merry christmas

I just wanted to send a short note to wish you a Merry Christmas. This was the first Christmas you could actually open gifts on your own and enjoy them and have turned into a present monster. You have unwrapped all the presents we received, no matter who they are for. It's fun and you've gotten some really cool stuff.

You've been enjoying dad having a few days off work and going to some exciting places. You spent about two hours in the National Gallery of Art gift shop playing with all their toys and ended up bringing one home. You know dad's a sucker. You really wanted to touch the waterfall.

We had to get rid of some of your old toys to make room for the new ones you received this year, but you didn't mind because at least now there is some floor space in your room for you to enjoy the toys you have. Those poor horses were getting cramped. Speaking of horses, you've been sleeping with your Dapple Gray that grama sent you in the mail every day and have named it Michaelangelo. You set a new record for speed with your horse puzzle every day and your barns are also getting fancier. You've really been itching to see Black Beauty since you saw it's cover while dad was browsing the internet. I have a feeling your dad will come up with it soon because you talk about it all the time.

We made sugar cookies and went to feed Michaelangelo and to swing at Garfield park today, which could be three of your top 5 favorite things to do. We still have yet to decorate the cookies, but hopefully we can get that done tomorrow when grama gets here.

You've gone poop on the potty twice in the last four days which is amazing and we are so proud of you!

I said I was going to make this quick, so I'd better go to bed soon because I'm sure your brother will be waking up a little while so I should get rest while I can. Love you squirty.

crazy kid

You are only crazy kid is all I can say. You received a guitar for Christmas from Aunt Erin and won't let anyone touch it. Dad isn't even allowed to tune it for you so we listen to the very hard strumming of your out of tune guitar. You refuse to let anyone show you how to hold it and insist you know that it sits on your lap and you use the pick to strum usually only one string. You did play a song for your brother though which he really enjoyed.

You did manage to crawl into the tupperware cabinet and pull out the breast pump and try to pump your belly button a few days ago. You crawled back into the tupperware cabinet to poop today with Hoppy the bunny. You also called me into your room to get you from your nap today and when I opened the door I noticed that you were totally naked. Your clothes and diaper were in a pile on the floor beside your bed and you were just jumping up and down in your crib having a party when you woke up. I started taking pictures until you decided to climb out of the crib, and I stopped to prevent you from hurting yourself.

You keep making me laugh and I just wanted to let you know how funny you are.

first snow

I try to not be one of those mom's that tells everyone about the cute things my daughter says and does. I know there are many times that I hear about someone else's kid and I could care less, but I have to share these things about my daughter because she is cuter than any other kids.

I actually left you at school by herself the other day. By school I mean a parent led cooperative playgroup where two parents stay with eight children for 3 1/2 hours a week in a fully stocked play room and courtyard to play with push toys and toddler basketball hoops. You all have a snack together and do an activity and end with lunch that is packed by your own parent. It's a lot of fun for you and a break for me if I can actually get out the door. I've successfully left you at school twice so far. The first time you were fine for half an hour before I was called because you were in hysterics about going to the park with the other kids in a wagon and wearing a green T-shirt. You didn't want any other parents telling you what to do or dressing you or pulling you in a wagon. When I showed up, you were sitting on the slide at the park by yourself and refused to communicate with any other children or adults. The second time I left you at school, I told you I was going to get a cup of coffee. You cried and wanted to be left sitting at a table by yourself with a kitty cat. This time I was called to come back after being gone for an hour and a half because you had pooped your pants and refused to put on a change of clothes. When I got back to school you had on clean panties and a sweatshirt and were sitting by yourself in the playroom. Back to why I started writing this to begin with you have begun closing your bedroom door and telling me, "Bye bye mom, I'm going to get a cup of coffee and I'll be right back." After a few minutes you open the door and say "I'm back from getting my cup of coffee now." I guess it's a good thing you realize that I will eventually come back to pick you up.

The next funny thing you said was the other day while we were playing with Play-Doh. We had out the animal cookie cutters and you were using the penguin. I said, "What are you making?" You replied that you were making a seal and I corrected you. You stopped playing and looked at me seriously and said, "Trust me, it's a seal," and went back to playing while I'm choking back the laughter.

The last thing that I can think of right now was from today. We met one of your friends from school, Patrick, at the park today to make snowmen. You had a fantastic time making a mommy and a baby snowman. When it was time to go home I told you to say goodbye to Patrick. You said, "Bye bye Patrick. I had a fun time building a snowman with you and playing with you at the park today Patrick." His mom and I were cracking up and he said, "Buh bye Eve."

