Go Team Zan

Finally, SOMETHING

2011-09-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome, Sweet Ian

2011-03-18T21:08:00.000-07:00

Jason likes our little guy.

And our little guy seems comfy on his dad's shoulder.

Ian was not bored with his Ga; he was so dazzled that it tuckered him out.

Well, Jason is pleased in this shot, anyway.

I am head over heels about him.

Two brothers, my sons, my boys, my three guys with my sister. I adore all of those phrases.

Taking it extremely easy in Auntie Kennon's lap.

A winning pose.

It is easier with two on the task, that is for sure. I am worn out and so happy and wanted to get some pictures up for all to see. We are so happy our wee Ian is here safely with us. He arrived a day and a few hours early. Our middle-of-the-night trip to the hospital was exciting, and in the middle of it all, I thought it sounded very nice to be home in bed snoozing, but our delightful new addition is worth any effort. We sure love him lots and lots and lots.

Happy Birthday, Aaron

2011-01-11T19:51:00.000-08:00

Today, on 1/11/11, my darling little man turned one.

His sister and I surprised him with a Funfetti cake we'd made while he was napping. He was very pleased with it.

As usual, our Petunia is pleased with herself.

Aaron loves just hanging out and being one of the guys.

He dresses in a way that suggests he's secure in his manhood.

He makes funny faces that make his Mummy laugh, and his favorite thing to do is play with his sister.

He lets her choose the activity usually; he's just happy to be included.

I have never met a person more full of joy or zest for life. He is the one who reminds me there is no good reason NOT to walk around the living room laughing your head off.

I am pretty sure this is my favorite picture of Aaron ever, so far. He is really this happy, almost all of the time, unless his teeth are coming in or we are really misbehaving. His actions lead me to believe that he would like to be a dentist or a manicurist when he grows up. I have told him repeatedly that he will have to improve his technique, because at this point even his mother is nervous about being worked on. Everywhere we go Aaron makes friends with this charming little smile. When my day is going absolutely crappily, Aaron always brightens it. I thought I wanted daughters only. Ha. This little guy proved me soooo wrong. I cannot imagine my life without him. I would probably just be sad all the time and not know why... Happy birthday to my darling, darling, sweet, beloved, dare-devilish charming wee person.

Oops...We Do Still Have Him!

2010-12-06T14:21:00.000-08:00

What kind of a mom blogs about her kids and overlooks including pictures of one of them?? Probably a tired and busy one, but I can guarantee it is still a Momma who loves her little man to the moon and back. Is he not winsome? Yes, that is a rhetorical question.

Starting to sport a mustache already. All the ladies are already wooed by his eyes.

When he wears this, I call him Dinobuns, because there is a big orange dinosaur right across his bum-bum. Somehow the pictures of the babies sleeping never truly captures the actual beauty, but I try nevertheless.

You can't tell too well from the picture, but his arms are out to his sides as he balances himself. He is already walking all over the place--six feet is about his record. He is not even 11 months yet! My wee Aaron Baron is truly a marvel.

Pictures From Our Days

2010-12-05T20:16:00.000-08:00

She told me she was a princess ghost pony rider.

Here, I suppose, she is a non-ghost princess pony rider.

I shook all the treasure chests at Costco to find the one that sounded like it had something really good in it.

She sleeps in her Minnie p.j.s every night she is allowed to (which is always, unless it is too cold and she needs footie jams). She always insists on sleeping with her "two pooks," Olivia and Ian.

Concentrating hard on getting her face painted.

Our little flower.

80% princess, 11% cheese ball, 9% ultimate fighter

Apparently sleep overtook her very quickly. I know how that is.

Ready to rumble on a somewhat chilly day (the kind of day that calls for a knit hat yet still allows sandals).

Rumbling.

A Paltry Blog Offering

2010-11-08T19:17:00.000-08:00

It is a sad inversely proportional relationship: The more awesome things I have going on in my life, the less time I have to document the excitement! I feel guilty about my blogging infrequency, and the longer I go without blogging, the more overwhelmed I am by the prospect of "catching up." So I am not going to catch up. I am not even going to be clever. I am just going to slap some pictures of my babies on my blog and watch an episode of Desperate Housewives and call it good 'nuff!

Aaron Baron Pudding Pie enjoying a little air conditioning (which we needed as recently as last weekend!)

And enjoying a wee tizzy-bizzy from Dad.

And a wee bit of gee-tar music.

The temperature dropped into the fifties, so Snazz, being a true California girl, felt the need to don mittens prior to adventuring outdoors.

I love the way my babies look when they are sleeping. And they never tell me they don't like me or "NO!" while they're sleeping, which is a plus!

There was face painting at the farmers' market, which was right up Azzy gal's alley.

Mom calls "Monkey Business" on this little guy.

Playing with a mylar balloon makes Aaron this happy.

Witchy-pie ready to go to a party at school with Dad.

She can not only cast spells, but also play bells!

This is the best shot I got of us three on Halloween. It's hard to tell, but Aaron is an astronaut.

For Chris and Kennon

2010-09-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

Just like her mom, this gal REALLY enjoys her chocolate!

Making a sand castle at "sand park"

Walking down the very long staircase.

...and the very long hill.

Fun at the bottom of the slide...

...and fun at the top...

...and fun at the bottom.

If you think she looks grouchy now, you should have seen her when dad pulled away without closing her door. Oops.

Oh gosh, I hope they realize I am not merely a toy!

I snapped a shot of this anoymous Pookie charging around my living room.

Posing for his calendar shot.

Enjoying catching up with Gamma.

Vacation and Haircuts

2010-08-21T18:56:00.001-07:00

A phrase my daughter often utters is, "See sumfing kinchen." This means that she would like to select something to eat from the refrigerator or in reality spend a very long time with Mom discussing the very limited options that are both something she would LIKE to eat and something she is ALLOWED to eat.

She seems pleased with her salsa selections.

Aaron and I just got back from a week's vacation. We took only three pictures, all with Aunt Meggin, which is delightful indeed, but I can't believe I didn't get any pictures of Aaron with his adoring grandparents or cousins. This is one of many reasons that it is very good to have Jason accompany me on vacation. He is an excellent family photographer.

This is tiny guy's before shot. His dad called him a hippie when he got off the plane, and I concurred that he at least needed a bang trim.

Shot of the back before action.

Aaron doesn't mind having his luxurious locks trimmed a bit.

Azzy physics a little snack in the salon kitchen while she waits her turn.

Butterball cuts 'r us.

Our smiles here are very tiny but very big. We only tipped the stylist an extra dollar for picture taking. She was a very good sport.

He certainly looks ready to go preach for some group or other. I like where you can see that he chewed on his cape.

Azzy's hair really isn't as short as it looks. I just wait until it gets unmanageable and she cries even though I am VERY gentle when combing it, and then I tell the stylist to cut each of her hairs in half, though I let her do multiple hairs at a time. Haircut mornings are fun. Just the fact that it's a weekend and we all get to hang out is lots of fun indeed.

A Shoe Story for Hillary

2010-08-06T21:53:00.000-07:00

I have a hard time finding shoes that fit, because I wear size 10.5. In the stores they have loads of 10's and loads of 11's, but 10.5's are a rarity. I guess they figure once your feet get a certain size you lose all sensitivity and don't care if they fit properly. I desperately needed new shoes and ordered six pair from Zappos, because they have free shipping and free returns. I told myself I would only keep two pair. I was very sad when I wanted to keep four pair. Jason said I could keep any four shoes (total) that I wanted.

I loved these. Dad would approve since they're red. They are comfy, for cute shoes. I kept this pair.

I ordered this pair because they were on sale. When I walked, the shoes farted, puff, puff, puff. And they were ugly.

I desperately wanted this to be the second pair I kept because they were so cute, but I went for something more practical. Maybe I will order these again after I have the baby (because being pregnant always makes my feet big and I ruin all my shoes).

These are not beautiful, and they are the most comfortable shoes ever. I kept them.

These are super cute. The footbeds were like egg cartons, so I sent them back.

This was the most beautiful pair of shoes I'd ever bought. The picture does not do them justice. They were expensive, and I tried to tell myself I could wear them for 10 years. I sent them back anyway. The end.

Trees, Tables and Trial Runs

2010-07-13T15:02:00.001-07:00

What a nice surprise to find in the middle of this big tree.

Celebrating Aaron's six-month birthday.

Azzy was certainly feeling as festive as her brother, and she got her own round of Happy Birthday.

Well, that's just adorable.

And so is this wee lad in leiderhosen.

And so are the cute little legs sticking out of the Pack 'n Play.

The furniture pictures are mainly for Hillary and Lynne. Here is the hutch, the unscratched version (Lynne will know what I mean).

And here is the bottom of the hutch. Luckily Azzy can't get the bottom part open, but we still need to get latches for the two drawers.

And here is our dining table. Azzy is dining while I try to integrate new, big planner with old, small planner. Life is getting more complicated.

And here is our new clock.

And here is our little ghost ready for some grub.

Still ready. Isn't the bib mean?

Taking his prunes seriously.

Wondering if these prune things are for real.

Well, this hardly needs a caption.

Latest Fun

2010-07-04T23:03:00.000-07:00

Well, this is surely the cutest headband band ever.

Little guy posing in overalls.

I love the bum-in-the-air pose.

Having fun at the park with the Aunties.

My sister and my littlest lovie.

There have been many questions about where Kennon and Chris have gone. We do our best to explain, but our answers are not satisfactory.

I think this may be my favorite garment of all of Aaron's. Those are bears.

Having a little lambie snack.

Making a spectacle of herself.

She was so excited about this flower.

Out of focus, yet incredibly cute.

Posing in an outfit from Ga.

He does actually like receiving kisses from his sister, unless he's jostled overly much.

Doting on Aaron in the park with one of our little friends.

Just monkeying around.

Enjoying our friend Janet's (in pink) birthday party.

A Wonderful Visit

2010-06-05T21:17:00.000-07:00

The Indiana Aunties, Kennon and Chris, came to visit us for nine days. It went WAY too fast. We were so happy to have them come and very sad to have them leave. We packed a lot of fun into those nine days. I think Kennon left me with 500 pictures. Bless her. I've not been getting enough pictures of my little lovies lately, and she is a splendid photographer. I only sorted through part of them and picked some favorites. I will add more later.

Kennon, Azzy and Pookie enjoy a snuggle on the couch.

Azzy riding her Barbie Princess big wheel at the park.

Drinking a juice box so prettily.

Getting a push from Chris.

Surveying the scene with Dad.

Happily hanging on.

So happy to be out and about.

Chris gives this fun a thumbs up.

I love the way they are smiling at each other. You can tell they love each other.

And you can tell I love him.

And you can tell he loves her.

She seems to have all the necessary elements in place, plus one element that should not be there, at least not if one wants to go pee-pee in the potty.

A very winning smile.

So pretty and rosy at the farmers' market.

Brushing her hair with the chicken leg, a signature Azzy move.

Careful, it might be contagious.

Relaxing with Aunt Kennon.

I thought Kennon was the architect, but Chris seems very astute in the building arena.

Fancy footwear.

Giving her new buddy a piggy back.

Double piggy back action.

Hanging out at the park on Memorial Day.

Pretty-pretty on a hillside. Can you see the way her cheek pokes out because she's smiling?

Better Late...

2010-05-08T16:58:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to blog for about three weeks, and I have been suffering the setbacks of the technologically challenged as well as doing lots of transcription. I feel guilty about not having blogged about Azzy's birthday yet, but here are the long-awaited pictures of that wonderfully fun event as well as some everyday fun times photos. Above, as you can see, Aaron is developing quite the grip.

He is as serious as she is goofy.

And because it is MY blog, I can publish lots of very similar photos which I seem unable to chose between.

Aaron is still trying to figure out the joke. Azzy has gotten it swimmingly.

Enjoying her lovely new blocks. She received a set of these from both her Indiana Aunties and her Gamma. We are so pleased to have both sets because we can build large, wide, tall, exciting structures!

These pants from Auntie Mair are the cat's pajamas, or, err, jeans.

Okay, Mom and Dad, you've got some balloons going on, but you need to do some serious work!

