This is taken shortly after we noticed the hives appearing.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Grandma's guest post
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Linda Elman
To: Clover Huang; Joshua Elman
Cc: Don Elman
Sent: Sunday, October 23, 2011 3:13 PM
Subject: Great Visit with Sierra
We had a great time with Sierra yesterday. She's growing into quite the charmer. We loved dancing with her and especially watching her collapse over and over when the song came to "all tired out.". Equally fun was having her prepare us food in her kitchen. She definitely gets the idea of pretend.
Perhaps the most special time was when she was coloring and asking us to write words to accompany her drawings. We wrote Grandma and Grampa, Mommy, Daddy, Sierra, Gran Gran, etc., and then poo, which she was glad to illustrate. Four year old humor in a not quite two year old?
Amazing, although we know she is bilingual, and sang some Chinese songs, she only spoke to us in English. She continues to charm and amaze us,
Love Mom & Dad
Linda L. Elman
Data Made Friendly
Sent from my iPad--excuse the typos--fat fingers
From: Linda Elman
To: Clover Huang
Cc: Don Elman
Sent: Sunday, October 23, 2011 3:13 PM
Subject: Great Visit with Sierra
We had a great time with Sierra yesterday. She's growing into quite the charmer. We loved dancing with her and especially watching her collapse over and over when the song came to "all tired out.". Equally fun was having her prepare us food in her kitchen. She definitely gets the idea of pretend.
Perhaps the most special time was when she was coloring and asking us to write words to accompany her drawings. We wrote Grandma and Grampa, Mommy, Daddy, Sierra, Gran Gran, etc., and then poo, which she was glad to illustrate. Four year old humor in a not quite two year old?
Amazing, although we know she is bilingual, and sang some Chinese songs, she only spoke to us in English. She continues to charm and amaze us,
Love Mom & Dad
Linda L. Elman
Data Made Friendly
Sent from my iPad--excuse the typos--fat fingers
Sunday, October 23, 2011
"Ra-ra is shy"
Last night, I was shocked to hear Sierra suddenly repeat, "Ra ra is shy" again and again as she was falling asleep. Josh heard it too and immediately said, "No, Ra ra is not shy. Ra ra is friendly." (Side note to Josh: "Friendly" isn't the opposite of shy.) We were both surprised that she picked up on it from Grandma's visit. (She heard Grandma saying it at Robbie's house Thursday because she was quiet in front of Robbie and on Saturday when she first arrived and was quiet. The second time, I immediately said "don't call her s-h-y" but she immediately picked up on the context.)
This led me to finally research articles on shyness in toddlers. First off, Sierra doesn't have one of the main symptoms and that is averting her eyes. She actually stares at everyone and is extremely observant. We already know Sierra is extremely observant because she notices EVERYTHING. When we get back from somewhere, she'll point out details that I didn't even notice. For instance, the time we came back from Tobi's house BBQ and Sierra pointed out what color her T-shirt was.
Anyway, Sierra has been more quiet when first joining large groups/class starting about 1 month ago. Before that, she was quiet, but would go around more. Now, she is always the last kid to pick up the instruments. She is definitely being extremely observant though.
The most salient point in all the articles is NEVER label the child as "shy", which creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. I know this one because I experienced it first hand growing up.
The What to expect series on toddlers gave the best summary. The first 3 points really hit home:
1. Avoid labels. Call him "shy" and you risk creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. He'll start to internalize the label and may even use it to avoid situations he finds uncomfortable ("I'm shy, so I don't have to try to fit in").
I read another article that said, "If you must call her something, call her something positive," such as, in Sierra's case, "observant," which I believe she is more than shy.
2. Don't show disapproval or embarrassment. The slightest hint that you consider toddler shyness a character flaw of his will cause him to withdraw more. So don't praise outgoing kids by comparing their behavior to his, and don't force him to answer questions from other adults. If the cat's got his tongue, you can help by filling in the silence. ("Derek is three now. Isn't that right?")
