Not Hesitant

One think you can say about Sadie is that she is not hesitant to try new things. On Saturday evening, we went to the Norwich Green for a summer solstice concert and fair. She wanted to take part in everything.

She wanted to walk on this beam with the fire juggler. He asked her if she wanted to do it, she said yes and went off without a backwards glace to Daddy.


She climbed through a set of arches in the kid's play area.


Her favorite thing was probably the Morris dancing. One of the dancers showed her what to do.




She lined up with the other dancers.


And she managed to do it pretty well!


Do you notice that she is not wearing shoes? She saw an older girl who was barefoot, so Sadie immediately removed her own shoes.

Beach Girl

Saturday was the annual picnic for Sadie's daycare. It was at Storrs Pond in Hanover, a big potluck BBQ on one of the swimming beaches. You can't tell from this picture, but it was only about 60 degrees on Saturday...it felt like a September day. But Sadie was not deterred. She even swam in the pond!


On another note, we're going to be walking the Prouty this year. The Prouty is an annual fundraising walk for the Norris Cotton Cancer Center up near us. If you're interested in sponsoring us, please comment or email me for more information.

Lunch with Friends

We had a fun playdate this morning with Sadie's friends Tavyn and Natalie. The three toddlers played so nicely together. At one point, they went up to Tavyn's room to play with some toys and the three moms were sitting in the living room chatting together. We were all amazed to have kids who are old enough to go upstairs and play by themselves! It's hard to believe that a little more than two years ago, they were newborns, just laying on the floor at the Fourth Trimester group.

After playing, the kids shared a potluck lunch. It's so fun to see what kids will eat when they see others eating. Sadie devoured a turkey and cheese sandwich, hummus, pita, edamame, red peppers, watermelon and Tings. Normally, she will separate a sandwich into meat, cheese, bread, etc. before eating it, but since Natalie and Tavyn were eating it the regular way, she did too. Natalie and Tavyn tried and liked the edamame, one of Sadie's favorites. Even Brenna joined in the kids' lunch. She liked the pita bread.

I love the small Ikea table and chairs. I really want to get a set if we get ourselves to Ikea anytime soon.

Things are Growing

whiskey barrel, flowers chosen by sadie
Originally uploaded by Dan and Ann

Our flowers are all looking great. The veggie garden is still in the early stages. The tomato and pepper plants look good. We're hoping the seeds will come up...we had a lot of heavy rain after Dan planted beans, cucumbers and radishes, so we're not sure if the seeds made it through the downpours.

Sadie chose the flowers for the whiskey barrels herself. I wasn't sure how her choices would all look together, but it looks really nice. It's interesting that she picked a lot of red flowers. Usually, she gravitates towards anything purple.

We had a tree guy come today to take a look at the two big dead trees in the back yard. They are going to come down sometime in the next couple of weeks as are some other partially dead trees.

Sandbox

sandbox
Originally uploaded by Dan and Ann

Last weekend, we set up the sandbox that Nana got for Sadie. She had a lot of fun playing in the sand. The mosquitos had a lot of fun biting her while she played. I put on bug spray, but must have missed a particular spot on her leg, because she got 5 bites all in that area. The rest was fine. Now, we have a citronella torch set up near the sandbox for future playtimes.

Our Little "School Girl"

(Sadie's school picture, 2.5 years old)

Yesterday, we had our parent-teacher conference at Sadie's daycare. We met with Stefanie and heard all about how Sadie was doing.

She is great! Some highlights were that she plays well with other kids and by herself, she is able to initiate play on her own, she likes trying new things, she loves to get messy and she loves being outside. We knew all of that about our girl!

We learned that she drinks from a regular cup with ease (at home, she still prefers a sippy or a straw cup) and that she uses a fork and spoon at school lunch (she doesn't always at home). Stefanie said that Sadie knows all the school routines by heart and will prompt the teachers if they forget something or deviate from the routine. Yup! She does that with us as well.

It was nice to hear that Sadie's teachers enjoy her as much as we do.

PS For anyone wondering about Sadie's portrait, I should give credit where credit is due. It was taken by Jennie Harriman, a photographer and art teacher here in the Upper Valley. Her website is fastanticalforest.com.

Happy (Belated) Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to Daddy, Grandpa and Bob-Bob!

Dear Daddy,
Happy Father's Day! I am so happy you are my daddy. We have so much fun together. You always make me laugh with your funny games. I love it when you bark and crawl around like a puppy, and when we play tackle. I am a lucky girl to have a daddy who loves me so much.
Lots of love,
Sadie

Summer Traditions

One of our summer routines is to go to the Lebanon Farmer's Market on Thursday evenings, after work/daycare. We love walking around, looking at all the stalls and seeing friends. This is definitely the place to "see and be seen" on Thursdays and we usually run into at least one person we know.

