Maggie Leu

A Tahoe Holiday Getaway

2011-12-22T20:41:00.000-08:00

With Maggie getting out of school a week earlier than Charlie for winter break, we decided to take advantage of the time off & grab a little 'mommy maggie' vacation - a first for us Leu ladies! With Mariza & Annie in tow, we cruised up to the Tahoe Zeches Vortex for a beautiful escape into the fresh mountain air. Several days of ski school, loads of girlie time, swimsuit fashion shows at the hot tub, endless giggles with Lola, Vivi & Mariza, shrinky dinks with Kristel, dolls with Devon, and moments by the fire....a WONDERFUL get away!!!

Ski School with Vivi- Level 5.

Mariza in ski school, about to go up the mountain on the gondola for the day.

Although, my absolute FAVORITE time with my magical Maggie was our day of skiing together. One gondola ride & two chair lifts later we were at the top of Northstar. Maggie led us & we skied the entire way down to the village. She was amazing on her skis & completely confident with the mountain. I am so proud of her. I promise to hold onto this day forever. I'm not sure it could get much better than that.

Maggie's 6th Birthday

2011-09-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

My Maggie turned SIX YEARS OLD! To celebrate we spent the night downtown San Francisco at Hotel Nikko. Maggie invited 2 friends, Leila & Lola to join us for the evening. We had sushi by the pool and swam til the moon glowed bright above us. It was a magical and perfect night.

Maggie. I love your freckles, your spunk to be goofy, your focus to learn, your endless patience and love for your brother, your desire to be everything you can be while doing it, and your dedication to love all those who surround you every day. I can't wait to spend the next year with you. You are my super hero- you are my everything. I LOVE YOU!

Camp Mommy

2011-06-05T21:33:00.000-07:00

Before I sent Maggie off to her whirlwind summer of camps, I desperately just wanted a little Maggie/ Mommy time. With working full time, I often feel I don't get enough 1-on-1 time...and seeing that time always has it's way of flying, I decided to dedicate the first week of summer to be 100% devoted entirely to my Maggie. A time to really connect, bond, and just BE. And of course, it wasn't without loads of adventures!

On our way to Tilden park, to meet up with team Zeches, we swung by to visit Daddy. A trip to the drugstore isn't complete without picking out a special treat. Olivia Lytle joined us after sleeping over!

We made PINK cake.

Saw the movie Rio.

Played with Leila.

Went to the Marine Mammal Center with her school buddies Caroline & Viktoria, and Daddy.

Had dinner at Off the Grid.

Slept over at Alex's house & then visited Exploratorium.

Visited the Hiller Aviation Museum with the Potischmans.

Maggie- I love every bit of you. Thank you for such an incredibly memorable week.

Maggie Finishes Kindergarten

2011-05-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

It's a bit overwhelming me for me...my Maggie, my sweet sweet girl is done with kindergarten and moving on to 1st grade. In the past school year she has learned how to read and write in Spanish and English, has lost her first tooth, started sleepovers, is now riding her bike, and talks on the phone with her friends while twirling her hair. The road head is long and beautiful my precious brown-eyed girl. May the wind always be at your back and the sunshine bright on your beautiful, spirited self. I love you infinity plus infinity.

Maggie in her kindergarten promotion ceremony - principal Machado on the left and her fabulous teacher Ms. Palmieri on the right.

Maggie with her best buddy Olivia, dressed as twins for the day.

Maggie all grown up in her Hawaiian themed outfit.

Hanging with a few buddies during the ceremony: Viktoria, Leila, and Yovani.

Maggie Plays Hooky

2011-03-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

With the promise of fresh powder on the horizon, I decided to put Maggie in ski school & play hooky. A weekend in Tahoe is just never long enough! And what a grand day it turned out to be. This has been Maggie's first season of skiing, and she is just doing beautifully. She was begging her instructor all day for more blue runs & moguls. I am so so proud of my little ski bunny!

Ski time with Nini.

A beautiful ending to a fantastic day - hot chocolate & the hot tub!