Both gran (disapproval) and Josh (embarassment) are guilty of #2, but for different reasons. Months ago, even before Sierra started being observant/shy in large groups, a waiter asked Sierra how old she was. Josh jumped in and said "Don't be shy!" because he was embarassed she didn't know the answer (which she didn't - she was barely old enough to speak at that age). Why a waiter would embarass Josh is also weird. He's just a teenage kid, who cares? Although Josh is Jewish, he definitely doesn't have the self-confidence you would think. I feel like I have to keep reminding Josh of this one because for whatever reason, it's his springboard reflex to say "shy" everytime someone approaches Sierra.
3. Select playmates with care. Don't force your tot to socialize, but do encourage him to interact with other kids by starting small. Plan one-on-one dates or small playgroups with kids he feels comfortable with (maybe neighbors or cousins) and who are definitely laid-back (not aggressive or overly loud). He may actually find it easier to hang out with playmates who are a little younger than he ("Hey, I'm the big boy here!") or a year or two older if he likes following someone else's lead.
This is interesting because we were wondering if it's better to have older playmates (who have better verbal skills for her) and more aggressive playmates (so she can get used to the real world). We've always had small playgroups (for germ reasons). Now we know what is best for her at her age.
Articles from prominent websites that I found compelling:
Baby Center:
Don't label your child as shy.
It's best not to speak about your child's timidity with others in his presence. He may hear "He's shy" as a criticism or "He's just shy" as an excuse that sets him apart from others. Instead, try saying "He is observant." Try not to always think of your child as shy, either. If you expect shyness, your expectation may influence his behavior.
Dr. Sears:
Never label a child "shy." On hearing this a child feels something's wrong with her, and this will make her feel more shy. If you must use words to describe your child use words like "observant." These are nicer and more accurate terms. Labels also affect the way others treat your child. Calling her "shy" can make them over solicitous, as though there is something they should do to "help" or fix it. If you are going to visit Aunt Nancy and you want your quiet child to make a good first impression, avoid the temptation to say, "Don't be so shy, Aunt Nancy won't bite." That's guaranteed to make him clam up. The already self-conscious child is likely to become even more shy. Tell the child ahead of time what's expected of him, a simple "hi" and quiet, polite behavior. Don't ask more than you can reasonably expect. Keep the attention off the child, and as he gets comfortable, trust that Aunt Nancy will come to appreciate him. Encourage your child to bring along one of her favorite activities (for example, art supplies or a board game) that Aunt Nancy can use as a bridge to communication.
The main lesson that I personally find really compelling is: "Do not label your child as shy." I personally experienced this growing up and I definitely felt that it caused me to become more shy and/or maintain my shyness instead of grow out of it. It's true that you live up to your labels and expectations.
This led me to finally research articles on shyness in toddlers. First off, Sierra doesn't have one of the main symptoms and that is averting her eyes. She actually stares at everyone and is extremely observant. We already know Sierra is extremely observant because she notices EVERYTHING. When we get back from somewhere, she'll point out details that I didn't even notice. For instance, the time we came back from Tobi's house BBQ and Sierra pointed out what color her T-shirt was.
Anyway, Sierra has been more quiet when first joining large groups/class starting about 1 month ago. Before that, she was quiet, but would go around more. Now, she is always the last kid to pick up the instruments. She is definitely being extremely observant though.
The most salient point in all the articles is NEVER label the child as "shy", which creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. I know this one because I experienced it first hand growing up.
The What to expect series on toddlers gave the best summary. The first 3 points really hit home:
1. Avoid labels. Call him "shy" and you risk creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. He'll start to internalize the label and may even use it to avoid situations he finds uncomfortable ("I'm shy, so I don't have to try to fit in").
I read another article that said, "If you must call her something, call her something positive," such as, in Sierra's case, "observant," which I believe she is more than shy.
2. Don't show disapproval or embarrassment. The slightest hint that you consider toddler shyness a character flaw of his will cause him to withdraw more. So don't praise outgoing kids by comparing their behavior to his, and don't force him to answer questions from other adults. If the cat's got his tongue, you can help by filling in the silence. ("Derek is three now. Isn't that right?")
