Aud-E

We took Audrey to see WALL-E for her birthday. As I watched Wall-E croon for his "E-va," some parallels came to mind:



Alyssa often wanders around the house calling her big sister's name in a similar fashion.

The actor who plays Wall-E must have a toddler. How else could he have captured the plaintive, adoring tones for the beloved object of his affections, so masterfully?

My "Wissa"

Last week, our wonderful cousins, the Connellys came to town!! Cousin Derek was happy to be reunited with his "Wissa!" They bonded this summer in Utah, where Derek served as her Defender and Protector against Querulous Children in nursery.

We met up at Sea World, and then headed to El Torito for "Kids Eat Free Wednesdays!"

Sombrero-clad Audrey and Derek.

We really enjoyed spending time with Graton's sister, Channa, and her family. We were also excited to be reunited with Graton's cousin, David and co. The kids loved the food, the parents loved that it was free!! The only drama was the fight over the green balloons at the end. Luckily, Audrey's wonderful cousin, Mackenzie saved the day, by very sweetly giving her green balloon to Audrey. Thanks Kenzie!!

The next day, Channa and I had a lovely visit while the rest of the crew were sight seeing. Derek played with his Wissa and demonstrated his awesome alphabet skills.

Thanks for visiting us cousins! Hope to see you again soon!!

Is there a plumber in the house?

This is what Alyssa was doing while I was trying to watch this. Damage Assessment revealed: two rolls of toilet paper, fourteen tampons, and three pantiliners. Thank goodness she hasn't yet learned how to flush!!

Ooh, Ooh, Ooh, I wanna be like you-ou-ou

(Alyssa sporting Audrey's PJs)

Maybe it's because my first three sibling were brothers, or maybe it's because I wasn't as cool as Audrey, but I don't remember my siblings imitating everything I did. Alyssa, however, sees Audrey as the ultimate American Idol. She want to do everything she does; wear her clothes and shoes, imitate her actions, play with her toys, you name it!

Although Audrey is very patient with Alyssa and shares most of her toys, she has a few special stuffed animals and a blanket, that she keeps to herself. Never mind that Alyssa has an almost identical blanket and stuffed animal, if Audrey has something, it must be cooler. Currently she employs the" snatch and run" technique. She'll grab Audrey's kitty and make a beeline for the next room. The funny thing is all I have to do is say, "Alyssa give Audrey her kitty back," and she'll bring it back to her with an expression of innocence, ("Oh, was this yours, Audrey?") I guess she feels that 30 seconds with the coveted object is better than nothing.

Another thing that cracks me up, is how compliant she is for Audrey. I've been trying to consistently brush Alyssa's teeth for months, to no avail. Even if I succeed in pinning her down or giving her two other toothbrushes to distract her, she clamps her mouth closed, and fights me. I even asked her pediatrician for tips, and his advice was, "If it at first you don't succeed..." So I kept trying, but not very successfully.

One night, after Alyssa had snatched the toothbrush from me and ran away, I said, "Alyssa, go give your toothbrush to Audrey and lay down so she can brush your teeth."

This is what she did:

I watched in amazement as she handed her toothbrush to Audrey, lay down, and opened her mouth wide.

Audrey has since assumed toothbrushing duty.

I'm so glad my little monkey has such a sweet big sister, and good example to follow.