Pre-potting training

On Saturday afternoon, Belle walked over to diaper bag, removed one
diaper, the wipes and the A+D. She took those items to the playroom
where she put them down, and then lay herself down on the ground next
to them. We got the message, so Craig then went in to the room and
changed Belle's diaper.

The next day, Belle walked up to us while we were sitting enjoying
brunch with friends at our place. Belle pointed to her tuschy and
said, "ugh." Craig asked if she had a poopy in her diaper and she
pointed again to her tuschy and again made her cute sound. Sure
enough, Belle had a dirty diaper.

Could potty-training be on the horizon?

Belle and her friends

Belle and her friends (my NYC walking moms' kids):

(L-R)

Charlie, an unhappy Belle, Marc, Dorothy, Jenny, Marielle, Gemma

Who needs a house keeper?

Belle and I make a good cleaning team. She followed me around the house Swiffering our hard wood floors. She seriously grabbed the Swiffer and eagerly pushed it around the dining room (pictured below). I can't imagine where she learned to clean compulsively ;)

Early morning dancing with Daddy

"Daddy!"

Belle's favorite word is Daddy. She will look at me with her sweet smile and say happily, "Daddy!" Though I correct her and explain that I am not Daddy but Mommy, she giggles and again declares, "Daddy!" When I read Belle a book in which Mommy comes running to give Bobo the monkey a hug, Belle pointed to Bobo's monkey mommy and said, "Daddy!"
So, Belle is talking, but Daddy seems to mean parent to Belle. Luck Craig.
Someday, Belle will call me “Mommy,” right?

A Day at the Museum

I didn't realize I hadn't posted about this. Last Monday, in honor of Lincoln's Birthday, Belle and I went to the Museum of Natural History in New York. Grandma Helene met us there. We saw all the mammals, the whale and the underwater room, and, of course, the dinosaurs (which she even touched). It was loads of fun.

A Day in Stamford

With day care lady on vacation this week, Wednesday was Daddy's day to watch Belle all day. Belle woke up at 8am, and after that, we went to the playground around the corner to start the day.



Then, we went to see Aunt Carol and Grandma Ann in Stamford. Here are some pictures from our day:







Among the highlights were a chocolate chocolate chip cookie, a walk with Aunt Carol and Grandma Ann and playing in the plant outside Aunt Carol's house.

A Visitor to the Courthouse

Not Belle, but Sen. Schumer held a press conference on the courthouse steps yesterday.  Here's an article about it.

"Cup"...sort of...

This afternoon, Belle pointed to her sippy cup and said, "cup!"
I responded excitedly, "did you just say 'cup?!'"
To this, Belle smiled and replied, "Mup! Up! Uppie, uppie, uppie."

So, um, I guess the whole "cup" thing was a coincidence. Anyway, the exchange ended with a snuggly hug, so I'm smiling.

Getting Ready for Bed

With her new book.  Belle loves carrying around and reading her books.  Little Engine that Could is a favorite.

Playing

Belle is an extraordinary toddler in that she is happy to play with her books and toys. She doesn't need a playmate or a snack or music or flashing lights. While I prepared her dinner and tomorrow's lunches, Belle read to herself (she sort of sings while she turns the pages) and then stacked cups. I am grateful that Belle is so content to play by herself, and that she plays so nicely. Play away, Belle!

Ludwig van Belle-toven

Or Wolfgang Amadeas Belle-zart.

Belle really enjoys the piano in Grandma and Grandpa's house.

I believe we've met before

At the Museum of Natural History, Belle saw an old friend she recognized, the polar bear.  She has a polar bear at home with whom she enjoys playing (more pictures to come).

Happy Birthday Abe

In honor of Abe's birthday on February 13, Belle and I met the man. She was a little confused because he wasn't moving so much. This was on the way to the Museum of Natural History.

Belle and Leila

Go Jumbos, the next generation.

Joe Cool at 7am

Belle and Stella at WPHS 2

Remember back in November when Belle and Stella played while their parents' school play performed? Well, the winter play went up at WPHS and the two girls got together again. This time, they interacted more. Adorable!


"What's in your lunch bag, Belle?":




"I have a sippy cup just like yours!":

Hold on a sec

I'm on the phone.

Squash Soup Night

Belle enjoyed the homemade soup. She got a lot on her because, as you can see, she hasn't yet mastered the art of the spoon.

Go Giants!

Belle celebrated the Super Bowl victory today.  She even watched most of the first half.

PB&J for dinner

And it got everywhere.

Future juggler

Gaga (Great-Grandma Maxine) visited on Friday:



Belle enjoyed carrying three balls when she walked her laps around the house. That's some balance!

Superbowl XLVI

Craig and Belle cheer for the NY Giants.