She did however smash a few in her hands and pick a few of the other things we picked without direction.  As a result we brought home some really, really really small beets but overall, my assessment was that she would make a great farmer (Or anything - says her mommy).  And continuing with my mainland sticker shock, I must report that we got 2 heads of fennel, a 1/2 lb of raspberries, a head of swiss chard and 6-9 gold and red beets ALL FOR $8.99.  That's dollars people! I can't wait to make food this weekend with her that we picked and watch it all click in her ever growing brain.  We also took the opportunity to take the long way home down through Malibu since we may not have another reason to get over that way.  It was not as I expected but still neat to see.  WHAT all those people do for a living to live in those houses I will never know.  Driving home PCH was a nice way to end the day and to increase the girls ability to be in the car.  (we could have driven around Oahu twice with the amount we were in the car today).

If you love beets like me, this looks like mana.

She was probably contemplating if I got 'the right' wagon or not

Yes, I did take this picture though the subject makes it easy

Oh and this one which is my FAVORITE picture so far!

Chris had to one up me with the great pictures.

Look at her intensity.  Pick those berries girl.

Indigo wants in on the action

It wasn't me

Chis patiently explaining how to pick the beets

Helaina going rouge

 I'm sure it looks plenty big to her

The girls are interacting more and more everyday which makes me smile from ear to ear.  They make each other laugh and have a bond that is unmistakeable.  I love watching it unfold! We are in the middle of booking several trips and visits to friends and family.  We hope to see you soon and you always have a place to stay here.  Much love to you!  Now for some random picture love.

twins?

 'modeling' play doh.  notice the clutch

I took a chocolate cooking class and if I come
to visit you, your going to be in chocolate heaven

If only the swing weren't so dirty this picture would rock

my artist

My other baby

that is one tight hug