Indoor Waterpark

Again, the weather is cold and rainy so mom has found yet another activity for the two of us. Today, we went to the North Kansas City Community Center to the kiddie pool, playground, and waterpark. All of these activities are at the indoor pool and it was way cool. We invited along my friend Henry and his mom so we would have some playmates.

First though before we got started, I had to survey this wonderful playland. The lifegaurds even turned on the water features for us.



The pool was between 82 and 86 degrees but I still thought it was pretty cold. I wasn't quite as excited about it all as mom thought I would be. I can stand all by myself in the kiddie pool and was getting really brave walking around, then I went under and mom was there to scoop me up, from that moment on I was by her side. The pool was huge and I'm still pretty small.


They also had a lazy river and I loved it when mom held me and floated me around in it. She got some exercise and I relaxed and splashed. This is definitely the life and the place to be if you love the water and it's cold outside. They also had a whole bunch of toys and a bubble massage spot. I got particularly attached to thsis yellow nubby ball, I took it everywhere with me.


Here's Henry and me at the bubble massage spot.



Perhaps as we visit more often, I'll get more into it.

The Library

Today was cold, rainy, and wet, so mom took me to the library for storytime. We read a book called the "Crunching, Munching, Butterfly", watched an old-fashion cartoon movie, and mom and I made a craft. We made a butterfly! Well, actually mom made it after I picked out the supplies. The finished product was pretty neat, but by the time we got home, the butterflies head was missing! The purple pom-pom was just too tempting and I pulled it off.

We also got a library card and checked out two books! We got "Olivia's Opposities" and "Giggle, Giggle, Quack". I like the books we picked out, so I would say my first trip was a success.

A Mom's Paradise

Today the weather appeared nice, but the wind was blustery. After a week full of activities what's a girl to do? Well, I'll tell you...go to Paradise Park. A paradise for kids and mom's!

So that was our big field trip today. Mom took me to Paradise Park. They have all sorts of activities for me and older kids as well. I especially enjoyed the kid size replicas of the grocery store, a kitchen (complete with ovens), and a construction site. I also really liked the water table, getting dried off with the dryer at the end though was my favorite! Go figure.




Their were lots of kids there. All much bigger than myself. Some had their faces painted and it kind of freaked me out. But for the most part they were willing to share with me and do a few activities. We left before a real cooking class for kids started, I was tired. But oh the possibilities. I see a Family Fun Pass in my future as I get older.

Oh, and how could we forget the "soft room." Complete with soft floor, there was a mini ball pit and all sorts of cool toys for me. It was a 2 and under designated area which was great when the big kids were just too much.


And then the finale! A snoopy ice cream truck to ride on and steer. Mom was smart and did not put the tokens in that make it light up and move. But later that day at the grocery store, I pointed out the carousel. Mom says I'm pretty smart. I see some rides in my future, just not today mom said.


Mom especially loved it because it required no cleanup on her part. Tons of toys, rearrange, misplace, etc. and no work on her part to restore to the pristine, put away condition! Definitely worth the $3.25 for an 1.5 of playtime and the inevitable longer nap when we arrived home.

Body Parts Part Deux

Yes, I've discovered another one. Here's my belly. If you ask me "Where's Ainsley's Belly?", you'll get a big smile and without hesitation up goes the shirt and a finger to the belly (or at least the general area).

The Chariot

Well, I have a couple of chariots. A running chariot as you have seen in previous posts, mostly for just mom and me. The little blue chariot that is my shopping and exploring ride. The big blue volvo that takes us everywhere. And now, I have a chariot for just my dad and me. (Mom of course is welcome to tag along.)


Dad's knees aren't quite up for the running that mom does so he's getting into biking. We have a great bike trail about a mile from our house that we intend to go explore one of these days. Mom can even do her cross-training with us now. Check out the new ride. It's got a flag, a bug gaurd, a rain cover, and reflectors.

The Television

For all of mom's efforts, she has finally caved to letting me watch some television. Oh the though of it. As a mom I must say that the 40 minutes or so total a day Ainsley watches is a nice break for me. Baby Einstein doing the teaching instead of mommy, a while ago I would have been appalled by this idea. Not teaching her how to cook while I made dinner, I never would have thought differently. But then came the cute, curious, and ever so inquisitive toddler.

The television once in the morning and once in the afternoon has become a mommy's best friend. Although, the fact that this little toddler has no idea she has a timed limit has casued me to actually parent to avoid tantrums as she repeatedly points at the big black box.


You can see by the intent, almost not there stare how gripping this DVD is. The sign language and the places in the neighborhood have her totally engrossed. So much so that she has no idea I'm swiffering the floor right behind her.

