tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981369453610530962024-03-08T07:02:58.523-08:00The Artist and the Mommy<center>Capturing my journey into the ultimate creative experience - motherhood - through letters to my daugther.</center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-72262194984363620472013-01-01T21:40:00.000-08:002013-12-27T21:44:18.177-08:00What a Way to Bring In the New YearDear Isadora,<br />
<br />
You and I both brought in the New Year with the crud. We have fevers and congestion and just feel plain awful. But at least we're in this together.<br />
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Get well soon my love.<br />
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(Cough, cough)<br />
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Love,<br />
<br />
MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-49514123229993992362012-12-26T21:20:00.000-08:002013-12-27T21:38:26.938-08:00Merry Christmas Little OneDear Isadora,<br />
<br />
This year was the first "real" Christmas you ever had. Not that last Christmas wasn't "real," but this year, you were old enough to participate in the magic and wonder that is Christmas. And just like every year we've been married, your Dad and I started things off right this year with our annual family Christmas card (and we're so happy that you are now a part of the inspiration that goes into each card):<br />
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This was also the first year that you got to help make Christmas sugar cookies with your best friend, Zora:<br />
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And what would Christmas be without homemade decorations to put upon the mantle? Mommy was so happy to give you markers to color your own reindeer and elf. (I will treasure them always.)<br />
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But I think the best part of Christmas day was seeing you come down the stairs all by yourself...<br />
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...and hearing your genuine surprise when you saw what Santa left for you under the tree...<br />
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This was our first Christmas as a family -- just the three of us -- and it <i>was </i>magical.<br />
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Merry Christmas, my darling.<br />
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Love,<br />
<br />Mommy Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-6316729743485561872012-12-22T21:04:00.000-08:002013-12-27T21:10:45.533-08:00Big Girl on Our HandsDear Isadora,<br />
<br />
The moments seem to go by so fast. Here are some my favorites this month:<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">Daddy's beard inspector</span> </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Playing hobo</span> </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Playing dress up</span> </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Eating Gigi's cupcakes for the first time</span> </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Learning to blow on a dandelion</span> </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Sharing your father's obsession with ranch-flavored Doritos</span> </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Riding Daddy's shoulders at the park</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: magenta;">Being silly upside down</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: magenta;">Embracing Japanese cuisine</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;">So many happy moments -- and all because of you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;">I love you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;">Love,</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;">Mommy </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-19705543617407512872012-11-26T20:30:00.000-08:002013-03-27T13:57:33.931-07:00Thanksgiving and a Trip to the Emergency RoomDear Isadora,<br />
<br />
The holidays are always a busy time of year for the Pattens, particularly Thanksgiving. Mommy and daddy have had the honor of hosting Thanksgiving since 2008. It's like our Super Bowl -- mommy and daddy gear up all year to plan the perfect menu and host family members who want to share that special day with us. It's a lot of work, but we enjoy opening up our home and our kitchen to family. It's a special time of year where we make the effort to catch up, drink wine (only when you're old enough!), and express the love we have for one another. We laugh, we cry, and we share.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/8208867021/" title="So much love in this room... #thankful by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="So much love in this room... #thankful" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8208867021_64b18d3281.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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<span style="color: red;">We had a full house! </span></div>
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This Thanksgiving was a particularly memorable one for mommy and not in a good way. This was the Thanksgiving that mommy broke you. Let me explain... as you will probably have no memory of this (thank goodness!). It was the day after Thanksgiving. Half of the family was gone watching a football game (Duke vs. Miami). Mommy stayed at home with you to relax and prepare soup for that night's dinner. As the soup simmered, your Aunt Kristie, Aunt Meredith, cousin Emily, Grandma Joyce, and Uncle Josh's girlfriend, Carrie, came to our house to help out and wait for the boys to come home from the game.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/8214638612/" title="Pure happiness by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Pure happiness" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8214638612_5248e852a3.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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<span style="color: red;">All smiles before that uneventful evening </span></div>
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Your cousin Emily and I played with you outside to let you get some fresh air and kick around a soccer ball. As one last hurrah before taking you back inside for dinner, we each took one of your arms and began to swing you across the driveway, making our way to the front door. With each swing, you giggled -- until we reached the front of the house. With that last swing, you let out a scream and tears started to explode from your sweet little face. Instantly, I knew something was wrong and I thought, "Uh oh... Dislocation."<br />
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I rushed you into the house and took off your coat and began feeling your shoulders and elbows for anything unusual. Every time I touched your arms, you cried even harder. Your Aunt Kristie rushed to my side to help me evaluate your condition. She noticed that your left arm was limp -- the arm that mommy was holding when we were swinging you in the front yard. The only thought I could think was "I broke my baby."<br />
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I decided to take you to the emergency room. Your Aunt Kristie agreed to drive. On the way to the hospital, I had to call your daddy and tell him what happened. Upon hearing his voice, I started to cry, too. How could I tell him that I broke our baby? But your daddy knew it was an accident and made sure to make mommy feel better about the whole situation. Even your Aunt Kristie told me that accidents happen and that it's a part of being a mom. Her ER stories did make mommy feel a little better, in a weird way. She told me that she suspected you had a partial dislocation of the elbow.<br />
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Once we got to the emergency room, we waited patiently. You were quiet and fell asleep in my arms. (That's how I knew it was serious -- you never do that!) The wonderful people at Rex Hospital saw us right away. I don't think we waited longer than 20 minutes. A nurse brought us back to a waiting room where we sat and waited. A nurse practitioner came in, and I explained what happened to you. He told me that it was a common injury with children your age. He called it "nurse maid's elbow." It is when the elbow becomes partially dislocated (Aunt Kristie was right!). Once he gave me and Aunt Kristie the diagnosis, he gently tried to pull and twist your arm. You did not like this one bit! You began to wail and tears exploded from your eyes again. He made three attempts to fix your elbow. On the third try, you cried a long, slow wail and bent forward until your face almost touched your knees. Once your elbow popped back into place, you used your arm to push the nurse practitioner away. That action alone let me know that you were going to be okay. (Though you did give the nurse practitioner a look that seemed to say "A pox on you and your family," as Aunt Kristie suggested.)<br />
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Another nurse came in and taped a pulse monitor on your finger while we waited for the doctor to come and release us from the hospital. You DID NOT like that. As soon as she left, you ripped it off your hand. I didn't have the heart to put it back on your finger.<br />
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Once the doctor gave his approval, your Aunt Kristie and I scooped you up, and we headed straight to the McDonald's drive thru to get you a vanilla milkshake. You earned it, my dear.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/8209248373/" title="Baby gate down for Thanksgiving -- enjoying freedom. by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Baby gate down for Thanksgiving -- enjoying freedom." height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8209248373_25c0af8453.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Once back at home, you were your normal self, and no worse for the wear. Thank God.<br />
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Love you!<br />
<br />
MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-28280445782476059962012-11-07T02:30:00.000-08:002012-11-07T12:33:35.427-08:00It's a New DayDear Isadora,<br />
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Last night, the majority of the country decided to re-elect Barack Obama as President of the United States for the next four years. Today, some people in this country are very, very disappointed and have lost hope. Other people are ecstatic and continue to have hope for this country's future. Such is the state of many things in life, my dear. There are ups and there are downs, but we accept and move on and adapt as necessary.<br />
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As you grow and start to understand the world, you will find that everyone has their own idea of what is right and just in this world. As an American, you have the civic duty of voting and giving those ideas a voice. It's a beautiful thing. Sometimes you will find yourself a winner and sometimes you may find yourself a loser. But I hope that no matter the category you find yourself in, you remain humble and respectful of the process. Politics, you will find, much like other fiercely passionate topics such as sex and religion, are not the easiest conversations to have with someone, but I hope that you don't grow up oblivious to important events and decisions that could influence how you live your life in this country. It's important to be informed and want to be informed. It's important to recognize injustice and use your vote to make a change. It's a lot of responsibility, I know, but I hope you don't shy away from it.<br />
