Um. Hi Again.

So, as it turns out, having two kids in the family makes getting to the computer for a blog post totally impossible. Mom and Dad are always hogging the interwebs to research baby stuff (they were muttering something about "colic cures" and "gotta be a way..." for a long time, now it's something to do with "puree").

Yes, we've had a long year of baby prep and reality. And I'm realizing that "baby brother" is not quite the party I'd thought it would be. Still, he's cute and funny and I love him. I help out with lots of baby chores and love making him laugh--which is pretty easy to do. And he brings special visitors who love me, too!

At first, Quillan was just a tiny little lump who did nothing but sleep. On any shoulder, much to the shoulder-owner's delight. No matter who had him he was quietly gazing or, more likely, snoozing--like Daddy.

In the meantime, I found lots to do. Ciaran is my buddy and he keeps me busy, I like to spend time with my PopPop, Patches is my homeboy, and in the fall and winter there is always cookie making. AND there is always my favorite activity--especially since I got one of these. But having a brother is a challenge and I miss my mom and dad's undivided attention. Still, there are special times I have with them. Mommy saves extra special snuggles for me and Daddy and I have time together on the way to school every morning

Eventually, Quill got big enough to play with every once in a while, and now I can snuggle with him or carry him around, though for some reason that has Mommy and Daddy chasing after me. I'm excited to teach him the things I know, though. And he sure is an eager student!

I love him and he loves me and we share lots of similarities:

Me. Quillan.

Me. Quillan.

Me. Quillan.

But I'm me and he's he and that's that.

Checking In

I KNOW, I KNOW...this post was a long time coming. I should have waited until Saturday, my official half-birthday, to make it an exact six months. Things have been busy and busy around here. We've gone on vacation to visit Gumpoo, got a surprise visit from Uncle Daniel (whom we tried to keep), and I finally got to meet Oncle Matthieu and Tante Aurelie's daughter Marie.

I am ready to start my second year at my favorite school, I've been growing really tall, AND most importantly, I've learned to read. So books have become more of a priority lately!

And in other BIG, BIG news, I'm going to be a big sister in November! So check back to meet my new baby brother in a couple of months. In the meantime, we're considering other, easier blog platforms. I'll keep you posted...

It's My Birthday!!!!

Fi-Na-Lly! Whoa, did that take forever. But now it's finally here--I'm 4!--and I've had a fabulous birthday weekend. Yesterday Mommy and Daddy took me to see my first real ballet. It was a super surprise; they didn't tell me where we were going until we got there and I saw the ballerina on the poster outside. I was soooooo excited! The theater was really pretty inside and I got to watch the orchestra and the ballet from way down in front. I was right up at the railing the whole time.

Then, when we got home it was present time! The best, most fabulous present in the world was the real, pink tutu and purple overskirt. Now I can swish my skirts properly!

Today was the birthday party I have been inviting the whole world to. I was so happy to have my friends and family over to play and celebrate. We giggled and ran and tricycled and posed for pictures and stuck stickers all over everybody and hula hooped and flipped and ate lemon and strawberry cakes that Mommy made and had a GREAT TIME! What a happy birthday!!

I'm tired.

Winter Fun

There's just no explaining just how fun Christmas was--it seemed like there was a party every day. We made cookies at Nanny's, visited with Aunt Née and Connor, and went to the Art Insitute's fancy restaurant with Grandma, Laura and Ciaran where I ate fancy ravioli...so much fun.

And Christmas night! Ciaran and I waited with excited anticipation and PopPop helped us track Santa's progress before we went to bed. Christmas morning finally dawned I was so excited to find the little birdie I asked for and some surprise Christmas mice. The best, though, was the tent Santa brought for Ciaran; we had a lot of giggle time with that! My favorite gifts were my very own vacuum from Nanny and the Aquarium membership from Aunt Jess and Uncle Matt. I use those all the time--I especially love the penguin exhibit!

Next up--I'm getting ready to celebrate my BIRTHDAY!!

L'Automne

Well, here we are--December already! I'm excited about Christmas, especially since I got to see Santa at the Thanksgiving parade. He had his sleigh parked right by my house and even waved to me. Now I'm sure he knows where to find me.

We've been really busy lately celebrating all the autumn holidays. This year I got to help make my Halloween costume. I was Perdita from 101 Dalmations and Mommy and Daddy dressed up like Anita and Roger Radcliffe to take me trick or treating. I'd never been trick or treating before--it was soooooo much fun. I got CANDY! AND Mommy's even let me eat it a little bit at a time.

We also took our annual trip to the pumpkin farm with Nanny and Grandpa Brian. Miranda and I had a perfect afternoon riding the ponies and camels (yes, camels, 'member last year?) and picking out pumpkins for Nanny's front porch.

Daddy took me on a vacation to visit Gumpoo and Nana Sheila. We drove all the way to Virginia by ourselves and I was sooooo good. Gumpoo showed me how to play the cello and I showed him how to design a cool tattoo.

I've also been practicing my photography skills. I think my feet are my favorite subject so far, but I've gotten some fun pictures of Mommy and Daddy, too.

We've had a lovely fall season, full of fun adventures (like a trip on the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier!) and fun family visits. I've stargazed with Grandpa Brian, made an apple tart with Daddy, giggled with PopPop and Ciaran, and even introduced Mommy to my favorite morning cafe where Daddy takes me on Fridays.

Now I can't wait for Christmas!!

Field Trip!

Today was my first official field trip--on a school bus and everything! We went to a pumpkin farm and went for a hay ride, picked out a pumpkin to decorate in our classroom, AND got to ride amusement park toys.

I. Like. Field Trips.

My paparazzi couldn't come, though. No pics!

New School

Bonjour, tout le monde! Je m'appelle Lily et j'aime mon nouveau école! (Hello, everyone! My name is Lily and I love my new school!)

OK, I couldn't really say that yet on my own, but it's only been two weeks. I do love my new school and teachers and friends, though. The first day was exciting and exhausting, but I'm learning the new routine and look forward to going back every morning--especially when Daddy takes me for a morning snack on the way. I think I have him trained already.

Mommy started her new school year, too. I got to help her set up her classroom this year--and play teacher.