First, we walk around and try all the free samples. We always buy a medium sized bag of kettle corn and usually some produce, especially salad fixings. Another favorite is the samosa lady. Dan likes the beef samosas, Sadie likes the potato ones and I can't decide which I prefer. Sadie calls the samosas "quesadillas". Not sure why they remind her of quesadillas, but whatever.

Another tradition is Dairy Day at the Co-op. This fun morning is full of free samples, fun stuff for kids and wagon rides.

Ice Cream with Grandpa

dairy twirl
Originally uploaded by Dan and Ann

We went to Dairy Twirl with Grandpa and Grandma.

Sadie always wants the same thing when we go for ice cream: "Pease give me vanelya with rainbow spinkles on it in a baby cone!" She will eat regular ice cream but much prefers soft serve. Grandpa got maple soft serve with chocolate dip. The maple is so good. Sadie's opinion of maple ice cream: "It's pancake-y" and then a displeased face.

It's a stage!

flying cracker
Originally uploaded by Dan and Ann

When Sadie saw these steps on the side of Rocky, she immediately said "It's my stage" and climbed up to perform. Here, she is making her cracker fly. It's one of those Pepperidge Farm ones shaped like a butterfly that seem to appear at all Dartmouth catered events. She also sang some songs and danced around up there!

We were at a reception for Grandpa's 40th college reunion.

Boston Children's Museum

big dig worker
Originally uploaded by Dan and Ann

Dan took Sadie to the Boston Children's Museum with Kara, Lauren and James last weekend while I went to Kristin's baby shower. Kristin looks lovely and is very excited about her little girl on the way.

Sadie busily explored the museum and saw a lot of very fun exhibits with her aunties. Here she is driving a Bobcat. We have quite a few cute pics from the museum which I'll post over the next few days.

Summer Morning

Sadie and Natalie had a playdate this morning at the Montshire.

We had a great time playing in the water and since we arrived right as the museum opened, it wasn't overly crowded with school groups.

The two girls have a really nice friendship. We followed the Montshire with lunch at Boloco in Hanover. Sadie and Natalie both had tortilla and cheese wraps and Sadie drank nearly all of my smoothie. After lunch, Sadie fell asleep in the car before I had pulled out of the parking lot.

Smile

Sadie looks very much like a little girl sitting on her new deck chair. She likes to use it in the house, but we'll bring it out to the deck when it's sunny and warm.

Sadie had a school picture taken last week. It came out really well. When we get the prints back, we'll post one. The photographer told the children to say "fish cookies!" as she took the pictures. Sadie now likes to say "fish cookies" whenever I take the camera out.

We pick up our first CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box today. We are splitting a share from Luna Bleu Farm with Isaac, Laura and Andy. Today's delivery is supposed to include lettuce, spinach, scallions and bok choy.

Walking together

Sorry for the lack of posts in over the past few days. It's been busy as I try to wrap up the end of the academic year at work. Also, we've had lots of rain and I don't get as many good pics of Sadie in the bad weather.

This picture is from when Sadie, Nana and I visited Great-Grammy and Big Grampy in mid-May. It's a sweet one.

It says "Sadie"

it says "Sadie"
Originally uploaded by Dan and Ann

Isaac came over tonight for dinner and when he played with the Fridge Phonics, Sadie renewed her interest in them. After Isaac went home, she lined up the letters very carefully, put her big magnet S in the front of the line and announced, "It says Sadie!"

Actually, it says Srimkfopwehzletgvxdybzja.

Another Hat Picture

We know Grandma especially likes these hat pictures, so here's another one from Sunday. I love this red hat...it's from the $1 bin at Target. It's so cute and it's totally plain, which is very hard to find. I got Sadie a white one too.

Planting

watering flowers
Originally uploaded by Dan and Ann

We went to the nursery to get flowers this weekend. Sadie helped pick out the ones she wanted to plant. She was very helpful planting them in the big whiskey barrels and watering them afterwards. Sadie loves to water plants with both the watering can and the hose. We have to keep an eye on her or she will drown those poor plants. We also got some herbs, but since we ran out of potting soil, they still have not been planted.

This coming weekend, we are going to (try to) get our vegetable garden in. We got seeds for cucumbers, green beans, wax beans and radishes. We'll get small plants for our tomatoes, bell peppers and jalapenos at the Farmer's Market. Last year, we grew some huge sunflowers as well. Should we do those again?

Memorial Day

Sadie digs into a plate of cake, whipped cream and "just the juicy" from strawberries.