Both gran (disapproval) and Josh (embarassment) are guilty of #2, but for different reasons. Months ago, even before Sierra started being observant/shy in large groups, a waiter asked Sierra how old she was. Josh jumped in and said "Don't be shy!" because he was embarassed she didn't know the answer (which she didn't - she was barely old enough to speak at that age). Why a waiter would embarass Josh is also weird. He's just a teenage kid, who cares? Although Josh is Jewish, he definitely doesn't have the self-confidence you would think. I feel like I have to keep reminding Josh of this one because for whatever reason, it's his springboard reflex to say "shy" everytime someone approaches Sierra.
3. Select playmates with care. Don't force your tot to socialize, but do encourage him to interact with other kids by starting small. Plan one-on-one dates or small playgroups with kids he feels comfortable with (maybe neighbors or cousins) and who are definitely laid-back (not aggressive or overly loud). He may actually find it easier to hang out with playmates who are a little younger than he ("Hey, I'm the big boy here!") or a year or two older if he likes following someone else's lead.
This is interesting because we were wondering if it's better to have older playmates (who have better verbal skills for her) and more aggressive playmates (so she can get used to the real world). We've always had small playgroups (for germ reasons). Now we know what is best for her at her age.
Articles from prominent websites that I found compelling:
Baby Center:
Don't label your child as shy.
It's best not to speak about your child's timidity with others in his presence. He may hear "He's shy" as a criticism or "He's just shy" as an excuse that sets him apart from others. Instead, try saying "He is observant." Try not to always think of your child as shy, either. If you expect shyness, your expectation may influence his behavior.
Dr. Sears:
Never label a child "shy." On hearing this a child feels something's wrong with her, and this will make her feel more shy. If you must use words to describe your child use words like "observant." These are nicer and more accurate terms. Labels also affect the way others treat your child. Calling her "shy" can make them over solicitous, as though there is something they should do to "help" or fix it. If you are going to visit Aunt Nancy and you want your quiet child to make a good first impression, avoid the temptation to say, "Don't be so shy, Aunt Nancy won't bite." That's guaranteed to make him clam up. The already self-conscious child is likely to become even more shy. Tell the child ahead of time what's expected of him, a simple "hi" and quiet, polite behavior. Don't ask more than you can reasonably expect. Keep the attention off the child, and as he gets comfortable, trust that Aunt Nancy will come to appreciate him. Encourage your child to bring along one of her favorite activities (for example, art supplies or a board game) that Aunt Nancy can use as a bridge to communication.
The main lesson that I personally find really compelling is: "Do not label your child as shy." I personally experienced this growing up and I definitely felt that it caused me to become more shy and/or maintain my shyness instead of grow out of it. It's true that you live up to your labels and expectations.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
SHE's with Grandma and Grandpa and Robbie
[from daddy]
Grandma and Grandpa came to visit Sierra today after spending a few days taking care of Robbie to celebrate Robbie's parent's anniversary. Grandma and Grandpa brought over bagels for breakfast, read to Sierra, played with bears, and we all played outside for a while. After lunch, we took a walk to get Sierra an ice cream cone (no ice cream!) at Baskin Robbins and everyone else got some ice cream.
SHE's sliding with Robbie
SHE's in her house
SHE's going to get an ice cream cone
Grandma and Grandpa came to visit Sierra today after spending a few days taking care of Robbie to celebrate Robbie's parent's anniversary. Grandma and Grandpa brought over bagels for breakfast, read to Sierra, played with bears, and we all played outside for a while. After lunch, we took a walk to get Sierra an ice cream cone (no ice cream!) at Baskin Robbins and everyone else got some ice cream.
SHE's sliding with Robbie
SHE's in her house
SHE's going to get an ice cream cone
Friday, October 21, 2011
SHE loves sharing
Yesterday's post just made me realize how special Sierra's love of sharing with others is...
When playdates (or adult friends) come over, Sierra likes to give them a tour of her toys, showing them each toy and telling them what they are (e.g., "mommy" and "daddy" little people) and also showing them how to use the toy (riding the zebra) and then giving them a chance to try.