I just shake my head that you can put together such hilarious thoughts into words. You've discovered video chats now and we've entered into another world that deserves its own post to come a little later. Love you.

What's Up!

Hello Eve!

What's up chicken butt? I realize how to spell "Poppie" now, thanks. Hey girl, you are growing up. You actually have hair and look like a little girl finally. I miss you a bunch, but I do get to talk to you on the phone and your Mom sends everyone videos and pictures regularly, so that is cool. Your favorite saying right now is "I don't think so". We are not sure what that is all about, but it sure cracks everyone up. How's the little brother deal working out? He kinda looks like a punk to me, but I am sure that you will keep him in line. Your house looks pretty full right now, but that makes it cozy, I'm sure. Your Mom said you were sort of looking forward to Christmas and that you liked everything. That is good, always take whatever you can get. You are still amazing everyone with your brains. I am pretty sure that you already have a higher IQ than your Aunt Erin, but she "is" going to graduate from college, which pretty much surprises us all. In fact, your Aunt Jill already graduated and is in graduate school. That is even more surprising. Your Mom said that you have been taking little Ben swimming and that he likes the water. Boys usually like to go swimming because they can just pee whenever they want to. Girls probably do that too. I know grandpas do. Anyway, I love you and miss you, but look forward to seeing you at Erin's wedding next spring. I am sure you will probably be able to read the dictionary by then, so that will be fun. Take care of your Mom and Dad and Little Ben. Love you, Poppie.

elephants, elephants, elephants

You had a great time with your dad yesterday at the Natural History Museum. You absolutely loved the huge elephant in the foyer of the museum. You practically ran through the mammal hall pointing out your favorite animals to dad and saying "Oh dad look at that (fill in the blank)." We decided to go to the cafe to feed Ben and you cried because dad wouldn't buy you any french fries. You ate your yogurt and fruit and were in a much better mood. You've discovered movies and love watching any cartoon movies that have animals in them. Shrek 2 is your favorite right now because there is a cat, donkey, and horse in it. You crack up every time the cat has a hairball and coughs it up. You are still wearing pink everyday all the time. You are refusing to wear your coat outside, and instead insist on putting the water/windproof cover on the stroller to stay warm.

You have been enjoying talking on the telephone more and more. You can actually have conversations with others. We are getting ready to head to Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving and you told grammie to bring you a present.

You've also been building a lot of sandcastles and barns with your blocks and foam puzzles and legos. School is going better for you and mom actually was able to leave you there one day for about 20 minutes before I was called back. I guess you were very uncooperative and would not settle down when they tried to take you to the park. Even once you got there you would only sit by yourself. You've also recently become scared of your toy firetruck and refuse to touch it or allow anyone else to touch it for fear the siren will start up.

You are really growing up and we are enjoying every new thing you do! Love you.

HALLOWEEN

Eve, I just wanted to tell you how beautiful you were as a princess for Halloween. I called you and you told me all about your big night! Your mom said you ran your little heart out to each door you went to and were very good saying trick or treat. You were even saying Happy Frankenstein, which I thought was adorable. You said that you got lots of candy, you got to see a kitty, and your best friend. Your grandma, aunt Jill, and I were very upset that we didn't get to go trick or treating with you. We went to a Halloween parade and I could only think of you and your little brother because you would of loved to of seen the fire trucks, horses, and clowns. Keep up your dancing and never be shy to dance alone! I love you lots and miss you Aunt E

Hello Sweetie!

You have hair now! Sorry I haven't written on this deal for a while, but you really wore me out on our last visit. You think you are cool because you can sing Baa Baa Black Sheep, don't you? Well, I know the words too, so hah-hah! Or at least I know most of them. Love you and miss you and I am glad you have finally decided to be a little girl! More later...Poppy!

New Job

Eve, you are growing up to be such a girly girl. Your mom tells me that you love to play dress up! That you put on as much accessories as you can and want to wear pink everyday. I love it! It is very opposite of your mom. I usually get to talk to you everyday! You always are into something when I'm talking to your mom. You are still asking what everything is and have a great personality. You are now reading books, where i can't even say the words. You will know what I'm talking about when you get to watch your videos on you tube. I'm glad that you love your dance class. You look too cute in your tutu and of course it's pink. I hope you are more flexible then me or aunt Jill. Well since you love to dress up, i do have a new job f0r you to be my flower girl in my wedding. Your mom and I are going to find the perfect dress for you to dress up in and we will even let you accessorize. You are going to be the most beautiful flower girl and i can't wait. Your mom and grandma have been helping out tremondously with my wedding and i can't wait to see you in MAY! I love you and miss you! E

It's Halloween Time Again!

