Recipe: Peach Relish

I made this recipe up tonight to put on some mild, white fish, to take advantage of the fresh peaches we bought from Costco. It was a hit! Here is the recipe:

2 fresh peaches, peeled and diced (you could probably use fresh frozen ones too--thawed)
1 large stalk of celery, diced small
2 - 3 green onions, sliced thin and small
1/2 tsp dried basil
2 TBS red wine vinegar
1 - 2 tsp sugar

Put the peaches, celery, onions in a bowl. Mash peaches with fork or pastry blender and blend the mixture. Add the vinegar, sugar and sprinkle the dried basil onto the mixture (crushing it between your fingers as you add it). Mix everything together. Let sit at least 10 minutes before using, to allow sugar to do its thing, or put in the fridge covered for several hours. Mix again before using.

Camping Success

We got back late tonight from a camping adventure with the kids. We left town Saturday afternoon, stayed camp site #6, loop C at Lakeview Campground at Twin Lakes. We had a dinner of cous cous and canned salmon with feta, tomatoes, black olives and Greek spices (my favorite spice mixture). We could not light a fire so we ate marshmallows along with some chocoloate in the tent. Yum.

Axel's first trip - he was a real champ. Just waking up here and there if he was too hot or too cold. It was 104 degrees in town and probably in the 80's and 90's we were, so the tent was a bit hot at the beginning of the night. Luka slept the whole night through in his own little sleeping bag. They both liked playing in the tent and around the camp site.

We also went biking with them in the Chariot (bike attachment). That worked very well and it was very comfortable for them. It is familar and they are used to it now too--their little place to sit when we go on adventures. We biked up to a lake above us and did some "fishing" with Luka's fishing pole. He can cast by himself! I can't believe it. I showed him how when we went to Echo Lake and he remembered from that! I was really impressed. It took me longer to learn how to do it than it took him!

Axel had fun too. He had a new safari/monkey hat to protect him from the sun. And, he liked exploring pine cones (trying to eat them), playing in the dirt (grabbing it while reaching from inside the tent), and other fun stuff.

We ate lunch at Erin something picnic grounds at Turquoise Lake outside Leadville. Nice set up there with water available and nice toilets, and good view of the lake, but a lot of bugs (mosquitos).

Then, we did our big bike trip, riding from Copper to Breckenride. About 16 miles. The kids did great and we both had fun, with Reynald pulling the kids.

Reynald had to go back and get the car while the kids and I ate at Kenosha BBQ in Breck and Luka beat Mommy at horseshoes. :)

Reynald pulling the boys in our slick Chariot - in its bike trailer incarnation.

Luka, Mommy and Axel at the camp table after out dinner (that is not our tent behind, but the campers next to us).

Luka in our tent (through the bug screen).

Axel in our tent (through bug screen)

Axel: new word!

Axel said "done" very clearly for his lunch, after he was done chewing and wanted more. It is so fun to see what words babies pick out as important to them. "Done!"

Interesting article on Code Switching between Languages

Interesting article on what is called "code switching" between languages - what we call "mixing the languages," by bilinguals.

http://hamminkj.cafeprogressive.com/CS_paper.htm

Interesting explanation of different types of code switching (that stuff we do sometimes actually has a specific name and had been studied!).

Using Skype for International Family Contact

We have been using Skype since last fall to talk with Reynald's parents in France, and now are using the newest version so that we get both voice and video, for free. It is free if you call "computer" to "computer". It is really awesome to be able to have them see the kids, and vice versa. Luka loves to show them things he has done at school, his toys, his boo-boos, etc. He loves to see them too.

The Internet is an awesome tool for things like this. I wonder what we will think of today's technology 10 years from today, but for now, it works wonders and is, in fact, better for this kind of (family) contact than the regular old telephone.

For more info on Skype, check out their website:
www.skype.com

Axel is really crawling now!

Axel is really crawling now.... He is now going forward on all fours (as opposed to just backwards). Go, Axel! Luka never crawled that way, so that is interesting to see the differnces between them. Luka did the special forces crawl (lay on the ground, push with one bent leg, pull with one arm). He may have crawled on all fours one day that I recall, and then went back to his (for him) more effiicient army crawl.

French TV

We finally got the French TV channel available in the US installed! It took us years...! But, they have a deal for free installation and first three months free. We got it yesterday (satellite dish). Youpi (as the French say). It is mostly documentataries, movies, French talk shows, but some kid shows. I plan to get a DVD recorder, so we can keep some of the stuff to watch when we have time. Fun, fun!

For more info on the French channel in the US, go to:
http://www.tv5.org/TV5Site/usa/index.php

Axel word update

Today, in the morning as Reynald was leaving for work, Luka said, "Papa," and then Axel said, very clearly, "Papa." Luka said, "Hey, Axel said 'Papa'!" I thought so too - so I told Reynald as he hopped in the car to get to the office. Yay, Axel!

Axel has had a high temperature the last few days (up to 102.6 under his arm yesterday), but was still a happy little man and the doctor said he should be okay. We are just keeping an eye out, but looks like he is out of the woods now.

VBS & Recipe: Coconut Date Nut Balls

Luka and I went to Weekend Vacation Bible School at the church tonight. It takes place Friday evening and Saturday and Sunday mornings. They had a really nice program with lots of activities, as if we were living in Bethlehem. Luka sang songs, played games, made a candle, sampled food from Bibliccal times, helped make candy, made a pottery bowl, and other fun stuff. He is in the Judah tribe.

For the candy, the kids hand-ground (with a table-attached, old-fashioned grinder) dates and walnuts together--like they may have done in Biblical times. Luka had a good time doing that. Then, the adult in charge of that station completed the "candy" balls that Biblical people may have eaten. It was from this recipe below and it was yum!

Coconut Date Nut Balls
[updated 12/19/2008]

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (or more to taste - to make mixture a little less sticky)
1-1/2 cups pitted, dried dates
1/2 cup flaked coconut, toasted and cooled (I used unsweetened, and did not toast it and it was
good) and more for rolling
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped fine (I used 1 cup)
dash of orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)

First, in a food processor, mix graham cracker crumbs, dates, coconut, the honey and just a dash of organge juice, until just combined. Add the nuts and blend till mixture forms a ball. Remove from working bowl.

Second, roll out mixture into small balls, roll balls in remaining coconut to coat. Store in an air tight container. Makes approximately 32 balls.

Note that this recipe is forgiving with the proportions; you can fudge the portions a bit to emphasize what you like best.

Axel: Bananas & Luka: Fishing

Today we came to the conclusion that Axel's first word (besides Mamamamamamamamam and Dadadadadadadadadadadada) is "banana". He eats A LOT of bananas. And, today, he said "nanna" very clearly. Got get him saying it the French way. ;) We think he said it the other day. We think he is saying other things too, but we have not figured it out yet. I am wondering if "nanna" referes to bananas or any food. Right now, I think it means bananas...

Luka "went fishin'" today with his Scooby Doo fishing pole with us at Echo Lake, on the road to Mt. Evans. He also casted a few times almost by himself. Very impressive! He then did his own version of casting that made him happy too....loosen the line, let the ball drop, click it to stop reeling out, flick the ball out in the water, reel it in. No fishies biting (no hook! but he doesn't know that part is required), but he said we will get some next time!

Axel is starting to crawl

Axel, like Luka was, is a "late" crawler. He has been happy sitting, though, and kind of "spinning" around to where he needs to go, within a small area. But, he just started getting on all fours and rocking back and forth. Go, Axel, go! He also has started crawling--backwards! He pushes himself backwards with his hands. He really gets going on our hardwood floors. He has ended up in the corner of our dining area, and almost under the dresser in Reynald's and my room. He will be cookin' along before we know it! Will post a video of him doing his thing soon.

Updated pictures

I have been too busy to take time to download photos from my camera and then upload them here, so haven't been many photos for a while. So, here are some of the kids:


Last day of Axel's music class in mid-May















Just before Luka's race (and then Mommy's 9K)
Mother's Day 2006















Luka kayaking (!) at Boulder Creek Festival May 2006















Axel at Boulder Creek Festival May 2006
It was very hot!
















Axel having a picnic in the back yard
(eating yogurt)

Luka in back yard playing the "fou"

Axel trying to get out of his dinosaur bath towel
(note his adorable bottom teeth)

















Luka's new hair cut - photo taken June 15, one day after
he visited the barber shop called "Chez Reynald"

Picturs of New Baby Vernon William

Born: June 3rd, here is the newest addition to the family (our new nephew)!

2 days old

4 days old hanging out with Mommy

9 days old

What is a baby?

Baby. What is a baby?

