Most mornings these days Ada drags out the process of getting out of bed, getting dressed, putting her shoes on, and finally letting me brush her hair. I'm counter balancing this by waking her up a little earlier than I normally would but letting her hang out in her room for an extra 10 minutes getting used to the idea that it is time for her day to start.
Basically, I'm her human snooze alarm.
Well this morning Elliot and I were already planning a quick trip to Starbucks so we didn't have to wash our coffee pot and milk steamer dishes, so when I woke up Ada I told her that if she got ready quickly we would go get coffee.
Ada LOVES coffee (aka chocolate milk).
I left the room thinking that she would hang out and wait for me to pry her little body from her bed and coerce her into going potty. I started to dry my hair and before I knew it I felt a tugging on my hair dryer cord. I glanced down thinking it was caught on the sink or something and to my surprise I saw Ada. She was dressed and ready to go in about 10 minutes and then spent another 10 running around Elliot and I trying to get us to speed up so we could get out on time.
Remember this Nana. We aren't opposed to bribery. Use it to your advantage all weekend long!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
movie stars like Ada
Every night we read three books to Ada.
Fancy Nancy
Purplicious and
The Little Engine that Could
In that order. If we deviate we ruin the whole night.
Fancy Nancy has to go first because this is the book that Ada gets involved in the most. First she likes to repeat most of the lines, especially the fancy lines. But by far her most favorite line is when Fancy Nancy's family arrives at the Kings' Crown (if you don't know what the King's Crown is you obviously don't have a Fancy Nancy fan in your house). The line goes something like, "When we arrive at the King's Crown everyone must think we are movie stars". One of the thousands of times I read this line I must have said something like, "Look they have sunglasses on like Ada." Which she immediately heard as, "Look they are movie stars like Ada." So now, when we read that line she stands up, (even though she was just under the covers) puts her arms straight out, and does a slow shimmy as she says, "Movie stars like Ada."
And as if that wasn't cute enough she follows it up with a giant smile to say Yes, I am cute and I know it! Watch OUT!
Fancy Nancy
Purplicious and
The Little Engine that Could
In that order. If we deviate we ruin the whole night.
Fancy Nancy has to go first because this is the book that Ada gets involved in the most. First she likes to repeat most of the lines, especially the fancy lines. But by far her most favorite line is when Fancy Nancy's family arrives at the Kings' Crown (if you don't know what the King's Crown is you obviously don't have a Fancy Nancy fan in your house). The line goes something like, "When we arrive at the King's Crown everyone must think we are movie stars". One of the thousands of times I read this line I must have said something like, "Look they have sunglasses on like Ada." Which she immediately heard as, "Look they are movie stars like Ada." So now, when we read that line she stands up, (even though she was just under the covers) puts her arms straight out, and does a slow shimmy as she says, "Movie stars like Ada."
And as if that wasn't cute enough she follows it up with a giant smile to say Yes, I am cute and I know it! Watch OUT!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
on this day in history...
Today on the way to work/day care Ada and I were listening to the events around the inauguration on NPR. Most of drive was descriptions of who was wearing what color and how big the crowd was, but right at the end of our drive the big wigs started to take the stage and there was a lot of applause and playing of patriotic music. Ada got into the whole thing and started chatting up a storm. Thinking that she was really interested in what was going on I started explaining what today was, and how this was a very important day in the history of our country. She even dutifully repeated the name of Barak Obama back to me. Then after a short lull in our conversation, after hearing a smattering of applause and music, Ada started clapping herself and started wiggling and dancing in her seat. Then with the biggest grin a 2 year old can muster she leaned forward in her seat and shouted up to me, "O Canada, O Canada".
At least she got the patriotic part correct.
At least she got the patriotic part correct.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
party girl
Last night Auntie Katie called Ada and I while we were driving home but the call lasted longer than the drive. After we arrived home we stayed out in the car because I would have had to dig my phone out of my bag in the back of the car to pull it off the Bluetooth in the car and also because the car is one of Ada's favorite playgrounds.
As some background information on the way home Ada spilled some water on her shirt so she insisted on taking it off as soon as we pulled into the driveway.
While sitting in the car I opened the sun roof to let in some of the nice night air. Ada thought this was GREAT!