Eve, I just talked to you on the phone yesterday. You talked and talked. It is amazing how well you communicate - especially on the phone! You called to thank me for the cow and Halloween stickers that grama sent you! Then, we started talking about all your animals and what color they were. Your momma puts you on speaker phone and you just run all over your house talking. Sometimes you run into another room and I can hardly hear you, but then you come back and say "HI!" We talked about grama's trip in December (even though you don't know when December is!) and that we are going to the store to get carrots to feed Michaelangelo! I hear you are going to be a princess and brother Ben is going to be a frog for Halloween! I wish I could be there to see you, but I'll make sure that momma takes lots of pictures to send me! I guess you are such a big girl now that you can dress yourself and you do (even though your clothes may not match or be inside-out) You are quite a fashion statement and you love anything pink! Sometimes, you even insist on wearing dresses to bed! I can't wait to come out to Washington, DC to have a tea party with you! Grama will dress up too, and we will have tea and cookies! I am sure you are quite the little hostess! Keep taking care of your brother and helping momma around the house! I love and miss you! Grama

who's my squirty baby

Your dad and I like to sing you that song and you now answer us that Eve is. You are getting so much smarter. You can hold conversations with people and sometimes even prompt the conversations. We'll be in the elevator and you will proudly announce that your little brother is in the back of the stroller or that your elephant's name is Waterhose. Most of the folks can actually understand you too. You announce on our way out the front door to the building where we are going and you usually tell the same person something about our trip when we return. You love getting packages in the mail and ask for them almost every day. You insist on putting on all your clothes and most of the time something is inside out or backwards, but that is perfectly fine by me. You are doing great going potty in the big girl potty (except for pooping), but I'm sure that will come. Sometimes you lift up your shirt and pretend you are nursing Ton-of-Heart like mom does Ben. It cracks me up!! You love the movie The Jungle Book and ask to watch it often usually with no success. We've started building forts, which you love. You ask almost every night to go to Garfield Park or the Little Park and swing. You love when dad pushes you really high. You seem to enjoy the adrenaline rushes a lot. We're going to the creamery this weekend so you can see some milk cows and I can't wait, because I know you will love it! You've been giving mom a lot of hugs lately which really help her forget how tired she is. It only makes her realize that everything she is doing is worth it.

girly girl

Well I have no idea where you get it from, but you are one girly girl. You play dress-up with you princess dresses and high heels. Your favorite outfit is the Sleeping Beauty skirt, shirt, and heels. You also love to wear your leotard, tutu, and ballet slippers. You turn on the song that plays on Ben's swing and do spins. It's adorable. You love wearing dresses every day and putting on makeup.

Speaking of makeup, we went to Pittsburgh last weekend. Aunt Harmony, aunt Sarah, uncle Josh, grammie, poppie, and many others were there. You loved putting on Sarah and Harmony's makeup and would slather the lip gloss on as long as it was in your hands. We'd have to wash your face and you would immediately want to reapply. We actually went into a Walgreen's to get Grandma Rita some medicine and you came back out with your own lip gloss that dad bought you. You were so proud of your beeswax lip stick and you applied it non-stop until we took it away. You also managed to open the box of medicine, pull out the medicine, remove the plastic wrapper, take off the lid, and actually chew up a pill before you said to us, "I don't like vitamins." Luckily it was only a holistic medicine for relieving leg cramps and nothing happened. It was pretty funny.

You've been asking every day to go to the zoo and see all the animals, but we haven't made it yet. We now play the game, I'm thinking of an animal, and you love it. Animals still are your favorite thing and Ton-of-Heart your new Carebear Elephant has become your new favorite thing. You actually brought it to me and said that Ton-of-Heart was your little brother and Ben wasn't any more.

You're such a funny girl!

