Chloe commence la gymnastique

To help the French readers, I have translated some of the more difficult words. Let me know if this helps...


Chloe started her gymnastics class today and, oh-my-goodness, was she so cute in her little leotard.* This class was again just for kids--no parents allowed--and Chloe had no problem saying goodbye and running in with the rest of the kids. She really enjoyed it, especially jumping on the trampoline. She'll be going twice a week up until our French trip.

Also, here is a picture she drew recently that I just love. She called it "Man Sleeping"* and was proud that she drew his eyes closed. The little circle in the sky is the moon.






leotard=collant
Man Sleeping=Bonhomme qui dort

Plus des photos de notre sejours

My dad added his pictures to his flickr page, so here are some of his from our trip up north.

This reminds me that Margot likes to feed herself now using a spoon!

I love this picture. The only thing missing is Jerome.

Chloe with her fishing pole and the fish she caught; naturally (for her), she wore a dress fishing.

Un sejours avec Tonton Joel

This past weekend, Chloe and Margot went to their first wedding; Chloe was so excited! She loved the bride's dress (she loves dresses that "go all the way down to the floor"--it is what she wants for her birthday) and the flower girl's dress as well. After dinner, she had a great time dancing with the kids and playing Ring Around the Rosie.

Joel and his girlfriend Marissa came home and went as well, and the next day, we all went up north with Grandpa and Grandma, too. (Jerome stayed home for work, unfortunately, but in a little more than a week, summer vacation will start for him--we can't wait!). The weather was C-O-L-D up north, but we still had fun. Chloe went on a boat ride, on a canoe ride (which she noted was "so relaxing"), fishing, and more. Chloe caught a good sized fish on her little pole--you will have to check Grandpa's flickr site for pictures of that. She also made a hot dog and S'mores over a campfire (which was something she really wanted to do after reading a story where the characters do just that). We also celebrated Joel's upcoming birthday by making chocolate cupcakes. Margot had a little cold and is still teething (one molar finally popped through--three more to go now), so she was rather clingy to her mama and grandma, but she loved looking at the trees/forest and ringing the wind chimes. We really had a great time.

We came home last night, had a quick dinner with Joel and Marissa, and then it was time to say goodbye. When they left, I was sad, as I always am with goodbyes, and Chloe noticed. She came to me, patted my shoulder, and said, "Are you sad, Mama?" I answered yes, that I was sad that Uncle Joel was going home. She answered, "That's okay, Mama. Grandma and Grandpa are still nice." I love her empathy, and her way of trying to cheer me up.

I have two sweet little girls.

Mots d'enfants

Margot is officially 13 months tomorrow, and she is not at all interested in walking yet. I think it is because she is rather into talking right now. She adds new words often, the latest being "night-night." She also has added the word "butt" to her repertoire, thanks to big sister Chloe. I don't think Chloe really knew what she was doing, since we really don't use the word "butt" often in our house (Jerome, of course, opts for the French "fesses", and I actually use the Polish word "dupa"). Well anyway, Margot says it clear as day. Often.

We had a great Memorial Day weekend here. Friday, Chloe and I gardened with my dad, ripping out enormous weeds that had taken over the south side of our house and replacing them with hostas and lillies. Chloe has really taken an interest in flowers and planting. Then, Saturday, we spent the evening with neighbors, including Chloe's best bud Ava and some new friends, two more little girls, she has been playing with lately as well. Sunday we spent with good friends who are moving within the month. They are not moving far away, but we will miss having them just a few blocks away. Chloe has always played well with their older boy, and they have a younger boy who is Margot's age, too (though he is only three months older, it really makes a hug difference at this age).

Soon, it will be June, and then July: time for France!

Bonne Anniversaire Margot

Margot turns one today, and last night we had a birthday party to celebrate. She did great. She enjoyed her banana cupcake and did well opening her presents. Her favorite present so far is a pink ride-on car. Chloe was such a patient, helpful big sister at the party. She helped Margot open presents only when Margot needed it, and she helped Margot blow out her candle.

It's been rainy here again, but Friday was beautiful. Chloe was absolutely delighted to blow bubbles, water the plants, and jump rope (or at least trying to jump rope). As for Margot, she has been making some big advances lately. She now also says "bye-bye," "hi," and her first French word--"tiens." When Jerome gives her food, he says "tiens" ("take this"). She says it now when she gives us something! So cute! She has also started feeding her doll with a bottle or spoon of pretend food.

Happy Birthday, Margot!

Joyeuses Paques

We had a great Easter--Easter basket hunt in the morning followed by brunch with family at my parents. Here the girls are in their Easter dresses.

Now we are lucky enough to get to enjoy a week with Papa home from school! It will be busy (I'm finishing my preparation for my comprehensive exams for my masters this Saturday), but fun. The girls have some new toys to play with. Chloe got a great doll from the Easter bunny--a Corolle doll that speaks French (it asks to go peepee, to drink, to eat, to go to bed, and more). We can also change the language to English, Italian, or Spanish. It is so sweet. Margot got a toy telephone, which she is delighted about (so is Mama--maybe I can have my phone in peace now!). Also, Margot got the sweetest music box with dancing frogs from Uncle Joel from his recent trip to Switzerland--this is the current favorite toy of the house. And hopefully the weather will warm back up again so we can play outside!

Happy Spring everyone!

Les bonhommes de neige, et ce n'est pas un blague du premier avril…

Well, the weather has been "pourri" here--all rain and snow and chilliness. On Saturday night, we got six inches of snow. Chloe and I were driving through it the next day, passing snowmen everywhere, when I asked if she wanted to build a snowman when we got home. She said no, because, "She wants it to turn summer." My thoughts exactly...

To escape the cold rain, we went to a new story hour today with our pals Kristen and Sophie. It was insanely packed--mamas and kids everywhere. The story was impossible to hear, but Chloe was excited to see a real fireman! That explains the chaos! Still, he gave out fire hats to all the kids, so Chloe was delighted.

Other than that, with this weather, it has been a lot of playing inside for us. We need to get creative with new games. The picture above is of Chloe's new one: fixing Margot's "hair." As you can see, Margot just wants to read her "boo." She still says "boo" (book), "ba" (ball), and "more"all the time, but she throws a mama and even a papa in there every so often for good measure. The other day, I thought I heard "hi" again, too.

Now the girls are napping, and I am making a big pot of soup to warm the house and our souls.