And just this week...
At her Music Together class, the teacher at some point, always sets out a box of instruments. All the kids race to get instruments for themselves. Sierra is always the last one. She waits for everyone to get their instruments and then I/gran usually help her get a few for herself.
This last class, there was a baby in the class. (Gran pointed out the baby to her in the beginning of class.) Later, when the teacher brought out the instruments box, Sierra went to get some instruments and what did she do? She brought them to the baby. "Thank you!" said the mom, duly impressed.
When playdates (or adult friends) come over, Sierra likes to give them a tour of her toys, showing them each toy and telling them what they are (e.g., "mommy" and "daddy" little people) and also showing them how to use the toy (riding the zebra) and then giving them a chance to try.
And just this week...
At her Music Together class, the teacher at some point, always sets out a box of instruments. All the kids race to get instruments for themselves. Sierra is always the last one. She waits for everyone to get their instruments and then I/gran usually help her get a few for herself.
This last class, there was a baby in the class. (Gran pointed out the baby to her in the beginning of class.) Later, when the teacher brought out the instruments box, Sierra went to get some instruments and what did she do? She brought them to the baby. "Thank you!" said the mom, duly impressed.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
What happened to Robbie?
Sierra was so looking forward to going to Robbie's house today. Grandma and Grandpa are in town and are at Robbie's house. As soon as we told her she was going to Robbie's house, she asked to go into the car.
Unfortunately, Robbie has become really aggressive, completely different from in the past. He followed her almost the whole time, grabbing toys out of Sierra's hands and saying "Mine!" Sierra was left speechless. (I don't even think she knows the word "mine", as we don't use it around her, nor do her friends.) When Sierra was riding a car, he tried to push her out, but grandma tried to redirect him to another car. He even took food out of her snack trap (which gran ended up sharing). Repeatedly grandma and gran tried to redirect him and asked him to share.
Sierra was quiet and didn't say a peep the whole time other than "goodbye" at the end.
Later, gran repeatedly expressed disappointment that Sierra is becoming "just like me". She felt badly for Sierra the way she felt badly for me when I was a little kid, too shy to stand up for myself.
Later I told gran she has to be a good role model for her if she really wants her to learn to stand up for herself. You have to say loudly, "Robbie, Sierra's playing with that now. Why don't you play with this and then Sierra will let you play when she is done?" (I had read this months ago in a toddler article on how to handle bullying.)
Also, I've read never to label kids in front of them, e.g., shy, because they end up becoming what you label them. They think that's what they are and so that's how they will act. Thinking back, this definitely did affect me growing up.
Anyway, we miss the old Robbie! Hopefully this is just a phase!
Unfortunately, Robbie has become really aggressive, completely different from in the past. He followed her almost the whole time, grabbing toys out of Sierra's hands and saying "Mine!" Sierra was left speechless. (I don't even think she knows the word "mine", as we don't use it around her, nor do her friends.) When Sierra was riding a car, he tried to push her out, but grandma tried to redirect him to another car. He even took food out of her snack trap (which gran ended up sharing). Repeatedly grandma and gran tried to redirect him and asked him to share.
Sierra was quiet and didn't say a peep the whole time other than "goodbye" at the end.
Later, gran repeatedly expressed disappointment that Sierra is becoming "just like me". She felt badly for Sierra the way she felt badly for me when I was a little kid, too shy to stand up for myself.
Later I told gran she has to be a good role model for her if she really wants her to learn to stand up for herself. You have to say loudly, "Robbie, Sierra's playing with that now. Why don't you play with this and then Sierra will let you play when she is done?" (I had read this months ago in a toddler article on how to handle bullying.)
Also, I've read never to label kids in front of them, e.g., shy, because they end up becoming what you label them. They think that's what they are and so that's how they will act. Thinking back, this definitely did affect me growing up.
Anyway, we miss the old Robbie! Hopefully this is just a phase!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Energizer bunny
When ra-ra falls asleep, she doesn't really slow down. She just talks and talks and then suddenly she's quiet and you're like "is she asleep?" and then sometimes she'll resume talking (not asleep) and sometimes she will actualy be asleep (phew!)