Miss Eve

You are quite the little dress up queen I hear!! It sure is funny to listen to your mom tell me about all the new things you are doing. Everyday you are into something new. So it seems you are also quite the big sister! You mom says you love and kiss on Ben all the time!! It's good to know you take good care of him!! He will return the favor someday I promise. You have been going to school and going to dance classes, you are growing up so fast. I know you are pretty busy with all that you are doing now, but aunt Jill would love a new picture from you. I will take it to my studio at school and hang it up for inspiration. I get pretty lonely there and a little homesick, but it is full of pictures of you and Ben so that helps. Everyone always says, "AWWWW they are the cutest kids ever." And of course I say, "I KNOW!" I sure do miss you and I can't wait to meet your little brother. Until then take good care of him!!
Love you,
Aunt Jill

What a fun trip!!

Eve you as such a big girl now!!! I had a fantastic time at your house. We spent sooo much time together. You really made grama feel special.

When I arrived at the airport, you ran to me for a big hug and held my hand all the way to the metro! You were all dressed up in a beautiful pink dress and white hat.

From that moment on we played and sang songs and went for walks. Grama even taught you the song "Where is Thumbkin" and you loved it!!!

Every morning we would get a carrot and walk to feed Michaelangelo, then we would go to the park. You loved feeding the birds your goldfish.

When your baby brother Ben was being born you and I went to Pippa's house to play and eat supper. You gave me hugs and fell asleep on my lap.

Our favorite times were playing with your blocks, building barns for your horses, singing songs, and of course, reading books. You loved the book "who is hiding?".

Your 2nd birthday was great. You invited 5 friends and we had a blow up Elmo, balloons, and an Elmo cake that you helped your mom make.

You were very curious about your brother and did not like to hear him cry. You gave him lots of kisses. You really did not like grama to hold Ben. You would tell me to put him down and come play with you.

The worst part was leaving. You asked me not to go back to Kansas. And every time I talk to you on the phone you ask me when I am coming home (to your house) It makes me cry because I would love to be there.

I have loads of pictures of my trip and I look at them all the time. I absolutely love seeing you on the computer singing. It feels like I'm there with you.

Be a big girl and help your mommy, daddy, and baby Ben. Keep going potty like a big girl and get lots of starbursts!

I love and miss you,

grama

Happy 2nd birthday

Now your are a big girl and a big sister. I am sad and happy that you are growing up to be such a wonderful little girl. It seems as if you love something new everyday. I love it when you tell me that "need" or "have to". You "have to" go to the zoo, even though we went earlier. You "need" me to pick up your animals that you dropped on the floor.

You always make me smile and I know you brighten other people's days also. One of your best friends, Phia, left a little note about you in response to a picture. I thought you should get to see it.

I feel a little like that snowman (topsy turvy and sideways) sometimes. But then I come visit with you, Eve, Thomas, and Ben... and I get my perspective all straightened out. Thank you!! - Sophia Greenbaum


I love it when you are waiting for me to get home from work. I love watching you watch yourself in videos and pictures. I love it when you are to smart for your own good. I love it when you want me to get you out of the bathtub. I love it when you want me to play with you. I love it when your mom is tickling you so much you can't stand it, and you still go back for more. I love it when you want to check on your baby brother. I love it when you come to give me a good night kiss. I love it when you want to sit on the counter and help me cook. I love it when you tell me food is to spicy and ask for a drink.

Because of you, every new day is the best day of my life. Today, you are my favorite daughter. Love, Dad

welcoming baby ben

Eve, you are adjusting very well to being a big sister. You want to hold your baby brother all the time and rub his soft head. You give him kisses all over his head and talk about the pimples on his face. You didn't like his umbilical cord very much and love to help mom when she changes his diaper or clothes. You like to pick out his outfits and every time he cries, you try to give him his nuk. You don't get jealous when mom has to spend time feeding him and you've been such a great help to mom. You are still doing a good job using the big girl potty (except when it comes to going poo poo) and Starburst seem to be the best motivator for you! You went to the zoo last weekend and had a fantastic time with your dad. Mom was busy with Ben most of the time, but you didn't mind because you got to ride on dad's shoulders all day. You have a love for large cats and you really enjoyed seeing the fishing cat and panther. The cheetahs were inside and you were very disappointed.

You also had a wonderful visit with grama while she was here. Almost every morning you and grama would take off and go feed Michaelangelo carrots and go to Garfield park and/or the turtle park. You learned how to build barns for your horses with your dominos and blocks and made grama help you. You spent quite a bit of time with just grama while mom was in labor and in the hospital, but you were such a big girl and went to visit in the hospital after he was born. You went to the Aquarium with grama and got to see the turtles and brought home half of the gift shop. You also had a wonderful second birthday. Grama took care of decorations and party favors. Dad bought the food for the adults and all mom did was make an Elmo face cake (and Elmo wasn't even red, more like pink). You had a wonderful time with Pippa, Kathryn, Eloise, and Kokayi in the party room in our building. When it came time for grama to leave you asked her why she had to go and told her no don't go to Kansas. When she said she had too, you went in your room to put on your shoes because you were going to go with grama. It was obvious that you really loved grama being here, so hopefully it isn't long before she gets to come back to see you.

