Carpe Autumn

I found myself humming "Holly Jolly Christmas" in the aisle of Target yesterday. "Too soon," I thought, backing slowly away from the stocking holders, "Better enjoy fall while it lasts."

So that's just what we did this morning, as we explored the wildflowers still in bloom in the park. 

A Spooktacular Halloween

"Chloe" means "little blooming sprout." And with Avery now in the butterfly class, they each had  fitting Halloween costumes this year.

Ready for the school Halloween parade! 

Time for trick-or-treating!

Daddy's Little Sprout

Punkins

Today, a trip to Oma's farm with our little punkins.

Modeling pumpkin patch outfits.

Sledding down the cotton seeds.

International Day of the Girl

Today is a day to inspire our girls and remind them their dreams are bound only by their efforts. So here's to two of the most inspirational people in my life.

Avery and Chloe, I'm so proud of you both. Set your hearts and minds on whatever greatness you desire. Pursue your dreams relentlessly. And above all, enjoy the journey.

And, of course, it's a day to celebrate being a girl!

Twinkle Toes

Avery at dance class last night...

Little Artists

We started the evening by painting some pictures. And then this happened.

Good as new after a nice bath...

Christmas In July

Avery's twist on an old favorite: "Frosty the Snowman was a jolly boy or girl..."

Happy 4th ... and 2nd!

We had a great 4th of July, enjoying a day in Old Town with the family before heading to Santee for fireworks. Here's a shot of us at Seeley Stables, just before we found the root beer float store(!):

Then on Sunday, we celebrated Chloe's 2nd birthday! It's hard to believe our tiny little baby is grown up enough to sing "Happy Birthday" along with the rest of us. We're so proud of our sweet, fun, fearless little girl. She's tolerant enough to sit still while Avery "paints" her face with markers, but determined enough to know when she'd really rather keep her pajama shirt on through an entire day. Sometimes I wish I could just keep her little like this forever. And then I think about how much I'll enjoy watching her grow into the person she will become. Happy Birthday, little love bug.

My Third-Proudest Achievement

Here's me with my new little girl, the Emmy I received for my work as an executive producer on the television documentary Stories of The Sharp Experience: Episode 10. Pretty exciting!

Grand Opening

Michael and the girls came down to see me on Saturday when I was volunteering at the Grand Opening of the new Barnhart Cancer Center at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. I was excited about the technology, the incredible healing environment, the outdoor terrace for infusion. The girls were excited, too ... about the face painting.

Wake-Up Call

“Michael…” the tiny voice calls from the corner of my dream. I hesitate, confused, trying to figure out who the voice belongs to.

“Michael…” There it is again, only this time it seems closer and more real.

“Michael!” A third time. The voice is growing more urgent. Is it worried? Frustrated?

My eyes pop open and I turn toward Michael. He’s awake; he’s heard the voice, too. The clock beyond him reads 6:05 a.m.

“MICHAEL!” Chloe shouts from her crib. She’s ready to get up. Michael stares at me, waiting to see if I’m going to get her.

“Don’t look at me,” I say, rolling back over. “She’s calling you.”

Love

Happy Valentine's Day!

Making a Splash

Hooray! Chloe Mae's first pee pee in the potty today! Afterward, she gave her dad a huge grin and said, "Big girl." You betcha.

Fairy Tales

We're looking forward to our visit from Grandma Lynn next month. We were talking about it tonight at dinner and asked Avery what she remembers about Grandma Lynn, who she hasn't seen since summertime.

"I love her," she said. "And she swings me. And there are trolls and gnomes and fairies."

So I'm thinking her grandma must have told her about mythical creatures living in her beautiful backyard on the river. Or else Avery and her grandma have had some pretty incredible adventures together.

Lessons from Chloe

1. Life is an adventure. Say “Wheeee!!” a lot.

2. Some obstacles are insurmountable. But you should try to climb them anyway.

3. One should enjoy their meal with all five senses. Especially touch.

4. Sometimes, a cozy mimi (blanket) and a good ba-ba (bottle) make everything better.

5. It is important to dance often, and with complete confidence.

6. Often, you learn the most by just observing.

7. A smile and "hi" can make a stranger's day.

8. Sometimes it’s better to disregard your limitations. Forget that you're small, inexperienced, and don't speak the language, and you can achieve great things.

9. Do what makes you happy.

10. No matter how annoying she may be, a sister is one life's greatest gifts. Hug her a lot. Then borrow her shoes.

You Can Say That Again

Chloe had her 18-month checkup a couple weeks ago, and passed with flying colors:

"Does she have at least six words?" the doctor asked.
"Check."

"Does she point at things to get your attention?"
"Oh yes -- point, grab us by the hand and insist we go with her. All of that."

"Is she trying to climb things?"
"Does shimmying up the coffee table and dancing on it count? And do you suppose that's genetic?"

The doc was pleased with her growth, and glad to hear Chloe had already achieved some two-year milestones, like jumping with two feet.

"Two-word sentences are her next verbal milestone," she said. "Things like, 'Me up' or 'Eat now.'"

Sure enough, after finishing her breakfast this past weekend, Chloe pushed herself away from the table, leaned back, and said ... "Whoa, baby."

I followed with a two-word sentence of my own. "Oh, my."

Overheard

"It's raining, it's pouring. The old man is sleeping."