Remembrances of Yore (or, "Nostalgia? Eh, Kinda")

This is a video from one year ago.  Was flipping through old files and it brought a huge smile to my face.  I don't normally get nostalgic for HD's teeny weeny days.  Don't get me wrong; I loved having a cuddly little bug who was the smiliest baby ever.  It's just that she honestly gets more and more fun (albeit more and more...um...challenging) with each passing day.  But this video?  Let's just say that the kid still cracks up whenever Mama pops out of a hiding place.  I guess some bits just never get old.  Hopefully it still works as a tension reliever in HD's teenage years.

Ballad of a Lady (or, "She's Always a Woman to Me")

According to the great Billy Joel (a grog- loving pirate if there ever was one), "she never gives out, she never gives in...she just changes her mind."

Portraits of a Babe (or, "You Try Photographing a Toddler")

To all the people who consistently demand photos of my daughter -- I completely understand.  She's cute, and you want to see the cute.   I honestly appreciate that you take an active, non-creepy interest in my kid and her blessed genetics ( thanks for passing down your good looks, Hubs).  And like any proud mama, I love to show her off. But capturing her mug on film is much easier said than done. Witness the attempted shots from this morning.

As evidenced, Miss Diva HD does not pose on command. It's candid shots + a prayer that'll she'll be still for 3 seconds = 1 usable shot out of 7.

Methinks a SLR camera may be on the list for Santa this year.

PS -- my phone only allows photos to be posted sideways when I blog from the phone.  Boo.

Wicked be My Laughter (or, "Baby-Related Halloween Leftovers")

I was lucky enough to have two really lovely baby showers when I was pregnant with Miss HD.  Both were casual, full of good friends and family, and mercifully game-free.  Very little kitsch, which is just my style.  But I got to say, if kitsch gets to be totally tongue in cheek and, well, BADASS, then this is pretty awesome: A Night of the Living Baby Shower.

I'm now fervently wishing that a close friend or sis-in-law is one day pregnant in a future October, and I can pitch this idea.  Although I may be the only person I actually know who's gaga enough over scary movies to find this both delightful and hilarious.  You're allowed to express your complete horror over my sense of humor in the comments. 

All Hallows Eve (or, "Happy Ween!!")

So a few weeks back my little family hit up our local Spirit Store to check out outdoor decor options for my 3rd favorite holiday (after Christmas and ITLAPD, of course).  We let HD wander around, and she was instantly drawn to the kids costume section.  She promptly shunned all things princess, waved a quick hello to Elmo, and then shrieked "DEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!" at the top of her lungs.  HD had stumbled across a costume for her hero, DJ Lance Rock.  Hubs and I glanced at one another and shrugged.  At least she's not obsessed with the bossy pants of toddler TV, Dora the Explorer.

You know those cardboard inserts in store costume packing that have a picture of the character to advertise the costume?  Well, over the next two weeks, our daughter has dragged that thing around the house in her wake, gleefully showing anyone who will pay attention her "Dee" and the "Baby Dee" (the insert has a photo of the real DJ Lance Rock as well as one of a kid in the costume).  She kisses it.  She gets upset when she can't find it.  If we're not careful here, we're moving into golden calf territory.

Stuffing your face is considered proper 'Ween etiquette.

Luckily, Halloween came yesterday, and she had a real excuse to finally wear her polyester orange jumpsuit.  When I put it on her in the morning, the kid was fully aware that she was finally one with her idol.  She would glimpse herself in the mirror, point at her reflection, and whisper "Baby Dee" in tones that indicate she was well aware of the awesomenss of her outfit.  She kept the hat on at all times, but drew a firm line against wearing the GINORMOUS black nerd glasses.  I can't blame her.  Those things are monstrous even on a full size man face like Hubs's, a total fashion faux pas.  Anyway, behold the glory:

DJ HD Rock admits that tangerine is truly her signature color.

That night, we made the Trick-or-Treating rounds.  When she got scared of our neighbor's singing Frankenstein doll, we convinced her it was a frog ("Oh.  Hi, fog").  She refused to say trick or treat, but managed to say "oooooh" in a very appreciative manner anytime she was offered candy ("kangy, mmmm"), followed by a lovely sign language thank you/blowing kiss.  Kid adored being outside at night, and nommed happily on a 3 Musketeers bar.  She even managed to learn to say "Happy Ween!"  Tantrums were averted, the costume remained in one piece (hers did anyway; my pirate sword broke, curses!), and she got to bed at the standard time despite the constant ringing of our doorbell.  All in all, a success!

Kid wasn't scared on entering mouth of the beast -- she has Gabba power to protect her.

"Kangy, mmmm" *blows kiss/thank you*

Huge thanks to the lovely people of our neighborhood, who were so nice to our kid.  And Hubs and I totally appreciate the candy -- we know none of you were fooled by our 16 month old front.  The evening was finished up with pumpkin beer, mini Snickers bars, and the Slutty Pumpkin.  Honestly?  I infinitely prefer this to the days of Halloween parties in bars, dressed like Joel from Risky Business.  Although maybe next year I dig out that old costume in attempt to teach HD the splendor that is Bob Seger.

Pastimes of Yore ( or, "I Need a Hobby")

The weather's been gorgeous lately, so the daughter went for a romp the last weekend in a cold park fountain.  Watching HD's joyful abandon over running in gushing water...it makes my heart sing.  And I'll be honest, it also makes me a wee jealous.  It reminds me of that part in Knocked Up when Paul Rudd's character is watching his kids in the park, and he comments that he wished he enjoyed anything as much as his kids enjoy bubbles.  He obviously loves his kids, but he knows he needs something in his life that's just his own.

So Hubs and I have instituted taking every other Saturday morning off.  One of us spends quality time with HD, and the other one gets to do whatever he/she wants (sleep, errands, workout, laze about and watch tv).  Today's my morning off -- I'm thinking this could could be the perfect time to start dusting off old hobbies, or cultivate a new one.

A Mare Over a Schooner (or, "Even Pirates Say 'Wheeee!'")

My bro and I used to ride this rocking horse when we were kids.  I'm not the biggest advocate of saving everything from childhood, but I'm super glad that my HD has this thing (thanks heaps to my sentimental Daddy!).  Apparently, so is she:

Apologies for the tiny video; it's from Hubs's iPhone.  Oh, and that little sound byte at the end there?  HD is blowing her lips out ("ppppllllllltttttpppp") which is her horse sound.  I mean, obviously.

But seriously, pirates love horses as much as cowboys love boats.  Just ask Lyle Lovett.