Baka

We are thrilled to have Baka Dragica visiting us for a while. She has already been busy getting our household in order, getting caught up on our laundry, cooking for us, and keeping the house neat and tidy. It is a wonderful help!

The language barrier is still a bit difficult for Nina although the situation is way better than when Baka visited a year and a half ago and Nina had a really hard time warming up to her. Nina now invites Baka to color with her and on car trips wants Baka to buckle her in her seat.

Lola, of course, loves more arms to hold her, and Baka speaks "goo" and "ugle" just fine.


We've been getting some nice use out of the baby gym. Turn on the lights and music and Lola smiles and squeals, pumping her little arms and legs.

Andrea & Lucia

We had a wonderful visit from Andrea and Lucia a couple of weeks ago. It is hard to believe that when we last saw Lucia when she was younger that Nina is now. She seems all grown up now!

I was pleasantly surprised at how nicely the two girls played together. Granted, they did get into an occasional spat - there was one memorable incident of breaking up a major tug-of-war over a small broom on the balcony. Oh, and the car! Those two could absolutely not sit next to each other nicely for even a short trip! ("She's touching me!") But the vast majority of the time they got along great, playing for very long stretches with minimal supervision. They marched around and around the house playing a lot of "Mommy (Lucia) dropping off Baby (Nina) at school".

Doctor and patient was also popular.

Not surprisingly, the girls mostly ignored little Lola. Nina was understandably much more interested in her new, more interactive playmate, and I think Lucia has been around babies enough lately to not be too impressed.

Lola did manage to get in on the pillow fort action.

We kept everyone busy with trips to Stanford campus, Ardenwood farm, the local park....

but left plenty of time for good ol'rough and tumbling around the house.

Lola was happy in the arms of her Auntie Andrea.

And we were all sad to see them go.

On the way home from the airport, I asked Nina if she enjoyed the trip and she said she "really, really, really, really, really, really [there were literally about 20 more really's] wanted them to come back!"

Stall Tactic

I have some lovely pictures to post from Andrea and Lucia's visit, but in the meantime here is something to tide us over.

2 months

It turns out that Lola is quite the conversationalist. She loves nothing better than a stimulating interaction, sharing her thoughts like "ahhh goo!", "ha-ooo" and "ugle". She is always polite and pauses waiting for your response. This is somewhat in contrast to her sister, who has been known to natter on endless regardless of an audience.

Already getting some use out of the good old Bumbo chair. And yes, those are Nina's athletic (and very bruised) legs jumping on the bed.

Space for two.

Bath time!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Last year when asked what we should get Daddy for his birthday, Nina said, "A teddy bear!" Now a year older and wiser, she smartly responded, "Wine!"

The moment we've all been waiting for...

Smiles. So precious! Lola now has lovely awake times filled with smiles and coos and vigorous arm and leg action.




This next one is just wonderful. It really captures how she looks a lot of the time - quizzical with her little tongue thrusting out.

Easter

We had a lot of fun over Easter with Nina. We colored eggs, and she was excited to wake up to find that the Easter bunny had hid them and left her a basket of other goodies.

Here's one!

Where could they be?! I know there is more!

That last one was tricky!

She even insisted that she eat breakfast before she had any treats. What a girl!

Let the Games Begin!

When Nina wanted to bring the doll stroller up from the garage, I knew it was just a matter of time. It was practically inevitable....


Fortunately (and amazingly), her victim was a very good sport.

The accompanying video is hilarious (although CPS probably wouldn't think so). Imagine Nina racing the stroller around the house, poor Lola bobbling inside, and Nina stopping only occasionally to do a somersault before continuing along.

The beginnings of hero worship?

Although many people have remarked on how similar the two girls look, Lola definitely has her own personality. For example, Lola regularly falls asleep completely on her own, unswaddled, unassisted. These naps don't usually last too long, but we are still amazed!

Finally, we are so grateful for all the packages that have arrived at our doorstep since Lola was born. Here is Nina modeling her new wares.