Caillou!

"Growing up is not so tough except when I've had enough, but there's lots of fun stuff."

-Caillou

If you've seen PBS Kids or Sprout, chances are, you know Caillou. For about two months, we've been getting to know him very well. We try to keep television to a minimum for Patty, but Caillou seems to be the cure for the common meltdown. I even keep a few episodes on standby (thank you, DVR) for emergency situations.

Patty has become known for her ponytails. So much so that her Aunt Christy has nicknamed her "Pom Pom Patty." Well folks, it's no picnic getting those "poms poms" placed just right! But, with Caillou on my side, I get Patty's hair done sans kicking and screaming. Now, my aunt Mona, the child development guru, reminds me often "television without interaction is never a good thing." Auntie, rest assured, we sing and count right along with Patty and Caillou.

The picture to the left is of Patty cheering during Caillou's opening song.

M.I.A.

I know, I know I’ve been MIA. Trust me, I feel pretty bad, but I underestimated how busy a 16 month old could keep a person. This is a whole new world – she’s climbing, testing boundaries (and patience), singing, talking (non-stop) and having 4-6 meltdowns a day. Oh, and did I mention EATING? She’s got a ferocious appetite! For about two weeks in January, the two of us were very sick. Her one week, me the week following. When we took her to the doctor, she was back down to 19 lbs which is what she weighed at the one year mark. Her doctor, the all-knowing Dr. Shinn assured us that her appetite would “return with a vengeance.” Those were her exact words and she was SO right. Patterson wants a bite of whatever we’re eating. She can smell a cheddar cheese Pringle from 20 feet away. No matter what we're eating from hummus to a kit-kat, she hovers and sings “bite, bite, bite.” She’s also into green beans, corn, pears, grapes, etc. but she loves Pringles and Sun Chips above all.

Here’s a picture of Patty chowing down at McCallisters a couple of weeks ago. And, I through in a picture of her daddy looking super handsome.