This yummy dessert followed hot dogs and hamburgers grilled by Daddy and Sadie.

Sadie had fun grilling outside with the little grill from Grandma and Grandpa.

And...He's Back!

Daddy is back! We picked him up yesterday at the airport and got home last night. We're all happy to be back together.

Off to get Daddy!

climbing
Originally uploaded by Dan and Ann.

We leave this evening for Nana and Bob-bob's house in Concord where we'll hang out on Friday before going to pick Dan up at the airport on Saturday. Last night was our last evening at home without him and we celebrated our last "girls' morning" by going to Bagel Basement for breakfast before daycare.

Sadie and I are both going to be very excited to see Dan. I think she is starting to understand that Dan really is coming home in just a few more days. This morning, I told her that the next time we came back to our house, we would have Daddy with us. She was super thrilled.

Sadie recently got a small Baby Shrek toy which came from a Happy Meal (she didn't eat the Happy Meal..the Shrek came from my co-worker). Today, in the car, she was talking to the baby. "My Daddy comin' home France! Your Shrek daddy comin' home from somewhere! Ok, baby? He coming back! Yay!"

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

i love grandma
Originally uploaded by Dan and Ann.

Dear Grandma, I love you so much! I love to sing songs with you and read books and do puzzles. You're so nice to me. Happy, happy birthday.
Love and kisses,
Sadie

Storytime with Bob-Bob

storytime with bob-bob
Originally uploaded by Dan and Ann.

Bob-Bob came to mow the lawn for us and read Sadie some stories. This new book came from the Scholastic Book Order today and was a big hit, as were the snuggles from Bob-Bob.


Sadie is really excited to see Daddy. Today, she said, "I see Daddy when we go to the airport. We can go to the airport tonight?" Just a few more days and then we will!

(If you have noticed some strange formatting, it's because I am trying a new thing where I can blog directly from our photos on Flickr. Still not sure if I like it or not.)

Grandma, Sadie and Grandpa

Grandma, Sadie and Grandpa
Originally uploaded by Dan and Ann.

We had a great visit with Grandma and Grandpa this weekend, despite the weather. Sadie loved having her grandparents around to do fun things with.

All the grandparents have been so helpful and supportive while Dan has been away. Thanks!

In baby news from our friends, we're very excited that both Kristin and Doug and Rebecca and Reggie are expecting baby girls!

(Daddy comes home in 4 days!)

Best Buds

100_2540
Originally uploaded by a_ager.

Isaac and Sadie enjoy some sunshine in Isaac's hammock on Sunday. These two are great playmates and super influences on each other. On Thursday, Sadie saw Isaac gobbling up some mandarin oranges and decided that she likes them again...after refusing to eat them for more than two months.

(Thanks to Andy and Laura for taking this great shot!)

Rain, rain, go away!

It seems like the rainy weather we've been having is starting to clear up. I am really for some sunshine, although I know Sadie wouldn't mind rain if she got to use her new "child's umbrella"!

The forecast for this week is very nice and we'll enjoy the warm weather and sun while we wait for Daddy to come home on Saturday!

Rain Will Not Deter Us...

From bringing a baby doll to the Norwich Farmer's Market.

Sadie did not seem to mind the cool air and pouring rain as she proudly pushed her doll all over the market.


(Daddy comes home in less than a week!)

Riding a Horse

This is another shot from Great-Grammy's park. The park equipment is new and very nice...the typical modern playground style. All except for two totally retro riding horses mounted on large springs, which were big hits with Sadie.

(Daddy comes home in 10 days...we are getting excited!)

Missing Daddy

Tonight, before bed, we had the following conversation:

Sadie: I want my real Daddy, not Memphis Daddy.*
Me: I miss Daddy too. He will be home in a few more days.
Sadie: He be home in the morning?
Me: No, not tomorrow morning. But pretty soon.
Sadie: He come home soon. (pauses) If not come home, we go to Kohl's, get a new Daddy?
Me: No, we won't need a new Daddy because Daddy will come home soon. And Grandpa is visiting soon. He's Mommy's daddy, so he can give you daddy cuddles.
Sadie: Grandpa's coming. Daddy come home so soon! Not get a new Daddy. I love Daddy.


*Memphis Daddy = the stuffed penguin Dan got her.

So busy!

Everyone is keeping us so busy while Daddy is away.
Auntie Lolly spent the night on Sunday and then Aunt Jenny came on Monday and just left this morning. It was really nice to spend time with them. Sadie especially loved that Lolly and Jenny both came to Mimo to drop her off and she showed them her school.

