Pigtails and Rockets

The kiddie rocket launcher at Angel's party was a big hit. Olivia loved it, but only if she could launch solo. Once another kid joined in and parents had to negotiate 1) loading, and 2) launching, the turns got all out of control and anxious-making for everyone. This is Olivia, blissful, launching by herself (with MommyDaddy audience).

Pea pods

Nature created pea pods for parents. Not only do they provide fabulous nutrition, but shelling them is apparently riveting for toddlers. Well, at least our toddler. Her love affair for these things began in our garden and now requires that we continue fueling her habit with stash from Whole Foods. I'm envisioning her shelling peas to pass the time during her college graduation ceremony. Oh -- and here you see her throwing in a little "CHEESE!!!!" as well.

Mini dance (cock-headed)

This video is on its side and I don't know how to turn it 90 degrees. (Damon? You there??) Nevertheless, I had to post it. Olivia launched into a spontaneous chicken/floor pounding dance that I manged to capture on video. Here she is jammin' among the merchandise in the loft.

Letter in my pocket

When Grandpa aka Papa was here visiting I snuck up on their conversation one morning and shot this video. Papa is great at explaining things, like how many toes Olivia and Baby have. Olivia is great at tricks, like finding letters in his pockets.

The Alphabet Easel

The Easel is the next Big Baby Toy in rotation, and Olivia loves it a lot. It features chalk drawing on one side and magnetic letters on the other. It replaces the toddler table where Olivia dined on Cheerios and raisins. Now that table is living at Lauren and Kevin's house, waiting for Baby Collins to enjoy it.

When Daddy busts out the letters, you can tell Olivia is into the easel. Wait for the WOWWW!!

Dookoo, Auntie Erin and Uncle Todd. (Dookoo = thank you).

kekk = /"cake"/

"Kekk." Is that Swedish? When presented with her very own cupcake-in-a-cone, with sprinkles, that's all Olivia can say, over and over again. It's like a meditation . . . she says it so much that she forgets to eat the kekk.

When I was little I was the envy of all the other elementary schoolers because MY mom didn't just make cupcakes -- she made cupCONES. Awesome. Olivia can look forward to the same tradition, provided all schools haven't outlawed sugary celebrations by then.

Peeks (Olivia's favorite video to watch)

I am not supposed to delete this video because Olivia loves to hold the camera and watch herself cracking up with Daddy. It cracks her up all over again. I think that's technically postmodern baby behavior.