Usually we get her in bed around 9pm these days and she chatters away until 9:50pm. Then she wakes up between 7am-8am. (with a "daddy back" or "touch mommy's hair" around 6am to get her back to sleep)
Tonight, she was singing Old MacDonald had a farm... again and again and again until she was asleep.
Added 10/19:
Last night, she actually put her head down and lay there quietly and then fell asleep eventually! (This is while she was waiting for daddy to get more batteries for her sea horse.) I take back the above post.
Added 10/21:
The last 3 nights, after lights out, she's been putting her head down and lying there until she falls asleep!
Usually we get her in bed around 9pm these days and she chatters away until 9:50pm. Then she wakes up between 7am-8am. (with a "daddy back" or "touch mommy's hair" around 6am to get her back to sleep)
Tonight, she was singing Old MacDonald had a farm... again and again and again until she was asleep.
Added 10/19:
Last night, she actually put her head down and lay there quietly and then fell asleep eventually! (This is while she was waiting for daddy to get more batteries for her sea horse.) I take back the above post.
Added 10/21:
The last 3 nights, after lights out, she's been putting her head down and lying there until she falls asleep!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Recounting the day
Tonight while lying in bed, Ra ra suddenly told me "sticker from the policeman" and then "yesterday we had chicken on the bench." "in paloalto" I said you mean "and potatoes" and she said "in paloalto" and finally I said "oh, in palo alto!" and she said "yeah" and then she said "mommy mai cai cai" (mommy bought vegetables) and "baby sleeping with the toys".
Today we went to the farmer's market in palo alto. (In the car, I told Sierra we were going to palo alto.) There, I gave Sierra rotisserie chicken and potatoes from Roli Roti, a gourmet food truck, while sitting on a bench in the shade. After walking a bit and buying some veggies, Sierra showed interest in a baby sleeping in a stroller. She commented that the the baby had toys and found this amusing. As we left, we saw a policeman going into his car next to our car. He gave Ra ra a Palo Alto Jr police sticker, which she liked. Ra ra loves stickers.
Today we went to the farmer's market in palo alto. (In the car, I told Sierra we were going to palo alto.) There, I gave Sierra rotisserie chicken and potatoes from Roli Roti, a gourmet food truck, while sitting on a bench in the shade. After walking a bit and buying some veggies, Sierra showed interest in a baby sleeping in a stroller. She commented that the the baby had toys and found this amusing. As we left, we saw a policeman going into his car next to our car. He gave Ra ra a Palo Alto Jr police sticker, which she liked. Ra ra loves stickers.
Shoe monitor
Josh constantly walks out the door with his slippers (crocs) on without changing to his outdoor shoes, not noticing. Today Josh walked out again with his slippers and Sierra ran up to him and said "other shoes!" and picked up his outdoor shoes and brought them to him.
She did this to him once before at least a month ago.
She did this to him once before at least a month ago.
Silly Sue
A couple weeks ago, Sierra was being silly and laughing at herself. I said "Are you being a silly sue?" And she found this really funny. "Silly Sue" she repeated and laughed. Since then, she sometimes (and especially today) will ask me "What's Silly Sue doing mommy?" and I'll tell her what she's doing.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
"Beef"
We had korean BBQ the other day and she enjoyed the bulgogi. We told her "rou rou" (meat) and she looked up and said "beef." hahaha.
She is accepting beef more now.
Gran chopped really thin slices of hot pot beef from Nijiya into her porridge and she eats it.
She is accepting beef more now.
Gran chopped really thin slices of hot pot beef from Nijiya into her porridge and she eats it.