As her mother, what I'm about to tell you was both hilarious and enough to make me want to lock Ada in her room until she is 35.
Once the sun roof was opened, Ada, topless Ada, pulled herself through the hole in the roof and started shouting, "WEEEEEEEEEE YEEEEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA". She did this over and over again. Pulling herself back into the car to laugh hysterically.
Note to self. Ada is not allowed anywhere near limos when she hits high school.
As some background information on the way home Ada spilled some water on her shirt so she insisted on taking it off as soon as we pulled into the driveway.
While sitting in the car I opened the sun roof to let in some of the nice night air. Ada thought this was GREAT!
As her mother, what I'm about to tell you was both hilarious and enough to make me want to lock Ada in her room until she is 35.
Once the sun roof was opened, Ada, topless Ada, pulled herself through the hole in the roof and started shouting, "WEEEEEEEEEE YEEEEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA". She did this over and over again. Pulling herself back into the car to laugh hysterically.
Note to self. Ada is not allowed anywhere near limos when she hits high school.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Horray for 2009
Welcome to 2009! We had a wonderful break, traveled by car, boat, and plane. Saw almost all of our family, spent time catching a tan and playing in snow. Welcomed Santa back into our lives after many years and really got a lot of time to enjoy the wonderful little girl that Ada is becoming. Granted we had our battles of wills as well - but for some reason when I look back on the two weeks of family time I just remember the funny stuff.
Our vacation started with our cruise down to Cabo, or as Ada liked to say "On the big boat". Ada LOVED the cruise. Everything was new and exciting and the boat was big enough to not get bored but also small enough that Ada had it figured out after about a day. Elliot and I will remember this trip for the amount of sleep we got, Ada will remember this trip for the amount of ice cream she consumed. The cafeteria had soft serve machines and our waiter in our formal dining room discovered Ada's love of chocolate ice cream on the first night and would then just bring more and more and more every night. This might have been the highlight of the cruise for Ada if it weren't for dance show on the last night. Ada was mesmerized by every little twirl and beebop to the music. Put it this way she sat still and focused for close to 45 minutes, not even Nemo can warrant that kind of respect.
Next we spent a few days at home, preparing for, and participating in Christmas. Ada loved mass, but not so much for the religious aspects as the musical aspects. After every song the choir sang, Ada clapped as loud as she could and shouted out, "YAYAYAY". Just to let the choir know she appreciated their effort. We also spent lots of time at Nana's house, and without fail, immediately after we would leave Nana's house Ada would start asking to go back to Nana's house. I think it had something to do with the way Nana lets Ada jump on the couch after she has already knocked off the cushions.
The day after Christmas we boarded a big airplane and headed up to the frozen tundra of Seattle. Lucky to have avoided the big lack of de-icing fluid catastrophe that held Seattle hostage for days, we had a great flight and actually only took one hour from landing to driving our rental car away from the airport. With checked bags, a two year old and all that snow - that was really something.
We managed to make it up to my Grandma Ott's house while Ada napped in the car. Once we got to Grandma's house we told Ada that we were at her Great Grandma's house. She looked at me and said, "Big Grandma's house" with the authority of a grade school grammar teacher correcting he young pupils. So it became Big Grandma's house from that point on. After visiting for awhile we headed up to the cabin, or as Ada would like to call it HOME. She adapted to the cabin really fast and when it came time to leave she threw the tantrum to end all tantrums. If we ever do move out of our house in San Diego I think Ada will have to go on vacation as we pack up everything because the trauma we inflicted on her when we left the cabin this year was right up there with the trauma she goes through when she poops in the shower (all you parents out there know what that shriek is).
But I'm getting ahead of myself. Baker was once again fun and relaxing. Ada got to hang out with Taylor the whole week (and has been asking for her everyday since we returned home), and she got two solid play days with Erica and Nicollo. She also has a new BFF - his name is Tony and Ada now brightens up when she hears his name. She also got to reacquaint herself with Jason, Emi, and Nonna Donna, as well as her Tia Jackie. Tony and Jackie did quite a good job keeping up Ada's Spanish lessons while we were away and now Ada will sponateously break out into a "Tiaaa Jaaackkiee" while in the car.
