Milkymilk

Rob Reiner, Ganges Kan and Elmo

Well despite a couple near tragedies, Harper has come out on top, again.  Monday, she collided with a 2 year old on the bridge at the playground (or 'play-lot' as they are called here.)  Although she was knocked down, and hard, she managed to not fall off the bridge.

Then, on the way home from the supermarket, the small front wheels on the stroller got caught on a bump, hidden by an icky dark puddle.  Face first, the stroller went down.  The groceries followed, as did I.  Organic produce lay strewn about the roadside puddles, and I saw my baby's life flash before my eyes.  I thought for sure I would have squished her head when I landed on the stroller.  It is like you worry so much about pesticides and car seats and bpa and formula vs. breast milk and then one day you trip and fall and land on your baby's head.  She was fine.  She did not even cry, till she saw the look on my face.  Two city surveyors picked us up and dusted us off.  She does not have a scratch on her.  My shins are bruised.  The apples did not make it.

I staged this reenactment (not with Harper in the stroller) in our living room:

Which reminds me, I need to put that Easter basket away...

The good news?  She can just about talk now.  O.k.  I'm lying.  But she has added to her list of words:  Rob Reiner, Ganges Kan, Elmo, bracelet, Happy Birthday, and (my favorite) where is the snow?  She also points at her Target portrait on the mantle and says, "Baby."  Which makes me want to cry, because that picture was taken two months ago.

Every day she grows a little less shy, a little more brave, and a lot older.  Every day I find myself more amazed at how awesome she is, and more nostalgic about months ago.   

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q:  What is your packaging like?

A:  Our treats are packaged in cellophane bags, tied with jute twine and a label.  It is simple, and I am a fan of simple.

Q:  Where can I get your tasty treats?

A:  For now, we only sell them though etsy.  If you live in the Chicago area, we offer pick up and delivery.  We also offer a more extensive menu, that changes monthly.  {It has a number of things that do not ship well, like cake & scones.}

Q:  I have come to this blog looking to satisfy me sweet tooth, and all I hear about is 'Baby this & Harper that.'  What is up with that?

A:  I like my baby.

Q:  Why does your baby eat dirt?

A:  (O.k.  So, no one really asks me some of these questions.)  Dirt is good for you.  The New York Times said it, so I believe it.

Q:  Are you making pocket and pockets full of money on etsy.

A:  Yes.  But they are Barbie sized pockets.

Q:  When are you moving to Connecticut?

A:  The end of June.

Q:  How do you find the time?

A:  Harper is on a very strict nap schedule, which we treated with total disregard today due to ANOTHER MOLAR.  She is a very happy toddler when she has predictable naps, and it makes me a very happy mama.  I learned today, again, that this is not to be questioned or toyed with.  Also, Skylar helps out tons, and we are very luck to have close friends who take care of Harper when things get too busy.

Q:  How are you going to bake, blog, take care of the baby and pack and move?

A:  (Fingers in ears)  LA LA LALA LA

  

Missed Connections

 

You were the other cute girl with good hair who was overdressed for the public sand box.  I was in white, with pigtails.  I know you know how wet sand feels so good, almost as good as mud.  There is nothing wrong with looking fabulous in a dirt mustache.  Thank you for sharing your handfuls of icky dirty sand with me.  I love your sandals.  Maybe someday we can eat some dirt together :)

Rainbow Butt

Oh spring, I love you and your light.  You rock in general.

Harper, seen here playing with her new favorite book, the book of take out menus, sat down in the bath tub tonight.  This is only exciting in that about the same time she started walking, she became mildly afraid of water.  She would still enjoy herself during bath time, she just avoided getting wet at all costs.  It has made bathing her a difficult task for all involved.  About three days ago she began to take an interest her bath.  We had two nights of careful splashing and very slow squats.  Tonight, success!  Sitting!  Oh, she was so delighted and still and relaxed.  Overcoming fear is fun.

Raised By A Cat Named Formerly Known As Skanky

It has recently come to my attention that not only do I have to keep Harper in snacks and cuddles, I also have an obligation to make sure she does not grow up to be an ax murder, at least, to the best of my ability.  I guess this starts with teaching her right from wrong; stealing snacks = wrong, sharing = awesome.  We have been toying with the idea of discipline for a while now.  I don't really feel like she is old enough to know better, or to learn.  But what do I know?  There are people who write books about this stuff.  Lots and lots of books.

So I read like 14 of the 448 pages of "The Nurture Assumption" (at random, of course) about a week ago with all my spare time.  Let me preface this by say I have NO idea what I'm talking about.  Really.  And so, the book basically says that when people refer to 'Nature vs. Nurture' it is kinda assumed 'nurture' is the parents.  However, 'nurture' should really refer to children's peers, because they have a greater influence over each other than their parents do.

This brings me to Spanky, a.k.a. Skanky.  A long long time ago I gave up on trying to pull Harper off the cat, and vice versa.  I let them work it out without my constant hovering presence.  There were tears, some minor scratches, and now, cuddles.  At least once a day Harper puts her cushy dreamy cheek on the cat, squeezes her close, and Spanky purrrrs.  Spanky will even seek Harper out, and cuddle up to her on the couch.  

There is only one logical conclusion to come to here, the cat will have the responsibility of keeping Harper out of prison.  I'll supply the snacks.