Feeding Frenzy from Kerri

Yeah, eventually I'll get to our NJ trip - so many other things keep happening, it seems. In the meantime, Kerri posted a brilliant recap of our impromptu playdate last week that I thought you would all enjoy:
Feeding Frenzy

Houston, we have a walker!

I think this pretty much speaks for itself (but apologies for the loud audio)...

Mamma Mia!

We are back from New Jersey, I am happy to report. A wonderful time was had by all, but I will confess it was nice to come back home to an absolutely gorgeous streak of early fall weather. Crisp, clear, windows open, great sleeping weather. Eliza is not so thrilled about needing to wear socks - actually, she doesn't think she needs to wear them at all and I am slowly coming around to her way of thinking. She doesn't seem cold and they only interfere with her attempts to walk anyway.

Speaking of - we were hoping that milestone would be achieved while we were east, but it was not to be. We will all have to settle for the arrival of the syllable "ma ma ma," which she now babbles all day long. At first I was very excited, but that excitement has been tempered by comments from Gen and Kerri that prove that just knowing how to make the sound does not translate into labeling the person. I think this is because there isn't anyone to constantly reinforce the label. I spend all day saying "Daddy," whether we're looking at his picture or he himself. Same goes for the cats and for every cow, lion, and penguin we see in the books. I can't really reinforce myself; it doesn't make any sense to her. Yet.

More details about the trip itself will be forthcoming, along with some great pictures, taken by her many admirers. For now, this is one of our faves, from first cousin once removed Ben (that's bread all over her face - she made quick work of a crusty piece at the French bistro where we ate brunch in NYC):

Happy Birthday, Gramps!

Eliza wants to wish a very happy 75th birthday to her Gramps in New Jersey. She'll be visiting him and Nan this weekend to celebrate and is much looking forward to seeing everyone and meeting the new kitties, Topsy and Turvy.

Sounds like...

We think Eliza has some real words now. She makes the same noise every time she sees the cats and it kinda sounds like "tat." She also makes "da da da" sounds consistently upon seeing either Mac or a dog. Sometimes she even produces a full-fledged "Da-dee" when she sees him or I ask her where he is. There is, of course, still no "mama" in the bunch, not even as babbling. Mac decided this morning that she is going to master every word in the English language and still not say "Mommy."

I can see it now: "Excuse me, primary caregiver, what is your opinion on anthropomorphism? May I have another beverage please?"

Don't ask. Anthropomorphism is just a word you don't get to use much.

Head, Shoulders, Knees, & Toes

We'd love to say this is her new favorite song, but her version would have to go more like "head, la, la, la, la, TOES." She is learning to point out different body parts when we ask. Toes she can always do. Yesterday she could do head, but today she's lost her head (groan). However, head has been replaced by belly today, so that's exciting. Sometimes she knows tongue, sometimes not. Tongue sounds a lot like toes so she gets confused. Really, when in doubt, point to the toes - that's her motto! Still, it's fun to see and she enjoys the game.

Life otherwise is going on same as usual. These pics are from a couple of weeks ago when we were intending to go to Millennium Park and let her play in the fountain. But then we locked ourselves out of the house and had to resort to calling our cat sitter to find someone with a copy of our keys. She lives down in Lincoln Park, so we trekked down there and ended up lunching at John's Place. It used to be one of our favorite restaurants, but the service lately has been pretty sub-par, so we're less than happy. Still it was a fun lunch and Eliza was feeling very photogenic.

We did end up at Millennium Park last week and she loved the fountain. Of course, we forgot the camera that time. Oh well.

Awwww....

Wonder Twins Power - Activate!

Cutie in a restaurant.

Eliza's first ride on the El.