We also had a ton of snow up in Baker. On one of our play days with the other Hickses Jason, Elliot, Emi and I build a variety of snow objects for the kids to play with. There was a wonderful snowman (complete with moss for hair), a snow couch and a snow chair, and best of all... a snow slide. Erica was by far the most daring but Ada did a round or two going head first.
All in all a great way to end the year. Thanks to everyone for a great 2008 - here is to hoping 2009 is even better!!
Our vacation started with our cruise down to Cabo, or as Ada liked to say "On the big boat". Ada LOVED the cruise. Everything was new and exciting and the boat was big enough to not get bored but also small enough that Ada had it figured out after about a day. Elliot and I will remember this trip for the amount of sleep we got, Ada will remember this trip for the amount of ice cream she consumed. The cafeteria had soft serve machines and our waiter in our formal dining room discovered Ada's love of chocolate ice cream on the first night and would then just bring more and more and more every night. This might have been the highlight of the cruise for Ada if it weren't for dance show on the last night. Ada was mesmerized by every little twirl and beebop to the music. Put it this way she sat still and focused for close to 45 minutes, not even Nemo can warrant that kind of respect.
Next we spent a few days at home, preparing for, and participating in Christmas. Ada loved mass, but not so much for the religious aspects as the musical aspects. After every song the choir sang, Ada clapped as loud as she could and shouted out, "YAYAYAY". Just to let the choir know she appreciated their effort. We also spent lots of time at Nana's house, and without fail, immediately after we would leave Nana's house Ada would start asking to go back to Nana's house. I think it had something to do with the way Nana lets Ada jump on the couch after she has already knocked off the cushions.
The day after Christmas we boarded a big airplane and headed up to the frozen tundra of Seattle. Lucky to have avoided the big lack of de-icing fluid catastrophe that held Seattle hostage for days, we had a great flight and actually only took one hour from landing to driving our rental car away from the airport. With checked bags, a two year old and all that snow - that was really something.
We managed to make it up to my Grandma Ott's house while Ada napped in the car. Once we got to Grandma's house we told Ada that we were at her Great Grandma's house. She looked at me and said, "Big Grandma's house" with the authority of a grade school grammar teacher correcting he young pupils. So it became Big Grandma's house from that point on. After visiting for awhile we headed up to the cabin, or as Ada would like to call it HOME. She adapted to the cabin really fast and when it came time to leave she threw the tantrum to end all tantrums. If we ever do move out of our house in San Diego I think Ada will have to go on vacation as we pack up everything because the trauma we inflicted on her when we left the cabin this year was right up there with the trauma she goes through when she poops in the shower (all you parents out there know what that shriek is).
But I'm getting ahead of myself. Baker was once again fun and relaxing. Ada got to hang out with Taylor the whole week (and has been asking for her everyday since we returned home), and she got two solid play days with Erica and Nicollo. She also has a new BFF - his name is Tony and Ada now brightens up when she hears his name. She also got to reacquaint herself with Jason, Emi, and Nonna Donna, as well as her Tia Jackie. Tony and Jackie did quite a good job keeping up Ada's Spanish lessons while we were away and now Ada will sponateously break out into a "Tiaaa Jaaackkiee" while in the car.
We also had a ton of snow up in Baker. On one of our play days with the other Hickses Jason, Elliot, Emi and I build a variety of snow objects for the kids to play with. There was a wonderful snowman (complete with moss for hair), a snow couch and a snow chair, and best of all... a snow slide. Erica was by far the most daring but Ada did a round or two going head first.
All in all a great way to end the year. Thanks to everyone for a great 2008 - here is to hoping 2009 is even better!!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
TA-DAA!!!
Recently Ada was enjoying her dinner and, clearly impressed with her own ability to successfully shovel at least some of the food on her plate into her mouth, raised her arms victoriously over her head and exclaimed "Ta-daa!!!". Sitting on the stool in front of her, I provided what seemed to be the appropriate response by raising my arms in kind and returning the ta-daa.
