Monkey Monkey Monkey

This post is for my cousin Rita (well really my dad's cousin, who is more like his sister and more like my aunt) who sent Isabel such a sweet surprise that arrived yesterday.

Isabel and I got home from school/work around 5pm and arrived to a package on the front step. Packages are always exciting, but extra special when there is something homemade inside. Rita wrote in her note that she originally made this blanket for the new baby, but when she heard Isabel was in the "monkey" class at school this year, knew it should be hers. And wow, did she hit the mark. Isabel LOVES this blanket. After I helped her get it out of the box (it has a good bit of weight to it, with 2 thick fleece layers), I grabbed my camera and captured the following. Unfortunately no video, as the first thing she did was make monkey noises upon seeing the monkeys on the blanket.

Isabel being silly with her new blanket.

Checking out the extra soft fringe.

Giving the blanket a hug.

This blanket feels good on my belly Mommy.

It is also really good for practicing my yoga!

Hmm, its been a long day. Yup, it passes the "good to nap on test."

She wouldn't let go of the blanket and carried it around with her for the next 15 minutes. Which meant mommy was at the other end of the blanket (so it wouldn't pick up dog hair from the floor) carrying it around like the train of a dress. It joined us for a diaper change (draped over the side) and I finally convinced her to leave it on her rocking chair so we could take the dogs outside.

This morning she immediately went for the blanket, climbed onto it and the rocking chair and just rocked back and forth. She then grabbed it and I carried her and the blanket downstairs into the playroom. I'm guessing this blanket is going to hold a very special place in Isabel's life for quite a few years to come.

Have a great weekend everyone. Go HOKIES!

It Must Be Genetic...

...a Bueschers love for airplanes that is. Of course Isabel has been learning lots about airplanes since day one from Geoffrey, but lately she is looking for them whenever we are outside and listening for them, naming them, imitating them etc.

Last night during her bath, the following took place.

Splashing in the water, playing with toys etc, all of a sudden Isabel says "Airplane!" (though sounds more like airpeen). Yes, Isabel, that is an airplane, as I too hear the noise from outside. Isabel - "VRRRRRrrrrr." As I try to say something else I get a "no!" (as in no, don't talk), and she sits, absolutely still in the tub, focused on the noise until we no longer can hear it, then bath time progresses as usual.

I'm guessing that a) Isabel will really enjoy the Oceana air show this year and b) it won't be before long that Isabel can identify more airplanes than her mom. She already can identify a firefly, that Geoffrey has on a shirt. Don't ask me what a firefly is though. I'll tell you a glowing bug, which isn't the desired answer...

Our Trained Monkey

Isabel is at that age where she is taking it all in, and we've been working on teaching her animal sounds and body parts. At times, its almost as though she is a trained monkey, showing off her tricks. Other times we ask and she decides she has better things to do than show off.

The first video shows her doing some of her animal sounds. At the end she is distracted by a loud noise out front (the workman putting away the stump grinder) and as you can see, it takes a few attempts to gain her attention. The second video is of her pointing to various body parts. Enjoy!

Beginning of September

We kicked off the month of September by watching the hokies take on Alabama. Although we didn't win, we had a lot of fun watching Isabel run around in her hokie shirt for the first 5 or so minutes of the game. Here are a couple shots of Uncle Eric and Isabel during the pre-game (Uncle Kevin was in Atlanta for the big event).

The Tuesday after Labor Day meant back to school for Isabel. Isabel is no longer a Junior Infant and is now in the "monkey" classroom. She did great on both Tuesday and Thursday, which surprised me since Isabel is usually slow to warm up in new situations. She seems to like the new classroom and new toys, especially the transportation table that has lots of airplanes. Here she is on her "first day of school" both with and without her new school shoes. Gotta love pink :).

This past weekend Grandma & Grandpa Buescher came up for a visit. I didn't really take any pictures, but we all had a lot of fun. Saturday afternoon was our neighborhood picnic (which I was in charge of), and Isabel enjoyed the moonbounce slide, which she rode on twice. I wish I'd had my camera, but it will have to wait for next year. It is a BIG slide and she just loved it.

This morning I made the mistake of leaving the hokie bird on the table during breakfast time. Because it was in sight Isabel insisted on holding the hokie bird in one arm while eating with her free hand. It made for a silly sight, but won't be happening again. I explained that stuffed animals were not welcome at the table, which I'm sure she completely understood :).

Isabel got a balloon on Saturday, and had a great time playing with it yesterday, since it was partially deflated. Geoffrey decided to take a little video of it.

Let's Go Hokies!!!

Isabel was excited to wear her Hokie t-shirt this morning, in preparation of the start of Hokie football tonight. Go Hokies!