on returning

dear entire universe -

sorry for the lack of updates - it's not like there haven't been big goings-on in my busy toddler life - ticklings, cuddlings, dapper-looking bibs, delicious lunches, haircuts, riddle books, overnight stays with Barb and Grandma, and so much more.
The most plausible explanation I can come up with is that my dad must be slacking around - I'll get on him to put a more proper post together if he expects to be allowed to play 'hide' anymore.

love,
Cassidy

i'm an animal

The California li'l bear (ursus adorablicus californicus) is a small, friendly species native to the San Francisco Bay Area. It is known for its mellow, easygoing nature, love of literature, and its willing smile. It is easily approached, and sightseers are encouraged. It is extremely omnivorous, but its preferred diet is milk, graham crackers and hot dogs. It can often be found rolling in hallways, examining its feet, or charming visitors. The li'l bear loves tickling, but novice ticklers should be aware that once a tickling session has begun, the bear will insist quite forcefully that it continue for long periods.

The California li'l bear has a dominance relationship with several similar, larger animals whose primary role seems to be to provide for and entertain him, and occasionally to publicize his existence.

p.s. i love you

Dear adoring fans,

It's been great having my aunt Barb out here to spend time with me. She reads me books, helps bounce my animals on the exercise ball, and suggests to mommy and daddy that they take me to kite festivals and buy me French fries. I like having yet another person to comment on how cute and sweet I am and admire my impeccable fashion sense. I think I'll let her stick around.

Love,
Cassidy

alphabet city

our weekend, from A to Z...

A- Adventure
B- Barb
C - Cassidy
D - Damon and Meriel
E - Elephant
F- Freya
G - Giraffes!
H - Hat
I - Interested
J - jamming
K - Kids
L - love
M - Muppet Show!
N - nature
O - Oakland
P - Petting zoo
Q - quality time
R - riding the carousel
S - sunny
T - Tiger
U - Ukelele
V - verdant
W - weekend
X - x-citement
Y - yawn!
Z - zoo!

working for the weekend

Here in San Francisco, Labor Day weekend means the end of summer fog and the return of warm weather. Cassidy enjoyed the long weekend away from his busy schedule to get in some of his favorite activities, including:
- A trip to Golden Gate Park with Grandma and Barb to admire the decorations and ride the carousel.
- Some swing-oriented high-fiving.
- Using the FaceTime app to have a video chat with cousin Sara. He was kind enough to serenade her on the ukelele.
- A little balloon-oriented frolicking.
- Going down the slide by himself.

Now it's back to his daily grind, which includes pretty much the same sorts of things as his weekend. It's rough being a toddler.

bring the family

Family month continues with the arrival of Aunt Barb and visits from the cousins Kali and Sara. A momentous occasion, this is the first time all three cousins have been together. Cassidy was thrilled to have a new audience to try out his material on, including such favorites as reading 'Be Nice To Spiders' and the Infinite Hiding Game. He also got to spend some quality time with Mommy on the Big Ball, plus a trip to the beach to appreciate the ocean. By Sunday evening he was a tired bear, and ready for some downtime.

what is life

It was a busy weekend for Cassidy. Grandma Sonnie and Grandpa Chris came for a visit, including some extended games of "hide" and a trip to the zoo. Cousin Sara is also visiting, which meant a trip to the park down the street with her and Grandma Rachel and mommy. After all that fun, he was ready for a bath.

Our little bear has grown into a happy, healthy 2.5 year old. He runs and climbs, recites the alphabet, and counts to 20. He loves to tell you about his favorite animals "giraffe" and "hippo" and "other giraffe" and about his friends at daycare. With the slightest of prompts, he breaks into a joyful if somewhat off-key version of "Alouette." He has simple pleasures, and lives in the moment. It's a good lesson for us grownups.