Indoor Fun

This morning brought the rain instead of the sun. We watched it fall on our grass that is in need of it though. Mom even took me out so I could hear it and feel it. We quickly returned indoors, it was cold outside and we were both still in our pajammas. (Thankfully, no one saw either of us!)

So, we had a lot of fun exploring the tunnel behind my couch. (Mom, you really need to clean back here. We have bunnies, and not the soft white ones...we have gray dust ones.)








































I'm also learning how to ride my tricycle. So far, I can only go backwards if I'm actually sitting on the seat. If I want to go forwards, I get off and push it that way. Mom thinks this is because my legs aren't quite long enough to get good traction. And yes, this is still an indoor toy. Although, mom said we might take it out on the deck. Then, it can still be an indoor toy. I'm all for that.

Body Parts

What better way to learn all about your "head, shoulders, knees, and toes" then on a good old-fashioned care bear.

That's what mom and I have been working on lately, the parts of the body. So far, I've got "head" down really well. In fact, when I hear the song I just walk around pointing to my head.


I've also got "nose" down most of the time, especially if it's on someone else's face. Watch out, I'm still learning the word "gentle", noses make good face handles. The care bear works much better for demonstrating this.


I can also get belly-button once in a while. We don't work on this one much. Mom and dad usually only point this one out on my stuffed animals. Hmmm, why do you think that is? But I usually find it when they're least expecting it...when I tackle them on the floor. Or, when we're tickling each other. Did you know, care bear's don't have a button on their bellies, they have a picture. My care bear has a picture of the moon and stars.


And just for good measure since we haven't posted in a while one more picture...If you haven't noticed, all of the pictures in this post were taken while I sat on the steps. The bottom step is my favorite place to sit. I bring everything here...toys, books, my shoes and socks. I can efficently and safely climb up, reposition and sit, and climb down when necessary. I've only fallen once and believe me, I don't want to do that again. And anyways, what better way to end a post about body parts then with a picture of my face.

Outdoor Explorer

After our wagon ride taoday, mom let me explore the grass. Yes, it's still kind of dead. But, that makes the texture all the more interesting. Dead leaves, dirt spots, brown and green grass...this is all a bit of a stretch for a mom who prefers clean hands. But, she let me explore.

Here I am exploring the grass up close. Mom got my "best side". (Which picture do you think that was? You know, that saying has a different connotation depending on what stage of life you are in.)







































Our yard also has a slope to it which made it great for learning all about sommersaults, rolling down the hill, and just plain falling over. I laughed (and so did mom) the whole time I tried to walk around. I never made it very far.

Outdoor Fun

The weather is finally turning nice here in Missouri. Spring is on the way, and I'm ready for it. I've learned about where my shoes are and bring them to mom multiple times a day. I also like to get my jacket for her. (I love my jackets, I wear them around the house even if mom isn't in the mood to take me outside.) But thankfully, she's usually ready for a walk or a run.

Check me out in my wagon (no longer an indoor toy now that it's seen some actual road time).


We haven't made many friends my age yet to go with me and there are no kids in my neighborhood yet either. But mom is working on that too. She's joining a group, Mother's and More (they have chapters for all you other moms out there), that organizes all sorts of activities for mom's and tot's. It will be good for both of us. We've also started making some more friends at church lately!

Besides the great wagon rides, which is mom's daily walking time. She's also been taking me for a run with her. I love the breeze blowing in my hair! (She tries to walk once in awhile, but I spur her on to run by crying out for more wind.) We're up to about 1.5 miles every other day right now. Mom's trying to get us ready for the Mother's Day 5K. This is definitely a far cry from her last race of 26.2 miles. But we're excited to be getting back at it anyway. By July we'll be doing a half marathon together, if we can find one. Mom says she loves have a running partner (well rider). Check out me in my stylin' ride. (Yes, barefoot, not only do I love the wind in my face but between my toes as well. Thankfully it was a balmy 70 degrees when we went out today.)

Stick a Fork In It

This is the best report I've had since my 6 month check up! I gained 1 lb. 2 ounces in 2.5 weeks. That put me solidly at 16 lbs. 11 ounces and well on my way back into the 3rd percentile. So yes, it seems that we are experiencing "soy"ful times here, firmly away from all milk products.

And here's those pictures we promised with me eating with utensils. I'm not totally self sufficient yet and can't quite get the hang of spearing or scooping my own food. But I love it when mom does the spearing and scooping and then lets me take it from there. (We were going to keep this between us and let you all marvel at my cleanliness.)