When Luka was little, baby mean boobie.
Then, it meant his dollie ("Where is my baby?!" "Baby has to go sleddnig with me!")
Baby meant Luka to us when he was a tiny man.
Baby then meant Axel.
Baby could mean boobie to Axel, but we don't really call it by any name anymore. ;)

Axel was the baby. Now, in the wider family, he is still a baby, but not the baby since little Vernon William arrived a week ago. Will he be called Baby Axel like Luka was Baby Luka by his cousins? That was so sweet. He is still a baby. I guess he will always be my baby (as will Luka). Helen is for sure still the baby for our generation. ;)

Lien sur le bilinguisme / Link on being bilingual

Un article sur Wikipedia (version française) sur le bilinguisme. Très intéressant. J'adore Wikipedia - en français et en anglais !

en français : http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilinguisme

An article on Wikipedia about being bilingual. Very interesting. I just love Wikipedia - in French and in English!

in English: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multilingualism

Axel has another toothie!

Axel has yet another toothie coming in. His top right tooth is just peeking through. Some people get blasé about milestones for their second kid, but here I am, blogging about his third tooth. Ha ha. He is just so cute though, and such a sweetie, even when teething. The only noticeable consquence seems to be that he did not have much of an appetite today. But, otherwise, he is just as sweet and nice as always. My Axel!

Dora the Explorer en français ?!

Luka loves Dora the Explorer. When he is allowed to watch videos/TV he always wants to watch Dora. This is in contrast to the same time last year when he looooooved T'Choupi and everything was about T'Choupi. He still likes T'Choupi a lot, but as little kid fixations go, he is way into Dora at the moment (or, rather, the last 6 months or so). He first saw Dora in January or February. I take the blame - I had never lot him watch US TV before. But, one day I let my guard down and let him see what temptations were out there in American kid TVland. ;) The exposure to Dora was deadly. The Teletubbies seems that it was only a passing fancy.

In any case, because English is everywhere and we still need as much input in French as possible to keep up his great skills, we are trying to get him to watch other stuff too. But, I also don't want to deny him of his current "obsession". So, I had this great idea....

I found out that, oui, Dora does exist in French! I came across a whole entry on this (and other foreign-language adaptations of Dora) in Wikipedia. What did we ever doe before Wikipedia? For the entry about Dora, go here: DORA EN FRANCAIS. Is the Internet great, or what?!

In any case, now, I am planning to buy some Dora episode's from Amazon in France. The only thing is, I hope it does not cause a wrinkle in the way he sees things (French and English in their separate compartments). He likes structure and it is important to him that some things are "French" and other things are "English". Dora is definitely "English" right now. Sometimes, if I try to talk about Dora to him in French, he does not like it and says in English, "Mommy, Dora does not speak French." Meaning, please talk about her in "her" language, which is English.

Well, I guess it won't send him into catatonic shock. We will see and I will post the results here. It will be a few weeks though, as it always takes a few weeks to get a delivery after I place French orders. More to come....!

The Yucky Song

Luka likes the Yucky Song. What is the yucky song, you ask? No, it is not a song that is bad, it is: Yucky Doodle went to town a riding on a pony....

He really likes that song, even though it is the "yucky" song!

Axel update: today, Axel had his first babysitter! And, it was all day long! Mommy had a big client visit and he had a special French baby sitter who played games and took care of him for 10 (!) hours. I thought he 'd be dying to see me at the end of the day, but he was enamored with his new playmate and sad to see her go! My man is a real social little guy. (Luka was at school so he didn't get to spend much time with the fabulous French babysitter, but she was very impressed with his level of French--in her "other life" she is a private French teacher or teaches class for small children at the Alliance Française).

Axel also eats a TON. Here is an example of what he can eat at one sitting:
- Half an avocado
- A whole Gardenburger (veggetarian hamburger)
- A whole peach or banana
- A YoBaby yogurt

(All this is plus the milk he still gets from Mommy in the a.m., after naps, at night and sometimes in between).

I think he is going to be bigger than Uncle Vernon....over 6'6"!

Eve: Been working a lot lately, so hopefully this week will be a little more "normal." Whatever that means! :)

Reynald: did a bike "ride" of 95 miles last weekend and then climbed up (biking) high near Echo Lake last Saturday.

New Nephew Born!

We have a new nephew!

Born to Tammy and Vernon - here are his first stats:

- 5th kid in his family
- second boy in his family
- 9th grandchild to Grandma (Mom)
- 6th boy grandchild
- born on his due date: Saturday, June 3, 2006 at 11:41 pm AK time (his mommy went into labor at 7:15 a.m.)
- 8 lbs. - 8 oz.
- 20.5 inches long
name: We think we know, but we will wait for confirmation. More to come!

Update: His name is Vernon William!

Recipe: Paella Stir-Fry

This is a tasty and quick version of classic Spanish paella. If you have a half day or more, prepare the real thing, otherwise, this does a good job of imitating the basic taste and is a quick substitute. For the true flavor, use Spanish paprika with its smoky flavor, or substitute equal parts Hungarian paprika with chipotle powder.

This recipe is from the (now defunct) magazine Organic Style (so sad that magazine is no longer, but that is another story).

- 1 pkg (5 - 8 oz) yellow-rice mix (with saffron)
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 4 tsp olive oil
- 3 oz smoked chorizo sausage links, diced (I use 3 - 4 full-sized mild Italian sausages, which is a bit more in weight, and is a substitute that is more easily found in the grocery store around here)
- 1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-1/2 tsp Spanish paprika (preferably sweet) - I had trouble finding this locally, so I ordered it from LaTienda.com, but try specialty or gourmet shops and you should be able to find it.
- 1 pint cherry tomates, halved (or you can substitute a can of low/no salt diced tomatoes, but fresh is better)
- 16 medium shrimp - about 1/2 pound, peeled and deviened (you can buy it already prepped this way)
- Good quality salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 TBS chopped flat-leaf parsely (optional)

Instructions:
Prepare yellow rice mix according to package directions, but omit butter and oil; use only 1-1/4 cups water (the rice shoudl be slightly al dentre when cooked). Remove the pan from heat and stir in the frozen peas; cover and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat 2 tsp oil in a wok or 12-inch nonstick skillet, over medium heat. Stir fry sausage until browned. Transfer to a plate. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, and remaining oil to wok; stir-fry until onions are soft, about 3 minutes. Add paprika and stir-fry 1 minute.

Return sausage to skillet along with tomatoes and shrimp. Stir-fry until shrimp are just cooked through and pink, about 2 minutes. Add rice and peas to wok and cook, stirring, until ingredients are combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with parsley and serve.

Axel's First (mini) Hair Cut!

I cut Axel's hair for the first time just a few minutes ago. He was sitting on my recently-cleaned hardwood floors and it was easy to clean up the little bit of hair off this surface. He is 3 days shy of 10 months old. I just snipped off a little bit in front because it needed to be trimmed. His hair is quite a bit lighter than Luka's, but they both have the same big brown eyes.

Also, Axel has two teeth now that are almost fully grown in: his bottom front teeth. Too cute!

Sign Language Fun

Luka is learning some signs at school. He is really into it and likes learning new ones. He often asks me how to say various words in sign. I have used my friend Sanya as a resource (she is an audiologist who knows ASL), looked things up on the Internet, and made things up ("A" in sign for "Axel" and "L" in sign for "Luka").

See this website at Michigan State University for a "dictionary" of signs along with demonstrations using QuickTime video. Luka wanted to know how to say "trash" or "trash can" and Sanya pointed us here. Here is the alphabet demonstrated in conjunction with that same site.

Luka knows how to say:
Yes, No, Mom, Dad, Sorry, Please, Eat/Hungry, Drink/Thirsty, I love you, Thank you and some others. Also, we can say "trash" and "see you later".

He likes to ask questions and then have them answered in sign. He is having a lot of fun with it. I'd consider taking him to a class for preschool age hearing kids if I could find one.

As "Uncle" Steven pointed out, maybe it is the language thing that attracts Luka. In any case, he is having fun with it.

Yogurt Galore

Like strollers, yogurt seems to profilerate with kids. We have YoBaby for Axel, Stonyfield kid yogurt for Luka, flavored low-fat yogurts for Reynald and big containers of plain yogurt for Eve. Lots and lots and lots of yogurt. I keep meaning to get a yogurt maker, but then I forget. I think it would save money and be flexible. Or would it be a hassle? Just can't decide... ;) Well, have to go eat some yogurt, will decide later.

Recipe: Clafoutis Revisited

I made a different Clafouti recipe for our dinner with friends on Friday, and it was very delicious, I must say (and Reynald agreed). This one was perhaps a bit thicker than the traditional clafouti, but we both thought it was really good!

3/4 cup flour
3 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 TBS Grand Marnier
Pinch of salt
Whole frozen raspberries - with no added sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Butter 11-inch pan.

In a blender or food processor, process flour, eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla, Grand Marnier and salt until well blended; let rest 10 minutes.

Place enough raspberries, still frozen, to generously cover the bottom of the pan. (I like them tart, but if you would rather sweeten them a bit, sprinkle more sugar over them, or used pre-sweetened berries.)

Pour batter over the berries. Bake until golden brown and puffy, around 45 minutes (or less, actually--I have been making it and it should be checked at 30 minutes for sure). Should be set in the middle. Cool for 10 minutes.

Serve warm or at room temp. Whipped cream or ice cream can be used to top it off, though it is very good alone.

Recipe modified from: French Cooking for Beginners by Hélène Siegel.

