... and she's not even two yet

One of the biggest problems with procrastination and growing children is that there will never be less to write about. Since our last post in May so much has happened that it is a daunting task to put it all in one blog so I put it off until I have more time. Four months later I have no more time than before and all the more to talk about. Here is a flash of some of the more notable milestones and memories.

Multi Media
Music is always on in our house so it is no surprize that Asia now asks for, nay demands "kiddie music"... and she's not even two yet. Her favourites being Ol' Mac Donald (known as the moo moo song), B.I.N.G.O. (known as the puppy song) and itsy bitsy spider. She is a little singer now and randomly busts out Twinkle twinkle little star, itsy bitsy (with actions), happy happy home, and more.
We got a bit full of kiddie music so we played a bit more classical and jazz. She now will ask for piano music, or, when a song with piano comes on she will happily exclaim "pinano moosick". We also have a pinano which she will play from time to time with great gusto. Not the best activity for early Sunday morning.

ELMO is the biggest thing in Asia's life. She will actually ask to "watch Elmo again". She doesn't really care that much for the other characters on Sesame Street, although she does know them by name, but Elmo is the be all and end all. On one occasion though there was an episode where Elmo is Pinocchio and his nose grew, it was very disturbing to Asia and she started to cry and exclaimed that he was scary Elmo. She is over it now but my message to the creator of Elmo... don't mess with the puppet.

Talking the Talk
Asia is not short on words. Her vocab astounds us daily. The other day Kayt picked her up from school and the care takers told us that she was a bully. (even though she is one of the youngest in that group). She had bitten one and pushed another. We discussed this at the dinner table. She was able to tell us who she bit, that it made the other kid sad, that she said sorry and gave a hug. All with downcast eyes a very apologetic tone.  We were blown away. It was like she was in school and had got in trouble and Mummy said we will talk about this when Daddy gets home... again we shake our heads that she is not yet even two.
She has been able to count her numbers to ten for quite some time now but because 11 sounds like seven the record skips back 7 8 9 10... 7 8 9 10 over and over and over again.
She can recognize and name shapes in 2D and 3D.  Her favourite a triangle as well as circle, square, rectangle, oval, diamond, octagon, trapezoid and flower (being a quadrafoil that we chose to call a flower)

We will read books to her then she will insist she read it back to us.  Some favs are her first word books with all the animals. She loves to name the animal and make the corresponding sound. Although monkey and kitty are very cute, the zealous lion and tiger are a bit... loud... first thing in the morning. For actual reading books the Good night Pookie, Wocket in my pocket, Old hat new hat and Put me in the zoo (know as "OUT! OUT!" to her).

Asia Einstein

Albert Einstein

But even little geniuses have weak points... hers' are  colors. If you ask her what color the sky is she will respond "orange!".  The same will go for the green grass the pink blanket and pretty much anything else you put in front of her.  She has her world set in Orange colored glasses. Must be the Proud Dutch in her.

Independence
 Although still in her first year, she has a very strong opinion on what she will wear and must put every thing on herself. If her shoes are on the wrong foot then I tell her and she will switch them. We must stand back and watch (patiently) as she puts on her own socks, pants, and shoes.  She cannot put on a shirt and that is the only article of clothing we are able to 'help' with.  She will try and we are only able to help once she has exhausted herself to the point of frustration. I have heard Asia and Kayt in many a "discussion" about which pair of pants she will or will not wear... She has shown up to day care in many a colorful outfits.

The fact is,  we hear "Asia do it" about a hundred times a day. She says it so often that she has shortened it to A do it. Once upon a time we were the ones telling her no hands, well the tables have turned and we are now told no hands Mummy (or Daddy)-  Asia do it.  And as trying as that is sometimes it always warms your heart whenever the task she was on is done she will proudly proclaim "I did it!!!!"

She has blossomed into this high energy fun loving little girl.  She will give the most well rested a run for their money- but as tired as we are, our sides never really stop hurting from laughing.