Playgroup of Two

Poor Teagan doesn't yet have the social circle her big sister had as a baby (get with it, Mom!), but she was thrilled to have somebody her own age over to play today. So thrilled that she insisted on holding rather than wearing her pjs. Baby Noah was as cute as can be. Must work on getting him and his family over to the west coast.

Nutcracker Sweeties

The playgroup (well, eight of them plus mothers and one little bro) celebrated the holiday season with a return trip to the San Francisco Opera House to see the Nutcracker. Mia was particularly festive for the occasion. Her dress, a gift from Grammy, received a lot of looks. Adding to the effect was the nutcracker she received after last year's show which happened to share the same black an silver color scheme. She's a girl all about the accessories, after all!

Mom and Mia head out:


Mia, excited pre-show:

Veronica (now a SoCal girl), Lily, Mia and Kiana:


Reminding us how old they are post-show (Dash and Riley are beside Mia on top; Evan and Colton next to Kiana down below):

Mia and Lily, having a blast together as always:

The girls hamming it up before the show:

Another BFF shot:

The gang this year:

The gang last year:

Mia and Lily dancing on "the stage" after the show:

And the action version, showing the full impact of The Dress:

Friday Fashion

Holiday Spectacular!

Mia's preschool class (and its buddy class) had their holiday show yesterday. It was full of all those moments that make this age group hilarious and endearing, including the kid who nearly takes his clothes off, the girl who runs into the audience to give her parents a hug, and the kid who sings loud enough to be heard from New York. Here's part of the show, although shot from the cheap seats, it's not of the highest quality. Shaky middle courtesy of a certain nine month old on my lap.

Fins Forever!

Found outside on the classroom bulletin board, Mia C.'s musings on what she is thankful for: "I am thankful for my Mommy, and Daddy, and my entire family. For being a mermaid forever. Eating a lollipop, and for Otter my dog." I hope we don't have to have that all-too-awkward "Honey, You're Not Really A Mermaid" talk anytime soon. Such a heartbreaking rite of passage.

What's Babytalk for WTF?

We normally try to keep things G-rated around these blogging parts, but I can't help but think that this is exactly what Teagan is thinking about this contraption on her head.

Yummy Dumplings

Of course, I'm speaking of both the dim sum and this adorable group of cousins (and dads!).

Pajama Day!

Nothing beats getting to wear your cupcake pjs, bathrobe and bunny slippers to school -- except, perhaps, taking Otter for a walk in that same attire after school pickup.

Giving the E-Trade Baby Some Competition

Purple Perfection

Mia achieved the coveted purple ribbon today at swim class. This ribbon had four very difficult components. She had to learn and demonstrate proficiency in freestyle and backstroke as well as the lesser known "wiggle butts" and "sculling." It was really hard work, but she was extremely persistent and we were so proud of her dedication. A scoop of cotton candy ice cream was the perfect treat to celebrate her sweet victory.

Hi, Art.

The Happy Train known as Teagan paid a visit to the DeYoung Museum this week, where we spent some time with our friend, Lisa, and her brand new cutie, Quinn. The road has been paved for both tykes to assume their eventual roles as art aficionados.

A Star Is Born

In the Spring, Mia's dance/singing class will have a "real" show on a stage. This week, this kids gave a preview of what's to come. Mia has enjoyed this class so much. The Great White Way is on the horizon...

Hello, Bye-Bye

So I think we might have a first word from Teagan. She was doing this all day when we were leaving somewhere and when I said goodbye.

Nine Months!

Teagan Corey turned nine months old yesterday! We are en route to the pediatrician for a checkup this morning, but suffice it to say, she's sooooo big. She continues to be a real social butterly, waving hello and goodbye to everybody. She can point when she wants something and is starting, I believe, to consistently say "hey!" for a greeting. She loves music class and impresses us all with her ability to hit a drum, shake a shaker, or click sticks together to the beat of a song. Not one for modesty, she likes to clap herself on her achievement. Her favorite game with Mia is to roll a soft soccer ball back and forth, showing more coordination than her decidedly ungraceful mom. She is still not quite moving yet, her "crawling" leading her to spin in a circle rather than get from point A to point B, but she is doing a lot of standing and "walking," so I sense mobility is on the horizon in some shape or form.

Update: Back from the doctor and happy to report that Teagan is healthy as can be. She weighs in at seventeen pounds, ten ounces (50th percentile) and twenty-seven and a half inches (also 50th percentile). Best of all, no shots!

Catching Some Holiday Spirit

The breakneck pace of the holiday season continued today with the birthday party of preschool classmate, Sophie. She had a gingerbread house building workshop at a cake shop, testing the will power of both mothers and daughters (I'm amazed to disclose that I only ate few M&Ms). The fruit of Mia's labor is now on display on our dining room table:




After an early dinner and quick bath, I loaded up the kids in their pajamas and we headed to the first night kickoff of a local house that is decorated to a degree I've never quite seen. In addition to the crazy display outside the house, visitors are allowed inside where each room is decorated according to a different theme.


This is one small part of the train room. Teagan waved hello to the train every time it turned the corner toward her:


Both girls were in awe of the display (and Mia of the actual live cat who happily purred while she rubbed its belly). I'm happy to report that both are currently dozing, visions of Christmas lights undoubtedly dancing in their heads.

One Crazy Castle

More adventures from that nutty castle Mia calls home. I particularly find amusing her taking on the role as benevolent dragon-giver in her story.

Girls At Play

The gals had lots of fun at the park today, especially Teagan who is finding more and more to enjoy with each visit. And yes, to answer our readers who tune in purely for the fashion, those are pink Ugg booties that match Teagan's winter hat.

Encore!

Our local jolly man showed up again at this morning's Breakfast With Santa, sparing me from at least one day from the "why do they all look different?" questions. He even remembered Mia and Teagan. Guess somebody's not getting any coal in his stocking.

Santa, Baby (and a Four Year Old)

We officially kicked off the holiday season this morning with a visit with our local Santa. Despite having skipped her morning nap and despite being referred to as "son" by everybody (note to self: dress bald-headed baby in pink at all times in order to avoid gender confusion), Teagan was all smiles for the bearded wonder. Mia embraced the one-on-one time with Santa to give a dossier on what she wants for Christmas. Among the random items that I heard about for the first time: pink gloves and a scarf. Huh? Plenty of time to refine that shopping list.