Maggie Rides

2010-11-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

It was one of those moments I had always envisioned. Training wheels come off. Ready. Set. GOOOOOOOO - and off she would ride. Ahhhhh, well.... it didn't quiet go down as dreamed.

We were up at Daniel Webster on Saturday working on the mural, Charlie was running around enjoying his freedom on the playground while Maggie got to grout the new mural. Maggie soon lost interest in her arts project and headed down to the lower playground to play soccer. I walked her down & knew she was enclosed and happy to be playing with her classmates. Charlie and I ventured off to enjoy some lunch and dance to the live band. Time passed a bit...and so it was time to check on Mz Maggie.

We walked over to the fence that looked down on the lower playground and my knees buckled... there was Maggie, helmet on & riding her friends Elvis' bike. WHHHHAAAAT! WAIT. MAGGGGGIE!!! Perfectly riding around - pedaling, turning & just chatting with her buddies. Instant PRO! I just started to tear up. There was my Maggie. RIDING A BIKE! Amazing. And while not how I had dreamed - it was perfect.

A play date with Mz. Caroline

2010-11-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

With Halloween the night before and the holidays on the horizon...a play date was a must as Maggie relaxed on her first public school furlough day. We tossed the windows open on an incredibly beautiful fall, crisp day - let the sunshine in and invited Maggie's new friend from school, Mz Caroline, over for some good ole fashion fun. I dialed up my domestic self by making a delicious seasonal slow cooking stew, planting flowers, and cleaning out drawers. Maggie and Caroline did what they do best, giggled their way through all sorts of adventures in the backyard. From 'swimming' to climbing trees to sneaking in the playhouse with the Halloween bucket - they had a grand day. And you know what, so did I!!!

But of course, what better way to end a lovely play date but with some RAINBOW SPARKLY toes. They were glowing as they marched home. Ahhhh. to be 5.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T22:26:00.000-07:00

Several months ago Maggie announced she wanted to be a ghost this Halloween. But as Halloween drew closer I was taking note that Maggie & Charlie were crazy addicted to the movie Ponyo. A quick cosume search came up with nothing. So I called our master seamstress Grandma Leu, a few measurements and loads of sewing labor....whaaaala. PONYO! And what a proud Ponyo she was.

Ponyo carries a green bucket and LOVES ham. Maggie played the part well. Although I feel like I failed a bit on her wig. The only kid-sized orange wig available at the party store was Aeriel, which I trimmed up to look like Ponyo. I had hoped it was a bit more true orange. Nevertheless - Maggie was smashing in her costume.

They had a Halloween parade at school followed with a party in their classroom. Here is her teacher, Ms. Palmieri, and all the girls dressed up.

After her Halloween celebration at school we raced over to Charlie's school Halloween party. Charlie is dressed as Sosuke, the little boy who loves Ponyo (imagine him with yacht hat on & pacifier out!).

On Halloween, Maggie and I ventured out for some girl time to the Park Chalet to listen to our favorite kid's band, the Jam Jam band. We hadn't seen Charity (or as Maggie kept calling her 'Cherry') in a few years. So we danced in the warm ocean breeze - front & center. I seized the opportunity to dress up like a pretty pink princess with Maggie. Not sure you can top dancing with your daughter who is all smiles while wearing a sparkling pink tutu...which by the way, when I pulled it out Maggie was amazed that MOM has a tutu too. That's right I do!!! Wait til she sees my pink cowboy boots....

I heart BIRDIE!

2010-10-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

I had one of those overwhelming moments this morning with Maggie, one that hits you straight on with such clarity. I am so incredibly lucky to have Margaret Evelyn Leu in my life. She is the light of my life. She is my every day. She is the happy in my life - the person who never ceases to warm my heart over and over and over again.