And yes, that is a well-balanced lunch you're witnessing. Veggies (edamame-my favorite, carrots, and peas with olive oil italian dressing), fruit (homemade pear applesauce), and chef boyardee. (If only we all had plates like this right? Mom's didn't look nearly as colorful or appetizing.)I actually ate almost all of it too. The Dr. and nutrionist were extremely impressed with my diet and felt that the switch to my special soy drink was definitely the ticket (along with soy everything else). You would be amazed at how long our trip to the grocery store now takes as I watch mom scour the labels for milk and milk proteins.

We go back in another month for another weight/height check. They think I'm really going to start taking off now. Hopefully not too fast though, mom needs some time to catch up in her muscle strength, carrying around that extra 1lb I've gained has taken it's toll.

Walking

We apologize for the lack of quality in this video (Mom doesn't know how to work dad's new camera so she's still relying on the old one), but we're pretty sure you'll get the idea. I'm now walking, and yes it's at a rapid speed. In fact, I use all gears depending on what I'm after, holding on to, or the time of day.


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We wish we had sound, are silent films back in vogue now? I'm babbling all the way as I walk. No one is still quite sure what my dialogue with them means but they seem to always answer back. A lot of responses like really, tell me about it, and you don't say work for most of what I'm telling them.

The weather here is getting nice (if you can call mid 60s warm) and mom and I have started venturing out. We went to the park today and I walked all around the jungle gym. I climbed steps like a big girl, went down the slide (with mom's help) and enjoyed the swings again. The park wasn't crowded (we went to the hidden one down by the river and the bridge). It was really cool though. A lot better than yesterday whne we had to drive by the park because there was a line at the swings. Guess 60 is warm to people here, everyone was out!

Mommy's Little Helper

Well, my mom is still working and with deadlines fast approaching I have been helping her out a lot! Check me out, I'm reading and organizing her papers for her

First, I take them off of the stack she has on the floor. (Why in the workd are these papers on the floor? Doesn't mom know that anything on the floor is fair game?)


Now I must say my mom is very organized in her work. She has all of these fascinating tags that indicate what needs to be done sticking off of her pages. I'm mesmerized by them and proceed in helping by pulling them all off. Mom's now finding them stuck to lambie, me, and the wrong pages!


At the end of the day I'm not quite sure how she does it. Except for this stack I've been playing in has pretty much all been accounted for. (She did have to go back and find 5 specific pages out of 600 or so!) So, she keeps me distracted with her old work and just continues on with the new. Aren't you all breathing a sigh of relief for her.

"Soy"ful Times

Yes, in my previous post I had mentioned bulking up on dairy products. Well, after much protest and mom finally getting a clue...I am bulking up on soy products. I was having quite the time and not feeling well as mom tried her hardest to get me to drink and eat dairy. After realizing the connection between my irritability (in oh so many ways) to the milk introduction, we promptly switched to soy.

As you can see here, I now have no problems gulping down a soy milk product. My personal fave is Kidz Dream (an expensive soy/juice smoothie). I'm still boycotting the full fledged soy milk, including chocolate. But, with Kidz Dream I'm up to 20 ounces a day, hooray!



I go for a weight check, nutrition analysis, and who knows what else on Tuesday. Lets hope that the new foods mom has been giving me have added on at least a pound. Say a prayer, we need it!

Otherwise, we are having a blast here in the cold and snow. I'm walking up a storm. All around the house and I'm pretty fast if I'm holding on to someone's finger. Mom will definitely be running by spring!

And I'm talking. Pretty sure I said a "Hi there" the other day. And "that" is my personal favorite. It means "I want that, or that, or that, or that." The pointing that goes along with it is rarely helpful. I just change my mind way to quickly.

Since it's so cold, there aren't a whole lot of new pictures. Mom's notinto making a mess in the house so we haven't done anything new and terribly exciting. But, we'll keep trying to get some new posts out there. Perhaps a new one with me eating with utensils is in the works.

I need to eat how much?

That's right folks. In this day and age of overindulgence, obesity, and lipo dissolve, I need to beef up. The pediatrician is concerned because I'm one year old and weigh just under 16 lbs. Personally, I think this is a good weight for me. I'm lean, agile, and mobile. However, since mom took the doctor's concerns to heart, I guess I'll have to do what I can to put on the pounds. It's rough having to eat ice cream, cheese, and yogurt all day, but this little lady is up for the challenge.

Part of the problem I'm sure is that I haven't been fond of any lacteal fluid that didn't come straight from mom. However, in the last few days she wore me down, and I'm now drinking whole milk as long as it's cut with some water. It may not be my favorite, but you take what you can get when your legs are short and the shelves are high.