Rosie and Azzy looking for eggs or "heads" as the case was. (Faces were drawn on over 100 eggs by mom and dad, mostly by dad)

Heading toward something of interest.

It seems Ga's lemon tree was dropping egg-heads instead of lemons.

Ga blows some "bubs" for the girls.

Hanging out and having fun in the back yard.

The Polancos get in on the bubble blowing action with Chuck overseeing the situation.

Looking fluffy on top of Ga's little jungle gym.

Slip sliding away.

Surveying the scene from the ship's deck.

Loved the hat but hated the elastic. Loved the Elmo cake, of course.

From the left are Rosie, Adamari, Azzy, Isabella (held by Mom, Ana), Elio and Hagen.

Some sort of strange yogurt Nirvana.

Well, she looks much cuter in those than I do (the shoes, not the jammas. I don't quite fit in the jammies).

The goofy and the adoring.

No meal with olives can be boring.

Yay! She happily wore her flower hat I've been trying to get her to wear for a year!

Dear Azzy-

2010-04-19T21:29:00.000-07:00

Darling Daughter-

Happy, happy birthday. We've had such a fun weekend and Monday celebrating your second birthday. Yesterday we had a party for you at Ga's house. Your friends, Rosie, Adamari, Elio, Isabela, and Hagen came with their mommies and daddies. We had a "head hunt," which was kind of Daddy's idea. We drew faces on Easter eggs that were filled with snacks and hid them in the yard for you kids to find. We had a little jumper for the kids, and you enjoyed going down Ga's slide. You guys also colored and made butterflies.

We had an Elmo cake, and you were quite pleased with it. You were so happy when everyone sang happy birthday to you. You couldn't quite get the candles blown out, so your friend Adamari helped. We also had breakfast casserole, croissant sandwiches, muffins, fruit, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, goldfish, raisins and juice boxes. Brother wore an orange onesie with a party monkey on it. He had a really good time at your party when he was awake. We bought hats, because you'd seen them at the park and thought they were neat, but then when we tried to put it on your head, you didn't like the elastic under your chin. I don't blame you.

I want to tell you how much I love you and how much joy you've brought into my life. It is hard to know where to start. Taking care of you and your brother is the most important thing in my life. You both keep me very busy almost all day long every day, and sometimes during the night too. Sometimes I get really worn out, and I wouldn't trade being your Mom for anything. It is my greatest blessing.

Yesterday I bought you a training potty. When I came in the door, you were very excited to open it. Your daddy set it up in the bathroom, and you sat on it and peed right away. You peed twice more that day, even getting out of the bathtub to use your potty. You peed in your potty twice more today, and then before your bath you pooped. You stood up, turned around, looked in your potty, hollered, "CAKE!" and started to reach into your potty. I grabbed your hand in time and explained that your poop did look a lot LIKE cake but was not cake. We flushed it together, washed out your potty and washed your hands.

You have a very amazing vocabulary for a two-year-old. You are constantly asking me, "This?" which means, "What is this?" Today we were driving down the freeway, and you were in your car seat behind me shouting, "This! This!" You were very upset that I couldn't turn around and figure out what you were talking about. We have been reading about castles, and as we pass large houses that are in the mountainside by the freeway, you shout, "Castle!" You spoke your first sentence today. For dinner I made macaroni with cut-up hot dogs and tomato sauce. You picked out all of the hot dogs first and asked for more. Daddy got you more. Then you ate all your noodles. Then you picked up your plate, licked the sauce off, turned to me and said, "I like this sauce!" You amaze your mommy on a daily basis, but especially much these last couple of days.

You are an observant girl. When I change you, you like to point at my hairline and loudly proclaim, "White!" Never mind that 99.7 percent of my hair is brown. And the rest of my hair you call black. You make Mommy feel very old. It's a little annoying, but mostly it is funny. Tonight I gave you a piece of birthday cake for dessert. I was in a hurry, because Brother (as you have christened him) was crying for his bottle, so I didn't give you a fork. You asked for a fork, and I asked you if you could wait a minute. You said no and proceeded to eat each and every bite of cake using your candle as a makeshift utensil.

You are silly in so many ways. You like to put things in your footie pajamas sometimes. A couple of months ago I laid you down to change you, unzipped your pajamas, and laughed and laughed as I pulled about a dozen crayons out of the legs of your sleepers. Last month I put you down for a nap, and you sang "ee-ii-ee-ii-oo" enthusiastically for a whole hour. Then you started getting upset so I came in to fetch you. You brush your hair with your toy plastic chicken leg and thigh, because I teasingly showed you how to do that once, and you've imitated me ever since.

Your favorite word is "no." Your second favorite word is "more." When you're excited, you say, "Oh, my!" just like your Mommy. You've only sworn a couple of times, imitating mommy in traffic and/or bad parking situations. Mommy is trying very hard not to swear ever. I want to set a good example for you, and besides, swearing is not at all nice anyway.

You love the moon. You love pumpkins. You love your stuffed pig, Pookie, with a grand and overwhelming passion. If we happen to leave the house without him, when we're half-way down the street, you start wailing, "Poo-keeeeee, Poo-keeeee!!" I have learned to make sure we take him with us. You love your brother, Mommy and Daddy. Today we were returning from Pasadena. Mommy had taken you and Brother to get a picture taken together. It did not go well. You wanted me to hold you much of the time. The photo session was in a baby boutique, and reasonably, you wanted to play with toys instead of get your picture taken. You wanted to kiss all the stuffed animals. You wanted to play with the balls. You sat on your brother's lap, but Mommy moved fast, and he didn't get hurt. It wasn't your fault. I'm pretty sure you thought that was what the photographer told you to do. She wasn't being very clear. You've never hurt your brother, at least not very much. You really like pointing out his eyes to us, and sometimes that gets a little dicey. (I'm pretty sure you only touched his cute little eyeball once. He is no worse for wear.) On the way back from the session, you told me, "Brother happy." Next you informed me, "Azzy happy." Then you asked me, "Mama happy?" I told you I was. You confidently proclaimed, "Daddy happy," and I told you I suspected he was too. We truly are a happy family, and you play such a large part in that. Thank you, beautiful and funny little girl.

For Hilllary

2010-04-15T15:33:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy week. I am doing a transcription job and getting ready for Azzy's second birthday party. She turns two on Monday, the 19th, and we're having her party on Sunday.

Today we were supposed to go to the park for her play group. We were hampered because she flat-out refused to put on a pair of pants. Or a skirt. Or a skort. Or shorts. Regular or bermuda with ice cream cones. I even tried her pink pajama bottoms with clouds. They were a no-go. Speaking of hampers, I even offered her all pairs of her pants that were in the dirty clothes. I figured if they'd been acceptable earlier in the week maybe THEY would fly. They didn't. We didn't. We stayed home, which no one enjoys. I kept asking, do you want to go the park? The answer was, "YES!" I said, then you need to put on pants, and she crowed back, "NO!" This went on for 45 minutes, and I believe I was more frustrated than I have ever been with my daughter. Finally I told her she needed to have a reading time in her crib. Within five minutes she was snoozing and snoozed for three hours.

Sometimes the gods of toddlers are merciful, after they toy with your head all morning.

These cute pictures are from the weekend. In retrospect, I guess she was tallying how many pairs of pants she would refuse on Thursday.

Looking extremely cute in sassy stripeys.

Pondering something very serious. Or maybe looking at the hangnail with which she is obsessed.

When she's in she wants out; when she's out she wants in.

Uncannily similar physiques.

Ready to go save the environment at Ralphs with Pookie and Daddy.

My peaceful little man in his cocoon. Please know his nose is not really covered, though from this angle it appears to be.

Well, that face is just plain goofy.

Zantastic

2010-04-05T21:29:00.000-07:00

Wow. How could I have not thought of that cheesy title before? Such humor is right up my alley.

Here Rosie strikes a posie in front of Aaron's pack 'n play.

This is against the rules yet done on a regular basis. As you can see, Azzy enjoys the treadmill more than her Mommy does.

Having a little lunch during a play date, wearing dualing tie-dyes.

Getting a story.

Another lovely pose striker.

I didn't know until I looked at the pictures tonight about this shenanigan. Accoring to Jason, the base of Aaron's car seat was serving as Azzy's car. Wow, must be a long trip she has in mind with two beverages.

The entertainment center lives up to its name.

Ham and cheese.

Ham and Aaron.

Gathering Easter eggs.

My loviest loves and Pookie in a row.

Brother tangles with the creature Azzy calls "Pillar"

A Lesson

2010-03-15T17:45:00.000-07:00

Here is the darling tutu.

Here is the darling girl who wouldn't wear the tutu.

Last week the bishop's wife came to meet Aaron. She brought stuffed shells and salad, which were both quite yummy. Azzy especially grooved on the cheese-stuffed shells. She also brought the above pink tutu for Azzy and a toddler's ballet book with a CD of wonderful music. Azzy expressed interest in donning the dress, and today after her nap I finally got around to asking her if she would like to put it on. She thought that was a fine idea. I confidently ripped the tags off.

Then I noticed how small the tutu was. I examined the tag, and it said sizes 2-4. Azzy is a size 3, so I regained some small measure of confidence and proceeded to try to squeeze Azzy into the tutu. It was fitting her kind of like a sausage casing. I pulled it up vigorously and pulled one of the straps over her shoulder. It snapped down into her tender flesh, and she cried out, "No! No, no, no!" I tried to reassure her and point out how cute it was, and I told her we would go in her room and dance. She was very agitated and about to cry.

I stepped outside of the situation for a moment and looked at my poor, distressed daughter. I wanted her to wear this tutu so I could get cute pictures for my blog and for myself. Here I was struggling with her and nearly making her cry. I realized I was being selfish, and I said sorry, and we took it off. We had been planning to read books, but then she decided she wanted to watch "Pookies," (Toot and Puddle).

Now she is watching Yo Gabba Gabba while I blog. Her little eyeballs are currently no more than 12 inches from the TV screen. Sometimes I am a naughty mommy and let my daughter watch TV and watch too close at that. Well, I will go be naughty with her and we'll sit on the couch together, and I'll preserve her eyesight even though I might be letting the TV turn her brain to Jell-O. Oh, scratch that. Aaron just started crying. But don't worry. I will insist she sit on the couch after I make Aaron's bottle.

Signing off and plunging back into mommyhood. It's actually pretty great.

Azzy at the Park

2010-03-14T04:14:00.000-07:00

P.S. to the Indiana Aunties, those are her red sneakers you sent her which she and I both love!

Happy Birthday!

2010-03-11T22:26:00.000-08:00

Today Aaron turned two months old. We ran around doing errands to celebrate. I think I might need a party planner...

Aaron gets parked in his crib while Jason goes to fetch Azzy out of her crib. He is displeased.

Azzy seems not much more pleased with her rescue than her brother was with his abandonment.

Whenever Aaron cries in his crib, Azzy comes to us yelling, "Brother! Brother!" (meaning help my brother NOW!)

A moment of relaxation, repose, and tooth development checks.

Her Mom was keeping her awake while her Dad safely yet swiftly spirited us all home. If she falls asleep in the car for 30 seconds, she will not take a nap, and we were having none of that.

Brother having a happy moment in his new Crazy Monkey sleeper.

Sticker shirts. We found this new fashion was painful to remove.

No paternity testing will be necessary here.

Nor maternal testing. Although the fact that they came out of me was a pretty good indicator that they were mine.

Beads and a bupper. Elegant simplicity.

We are so glad to have Aaron here with us. It has gone so fast, yet it is hard to imagine how we got by without him.

Catching Up with the Zans

2010-02-27T21:37:00.000-08:00

We are so busy, and so tired, and so happy.

I am waiting for Brother, as Azzy has nicknamed him, to wake up so I can give him his bottle and go to bed myself. I of course feel that if I go in and lie down he will wake up just as soon as I go to sleep. I am also quite sure that if I mess around doing fun stuff, when I should be sleeping, he'll sleep another hour or two.