Ada was delighted by this exchange and followed it with the logic of any 2 year old - if something is funny once, it should be repeated ad nauseum. I played along, mirroring her ta-daas dutifully. After what seemed like the 30th go-round of ta-daas, I decided to inject some variety into my end of the performance by responding with clapping and a hearty "yeah Ada!". Ada pondered this response for a moment then raised her arms up for another ta-daa. I again responded with clapping and "yeah Ada!". After a short pause and a confused frown, Ada addressed me with the restrained frustration of someone explaining an obvious concept to a not-so-swift student. "No daddy," she said slowly, "not yeah Ada. Ta-daa." while raising her arms instructively. Thus chastened, I returned to the proper response and Ada was happily ta-daa-ing again.
Ada was delighted by this exchange and followed it with the logic of any 2 year old - if something is funny once, it should be repeated ad nauseum. I played along, mirroring her ta-daas dutifully. After what seemed like the 30th go-round of ta-daas, I decided to inject some variety into my end of the performance by responding with clapping and a hearty "yeah Ada!". Ada pondered this response for a moment then raised her arms up for another ta-daa. I again responded with clapping and "yeah Ada!". After a short pause and a confused frown, Ada addressed me with the restrained frustration of someone explaining an obvious concept to a not-so-swift student. "No daddy," she said slowly, "not yeah Ada. Ta-daa." while raising her arms instructively. Thus chastened, I returned to the proper response and Ada was happily ta-daa-ing again.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
I say la mesa, you say...
Being the over-informed and freaked-out modern parents that we are, Katie and I take Ada to a toddler Spanish class every Saturday morning, concerned that our collective foreign language skills, being barely sufficient to order a ham sandwich in Paris, will permanently stunt Ada's ability to pick up other tongues.
Neither Katie or I have studied Spanish, so we struggle along with Ada trying to pick up the new vocabulary. This is fine in class, where the ever patient Miss Linda encourages our feeble attempts to help out as if we were just a few more two-year old students, happy if we just make an attempt at saying the words and make it through class without wetting ourselves. At home, it's a little tougher. As parents we feel duty-bound to reinforce Miss Linda's teachings in spite of our complete incompetence with the subject matter. This primarily consists of repeating colors and numbers in Spanish while reading with Ada, but occasionally we'll chuck in a random word out of the blue.
The other night Ada was sitting in her high chair finishing up with dinner. As usual, a good portion of her mac and cheese had found its way on to the chair's tray, the surrounding floor, and probably some not so obvious places we'll only discover when we move out of the house. I grabbed a sponge and handed it to Ada, asking her to clean "la mesa" - no doubt this clever use of Spanglish was delivered with the perfect diction one would expect from mid-western Canadian. Leaving Ada to her cleaning, I stooped down to pick up some errant mac. When I stood up, Ada was looking at me with a puzzled expression while dutifully using the sponge to clean the top of her head. No doubt she found it odd that her dad would ask her to clean her "cabeza" while "la mesa" clearly had a mess on it. I took heart that she was willing to follow instructions from her dad, no matter how idiotic, but I fear her foreign language skills may still be doomed.
Neither Katie or I have studied Spanish, so we struggle along with Ada trying to pick up the new vocabulary. This is fine in class, where the ever patient Miss Linda encourages our feeble attempts to help out as if we were just a few more two-year old students, happy if we just make an attempt at saying the words and make it through class without wetting ourselves. At home, it's a little tougher. As parents we feel duty-bound to reinforce Miss Linda's teachings in spite of our complete incompetence with the subject matter. This primarily consists of repeating colors and numbers in Spanish while reading with Ada, but occasionally we'll chuck in a random word out of the blue.
The other night Ada was sitting in her high chair finishing up with dinner. As usual, a good portion of her mac and cheese had found its way on to the chair's tray, the surrounding floor, and probably some not so obvious places we'll only discover when we move out of the house. I grabbed a sponge and handed it to Ada, asking her to clean "la mesa" - no doubt this clever use of Spanglish was delivered with the perfect diction one would expect from mid-western Canadian. Leaving Ada to her cleaning, I stooped down to pick up some errant mac. When I stood up, Ada was looking at me with a puzzled expression while dutifully using the sponge to clean the top of her head. No doubt she found it odd that her dad would ask her to clean her "cabeza" while "la mesa" clearly had a mess on it. I took heart that she was willing to follow instructions from her dad, no matter how idiotic, but I fear her foreign language skills may still be doomed.
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