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Mommy and daddy brought you with us to vote in this year's election. We made it a family affair and headed to our designated voting location a week early to cast our votes. Did you know that daddy didn't start voting until he met mommy? Last night, he thanked me for encouraging him to exercise his right to vote. I will do the same for you as soon as you are eligible to vote. Just remember -- we may not always agree or see eye to eye on things, but I want you to know that I will always love you and will make an effort to respect and understand our differences.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/8132324235/" title="Early voting completed by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Early voting completed" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8132324235_28b3375580.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Always aim to rock the vote, Isadora. Your voice is important. Always remember that.<br />
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Love,<br />
<br />
MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-76064648740749781162012-11-02T10:14:00.002-07:002012-11-02T10:14:51.629-07:00The Story of Hammer LegDear Isadora,<br />
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One quirk that you have developed is standing up in the tub during bath time. Instead of sitting down and enjoying the warm water and playing with your floating toys, you insist on standing and walking back and forth from one end of the tub to the other. You occasionally throw your bath toys out of the tub and squeal and grunt to mommy and daddy, pointing at the toys so that we can fetch them for you. (A fun game for you; not so much for mommy and daddy.)<br />
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Well, you've added the "hammer leg" move to your bath routine now. What is the hammer leg, you ask? It's this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/8120850911/" title="Making a splash with her "hammer leg" move. by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Making a splash with her "hammer leg" move." height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8120850911_11c473e1ec.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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As you walk from one end of the tub to the other, you swing your leg up and slam it down on the water, making very big splashes. You do this with even more enthusiasm when mommy cheers you on, screaming "Hammer leg!" <br />
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Believe it or not, I told daddy that I think this move is hereditary and that you got this trait from mommy... When daddy and I bought our first home, we bought two IKEA bookcases to fill the expanse of our living room walls. If you know anything about IKEA furniture, assembly is always required (and it's not always the easiest thing to put together). Your daddy and I spent quite a few hours putting the bookcases together. Toward the end when pieces weren't fitting exactly as expected, mommy broke out the hammer leg move. It basically entailed mommy kicking the stubborn pieces of shelving together while screaming "Hammer leg!!" in a deep shrilling voice.<br />
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You're becoming more and more like mommy every day -- my very own little mini me... Daddy's in trouble.<br />
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Love,<br />
<br />
Mommy <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-83330096595242939682012-11-01T13:53:00.002-07:002012-11-01T13:53:47.807-07:00Happy Halloween!Dear Isadora,<br />
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My, how time flies. Last year, Halloween didn't mean much to you....<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6300878672/" title="I Think I'm Gonna Sneak Me a Piece... by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="I Think I'm Gonna Sneak Me a Piece..." height="375" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6101/6300878672_17c42765ac.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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But this year, you were totally jazzed about Halloween. This year, mommy made your costume. I made you a sushi roll t-shirt for you using pieces of felt. The finishing touch was mommy's ninja headband. Tada! Instant sushi chef. (Mommy dressed up as a loose cannon detective.) I posted pictures online of you in your costume, mostly to share with family and friends. Your Aunt Kristie commented on one of your photos and said, "<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[29].[1][2][1]{comment10151297690450460_9407549}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[29].[1][2][1]{comment10151297690450460_9407549}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[29].[1][2][1]{comment10151297690450460_9407549}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[0]">I am envisioning years of halloween costumes as a diana patten production!!" (She's probably right.)</span></span></span><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[29].[1][2][1]{comment10151297690450460_9407549}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[29].[1][2][1]{comment10151297690450460_9407549}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[29].[1][2][1]{comment10151297690450460_9407549}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[0]"><br /></span></span></span>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/8142798449/" title="Sushi chef #halloween by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Sushi chef #halloween" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8470/8142798449_051808680b.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/8142834368/" title="She can make a mean California roll. #halloween by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="She can make a mean California roll. #halloween" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8323/8142834368_e3ee7cc009.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/8142883595/" title="Let's do this! #halloween by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Let's do this! #halloween" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8142883595_634263832f.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/8142876045/" title="Ready for trick-or-treaters by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Ready for trick-or-treaters" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8333/8142876045_b0859415dc.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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From what I could tell, you loved Halloween. Every time trick-or-treaters rang our doorbell, you bolted toward the door to greet our visitors. You were excited to see what costumes they were wearing and to see the crowd of strangely dressed children at the door. Daddy held you up high so that you could get a good view of all the costumes. You also cried every time trick-or-treaters got their candy and left -- you wanted them to stay a while.<br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/8142939581/" title="So.... Izzy cries every time trick-or-treaters leave. Gonna be a loooong night. by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="So.... Izzy cries every time trick-or-treaters leave. Gonna be a loooong night." height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8142939581_b0769d430a.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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You still don't get the concept of candy (which mommy is fine with). You were, however, obsessed with playing with the candy bowl, using the lollipops as drumsticks and the boxes of Nerds as rattles.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/8142808871/" title="Candy passes inspection by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Candy passes inspection" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8142808871_7a0c3bbb89.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
All in all, I'd say it was a delightful Halloween. I hope you don't mind -- mommy and daddy may keep your Halloween costumes on course with Japanese themes until you tell us to stop. Next year, you may be a sumo wrestler... Just sayin'.<br />
<br />
Love, <br />
<br />
Mommy<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-44259452456726096612012-09-27T14:33:00.002-07:002012-09-27T14:33:36.386-07:00Where Has the Time Gone?Dear Isadora,<br />
<br />
It seems like I blinked and you became a toddler. You used to let me hold you in my arms and rock you to sleep. Now, you demand that I put you in your crib and leave you be. You used to eat anything I put into your mouth. Now, you have definite opinions about the food you eat (I still don't understand your hatred for potatoes or mac 'n cheese). You used to let me change your diaper with little or no fuss. Now, you protest and squirm like I'm punishing you. <br />
<br />
You have become this vibrant little person who acts goofy and laughs and dances. You're inquisitive and interested in the world. You no longer eat books; instead, you make mommy and daddy read them to you over and over again, even as much as five times in one sitting. You try to talk using words now. In fact, you use the following words and phrases on a daily basis:<br />
<ul>
<li>Up (used for both up and down)</li>
<li>Elbow (for "Elmo" on Sesame Street)</li>
<li>I did</li>
<li>Mama</li>
<li>Dada</li>
<li>Open</li>
<li>Oooooooh</li>
</ul>
I wish I could remember all the things you are doing now... I hope these pictures help to capture how much you are changing and how much you are becoming <i>you</i>. <br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7867636570/" title="Dessert after a chili dinner by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Dessert after a chili dinner" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7867636570_71df3446c9.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7871643258/" title="Keeps knocking down letters saying, "I did." by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Keeps knocking down letters saying, "I did."" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8431/7871643258_5d3ce4d808.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7964054942/" title="Sunday art time by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Sunday art time" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8317/7964054942_2f060bf8d0.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7985103848/" title="Chair bully.... She stole momma's chair. by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Chair bully.... She stole momma's chair." height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/7985103848_04376bebfc.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/8011842346/" title="Weeeeeee! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Weeeeeee!" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8455/8011842346_ede3c35ee8.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/8013596183/" title="Busted! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Busted!" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/8013596183_468e4d901e.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/8013649906/" title="Oh my gah... She won't stop eating the bubbles. by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Oh my gah... She won't stop eating the bubbles." height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8442/8013649906_2f8fcff0c1.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/8013695995/" title="Growing up... by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Growing up... " height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8457/8013695995_d88e078c00.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/8016427506/" title="Slide time by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Slide time" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8454/8016427506_69a4af67a3.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