Mother's Day

First Mother's Day with Axel (and 3rd with Mr. Luka!).

We all got up early and went to the Boulder Reservoir for Mommy to run in the Title 9K. Luka did a 200 yard "race" for kids right before (2-3 year olds). He thought that was so fun and the look of elation on his face when he was done was priceless. All that adrenalin running with all those kids (and parents--and me behind him yelling, "Go go go!")

My run started at 9 a.m. and there were close to 2000 runners, and lots of moms with strollers and some with bigger kids. I ran "free" while Reynald stayed with Luka and Axel.

I was pretty slow, but I met my goal of running the entire way, so that was good. I added 3 minutes to my Bolder Boulder time of 7 years ago (and this was 1K less!), but I guess that was not too bad for 2 kids, 7 years later and not really training that much! So, it has encouraged me to try and do more. We will see!

My race results: 698 out of 1079 finishers, time of 1:13:55, at a pace of 13:13 per mile.

After that, we went Ann and Cameron's. We had lunch and dinner there and Jessie and Luka had a blast playing madly all day. Cameron has some great kid-entertainment ideas and they loved it. Running (naked!) in the sprinkler (that is, the kids, not us!), water balloons, sidewalk chalk/paint, and playing in Jessie's gorgeous outside playhouse and her tent. And, they loved pushing each other in the doll's stroller. Boy, was that fun! Axel was a good-natured little man and even got in a 2-hour nap!

We also (finally) ordered a 4-bike rack for the CR-V (20% off at REI) that we'd been eyeing. We need it with all the kid gear now, to manage to get everything in the car. That was a good Mother's Day present.

Mother's Day Tea at Luka's School

Every year, Luka's school has each classroom host a Mother's Day Tea on the Friday before Mother's Day. They kids had made us bath salts (that is what project those empty baby jars were needed for!) as a gift. They had little coupons for us, like, "One Free Hug From Luka". We had chocolate chip cookies and lemonade. We made a fun wire/bead project together to hold a picture. All the kids go crazy for Axel. He was a good man and I held him in my lap. Saw some of the other mommies I know. Fun!

Axel Says "Mama"

Today, Axel said "Mama" for the first time! I was making some puffs with artichoke/spinach filling and a raspberrty clafouti to get ready to some friends' for dinner (Reynald' wine-making friend from work). Luka was helping me cook ;) and Axel was eating cheese in his high chair. Luka said, "Mommy! Axe is calling you!" I thought so too--that he was saying it to me, rather than just saying the sounds (though it is the first time he made that particular sound as well).

I'd say his first real word then, might be "ma ma" but he did say the "da da" sound first--which he loves to say, as a matter of fact. He looooooves to say "da da da" and say it again and again and giggle and be proud while he is doing it. Now he is having fun with both, but I'd say, that "da da da" is still the predominant sound when he "talks".

Axel 9-month check-up

Axel had his 9-month check up today at the doctor. A-OK; Roger; Full speed ahead. He's a healthy little man. Here are his stats:

Weight - 17 lbs and 14 oz (15th percentile)
Length - 28.25 inches (55th percentile)
Head circumference - 17.75 inches (50th percentile)

Looking good, X Man!

Current Favorites and Update

Luka has some new favorite books--more in English since I have been taking him to the library--they have no books in French there;(.

He likes Chewy Louie (Louie was a very hungry puppy!), Curious George Goes Camping (that stinky skunk is pretty darn funny and the marshmallow roasting looks yuuuuuummy), Germs (the chicken pox germ who goes soft). Of course, some old favorites still hold sway too, such as There's a Wocket in my Pocket, Put Me in the Zoo and more.

Axel likes the Baby Einstein book with the mirror at the end (Luka loved that too as a baby), and "Pet the Baby Animals" with soft bunnies, ducklings, etc.

Some current favorite DVD's of Luka include anything Dora (we currently have Dora Fairytale Princess checked out, he owns the one with the whale and Diego, and we get other episodes on cable on demand sometimes). Not any Teletubbies lately...

Axel does not watch DVD's. (Relating to the controversy over the new baby Sesame Street DVD (click here for the Talk of Nation broadcast on this topic--some fireworks there). I would align myself with the "no TV for little guys" side in any case.)

The last few days, Axel has started initiating hide-and-seek (or peek-a-book) with his blankets. Too cute.

Luka Has a New Bike!

Sharp-looking, red 16-inch Giant. Luka got the hang of pedaling on this much bigger bike after a few minutes; going backwards to brake may take a bit longer! ;)

Full Cycle in Boulder on Pearl Street

But, on the way we passed the Full Cycle bike shop and I ended up getting Luka a new bike (!) and a new helmet. He is a stylin' little dude. People were literally cheering him as he biked and/or walked his bike back up Pearl to get to the car. Fun, fun! I just thought he was passed the trike stage and needed a new challenge. When we got home, he said he wanted to ride his "old bike" then - he was getting a bit tuckered out - but I think he will grow into the new bike quickly.

Recipe: Clafoutis

~ Clafoutis ~

This is an easy but tasty French country desert that I have made many times in the US with success. It is traditionally made with fresh cherries (with the pits, for more flavor), but you can make it from frozen fruit or other fresh fruit too.

Preheat oven to 325. Butter an 11 " deepish pie plate or shallow medium baking dish.

Mix together in blender (or combine very well with hand beater):

1 cup milk
3 large eggs
1/2 cup flour
1 TBS sugar
2 tsp vanilla

Put ~3 c. cherries (blueberries, peaches, pears or plums, etc.) in bottom of the buttered dish. Sprinkle the more tart fruits with 1/4 c sugar. Pour batter over the fruit and bake 30 minutes or until set.

Serve cold, or warm with ice cream or whipped cream. If you serve cold, you can decorate it with powdered sugar.

Serves 6.

Recipe: Whole Wheat Pizza Crust

Whole-Wheat Pizza Crust

Works great in a bread maker.

1 cup water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1-1/2 tsp sea or kosher salt
2 TBS olive oil
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp or 1 pkg active dry yeast (if you live in Colorado, due to altitude, drop the yeast to a scant 1 tsp)

Set bread maker to dough only setting; put ingredients in according to your bread machine's instructions.

Once dough has finished (it should have risen one time), remove dough and punch it down; knead it 3 or 4 times. Divide in half. Each half will make 1 pizza. To use later, pat each piece into a 4-inch disk and wrap it in plastic wrap; place in freezer bag. Refrigerate up to 6 hours, or keep in freezer for up to 3 weeks. Before using, let chilled dough sit at room temperature until it becomes springy and pliable, which is 1 to 2 hours.

Axel's First Tooth!

On our 8th wedding anniversary (is there some meaning here?), I put my finger in Axel's mouth while giving him something to eat, and I felt a little tooth! I had felt for one a few days before, and found nothing, so this little tooth just appeared!

It is his bottom right front tooth. If he will hold his mouth open long enough (hard to get him to do!) I can catch a glimpse of it. Just the tiniest bit of enamel poking out. He is a sweet man for sure--you can't even tell he is teething, he is so good natured. Just like Luka was when he was teething. From what I hear, we are very lucky to have such easy "toothing experiences."

Axel will be 9 months old on May 6th, and as I recall, Luka's first tooth showed up on the plane to France when he was 10 months old.

Celebrating Mommy and Papa

It's our 8th anniversary tomorrow. Yay, us!

Axel loves his brother and papa

Axel is getting much more aware, even though he has always been pretty alert for whatever age he has been, throughout his little life. The other day, I was nursing him while on the computer and he heard the garage door open. I did not realize till then that he knows that means that Papa is coming home. Axel was turning around wildly trying to see the door so he'd see Papa when he came in. Also, another day, the garage door went up and then the entry way door opened, and then Luka and Papa (after he got Luka at school one evening) did not appear as expected. Axel protested loudly. I wondered where they had gone--he was so disappointed waiting for them to appear. It turns out they had stopped to talk to the neighbor a bit. Then, tonight, when Reynald and Luka came home, Axel very definitely wanted his Papa's attention. When he turned his back to help Luka, Axel reached out and gently tapped/touched his back and made little noises like, "Hey, what about me?"

Continuing on the theme of his eating habits, tonight I gave him some Chicken Dinner (baby food) and he ate it, but got tired of pretty quick, and I was surprised, because I thought he was hungrier than that. Then, after the homemade, whole wheat crust pizza was ready and cooled down, Reynald gave him some of that. He was crazy for it! When he really likes something (mainly food), he clasps his hands into little fists and pumps his arms up and down making little noises. The pizza got these accolades from him and he loved it. It had red sauce, cheese, chopped black olives and artichoke hearts. Go, Axel!

It is time again for...Elitch's!

It is that time of year again. I can't believe that it is the third summer that Luka has gone to Elitch's (Six Flags) - the amusement park in Denver. He still likes the boats, the airplanes, the trucks and the train, and the room full of foam balls is the absolute ultimate. But, this time we added the bumper cars to his repertoire. He was big enough this year for the first time. Good idea, Reynald! I thought Luka would say no, but he was up for it. Reynald explained to him how the pedal and the steering wheel work.

