Margot marche!

We just spent a wonderful extended weekend up north, and little Miss Margot had a big surprise for us: she finally started walking! After showing signs of readiness for the last two months, she just decided Saturday to get up and start. Now it is the only thing she wants to do. We are all so happy for her!

Tranche de vie

Après avoir peint deux tableaux à l'eau ("La maison de Papi et Mamie" et "Tablier et Serpents"), Chloé a créé sa première image avec le logiciel Paint.

Miró, prends garde à toi.

Tranche de Vie, 06/26/2009

Note: I hope to make "Tranche de Vie" (in English, "Slice of Life") a recurring blog entry detailing the current likes, dislikes, and activities of the girls.

Margot's new word: saying "cheese" when I take a picture

Margot likes: wagon rides and being out and about* (and saying "hiiiiii" to strangers)

Margot dislikes: having her diaper changed without a "boot" (book)

Margot's new skill: climbing furniture (yikes) and standing on her own

Margot's new favorite toy: Duplo blocks; she likes to unpack them and put them away, and work on connecting them

Chloe's new favorite song: The Beatles' "Carry That Weight"

Cute Chloe moment: overhearing her explain to Papa at breakfast today that all of The Beatles are boys even though they sometimes sound like girls

Chloe's looking forward to: making crepes with Mamie in France

Chloe likes: being outside a lot, especially running around in her swimsuit* in the sprinkler*

Chloe dislikes: the dark and monsters

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*to be out and about= etre de sortie (I'm not entirely sure on this one)
*swimsuit=maillot de bain
*sprinkler=arroseur/jet d'eau

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!