Sometimes you look so grown up. And sometimes, you look so small in this big, big world. My cup runneth over. Love you, baby girl. <br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mommy Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-79083591367486214542012-08-18T20:44:00.000-07:002012-08-18T20:44:33.209-07:00A Day in the ParkDear Isadora,<br />
<br />
Sometimes the plans you have in life don't always work out the way you plan. Sometimes it's a bad thing. Sometimes it's a good thing. Today, mommy's plans got cancelled. But it worked out because your mommy decided to take this lemon and make lemonade.<br />
<br />
When mommy's plans got cancelled, I looked at your daddy and said, "Let's take Izzy somewhere." At first, we contemplated taking you to a museum, but then mommy had the brilliant idea of taking you to a park. And I found the perfect one to take you to - Pullen Park in Raleigh. It had everything your little heart could want - a train, a carousel, a cafe, a lake, and age-appropriate playgrounds.<br />
<br />
After lunch, we packed up your diaper bag and headed out to the park. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and the weather was perfect.<br />
<br />
You enjoyed playing in the sand. (And in the mulch for that matter.)<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7811806634/" title="Playing in the sand at Pullen Park by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Playing in the sand at Pullen Park" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8298/7811806634_ecc422bfa9.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
You enjoyed swinging with daddy. (Sometimes you would even venture to let go of the swing with your hands in the air. You're so brave.)<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7811810854/" title="Swinging baby by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Swinging baby" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/7811810854_ff58ffa87c.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7811816564/" title="My two loves at Pullen Park by uchinanchuhafu, on
Flickr"><img alt="My two loves at Pullen
Park" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8301/7811816564_cd28c81827.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
<br />
You enjoyed exploring the park's train car. (Daddy held you the whole time so that you would stay safe.)<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7811822602/" title="Checking out the train by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Checking out the train" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8302/7811822602_0daac174f2.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
And you enjoyed your very first carousel ride. (The only time you cried was when the carousel slowed down to stop.)<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7811829442/" title="Drive by by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Drive by" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8437/7811829442_85b3420050.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
We didn't get to ride the train, but we promise to take you to the park again one day soon so that you can. I have a feeling that Pullen Park is going to become "our" place.<br />
<br />
Thank you for a wonderful day.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mommy Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-74539502072281428742012-08-04T19:46:00.006-07:002012-08-04T19:46:53.941-07:00One Year PhotosDear Isadora,<br />
<br />
Today, we went to our favorite place, <a href="http://www.portraitinnovations.com/index.php" target="_blank">Portrait Innovations</a>, to get your one year photos done. We've taken you there twice before: once to get your 6 week photos and once to get your 6 month photos. And just like today, they didn't disappoint.<br />
<br />
We brought three outfits for you to change into today: a Japanese yukata, an Okinawan yukata, and one of your new birthday outfits. You didn't enjoy changing your clothes or having mommy try to do your hair between takes, but you did enjoy all of the attention. The photographer tried to get shots of you sitting down, but, for the most part, you refused to sit and wanted to stand as much as possible. (We're starting to see more of this strong will of yours. I think you get it from daddy, but daddy thinks you get it from mommy.) <br />
<br />
Here are some of mommy and daddy's favorite shots from the shoot:<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7714246422/" title="One Year Photos by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="One Year Photos" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7714246422_8242b2124e.jpg" width="332" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7714246284/" title="One Year Photos by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="One Year Photos" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8428/7714246284_f3fe82044d.jpg" width="332" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7714246688/" title="One Year Photos by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="One Year Photos" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8434/7714246688_6df662f0e9.jpg" width="332" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7714247648/" title="One Year Photos by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="One Year Photos" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/7714247648_7f1de1c596.jpg" width="332" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7714248222/" title="One Year Photos by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="One Year Photos" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8283/7714248222_1e809177ba.jpg" width="332" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7714249054/" title="One Year Photos by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="One Year Photos" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8433/7714249054_6d64863e3f.jpg" width="332" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7714249410/" title="One Year Photos by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="One Year Photos" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7714249410_00b0305f93.jpg" width="332" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7714249624/" title="One Year Photos by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="One Year Photos" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7714249624_326721966e.jpg" width="332" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7714250072/" title="One Year Photos by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="One Year Photos" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7714250072_c8df356bf6.jpg" width="332" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
Aren't you a doll? I think we're due for another family photo with you soon... I think we should <u>all </u>where our yukatas for it! (Even Daddy!) What do you think about that? Yeah, I thought it was a brilliant idea, too.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-26116299340363424832012-07-11T21:00:00.000-07:002012-07-28T13:06:48.257-07:00It's Confirmed..Dear Izzy,<br />
<br />
If you ever had a doubt, here's proof. You ARE your father's daughter.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7542253874/" title="Morning routine by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Morning routine" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/7542253874_c834fb359b.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
Mommy's in trouble.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-91311844441315973222012-07-10T18:30:00.000-07:002012-07-28T13:04:44.441-07:00Splish SplashDear Izzy,<br />
<br />
Now that you're older, bath times are becoming one of your favorite parts of the day. An interesting this happened this week. It was a serendipitous moment - your bottle of baby shampoo accidentally got knocked over one night after one of your nightly baths. The next day when we prepared your bath, it inadvertently turned into a bubble bath. It never crossed mommy and daddy's mind that you'd be ready for bubble baths, but you are. You LOVED it.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7538951036/" title="Bubble queen by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Bubble queen" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8005/7538951036_fbf7eb4aea.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
Mommy and daddy enjoyed watching you play with the bubbles and touch them ever so gently and then bash them with your fists. Seeing the world through your eyes is joy.<br />
<br />
Thanks for helping us to see things for the first time, too.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-30181271565526810092012-06-30T23:33:00.000-07:002012-07-29T07:29:58.423-07:00Happy First Birthday, Isadora!Dear Isadora,<br />
<br />
One year ago today, you made mommy and daddy's dream come true.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/5897326934/" title="Isadora Yume by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Isadora Yume" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5313/5897326934_334d1e876d.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
Now you stand before us, a little person, so vibrant and full of spunk and personality. It's been quite an amazing year being your mommy and daddy, my sweet baby.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7433501320/" title="Celebrating Clothesless Sunday by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Celebrating Clothesless Sunday" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7433501320_643dd9452a.jpg" width="500" /></a></center> <br />
<br />
For your first birthday, we had a small, intimate party of close friends and family. It was a hot day (over 100 degrees!), but we made due by staying cool inside and enjoying the taco bar that mommy and daddy made for your guests. It was a packed house, but everyone made themselves at home. We also set up a swimming pool in the back for all the kids to splash and swim in. So much was going on, and it was all for you.<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7668801256/" title="Izzy and Lennox by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Izzy and Lennox" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8426/7668801256_68bf23fde2.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7668739432/" title="Duck Face Girl by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Duck Face Girl" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8150/7668739432_62dd605146.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