These are photos taken over the last month or so. I haven't been documenting his exciting time with our family as well as I might have documented Azzy's initial stint with us. As a second child, I am all about fairness. I don't want him to ever feel like we weren't up to making the same foo-fa-ra and fanfare for him that we might have for his sister. We are just so darn tired. It is one thing when you have one newborn child and you can sleep whenever they sleep. That is hard. It is another thing when you have a newborn who wants to party all night and a toddler who is up from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., only resting to sing Old McDonald in her crib for an hour and a half, which was supposed to be nap time. 90 minutes of her singing the words ee-ii-ee-ii-oo, while summoning MOM!!! at the top of her lung every 15 minutes to let me know what might make her naptime/songtime more comfortable.

On a scale of 1 to 10, Brother rated his bath as a negative 3.

This is what I walked out to after my nap.

Azzy wonders if Brother might like to borrow her shoes.

Wow!!! They must be magic shoes if Brother can walk in them!

Azzy became much too well acquainted with the intricacies of milk pumping.

The Polancos seemed to think Aaron was very nice.

Adamari liked the heavy, somber doll-baby.

Azzy liked chasing "bubs" in music class.

And she really liked her peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Since it is difficult to go to the park as often with Brother in tow, I have set up the balcony as a water wonderland, with a water table and lots of bubbles. Azzy has started asking first thing in the morning to go out on the "bal-kee."

Using the little bucket to put water back in the big bucket.

Or on her head.

Well, that's just plain silly.

Though some take it VERY seriously.

Playing on the riverbank with her pal, Rosie.

Enjoying a lovely flower.

And it's even more fun picking flowers with a friend.

A little kiss.

A Plethora of Photos

2010-01-27T20:45:00.000-08:00

I would REALLY like that binky.

Jason models his very own Mega Blocks creation.

Azzy snug on the couch, watching Yo Gabba Gabba with bear, Pookie, and Baa.

Jason gives the all-important nose test prior to Aaron's first bath.

He didn't hate his first bath the whole time.

Nor did he love it all the time.

A very big binky can make a little boy feel a lot better.

I loved this picture of Aaron twice as much as I hated it of me.

Azzy pretends to be a suave surgeon turning off the TV with her foot?

What she lacked in water she made up for in bubbles.

Who knew you could order such darling stuff from Amazon?

Rocked into submission by Dad.

Snuggling with Ga.

Gamma-Linda and our nephew Jason pose in front of the Hollywood sign.

Seeing the Hollywood sign was number one on little Jason's to-do list.

Worn out from adventures.

Aaron gazes lovingly at Gamma as Jason observes.

Azzy couldn't be much cooler in the shades she's "borrowed" from Jason.

Azzy was this worn out on the way TO the aquarium.

All looking SOOO happy in front of a tank.

Azzy does a little jig.

That's all for today, just captions and a buch of pictures. Now I am going to feed my little guy.

Home Again Plus One

2010-01-15T18:44:00.001-08:00

Well, we are home again, and it was a successful outing to the hospital, to say the very least. Aaron Tesla Zan was born at 1:11 p.m. on 01/11/10. The actual time of day was his mom's silly idea. It wasn't planned ahead of time, but I noticed when they wheeled me into the operating room that it was 12:54, and I asked if 1:11 would work. They said they would have to wait 1-2 minutes extra, but that would be fine. Aaron was delivered by Dr. Lantry, a very, very nice woman who has been my doctor during all of my pregnancies. He weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 20 and 1/4 inches. He has a darling dark mop of hair which his mommy loves to comb, with a little round cowlick right up front, just like his sister.

Aaron's first picture ever, taken by Daddy. Dr. Lantry said Aaron was screaming before she even pulled him out.

Feeling a little unsure about being outside of Mom.

Feeling very unsure about getting his hair washed.

Not liking the rest of his bath any more than the hair washing.

Holding the nurse and Daddy's hand after his bath and feeling significantly better.

Ga (Grandma Jan) was very happy to meet her newest grandchild. Grandma Linda and Omi are also very excited to meet Aaron.

I am even happier than this picture would lead you to believe.

Jason tries to coax a burp out of our darling bundle.

Getting really good comfort from Dad. Being on the outside is challenging!

Checking each other's nose temperatures.

Getting dressed up in his "going out" duds.

Happily walking down the sidewalk with Dad and Sis. Azzy's first two words when she saw the baby in the car were "baby" and "kiss." She asked to kiss the baby the whole way home. By naptime, about 45 minutes later, she was trying to swat her brother out of mom's lap while crying "no, no." It is being a bit of a hard adjustment, and I can certainly see where it would be very hard. To try to court Azzy's favor, Aaron ran out during her nap to buy her a Yo Gabba Gabba Keytar, which he is going to give her later this evening. She is intrigued by the baby but also thinks he is taking up too much of Mom and Dad's time. We are bending over backwards to ease her into this adjustment. Right now Jason and Azzy are at Target buying buppers for Aaron and picking up prescriptions for me. She could only be lured out of the house by being told that she could pick a box of cookies for our desert. I am going to hurriedly unpack a few bags we brought home from the hospital and pick up a bit before our my little joy wakes up and before my other little joy and my love get home from the store.

Holidays at the Zans

2010-01-02T21:40:00.000-08:00

The holidays have passed much too quickly at our house. Jason was home with me and Azzy for 10 days, and now our time with him all to ourselves is almost over. We've had so much fun. Many nights we've gone on walks and/or drives to look at Christmas lights, a favorite activity of our daughter's. I think tonight was probably our last night, just because people will be taking their lights down. Azzy likes to sit in the back seat and direct, yelling, "more, more, more!" and "circle!" every time she sees a wreath. We've all really had fun with that.

Aaron's delivery has been slightly postponed, and he is scheduled for arrival January 11. We are really looking forward to his coming. I am enjoying my last few nights of sleeping through the night. In the above picture, Azzy is modeling a bow from the beautifully wrapped pictures her Omi sent. It was her own idea to wear the bow.

Azzy and Daddy enjoying some television and cuddling with Baa.

Helping her little brother open his present from his Aunties.

Enjoying a puzzle from her Auntie Mair.

Putting her books in her stroller.

Opening one of her presents from her Indiana Aunties, a train. She enjoys whacking it mightily with the hammer that came with it.

Unloading her stocking with her Daddy's assistance.

I am NOT in the mood to wear my new hat.

Well, okay, let me straighten it a little bit.

Is this a special orange, cause I already have a BUNCH of these in the fridge.

Arranging her panda and flower in her stroller.

Yup, if you get it on just right, it's not too bad.

Father and daughter jointly model jammies from Aunt Hilly and family.

Fresh out of tub with Elmo and new shoes.

We went back to the aquarium again for my b-day, because I couldn't think of anything I'd enjoy more than seeing my daughter revel in the, "fish, fish, fish!"

She actually got very nervous when this big ray came right toward us. I can understand, because when you're one, you don't know that glass is going to hold them in!

And now it is Saturday night, and I am feeling pre-mature "Sunday Night Depression," the kind you feel when you're a kid and it's time to go back to school. I guess that's part of what makes vacation so special, is that it doesn't come around often enough.

Cute, Part 77

2009-12-13T20:55:00.001-08:00

I cannot seem to get text above the first picture anymore. Oh, well. Darling Renee informed me that she checks our blog EVERY DAY looking for new posts. How disappointed she must be lately. She told me she was looking for Cute, Part 77, so I was anxious to comply. Another very dear friend requested a larger font, so I hope this will suffice. If not, let me know. My readership is small, and I aim to please.

A week ago we went to the aquarium with some of Jason's and my friends and their children. Azzy was the youngest, and I was skeptical she would enjoy it. After all, she hadn't been terribly excited by the zoo. I could not have been more pleased by how terribly wrong I was. She ran around yelling, "fish, fish, FISH!" the whole time we were there. We ended up buying a year pass and are very much looking forward to taking her again. Above you can see her excited to leave on our outing.

This, for obvious reasons, is my favorite. Yes, she really was this excited.

Pointing out a particularly nice one to Mom and Dad.

None too happy to be posing in the shark's mouth. She thought is was one of her mom's poorer ideas, and that is saying something.

Dad tries to sneak a bite of her cookie.

Worn out from her day of extreme fun. We are looking forward to returning. I cannot remember the last time I had so much fun.

Cute, Part 76

2009-11-27T21:50:00.000-08:00

I am having a hard time driving the blogger tonight. I would like this text above the picture, as an introduction, obviously, but I cannot manage it. And what happened to my usual font? Only The Shadow knows. I am losing my blogging skills with my recent infrequency, but I shant let that keep me from my mission! Okay, so here is my darling daughter playing with her alphabet blocks from her Gamma (Jason's mom). She loves pointing at the pictures and discussing their content, especially the gorilla who is eating grapes. She also knows her letter "O." What a smarty-pants.

Tearing down is every bit as much fun as building.

Enjoying a "bub" bath with Mom.

At the farmers' market, gesturing with her organic cookie. It must have been one yucky cookie, because she did not eat it.

Happily pointing to the "fwa"s.

Enjoying the jazz band with her daddy.

Enjoying some "Yo Gabba Gabba" with her Daddy. To quote D.J. Lance, "It's AWESOME!!!"

Seriously, I like rice and beans. Seriously.

But not TOO seriously.

Halloweening and So Forth

2009-11-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

Pinto is 31 weeks in utero and counting, and Azzy is 18 months post-utero and growing crazily quickly. She seems to learn so much every day. The other day she and I were driving to Pasadena after dark on the freeway, and she was looking out the windows, pointing at the buildings, and saying, "tall, tall." She is so smart! We just finished a round of Ultimate Bedtime Rumpusing with everyone playing and Jason conducting, and I am ready to go to bed too, but I wanted to post some of her latest pictures.

Does being held like this really prevent cavities, Dad?

Visiting the Armenian market in my pink leopard finery. I think I'd like to start my trick-or-treat bag with these candies and this little apple.

And then this candy, too, Alla.

Alla is one of my biggest fans. She says she is going to open a dance school and give me lessons.

Aida loves me too. She gave me all these baby apples.

Selecting so expeditiously that I become a blur, like any good leopard.

Maybe some walnuts for protein.

And last but not least this peanut-butter-chocolate candy that I will probably share with Mom.

Ga thought I looked cute and gave me a little candy bar from Ireland.

All of my refusing to smile at J.C. Penny portrait studio had plumb tuckered me out.

Daddy always dresses me so cute when we go out that Mommy asks him to take pictures. The way I was wearing my socks made Mom giggle a lot.

Recent Adventures

2009-10-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

Finally a couple of days ago we found the cord to download pictures onto the computer, so I can finally blog. We are still busily working on getting settled into our new apartment, and little Pinto is due in less than three months! We are really enjoying all of the space in our new home, and Azzy is enjoying having her own room.

I've been transcribing a lot lately. Here my sweet daughter tries to sort out one of my "unintelligibles."

She got her first haircut a week ago today. Unfortunately we had to go to someone besides Aunt Hildy, becuase we didn't have time to drive 20 hours!

Selecting a toy with which to play during her haircut.

Tallying on the abacus how many hairs were being cut.

Easy there, lady.

I am bored. A different toy, please.

Enjoying a burrito at Chipotle right after the haircut adventure. Look at those beautifully trimmed curls!

Rearranging the juices the the Armenian market.

Testing the raisins for plumpness and softness.

That way, Dad!

Ready to rumble.

Both winning the happiness contest.

Yo, yo, yo, Azz-V-Z on the spoon mike.

In all fairness, the great happiness you see on the merry-go-round was before the actual ride. She didn't cry during the ride, but she seemed awfully nervous. I think we'll be waiting a little while before her next ride, but what she really does enjoy is standing on the sidelines and dancing to the music.

It's Raining... Words!

2009-09-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

She has been obviously listening to us carefully all along and merely waiting until her little mouth was capable of forming the words. Suddenly our lovely Astrid is saying everything (and I do mean everything, even frustrated words uttered during parking difficulties!). Two of her favorites are "snack" and "wa" (water). She asks for both frequently. She also says "flower" and "frog." There is a third mysterious word beginning with f which she utters all the time, and that is "fwa." If only I could figure out what she means! She says "shark" and "pig" in the tub (she has a wide variety of tub toys). She even says "Bill" (the name of her dad's stuffed cat. Hillary, if you could just see this cat, you would be grateful for the lava lamp). This weekend she was doing something naughty, and her dad told her it was "not cool." She said right back to him, "not cool." Jason and I both burst out in peels of laughter.