We are proud of what a wonderful big girl you are growing up to be and we laugh at how smart you are with your questions.

happy 2nd birthday

Happy Birthday Squirt!

Love you.

getting ready to come see you!

Hi Pumkin!!! Just wanted to let you know how excited I am to come visit. I talk to you almost every day and you are talking in complete sentences. Your mom doesn't have to translate anymore. Yes, sometimes you call me to brag about using the potty like a big girl. Grama is so proud of you! I have been busy trying to get everything done here in Kansas because I will be staying with you for about 3 weeks!!! You and I are going to have to plan a 2nd birthday party for you. You are going to have to tell me all of your friends' names, so we can invite them to your party. We will probably have in the party room at your house or maybe at the family place you and your mom go to have play dates. See you real soon and I love you dearly!
Grama

big girl

I just had to write about your potty training progress. You've been using your big girl potty for weeks now and are doing a fantastic job. You have even gone poop on the potty twice in the last week!! We are so proud of you. You tell us when you need to go and when we're out in public, as long as we have your portable Dora potty, you'll use a public restroom. You get homemade popsicles, frozen fruit, or a Starburst when you go potty. When you go poop you get a fruit snack. You clap for yourself every time you go on the potty and want to go tell whomever will listen that you used the potty. You've started watching a few videos recently. They include Blues Clues, Muzzy, and of course Elmo and Baby Einstein. They are all entertaining to you and you like to switch it up. Grama is coming out to visit you in about a week so I'm sure you'll be having much more fun soon. You've been a little depressed because Pippa hasn't been around very much. Her mom just had her baby a week ago and things have been hectic for their family. You actually brought me the telephone today and asked to call Pippa. She wasn't home but she called you back in the afternoon and you two chatted for a few minutes. Of course it was adorable. Hopefully you will get to see her this week. We've been gardening a lot and you love to pick the cherry and grape tomatoes off the vine and eat them as well as the blackberrries. You are starting to put your own shoes on and can take off most of the clothing items. You can also pedal a tricycle now, better backwards than forwards but that will come. I just wanted to give an update to what you are doing now and let you know how proud of you we are!

Love you.

just around the corner

We did have a wonderful visit with your poppy, geri, erin, and jill. Every time someone was not in the room, you would ask where they went. You gave hugs and kisses and told everyone that you loved them. You played dress up with erin's panties and wanted everyone to come play in your room all the time. Now your aunts know how mom and dad feel all the time. It's fun though.

You've started making up your own words and think it is hilarious. There is some body part called a peweet that is located somewhere around your neck that you talk and laugh about. You also tell us that you want to go to teebos, where ever that is! You giggle whenever we bring up the subjects and it makes us laugh too.

You are becoming very social and wanting to play with other kids. You love to give hugs and hold hands. Pippa is still your best friend and you talk about her daily. You also enjoy going to the family room and the turtle park to see the other kids. The garden is another favorite place because henry is another favorite friend.

You've started using the potty again after a three month break. Since you have been asking about your baby rubber ducky since I threw it away because of mold growing in its head, we've promised that if you are a big girl and keep using the potty we'll get you a new ducky. It's been motivation enough so far, along with your star stickers that go on your potty chart.

You get up almost every morning and go into the bathroom to help dad get ready for work. You provide a commentary for every single thing that happens. Dadda has a green towel, dadda is shaving, dadda is putting in contacts, dadda is putting on belt, dadda wear red shirt, etc.

You enjoy a bowl of cereal with milk in it almost every morning, but love baby pancakes and muffins. You love wearing dresses and refuse to leave the house without a hat on your head. You've begun picking out your own outfits which sometime coordinate, but most often not. You can sing full songs now. Your favorites are Baa baa black sheep, Twinkle Twinkle, ABCs, and of course your made up songs.