Foods Sierra likes
seaweed (the nori kind, but not the kelp kind)
quinoa (of all things!)
rou song (pork soon) - which we mix with seaweed and rice
wheat germ (she says "fang zai zheili" to put it on her high chair tray so she can pick it up with her fingers)
cauliflower (which I introduced as white brocolli but was not very good at being consistent, so she figured out it was cauliflower pretty quickly. not to worry - she loves cauliflower and can eat half a head! A few weeks ago, we were walking at the farmers market and she walked right up to a purple cauliflower and told me to buy it! she really enjoyed the purple one for lunch that day)
broccoli (as always)
green beans (she can carry around and eat on her own now - she never liked them much as a baby when i ground them with the hand blender)
rice/pasta - she enjoys identifying letters in the ABC pasta I got
spaghetti sauce and pasta (I grind the ground beef with the hand blender after it's cooked so the meat's barely noticeable)
american cheese (horizon organic not the fake kind, though i'm sure the fake kind tastes great to her)
rotisserie chicken
eggs (scrambled/omelette, not hard boiled - which i'm not sure she realizes are also eggs since we always scramble them)
crackers of all kinds, dry cereal, potato chips, fries - finally came around to eating fries!
ketchup - this is new. she likes dipping things in it and eating just the ketchup.
pear (LOVES)
other fruit: watermelon, apples, bananas, blueberries, cherries (especially rainier), grapes, peaches, nectarines, orange (which we juice for her).
oatmeal (which she has most mornings. we mix in oat bran and quinoa flakes.)
Refuses or spits out:
cantaloupe
strawberries
mango
yogurt
coconut water
We tried Silk on her recently and she spat it out consistently (they don't have organic soy milk at Ranch 99 where I was). I tasted it and it's definitely not as good as the regular Safeway/TJs/Whole foods Organic soy milk.
quinoa (of all things!)
rou song (pork soon) - which we mix with seaweed and rice
wheat germ (she says "fang zai zheili" to put it on her high chair tray so she can pick it up with her fingers)
cauliflower (which I introduced as white brocolli but was not very good at being consistent, so she figured out it was cauliflower pretty quickly. not to worry - she loves cauliflower and can eat half a head! A few weeks ago, we were walking at the farmers market and she walked right up to a purple cauliflower and told me to buy it! she really enjoyed the purple one for lunch that day)
broccoli (as always)
green beans (she can carry around and eat on her own now - she never liked them much as a baby when i ground them with the hand blender)
rice/pasta - she enjoys identifying letters in the ABC pasta I got
spaghetti sauce and pasta (I grind the ground beef with the hand blender after it's cooked so the meat's barely noticeable)
american cheese (horizon organic not the fake kind, though i'm sure the fake kind tastes great to her)
rotisserie chicken
eggs (scrambled/omelette, not hard boiled - which i'm not sure she realizes are also eggs since we always scramble them)
crackers of all kinds, dry cereal, potato chips, fries - finally came around to eating fries!
ketchup - this is new. she likes dipping things in it and eating just the ketchup.
pear (LOVES)
other fruit: watermelon, apples, bananas, blueberries, cherries (especially rainier), grapes, peaches, nectarines, orange (which we juice for her).
oatmeal (which she has most mornings. we mix in oat bran and quinoa flakes.)
Refuses or spits out:
cantaloupe
strawberries
mango
yogurt
coconut water
We tried Silk on her recently and she spat it out consistently (they don't have organic soy milk at Ranch 99 where I was). I tasted it and it's definitely not as good as the regular Safeway/TJs/Whole foods Organic soy milk.
SHE's eating an apple she picked!
Our fuji apple tree is very close. The apples are pretty good now. We picked a few today. Ra-ra wanted to help wash them and walk around with one like she did last week with gran after picking one.
I think they just need 1-2 more weeks and they'll be perfect!
Friday, October 14, 2011
SHE's playing Pictionary
Here Ra-ra is having fun guessing pictures that I am drawing. It's not unlike the flash cards she used to like flipping through and naming when she was younger!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
sierra said
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "kathua@juno.com"
To: cloverh@yahoo.com; jelman@stanfordalumni.org
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 2:42 PM
Subject: sierra said
I was talking to nanny that I needed to prepare some snack before taking her to Skyla's. Rara heard me and said " just crackers are good" (in Chinese)
From: "kathua@juno.com"
To: cloverh@yahoo.com; jelman@stanfordalumni.org
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 2:42 PM
Subject: sierra said
I was talking to nanny that I needed to prepare some snack before taking her to Skyla's. Rara heard me and said " just crackers are good" (in Chinese)
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Whole Foods for dogs
We have a set of monkey cartoon cards for ages 2-3 with pictures of everyday life and questions to ask your toddler. For example, "What is monkey doing?" "What's in monkey's room?" Ra ra is good at these cards.
