The Singing Van Trapps

This photo does not really need a caption. Our Used, Thrift, Found, Handmade Christmas was a lot of fun and made for some great gifts. Grandma Linda made the PJs for the whole gang.

Merry Christmas

If I could talk I would wish a Merry Christmas to you and your flock. Until I learn to not get freaked out by the chickens the annual Chickens and Kids Christmas card will lack a smile.

LOLA is AWOL

...or at least her outfit would suggest some kind of escape. After you spit up on one outfit and poop all over the other one, they put you in loaner clothes. Since we go to a low rent daycare, they often resort to this kind of labeling to ensure things make it back to their respective homes. Lola actually has "Anton" tattooed between her shoulder blades just in case.

Still not walking

But not crawling either. Lola has taken to walking like a bear as a bit of a transition from four legs to two.

I don't walk yet...

but I will soon. During a recent visit to the old age home to see Grandma Beverly, Lola took to the halls with a contraption designed for a much older, taller person. She may not be that tall but she is with the same issues, lack of balance and and a labored gate.

Box Cake

I was told by a recent birthday girl that one cannot expect adoration and praise for preparing a box cake. These photos say otherwise. If Lola could speak, I am sure she would have had something nice to say about the carrot cake from a box.

The Big Show

Evelyn is often willing (or required) to babysit. Sandy tells me that a babysitter cannot be given instructions like. Evelyn, you are in charge of Lola but you cannot touch her. I don't see that as a problem. More often than not Evelyn babysitting means Evelyn Entertaining so Mom and or Dad can spend some time on other things like using the bathroom or taking that elusive 5 minute shower. Evelyn is quite the dancer, she also plays piano, both in a way that only Lola can appreciate (in reality the dancing is not that bad). These concerts are usually the longest periods of time that Lola is contented in her crib. She certainly does not care to be there in the evening. I have asked that a plan be made to affect change in that arena.

Me and Sis

So now that I can stand, I can play with my sister. As you can see I spend most of my time concentrating on staying in an upright postion and allow the actual interaction with the toys up to my sister. Every once in a while a toy catches my eye and I fall on me bum.

Cheerio

No peas please. Summer Squash is not my thing but Sweet Potatoes are exactly that. Today I am happy as a clam, because I just ate my first Cheerio. Not to be out done, Evelyn asked her Cheerio chomping be documented on film as well.

The Bus Stop

With Evelyn experiencing her own firsts, Lola often gets to come along. The bus stop was an adventure on day one and Sandy's new position started (a teacher at Evelyn's new school, Lapham) Lola had to tag along. Though in charge of getting her dressed, Iam afforded little creative license, most often finding her outfit layed out for me in the AM. This first day of fall weather, maybe a few degrees below sixty meant I was told to bundle her up in her fleece thingy. So I did.

So many firsts

There have been quite a few firsts since June 1. That date was also the first day that Lola's Dad and designated blogger took on the house remodel. These next few posts will cover only a few of the many firsts our little gal has overcome in the last 2 and a a half months.

Today in early September, proof of our inability to keep on task, Lola actually stood, for almost a ten count. Here she is in early August, shortly after learning to pull her self up in the crib. She is quite spry and can do this with break neck speed. She prefers to stand while she cries for better projection so she can really scream from her diaphragm.

Sleepy Time

Daddy and Lola get to sleep in just a little bit longer than Mom and Evie. Once Mom leaves for work, Lola usually gets to sleep on her tummy near Dad. She doesn't know it is dangerous. The biggest thing I fear is her drowning in her own drool. Evidentally she gets that from her Daddy.

Ready for School

Last Friday was a bit much at the Anton household. Sandy's maternity leave ended on a Thursday which meant good old Dad was supposed to watch, for the first time of any length, both girls. He was quick to learn that Sandy was probably right when she suggested he give Lola a bottle each day so she became accustomed to it and that Sandy is a lot better at the whole kid thing than he. He doesnt wonder how she does it. He wonders how she does it joyfully.

Making certain the child is cared for joyfully is why she will go to daycare at Claudi's Kids where she will spend her days with Miss Maria, learning conversational Spanish and how to cope without Mom. The photo, a tentative Lola on her first day.

Her Church Family

Presbyterians do not require sponsors or god parents for baptism. In fact I feel it may be frowned upon. You see, during the baptism the Pastor asks the congregation to help raise the baby in the church. He even gets a show of hands. So baby Lola, should the horrible happen, will have about 200 people making certain she makes good decisions. I think we might all benefit from that kind of influence.

Yes, That's a Rat.

Just as Evelyn endured the photo taken of her in the oven, a trash can and a soup pot, Lola too will have to set pretty for silly photos. The rat belongs to my sister and we believe was an unsuccessful attempt at delaying the desire for another child.

Evelyn's New Doll

One of the challenges we have been facing is how to best allow the big sister to "Help" and interact with her much younger, smaller, more delicate sister. There have been a few pokes in the eye and a hug or two that could have been a little less like a full nelson but everyone is finding ways to cope. Lola has taken to hiding out with the other dolls when she needs some alone time.

Bath Time

Pay no attention to the dates on the posts from here on out. It was well within the first week that we gave Little Lola her first bath. After all, she has yet to master the pottie.

Big Sister

So here is the first chance the new sisters had to relate. Lola is still quiet about what she thinks about Evelyn and Evelyn has vocalized a few thought but is really still on the fence. And yes, sometimes babies are boring.

What's going on here

For the first time separated from her mother after a brief but intense and drug free birth, Lola is placed below the heat lamps for a little spit polish and suction.

At first glance

This is the first photo (that good taste will allow) of little Baby Lola. Her name taken from a myriad of pop culture references. In reality, her name was chosen in spite of several pop culture references. Her middle name Estelle is inspired by Sandy's Grandma Susan Estella Conklin who resides with Sandy's mother in Syracuse.

The Weigh In

This number will forever confuse as she was born at or about 7:16 am and weighed about 7 lbs 14 ounces.