You're going to be such a great big sister and your little brother is a lucky fellow. Keep laughing and we love you very much.

our trip

well we got home not too long ago from visiting you. We drove about 20 some odd hours to see you!! It was a long trip, but once we got there it didn't matter one bit. You were asleep when we arrived and me and Aunt Eyn couldn't harldy wait to see you. You were a little shy at first, but you really opened up. It changes about everytime we meet, whether you want to associate with me or not. This time you were like my best friend. We played with most if not all of your toys numerous times and we put your animals to sleep probably a hundred times and I gave you a bath, we went swimming, went to the white house and the monuments, and all along the way we were buddies. I had a wonderful time hanging out with you. I cannot believe how smart you are!!! You know what everything is and if you don't you ask,"What's that?" You even helped me be a little brave on the metro. I was scared to ride it, but you weren't one bit, and I couldn't look scared in front of you!! Such a city girl!!! The cutest thing was you putting on Eyn's underwear everyday we were there!!! They were bright and way too big!!! I enjoyed every detail of my trip to see you and as soon as we left I missed you. Well you will soon be busy checking out your new little brother, Ben. Well sweetie call me soon!!!
I love you!!
Aunt Jill

spring is here

Now that the weather is warm again, you want to spend a lot of time outside. Since I had a doctor's appointment this morning I decided to take you to the zoo on the way home. You love the animals and your best friend Pippa was supposed to come meet us, but ended up not feeling well and didn't come. You love the zoo and your favorite animals are the otter, elephant, zebra, and jaguar. We brought a frog backpack home from the zoo because you were such a good girl at my doctor's appointment. You don't cry when I have to lay down on a table and are very interested in what the midwife is doing. Every time I lay down on the paper on the exam table you announce that it is time for mom's diaper change and the midwife and nurses always laugh. You requested to hear the baby and even showed the nurse today where the baby was in my belly. You'll be an excellent big sister and Benaiah is lucky.

You have mastered how to flip out of your crib like an acrobat, but thankfully haven't tried it too many times. We thought we were going to have to start trapping you in your crib, but looks like we don't have to yet.

You started school two weeks ago. It's not exactly school, but a place where about 10 kids your age get together for 4 hours, one day a week with structured activities. You spend an hour singing songs and reading books that focus on one thing like a color. You have some play time scheduled throughout the day and some time outside and of course about an hour for an arts and craft project. Your friend Pippa is in the class and you love that. After this week, I am going to try and leave the class for a little while to let you interact with the other teachers and children, so we'll see how that goes.

Since the weather is nice, we have to walk to pick up dad from work just about every day. Starting about 4:30 you start asking to go get him, so I have to keep you busy until he calls and says he's ready to leave. You are always thrilled to see him and usually want him to carry you the whole trip home Last Saturday you spent the whole day with dad. You went to the National Arboretum and a monastery for a few plant sales and then to the garden. When I came to meet you two, you were sound asleep in your stroller. I think you kept your dad very busy as well.

We also have been spending a lot of time at the garden. You love to sit in the wheelbarrow and help mom shovel wood chips. You love playing in the water while we water and dad bought some cacti for your room so you can help me water them and watch them grow. Dad also bought you an ant farm and we're still waiting on the ants, but I'm sure you'll love that too.

You talk on the phone to relatives daily and are learning how to have a conversation. You always say hi to whoever is on the phone and will tell them you love them. Everything else depends on the mood you are in, but you are always to happy to hear a familiar voice and can recognize who is on the phone by their voice, which is impressive to me.

It was a long one, but that's only because you are so crazy and unbelievable that I want to keep track of what you are doing so you can appreciate it someday like all of us do. Love you.

Hola Eve!!!!

Well hello there Crazy Eve-
I say crazy with no sarcasm. You are getting into everthing and out of everything!!! I guess you hopped over your crib yesterday so you wouldn't have to take a nap. You bed is pretty tall for jumping over!!!! I guess Grama was right about you being named Eve Kanevil!!!!! Our conversations are becoming more and more interesting. You have been counting now and speaking a little Espanol!!!! It seems as though you never quit talking!!!! Well as you probably don't know or don't care I am going to be coming to see you next month with Aunt Erin and your Grandpa!!!! I am so thrilled to hang out with you. I guess we will be doing the typical tourist sightseeing, which you have done several times, but it will be fun. I can't wait!!!! This is going to be short and sweet, because your Aunt Ji Ji is always on the go with something. I miss you and I look forward to my next phone call from you!!!!
Love you,
Aunt Jill