The most precious moment for me during your party was when we sat you in your high chair and gathered around to sing "Happy Birthday" to you. The singing brought the biggest smile to your face, and you began clapping in joyous approval. I almost cried...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7475913928/" title="I love parties... And applause! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="I love parties... And applause!" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8027/7475913928_62b3bb6763.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
After singing, we gave you your first birthday cupcake. You weren't quite sure what to do with it. But once you did, you didn't want to let it go! In fact, you didn't let the cup cake leave your mouth for the longest time. It was hilarious.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7475909612/" title="My baby is 1! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="My baby is 1!" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7475909612_068e25553a.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7475916852/" title="Birthday cupcake by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Birthday cupcake" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/7475916852_055b21ded1.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7475918960/" title="Um... What do I do? by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Um... What do I do?" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/7475918960_e7c8c51a0d.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7475921092/" title="Hmm... by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Hmm..." height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7475921092_9da5c26a37.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7475923320/" title="Nom nom nom by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Nom nom nom" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/7475923320_cfe875cf93.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7475969286/" title="Mmmm by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Mmmm" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8013/7475969286_0ef03c9b03.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7476016388/" title="Icing! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Icing!" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7106/7476016388_7b07111f26.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
The day went by so quickly. At the end of the day, your daddy and I couldn't stop saying, "I can't believe we have a one year old!" You've been a joy to have in our lives so far, Miss Isadora Yume. I can't wait to celebrate many more birthdays with you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7476021244/" title="In
addition to being born, best day ever by uchinanchuhafu, on
Flickr"><img alt="In addition to being born, best day
ever" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8004/7476021244_faf61794f1.jpg" width="500" /></a></center> <br />
<br />
<br />
All of our love,<br />
<br />
Mommy and DaddyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-62355997434605037632012-06-25T12:49:00.000-07:002012-07-29T07:33:14.517-07:00Annual Patten Family Vacation: CorollaDear Izzy,<br />
<br />
This year was your second trip with the Patten clan. (You were only four weeks old when you participated in your <a href="http://theartistandthemommy.blogspot.com/2011/08/your-first-trip-annual-patten-family.html" target="_blank">first family vacation</a>.) Almost a year older, you got to really experience the joys of the Outer Banks for the first time and play in the ocean and in the sand. Mommy and daddy were fully prepared for a week of changing poopy diapers full of sand, but, to our surprise, you never consumed one drop. You were mesmerized by the texture of the sand and even tried to throw it around, but you never put any in your mouth. And the ocean... You loved it! We had to constantly keep an eye on you to make sure you didn't get knocked down by a wave. Its vastness and its enormity did not scare you. You seemed determined to conquer it.<br />
<br />
We were also lucky enough to have a pool at the beach house we rented. Unfortunately, the water was much too cold for swimming, but it warmed up by the end of the week. While we waited for it to warm up, we made due with your very own blow up pool.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7398220202/" title="Beach beauty by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach beauty" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5276/7398220202_d2f555c98c.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7389069176/" title="Pool time by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Pool time" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8164/7389069176_7450ec9f35.jpg" width="500" /></a></center> <br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7668744816/" title="Playing in the Sand by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Playing in the Sand" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8429/7668744816_d888570c11.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br /><br />
<br />
All week you got to spend time with all your cousins and aunts and uncles. You aren't used to being around so many people, but you LOVED the attention. I think our favorite time during vacation was the night we all went to the beach to take pictures. Here are some of the shots we captured: <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7417337196/" title="Beach babe by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach babe" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5334/7417337196_f2f3626bc9.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7417341674/" title="Baby and mommy by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Baby and mommy" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7417341674_47b139dd6d.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7417344700/" title="Baby and daddy by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Baby and daddy" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8020/7417344700_5907341092.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7668780350/" title="Jason and Izzy by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Jason and Izzy" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7668780350_8bfdf39b12.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br /><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7417347124/" title="Izzy and Josh by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Izzy and Josh" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8024/7417347124_d74365bb2a.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7417351660/" title="Mrs. & Mr. Patten by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Mrs. & Mr. Patten" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7417351660_e696d88261.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7668758200/" title="Ahh.. by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Ahh.." height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8429/7668758200_cd9bc1355d.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7668763674/" title="Hey Dudes! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Hey Dudes!" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7668763674_3e69bda625.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7668769716/" title="Playing in the Sand Again by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Playing in the Sand Again" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8429/7668769716_f2a67cf129.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br /><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7661326676/" title="Beach Memories by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Memories" height="372" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7661326676_c45aea9b88.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7668775220/" title="Family Portrait by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Family Portrait" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8145/7668775220_d61c895e8f.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7668785334/" title="Family Portrait by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Family Portrait" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/7668785334_2af52a398f.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br /><br />
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It was wonderful vacation. We got to reconnect with family and see you grow up before our very eyes. We were sad to see our time end so quickly, but it just made us that much more excited for next year's vacation!<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7426159442/" title="Vacation plumb wore her out! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Vacation plumb wore her out!" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5271/7426159442_b6ae067a63.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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You have a whole year to rest up until the next one!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Mommy<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-70413673378397540022012-06-05T18:13:00.000-07:002012-06-05T18:13:56.671-07:00Nearing Your First Milestone...Dear Isadora,<br />
<br />
You're 11 months old... You're almost a year old! How did this happen?!<br />
<br />
You're walking like a pro. You're babbling like crazy. You know how to whine. You even know how to push literal buttons and mommy and daddy's figurative buttons. Is there anything you can't do?<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7268744332/" title="Table manners by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Table manners" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8004/7268744332_3e2c9e8a76.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Excellent table manners there, Iz...</span></div>
<br />
Yes, there is... Use a spoon.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7343118146/" title=""What else can I do with this thing?" by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt=""What else can I do with this thing?"" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7343118146_f0befbc23a_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7157901781/" title=""It's elementary, my dear, Watson." by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt=""It's elementary, my dear, Watson."" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/7157901781_5fb1b4c693_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7343104574/" title=""Whatever, mom. I got this!" by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt=""Whatever, mom. I got this!"" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7343104574_74fb1b6131_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7343101142/" title="She's a regular gong show, folks. by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="She's a regular gong show, folks." height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7343101142_5eb5db925b_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7343095252/" title="Spoon lesson gone awry by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Spoon lesson gone awry" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7343095252_054518b371_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></center> <br /><br />