It was very cute when he was going around in circles because he had never had to steer a car before and didn't quite get the hang of it. But, but the second time around, he was getting better and did some straight driving mixed in. He was very proud and wanted to go on that one again. We will catch it next time, since it rained and hailed and we had to leave soon after.

The airplanes were hilarious though. He was in a plane on his own and he refused to pull the lever forward that makes the plane go up. I was scared of climbing in those too when I was a kid, so I guess he gets it from somewhere. But, it was pretty darn funny with us yelling at him as he'd pass to pull the lever forward and him impervious to our pleas. (I told Reynald he should have told him the lever worked backwards from what it really does. In general, I don't advocate tricking your kids, but in this case, he would have seen it was not scary. Maybe next time!

We will be back in the Sept or October if not sooner, since we have free tickets for then.

Axel is a little gourmet

Axel is a little gourmet, just like his big brother. He is not yet 8 months, but he likes "real" big people food the best. He will still eat baby food if he is really, really hungry and there is nothing else (well, sometimes), but he prefers to eat what we eat now. No more of that mushy stuff--he wants the real deal! Some of his recent meals include:

Apple Chicken Curry (chopped up in a mini food processor, but not pureed)
Spaghetti (same preperation as above)
Taco meat
Mongolian BBQ
Lots of bananas
Cheese - oh yum, this is a favorite
Lots of yogurt - Yo, Baby!
Organic Fish Sticks
Cooked Teriyaki Fish
Egg Yellow
Scrambled Eggs
Tomatoes
Potatos (mashed and baked)
Green beans (canned--they are easy to eat)
Various fruits: melon, blueberries (no strawberries or organes yet--still too little)
Blueberry Pie
Blueberry Pudding
Oatmeal
Avocados
Lots of Cheerios (then Luka has to eat them dry too)

And, as far as baby good goes, I bought him a bunch of organic ones, like we did with Luka. However, they don't have as broad of choices as Gerber does. Oh well. So, I did end up buying him some non-organic ones because he was more into the combinations they have. He particularly liked things like Chicken and Apple, and he loved the food Gerber makes for the Hispanic market (labels in English and Spanish and it says "Latin Recipes"). These were things like mangos for dessert and Beef and Tomatoes for dinner.

Little gourment that he is! Well, as we say, our kids are French. :>)

Spiderman, where are you coming from?

SPIDERMAN!

Spiderman is a very popular guy at our house. If you look around you can find:

Spiderman sunglasses (2 pair!)
Spiderman shoes (size 9/10 for little boy feet)
Spiderman toothbrush
Spiderman dangling tag thingys that clip on to little shoes mentioned above
Spiderman baseball cap
Spiderman night light
Spiderman t-shirt
Spiderman figurine (along with "Spiderman Girl," as Luka calls her, and 8 other super hero
friends)
Spiderman birthday cake (oh yeah, we ate that last October)
Spiderman and Dr. Octopus toy from said cake
Spiderman bowl (for cereal and other edibles)
Spiderman backpack to take to school every Monday and take home every Friday

...there may be more...if so, I'll let you know.

Update: Spiderman sandals that we bought in May 2006. They light up when you put pressure on them (jump or whatever). Very cool!

SPIDEY, we love you!

P.S. You too will get sucked into merchandising when you have little kids, if you haven't already. ;)

Easter 2006

Easter update for this year:

Luka was very excited to hide his hat for the Easter Bunny. My dad did that when he was a kid and we did that too--and always got baskets too. So, I'd like to continue that with my kids.

He hid them in the drawers of the living room coffee table. He hid Axel's as well (in the next drawer over) since he is too little. He was really into it and happy to know the Easter Bunny would be coming to find the hats and leave a little surprise.

I had purchased toys earlier--thank goodness--but not the chocolate bunny. What was I thinking? Note to self: NEVER try to buy a chocolate Easter Bunny the night before Easter (or even a few days before). I was able to find some miniature, Lindt bunnies wrapped in gold foil and those worked as well as some cheap-o chocolate one wrapped in pink foil. Since Luka is too little to know what a bunny should look like, that was okay. But, that was close! I had told him the Easter Bunny would leave him a special chocolate friend, so he was expecting it.

In the morning, he found that the Easter Bunny had left chocolate bunnies and eggs in the hats, and that he had also hidden baskets with toys for Axel and Luka! Including Spiderman matching game, Dora puzzle, kid card games for Luka, along with dinosaur bath towel for Axel (to wrap him up good in) and a dinosaur crib sheet set.

Luka then saw some of the plastic eggs the Easter bunny had hidden around the house. They had money (coins) and more chocolate eggs in them. (He loves money...is that good or bad?)

We went to church and they had a nice children's program and Luka moved up to the preschool class. At first, I took him to his old classroom (he had not been in a while) and realized he was waaaaay to big. Those kids really looked tiny compared to him! They sang songs, told Easter stories and also had an egg hunt. Then, after the service/Sunday school, we attended the pancake breakfast that the youth groups put on. It was yummy! (Normally, I think pancakes that are made industrially taste fake, but those were pretty good.)

We did not see Monsieur Bunny this year in person, but he still made an impression on Luka. Can't believe it is almost a year since we saw him last and almost a year ago that I started this blog!

P.S. I have pictures to add to the blog, but am way behind in even downloading them from the camera. I checked the other day, and there are still pics from the middle of March. Sigh. [Note: I just added two to this posting: May 11, 2006)

Ode to a Stroller

When you have a kid/kids, strollers multiply and sneak upon you. So watch out!

We now own many:

Stroller #1: The universal stroller into which the baby car seat fits, that you can use from day one when baby is tiny, through one year old or so (till you switch to a front-facing car seat). Some people get the big Graco set up, but we appreciated the less bulky option of a universal stroller into which a baby car set can fit. Folds up more compactly and still has a good-sized basket at the bottom. Handed down from our friends that they used for "baby" Jessie, to Luka to Axel, soon to be used by Jessie's (who is now 5) brother to be born this summer! Got a lot of use out of that stroller - thanks Ann and Cameron! Click here for an example of a universal stroller. We did not have this one (ours was a Cambio) , but it looks fine and gives you the idea.

Stroller #2: We got the original BOB. This is the "mountain bike" of jog strollers. The manufacturer calls it a "sport utility stroller." Yeah--I'd say so! I used it a lot on our neighborhood trails with Luka and also at Chautauqua Park in Boulder to go over big rocks and roots (but have to be very careful with that--cannot have the stroller tip as this could invite severe head injury). It also has shocks. In the $200-$300 range, but we got a lot of use out of it. And, I guess they do pretty well when you sell them used. Got one more kid to go, and then will probably do that to make some of our money back. For a jogger, is a bit heavy, but not too bad. I liked mine and use it often with Axel now that he is big enough to go in it, but would likely do it over and get a lighter one for jogging had I known. Today, they make a lighter BOB called the Ironman. It is really light, but costs a pretty penny. You can check out their site at http://www.bobtrailers.com/strollers/.


Stroller #3: Little cheapie stroller for baby that can sit up well--umbrella stroller or the like. Axel is still too young, but he will be there soon. (I see people put really little babies in these sometimes and this is a bad idea--they are all slumped over with no support.) We got ours to take Luka to France when he was 10 months old so as to get as compact as we could for the trip. These cost around $20, or you can spend more, but that kind of defeats the purpose. We got a lot of use out of this one for Luka and used it till he was 2+, and still have it, but it may get tossed so Axel can start out with a clean one instead of with Luka's well-used/abused hand-me-down in this case.

Stroller #4: Got two kids? Need a double stroller? Luka was almost three when Axel was born, and is now a very good walker. He was then too, but sometimes, it would have been helpful to have a double, but not really worth buying one. A friend gave us a low-end one (front to back, not side to side) that she was not using. This helped at the zoo at Halloween when Luka got tired and at Christmas in LoDo, etc. We did not use it a whole lot, but it sure helped the few times we needed it. I thought about getting the Stand on Tandem Caboose stroller. The big kid can stand or sit in the back on a little platform and the baby can go in the other part of it in his/her car seat or directly in the stroller. People I talked to who had one really liked it. For kids with an age spread like Luka and Axel, it seemed good. However, now, as the months have passed, Luka is a bit big for it and he is a good walker and he listens well when told to stay with me, etc. So, even though it would have been neat, the window of use we would have got out of it was too small.

Stroller #5: Yes, the famous Chariot. We could not believe we bought another stroller, and a double at that, but it really is the Cadillac of them all. And, as we said earlier, we got it for the ski sled capabilities and just benefit from its split personalities as a bonus: this luxury kid carrier can function as a stroller, jog stroller, bike trailer, hiking rickshaw and ski sled. Even in a little over a month, we've gotten a lot of use out of it and feel it has given us quite a bit of freedom in the mountains. Check out the details that we put up about it on our web site or check out Chariot's web site. Reynald said he may want to use it as a gear sled after the kids are too big for it. No way--we are going to sell it used and recoup some of the money. I am sure it will be well-loved, but still in good shape, with lots of memories to boot.

