Red Lollipop

A red lollipop is the explanation given by Naomi for what is drawn on Micah's forehead.

Caught Red-Handed

California! part 3 - pictures

California! part 2 -- Snowy Days and Irish Days Parade!

Mark came with us the fisrt weekend, and it pretty much rained and snowed the whole time. But we braved the weather (until it started sleeting and all were cold and miserable) for the small town Irish Days parade. The floats were pretty much the police department, the fire department, the grocery store, a dance studio, and some clowns. It was very awesome.

California! part 1- Flying and Redwoods

A few weeks ago we went to visit my sister and brother-in-law in California! Their new place is just lovely, with Vineyards and Redwoods just up the road (with one in their front yard) and snow and the cutest little town. And did I mention wineries? Actually the two best parts: an entire basment just for guests!! and roadtrip distance from the California coast. It really doesn't get much better than that.

This was our first flight with Micah, and we had two flights - Austin to Denver, then Denver to Sacramento. There was a lovely view! On Friday we went for a hike at Big Trees State Park, just up the road from my sister's house. It snowed a lot while we were there, but it was so beautiful and a nice last winter for us, who came back to Spring in Texas (followed three days later by Summer).

Naomi Knows Alot

Naomi pointed at the Agatha Christie book I was reading today, "Mama, what's that book about? What happens?"
Me: "Oh. Um, well, uh...someone dies and they try to find out why."
Naomi: "Oh, you mean like a mystery?"
(Wow, you mean that's all I had to say?! And where did she learn that?)

Micah was drawing on the kitchen counter with a pencil.
Mark: "Micah don't draw on the counter. Hmm, where'd he learn that?"
Naomi: "I think he learned that from me."
(Yup)

Grocery Shopping

We found a new grocery cart today, and Naomi and Micah thought it was AMAZING. Normally I don't go in for the kid carts at the store (read: avoid them at all costs and don't let the kids even see them)- they usually just add on this big plastic seat to a regular cart, and it makes it heavy and impossible to turn. But, at the HEB near Naomi's school, they had a newer one that is compact, easy to push, and has STEERING WHEELS. Micah thought it was cool he got to sit next to his sister. Naomi thought it was cool to steer the cart.

Washington-on-the-Brazos

Last weekend was the 175th Anniversary of the Republic of Texas. (You were remembering that, right?) Well, it gave us an excuse for a quick road trip to the state park that houses Texas' original capitol. They had a big to-do and alot of reenactment types (Naomi was bummed we missed the cannon fire). The hit with the kids was the old toys at the Farm they have onsite.

Naomi's Skirt

I bought this black and white bird fabric from IKEA for some pillows for my sister, and Naomi decided she wanted some for a skirt. And then we decided it needed painting.

She got full reign of the fabric paints...

And voila! A skirt!

Micah's New Moves

Lately, Micah has gone through some kind of mental growth spurt. He is so very busy, but also very busy communicating and understanding so much of what we talk with him about! Pointing is his main communication, but it is very effective. He is also very huggy and smiley and continues to be his good natured, charming self. When hanging out with his Nana and Naomi, he started to look a little sad. Nana asked Naomi, when he makes this face does it mean he is going to cry? And Naomi responded, "He never makes that face." I am continually grateful for these two!

What we're learning about our Micah in the last two weeks:

He loves taking baths. If you say the word "bath" in his presence, he points towards the bathroom door and then walks there to bang on the door until we run him a bath. The other day he took two (this is not rare considering his requests and how messy he gets eating).

He loves food and would eat all day long if we let him. Every time he sees anyone with a piece of food in their hand he points at it, asking for some.

He loves his sister (okay, so this we've known for a while). They love to give hugs, and when Naomi kisses the bottom of his feet, he raises them up asking for more. (okay, so that may sound a bit gross, but it is super cute, and probably won't last too long.)

Finally, Micah loves music. He points at the stereo, asking for me to turn it on, and then dances with his sister in the living room, spinning in a circle. Check out the video - I finally caught them in action.