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You'd rather chew on the wrong end than use it properly for eating... But you'll get there one day, I'm sure. There's no taming you yet, my little bear wrestler.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7232933024/" title="On to wrestling bears... by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="On to wrestling bears..." height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/7232933024_22f15a2251.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br /><br />
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In the mean time, you are still dubbed our little "Goat Baby." Here's why:<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7157952513/" title="Goat baby!! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Goat baby!!" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7157952513_f52071a778.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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You never met a book you didn't find DELICIOUS.<br />
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Love you little goat.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-17293964871827007862012-05-13T19:20:00.003-07:002012-05-13T19:20:36.320-07:00Mother's Day Thank YouDear Isadora,<br />
<br />
For Mother's Day, I told daddy that all I wanted was to redecorate our master bathroom -- new shower curtain, new bath mat, new shelves, and new paint. Expecting to receive a gift card to Lowes or Home Depot on Mother's Day morning, I received this instead:<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7187822286/" title="Izzy's present to me -- art! xoxo by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Izzy's present to me -- art! xoxo" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7187822286_c8d973c682.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7187873798/" title="Happy Mother's Day! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Mother's Day!" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7187873798_e2f8251953.jpg" width="500" /></a></center> <br /><br />
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It was the sweetest, most unexpected gift I could hope for. Having your <i>first </i>work of art is an honor. My favorite part was seeing your sweet little hand print in the bottom right-hand corner of the work. Even daddy's extra special touch of adding the decorated mat made me beam with such pride. I am so happy that I get to have you as my daughter and have your daddy as my husband. Don't get me wrong... Daddy's still going to help me redecorate the bathroom -- he just reminded me that you are the best gift I will have ever have.<br />
<br />
After receiving your beautiful artwork, daddy made us the most delicious breakfast of <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/french-toast-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">French toast</a> and bacon. Mommy wished every day could be Mother's Day after eating a breakfast like that!<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7187968008/" title="Mother's Day breakfast by Jason! xoxo by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Mother's Day breakfast by Jason! xoxo" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8163/7187968008_7b93a19955.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br /><br />
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Mimi and Pop-pop even came down for the weekend because Mimi wanted to see you for her Mother's Day, too. You don't get to see them every day, but when you do see them, you love spending time with them. You loved having your Mimi and Pop-pop time!<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7187942554/" title="Pop-Pop's Harley Davidson girl by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Pop-Pop's Harley Davidson girl" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/7187942554_a821e86749.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7188140546/" title="Loving on Mimi by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Loving on Mimi" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7188140546_a07ba4eab1.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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During their visit, they got to see just how much you've grown. I told them that since you turned 10 months old, you started taking your first baby steps. In only the past two weeks, you went from only being able to take a few short wobbly steps to being able to walk all around the living room. Mimi and Pop-pop were very impressed by this. One of your favorite things to do now that you can walk is to walk all the way to window and hide behind the curtains.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7149345069/" title="Karate chop! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Karate chop!" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/7149345069_0e3d1f72b1.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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Besides walking, you've started doing something else that is new... One of your new quirky habits has been eating books. Yup, you read that correctly. You EAT books. Mommy and daddy often joke that you're half goat... So far you've eaten about five books and chewed through the cases of three DVDs. But you only have six teeth! You may only have six teeth, but you know how to use them.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7099287179/" title="Izzy taking a bite out of reading by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Izzy taking a bite out of reading" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5039/7099287179_743529dde0.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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Izzy, thanks for making life so interesting and fun. I don't think I'll ever stop loving being your mommy.<br />
<br />
I love you.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-73855427760486366772012-04-19T19:48:00.000-07:002012-04-19T19:48:24.853-07:00Your First WeddingDear Isadora,<br />
<br />
It was another weekend of traveling for you, my dear. This time, we headed down to Ocean Isle Beach to attend the wedding of mommy's very good friend, Shannon, and her soon-to-be husband, Jim. (They were the lovely couple who babysat you in February so that mommy and daddy could have an anniversary date alone, remember?) Shannon asked mommy to be her Matron of Honor, and mommy happily accepted. While mommy served as Matron of Honor, daddy was in charge of keeping you fed, diapered, and happy at the wedding. (I'd say he did a bang-up job, kiddo.) It was a perfect day for a beach wedding, and what a beautiful wedding it was.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6940080378/" title="Izzy and Daddy Lookin' Good by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Izzy and Daddy Lookin' Good" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7217/6940080378_716a0df752.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6940081622/" title="Izzy and Daddy on the Beach by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Izzy and Daddy on the Beach" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/6940081622_a2d2ddf32f.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6940082588/" title="J <3 S by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="J <3 S" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5079/6940082588_dded6bb6ec.jpg" width="474" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7086156191/" title="Nom, Nom, Nom by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Nom, Nom, Nom" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/7086156191_49baa0f17f.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7086157209/" title="Exchanging Vows by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Exchanging Vows" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/7086157209_7b98a2ebb4.jpg" width="469" /></a></center> <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7086171767/" title="Bride and Groom Riding Off by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Bride and Groom Riding Off" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5329/7086171767_1a975801c3.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6940101304/" title="Bride and Groom Riding Off by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Bride and Groom Riding Off" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/6940101304_79f04d59bd.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7086175873/" title="Just Married by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Just Married" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/7086175873_4a6aeb105b.jpg" width="375" /></a></center> <br />
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Not only was this your first wedding, but it was your first time you got to swim in a pool, too... You LOVED being in the water! You are a true water baby. As soon as your legs hit the water, you were kicking nonstop and laughing all the while. It was the cutest thing I had ever seen!<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7086158817/" title="First Time in a Pool! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="First Time in a Pool!" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/7086158817_081b284cd9.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7086160265/" title="First Time in a Pool! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="First Time in a Pool!" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/7086160265_cdfedd8250.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6940089434/" title="First Time in a Pool! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="First Time in a Pool!" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/6940089434_80c076282a.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6940091226/" title="First Time in a Pool! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="First Time in a Pool!" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5035/6940091226_61e61e590b.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7086165663/" title="First Time in a Pool! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="First Time in a Pool!" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/7086165663_2f728a4d85.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7086169791/" title="First Time in a Pool! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="First Time in a Pool!" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/7086169791_0d046197d8.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7086167719/" title="First Time in a Pool! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="First Time in a
Pool!" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7106/7086167719_6153ac6b26.jpg" width="500" /></a></center> <br />
