Our Valentine's Cookie Party

A few days before Valentine's day we invited a number of friends and moms over for a cookie decorating party.  Genevieve and her friends loved it so much at Christmas that we thought we'd do it again and invite more friends to join us, (more arrived after these photos).  As expected, we made a grand mess of the kitchen, ate pizza for lunch, and had sugar crashes as everyone left for nap time.  We had a great time, especially the kids!  Here are a few of our dear friends: Colby and Claire, G, Ruby and Nikki, Victoria and Ana.

Genevieve likes to do her frosting and decorating all on her own.  She gave me one of her cookies to eat and, I must say, I had a hard time finishing it.  Talk about a sugar rush!

We baked and decorated a few cookies the night before with Daddy to help Genevieve have her own time with her cookies.  I was a little worried as she was so excited about the cookie party that the few days leading up to it, she began to say that no one was allowed to come besides herself.  She, actually, did really well with sharing with everyone the next day.  I wasrelieved.  I guess it's just the age.  This will probably become an annual tradition for us.  G loved it!

Genevieve's Ski Day

Genevieve had been asking for months if she could ride the gondola.  Each time we would drive beneath the one in Glenwood Springs she would ask, "Mama, what's that?  I go on it?" A few weeks ago when we met Dave for lunch in Aspen, she was so excited to see the gondola that she could hardly contain herself.  So, I promised her the next time Dave went skiing we could ride with him on the gondola and have lunch at the top.  As predicted, she was nervous as could be once we were actually in the gondola car, but with Daddy's help she made it.

We decided to meet some friends at the top and let Genevieve try skiing for the first time, - another activity that she has requested to do.  If Mommy and Daddy love it so much, why shouldn't she?  Her little friend Will was quite impressive!  He had been out a number of times already this winter, but for two years old, we were still impressed.  Genevieve held off and just watched, chased after Will, laughed and cheered him on.  After some time to digest it all, she decided that she was ready to try it as well.  She was more reserved than Will, as it was her first time on skis, but she had a blast and was proud to tell everyone that she skied!  The dads didn't get in quite as much ski time as they had hoped, but we all had a great time.  I can't wait to try it again!


The terrific dads, trekking back uphill with the kids and skis.

Hanging out with Daddy in lodge.  I love this photo.

The two cute friends, Genevieve and Will.  They get along so well.  We've already decided that we have to keep up this little friendship despite our near move.  They have so much fun together.

Genevieve's Big Announcement

Genevieve got a new shirt for Christmas that she has been anxious to show off.

She was able to share the announcement on her shirt with Grandma and Grandpa at Christmas time, but Mommy wanted to keep a lid on it until we were a little further along.

While Becca would have liked to try to keep it a secret until 36 weeks, her growing belly has betrayed her.  It is apparent that we better just share the news so people can stop whispering about Becca's extra weight and wondering if she's pregnant.  The baby is due on G's birthday in July and we are excited.

It is great to see Genevieve interact with her little sister (or brother).  She loves to pat Becca's belly and tell it that she loves the baby.  She also frequently asks when the baby is going to come out of Mommy's belly to play.  We told her that it will happen a little before her birthday and now she can't wait for her birthday to arrive.  Any sight of cake triggers the question, "Can baby come out now?"  Needless to say, the concept of a sibling sits well with Genevieve.  We'll see how she does when she realizes that it might involve sharing toys a few years down the road. 

Seeing myself

I have realized that there is nothing like a child to help me see myself.  I tend to think aloud, whether I say what I am actually thinking or it's simply a "hmmm" while pondering something in my head.  This week I've had to pause and laugh a few times I've heard Genevieve do exactly that.  Sometimes it's simply a "hmmm" as she works in her princess book, looking for a specific sticker.  Other times, it's an exact copy seconds after I question something aloud.  Here are a few other examples:

G: "Baby doll need to get dressed.  What she wear?"

Me (not sure if she is looking for a real response or just thinking aloud like her mom): "I don't know; you can decide."

G: "Oh," (and she goes about her business).

or 

G: "Baby hungry.  What she eat?"

Me: same response as above

G: "Oh, I think..."

or

G (going through her closet when I give her the option of what to wear): "This? No. This? No. This? No,"  (and so on as she pulls, pushes or throws each item aside.)  

I love to watch as she learns to make decisions and take care of herself and her baby, but I hate to think that I may really be this bad when it comes to thinking aloud and making decisions at times.  Maybe that's why they say, like mother like daughter.  My sister likes to say that there is no question who's daughter Genevieve is with her tendency for organization and cleanliness.  Oh well, I am sure there is still hope for her!

Bits of Genevieve

Genevieve loves to look at "photos" (said in a little French accent) on the computer.  The other day as she scrolled through my sister's blog once again, she pointed at a man from a photo of the musical White Christmas.  

She asked, "Mama, what it that guy?"  (It caught my attention as I had never heard her use the word "guy" before.)  

I responded, "That's a man singing."

She responded, "That's a crazy guy!"

Do you think this may be some indication of her future feelings upon musical theater?  I didn't think a man singing was so crazy.  I'll try to work on that.  On the other hand, perhaps it's simply a reflection of how much her daddy makes her laugh when he sings in the morning.  In fact, if he forgets to do it, she runs upstairs to remind him to sing as he gets ready for work.  A day doesn't seem to be complete without it.