Dancing Makes Her Happy

Anyone who knows me knows that my unrealized dream is to have been a dancer on Broadway. Tap, Ballet, you name it, as long as I was in the chorus line. Those scenes in the movie “Chicago”? Oh yeah. The trailer for the new movie version of the musical “Fame”? So there.

I took Ballet at a young age but didn’t stick with it, and you know these things generally have to start when you are little…and I’m afraid the “stage mother” in me reared her ugly head when I saw this little ensemble at Baby Gap last week.

As soon as she’s old enough, along with her other “dancing-inclined” friends (Lindsay Peterson, this is a shout-out to you) I will have her lined up at the Barre, ready to practice her arabesques and entrechats. Ummm, have you SEEN the movie “Center Stage”?

When in Doubt, Have a Fashion Show

This little set could NOT have come out ANY cuter. It’s from a great Etsy design team, Loves Me Not. I loved this blue fabric so much, I asked that they custom their “Cafe Halter” and ruffle pants to match. We were bored today, so after much chasing, I got it on Charlie and she seemed really comfortable in it! I can’t wait to break this out again as it gets warmer!! It’s still 30 degrees outside and we are ALL wishin’ and hopin’ for Spring!!

Check out the designer’s blog: http://helovesmelovesmenot.blogspot.com/

Sunday Best

Yesterday I just could not get myself up and out the door for church. After almost a full week of taking care of Charlie solo, I was just exhausted. Thankfully, Daddy took Charlie to church and to the store afterwards, which turned into a nice stretch of time for me. I know that just taking care of one child might not SEEM like a lot of work, but at the challenging age she’s at right now, I find myself just trying to keep my head above water.

We do think that her crankiness these past few weeks could be teething, although I am unwilling to stick my finger in her mouth to check. She bit me once, I think around the time she was a year or so old, and I don’t wish to repeat that incident! At any rate, Charlie has been able to hang with some of my beloved former co-worker’s this week; my pal Susan and her little 6 month old, Elizabeth, met us at the Pancake House downtown last Thursday, and my friend Rae came over for mini-meatloaf and fancy mac n’ cheese (both cooked up by Vann and inspired by The Barefoot Contessa) last night. Susan and Rae also happen to be two of the best massage therapists in the city (I should know–I worked at Urban Oasis for three years), so if you are in need, I HIGHLY recommend them!!Here is a pic of Charlie post-church in a precious hand-me-down from her cousin Dali…ignore the fact that she’s dismantling the CD cabinet…a favorite pasttime…

A Pony of her Very Own

Aunt Janet gave Charlie this very cool “Bounce and Spin Pony” for Christmas. She’s now able to get on and off the pony on her own. Here’s what Walmart.com says about it: “Babies love to bounce, and they love to learn. The Smart Bounce and Spin Pony encourages both. As baby bounces, spins and rolls the roller ball, animations, music and fun sounds will come to life on your TV through a wireless connection. Baby will learn letters, numbers, colors, shapes, opposites and more!” As you can see, she loves it! Thanks, Aunt Janet!

Rub A Dub Dub

We bought Charlie a little potty a couple weeks ago, in the hopes that she would get used to seeing it around, even though she’s not really there yet. Because of the limited space in our bathroom, said potty usually sits in the hallway. Classy, I know. At this point all she really wants to do is remove the bowl and either A. stick her foot inside or B. put her animal friends inside and shut the lid. Today we had a duck casualty.

I Enjoy Being A Girl

Our long-haired cat, Siena, has been needing some major grooming action. She and Allie both were abandoned when they were babies and we think Siena was never taught how to clean herself properly. Vann thought that maybe we could give her a bath ourselves, but after a failed attempt at that in our old condo when she was a kitten, we came to the conclusion that this was a job for professionals.

After some research I found a place nearby, with great reviews: Animal Lovers Salon. It’s located on Clybourn, right across from The Salvation Army (I only know this from the vast amount of clothes I’ve dropped off recently) and even has a 15 minute “loading” spot right in front. I took her there on Saturday, left her for 4 hours, and returned to the fluffiest and shiniest 7 pound peanut you’ve ever seen. I swear, I really didn’t think it was possible for Siena to look any tinier than she already does, but with the amount of underbelly hair the groomer “de-shedd”, I think the girl lost a couple pounds!

The bad news is that Allie seems to be having a difficult time adjusting to her clean sister. She’s been lurking in the shadows, hissing and growling anytime Siena walks past her. We’ve been told that it’s normal–Allie just doesn’t recognize Siena’s scent–and it will pass in a few days. Poor thing…I told Vann she must be jealous…Siena came home with a new collar as well.

If you need a groomer for your cat or dog, check it out:
http://www.animalloverspetsalon.com/