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Everyone at the wedding raved about you, saying how well behaved and happy you were. In fact, they gave you a nickname, too -- Isadorable. Sounds like a winner to me. How about to you?<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6940105248/" title="Izzy and Daddy on the Beach by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Izzy and Daddy on the Beach" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5116/6940105248_058b85d92d.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7086179199/" title="Izzy and Mommy on the Beach by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Izzy and Mommy on the Beach" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7230/7086179199_cea304db31.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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Love you my little mermaid.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-72839895270086864302012-04-08T19:16:00.041-07:002012-04-16T19:40:22.383-07:00Your First EasterDear Isadora,<br />
<br />
For your first Easter, we had two very busy weekends.<br />
<br />
The weekend before Easter, we traveled to Emerald Isle to visit your Auntie Barbara, your Uncle Chucky, your Cousin Lennox, and your Cousin Piper. Every year, they hold an Easter egg hunt at their house, and we got invited to join in on the festivities.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6939868536/" title="Izzy and Daddy by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Izzy and Daddy" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6939868536_45ff2617c1.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6939871320/" title="Mommy and Izzy by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Mommy and Izzy" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6939871320_a89c73f581.jpg" width="391" /></a></center> <br />
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You got to dress up in a cute Easter dress and watch all the big kids hunt for eggs. There were eggs galore! (Maybe next year you'll have that walking thing down and will be able to join them!) You had a great time playing with your Cousin Lennox, you mostly snatched toys away from your Cousin Piper, and you followed Auntie Barbara around like a cute little puppy. (You love some Auntie Barbara!)<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6939876200/" title="Easter Eggs at Auntie Barbara's by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Easter Eggs at Auntie Barbara's" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/6939876200_e5cf0e4750.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6939879974/" title="Easter Egg Hunt! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Easter Egg Hunt!" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6939879974_795e30b8e6.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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The weekend of Easter, we traveled up to Pennsylvania to visit your Auntie Kristie, your Cousin Thomas, and your Cousin James. They agreed to babysit you for one night so that mommy and daddy could cross the last thing off their married to do list (a trip to New York City!). I don't think you really liked being in your car seat for 7+ hours (we took breaks!), but who could blame you? When mommy sensed you getting antsy, I handed you the remote to the portable DVD player. It seemed to appease you... for a little bit any way.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7045037379/" title="Izzy no likey road trips. by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Izzy no likey road trips." height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7045037379_3a41818b8e_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6898962992/" title="But Izzy does likey remotes... by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="But Izzy does likey remotes..." height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6898962992_cd4ccc289d_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6899468946/" title="Happiest playing with a baby wipe than a toy... Weirdo. by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Happiest playing with a baby wipe than a toy... Weirdo." height="320" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5448/6899468946_5841dc3740_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><br />
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On the day that mommy and daddy left for New York, you did great and really enjoyed spending time with your aunt and cousins (I don't even think you noticed that mommy and daddy were gone at all). They reported that you slept in past 7 o'clock and took two 2-hour naps (unheard of in our house). Although mommy and daddy had a great time in the Big Apple, we really missed you and couldn't wait to see your smiling face again after our trip.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6902644216/" title="Toys from my Aunt Kristie & Cousins Thomas & James... Yay! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Toys from my Aunt Kristie & Cousins Thomas & James... Yay!" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6902644216_e450c67437.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7048922497/" title="Dinner time by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Dinner time" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7048922497_33100392dd.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
After a long journey back home, you were happy to be back in your own space. After several hours on the road, mommy and daddy decided to make actual Easter day a lazy Sunday with our Izzy. It was perfect. A day full of snacking and napping.<br />
<br />
Maybe next year we'll give you a traditional Easter holiday. What do you say, kid?<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-49850137899199288612012-03-10T18:53:00.023-08:002012-04-16T19:15:56.314-07:00Passing Down Family HeirloomsDear Isadora,<br />
<br />
You are eight months old and getting into everything. One of your daily rituals is going to your pink bins of toys and systematically pulling each and every bin out to play with every toy you own. (You have yet to learn how to put all these toys back.)<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7085914303/" title="Pink Tornado by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Pink Tornado" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5338/7085914303_f247f61121.jpg" width="375" /></a></center> <br />
<br />
<br />
Your favorite toys to play with are a collection of old McDonald's Happy Meal toys mommy collected as a child.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6939813984/" title="Regular McDonald's meal? by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Regular McDonald's meal?" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/6939813984_0d8cc5b14d.jpg" width="500" /></a></center> <br />
<br />
<br />
But there's a story behind these toys, Isadora. These aren't just oridinary fast food toys for mommy. Oh no. These toys are special - just like you.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6939818802/" title="Nope. Try transforming dinos. by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Nope. Try transforming dinos." height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5461/6939818802_bae0e77465.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
These toys represent for me the day I met mommy again - your Mimi. When mommy was a little girl, about five years old, my parents got divorced. I had to live with my father, and I didn't get to see my mommy again for a long, long time - almost seven years. But one day, she found me, Auntie Barbara, and Uncle Grant. When we met her, we had dinner at McDonald's. Every weekend after that moment, we would meet, go to McDonald's, and we'd spend the weekend with Mimi. Eventually, my father gave Mimi custody of us kids, and my life changed forever - for the better.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6939839758/" title="Playing with Mommy's Old Toys by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Playing with Mommy's Old Toys" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5160/6939839758_3f7b5a2380.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6939842736/" title="Playing with Mommy's Old Toys by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Playing with Mommy's Old Toys" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/6939842736_74865c9d07.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/7085917201/" title="Playing with Mommy's Old Toys by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Playing with Mommy's Old Toys" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7119/7085917201_486c9e6a60.jpg" width="375" /></a></center> <br />
<br />
<br />
When I see you play with these keepsakes, it makes me remember the moment I first met my mommy again. And I understand why she tried so hard to find us again after all those years. Good mommies love their babies, Izzy. And I love you very, very much.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-39867203045684537302012-03-06T18:01:00.000-08:002012-04-30T13:43:48.546-07:00New Things We've Learned about YouDear Izzy,<br />
<br />
You are now eight months old. At eight months, we're starting to see your little personality really take shape. Here are some things we've observed about you:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6957078079/" title="Standing! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Standing!" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6957078079_a29d15c903.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. You'd rather be standing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6953713295/" title="Peas are her favorite. by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Peas are her favorite." height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6953713295_0661d54277.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. Peas are your favorite vegetable. Peaches are your favorite fruit. (Daddy likes this photo of you. He calls it your Godfather face.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6953752411/" title="Using my sippy cup myself (thanks Jake & Jeanine) by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Using my sippy cup myself (thanks Jake & Jeanine)" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6953752411_4f683a32dd.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. You CAN hold the sippy cup by yourself.... You just CHOOSE not to sometimes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6954073623/" title="Bedtime story by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Bedtime story" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6954073623_a18e461cc7.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4. You like it better if daddy reads to you (rather than mommy) right before bed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6810973292/" title="Box head by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Box head" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6810973292_2c832265c0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5. You have a great sense of humor -- and it seems to be accompanied by the best laugh, too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6909906765/" title="Nobody puts baby in the corner... Except baby herself. by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Nobody puts baby in the corner... Except baby herself." height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6909906765_a4936e1c62.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