I think this will be our last "stroller," but you never know!

P.S. I like using the word "ode" don't I?

April Fool's Day

Today was April Fool's day. In France, it is Poisson d'Avril day, where you also play tricks or try to stick a paper fish (poisson) to someone's back. I realized we had not played any jokes with Luka today so went up to say good night to him and stuck a paper fish on his back. He thought that was funny and then stuck it on Reynald's back and then mine--we didn't "know" it as he hugged us good night. (Axel was already in bed, and he'd just try to "eat" the paper poisson anyway. ;)

Of course, this makes me think of my dad's famous April Fool's jokes on us. Dipping cardboard "thin mint cookies" in melted chocolate and putting them back in the Girl Scout Cookie box. My teeth sliding on them when I tried to bite them. The box frosted with chocolate frosting--trying to cut into those delicious brownies (but being a bit suspicious of something, but not knowing exactly what as Helen and I think Steven offered me cake--we'd not normally share, but wolf it down before the others got there--ha ha.)

I, of course, have my own famous trick I played on my college roommate Laurie. I worked in the library in college and got a hold of some college letterhead and sent her a note saying she lacked some humanities credits and would not graduate in May (a month away). I sent it through inter-campus mail. She ran to the registrar's office demanding to know what was wrong. The registrar looked the letter and said, "Miss B----, what day is today?" She then screamed, "Eve!" and knew she'd been had. Her parents and my parents thought it was very funny, but it took her a few years to agree.

P.S. Happy Birthday, Pascal

Unexpected Visitor

My mom called us on Sunday to say she would be in Denver two days--due to a mishap with her flight back from PA after Popop's funeral. I picked her up at the airport on Sunday evening and she left today (Tuesday). What a wonderful unexpected visit! It was a lot of fun to have her and great to have her see the kids. Luka has changed a lot in the (almost) 8 months since Axel was born and, of course, Axel has changed immensely since she saw him last as a newborn. Both boys had fun with her here. We will miss her!

We will all miss our Popop. Laura and I had both ordered flowers at the same flower shop for the funeral and they called her back because we had spelled "Popop" differently, and they wanted to confirm. I have always spelled it that way, as a kid, all through college and into adulthood, when I wrote to my grandparents. I guess I was the wrong one--everyone else spelled it "Pop pop" (and as I recall, so did Dearma when she signed their letters). I guess he didn't mind, but that was a shock. Well, we never said it "Pop pop" but did pronounce it "popop," so I guess I took it too literally. Anyway, we will all miss him and our other grandparents who had gone before.

Post Script: Thanks to Steven for reminding me about the related Dear Mac and Poppy story. When Dad died, our grandparents, whom we called Dearma and Popop (see above regarding Popop!), sent us flowers. Our local florist signed it for them "Dear Mac and Poppy". We all thought that was hilarious. Probably due to some much needed stress release as well.

Axel says Da-da

Darn, I was trying to get him to say ma-ma first a few weeks ago. ;) Then, I kind of forgot about it, and today when we went to see Uncle Jack with Mom, Axel happily said "Da da da da da" as he looked out at us smiling from his car seat on the floor. The little stinker! No, really--good job, Axel! This was actually the first "word-like" sound that he has done. He makes a lot of cute sounds, but more like chirps and clicks. So, a very interesting "first."

He is also doing well now at trying to grab things. We had a bunch of finger puppets for him to play with at Uncle Jacks and he was batting on the side of table to get to them and really going at it.

His hair is lighter and lighter. He may even end up being blond! His hair is much lighter than Luka's but they both have the same dark brown eyes with long eyelashes.

Uncle Jack, a dentist, thinks his gums look like he will be getting teeth soon. He is almost 8 months, so he may be right. And, he is does have a special expertise in that area.

Another Axel First

Today, Axel waved at me for the first time. I was drying my hair at the master bath sink, and he was propped up on my bed so he could see me. With my free hand, I was waving at him off and on. He looked intently at me, and then raised his right hand tentatively and then moved his fingers slowly. Very cute. He was very intent on copying me.

Baby Sunscreen

In Colorado, we wear sunscreen all year 'round: it is sunny in winter too! No matter where you live, carefully choose your baby's sunscreen. I found this article (Baby Center Sunscreen article)
on how to choose it, and my friend Sanya used the advice in it and found Banana Boat Baby Tear Free that fits the criteria.

Axel Firsts

Today was a day of several "firsts" for Axel:

• He turned the page by himself on a board book. Reynald was reading (or that would be, translating to French) "Spot looks at colors" to Luka and Axel and Axel turned several pages on his own!
• First time Axel sat up on his own at home for an "extended" period of time (meaning more than a second!). He was sitting on our bed and doing an awesome job of staying up. Then, he'd do a "dive" over when he got tired, but he is getting there! The very first time he stayed up for an extended period of time was on Wedensday, at music class. He was positioned just right, leaning just so on his left arm, that he stayed that way for several minutes.
• Today for a nap at 4 p.m. was the first time he slept in his crib! (Well, he work up and cried about 5 minutes later, but we could say that was a nap--or should have been.) Yes, it took us this long to get it set up again after tearing it down when Luka went to his mattress on the floor a few months before Axel was born. So, Axel beat Luka's record of 4 or so months in the bassinet. He turned 7 months old 5 days ago. But, now, we are officially done with the bassinet and have folded and put it away. The crib seems so "big boy" comapred! And, it is much roomier for him and easier to lift him out of for us. :)

Go, Axel!

Luka Stories

Poor Luka! He has a bad cough and a fever. He keeps waking up at night and crying. Also, he has not figured out how to blow his nose yet, so that does not help with congestion. He just wipes it all the time, but can't get it really cleared out. Also, this a.m., he had a nose bleed when he woke up and it was everywhere on his new dinosaur sheets. I got out the blood, but it was a lot of work. Poor man!

Funny story: we sometimes play "Halloween" where he knocks on a door and says "trick or treat" and we play like I give him a lot of candy, like it is Halloween. He has not done that in a while and yesterday, he knocked on the door and said, "Christmas Tree!" He got influenced with Christmas happening recently, I guess. Then, he looked confused when I was confused and remembered it was "Trick or Treat". Funny.

Luka Language Observations

Since Luka was pretty little (just 2 or earlier?) he got that there were two languages and would specify which language he was talking about--even though when he was younger, he sometimes called French "anglais" and Enlgish "français" - mixing them up. Now, he never mixes the labels up. Now, at 3-1/2, he knows that the same words are even pronounced differently if you are speaking one or the other languages. For example, "Spiderman" in English and "Speeder-mahn" in French. If you say, "Spiderman" while speaking French, he will correct you. Another example is "Axel" in English and "Ax-elle" in French. I called Axel "Ax-elle" in English and Luka corrected me: "Mommy, it is 'Axel.'" In addition, today, he tried to say "Robin" (as in Batman's sidekick) with a French accent on his own--he and I had never even talked about Robin before. He pronounced it "Roe-bin" as opposed to "Roe-bain," since he does not know formal rules for French pronunciation, but I thought it was very interesting that he is adapting to these conventions on his own!

Spiderman!

If you need help fighting bad guys or climbing any walls, let us know and we will dispatch Spidey out to help you. He has an entire team at your disposal, since, according to him, Spidergirl, Spiderbaby, Big Spiderman, Batboy, Batman, Batbaby and other various super heros live at our address as well.

Save the world, Spiderman!

Spiderman
(aka Luka)

More Skiing Fun

Yesterday, Luka did the rope tow for the first time--at Eldora above Boulder. We met Corinne, Ada and Dan there and Corinne and I traded off watching Axel as he slept in the back pack. It was very warm! Luka went up (and down) 4 times with me, skiing down between my legs. The rope tow was the hardest part--but we got better at it each time. Next year, ski school, here he comes!

Reynald also had a good ski day in that he did one of his ski tours. Everyone else bailed, but he did it alone and met Ken part way. He did Edlora to Winter Park over Rollings Pass. Go, Reynald!

Ode to Mittens and Gobelets

Baby Mittens
Here is a picture of the tiny mittens that Grandma Joan (my mom) bought for Luka, before he was born, during our trip to France when I was pregnant with him. Of course, we did not know he was Luka then. She bought them when she and I stayed in Aix at the end of our trip at one of the cute baby shops in town. Luka wore them as a newborn to keep his hands warm at night and Axel wore them inside his buntings to give his hands an extra layer when he was several months old.

I am passing them on to my friend Ann who is due in July. Great to get more use out of them--they have crossed the ocean to do their duty. But, it is kind of sad, so I wanted to chronicle their part in our lives. Bye bye sweet little mittens!

Luka's Gobelets
We had to retire the beloved Sponge Bob straw cups ("Gobelet"). I could not get them clean anymore and we had had them a long time. It was a sad parting, but of the four, we only had three left anyway (or was that two)? They must be in sippy cup heaven. We have replaced them with a new cup, but it doesn't work as well (meaning, it leaks). Sponge Bob, we need you! Here is a picture in memory of our first and most beloved Gobelets.