spring break visit

Oh Eve, what a wonderful visit grama had with you and your parents! It was a week of fun and new experiences. You have grown up to be such a beautiful, smart little girl! Everyone is always sooo happy to see and talk to you! I have nicknamed you Eve Kneivel! Your are really a daredevil and climb on everything and fall. Grama was constantly hovering around you and worried and your momma kept telling me that you would be allright!
I am amazed how you know everyone in your building by name and light up each and every room you enter. The sponge in you just soaks up everything. I especially loved the cute little songs you would make up and sing in the stroller!
You are the biggest animal lover! We had many hours playing with your horsies and all the zoo animals. You even got a grumpy policelady smile when you told her horse bye-bye! When we went to the zoo, you would say hello and goodbye to every animal by name! Grama is getting you every animal she can find and I know you will share them with your new baby brother!
Eve, you are also quite the city girl! You love to hear and see the fire engines and police cars! You ride elevators and escalators and the metro train.
Other than your animals, you and grama would spend lots of time doing puzzles. I can't wait until you are older and we will do lots of big jigsaw puzzles with each other!
I will always cherish your hugs and kisses and remember...my heart is always with you (on your window)
Love,
Grama

Good Morning

I woke up to a lovely call from you this morning!!! You said, "Hello and Good Morning Aunt Ji." It was definately more exciting to wake up to your voice than anyone else's. I also got to experience your first "Wee Wee" in the potty this morning all on your own!!! On the phone of course, but I heard all the congratualatory excitement!!!! You must have some sort of point system at home, because you got five stars for it!!!! I am not really sure what that all means, but it made you happy to get five stars because that is all you said for the next five minutes!!!! WOO HOO EVE!!!! Well I guess your grama is on her way out to see you this morning. You guys will have lots of fun I am sure. She is really excited to see you!!! It makes me jealous, but hopefully I will get to come out there in May or so. I look forward to visiting more now, because your mom is in a little bit better of a mood this go round with her pregnancy. She was sure moody when she was pregnant with you. I never knew what to expect when I heard from her. Well I will be moving a little bit closer, around St. Louis, in the summer so maybe I will be able to see you more over the next three years during graduate school. I sure do miss you and can't wait to hear from you again. I love you!!!!! Aunt Ji

spring is almost here

Well, squirt, it is warming up and you are loving it. We spent the entire last weekend outside walking in the stroller, gardening, and playing at the park. You took a big hit to the cheek with a wheelbarrow handle on Saturday, but it wasn't from dad or I. I thought you may have a black eye, but it was just low enough. I started watching another toddler last week. He is two and his name is Kokayi. You two seem to be best friends already and chase each other around screaming like crazy people. He has this thing he carries around with him that is his mom's old Halloween wig. She washes it in the washing machine, so it is a huge mass of ratty hair. He calls it his doggy and you have started calling it Kokayi's doggy too because of the lack of a better name. It's hideous and it makes me happy that you are attached to Harley the Kitty Cat, because at least people don't look at you or I strangely.

We also started attending mom and me yoga. We wait for Amber and Pippa to pick us up every week and you really like hanging out with Pippa. You have even started to do some yoga poses and I'll keep you updated on how that goes.

You went with me to a doctor's appointment recently and when the doctor asked me sit up on the table you stated, "Mommy, diaper change." Of course, the midwife cracked up and you in turn thought it was funny. Then when she held the monitor on my belly, she asked you if you wanted to hear the baby, and you asked, "Mommy's baby?" She said yes and when you heard the heartbeat you looked around the room and said, "Mommy's baby." It was adorable to say the least.

Grama is coming out on Friday, so I'm sure you have tons of fun in store and Poppie is coming out in a few months to hang out too. Little do they know how busy you will keep them!

More updates on what you are doing currently. You will tell mom and dad I love you and also say it to family on the phone. You ask to call grama, ji ji, erin, and poppie from time to time and of course we always call them. Your dad even called grama the other day when mom wasn't home because you wanted to talk to her. It made her day. You now enjoy painting with paint brushes and watching Elmo and Einstein. You actually request to watch Einstein too many times daily to count, but only get to watch it a few times. We've been riding the bicycle with you in the kiddy cart and you love that. You know just about every name of people we know in the building and greet them by name when you see them (including their dogs). You have barely begun potty training, but love wearing your big girl panties. You love swimming in our swimming pool and do so only with your floatie. You don't want help from anyone. Your hair is finally starting to grow and you like to give hugs when the timing is appropriate. I love how sweet you are and I enjoy watching you change every day. I love you.