Life is busy and disorganized. I decided to blog today even if I didn't think I had time, because I want a record of my daughter's exciting life with us. And I had, had, had! to post the pink leopard costume pictures.

Oh, the cute things she and her daddy get up to while the mommy is napping.

Experimenting with her new fork and spoon. She seems to be ambidextrous (although I think she's probably left-handed).

When Jason put her in these together, I was horrified, but I held my tongue. In about 30 seconds I realized it was adorable. Jason's just a quicker study than I am.

Really enjoying some of Dad's carrot cake. She was so excited when we sang and blew out candles. Jason doesn't usually go in for candles, but he's more than willing now because Azzy thinks it's so great.

Sharing a bit of frosting. Just a bit, mind you!

Uh, yeah, I'm being naughty.

Whatchoo gonna do about it, lady?!

Darling pink leopard playing peekaboo.

I wanted her to try on Little Red Riding Hood, but this is the one she wanted. We tried it on in the store, and I saw she was right. This was definitely the costume for her!

Striking a lovely pose with her personal photographer.

Absconding with Deodorant in Purple Hat

2009-09-09T21:19:00.001-07:00

On Saturday I was sorting through clothing--packing, storing, and discarding. I came across this lovely hand-me-down hat which Jan's daughter had given to Azzy. It is darling, but Azzy will not wear hats. I plopped it on her, and she actually was willing to keep it on for a minute. I hollered for Jason to come take a picture, and he kindly complied.

Looks like she's plotting something, doesn't it?

Ha, guys, stuff your hat, and I'm heading for the hills with Mom's deodorant!

If I weren't her mom, would I think "piggie face" was so cute? Yes, I'm sure I would.

Tenderly tending to Giraffi II.

I think her little mess of curls and the way her dress billows out are just enchanting.

Jason and I had a high-definition ultrasound done today (well, actually they did it to me and Jason just watched). Pinto's little heart and face appear to be beautifully formed. They checked everything else out last time but couldn't see his face or heart because of his position. I am 22 weeks and 2 days into this. Only 17 weeks and 5 days left to go (give or take). It is going fast, and we are very excited!

The Adventures of Astrid

2009-09-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

We Zans have been busy lately. We've been looking for a new, larger apartment and found one. We will be moving in October 1. It has two bedrooms, 1 and 1/2 baths and best of all, a LARGE living room for us to play in. We are very excited although perhaps some of us are a bit overwhelmed by the prospect of moving.

The very large fire in Angeles National Forest has been blazing for many days. Jason got to stay home from work on Monday due to poor air quality, and we were pleased. It is about 8 or 10 miles away. My throat hurts, and Azzy has been coughing, so we have her sleeping with a humidifer, and we're trying to keep her inside as much as possible. It is snowing ash, and the sky is full of smoke all the time. We are very pleased that it doesn't look like Jason's lab will burn down. He was worried this weekend.

About a week and a half ago, I got to see my little bean, Jonah, on the high-definition ultra sound. He is cute as a bug and seems to be very healthy.

The following pictures have no rhyme or reason, story or order, but I did not want to deprive Kennon and Chris and any other serious fans any longer. Love to you all!

Flirting with danger in the big chair. She gets in trouble when she stand up (because it's dangerous!) The other day Jason turned the chair toward the dresser for a while so she did not have access. She ran around it crying and desperately trying to get in it. Poor little Danger Girl.

Enjoying her Princess easy chair which we bought at Tuesday Morning today. She really likes it.

Final stage of self-feeding experiment. Now I cannot turn off italics.

I love, love, love this picture on the playground.

This one too.

We can all ride easy with Captain Astrid at the wheel.

Regaling Mommy with a melody.

Walking her cart around the park.

I have these in the wrong order, but this is a "mid-stage" picture of the self-feeding experiment. This is when things started to get really messy.

She likes to hold the spoon in one hand and try to shove handfuls of yogurt in with the other.

I like how my daughter approaches problem-solving: directly. She must have gotten that skill from her Daddy.

Having a little Buddha Belly pout in the grown-up chair.

Campaigning to go back to Auntie Kennon and Chris's.

It's a cart; no, it's a segue! She's so versatile!

Bidding you farewell until next time!

We're BACK!

2009-08-19T20:38:00.001-07:00

We are back from our wonderful vacation to Indiana, and we are also back from our blogging hiatus. We left our camera in Utah when we visited over the Fourth of July, and it took a while for us to get it back. Hillary's right: a blog just isn't a blog without pictures, unless it includes a haiku, of course. So that is my excuse for our long absence. We had a WONDERFUL time in Indiana. We had so much fun that the vacation just flew (pronounce with two syllables: fa-LOO!) by. Azzy's Aunties Chris and Kennon really went all out to make sure that Azzy and her mommy had the best time ever. It worked. We did. I think it was a little difficult for both me and Azzy to adjust to life without our entertainment coordinators (and my relief pitchers). Now, not to make excuses, but I let Kennon take most of the pictures on the vacation because she's an excellent photographer, but we did take some on our camera. More pictures of the vacation will follow, because Kennon is kindly mailing me a disk of all the photographs. Here, however, is some excellent fun documented in the park.

My little Snazz-ma-tazz really liked riding the bumblebee.

She really was having a lot of fun riding with her Auntie Kennon, but she insisted on pulling faces.

Here she is getting some help on the "rock climbing slope" from her Auntie Chris. She loved climbing and had such a look of excitment and enthusiasm when she did it.

On the magical dinosaur with the hands that steady from behind.

You can't see, but Azzy is touching the dino with a lovely pink piece of confetti she found.

Well, if Azzy sits like that, I feel like she should be sure to tell the dinosaur what is going on (since her legs are covering his eyes).

I just love this little picture of her running across the playground. It captures very well how excited she is.

No, sand does not taste good, no matter how many times I try it.

Washing the remains down with some water, after Mom swept what she could out with her finger.

Blech! I still taste it!!

At this point she was wanting mom, but I was insisting on the pictures, and Chris and Kennon were doing their very best to make her happy. We love them so much and can't wait for our next chance to spend time with them.

Our Baby's Words

2009-08-01T12:00:00.001-07:00

Earlier this week, we made a list of Azzy's words. Here they are: caw (she imitates the crows in one of her books), car, mama, dada, sure, hi, okay, and egg. You can see our daughter is a sociable and agreeable creature, and she also does adore eggs. Her daddy is cooking one for her right now with cheese and Indian spices while she smears a plum around her tray in anticipation.

Sorry about the Zan blog situation. We left our camera in Utah and haven't gotten it back quite yet. We used our old camera to take pictures in Pennsylvania, but we can't find the cord to download the pictures to the computer. We will correct this situation soon. You must all get a look at her, because her curls are getting long and wild!

Dinnertime Haiku

2009-07-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

Eating mashed potatoes
while being sadly screamed at.
It's what's for dinner.

Bedtime Story

2009-06-24T23:37:00.001-07:00

I am up way past my bedtime. I should be sleeping, or at least trying. But about 10 minutes ago I was getting ready for bed, and I was thinking of something Azzy did today. It was very precious, and I felt like if I didn't sit down and write about it tonight I'd never get around to it, as often unfortunately happens.

Today was a bit of a rough one for Snazz-ma-tazz. Her sitter didn't get here on time, so she had to accompany Mom to the ob-gyn. Not only did she have to accompany me, but I had her remain in her stroller, because it is just too hard to chase her around while I am wearing a little paper skirt. Then I took her to Target where we had an unsuccessful search for non-velcro shoes (don't other babies take off their velcro shoes?! Why are they all velcro?). After this, I took her home and put her down for a nap. She began screaming immediately, because she did not feel like napping. After a few minutes I went in to check and make sure everything was fine. I gave her her binky and her bunny Checkers and went back to the couch where I was lying down. The screaming began again, and I decided to let her work it out (until a particular time on the clock, and then I'd get her up). She fell asleep in not too terribly long, but she only slept 20 minutes. When she woke up, she began shrieking. This is very unusual. Usually she gets up quite gradually and talks to herself for a bit first and doesn't fuss for a while. I went into the room, and her plump little plumpetta (leg) was jammed between her crib bars. Her eyes were glazed with tears. She was a miserable critter. I pulled her little nakkie leg from between the bars and it had big red welts on it from sleeping with it jammed between the bars. I felt SO, SO, SO bad. My poor little girl.

Jason wasn't due home for a while, so I took her to her favorite park. It seems the swings have fallen somewhat out of favor, at least for the time being. She made a friend on the slides who was giving her sticks, which Azzy kept trying to put into her mouth. She loved the musical bars and steered "the ship" a bit. She also walked around a lot, with Mama assisting for the most part. Okay, so finally, what I thought was so cute was this. We were leaving the park, and there was a teenage couple laughing on one of the picnic benches. We were about 20 feet from them, and Azzy looked at them and loudly laughed. She got the girl's attention, and the girl smiled and said hello to Azzy. Azzy again loudly laughed. She really wanted to engage these people and felt laughter was the way to do it. The girl again said hi, and Azzy yelled back, "HA," and laughed again. I could have kept the fun up all day, and Azzy was enjoying herself, but I let them get back to their visiting and had Azzy wave goodbye to them. I love how friendly and outgoing my girl is. As you can see, she charms not only her mother but many others.

Below are some unrelated but darling pictures.

Jason bought her this dress in pink and purple. I LOVE them on her.

This picture is so darling to me, the expression and the posture.

Getting ready to help with laundry.

I like Azzy's determination to pick up her cup, though it is dangerous. If I had a maid, she would be getting a warning.

Look at the pretty curls.

Mother-Daughter Chorizo Burrito Adventure

2009-06-14T18:09:00.000-07:00

Poor Jason can't eat eggs. That doesn't keep him from making yummy egg-based stuff for us. He's nice like that. This morning I was luxuriously allowed to sleep in until 9:16. Then I was woken up by Azzy's snorts of excitement as Jason held her at the foot of the bed. What a nice way to wake up! Jason said if I'd get up, he'd make me and Azzy chorizo burritos so Azzy and I could share breakfast before Azzy went down for her nap.

Mom, that does NOT look bad at all!

Yup, thanks, if you could just pass some of that on over here.

Better to open a little too wide than not wide enough.

Chomping like a champ.

Maybe your piece is better, Mom. (So we switched. She was right. Mine was better. Hers was all soggy and for some reason had the chorizo sucked out of it.)

From now on when I want breakfast mom, you'll know what I mean.

Things had gotten a little messy, but she didn't seem to mind.

If I have anything on my face you'll let me know, right?

I can't believe I not only endorsed but instigated such a messy adventure. From the moment the first greasy palm slapped the front of her jammas, I gave up on ever saving the p.j.s. (They were quite old and small). We had to throw away the changing mat, too. If the carpet didn't already need to be replaced so desperately, I probably would have tended better to the little orange stains on the carpet. We did not take pictures during the tearful cleanup. We put her in her crib, and she shrieked while Jason reassured me that he had cleaned all the chorizo off her hands (I was worried that she'd gotten a spice in her eye). She howled horrible howls for about 120 seconds and then fell promptly asleep. I declared this to be the last chorizo burrito adventure until she was at least two, but a great adventure it was!

Toy Bucket Hijinks

2009-06-12T22:23:00.001-07:00

Things started off calm and fun, as they often do.

Lovely Snazzy enjoying herself in the toy bucket.

Mom, Dad, this thing is getting me!

Don't worry, I've nearly got it handled.

Good lands! The bucket hopped on me!

Crawl for your lives, guys!!!

This picture is not part of the story, but I am including it anyway, because I love it. These sunglasses used to be mine, until Azzy ruined them by breaking off an earpiece. I hope this doesn't set a precedent. She and Jason were having fun with them. She insisted on Jason's wearing them, and he was a very good sport, but he would still not permit me to take a picture (reasonable).

