Tuesday, December 30, 2008

We are raising a cave dweller.

I spent the afternoon in a cave with Jill and her Grandparents Grandinetti and 30 other people. This the 2nd cave trip in 6 months. The child is fascinated by every aspect of science...just read the other blogs...the circulatory system, the Snake Farm. She loves Earth science, chemistry, physics, and all natural sciences. I swear, if she doesn't pursue a career in the science field, I will truly be shocked.

Well, the 1st cave visit resulted in Jill co-leading the tour, along with the poor sap who was getting paid to actually lead it. Jill would ask a question, then report back to the group both the question and the answer. In a big outdoor voice, she's bellow, "there are bats, but don't worry, THEY WILL NOT BOTHER US."

On today's trip, we were able to see some very tiny bats up close...and I mean too damn close for my taste...like I was 5 feet from them. They are the size of chicken nuggets...hairy, sonar-lovin', blood-suckin' chicken nuggets, who were ready to go into hibernation, so "no flash photography, please." This did not stop the rebel behind me, who thought I'd make a great human shield in the event Lil' Fuzzy was going to swoop down in retaliation.

The tour guide had been very complimentary of Jill's haircut and festive red corduroy Christmas dress and snowflake tights, when we met her in the gift shop. Jill took a real shine to her and 10 minutes into the tour, Jill was holding her hand slogging up the damp path and announcing to the group that,"the E.T.'s finger formation is coming up next. You know, when he touches Elliot's owie and says 'ouch' and then it gets all better?! Yeah!"

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The Nightgown


I was so inspired by my friend Sara's blog and picture of her little girl wearing her first nightgown, that I felt compelled to blog on 'our first nightgown,' too.

Maybe the nightgown is a rite of passage, the first blush of femininity for a pre-schooler...the end of nights spent looking like an oompa-loompa. I don't know why, but the first time your little girl wears her nightgown is somehow magical.

I picked up a pink number for Jill when she was about two. It had 3 cats on it, some lace and pleats. She fell in love. I have a great picture of her wearing it for the first time and doing a seat drop onto our bed...sheer glee [I'll try to find it to post].

My mom and I just packed Nightie #1 away with the 18 month clothes. Jill tried to highjack it in the process...it used to clear the floor by only a few inches...2 weeks ago, it was a mini-dress at best.

The first nightie has been followed by The Monkey Nighty, The Strawberry Nightie and the Tinkerbell Nightie, which she received for her birthday this year. She wore it to blow out her candles.