Ilona's words

We made a list today of all the words Ilona can say. She understands many more (and we probably forgot a few). You will notice an abundance of animals, the most famous muppet and lots of words that start with 'B'. The most used ones are probably 'uh oh' whenever anything 'falls' on the floor, 'no', accompanied with a shake of the head, when anything is offered, and 'mine' whenever she sees anything she wants. Also, she likes to touch our coffee mugs in the morning, and say 'hot', and stand by the door, opening and shutting it and saying 'door'. 'Nose' and 'eyes' are usually accompanied by a small hand moving rapidly towards the relevant feature of your face, and 'bye' is said every time anyone leaves (including other passengers from the tram).


 

Say 'cheeeese'

A random photograph assortment

Half way up the stairs

I think these all count as playing together, atypical though they are

Saying 'cheeeese' posing for another photo. There are a few here because I was trying to get something natural

Some children don't know how to say 'cheeeeese' (yet)

Running Race

The video to accompany yesterday's trip to the running track. The snow has now all gone because it rained all day

Sunday afternoon fun run

Emily left this morning to attend a meeting for one day in San Francisco (she is back on Tuesday afternoon, 24h on a plane and 24h in America). After she had left and Ilona had napped we headed to the school playground where there is a 100m running track. Bluet and I did a couple of running races (she definitely won the one where I was also carrying Ilona), whilst Ilona did lots of standing and some quite fast walking. There was also a Dad and his kid flying a small remote controlled biplane which entertained them both, as did a big patch of virgin snow which Bluet quickly filled with footprints (with a couple of handprints from Ilona, until she learned it was 'cold').

Bluet stops and poses for a photo (saying 'cheeeese', as you can see)

Snow with footprints, handprints and tyre tracks

Moving surprisingly fast

Breakfast

Today's breakfast, second sitting. Not that much eating going on....

Ilona walking

I have been trying for ages to get a video of Ilona walking, as she is getting good at it - usually she also carries something in one or both hands at the same time. Unfortunately it is difficult to get a video as she likes to walk towards you to catch her at the end, which is incompatible with holding a camera. Also, she does not walk on cue. So using a new app on my phone I pieced together some short bits of video I did manage to take. Including a big section of Ilona blowing raspberries, but I hope after you watch it you will be convinced Ilona can walk.

Bluet drew her owl

and baked some cookies

#

Last weekend's news this weekend

Last weekend we went to ikea to buy a new bed and some herring. Here are Bluet and Ilona testing our future mattress (this weekend, we put the bed together. and went swimming. and bought a mop).


Ikea is exhausting (and we hadn't even done anything yet)

Ilona would not let go of this mouse, so we had to buy it for her

Later on (last weekend) because the snow was deep and crisp and even we each built a snowman - Emily with the help of Ilona and me with Bluet. Of course, they melted fast and are now but mounds of snow. So it goes.

Finishing touches, almost done

hmm, something is missing

that's better!