A Little Story

2009-06-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

I almost entitled tonight's blog "Hillary, Beware." That is because this blog doesn't have pictures. I do have a few pictures on the camera, and a particularly cute one of Azzy in her toy bucket, but I am tired and don't want to download pictures and do all that ruckus before bed. So I am just going to tell a little "pictureless" story. You will have to use your imagination.

This morning I got Azzy up from her nap. She gestured toward the dresser and said, "uhhnh." Uhhnh means, "I want that." She and I have a very good communication system. She gestures and says, uhhnh. I look toward where she has gestured and guess what a little gal would want. I almost always get it right. If I don't, she says, UHHNHH, and then I almost always get it right by the second try.

Well, tonight I got it right on the first try. She wanted the little orange lollipop on the dresser. It came attached to her red balloon from Ralphs, but I always remove the lolllipop before giving her the balloon, because she's been getting balloons for far longer than she's been capable of enjoying lollipops. Today she and I were about to enjoy a bath, so I said to myself, why not? And I gave her the sucker. She and I entered the living room, and she showed her daddy what she had with much glee.

The thing that was really cute about her sucker eating was that she didn't know to swallow her saliva that was tasting so good. The lollipop tasted awfully good on her tongue, but she let all of her saliva dribble out of her mouth and onto her little diapered body. Her diaper was quite wet, but since Azzy and I were about to get in the tub, Jason and I just sat and laughed and watched her drip all over herself. She enjoyed herself immensely!

When she was about half done with her lollipop, I went to run our water. Jason brought her in, and I just sat and watched her enjoy herslf and laughed. When Jason came in, he was trying to talk her out of the stick because he was afraid she would poke herself. She did NOT want to relinquish her stick with its remaining 2 percent of lollipop. She dropped it in the tub, and I sneakily handed it to Jason.

It made my day, and I know she thought it was great. Who woulda thunk a little Ralphs lollipop would be so fun??

Hill, I will do better next time.

xoxoxo

A few pictures...

2009-05-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

And yes, six of them ARE of Azzy in her high chair. Since the blackberries went over so swimmingly at the beach (no pun intended, Iralee), Jason and I bought some more for her. We put 12! on her tray at once, and she was VERY pleased.

Supreme satisfaction.

Focusing on her project.

Tireless blackberry trooper.

Yup, I ate all 12, guys.

This little jumper is from her Grandma Jan, and I think it is too cute. Jan kept telling Azzy it looked like she was going to a sock hop.

I LOVE it when my girl looks this happy!

Daddy shared his pancakes at the diner. Before that, she had a whole banana (cut up). After the pancake bites, she had some of her mom's patty melt patty, which she thought was yummy.

Having fun with Dad at a late brunch. Who knew a family would be so fun?

So Fun!

2009-05-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun with our friends, Iralee and Bora. Jan did lots of things with us, and we all had a hootenanny. Today we took Iralee and Bora to the airport, and we were all a bit out of sorts that they had to leave. But we get to see them again soon, and we are sure the rest of their family missed them very much!

Rarin' to go to the beach!

No holds barred blackberry feast!

Little buddies excited to check out the water.

She improvised and climbed a chair, since there was no wall to climb.

Happy bathing beauty likes her first taste of the ocean.

Happily burrowing in the sand like a little mud shark.

Styling Mommy and baby.

Buddies ready to rumble at the gardens.

Singing and sitting like a lady.

Lovely Mommy and baby in a lovely walkway.

You don't say?

So pretty.

Lightly guided exploration.

My husband was kind enough to take pictures until I looked nice in one.

Mom and Dad were NOT doing it right. To our credit, we were trying really hard, though.

Keep trying, Dad!

What is back in there, Dad?

Holding on tight in case of a stiff wind.

Who, me?

Making din-din a multi-sensory experience.

Four happy buddies. We will all be looking forward to our next hanging out time.

The Cutie Chorus

2009-05-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went on a long drive to go see Iralee's sister, Naomi. Azzy and Bora face in opposite directions, because Azzy is three months older than Bora. They like to share toys and talk to each other, and most charming of all, they sing duets. Please check out the lovely song.

Quick Update

2009-05-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

We are having a week of super fun. This morning we are hurrying to get ready to go visit Iralee's sister, kind of down by San Diego, but there is so much fun stuff going on that I wanted to post a few pictures. Yesterday was Azzy's 13-month birthday, and we went out for Indian food to celebrate.

Jan and Bora had spoken on the telly to coordinate outfits.

Excited baby bird ready for almond kheer.

Yes, I think I would enjoy some apple, kiwi, mango ambrosia very much, Mrs. Iralee.

Um, now that we're actually having it, I'm not quite so sure about it. How about some peaches?

Lunchtime, Monkeys & Cellmates, Oh My!

2009-05-19T11:38:00.000-07:00

I am having fun. (This is me, Azzy). I have a new little friend named Bora who came all the way from Utah to visit me. She brought her mommy, Iralee, so Mommy and I would have company while Daddy is away learning to make better rockets. Also they came not just to keep us company but because they are nice and we like them. We are having fun! Bora and I were fighting over the flashing toothbrush, so Mom took it away, but there is still lots of fun stuff to do. Today we are going out for lunch with Grandma to celebrate my 13-month birthday. We are going to have Indian food. My favorite is spicy daal.

This was before Dad left. I was very hungry, so he gave me a big ole pile of corn and apples.

I want YOU to be my friend.

You do want to be my friend, don't you?

Curious George wants to be my friend.

Bora keeps me company in jail. I like it. Bora is still getting used to it.

And she thinks SHE loves Danger?

2009-05-12T23:09:00.000-07:00

Let me just say that she is not the only one. Her daddy bought her this shirt. Too cute, huh (shirt and baby).

Daddy-Daughter Day

2009-05-10T21:23:00.000-07:00

My Daddy doesn't have to work every Friday. He works one Friday and then has the next Friday off. Mommy and I love it when he has Fridays off, and we do fun stuff. This Friday, Dad said to Mom, I am going to take Azzy to the gardens with with Chuck and Otto and their kids. You should go to lunch with Jan (one of my Grandmas). So Mom and Jan went to lunch, and Dad and I went to the gardens. Mom stood in the driveway and waved really big while we drove away, and I laughed at her.

This is me and my friend Rosie.

I think this is a goose.

These are Joaquin and Adamari, more friends.

Rosie's dad is putting her hat on. Mom asked Dad to bring a hat for me, but I wouldn't wear it. Mom put SO MUCH sunblock all over me before we left and my hair stood out everywhere.

These were my favorite flowers there. They look like stars, and Mom always says I am her superstar.

Taking a reading break. The book is from Gamma. I love to read them in the car and the stroller.

Rosie was sharing her drink, because I was thirsty!

I asked Dad to take this picture for mom, because these flowers are her favorite colors. Dad did because he is very nice to me and very nice to mom.

I was feeling tired and Dad gave me "snereal puffs."

Here is a pretty walkway.

And here are pretty yellow flowers. I don't know what they're called.

I wanted to bring this guy home to be my pet. Dad said Mom would be scared, so we left him at the garden.

There were big carps. Mom said she had sashimi for lunch, and I wonder if that's like taking a big bite of a carp.

There were turtles too. My uncle Max had a turtle named Windgate and it bit Mom's hand and wouldn't let go. But I guess it must have, because I haven't noticed a turtle on Mom's hand. I looked.

I had my first Ritz cracker, and it was very good. Rosie gave me her Yo-Baby, because she didn't want it, and I ate every bite. I love Y0-Baby. I finally got hot and tired, and I think Dad was too. We went home and I took a nap, and when I got up Mom was there too, and she took me to the park. What a great day!

Recent Cuteness

2009-05-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to do "big blogging," but I did want to post a few recent very cute photos, primarily of the lovely Snazzado Zan (surprise!).

Cookie Monster enjoys two yummy arrowroot cookies given to her by her Daddy. Her mommy doesn't like to give them to her, because she shoves the whole thing in her mouth at once!

Watching Daddy assemble the walker/rider from Howard. Daddy showed her how to put her Fisher-Price windmill in the trunk in case she runs out of gas. I thought that was just so funny!

Puh-leez, people, can't you get me a real do-rag instead of making me wear sweatpants on my head?

Having thoughtful thoughts in what I think is the cutest hat ever, given to her for her first birthday by her (and my) friends, Rudy and Madonna.

She woke up this morning with her hair like this, and I left it this way all day because I thought it was crazy-cute. I called it her "cocks comb."

Enjoying a private joke with giraffey.

Two Steps Forward...

2009-04-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hello, Azzy fans. I am taking a quick minute to blog, because if I don't do it now, I don't think I will get to it later today. I have been blessed with lots of work right now, so leisure time is at a minimum.

I must share Azzy's great accomplishment. She took TWO steps all on her own. I was sitting on the living room floor, calling my Dad, and my talented little girl let go of the couch and took a step. I could hardly believe my eyes, so she was kind enough to take a second one. She was holding onto NOTHING! I was amazed. She is getting into more and more these days, and this will help her in her goal to rearrange the house. Today she pulled all the books off the living room shelf because I guess she wanted me to put them on our bed. Strange. Does she then want us to sleep on the living room shelves? I cannot wait until she can talk and tell me of her desires. Maybe she will do less yelling if she can talk?

Yesterday it was amazing. The fire trucks blasted by us while we were on a walk. The were extremely loud, and I was worried Azzy would be frightened. I covered her ears, and she acted as if nothing was going on. Today I was using the tape gun, and the sound of it scared her so badly that the shrieked and cried. Poor little thing. I used it much more quietly once I determined the source of her terror.

Well, we are going to go visit Great Grandma Rose now. We will post a picture of her and Azzy on the blog sometime. She is Jan's 95-year-old neighbor and an absolute darling. She always wants to give Azzy diet 7-UP and cookies, and I let her, while I diligently try to prevent Azzy from yanking the doilies on which the glass kitty cats nap to the ground. It is exciting. We are going to take her turkey chili. She had a mini-stroke this weekend, and we are worried about her, but we think she is fine.

Lots of love from the Mama and the little lady shrieking at the gate saying, c'mon, mama, get a move on, or I will finish ripping your book cover in half!

Azzy's Birthday Minute

2009-04-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

This was taken at 8:19 on Azzy's birthday, on her "birthday minute."

For Lynne

2009-04-22T22:41:00.001-07:00

Legs out. Too cute, huh?

Thinking of our Other Daughter

2009-04-21T20:48:00.000-07:00

I feel like I ought to blog about Pearl. It seems wrong that our family blog would reflect only the joy we feel at this time and not the sadness we are feeling as well. I have not discussed it sooner only because it is difficult for me. I felt better on April 19, the girls' birthday, than I thought I would. April 19, 2008, was the saddest and most difficult day of my life. That doesn't mean that I am not absolutely thrilled with my daughter, Astrid. It doesn't mean that I was not grateful on that day that one of my daughters survived. I guess on that day I was so overwhelmed by grief over Pearl that my joy in Astrid was overshadowed somewhat. I was in a haze of loss.

I am grateful I have found my way out of that haze. I still think of Pearl every day, and sometimes I talk to her a bit. I like to imagine her in heaven with Liesel driving her around in a red Dodge Caravan mini-van, old school style with wood paneling. This is just how I see them. It makes me feel better.

I was afraid that it would be hard for me to enjoy Azzy's and Pearl's birthday because of my sorrow over the loss of Pearl. This wasn't the case. I enjoyed it very much, and what I enjoyed most was my little daughter's enjoyment of the day. I do wish they could have both been here, but I think my Pearl would probably have been too sick to enjoy her birthday here, so she had to go to heaven so she could enjoy her birthdays there. I guess that is part of being a mom, wanting what is best for your baby even when it stinks for you. Not beautifully worded, but just true. I dream of being with my first-born little girl again and pray that I will be, and I try to have faith that she is well and happy in the meantime.

