AJ SAYS...

"I poop." 

By the smell of it, I would say you did too.  I'm guessing potty training is not too far away.

ALTA LAKE

Can you really call a hike a hike, if it lasts all of 15 minutes?  Maybe it was more of a walk of Alta Lake versus a hike.  And once again we brought that backpack of yours on a trip, only to use it once.  We may have spent more time taking pictures of you in that backpack than actually using it for hiking.

THE NANNIES

When it comes to vacations, your dad and I have found that they're a lot more fun when nannies are involved. Fun for us at least. On this trip to Whistler we convinced a dental assistant of mine and her cousin to nanny five of you. Three of you being under the age of two.

You spent your time hanging out with Nanny Ashley and Nanny Katie, along with a bunch of the other kids in the lodge while we spent our time...

 Skiing.

 Skiing.

 Skiing.

And sabering.  Sabering?  Your dad learned to saber champagne bottles during a progressive dinner in Whistler Village one night.  Rest assured he will undoubtedly try this one night at home.  And I can only imagine what will happen.  I have a feeling I'd better know where his health insurance card is when he tries this on his own. 

After this nanny job, I wouldn't be surprised if Ashley never has a kid of her own.  That probably explains why they hit the bars every night after us parents got back. 

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

Brussel sprouts.  It's what's for breakfast.  Nothing like a bowl of cereal with sliced bananas, a sippy cup of orange juice, and a side of brussel sprouts.  Completely not my idea.  It was all you on this one.  And you liked it.  What kid likes brussel sprouts?  Apparently you.  Not that I'm complaining.

Play Table

By now, most little toddlers have their cute little play tables set up somewhere in the house.  They use it to have tea parties, do art projects, and eat meals.  We have yet to get you one.  But with your creativity, you've managed to create your own play table and chair.  I'm thinking it's probably time to buy you a real one...

CLEAN AS A WHISTLE

I'm in awe of Julie, your babysitter, and her childcare skills.  How is it that we can send you to her home wearing a white shirt, she feeds you spaghetti for lunch, and you come back as clean as a whistle?  I am amazed at how not a drop of spaghetti sauce gets on your clothes.  Your dad and I are still trying to master feeding you without a mess, but it's a work in progress. 

GROSSER THAN GROSS

What's gross?  You grabbing dirty utensils from the dishwasher and trying to lick them.  What's grosser than gross?   Turning around to find you licking the inside of the dishwasher door with the dogs. 

SOPHIE

Born in Paris in 1961, Sophie the Giraffe has taken on cult status amongst moms of all teething babies worldwide  This simple little squeaky giraffe has the magic ability to calm the fussiest of babies.  Something that looks like nothing more than a dog toy, yet costs an arm and a leg.  How is this possible?  Claiming to be made of 100% natural rubber and food paint, there has to be a secret ingredient.  Something like kiddie crack, or catnip for cats.  I'm convinced of this.

You were so addicted to yours, that after losing it, I broke down and bought another.  Of course the missing one turned up a few days later.  In a kitchen drawer of all places.  Thanks house cleaners.  

Today though, Sophie entered a new chapter in her life at the Hansen's.  She became a dog toy.  A $25 dog toy. 

PLEASE & THANK YOU

You're learning so many new words at such a fast pace, it's exciting and entertaining for us all at the same time.  After much work your dad and I finally have you saying "Thank you."  "Ta-tu" to you, it's good enough for us.

"Please" is still a work in progress.  If you really want something (like candy), you'll point to it and open your mouth big, trying to bite at it.  If that doesn't work, you then throw out the "more" sign with your hands.  All this effort when all I'm asking you is to say "please."

When none of those tactics works, you begin listing off every word that you can think of, hoping maybe that will be good enough.  "Dog? cat? Down? Cow? Up? Mama? Rock? Dada? Outside? Vroom Vroom?"  Only a handful of times have I been able to pull a "pease" out of you.  Oh well, we'll get there one of these days.