Still having a ball

More than a year ago, I demonstrated how humorous and entertaining one ball could be. So imagine how much fun I have with four.

And since good times are meant for sharing, I invited my first Steamboat playpal, Lucy, over to join in on the fun. Since she's only a baby, I had to show her the ropes.

Fake ID

Since I've been born, everybody keeps telling me that I look just like my dad, so I figured snagging his lift pass was a sure way to get onto the slopes. Now where to find toddler skis and boots...

Next time won't you sing with me

In addition to being able to count to 13 (minus the number 2, which I prefer to skip), I have recently learned to sing my ABCs. One might argue that it takes a discerning ear to hear it.

With my original interpretation, choreography, stage presence and ability to make you believe this flashlight is a microphone, it is quite clear to my dad that I will be an American Idol Season 23 finalist. Don't forget to vote for me!

Another blast from my past

After being devoid of any emotion aside from hysteria for eight weeks, as of four days ago Rowan has found that there's much to smile about.

Rowan: Week 8, Day 6

Me: Week 7, Day 6

A fan of the fan

Had mom and dad known that ceiling fans were such a source of entertainment, they would have left those bins of baby toys in the basement...

No ski for me

After weeks of chatter in the house about the big ski trip to Steamboat, Mom and Dad dropped the bomb on us when we got here that everyone gets to ski but us. What gives?! When confronted about it, Poppy offered some mumbo jumbo about ski boots starting at adult size 0 and my kids' size 7 foot's too small and blah, blah, blah. With my glass-half-full attitude, I have embraced this vacation time for catching up on episodes of Little Einsteins, Dora the Explorer and The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Rowan, however, is still disgruntled.

In the face of disappointment I say, "More 'Key for me!"

The very moment Rowan got the memo about the no-ski thing.

Declaring my love

As I celebrate my third Valentine's Day, I thought I'd take a moment to reflect on the things I love. And for this purpose, I have made a list:

1. Little Einsteins ("Eye-STEIN")

2. Mickey Mouse ("Key Mouse")

3. Music ("ISS-kick") -- playing it, listening to it -- especially Rob Thomas ("Tahs"). I very rarely, however, am pleased with what's playing on the radio in the car and will request a new song ("noo-SAH") until Mom goes through every station. And then I'd rather have the radio turned off than listen to a song I don't like

4. Snack time at school (since my Montessori program allows me to decide when I'm ready for snack (rather than setting a snacktime), I declared myself ready for snack THREE times yesterday)

5. Fine literature (namely "Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed," "Edwina: The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct," and "Purplicious")

6. Requesting to call my grandparents on the phone (although I generally have little to no interest in speaking to them once they're on the other end); I am an expert, however, at saying, "Hello. Who is it?" ("Heh-WOE. Hizzit?") on all fifteen (approx.) of my pretend phones

7. My sister, Rowan ("WOH-ihn")

8. Saying goodbye to Xana everytime I go into the first-floor bathroom or head out to the garage ("Bye, Sawh!")

While Rowan does not seem to enjoy any of these things quite yet, the one thing we do have in common is that we both love the cradle swing. I enjoyed countless hours in it when I was a baby, and although I am too big for it now, I enjoy putting my own babies in it when it's not occupied. Rowan is hanging out in it right now and asked me to wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day on her behalf.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Rowan: Week 7, Day 5

Me: Week 7, Day 6

Wake-up call

While some of my friends and associates have advised me that younger siblings are bad news, I think Rowan's pretty neat. So the days when she comes into my room to say good morning to me, I always invite her into my crib. Then I like to sit and hold her hand for a while, which is the only thing we know of that makes Rowan smile every time! Since I realize that 7 am is pretty early for many of you to stop by and witness this lovefest, Mom videotaped it this week so that I could share it with you on my blog. Enjoy!

I'd like to dedicate this one to all my fans

This month I have added "singer/songwriter" to my resume.

Chop chop

Before Rowan arrived, my mom and I had a standing lunch date on Tuesdays at the local sushi restaurant. I enjoyed these outings because a) they have a very large TV and I don't care if they always have on ESPN or the news, and b) I find chopsticks in their paper wrapper provide endless minutes of entertainment. Last night we got take-out sushi, and although mom shut me down when I asked for "stum" (some), I did get my own pair of chopsticks with the wrapper off. And I grasped the concept of how to use them all by myself! Too bad it's harder than it looks. Had Dad not skewered a piece of chicken for me, I might still be trying to eat my dinner.

The best seats in the house

Although I am not always the best eater, I (almost) never mind spending a little quality time in my high chair. And after 20 months of practice eating in the chair -- everything from liquid rice cereal (ick!) to real cereal with milk -- I was finally up for promotion to an ever higher chair -- the bar stool!

Not one to be outdone, Rowan decided shortly thereafter that she was ready to have a seat, as well.

May 21, 2007: I make this look so easy, you can't even tell I've never sat in a high chair before!

May 21, 2007: Dad had mentioned that Mom wasn't the best cook, but I must admit that I did not grasp the seriousness of the situation until this very moment.

Jan. 27, 2009: I finally get to pull up a seat at the bar...

Jan. 27, 2009: ...and thank goodness Mom learned how to make Eggo waffles!

February 1, 2009: Rowan takes a seat just in time for the Super Bowl.

March 3, 2007: My first time in the Bebe Pod...and I'm thinking, who decided that putting collars on infant onesies was a good idea?

February 1, 2009: The moment that Rowan realized that while she had, in fact, learned to sit just in time for the Super Bowl, the blasted TV was behind her.

Yay, Mendelssohn!

One might argue that my ability to sing and dance to the curtain call at the end of the Disney Channel's "Little Einsteins" series is a sign that perhaps I've seen the episodes one too many times. On the contrary, I argue that my knowledge of composers and artists will far exceed those of my peers. How can you turn down such a polite request ("Einsteins, peez") for a show including lyrics like, "Yay, Mendelssohn"?!

Two fun

On a belated note, a couple of weeks ago, I turned TWO! While I'm just sure that Rowan's arrival meant that the ponies, petting zoo and cotton candy machine would have to wait until next year, Mom and Dad did make it up to me with two celebrations instead of just one. The first party on Jan. 1 (while my Grandma and Poppy were still in town) combined my love of Tinkerbell and Mickey Mouse (a Tinkerbell cake served on a table decked out in Mickey Mouse-theme paper goods). The second celebration, held on my actual birthday, included an elite guest list (my dad, my mom, Rowan, Xana and me) and one big piece of chocolate cake. Turns out that's all you need to have a good time! But next time around, I don't think a little cotton candy would hurt...

We have ears, say cheers!

Tinkerbell in all her buttercream glory

The birthday booty included my very own shopping cart!

Is there an option for seconds when I finish this piece??