Good Dog, Carl -- August 2

Hazel's favorite book right now is a collection of Good Dog, Carl stories.  She has favorite pages that she will turn to over and over again, including the bunnies in Carl Goes Shopping, the balloons in Carl's Afternoon in the Park, the kid dressed as a turtle in Carl's Masquerade, and the little girl who looks like Nellie in Carl Goes to Daycare.  

Silly Sneezer -- August 2

"Sneeze" is one of Hazel's most recent words, and she gets the biggest grin whenever she sneezes herself.  She also gets a kick out of anyone else's sneezes, including her sister's.  Hazel and I were taking pictures of Vivian when we happened to catch a sneeze in action, and Hazel was delighted.  Vivian didn't look very excited about sneezing, but it doesn't seem to bother her as much as the hiccups.  Despite what the pediatrician will tell you about how babies aren't bothered by the hiccups, this one is clearly bothered by the hiccups.

Sisters -- August 1

Regarding each other on the couch.  When this picture was taken, Hazel had just finished explaining in 

her 15-month old way that one does not put feet on or near the 

baby's head.  This involves her saying "no" while putting her foot near the baby's head.  We're happy that she understands the concept, and are generally impressed with how quickly Hazel is learning to be gentle around the baby. 

Helpful Hazel -- August 1

Hazel has become pretty helpful over the past few months, she likes doing things the rest of us might find a little dull or annoying.  Nellie was over the other day and the two were playing with a castle that was Andrew's, and Hazel kept putting the knights away as Nellie was trying to play with them.  Nellie kept telling her that it wasn't time to clean up yet, but for Hazel, picking up the toys is the game. 

Hazel likes to put like things together in baskets and boxes and bags, she likes to put clean clothes from the washing machine into the dryer, and she revels in the opportunity to put garbage in a trash can (as demonstrated above).    Garbage is otherwise off-limits, but if she finds something that needs to go in the garbage, we open the cupboard door so that she can put the trash where it belongs.

Snuggly Sleeper -- July 31

Vivian Meets Nellie -- July 29

Nellie was visiting with her dad when Grammy came over the first time.  Nellie really wanted to see Vivian's eyes, but they didn't really open while they were over.  Maybe next time!

Hazel has been great with being gentle, and she really likes to be near whoever has the baby.

Vivian and Her Dad -- July 28

Two days old.