6. For a while, you had a special corner for "taking care of business." So funny 'cause it's true...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6909367819/" title="Feeding myself wheat toast with butter. I'm kind of a big deal. by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Feeding myself wheat toast with butter. I'm kind of a big deal." height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6909367819_7e5184b5ae.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
7. You are addicted to wheat toast... but only if it has Country Crock butter on it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6856351821/" title="This is what destruction looks like when it's pink. by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="This is what destruction looks like when it's pink." height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/6856351821_f4efe4fd23.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
8. You know how to get to your toys... you don't know how to put them all back where they came from.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6810959072/" title="Izzy post graham cracker freak out. by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Izzy post graham cracker freak out." height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/6810959072_fefa8714f6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
9. If you could, I bet you would cut anyone who tried to take a graham cracker away from you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6810962580/" title="Jail bird by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Jail bird" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/6810962580_ac03ff932c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
10. You are a social person and don't like to be alone. Even a baby gate can't keep you away...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6946218263/" title="Making leopard print work at 7:30 a.m. by uchinanchuhafu, on
Flickr"><img alt="Making leopard print work at 7:30
a.m." height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6946218263_aea622a9a7.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
11. You're a fashionista. (Even mommy wishes she had your wardrobe!) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6809482176/" title="Izzy Patten -- Making Mondays bearable since 2011. by
uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Izzy Patten -- Making Mondays bearable
since 2011." height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6809482176_678589de11.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
12. You make Mondays bearable.</div>
<br />
I'm certain this list is going to grow and grow. But for now, these are the things I wanted to capture about my eight-month-old sweetie.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-13478801656235874202012-02-12T15:09:00.000-08:002012-02-13T05:57:14.106-08:00On the Move and Standing!Dear Isadora,<br />
<br />
Ever since you started crawling, you've been zig zagging every where you go. Once mommy or daddy set you on the ground, you take off. You especially love to squeeze yourself into the tiniest of corners and spaces (but you usually need mommy or daddy's help to get out of them). I think you've just about explored every part of the living room. But now you've added another accomplishment to your list -- standing! <br />
<br />
Today, mommy and daddy caught you over by the magazine basket, admiring Tim Tebow, when suddenly...<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6865622597/" title="Admiring Tebow by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Admiring Tebow" height="453" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6865622597_64c3628e36.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
You stood up!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6865628549/" title="Standing on Her Own! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Standing on Her Own!" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6865628549_bbfdb7704e.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
<br />
We were so excited to see you pull yourself up and stand on your own two feet! It's going by so fast! Once you get this standing thing down, you'll be walking, and then... you'll be playing Just Dance 3 on the Wii with mommy and daddy, but I digress...<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6865633083/" title="That's Our Girl! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="That's Our Girl!" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6865633083_84bd91f2a1.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
Congratulations, sweetheart! We're so proud of you.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-17755544308992449752012-02-03T18:05:00.000-08:002012-02-03T18:05:20.989-08:00Izzy Bo-bizzy Bo-bizzy Bo-bopDear Isadora,<br />
<br />
In just a few short weeks, you have learned how to crawl forward. I'm not sure how it happened, but when I came home from work one day, your daddy told me to "Watch this..." He put you on the floor in a crawling stance and had you crawl to me. It was a very exciting day in the Patten household. You've been using your new moves to get into all kinds of things -- your shelf of toys, daddy's floor treasures (a.k.a. his drink cups, his bag of Doritos, and the remote controls), and the occasional basket of laundry. Sometimes, you and daddy have stand offs in the living room and crawl to each other until your heads touch. (It is very cute to watch.)<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6814619319/" title="Face Off with Daddy by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Face Off with Daddy" height="370" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6814619319_a65e7a9ce9.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6814620733/" title="Face Off with Daddy by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Face Off with Daddy" height="372" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6814620733_4b553e344f.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6814623007/" title="Face Off with Daddy by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Face Off with Daddy" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6814623007_01cb0f4ccf.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
In addition to eating bananas, you've started to eat quickly dissolving baby crackers and Japanese potato biscuits, too. Even though you only have two bottom teeth, you know how to use them and can manage eating these snacks pretty well. (However, being able to put them in your mouth on your own is another story.) You're getting to be such a big girl!<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6814625099/" title="Me and Izzy by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Me and Izzy" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6814625099_3df039c1d2.jpg" width="394" /></a></center><br />
<br />
At the moment, one of your favorite toys to play with is your baby basketball hoop. I think you like hearing the crowd cheer for you when you pull down on the basket. (The toy plays music and has a crowd of voices that cheer, "Yay!" when you pull the basket down.) It makes you so happy.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6814628505/" title="B-balla, Shot Calla by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="B-balla, Shot Calla" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6814628505_e532c80183.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6814631439/" title="B-balla, Shot Calla by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="B-balla, Shot Calla" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6814631439_4629e829a9.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6814634313/" title="B-balla, Shot Calla by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="B-balla, Shot Calla" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6814634313_e71b537ba1.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6814637211/" title="B-balla, Shot Calla by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="B-balla, Shot Calla" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6814637211_4b0a08017e.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6814639991/" title="B-balla, Shot Calla by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="B-balla, Shot Calla" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6814639991_a39f9fddd0.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
<br />
To commemorate our first six months as a family, we had our first family portraits done by <a href="http://www.portraitinnovations.com/" target="_blank">Portrait Innovations</a> in Cary. Here are some of our favorite shots from the session:<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6814653943/" title="Our First Family Photos by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Our First Family Photos" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6814653943_68c9e22470.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6814654085/" title="Our First Family Photos by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Our First Family Photos" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6814654085_5a77eb75a6.jpg" width="332" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6814654249/" title="Our First Family Photos by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Our First Family Photos" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6814654249_4af76c644a.jpg" width="332" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6814654417/" title="Our First Family Photos by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Our First Family Photos" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6814654417_ae460b8f13.jpg" width="332" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6814654577/" title="Our First Family Photos by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Our First Family Photos" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6814654577_0301f8fe24.jpg" width="332" /></a></center><br />
<br />
I can't believe you're already seven months old! Where has the time gone, I ask you? Thank you for making my life so much richer, Izzy Bo-bizzy.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-278185632348288392012-01-16T13:39:00.000-08:002012-01-16T13:39:30.144-08:00Eatin' and Sittin' and Sassin'... Oh My!Dear Isadora,<br />
<br />
You are growing up so fast! You have moved on from eating rice cereal mixed with formula to eating stage 2 (sitting without support) baby foods. These new foods have really allowed you to expand your pallet. These foods tend to consist of a lot of combinations (e.g., apples and prunes, chicken and rice, mixed veggies), which sometimes grosses daddy out, but you seem to like them. Mommy has even been giving you pieces of banana rolled in graham cracker dust during meals so that you can practice chewing. You probably get about 50% of the banana in your mouth and 50% in your high chair seat. Practice makes perfect, I guess.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6710234369/" title="Banana Time by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Banana Time" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6710234369_1ce39c8864.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