Luka's New Room!

With a new bedroom set and a new hardwood floor, we can say that Luka has a totally new room! Here is a picture of him from last night--the first time he saw his new set up. Wow! No more sleeping in Maman and Papa's room while the work is being done!

He had a great first night: didn't fall off the bed and slept 12 hours. Mmmm - I love my own room!

Now, the work is not done for Mom and Dad--new rugs to buy, put all the pictures back on the walls, everything back in the closet, etc. But, we are getting there and it was worth it!

French Rock Star Jean-Louis Aubert & other Famous French Visitors to Denver

We saw Jean-Louis Aubert last year in Denver in March and even got our pictures taken with him after the show and talked to him and his entourage--and talented backup guitar player. Being French expat(s) has its perks in getting to meet really famous people up close that we'd never be able to get near in France. (That includes Julien Clerc with whom Eve had dinner and Reynald drove his band around town (he was very gracious and looks very young for his age), Jack Higelin with whom we ate a midnight dinner with, along with his entourage, at My Brother's Bar (he was an amazing musician but kind of a weirdo), director Alain Mottet who Eve took to a Rockies baseball game (he said it was his dream to attend an American baseball game--how could I deny him?), Bernard Lavilliers, and director Claude Lelouch, and former French president Valéry Giscard d'Estaing (even in English, his speech is very aristocratic--not like Geo Bush II, I'd say).

Turns out Aubert made a mini-documentary of his trip to Denver that is on his recently-turned platinum CD in France. The ablum is called Ideal Standard and you can find it on Amazon.

Check out this article in the Denver Post about the album and Aubert's take on Denver.

Also, go here to see our pictures with him. I was just beginning to show being pregnant with Axel.

In this picture, Eve is on far left.
In this one, Reynald is far left.
And here, it is just Reynald and JL Aubert!

When Reynald's cousin Fabien saw these pictures on our website, he emailed me and said the guy with Reynald looked just JL Aubert, and was it really him?!

Luka was really into JL Aubert after this concert (even though he didn't go). He liked the autographed poster, and any time the CD came on, he'd say (in French), "That's Jean-Louis Aubert!" Then, when we were in France in November, we saw him on the equivalent on French MTV while looking in the electronics section at the store Auchan, and he was very excited (me too!).

Sking Fun!

Here is our new ski sled for the kids that we got on Friday (it also turns into a bike trailer, a rickshaw/hiking get up, a jog stroller and a stroller). It is the Chariot Carrier. We used it for its first run today! We went to the East Portal trail by the Moffat Tunnel above Nederland.

It was around 20 degrees where we were (a bit colder at the end of the outing), but the kids were toasty warm in their little cocoon. We both took turns pulling them, me on snow shoes and Reynald on skis. And, Luka skied down quite a ways with Reynald on his little skis. Both Axel and Luka were outdoor champs!

Reynald pulling the new kid sled with Luka and Axel inside. Yee ha!

Luka's sled last year and this year (with the addition of the booster chair as a brilliant idea of Mommy's) before the new sled. It was fun, but just not ridin' in the same style (or warmth).

A cute picture of Axel from our trip to Han's Peak (nothing to do with the sled--I just like the picture :).

Pool Fun

We went to the pool at the new Broomfield Rec Center just north of us for the first time, from around 5:30 to 7ish. Luka had a blast, but Axel was not a happy camper in the water. I guess he is still too little. This was his first time in a pool/anything outside the tub. We tried him in the floatie frog, but he is not big enough yet and did not like it. He could not sit up right in it anyway, so we will wait a couple of months. We dried him off and put him in his towel on his stroller. He was happier that way! Reynald and Luka had a blast going down the big slide! They went down like 8 or 9 times - which is good for Luka since he can be kind of scared of stuff like that. But, I asked him if he wanted to go down with Mommy too, and he said, all happy, "No! With Papa!" :) He is probably right - don't know if I could hold on to him going down!

Winter Fun and Fur Rondy Memories

Winter Fun near Steamboat
We spent a long weekend (Reynald took a day off and so did I) about 45 minutes north of Steamboat Springs (Hans Peak area) this past weekend with friends Corinne, Dan and Ada. Luka and Ada were great buddies and Axel thought Dan was the greatest.

We also went to Steamboat Springs Hot Springs. Luka loved it and Axel screamed in his car seat till he fell asleep. It was too cold for him out of the water. Ada and Corinne had a blast too--poor Dan was back at the cabin sick. :( The adults had fun on their huge water slide. Corinne and Reynald had to convince me, but then I did it a second time!

Axel spent his first snow shoe hike (or any outing) in the baby back pack. He was a trooper. It was sunny all weekend and Monday long, so we lucked out. Everyone else skied but me (no back country skies yet, just snow shoes). Luka even got a ski in around our cabin with Papa. He did some sledding and rode in Ada's ski sled too. So did Axel. We also rigged up a sled for Luka using our red plastic sled and Axel's high chair/booster seat. But, we loved Ada's enclosed ski sled so much, we just bought a double ski sled for the kids. We would have liked to get away with a single one, but for skiing and hiking, the double seems necessary despite the gap in their ages. It is a Chariot and we got all the kits for it. They are found at www.chariotcarriers.com. It was a big (= spendy) purchase, but hopefully, we will use it all year round. It is a gorgeous pod for our little guys!

All this outdoor stuff encouraged me to spend other some money at REI too. They are having a big sale. I got a new day pack with reservoir system, Axel got a new bunting and fleece baby shirt for winter and Luka got a ski helmet and ski goggles (actually, those were from www.Trail-kids.com). Today was really cold. It was 0 degrees at around 5 p.m. and last time I checked, it was -2 degrees. Oh-- www.weather.com now says it is -7 degrees. Brrr!

Oh, Axel screamed all the way home from Steamboat (~3 hours). I am not kidding. It was awful. Not sure why he did it, but we could not get him to stop. :( Oh well....hopefully, he will be happier next time.

Axel news: He is extremely smiley and people comment on it wherever we go: Chipotle for lunch where he flirted shamelessly with a couple next to us, at our CPA today for our tax appointment, with people in the tea house where I had a tasty tea to ward off the cold weather, etc. He also seems to like solid food in the morning but lately is not too keen on it in the evenings. I think he is too tired by that time.

Luka seems to be having a lot of fun at school. He is really into playing with his friend Johnny. He asked if Johnny could come to his house--he has never asked that about anyone before. He has known him since Toddler 2 (1 - 2 year old class), but John is 4, I think. We were watching the Olympics the other night and figure skating was on. Luka said, "I can do that!" and did some turns around the living room, imitating them. To him, seemed pretty simple! :) He was very proud. Maybe he will be an Olympic champ some day--ha ha.

I have noticed that no one ever mistakes Axel for a girl. That happened all the time with Luka when he was a little baby (under a year or so?). I think it is because he was so "pretty" with his long eyelashes (like his Grandpa Paul). Axel has gorgreous dark brown eyes too, but his lashes are not as long, I guess.

Fur Rondezvous Memories from Anchorage, AK
Talked to my mom today on the phone and she said Fur Rondy (big winter carnival in Anchroage, AK) was starting. I miss it. Sounds like it will be fun. The Miners and Trappers Ball is being held again this year. We had some fun times doing that (me, Cathy and Dolly--were those fun days, or what?!). She is also going to the Pioneer Pancake Breakfast. I wonder if they still have the Polar Bear Party. That was the best. I remember going with Dad too when it was dowtown off G street at the old Fur Rondy office (now is that building the Glacier Brew House?) and in later years going with Mom, Charlie and others when it was at the Sheraton. We would sneak in using the polar bear sticker passes from the previous year on our Fur Rondy buttons (you were supposed to be a "VIP"). That was hilarious. Some pretty good sneakiness for us straight-lacers. Well, we are VIP's too--(ast least Dad was). Tee hee.

I remember when I was a French painter in the parade--something about I got extra credit for that in my high school French class??? I remember that it was fun, but pretty cold. And talk about cold--going on the carnival rides down at the "buttress area" on Third Ave. That was really cold. After the Round Up or other rides, we could hardly move our faces because they were so cold. In college when I would tell that story, people thought it was weird. It is just the way it was--and I guess we were pretty tough Alaskans. ;) And I can still smell how it always smelled like cigarette smoke down there. Carnival rides always do, don't they?

And the fireworks. Very cold but fun to watch outside from the TeePee park or downtown, all bundled up. And, one year I was in the Miss Fur Rondy pagent, but that is another story....Ah.....I miss the the Fur Rondezvous. Like Mom and I said, I had been going to those events since I was born, so there are a lot of years to be nostalgic about. If you want to visit Anchorage and make your own Rondy memories, check out their site at http://www.furrondy.net/.

Axel's 6-month check up

Axel had his 6-month check-up at the doctor today. He's in good health, of course! He also got two shots--poor little guy! For the first one, he flinched a bit but didn't cry till the second one. ("What are you guys doing to me?!")