Party Time, Excellent

2009-04-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

Sunday we had Azzy's grand shebang. Twenty-four were in attendance, and we served hamburgers, hot dogs, a lovely pasta salad made by Jason, chicken empanadas, mashed potato balls, and of course a delightful cake. The weather was scorching and continues to be so. Azzy had a hootenanny. The party was great fun. I could wait a while, though, to hear the Barenaked Ladies' or They Might Be Giants' kids albums. No worries right now, because we took our stereo over to Jan's, and it is still disassembled on the treadmill.

She was too cute when we all sang Happy Birthday. She smiled when she realized we were singing to her, and then she shyly put her head down on the table while continuing to smile.

My first stab, so to speak, at cutting a big cake. It was intimidating!

Despite how she looks in this picture, she LOVED her cake. Every bite, she would bite down on the spoon and not want to let it go.

Post-cake haze.

Jason took a picture of these birds who attended. So I guess 26 were actually in attendance.

Standing by her little buddy, Joaquin.

She couldn't look any cuter if she tried. This lovely lavendar confection was purchased by her Grandma.

Okay, so maybe THIS is how cute she would look if she tried, but she wasn't even trying. I know that doesn't even make sense.

Striking another lovely pose.

Pleased to be with Grandma.

A Taste of Azzy's Grand Party

2009-04-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

Hello, patient Azzy fans. I am just finishing transcribing for the night and must hit the hay, but since I started this LAST night, I will post these few pictures of Azzy's most marvelous and special day and then try to wrap it up tomorrow. I will tell more details of our fun time tomorrow.

Azzy strikes a pose with Grandpa Robert and Grandma in her (Azzy's) pretty party dress.

Unwinding in jammas on Grandma's back porch after everyone headed home.

Celebrating Pearl at home.

Having such fun unwrapping presents with Dad.

She loves to both push and be pushed in this cart from Jason's friend Chuck.

More birthday goodness will follow shortly. Thank you for your patience!

D.C. Chicken Salad Recipe from Corner Bakery

2009-04-14T23:10:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends-

Lovely Lynne has requested the recipe for the sandwich I described on Sunday's blog. I did a Google search, and here it is. It seems very easy, except I don't know how to cook chicken breasts so they are not dry. If you can tell me how to do this in your "comments," I would love it! The Corner Bakery serves the sandwich on "Steakhouse Rye," which seems to be a darkish-rye with raisins. That might sound strange, but it is delicious. I think what makes this salad so yummy is the apples. They serve it with lettuce and tomato. I got the recipe from Recipezaar.com, and they suggested serving it with croissants. Of COURSE that would be delicious!

4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped into cubes or 1 small whole roasted chicken, deboned and shredded

1/3 small red onion, finely chopped

2 celery ribs, chopped

1/2 granny smith apple, chopped

1/4 cup dried currant

1 1/2 ounces slivered almonds

1/4 to 1/2 cup Miracle Whip, as desired

Life is good. Tomorrow is Azzy's big sitting with Judy Phan. Please see http://www.judyphanphotography.com/. I am so excited. I have five darling outfits ready to rumble. I was sad because I put off buying fairy wings until the last moment, and the Farmer's Market was closed this weekend because of Easter. It's okay. I am sure I will recover. I am missing my Utahns, and I am excited to see you all in July!

Much Love,

T-Mom

I tried!

2009-04-12T20:48:00.000-07:00

Hello my loves. I have been trying to get good pictures to blog with. We took our camera with us this weekend on our adventures. Things didn't work out quite as we planned, but we had a pretty good time anyway (even factoring in all of the shrieking at The Corner Bakery, which I will discuss later).

Yesterday I had a small transcription job, so Jason and Azzy walked to the corner deli to see Azzy's ladies. They gave her an apple which Jason let her have a go at. I was nervous about this. I let her chomp a bit of it on my lap but then threw the whole thing away. I get nervous about choking. Jason's told me we can't feed her only soft food until she is an adult. Well, we could...

Dee-lish-us!

This is not Azzy's best photo, but I want to make sure Mom sees how cute she looks in her Baby Lulu. I think I've posted other pictures, but just in case I haven't, here it is. Iralee, rush to Costco at your soonest convenience and snatch up a Baby Lulu outfit. Jesse, I researched it on-line, and Baby Lulu is not related to Lulu Lemon, but nevertheless it's lusciously lovely.

Playing with clicky-clacky frog while waiting for her beloved tomato basil soup at The Corner Bakery. You'll notice I took her shirt off. I almost took her pants off too and just fed her in her diaper, but I refrained. I did cover her lap with a clean changing pad, though. People though she looked cute. This was because she had not yet begun to shriek.

Hmm, Mom, what you're getting looks pretty good.

I'm making my blog a little Lynne-esque by including a picture of my D.C. Chicken Salad sandwich. It is delicious. Whenever I order something else I am sad I didn't order this.

Eyeing her bowl of soup. Historically she has LOVED it. Today when I'd put a bite in her mouth she would roll her head back and shriek. I mean SHRIEK. We quit after three bites. Jason thought the soup, being acidic, might irritate her gums where her two huge front teeth are coming in. I didn't think this was likely, but who knows. I had stirred plenty of ice in it, and it was nice baby-friendly lukewarm. Azzy has been shrieking a lot lately. It drives me up a wall. Like ambulances make dogs howl, that is how my daughter's shrieking affects me. It is one of the few times I've thought there would be certain advantages to being deaf. Please don't hold that comment against me. I am mildly hearing impaired myself and have nothing against deaf people. Maybe Azzy's trying to finish off the job. It seriously makes my ears hurt and my spine turn into a steel rod. It makes the hair on my neck stand up. I feel like a bad person, because sometimes in my head, I think, "Shut UP!" I would NEVER say such a thing. But seriously, Azadoodle. She has started shrieking whenever we do things not her way. If she doesn't love it, she lets loose with a piercing squeal. The people at the next table kept turning around and staring. I guess they were born quiet adults!? Why did they have to keep turning around? Did they think they were finally going to catch us trying to pull her arms off? Aargh. We left the restaurant in a flustered rush. It was not fun. We left her hat there, so I'm going to see if Jan wants to go to Costco and back to the scene of the crime tomorrow. That is, IF the restaurant will let us back in. Azzy almost never shrieks around Jan, and I think Jan is like, what are you talking about, Tierney?

I'll just watch the lady sweep. She's much more interesting than you two.

She was ecstatically happy in the swing. Not a single shriek. Just smiles and giggles. It was very nice to have fun in the park after such unpleasantness in the restaurant.

Jesse, this picture is for you. Is she looking bigger on the dinosaur??

Wednesday Night Story

2009-04-08T00:05:00.000-07:00

Forgive me if I can't talk so good. It is way past my bedtime, but I wanted to blog anyway because these pictures are too cute.

Sometimes, when you are really intent on something, it can make you look a little CRAZY!

I'm confused, Mom. Are YOU calling ME crazy?

Well, maybe just a little.

As I ponder it, I'll bet I caught it from you, because Dad is pretty normal.

But I'm quite happy how I am. Look at me standing all on my own, Mom!

Gimme that camera, Dad! No more pictures.

Wait, you'll still take pictures of me, right?

Don't make me make you use that camera!

I know, I'll use the coy, cute and indifferent approach. They are suckers for that, especially mom.

Faded Grandeur

2009-04-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

Snazzy and I like to find things of beauty and interest in the neighborhood to blog about. Yesterday we saw this luxury mobile while we were out on our walk, and we were beside ourselves that we did not have our camera. Today we set out on our walk with camera in hand, hoping that the Third World Oil Sheik or B-Grade Actor who owns this beaut was still in town. Maybe it belongs to Axl Rose. Maybe it belongs to Donald Trump's ex-maid. Who would drive such a thing? It would be fun, I must say. I can picture zooming down Freedom Boulevard with Jesse riding shotgun and giggling like schoolgirl, leaving all the other cars in the dust. Jess, if you happen to be reading this, just IMAGINE how much fun, THIS would have been to drive through the Weinerschnitzel drive-thru backwards!

A side profile of the Cadillac of interest.

A snout view.

Little Red examines the grille.

Jason is raining on my party a bit, saying he doesn't see why I find this car interesting. But I am confident enough in Snazzy's and my photoessay to post it nevertheless.

Danger and Daddy go to the Deli

2009-03-28T21:35:00.001-07:00

I have mentioned Danger's good buddies at the corner deli several times. It seems that each time we take the camera there are too many customers for us to take pictures. Today Jason took Danger there while I was transcribing. I asked him to take pictures if he could. They were gone quite a while. Apparently he waited until the ladies had waited on all the customers and there was a lull so he could take the pictures I'd requested. What a sweetie.

Here is Danger with Alla. Alla always tells us how happy it makes her when we bring Danger in. She has pictures of Danger on her nightstand. Her mother loves Danger too, even though she has not met her.

Alla will ignore customers to play with our daughter. She will ignore other babies, too. I know I am immature, but this makes me happy. See the candy tightly scrunched in Danger's fist in this picture and above? Danger brought it to me and it was yummy. It was like a crunchy Tootsie Roll coated by chocolate with a runny band in the middle (the width of a bitty fist).

This sweet lady doesn't speak English, and I am not sure what her name is. She always comes running out of the back and gestures that she wants to hold Danger, and then she carries her all over the store. The first day I kept a very close eye on them lest she was part of a kidnapping ring! Not really. It seems that she is safe. She is very nice!

This woman is delightful, too. She tells us how much they all love our daughter.

I know I act like my daughter is the most wonderful being on the planet, perhaps occasionally I even do this obnoxiously so. I must watch myself and try to keep my opinion of her all-superceding wonderfulness a bit more to myself. But when we leave this store, I always feel like we have been treated the way it would make sense for everyone to treat my daughter. The dance all over and oooh and ahhh and say she is white like cotton and laugh and pinch her cheeks and give her candy and swing her around and take turns holding her and say how much they missed her.

This all makes so much sense to me!

Stander Van Zan

2009-03-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

Look at our amazing daughter. Not only is she learning to stand, but she can defy gravity. AND she is learning to say a VERY important word. (She's been saying the other important word, dada, for some time).

Danger Girl's New Talent

2009-03-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

It seems like our amazing baby girl is learning new things every day. I guess that's because she is. Check out her amazing talent. Finally, someone to share the burden of turning on and off the light!

Zanananny

2009-03-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

"What title should I give this weekend's blog," asked Tierney?

"I don't know," Jason replied.

Tierney sat thoughtfully at the computer. Then it was as if a light bulb went on over her head. "I know," she said, "I'll call it 'Zanananny.'"

Jason was silent.

"You know," said Tierney. "Like a hootenanny!"

"Oh, I get it," said Jason. "I get it."

Well, you've got to forgive me. I haven't had the name "Zan" as long as he has, so I still enjoy plays on our name, even if they aren't very funny. This weekend was our usual. I am feeling a little displeased right now, because I didn't clean the house much this weekend, so I've got to do it now or start Monday with a messy house. Wahhh. We did have a lot of fun, though. We went to the Filipino mall and I got boba iced tea, which I love, and we looked at the fish market again but were still not brave enough to buy any of the fish on ice and wait while they cleaned it for us. I think we agree, though, that if we WERE brave enough, we would buy some yellowtail.

We went to the park, and I watch part of Masterpiece Theater's Sense and Sensibility. Right now Jason is being sad because Azzy is hitting him over the head with clicky-clacky frog. But don't worry. I think he can defend himself pretty well. We did the park thing. We napped lots (well, at least Azzy and I). No work for the mama, for the second or third week in the row. It has been soooo nice to relax and play with my family. I am loving it.

Please see adventures below:

Looking up at Dad in cute new jammies.

Curling into Daddy at the park.

Swing fun. One of my recurring favorite blog themes, I am sure you've noticed.

I made a Smith family favorite, submarine sandwiches, for the first time ever. They were very delicious. Jason and I polished them all off within 24 hours.

Uh, how exactly do I do this, Mom?

Oh, that wasn't too difficult.

We walk by this cute house on our way to the park. I love their front porch and the cute way it is decorated. Isn't that stuff on the eaves called wisteria? If I weren't lazy I'd look it up, but there you go.

A row of succulents. I am still impressed that they survive outside. That's the Utah still in me.

I like this little mosaic in the sidewalk on our street.

WELCOME JENNY!!!

