We had Giada’s first parent teacher conference Thursday and she did well. Apparently really doesn’t like messes as she informs the teacher every time she sees one with “A MESS! A MESS!” and asks for something to clean it up. She is doing well in all areas except “Accepting Limits” (Imagine that) and they say she is so tall that she lacks some core strength. We are working on yes ma’ams and yes please instead of yeeeppp! A term she learned from Brad who learned it from watching Storage Wars. She is talking like crazy and learning, learning learning  new words.

Hope everyone had a good one! Giada took to trick or treating like a pro. Started saying Happy Halloween to everyone about ½ the way through. We had a ladybug costume for her but she wore her cat shirt to school and didn’t want to take it off. Kept saying “No, I’m cat!”

Giada’s birthday party was nice, just family. We were about an hour late on the food because we make panko fried green beans and asparagus. While they tasted great they took forever because we had to do them in batches. My cake looked fantastic but mixed reviews on taste. I thought it was ok. Giada just wanted the icing. Brad made his Gumbo but due to the red tide it didn’t have any oysters. We tried to substitute crab legs – they were great and everyone got messy pulling them out of the Gumbo and cracking them for the meat but it got shell in the gumbo – so mixed success there as well. But All in All pretty good.

We had a good time at the fair with Nolen, Rebecca and Regan, This is a picture of Giada in the stroller. The fair is expensive everyday besides Tuesday because on Tuesday the rides are all 2.50 a ride – so we are definitely going then next year. I proposing we have a family fair day as I got texts from Jonathon and Al that they like the fair and didn’t get to go. They should call up their Godmothers and tell them to get on the move!  So next year maybe we can all try to go on a Tuesday – Play hookey or sick and have a great day at the fair. I didn’t try any freaky food but Rebecca and Regan did I think. Not sure if they got to the Fried bubblegum or not.

Giada did very well, The highlight for her though was crawling behind a toy booth.

My Aunt Regina jinxed my not late streak! I had sent her Giada’s teacher Sylvie’s email about not to be late and how it affects your child. She asked me how we were doing not being late in an email and as I  was about  to virtuously respond that we have only been late once since school started but got sidetracked, then I woke up at 8:15 this morning! We were 15 minutes late but we didn’t rush her because of our mistake so ‘ll have to put my “We weren’t late!” Count back to 1 again. Darn it!

We are potty training and Giada is doing really really well. I think we should be done in a couple of weeks (wishful thinking?) She is even sitting on regular toilets no problem. Very interesting.

We went to Arkansas this weekend to see Brad’s Sister and brother in law. I had kind of been dreading the long trip but it turned out to be nice, pretty restful really. They have a huge backyard and Giada enjoyed running around in the great swath of grass. When we opened the door she said Wow!  Poor deprived thing – our house has no yard really – A little bit in the front. We went to the little city fair and Giada was so exhausted she fell asleep while we were sitting listening to the bands. Don’t know how she does that. She is stringing words together now. “Mommy’s funny!” You’re funny” is a big hit right now as is “I did it!” We’re full on into potty training and she is doing pretty well. Her school is potty training her as well and so it helps.

We also had our pre school picnic where they had a bounce house for the kids. I thought – no way – she is way to little for that but she climbed right in and went crazy. I guess I need to start reevaluating what she is big enough to do.

It was a petting zoo with a bounce house. Giada really likes the bunnies but wasn’t too interested in sitting on the horse.

Giada and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Giada is doing well. She and I have both managed to get over
the trauma of pre- school. Now, when we go, when we get to the door she bangs
on it with her fist until they come to let her in. She is so big!! Why do they
grow so fast? She is not a baby anymore as she has turned into a full blown
toddler. I’m sure I’ve bemoaned this before. She has two favorite books Grandma
and Me and Pajama Time! She can have both read to her over and over
for as long as you will do it. She loves music and  we listen to her cd’s
from Kindermusik non stop in car. I’m going to have to expand our repertoire,
as I find myself continuing to listen to them and sing a long even when she is
not in the car with me.

We had a good weekend but our star event the
“Peep at the Coop” Chicken coop tour was rained out. I had made a chicken
themed lunch that would actually not harm chickens of chickpea veggie pita
pockets, corn on the cob, egg salad sandwiches and drumsticks for dessert.