(Sadie with roses and a ballon animal after Mother's Day Brunch)

Here's a little "life in the Upper Valley" story:
When Jenny arrived Monday night, we wanted to get some dinner delivered after Sadie went to bed. First, we called Gusanoz for Mexican. They were not offering delivery for orders under $40 because one of the drivers didn't come in to work. Then, we called Peking Tokyo and ordered some sushi and some Chinese food. This was at 6:45. By 8:20, the food was not here. I called to check. They said "It's on it's way!" (Peking Tokyo is about a 5 minute drive from our place). But by 8:30, it was still not here. I called again...finally, they admitted that the driver had been pulled over by the cops for speeding and was still with the police. I cancelled the order. We then called Village Pizza...they were not doing delivery because they had no drivers working that night! We gave up and made quesadillas and guacamole.

In other news, welcome to Gilly's brand-new little brother, Simon. He's super cute!

(Daddy comes home in 11 days!)

She loves to slide

On Saturday, we visited Great-Grammy and Big Grampy. These are Sadie's paternal great-grandparents. Behind their house is a public playground. In all the times we have been there, I have never seen another child there!

Sadie especially loved the twisting slide. Great-Grammy brought out some paper towels and cleaned the slide so that Sadie wouldn't get dirty...aren't grandparents so cute?

(Daddy comes home in 12 days!)

A New Museum

During our visit this weekend to Nana and Bob-bob, we went to the Portsmouth Children's Museum. Sadie had a great time exploring this fabulous place. We went with two sweet babies, Molly, 1 1/2, and Tess, 10 weeks, who are the daughters of Auntie Kara's friend Brooke, as well as Brooke and her own mom.

Sadie especially loved this kitchen exhibit, sponsored by a local Greek organization. She is holding a pitcher of "lemonade", while Molly enjoys a plate of plastic "spaghetti". Both girls are dressing up in Greek aprons!

Happy Mother's Day!

[Sadie told me to write this before I left.]

"Happy Mother's Day, Mommy! I love you very much and I love all of the fun we have together. I love how you take such good care of me and daddy. You are the best mommy ever! I know daddy misses you a lot and wishes he was here. Daddy said you should get take out sometime this week, his treat. I vote for pizza!"

Growing Things

Many of Sadie's schoolmates brought in plants for teacher appreciation week and to go along with the May theme of "Gardens". The children planted their plants around the school. The older children used the garden bed on the preschool side of the building, Sadie and the other toddlers used this planter in front of the school.

Sadie's plant is the bright pink/red dahlia in the middle of the planter. She chose it herself at the Co-op. After I picked her up yesterday, she showed me where they are keeping the planting tools and watering cans.

In her classroom are huge flowers the children made out of paper and paint. Sadie's is "puh-pull" (purple!). She is really loving this gardening unit.
(Daddy comes home in 16 days!)

You are my sunshine...

...my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are grey...



I totally lucked out getting this shot of Sadie this morning. She wanted to go play outside and we had a little time before we needed to leave for the day, so I grabbed the camera and took some snaps while she ran around. Sometimes, it all comes together perfectly. I love this picture.

Teacher Appreciation

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week and also Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Week. We definitely appreciate Sadie's teachers. They make Mimo a wonderful place to learn and to have fun with friends.

I especially appreciate daycare while solo parenting. It makes things much easier for me to know that Sadie is having a fun day while I am at work and we are getting a break from each other. It makes both of us very happy to see each other at the end of the day and makes the evenings fun.
(Daddy comes home in 17 days!)

Clean Teeth

Sadie is busily brushing her teeth wearing the very, very special Ariel pajamas. Normally, I don't buy Sadie clothes with characters on them, but she really wanted these and well, why not? She was so happy to wear them.


It was over 80 degrees here today! I guess we mostly skipped spring and have moved into summer.
(Daddy comes home in 18 days!)

Having Fun

Sadie made a kite at the Montshire Museum on Friday. She loved running with it and seeing it fly out behind her.

This morning, we read Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans because it's set in Paris. Sadie asked, "Daddy see Madeline?" I said no, but that he might see some of the places shown in the book.

(Daddy comes home in 19 days!)

Au Revoir, Papa!

Daddy is off to France! Bon voyage!

We'll miss you and we love you so much! But we are going to have lots of good times to tell you about!

Sadie and Daddy share a cuddle with Memphis, the penguin daddy, which Dan got Sadie to hug while he's away.

(Daddy comes home in 21 days.)

Fun Times

A sunny day, a good friend and the entire bag of Veggie Booty...

What a happy time!

Identical Quadruplets?

This is an optical illusion from some mirrors at the Montshire and, thank goodness, we just have one Sadie!





And here is a video:

Peek-a-boo!