Weight: 15 lbs. 2.5 oz. - 20th percentile
Length: 26.5 inches - 50th percentile
Head circumfrence - 17 inches - 20th percentile

Luka came along and was a good helper (well-behaved). He was embarassed when he called Tammy the nurse "Dr. Jarmul." He was smart though to know to use the dr's name (we talk about going to visit her). Also, when we drove up to the hospital (where our dr's medical offices are), Luka said, "Maman, je ne suis pas malade !" (Mommy, I am not sick!)

Happy 6-month Birthday, Axel!

Today is Axel's 6-month birthday! Wow - can you believe it? He is growing fast and getting more observant every day. His new things are that he is holding things more with his hands and into sticking things in his mouth (Mommy's shirt, Mommy's arm, his little teether hedgehog or other toys (no actual teeth or real teething yet though, just sucking like mad)). He is also really into sucking his thumb in the last few weeks. That is good! He can self-comfort a lot more.

Luka sucked his thumb for a bit too around this age. Neither of our kids ever sucked a pacifier. For Luka, we never tried. For Axel, we just tried for a few nights in France in November out of desperation because he would not sleep a wink without being held by one of us. He used the pacifier a bit for a few nights there (sucking it nervously instead of Mommy) but then he dumped it. Which is fine with us! He got back to sleeping more normally back in the US, and now, the last week and a half, he has been sleeping 10 - 12 hours a night! Go, Axel! Looks like we are done with the waking up during the night stuff, but we will see.

He is also rolling over some, from front to back, and some from back to front, but not a lot for either. Luka was never a big roller either, so no big deal.

He is also very vocal and likes chirping, "talking" and likes to sing with Mommy and big brother. He is also really into books now and loves to be read to. He likes to play with Luka and was very excited the other night when he heard Reynald and Luka come home from work/school, even before he saw them. He knew two good playmates were on their way in the house!

Joyeux Anniversaire and Happy Birthday, Axel Baby!

Flash: Mary Had a Little Lamb!

For those of you who don't know, Mary had a little lamb! It's fleece was white as snow (or "wipe as snow" as Luka says), and everywhere that Mary went, the lamb was sure to go.

This classic is Luka's current favorite song (yes, it is in English!). A very close second is Here we Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush (and wash our clothes, brush our teeth, brush our hair, wash our face, jump on one foot, hop around, etc, etc, etc). All those motions are such preschool fun!

I'd say Axel's favorite song is My Bonnie (Axel) Lies Over the Ocean and also, Round and Round the Garden, Goes the Little Mouse (or Bear). He also loves it when Mommy counts to three (or trois as the case may be) and does something fun on three. Such as makes him fly, makes him clap his hands, stand up, etc.

Luka's current fav books are Pigs Rock (I'd say that is my favorite too!) by Melanie Davis Jones and illustrated by Bob Staake. The story is clever, rhymes very well and the illustrations are very appealing. Rock on! He also likes the Olie books by William Joyce, and in particular Snowie Rolie as well as Big Time Olie. I think the text is kind of awkward sometimes, but Luka loves it. The story lines are clever and the graphics are impressive here as well. These two were library books. Have to take them back tomorrow - oh no! Gotta love the library! I just ordered Luka Sleepy Time Olie used from Amazon, so we will see how that goes.

Axel likes reading too and I try to read to just him once a day when Luka is at school. Today we read some of good baby French books about animals (Tic Tic la Giraffe, Tchok Tchok le Chameau, Zoum Zoum la Cocinelle, Odil Bourdon, Estelle la Cocinelle et Pierrot l'Escargot).

Recipe: Most Yummy Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is the Quaker Chewy Choc-Oat-Chip Cookies from the inside of the top of the oatmeal can. Also, at their web site. We started making these 13 years ago when I mailed Reynald some cookies from Anchorage when he was doing his military service officers' school in France. (Back then, military service was still mandatory in France.) My fav cookie is oatmeal chocolate chip and I discovered this recipe on the box. The rest, as they say, is history.

Mom has taken these over as her own and is famous for making them. I make a mean cookie with this recipe too. I usually make them as bar cookies. I don't have enough time to make them one by one. Don't over cook them as drop cookies and they will be divine. So buttery (and good for you too, I am sure!).

These work well in high altitude too. The Quaker recipe says that the nuts are optional, but I don't think so. They are soooooo delicious in this recipe!

Ingredients
1/2 pound (2 sticks) margarine or butter, softened
1-1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 TBS milk
2 tsp vanilla
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour (increase to 2 cups for high altitude)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt (optional)
2-1/2 cups Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

This recipe can be easily halved. It is big the way it is written.

Directions
1. Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, beat margarine and sugars until creamy. Add eggs, milk and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda and salt; mix well. Add oats, chocolate chips and nuts, if desired; mix well.

2. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 9 to 10 minutes for a chewy cookie or 12 to 13 minutes for a crisp cookie. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.

3. If you are making bar cookies (my favorite), press dough into the bottom of an ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. I use a glass one. Quaker says bake 30 - 35 minutes till done. Note that at high altitude, I never bake them that long--they'd be burnt to a crisp. I cut the recipe in half (it is big as given and it halves easily) and I bake the bar cookies around 15 minutes.

Ah, heaven!

Axel's first solid food!

Axel having fun on his first day of solid food

Luka helping out with friendly cow - used to wipe little mouths

We just finished introducing Axel to his first taste of solid food. (We being me, Luka and our friendly cow friend for wiping Axel's mouth - see photos.)

Organic rice cereal mixed with mommy's breast milk - yum! Actually, it did not go over that well, and he is right now in the process of getting his milk straight fron the source! :) But, he will get used to it soon enough. Another try tonight.

Update Friday, January 27, 2006

Today we tried solid food again and Axel was into it and ate all his rice cereal/milk mixture. Go, Axel! Soon, I will have to go to Wild Oats and get him some organic baby veggies!

Update Again

Sunday, January 29, 2006: We have now added (baby food) sweet potatoes to Axel's repertoire. He seemed to like them! It is bittersweet--he is becoming a big boy! Stay small! Stay small! :)

Tuesday, January 31, 2006: He didn't really like sweet potatoes in the end and he kept spitting them out the second and third time I tried. So, I tried peas and he seems to like those so far (two times). Let's hear it for peas!

Tuesday, February 7, 2006: Today we added carrots to his repertoire. He seemed to love them! And, I think he was kind of hungry. He opened his mouth right away when I popped the top of the baby food jar and spooned some out. He then proceeded to eat the entire jar! Yum, yum!

What is in a name: Luka and Axel?

Meanings given for Luka, a form of Luke, are bringer of light (Latin) and light.

Meanings given for Axel are divine reward; divine source of life (Hebrew, Swedish) and Father of Peace (Old German).

These names are both uncommon in the US. On our trip to France this past November, we discovered, to our surprise, that Axel was a very popular name there! The stats say that "Lucas" (pronounced like "Luka" in French - the "s" is silent) was more popular: first or second in popularity the last few years. But, during our trip, we met two shop clerks who got all excited and said their boys' were named Axel too. I heard someone calling his son in Auchan (store), Axel. Also, some friends of Reynald's various cousins' kids were named Axel too. We heard about A LOT of Axels!

On the other hand, I have yet to meet a Luka in France, though we have heard of one or two friends of friends, or of Reynald's parents, whose sons are named "Lucas", which to the French seems the same as our son (people often misspell his name that way), but, is, in fact, different.

Even though we wanted them to have unique names, I am not really disappointed with this outcome in France. Because they live in the US, they could seem a little "foreign" in France when they are older--just because they live abroad--even if their French is good. So, on the issue of their names, after all this, I am just as happy that their names will seem "normal" there and they will fit in and not seem "foreign" in their second home country, France.

How we chose their names

One reason we liked them is because they were not ordinary but were also not excessively odd. Also, because they work both in English and French. I still remember the moment Reynald came up with the name "Luka"--it was an evening when he (Luka, not Reynald - ha, ha) was probably 3 days old already. The hospital had been calling us to get his name for their records, but we wanted to make sure we were not pressured and picked the perfect name for our gorgeous new born son.

I had been thinking of Luke or Lucas (these are both quite in vogue in the US, I have since come to realize), but we both agreed that that was not exactly right for us. Something was missing. We had even written Luke on his birth certificate application at the hospital, but then scratched it out! In any case, when Reynald came up with "Luka" I had a really excited feeling and knew that was the perfect name. We looked it up on the Internet and found that with that spelling, it was Slavic. Luca is more common and a very common name in Italy. Various forms are quite popular world wide, but in the US, it is not common at all. ("My name is Luka, I live on the second floor"...yeah, yeah....if you are my generation you know that song, but Luka's generation will be like, "What song? It is 40 years old....", so no big deal there.)

A common reaction (from older people) is surprise (and you can tell they don't really like it); from younger people they are often really excited and say it is a really cool name. Of course, we agree with the latter!