Merry 2nd Christmas and Happy New Year

Happy 2007 Eve!!!!
This has been the very best holiday season ever! You and your momma and daddy got on an airplane and traveled to Kansas for Christmas and New Years. You got to spend time with your whole big family! All of us were so excited to see you! Of course, you are the cutest and smartest little girl in the entire world! Grama had your own room all ready for you with new stuffed animals and your very own bean bag. You just loved sitting in it with all of your animals and blanket! One of your most favorite things was a dancing Santa. Grama showed you only one time how to push the button to make him start dancing and you proceeded to push that button at least 43 times! Your Aunts JiJi and Erin couldn't keep their hands off of you and read you books and played with you all the time! All of us even took a family picture to remember this special Christmas. You had soooo many presents under the Christmas Tree that we let you open about 2 presents a day so you could enjoy them more.
You and grama had alot of "special times". You would wake up in the mornings and get in bed with grama and Harley the Cat. Grama could make Harley the cat talk to you. She would meow and you would just SCREAM with delight. You gave Harley the Cat loads of kisses. We also went for morning walks to see the geese. They would also talk to you and flap their wings. Then, you and I would take little cars trips together (just me and you). One day we went to the grocery store and another day we visited a friend of grama's. I was so proud to have you with me and, of course, I did show you off to everyone we saw! In the evenings right before bathtime, I would help you get undressed and you would sit on my lap on the floor and want me to lightly move my fingers over your back and arms. It would almost put you into a trance! I remember you momma doing the same thing when she was a little girl. Your really love all of the animals at grama's house. You would sit on the floor with your arm around Wilson the dog and eventually you would just tackle him and lay on him and say "Good Boy". It was hard when you had to leave, but you and I had a good time in the back seat of grama's car while going to meet your friend Kayden. Just remember that you had your very first Cheeto at grama's. I included a few pictures from your visit and I can't wait to see you in the spring! Love, Grama

Aunt Ji Ji

Well Eve I have been meaning to write on here since our last visit, but I have been busy with graduate school applications. It seems I am always busy doing something. Well me and Noah graduated from college in December and then you and your mom and dad came to visit over the holidays. I had an awesome christmas vacation!!! We were all soooo excited to see you and see all the new tricks you have learned since last time. It was amazing like always!!!! The best part of the trip was when you first arrived and said my name right off. You pronounce it Ji Ji. It is okay you just leave the L's off. It made me soooo excited to hear that. You talked the whole time, and about half the time your mom or dad had to interpret. I had the best time with you because you actually let me hold you and read you books. All you do is read books and here and there you played grama's singing and dancing santa!!! I was totally amazed by all you are capable of and can't wait to see you grow up with your new big brother or sister. Hopefully I get to talk to you soon on the telephone!!!! Love you, Love Ji Ji.

settling in after christmas

Well baby, your first Christmas in Kansas was a good one. You were allowed to open presents as soon as you got there until a few days after Christmas because your attention span wasn't long enough to open your gifts at once. You got a lot of new toys, books, and clothes and all your family was kind enough to send them back to us in D.C. You became best friends with all the dogs you saw and knew Wilson, Gus, Cooper, Lily, Trouble, O-G, Yonka, and Baller all by name. You were especially excited every morning to say Morning Kitty Cat to Harley the cat. You would go get in grama's bed every morning to pet the Kitty Cat usually before you ate breakfast. Poor Wilson took some abuse as you learned that you could tackle him around his neck and he'd let you.

You immediately knew Jill-Jill, Erin, grama, and poppy from all the pictures and soon learned who everyone else was.

Of course you had to keep things interesting and get sick one night and throw up about five times. We ran out of nighties, sheets, and stuffed animals for you and you ended up sleeping on bath towels, but it was short lived. We took family photos at grama's and you loved jumping on the trampoline at poppy's. You ate at El Pueblito many times, and it is a good thing you love guacamole, because that was about the only way to keep you entertained at the restaurant.

You had your own seat on the airplane and actually slept a little while going both ways which was nice for me. We stopped in Leavenworth and saw Kayden before we left and you had fun playing with his toys.

Now that we are back home we are battling the molars that are coming in. You've been so good and I know that your teeth are hurting and at times you even have blood dripping out of the corner of your mouth, but thank goodness for frozen bagels and tylenol because they are really coming in handy.

I hope everyone else enjoyed your visit as much as your dad and I. He loved getting to spend two weeks with you and this week has been a little tough because you still want to see dad every day all day. I hope you feel better soon and I love you.