Baby Chub

Here’s a little baby chub action for your Friday...

and also, even though we’re mainly into folksy/blues/acoustic stuff in our house, I’ve been working on a rap. It goes like this

Little Aliyah

a hot potat-ta

Making double chins in

since two thousand and ten

Ok, that’s all I’ve got. Ali gives me a sympathetic look every time I sing it to her and if she could only gain full control of her chubby little hands, I’m certain she’d pat me on the head and say “Nice effort, Mom... but no”

Neighborhood Luau

The last weekend in July our neighborhood had a Luau at the pool. We hadn't met too many people outside the few homes right around our own, but this sweet baby face has been attracting new friends - we had a blast and met two families with kiddos who would be in the same class as Aliyah when she starts Kindergarten. Here are a few pictures from our evening:

on our way...

party animal

Aliyah's looking curvy... Mom's been doing P90X

She LOVES swimming with Dad

Baker Baby

Let's Go Wildcats!!!!

Tyler and I met during college at Baker University and now that our days of theatre, football games and dancing at half time are over, our school pride is taken out on our daughter. I must say... orange is a good color on her!

Baby Stuff

We’ve been having more fun with your baby stuff than I think we are supposed to. Technically, all of these books and stuffed animals and musical gadgets are for your benefit - but your dad and I have found ourselves in fits of laughter at night while we try them out.

Last week, while you laid between us we perfected our shadow puppet techniques on the ceiling with your glowing seahorse. I’m happy to report that Tyler does a fantastic wolf and I’m still working on my bunny.

Last night, we all laid down on the bed and attempted to read to you. Your dad scolded me for reading the words and not singing them in funny voices. “If you’re going to do it, do it right” he said. I think his life is just one huge musical - he sings around the house all the time! So we started over - singing them as we went and acting out each page while you laid there slumbering away.

All that signing moved us onto a few rounds of "If your happy and you know it"... Can you imagine two grown folks singing “If you’re happy and you know it kick your legs” with all 4 of their legs swaying up in the air above your head? That was us last night - having entirely too much fun.

You’ve been pretty oblivious to it all so far, but when the day comes that you do actually want to watch our puppet show, sing in a silly voice or kick your legs along to the song - we’ll be old pros.

Do Cartwheels Count?

(an unrelated, but cute picture of my peaceful dove)

I’ve never watched an episode of The Hills. Or Gossip Girl. I’ve never read a Twilight book. I don’t know a single song by any artist with the $ symbol in their name.

But I can sing along with Van Morrison records and Crosby Stills and Nash. I love watching Project Runway and painting on a canvas. In the evenings I have been known to put together a puzzle or two while sipping a glass of wine.

Does this make me an old lady? please say no.

I like to do cartwheels. that has to count for something.

Bob Marley

For the past week Aliyah has been making her left hand into a tight fist and then holding it stiff armed in front of her or above her head. She stares at it for minutes at a time before finally trying to fit the entire thing in her mouth. It’s her new signature move and since No Woman No Cry was the first song Aliyah heard after she was born, Tyler is totally convinced she’s channeling Bob Marley:

Another Baseball Game

We took Aliyah to her second baseball game (Go Royals!) last Sunday afternoon. Again, we were lucky enough to use the Diamond Club tickets from my dad's work, staying out of the sun and watching the game in AC.

Even though the KC Royals haven't had the most amazing season, it was a great Sunday... considering they actually won the game and also gained one totally adorable, color-coordinated new fan.