Return of the Scurvy Pirate

Avast me hardies! Weigh anchor and hoist the main sail! This evening, Robinson County was privileged to have a visit from scurvy Captain Norah, with a toilet paper roll...errr...I mean a hook for a hand. (Which, by the way, was not obtained on or anywhere near the poop deck)

It might appear that the good Captain is pouting, but in actuality this glower is merely her intimidating pirate stare. Quite the theatrical whiz, my daughter. She was more than willing to stop swaggering around the room and saying, "Arrrr!" long enough to pose for a photo op. A notorious pirate can never get too much good press, you know (ever hear of the "Dread Pirate Roberts"?)

Anatomy Lesson

To say that "2-year-olds are observant" would be a gross understatement. At least in our house. As I've mentioned before, Norah notices (and remembers) everything. What's really funny is watching the way that she twists around the knowledge she collects in a way that makes sense to her.

Case in point: Norah's been obsessed with her belly button for about 6 months now. She noticed that she has one. As does Mommy. And Daddy. In spite of her interest, she's never asked what these peculiar devices are for. Perhaps because she thinks she's already got it figured out.

Last week, she wanted to hold Eli, so I sat her down on the couch with him in her lap. Norah then informed me, "Eli's hungry. I'm gonna feed him", while she pulled up her shirt and attempted to position his mouth over her naval. I opted not to give an anatomy lesson at the time. (Jason and I did have a good laugh over it, though.) She gave up when she became aware of Eli's disinterest, then pulled up his shirt to reveal (much to her astonishment), "Eli's got a belly button TOO!!"

Cakes, Cakes, & More Cakes!

It was a BUSY weekend for cakes, but I got to try several new designs, so I really enjoyed myself!





1st Birthday cake (and matching smash cake) for Lathan
















Castle Cake for Emma












"Ooo La La Girly Cake" for Avery












And a new purse cake for Kylie

A Couple of Captions

Here is one of my new favorite pictures of N & E. Eli was enjoying a little tummy time and Norah decided she wanted to "Ride Eli's back, like a horse". Thankfully, she didn't squash him and he seemed to enjoy the interaction.








Later, I was folding laundry in Jason's and my room, so I put Eli in the swing (also in our room). He started to fuss a little, so Norah ran to her room, and emerged a few seconds later with one of her dolls and a blanket. She then proceeded to tuck the doll in Eli's armpit and covered them both with the blanket, saying, "There now, Eli. Nice and cozy!" (We often read a book about being a big sister and helping make the baby "nice and cozy") Eli was perfectly content after "Little Mother Norah" worked her magic. (Although I'm sure when he gets old enough to care, he'll deny all claims that he ever slept with a doll)

From the Mouthes of Babes...

A: Norah, what's in your mouth?"
N: A zero!
A: ???? (intrigued, heads over to investigate further, only to discover that Norah is, in fact chewing on a zero-shaped refrigerator magnet)
A: Let's not chew on our numbers, ok?

So many bad puns come to mind..."number crunching";she had "nothing" in her mouth...etc.


N: Mommy, I love you.
A: Thank you, sweetheart. It makes mommy SO happy when you tell me you love me.
N: Mommy, thank you for the spankin's.
A: What?
N: Thank you for the spankin's, Mommy.

Number of spankings administered today: none. (But she's definitely received more than a few in her lifetime) Not sure which ones she was referring to, or what prompted her to think of them, but at least I know they weren't lost on her, she's using good manners, and perhaps it's true that "someday she'll thank me..."

She's Crafty

I discovered The Crafty Crow while wandering the blog-isphere this morning. The site is still new, but she is in the process of collecting all kinds of fun ideas of craft projects for kids. I love what I've seen so far, and plan to check back often for inspiration. Norah and I are gonna have so much fun!

Wonder Kids

A little Spring cleaning in Robinson County yielded an empty Rubbermaid tub....aka "The Fly boat". (Choice mode of transportation for Norah's favorite super heroes, the Wonderpets)

This morning, Norah decided it was time that she and Eli (she was adamant that he participate) join the ranks, so they "hopped in the fly boat" in search of "an animal in trouble". I don't know that they actually found any animals to to save, but they both had a blast. It's so fun watching her imagination develop, and thankfully, most of the time, Eli is more than happy to "play along" with whatever she deems the scenario of the day.