Axel did not remain unnamed for so long and had his name in his first 24 hours of life (quick for us!). We first thought of that name from a list of names we received from a French website suggesting names. Reynald noted it several months before he was born, but we were looking at several other names as well. I liked Axel more and more as time went by and we just wanted to confirm it was the name for him by actually seeing him after his birth. I know a lot of people name their kids before they are born, but we were uncomfortable doing that. We wanted to see the little man before bestowing his life-long moniker, to make sure it fit. And, it did! It is hard for some people though to not know the name in advance (really hard for my sister Laura - tee hee!).

My two men. What great names!

Axel and Luka Update

Axel is going through a time of noises and having a lot of fun with it. He laughs a lot--that wonderful baby laugh. I am so glad to hear it again from a child of mine. I didn't realize how much I had missed it from when Luka was a baby. He laughs at funny noises and things we are surprised to see that he find funny, like me counting or something.

He also is "spitting" a lot. He purses his lips and spits/blows bubbles. It is actually very cute. It is not really spitting (as that sounds gross), but not sure what else to call it. He does that a lot. It makes an audible sound: bthhhhhhhhhhhhh, bthhhhhhhhhhh, bthhhhhhhhh!!!!

He is also making little happy "screams" or chirps and "talking" away. This is very cute too. If we are all talking, he likes to do that to participate in the conversation.

Luka is going to his first birthday party tomorrow for one of his friends from school, Josh. I made Josh a card and we got him a Spiderman/Dr. Octopus MegaBlock toy present. Ooooo! Luka will probably be jealous... ;)

We all went to the National Western Stock Show on Thursday with a friend of Luka's from school (and swimming), Connor, and his mommy, Kristin. We had a good time, but it was tiring for all of us. The kids liked the rodeo pretty well, but we didn't stay for all of it as it got kind of long for them. We did the petting zoo (stupid goats who attack you and scare Luka when you try to give them food - ick - I really do not like petting zoos that much, actually--the kind of gross me out). Saw lots of cows, steers and horses. And, of course cowboys. They do not have an elevator in the Coliseum where the hold the rodeos, but with all those cowboy-types around, it was not hard to find someone to help me carry the double stroller up and down the stairs!

Luka and Jessie do the Oatmeal race

Today, we participated in the Oatmeal 5K in Lafayette, CO with our friends, Ann, Cameron and Jessie. Luka had a blast with Jessie and they ran half of the 5K before getting in the strollers (where Axel already was)! They did great and I even made them special bibs (see photo) that people liked; they'd clap when the kids would go by, or yell out, "Go, Runner Boy! Go, Runner Boy!" They also kept each other going. "I want to run with Jessie!"

I (Eve) and Cameron were the ones with the official bibs, so sacrificing for our kids ;) we had really bad finish times. Hee hee. (We were very last several times, but when the kids finally got in the strollers, we caught up a bit--just a bit I'd say--but hey, we let our kids run instead of making them stay in the strollers the whole way!). Reynald did the race "for real" and was 56th out of 1491, with a time of 20:57. Not bad.

It was very fun and the kids had a good time with the rest of us.

Here are Luka (3 years old) and Jessie (4 years old) before the race began. What a team!

Celebrating Epiphany: La Galette des rois

In France, they celebrate Epiphany (when the wise men arrived to see Jesus) with the Galette des Rois, King Cake. These are available most of January at bakeries everywhere. This is a pastry roughly the size of a pie that is made out of puff pasty with an almond-based filling. Inside the pastry/cake, a small fève (bean) is hidden, and cooked right in, so no one knows where it is and it will be discovered when the pasty is cut and divided up to be eaten. Whoever find the feve in his/her piece, is the king (or queen, as it were). That person gets to where the crown provided with the cake. Fève literally means "bean", but in this instance, it has come to mean the little porcelain favor that is used in these types of cakes. Traditionally, they were little ceramic baby Jesuses, or something religious. But, often now, there are themed to go with things popular at the moment (Ninja Turtles or whatever...I am making that one up, but things like that).

For our celebration today, I made the recipe that I posted below. It was really good and tasted pretty much like the real thing. Years ago, the year I came back from France when I had met Reynald, I made one totally from scratch using a French recipe. Puff pastry is hard to make from scratch, and is time consuming. It was fun, but no time to do that kind of thing now! So, this new recipe uses frozen puff pastry, which is just as well. I mean, does anyone have time to make that from scratch?

I have a fève that I bought in France the year I met Reynald. It is a little ghost screaming. Kind of weird. I remember getting it from a bakery to take home with me, and that is what they had. But, I have had him for over a decade. I keep it in my jewelry box. In any case, we explained to Luka what was going to happen - we were going to eat this great galette and one of us would be the king. He and I made a crown (it turned out really great - see pics). Of course, I marked where the fève was with a toothpick, because we had to make sure he got it. He was so excited when he did. He was very happy to wear the crown. But, he also wanted us all to share in the "winnings" so he said we were all princes (Axel and Papa) and a princess (me) too. Or, kings and queens, but we said, since he was the king, we were princess and a princess.

He also loved finding the fève, so he wanted us to hide it again in his piece. Reynald did and he was excited to "discover" it all over again. Then, he hid it a few times himself. "Wow! Look, Mommy! Look what I found (hee hee)".

We shared two pieces of the galette with our neighbors and went over there that evening. The wind was blowing really hard and Luka's crown almost blew away. He was very excited to show Jesse and Jennifer and their baby Sean his crown, his fève (and his new little car--unrelated to the galette!) as well as carry and give them their two pieces.

Very fun!

Recipe: Galette des Rois

To celebrate Epiphany (the arrival of the wisemen) the French way, make a special "King Cake" with a feve (literally bean, or a little ceramic favor) to discover who is the king or queen at your house.

Galette des Rois
see original recipe for this quote:

This is a popular French cake that celebrates the holiday of Epiphany (January 6th) the day when the 3 Kings visited the Baby Jesus. As part of French tradtion, a bean or small china feve (favor) is hidden in the cake. The person who finds the feve in his or her slice becomes king or queen for the day. The person can also choose someone to be their king or queen and can lead the tradtional dance.

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Servings: 16

INGREDIENTS:

· 1/4 cup almond paste
· 1/4 cup white sugar
· 3 TBS unsalted butter, softened
· 1 egg
· 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
· 1/4 tsp almond extract
· 2 tsp all-purpose flour
· pinch salt
· 1 (17.25 ounce) pkg frozen puff pastry, thawed
· 1 dry kidney bean or real porcelein fève
· 1 egg, beaten
· 1 TBS xxx sugar for dusting

DIRECTIONS:

- Place the almond paste into a food processor or blender with about half of the sugar, and process until well blended. Add the butter and remaining sugar using and process until smooth, then blend in 1 egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, flour and salt. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Butter a baking sheet or line with parchment paper, and set aside.
- Roll out one sheet of the puff pastry into an 11 inch square. Keep the pastry cool, do not knead or stretch. Use a large pie plate, cake pan or frying pan to trace an 11 inch circle onto the dough using the tip of a small knife. Place the circle of pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the second sheet of pastry. Refrigerate both sheets.
- Mound the almond filling onto the center of the pastry that is on the baking sheet. Leave about 1 1/2 inch margin at the edges. Press the bean or feve down into the filling. Place the second sheet of pastry on top, and press down the edges to seal. Beat the remaining egg with a fork, and lightly brush onto the top of the gallette. Use a knife to make a criss cross pattern in the egg wash, and then prick several small slits in the top to vent steam while baking.
- Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Do not open the oven until the time is up, as the pastry will not fully puff. Remove from the oven, and dust with confectioners' sugar. Return to the oven, and cook for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Lay a golden paper crown gently on top of the cake. This will be used to crown the person who finds the bean or feve. Serve warm or cold. Make sure to tell everyone about the bean or feve.

Recipe: Delish Rustic Apple Tart

I made this right after Christmas. It hit the spot on a crisp winter evening.

Delish Rustic Apple Tart

- Refrigerated or other traditional-style pie crust
- 2 TBS all-purpose flour for thickening the juices
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1-½ pounds or 3 cups pie apples
- ½ - ¾ cup fresh cranberries
- 1/3 cup walnuts, brkoen/chopped
- 2 TBS lemon juice
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp butter
- 2 tsp confectioners' sugar

Preheat the oven to 400°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rough circle about 14 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet and refrigerate while you prepare the apples.

In a small bowl, combine the flour with 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar; reserve. Peel and core the apples. Slice them into 1/4 inch-thick slices. Cut cranberries in half. Place apples, berries and nuts in a bowl and toss them with the lemon juice, the remaining 3 tablespoons sugar, and cinammon.

Remove the dough from the refrigerator and sprinkle the reserved flour/sugar mixture evenly over it, leaving a 2-inch border uncovered. Arrange the apple mixtureevenly over the flour mixture. Fold the edges of the dough over the apples. Moisten your fingers lightly with water and gently press the creases so that they hold together. Shave the butter over the fruit.

Bake the tart for about 40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown, the apples tender, and the juices syrupy, covering the tart halfway through the cooking time if the crust is browning too rapidly. Let cool for 10 minutes, then slide the tart onto a serving platter. Just before serving, sift the confectioners' sugar evenly over the crust.

adapted from http://splendidtable.publicradio.org/recipes/special_fall_appletart.shtml