Last night, Josh showed her a picture of monkey in a pet store. He asked, "Where is monkey?" and she said "Like Whole Foods. For dogs."
She didn't know the word for pet store or pets, so she described it this way! What a great apples-to-apples game player she would be (a game where you try to guess a word and your team cannot use the word)!
Last night, Josh showed her a picture of monkey in a pet store. He asked, "Where is monkey?" and she said "Like Whole Foods. For dogs."
She didn't know the word for pet store or pets, so she described it this way! What a great apples-to-apples game player she would be (a game where you try to guess a word and your team cannot use the word)!
New microwave toy
Sierra did not want to wash her hair yesterday (as usual). I said "After you wash your hair, you'll get a new toy."
S: "Where's the toy?"
Me: "In the garage."
S: "What toy?" (or something like that)
Me: "A toy microwave."
S: (smiles and laughs) "microwave." and off she toddled to wash her hair. She loves talking about our real microwave. She really enjoyed this one at Athena's house.
After the shampoo:
S: "Ra ra wants to play with the toy microwave."
After bringing it up:
S: "Oooooh"
S: "Athena has it." (She remembered this from over 1 month ago!)
S: "Where's the toy?"
Me: "In the garage."
S: "What toy?" (or something like that)
Me: "A toy microwave."
S: (smiles and laughs) "microwave." and off she toddled to wash her hair. She loves talking about our real microwave. She really enjoyed this one at Athena's house.
After the shampoo:
S: "Ra ra wants to play with the toy microwave."
After bringing it up:
S: "Oooooh"
S: "Athena has it." (She remembered this from over 1 month ago!)
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
SHE's at Gilroy Gardens with Sophia
Picture's from sophia's parents' DSLR.
Here Sierra is on the little kids' merry go round, which we have not gone on before. It's a small merry go round with little horses and ra-ra went on by herself (no adults allowed to stand, so we had to sit on the carriage next to her). She held on and enjoyed the experience. There was another little girl who cried on it, by contrast. Sophia, who is 1 year older, decided at one point to do "no hands" which fortunately, Ra-ra did not copy. Both girls wanted to ride again, and ended up riding 3x.
Pictures and a video from daddy's iphone:
Up and down on the Merry go round
Pictures and a video from daddy's iphone:
On the Rainbow Garden Ride
Under the arch tree
Up and down on the Merry go round
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Conversations
It is pretty amazing to feel like you can start to have real conversations with Sierra.
Q: "How was your day"
S: "Good"
Q: "What did you do?"
S: "Played with bears. Read books"
Q: "Did you go outside and play with your cars?"
S: "No"
Q: "Did you go to Chinese class too?"
S: "Yessss!"
Q: "What did you do there?"
S: "Sang songs"
Q: "What songs?"
S: "Liangzhi Laohu", "Ba Dian Kuai"
Q: "Did you sing Da Xiang too?"
S: "Oh yes!"
Q: "Can you sing it?"
S proceeds to sing the song perfectly.
Q: "How was your day"
S: "Good"
Q: "What did you do?"
S: "Played with bears. Read books"
Q: "Did you go outside and play with your cars?"
S: "No"
Q: "Did you go to Chinese class too?"
S: "Yessss!"
Q: "What did you do there?"
S: "Sang songs"
Q: "What songs?"
S: "Liangzhi Laohu", "Ba Dian Kuai"
Q: "Did you sing Da Xiang too?"
S: "Oh yes!"
Q: "Can you sing it?"
S proceeds to sing the song perfectly.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
SHE's peeking at pumpkins
When I asked her to pick a pumpkin, she pointed at the giant blow up pumpkin (behind us in the picture)!
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