Dollies

I was never too terribly fond of dolls growing up. My thing was stuffed animals for sure. I'd put a diaper on a monkey before a doll any day. I think I had one single Barbie, and that was because it came with a horse called Dallas. I wanted the horse. So, I just assumed Fern would be the same. So far, she hasn't even touched any of her stuffed animals, but oh my, how she loves her 'babies'! for now at least. She got her first one this Christmas from my cousin Jannifer. And she has since stolen one from daycare. She has to have them when she eats. She has to cover them up with a 'seet' just so. She gives them kisses. I do encourage it, so that might have something to do with it. Maybe deep down somewhere I want her to have a little brother or sister. :)

A sweet little kiss.

Car Wash in Gum Boots

Fern's friend Mariana brought back some gum boots for Fern from their trip to New Zealand. Here she is, sporting her new boots and helping Dada wash the car. She loves her new boots and now chooses them over all of her other shoes.

Could she be any cuter? I'm not so sure....

Stuff

Fern loves her Learning Tower, and so do we. It has enabled her to be a part of things when we are cooking or cleaning in the kitchen, and has kept her from getting under our feet and hanging on our legs. Sometimes she eats snacks there, plays with puzzles or blocks, plays with her babies (one of which she stole from her daycare, she loves it so much...), helps us clean the counter, or just practices climbing. It is going to be great to use as she grows.

Fern's first taste of fresh coconut:

Fern's first ponytail:

Her first pigtails:

Dada putting a hair clip in her hair...it's a miracle (that she's allowing it):

I was on a hair clip making frenzy a while back. Below is one that I made. She's also making the sign for bird here. So darn cute, no?

At the playground:

Fern likes to simulate naptime at home these days. And she always wants me to join her. And of course we have to cover up with a 'seet'.

At Tumbles Gym:

A few things that Allen whipped up last week:

Sauteed shrimps...yum.

And Molasses Wheat Bran Nut Muffins:

The final product....{yeah, I'm pretty lucky. :) }

New Years Resolution

One of my New Year's Resolutions is to try to take photos of things other than Fern. And post them here or maybe just on Flickr. One of them being food I make. I think it will help me to slow down and make my food prettier and more presentable. I want to slow down. Is that possible with children? Sometimes we will eat dinner with half of the table covered in books and mail and other junk. Not very relaxing. Here are a couple of things I made last week from Miro's new cookbook, Chakra Recipes!

Spinach Potage Soup:

And Crispy Pumpkin:

Check it out if you are into vegan food, especially if you live on Guam because the dishes are made with items available here on island! http:/www. mirori.jp/

Just click on works, then chakra recipes. You can also see some of her amazing artwork here, which is included in her beautiful cookbook. Don't let the Japanese scare you, the recipes are also written in English. ;)

Jumping High

We took Fern to the friary to see the Christmas Around the World display. We had to wait until they opened, so here we are, killing some time:

Allen was teaching Fern how to jump, and it quickly escalated to a big air competition with Dad's help, of course.

A quick glance for the camera.

Before and After

It's been a long time coming, but finally our kitchen is done! I will spare you the 'during' shots.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I think it's an improvement. :)

Thanks, Joon, for your time and talent!