Hostess with the Mostest




Lately, with dark evenings and chilly weather, we've had quite of few occasions of entertaining at home. It has gotten to the point where Elsie asks daily "who's coming tonight, Mommy?" In preparation to host, Elsie keeps herself quite busy. Last week, I came home to have her inform me: "Mommy, I already put the beers out for our friends." What she meant by this was that she had carefully arranged some airplane liquor bottles we had tucked away on individual coasters throughout the living room. In preparation for another event, I found them as part of her place settings in the dining room. Each morning, after going to bed hearing her parents up with friends laughing and clinking (what a lovely sound that must be for a child, I imagine!), she would awake a bit disappointed to find that we had not consumed our "beers." There, they were carefully arranged awaiting more company. I felt bad. It was such a good idea--precious mini-bottles, thoughtfully settled like Easter eggs about the house. Perhaps we should serve cocktails in such a way, artfully, suspensefully, and delightedly... I think we should!

The other night I hosted a reception for a job candidate and one of my colleague's children was over. He is five years older than Elsie, and she had him jumping through all sorts of hoops. At one point, I spied them ducking into the pantry and intervened. Elsie told me she was showing Willy the vacuum. I asked "why?" She told me he had asked to see "the vacuum." I turned to Willy quizzically, "the vacuum?" He shrugged as if resigned, "I asked to see the bathroom."

A Playdate for All







Having the Belzers and Martins over is almost as much fun for the kids as it is for the parents... almost.

Tad's Baptism







Deacon Tom did it again--presiding over another lovely baptism. And afterward, we got to enjoy Johnny and Kate's hospitality at a fabulous party after with delicious food, delectable cake, and a bounce house which kept some of us very occupied. Guess who? And another important question, how cute is Tad? Can you believe he's crawling? We can't, and we can't wait to chase him around as soon as he's cruising!

Poppa's Girl

Poppa and Kit like to begin their days enjoying a grapefruit. I have to say that the two of them are quite smitten with each other. We look forward to the day when we find them collaborating on a crossword puzzle in the breakfast room at 665.

Big Girl in the Big City

Check out Kit in Atlanta to celebrate Johnny's birthday and Tad's baptism earlier this month. She's all dressed in a lovely sweater made by Addie and ready to roll. She hit Lenox Mall, dined at the California Pizza Kitchen and the OK Cafe, and enjoyed some fun cousin time at Baby Tad's festivities. She did not get to attend Poppa's Coffee House lecture on Jesse James (and Johnny's hilarious introduction) but heard it was a smashing success. She also didn't get to raise her glass for Johnny's birthday, but she did attend the baptism and bash following. She was also an expert traveler--3.5 hours to Atlanta each way without stopping, vomiting, or melting down!

Our Toddler












The other day Elaine told me that Kit walks like Fred Sanford. And while I can't confirm that, she does have a distinctly adorable gait and she is walk-stomping everywhere nowadays! And check her out in these Converse high tops--a gift for Elsie years back from dear Jenn Habel. They make me think of Jenn's affinity for her Converse in a darker shade. They also make me think of Ashley Fulmer on the 8th grade Pace basketball team. What do you think, Gunner?

Smudge


Elsie is very into cooking and was delighted to make some brownie muffins a few weeks back and a tres leches birthday cake on Sunday for Mommy's birthday.... She also loved making breakfast in bed for Mommy who got to sleep in until almost 8:30 on the 31st--how decadent! Many kitchen utensils have found their way into Elsie's kitchen, and she is constantly inquiring into the names and uses of devices she discovers. In fact, Elsie seems to enjoy playing with language and concocting recombinations of its various uses much like she enjoys combining ramen noodles, croutons, and dry macaroni into a "salad" in her little red kitchen. Here are some of Elsie's latest linguistic recipes: Smudge--her moniker for fudge and Nudes--What she calls the candy Nerds. There are more that I meant to write down and forgot and I'll have to get back to you on those!

A Hair Raising Playdate










Thanks again Heidel Girls! Last week, Ginger and Camille came over and watched the girls at lunch time so I could run go teach when Elaine was at a family event. Here is some of the fun that ensued on this glorious winter day! It was electrifying!

Trampoline





One parenting lesson I learned was when we decided to give Elsie a trampoline on the occasion of her September birthday: Parents have very strong feelings about trampolines. Some are very opposed and some eagerly embrace them. It has been so far-so good for us. The girls love the trampoline and ask to jump on it just about every day. Their friends adore the trampoline--even older friends-and adults-and are eager to hop on when they come by. Here are a few shots of Kit and her recently discovered joy on the trampoline!