2009-03-21T22:35:00.000-07:00

I just noticed I have a third follower. Her name is Jenny. I am VERY excited. I hope she didn't become my follower by accident. Welcome, welcome. I will try to keep my blog exciting and charming. I am grateful for my other official followers and of course Renee and that crazy Jasper fellow, though his comments are strange, and I know that Mom and Kennon check me out too. Thank you, Jenny. You have made my evening. Do not be shy about leaving glowing comments!

Pearl's Marker

2009-03-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

I have been battling Walker Monument, trying to make sure that Pearl's headstone was done by her birthday. They made it sound like it would not be possible, and I told them that that was not acceptable to me, so they surprisingly got it done a month ahead of time. I was shocked when I received an e-mail on Friday saying that her stone had been set Thursday. Meghan was kind enough to go take pictures for me and e-mail them.

I don't even know where to begin talking about my feelings for my daughter Pearl. I miss her more than I knew a person could be missed prior to losing her. I really did believe that she would survive and be with us. I adored and still adore her so much. Losing her felt like losing half my heart. I honestly still don't know how to deal with her loss. The other day I was standing in front of the full-length mirror combing my hair, and Azzy was crawling up my leg, and I briefly imagined what it would be like having both of my daughters there, one hanging on to each of my legs. I try not to think things like that very often, because it is just too painful, and then I feel like maybe I am not being grateful enough for Azzy, and then I try to imagine how empty life would be if I had no one hanging onto my leg at all.

This year has been my year of greatest joy during which I've also suffered my greatest sorrow. I have a picture on my dresser of me holding both of my daughters, and I look at it every day. I no longer trip over myself when people ask if Azzy is my first child. I tell them what is easiest for them and not awkward for them. I can't make every person who asks that innocent question uncomfortable by telling them of Pearl. In the beginning I did, but it does no good. Pearl couldn't be more real to me, and on this earth, anyway, she is real to very few. In my heart, though, she is real. My first-born, incredibly beloved jewel. My greatest heartache and one of my very dearest loves. My darling girl-o.

Cast Your Vote and the Fire Extinguisher Renegade

2009-03-16T20:14:00.001-07:00

Please opine. I think I've decided I need to make a different one. I think it looks like green vomit with bacon bits (those are actually pecans).

Since I finished my other story, my next-door neighbor knocked on my door because smoke was billowing out of my parking garage. (Jason has my car at a meeting). We determined that someone had set off a fire extinguisher and then dumped it in our dumpster. Why? It's just one of those crazy days.

The Unchristian Christian

2009-03-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

Today something upsetting happened, and I wanted to share about it on my blog. Sometimes I try to bring postive energy into the world, and I do not always end up being successful. As any one close to me knows, I am not so much into organized religion. I do, though, try my best to live a life that I feel good about. I try to follow the golden rule.

Today Jan and I went to Von's, the California version of "Smith's," to buy some last-minute items for our St. Paddy's celebration tomorrow evening. By the way, my emerald salad doesn't look pretty because I let it set too long before putting in the pineapple, cottage cheese, etc. It is not aesthetically pleasing. I thought of starting over, but I would have to go buy everything again, so I am not. I thought of covering the whole thing with Cool Whip, but Jason said he didn't think that was a good idea because he doesn't like Cool Whip. I asked him to promise to eat lots and say it tasted good, and he pretty much said he will only do that if he likes it. Hmmpf. Anyway, back to the story.

So Jan and I were leaving Von's with Danger. A man sitting on a bench mumbled something about wanting money for food. Jan produced some change. I had three twenties which I'd just gotten back from the teller and a small handful of change. As I rounded up the change, the poor man said something about having had nothing to eat since yesterday morning and wanting a sandwich. Well, I felt very sorry for the man, so I asked Jan if she would take the baby and the groceries to the car while I went in and bought the man a sandwich. I know I don't like to miss a meal, much less a whole day of eating!

I asked the man what kind of sandwich he'd like so I could go buy him one. He didn't reply. I again asked what kind of sandwich he would like. He snapped at me that he was 59 years old and capable of choosing his own sandwich and hadn't had a drink in 18 years. Um, no one said anything about drinking. I told him that I was sure he was capable of choosing his own sandwich, but all I had were twenties. He proceeded to explain that he actually needed $20 anyway for a bus ticket to Bakersfield. By this time I was frustrated. I started to just dig out the change I did have and hand it to him, but then I decided that if he was going to be rude to me that I wasn't going to give him any money, so I threw up my hands in a gesture 0f surrender and turned and walked away. He called after me to have a nice day.

When we got to the car, I was so angry and upset that I said some sentence which included the f-word. I am not a frequent user of such language, and I am trying to purge it from my vocabulary completely. I feel it is okay to drop the dreaded "f-bomb" occasionally, but I do not want to set a bad example for Danger Girl, and I generally only say it when I am really upset, so I'm trying to stop it all together. So my daughter and my friend got to see me be a big nasty beast, and I didn't help the man at all.

My husband ignores people who ask for things on the street. Is that the way to go? I can see the appeal in that. But if I needed something and was asking people, I would feel so bad if they ignored me. Is it best to just give a dollar or two? That's what I intended to do, but I didn't have change. What example will I set for my daughter? This is a question I don't know the answer to yet. Thank goodness I don't have to decide tonight. Now I will post pictures of my jello salad so you can vote on whether I should serve it tomorrow.

Variations on a Theme

2009-03-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

I am kind of sad to report that another weekend is coming to a close. We had such a good time. Sure, we did the Zan things, but we LIKE the Zan things. That's why we do them.

We took Sugaloo to the park and look how happy she was about it!

Jan and I bought this cute fisherman hat to protect her wee fair head.

As you can see, it stays on at just about any angle.

Giving a little direction on how we might do a better job. I'm sure we could use it.

Well, we must have followed her advice just great. She appears pleased.

In the dark belly of Don Cuco's. The waiter asked what color balloon she might like, and when she didn't reply, he gave her all six.

Posing with Mommy and her lovely loons in the courtyard.

Her face looked quite a bit dirtier in the back of Mommy's car than it did in Don Cuco's.

Puhleeez take me home for my nap!

Having fun with her balloons again after her nap.

Dear Mom, this video is for you. (But others are invited to watch).

I am too tired to be clever, so I'm heading to bed. We ordered a bunch of Baby Einstein decorations for Danger's party and finalized the guest list (28 people, oh my!). I stepped in doggie poop unloading the baby out of the car at the park. My shoes are very sad in the bathroom. They still haven't recovered. I am excited for bed. And no one has control over time, so I will try not to be too sad that the weekend is over. I will just be happy that we had such a great one.

Planning Fun, Candy & New Dress!

2009-03-13T22:49:00.001-07:00

What is shaking at the Zansidence? Not much. We are happily hanging out. Pecan buns are defrosting on the counter, and we are going to bake them in the morning. That is certainly exciting. Today was one of Jason's Friday's off, so I used it to zip around and go to appointments. Then I walked with Jan and went to Trader Joe's. We watched a movie. I am still thinking of organizing Danger's dresser. Tomorrow is sounding better and better for that.

I had nothing cute with which to blog, so I asked Jason to take pictures while I was gone. As you can see, he did an EXCELLENT job. I wanted to take a little movie of Jason using Danger Girl to play air guitar. He wouldn't let me. But I forgive him.

I can't remember. What do you do with a map? Smell it? Hear it? I know, taste it!

Oh, I am ridiculous! That wasn't it!!

Maybe if I just hide behind it and smile they will think I know what I'm doing back here.

Enjoying, after a fashion, her candy from her adoring mini-mart friends.

A candid shot in her new dress from Omi. Omi sent three, and this is Mommy's favorite.

He doesn't seem to be using these, so let me just borrow them for a few...

Let's see, I know I used to know how to make these work...

Oh, yes, that is it!

What else you got, Dad?

Doing some deep knee bends after her tussle with Daddy. This picture makes Mommy just burst into gales of laughter.

I love the beginnings of weekends. The beginning is so full of anticipation and possibility. Maybe I will get things really clean. Maybe we will have lots of fun. (The second is MUCH more likely). Will we go to the farmer's market? Which park will we go to? I just love it. Yes, the dresser can wait until tomorrow. I will go write a card to my darling niece and then get into bed and read my book with Jason's mini-flashlight.

RENEE! Thank you for returning to the faithful! JASPER! Why are you not commenting?? Kennon and Mom, hello! You don't have to comment, but I love you and hello! Oh, yes, and I almost forgot to thank Lynne and Hildy, my ever-faithfuls.

Hello?

2009-03-09T21:42:00.000-07:00

Have you been wondering where the Zans are? Were you concerned that California had fallen into the ocean?? I am sorry I have not blogged in so long. First work was out of control for a long time. Then I thought if I was going to resume blogging, I needed to do an impressive post, so that kept me from blogging for a few days. Then I realized that ANY blog with a new picture of Danger Girl is magnificent, and today Mom and Kennon told me how much they enjoy the blog, and I am sure Lynne and Hillary still check my poor, neglected blog. So, with all of that flibbity-floo (that is a Jason word), here I am.

This is what my sweet husband did while I was so bogged down with transcription.

My cute, drooly baby with her pretty eyes and darling teef. They are sharp when she chomps down on my leg!

Making a getaway in Dad's hat.

Taking advantage of centrifugal force. (I thought it was "centrifuginal," by Jason learned me).

Pretty in pink and look at that touch of red in her little mop!

Swinging ecstacy! Truly, she loves it. I try to take her several times a week to the park with the baby swings.

On our way to the park from the street where we park the car, we pass this garden. It makes me giggle.

This church is at the top of a very tall ridge in Glendale. Sometimes when I drive at night I can see this huge, white, neon cross. It is not my favorite, but I am happy for the people who enjoy it.

It is hard to find a spot to park by the park sometimes! Danger suggested I rent this spot, but I told her not to worry, Mommy's always been able to find one and is willing to walk a way.

Twenty years ago, when I was not worried about dependability or getting a baby in the back or trunk space or even safety, this would have been the car for me! (And look, Lynne, I am in this picture!)

Oh, goodness! Look how cute my cuties are!!

And I LOVE the way my littlest baby looks in this picture.

Well, I think I am going to throw in the towel here soon for the night. My widdle baby has been having such a hard time getting to sleep, and she finally gave up five minutes ago. Sharing a room with her has been getting increasingly tricky. She can't go to sleep with us in the bed. We are just too exciting. But I love it when in the morning, she says in her special way, hey Mom, let's get up and do our thing! So I'd better go rest up for it!

Today

2009-02-25T17:44:00.000-08:00

Today was a crazy day.

I locked myself out of the car for the third time in as many months. AAA could not get me into my car, so my sweet husband came for the third time to let me in.

The postman rang the bell ten minutes after Danger and I went down for afternoon naps. It woke her and she would not go back to sleep.

We walked with Jan and Bingo.

We went to the grocery store.

Someone screamed a lot.

The other, taller and supposedly more mature person wanted to scream as well. She did not.

We made a casserole. Someone stood in her ExcerSaucer and screamed the whole time I did it. I made the casserole out of guilt. I admit it.

As you can see, my sweet baby is really enjoying the swings.

She likes to hold her little teeth while she swings. She got two five months ago, and she's calling that good for now.

It makes me happy to see her so happy.

Megs, we jaywalked to take this sweet photo for you. Yes, someone has this in front of their home.

Danger is rattling the bars and yelling, so I am going to go hang as with her as we anxiously wait for the Daddy to arrive.

Danger's New Shoes

2009-02-21T20:17:00.000-08:00

I am doing a major assignment for a new job. I thought it would take about 25 hours. Now it looks like it will take 75 hours. It is due a week from Wednesday. I am totally stressed out. I was not going to blog, but these darling new sandals from Aunties Chris and Kennon make it necessary. I was naughty and opened the package will Danger was napping. What a bad Mommy.

The shoes make her flexible.

They make reading enjoyable.

The make her legs darlingly chubby.

And they make her shorts too small!

Below is a movie in which daddy was the cinematographer. The crazy clacking in the background is me working.