You've now also progressed from rolling over and crawling backward to getting yourself to a sitting position from your stomach. Sometimes you are successful...<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6710267461/" title="Trying to Sit by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Trying to Sit" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6710267461_3cd25e3240.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6710273093/" title="Still Trying by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Still Trying" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6710273093_c2f5de9d62.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6710278597/" title="Almost There by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Almost There" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6710278597_50d23bbb86.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
And sometimes you end up in the splits. If you get stuck in the splits, you whine and wait for mommy or daddy to lift you up and situate you correctly on the floor.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6710285061/" title="Success! Splits! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Success! Splits!" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6710285061_10bb446445.jpg" width="500" /></a></center> <br />
<br />
<br />
You've been in daycare for a while now as we wait for your babysitter to come back from vacation. It has been a little bit of a transition for you, but I think you're really starting to enjoy your time in daycare. Even though you are enjoying yourself, you still haven't been able to successfully take a long nap in daycare, so you usually pass out on daddy when you get home. (Daddy secretly enjoys that time since you haven't slept on his chest since you were a tiny, tiny baby.)<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6710238205/" title="Nap Time with Daddy by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Nap Time with Daddy" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6710238205_e95ba43d06.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6710242903/" title="Nap Time with Daddy 2 by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Nap Time with Daddy 2" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6710242903_e2d2556818.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6710247295/" title="Nap Time with Daddy 3 by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Nap Time with Daddy 3" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6710247295_3a614b2a94.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
Mommy and daddy have also noticed lately that the older you get, the more quickly you get bored. Mommy asked daddy to pick you up some more challenging toys to play with on his way home one day. This is what he brought back for you...<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6710253109/" title="New Ball Pit from Daddy by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="New Ball Pit from Daddy" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6710253109_2668a044cd.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6710257151/" title="Ball Pit! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Ball Pit!" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6710257151_29208f6913.jpg" width="398" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
A ball pit! And you LOVE it.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6710262743/" title="Fun Times by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Fun Times" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6710262743_647394a833.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
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Finally, the newest thing you are doing now is what I like to call your sassy face. Observe...<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6710318637/" title="Sassy Face by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Sassy Face" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6710318637_61ee93ee82.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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It's a cute face to make for now... but not when you're older.<br />
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Love,<br />
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MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-66852396408499140732012-01-07T08:28:00.000-08:002012-01-07T08:28:00.474-08:00Things Are a Changin' 'Round Here...Dear Isadora,<br />
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This week was your first week of daycare. Your favorite sitter is on vacation for a while, so in the interim, we have been sending you to daycare. On your first day, you cried a little when a stranger had to change your diaper, but you are starting to enjoy yourself a little more. The daycare has a nifty feature of allowing me to watch you online via a webcam, and for the couple of times I've checked in you, you seem to be happy socializing with the other babies. But by the look on your face in this picture right before dropping you off, I think you still might prefer the individual attention you get from your sitter. Maybe when you get older (maybe when you're two or three years old), we'll start sending you to daycare full-time. But in the mean time, there's no rush for us to change anything for you.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6653343989/" title="Cold Day in NC by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Cold Day in NC" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6653343989_5725e26575.jpg" width="375" /></a></center> <br />
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This week, mommy and daddy had to use the real tub to give you a bath instead of your baby tub. You're just getting too darn big for the baby tub. Mommy and daddy ordered you a tub seat, but it has not arrived yet, so daddy decided to throw on his swim trunks and join you for a bath to keep you safe. It was hilarious for mommy to see daddy in the tub with you, but I think you enjoyed having the company.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6653354371/" title="Bath Time with Daddy by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Bath Time with Daddy" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6653354371_09ed190146.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6653362609/" title="Bath Time with Daddy 2 by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Bath Time with Daddy 2" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6653362609_17acf9f0ea.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6653376295/" title="Bath Time with Daddy 3 by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Bath Time with Daddy 3" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6653376295_76eff519d5.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6653387803/" title="Bath Time with Daddy 4 by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Bath Time with Daddy 4" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6653387803_16f67cf288.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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Oh, Izzy. You are just growing up so fast. You are starting to eat more foods and have started to become a little scuttle butt, scooting your way across the floor... and eventually backing yourself into furniture and walls. This week was the first time where mommy felt like time was just passing by too fast. Every night when I come home from work, I give you lots of hugs and kisses and sigh at how much you are changing. It makes me proud and sad at the same time.<br />
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I love you, my growing girl.<br />
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Love,<br />
<br />
MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798136945361053096.post-59745965255858533202012-01-01T16:44:00.000-08:002012-01-01T16:44:06.947-08:00Happy New Year!Dear Isadora,<br />
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Akimashite omedetou gozaimasu! あけましておめでとうございます。 (That's how you say "Happy New Year" in Japanese.) As we start the new year, I think about how far you've already come. You're six months old and can sit up unassisted and you are starting to crawl (sort of). When I say crawl, you are able to drag your body around the floor... backwards. You get so frustrated because when you try to get a toy, you move farther and farther away from it and make raspberry noises to show your displeasure.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6616055159/" title="Reverse Crawling by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Reverse Crawling" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6616055159_b13cee6d33.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;">Wrong Way, Izzy </span></span></div><br />
Before the new year, you got to see your Aunt Barbara, Uncle Chucky, Uncle Grant, Aunt Megan, Aunt Megan's mom, Ann Yo, Mimi, Pop Pop, and your cousins Lennox and Piper. You enjoyed playing with your cousins and sitting on your Pop Pop's lap.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6616059359/" title="Fun with Pop Pop by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Fun with Pop Pop" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6616059359_af14311dea.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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On New Year's Day, mommy made toshikoshi soba using Mimi's recipe. Mommy makes this every year on New Year's Day. It is believed that eating the long noodles in the soup will give you a long life. You're a little too young to be eating long noodles right now. But when you get older, I'll teach you how to make it and eat it. Until then, you'll have to settle for your baby spare rib appeteether from your Aunt Megan.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6616063155/" title="Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6616063155_ed25970bd7.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6616068427/" title="Enjoying Her Appeteether by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Enjoying Her Appeteether" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6616068427_d91baf6f8d.jpg" width="375" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6616071999/" title="Mmmm by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Mmmm" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6616071999_8124c7ff43.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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Mommy and daddy's hope for you in the new year is for you to be healthy and happy. So far, so good. No matter who spends time with you, everyone always says what a happy baby you are. I hope that means we're doing something right with you. As long as you're happy, I'm happy.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6616040405/" title="Arghhhhh! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="Arghhhhh!" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6616040405_5f06d84c62.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchinanchuhafu/6616044047/" title="I Have 2 Teeth! by uchinanchuhafu, on Flickr"><img alt="I Have 2 Teeth!" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6616044047_524d220e68.jpg" width="500" /></a></center><br />
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Happy New Year, Isadora. We love you!<br />
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Love,<br />
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Mommy Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0