Monday, Monday

2009-02-16T22:04:00.000-08:00

Hello, all. I am very quickly blogging before I go sleepy night-night, as my nephew Jason says. It's been a very busy day. I've been transcribing or taking care of Danger all day, and finally at 10 I sat down to watch Medium. At 10:05 Boomba started crying for a bottle. If you've watched Medium, you know that if you miss details you may as well turn it off, so I did. I gazed and Boomba while she drank her bottle and although I was initially disappointed at missing Medium, I decided feeding my daughter was better. I am so grateful for the enormous joy she brings into my life.

The Hawaiian chicken Jason chose at the farmers' market was delectable. The lamb kabobs I chose were not good. My sweetie pie shared half of his chicken with me. See poor little chickens below.

Don't you just want to buy one of each? I've never bought one, but I love all the pretty jars lined up.

My sweet photographer captures our cornacopia.

Danger loves all the free space since we moved the coffee table over to Jan's (so Danger would have more room to play.)

Striking a lovely pose.

Why is HE turning purple? You'd think SHE would be.

Yup, dad. I think you're done. So is the momma. Goodnight!

Valenzan's Day

2009-02-14T22:29:00.001-08:00

The Zans had their favorite Valentine's Day yet. We celebrated by just hanging out and loving each other and playing. We took a Valentine with a picture to Danger's lovely friend, Alla, at the little Armenian market on the corner. We would have taken Danger's picture with Alla, but that will have to wait until another day. I already felt very bad, because Alla ceased to wait on customers and came out from behind the counter, ignoring an older gentleman and young teenage boy who wanted to make their purchases. This is flattering, but I always feel a little bad!

Danger continues deepening her friendship with the baby in the mirror.

I received this lovely pendant from my husband for Valentine's. I love it because it looks like a "Z," labeling me as a member of Team Zan. Poor little Danger grabbed for it all day long.

Listening to the secrets of Hollywood's innermost circles.

Yucking it up over the Hollywood gossip. Or, to be more honest, just having fun looking at our dasband.

Daddy and baby dance.

Daddy dips the baby. (Maybe Mommy will nibble on her toes!)

Jason displays his Valentine's bounty. The book is from Danger. Lynne, this is the book that Jason couldn't bring himself to buy at Goodwill. Danger suggested we go back and buy it for him. The mugs were supposed to be World Series mugs, but I accidentally bought National Championship mugs. I ordered the correct ones, and we will be sending these back.

So that is about it for the Zans for the day. The mama transcribed, and we took the baby on a couple of walks and just basked in the glory of the weekend.

Zan Weekend Fun

2009-02-08T20:32:00.000-08:00

Here is the Zan's fun weekend in pictures. If a picture's worth a thousand words, then this blog is worth 15,000!

Carefully supervising our reubens cooking.

Feeling good about their progress.

These were so yummy that we wished we could teleport one to Max (who also loves a fine reuben). The marble rye was purchased at the farmers' market.

Danger likes to check the labels of her parents' groceries carefully.

Ralphs is alive with the sound of music.

Take that!

No, YOU take THAT!!

Vanquishing Daddy at last.

Now might I woo you to come play with me, Mommy?

One good way to keep her out of things she shouldn't be in.

This one works very nicely, too. Keith the "baby proofer" came and installed prison bars between the dining room and living room on Friday. We have been playing "jail" all weekend.

Why don't I help you organize this shelf, Mom?

Does that look okay, Mommy?

Dad, next time you leave me alone with her, would you mind taking the hair gel with you?

Mom and Dad's wild weekend shenanigans have worn me out. But I'm still sad that Daddy has to go to work tomorrow.

Mommy is sad too. Weekends are the best.

Saturday, Here in the Park...

2009-02-01T21:33:00.001-08:00

...feeling like the fourth of July.

I haven't been a very good blogger lately. Life is seeming insanely busy. Yesterday we went to the park and had a fantastic time:

Snazzy on the teeter totter with daddy (and mommy).

I wish this picture weren't so dark. She has the cutest smile ever here.

For those of you with a minute and a half to spare, you can see is here fooling around on the Teeter Totter. This is a Momma Zan original entitled Teeter Totter Madness.

Boomba and I booked a ticket tonight to go see Aunties Chris and Kennon in May. Henny is already packing her bags. We are very excited about this. We are also planning a trip to the main homestead in July and cannot wait.

I think that's about it, so I'm signing off.

Oh, yeah, and much love to all my fans!!!

Cleaning Up and Getting Clean

2009-01-27T22:19:00.000-08:00

I wasn't going to blog tonight, because not too much exciting happened today, but here I am. Someone has sweetly been slipping envelopes of coupons beneath our door for months. Sometimes it seems as if the "coupon bandit" has been through our house and knows what we use. I have never been a coupon clipper, but to have them delivered to our door, well, that is just wonderful!

A couple of weeks ago we discovered it is Bonnie, a very nice woman who lives in the house in front of us. I used to think Bonnie was a compulsive shopper, because she would come home with bags and bags of merchandise and take them into her house. Later I found out she is a set decorator and was buying all of those things for TV program sets. This makes much more sense.

(As a sidenote, Jason and Boomba are on the couch right now, and he is feeding her. He just got excited over how cute it was that she picked her nose for the first time!)

When we found out it was Bonnie leaving the coupons, I slipped a thank you note under her door. Since then, we've been receiving MANY, MANY coupons. Boomba and I had fun sorting them this morning, as you can see.

Mom, can't you make an exception to what Dr. Henry said about peanut butter so we can use this Jif coupon?

I am tired of sorting, Mom. How about we just lie around and smile at each other?

Some of those coupons were kind of inky, so we had to get cleaned up. Oh, no, we are broadcasting our grout problem for all the world to see!

So, that's it for tonight. Tomorrow we're taking the car in to see about getting it repaired, and hopefully our friend Crystal is coming over for lunch. That's about it. Oh, by the way, isn't it cute the way her hair sticks up in the last picture?

Grand Zan Adventure Picture-rama

2009-01-25T18:29:00.000-08:00

Sorry to have not blogged for a few days, but we wanted to make you hungry for Zan news! Well, maybe we weren't really scheming, but we have been busy with various adventures.

Boomba and Grandma having a fly-catching contest.

I think this may be my fave picture ever of Danger and her darling Grandma Jan.

Azadoo blowing off some steam at the JC Penney portrait studio. Just WAIT until we send you all pictures from her session. Too cute to even begin to describe.

Doodlebug with the large pummelo her Mommy and Daddy purchased at the farmers' market. Otherwise known as Chinese grapefruit, pummelo, pommelo, Lusho Fruit, jabong, shaddock, and my personal favorite, Citrus maxima

Yes, Maxima indeed! Guys, I'm starting to get a little nervous here.

Okay, is there even going to be room for me in the car?!? Maybe if I stop looking at it, it will stop growing.

I'll admit, it's handy for hiding behind when I feel shy...

Mom and Dad want to eat a fruit as big as Boomba's head!! Okay, I just weighed the pummelo and came to edit my blog so I could tell you all it weighs precisely three pounds!

Hauling the Citrus maxima all over town exhausted us, so we are pausing at our favorite little Mexican joint for lunch.

We are practicing in case an evil wizard turns us into fish.

Showing off our choppers. Check out those darling little toofs on my young lady!

Jason approaching the feeding task with more than a modicum of seriousness.

But it's pretty much impossible not to smile when you look at her!

Boomba has victoriously seized her grandma's glasses. Here she is also pictured with Grandma Jan's sister, Auntie Carol. We stopped by to supervise their housecleaning this afternoon. They are very good cleaners.

Well, I think clever captions are about all I can handle tonight. We are wrapping up a very, very fun weekend. We watched the whole second season of Dexter like happy slugs, and Jason made a tuna casserole, and I went crazy on the treadmill, and we cleaned some, and Jason put together my new cabinet from IKEA, and we read and had a hoot with the baby, and life is super, and darn-it, the weekend's over, but it had to happen. (Besides, every day is sort of like a weekend when you're a mama, except for we miss the Dasband when he goes to make rockets!)

Lots of love to our fans and a special shout-out to Jasper!

Oranges, Doctors & Swings, Oh MY!

2009-01-21T20:43:00.000-08:00

I have said to myself, maybe my blog is boring. Maybe if you don't think my daughter is the most exciting thing on the planet, my blog becomes tiresome. I realize almost all pictures on my blog feature Danger, who wants to change her blog nickname to Boomba Zan. So I thought, what else can I take a picture of? I said, I know, I will take a picture of that neat orange I bought yesterday and show everyone. What a nifty orange.

Please see orange. Neat stripes, eh?

Here is another picture of the orange. Now I have done my duty and shown something ELSE of interest. Very good.

Yesterday Jan and I took Boomba to a park where she could sit in the swing herself. A friend had told me how excited her daughter became when she took her daughter to do this. Not excited yet...

Oh, here she's coming around...

You can see she thought the big dinosaur was significantly more exciting.

And the paper at the doctor's office was the most exciting of all!

Here Boomba is with Dr. Henry, who is one of the sweetest men ever.

And here Boomba is with the office manager, Nora. Nora is actually works at MY doctor's office, but she is just down the hall from Boomba's doctor. We always stop to see Nora when we see Dr. Henry because she is very sweet and kind to Boomba, and little Boomba would be very sad if we did not! (I also think Nora is quite nice.)

Poor little Boomba has an ear infection, so we picked up an antibiotic tonight. She now weighs 19 pounds, 11 ounces. Another of her nicknames is Sackatata (short for "Sack of Potatoes".) That is actually her Indian name, Sackatata Zan. Now I'm re-reading this and realizing that is a non sequitur, so the reason I mention Sackatata is because she is getting as heavy as a very heavy Sack of Potatoes. I can't believe she is four times her starting weight! When we brought her home, I would look at her in her crib, and for some reason at that time as well I compared her to a baked potato, and she looked like a teensy-tinsy baked potato abandoned on a vast plain. It almost seemed irresponsible to let her sleep in that gargantuan empty space by herself, so I had her always sleep in the little baby bed that we kept in the middle of ours. Or if you ask Jason, we kept the little baby bed on his side of the bed. Alas, I fear he is right.

Well, I guess this blog has turned out a little Boomba-centric as well, but you can't say I didn't try.

Signing off!

Lovely Danger Celebrates Nine Months

2009-01-19T20:01:00.001-08:00

Mom, this toy is GREAT!

I LOVE moving these bead-things on these wire-things!

Dad, I love your kisses.

Even if they are a little prickly.

Doin' a disco move.

Uh, yeah, I'll have some of that if you don't mind.

Uh, Mom, are we falling or are you??

I can see a lovely, lovely baby in this table, guys!

Is it okay to put my feet up on this here table?

You, DID wipe this table really well, didn't you, Mom?

Well, if you're sure, then I am confident in chomping on it.

This hat fits me nicely.

Well, sort of...

Hey, ma!

I will share and let medium Ella wear Dad's hat.

Turning nine months is VERY exhausting.

Today our lovely daughter turned nine months old. We went out as a family to celebrate and bought her a couple of toys from the toy store. Our lovely girl had a lovely, lovely day.

New Baby Bed Bag!

2009-01-15T23:07:00.000-08:00

Today Miss Danger received a package in the mail. They were the new bed bags she had ordered. She chose this lovely safari pattern as well as one with bumble bees. Though we live in California, it can get very cold at night in the bedroom with no central heat. Well, Danger will just be DARING it to get cold now with her fancy new bags!

Danger and I are so excited, at least I am and Danger would be if she knew the score. The dasband has a four-day weekend! If you round up, that is like a whole week. Tomorrow Danger and I are going to walk with Jan, go to lunch and the mall and then come spend the evening with the dasband. This will make it so he can have lots of hours in front of the TV, which he does mightily enjoy. Then I have some family cleaning plans in mind and a family outing to Chinatown on Monday. Jason was too sick to join us last time, and we want him to be able to enjoy dim sum with us.

I just glanced over, and my sweet big baby has fallen asleep on the couch. I am very tired too, so we will now go join our brave wee one in the chilly bedroom and snuggle in for the night.

My cute babies. Danger modeling her Safari bed bag.