Where is this coming from? Well, I got home from a 3 day buying trip in NYC to find Maggie curled up on the floor watching TV. Once she snapped out of her TV zombie mode, she quickly ran off to get me a present. (Now, wait. Aren't I the one to be bringing a present home?) She came bounding back with such pure excitement to gift me a beaded bracelet she made for ME at her friend Carly's birthday party. And then shows me the cape she made Charlie. And that's when it hit me. Here is the most amazing and beautiful little girl, who goes to her friend's art crafting birthday party and spends her time and energy making gifts for the people she loves. Not one thing for her...that's my Maggie, with a pure and simple heart driven with the desire to love & give to others with the unconscious intention to surround herself and others with happiness. It feels like a life lesson inherently woven into her soul, to give to others without the desire for anything in return. It's something to nourish, that's for sure. It will serve her well - it already does.

...I think it might be one of her super powers!

I HEART BIRDIE!!!! I love her like mad, to the moon & back, and to a gazillion little pieces. She lights up my world and teaches ME life lessons. I am a better person because of her in my life. Swear. She is just an angel that I am thankful for EVERY day of my life.

I. Love. You. Birdie!

Ok, so why Birdie? Well, I have for years called my Maggie 'chicken.' And not long ago she looked at me & said, 'Mommy, I don't want you to call me chicken anymore.' Ok - what shall we call you. 'Birdie.' So Birdie it is. Happily.

Maggie's First Day of Kindergarten

2010-08-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

It's surreal really. To have this day finally arrive. I woke up this morning wide-eyed and in a bit of a panic. Today is the day we send our daughter to kindergarten. Wow. I am not certain how we got here, but it is so present & completely beautiful.

Maggie is attending Daniel Webster elementary school. It is a small public school on the top of Potrero Hill in San Francisco. She is in their Spanish immersion program, and according to her teacher she will be reading & writing by the end of this year!

Maggie walking off to her classroom with teacher Palmeri.

At circle time this morning, all the kids repeated after the principal, 'Today I pledge to be the best me.' I think we are going to be very happy here!

Sleepover with Mia

2010-08-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

Mia, Maggie's very good buddy from the Crayonbox (her preschool), came over last night for a sleepover. A very well anticipated sleepover. The excitement was running incredibly high as she waited at the window for Mia to be dropped off. And I mean REALLLLLLY high.

We had breakfast for dinner - pancakes & tator tots, walked up to 24th street for green tea ice cream & sprinkles, read loads of princess stories, giggled under the covers with the flash lights, and then had dinner for breakfast (mac n cheese of course!). I soaked up all the giggles & whispering...and more so all the affirmations flying back & forth between them - 'i love you.' ADORABLE!!!

A Summer Vacation in Minnesota

2010-08-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

A WONDERFUL vacation to Minneapolis that included: Campfires. Movie night. Bowling. Petting Buddy (the guinea pig) and feeding Crystal and Liz (the geckos). Ice cream truck. Watching cousins play hockey. Swimming. Zoo. Trampoline. American Girl doll. Sleeping through a hardy-midwest thunderstorm. FISHING!!! Bowling. Painting bird houses & decorating flip flops.

What didn't we do??!?

Loved every moment and I know Maggie misses it something terrible. We were spoiled like crazy by Aunt Red, Uncle Dave, and cousin Grace & Claire.

Petting Buddy the guinea pig with Grace.

Indulging in Aunt Red's fantastic arts and craft projects!!!

A moment with the kids at a fountain in Edina that I actually have fond memories of growing up.

Aunt Red, Grace, and Claire in a balloon ride at Mall of America. You should have seen Aunt Red's face coming out of the flume with the girls - PRICELESS!!!

Maggie in a chicken costume, which is of course ironic because I call these guys chicken all the time. I was with Aunt Red when we purchased this costume 5-6 years ago in wine country.

SSSSSSSSSSSSnnnnnaaaakkkke! Grace is a champ. She spots these gardener snakes in the yard and doesn't have a worry about picking them up. Maggie and Charlie didn't really know what to do, especially because Sarah and I are SCREAMING in the background a mile away! Oh lordy. And another one graced our presence at the zoo on our picnic.

Meet Anna, Maggie's first ever American Girl Doll. She was named Anna because that's what we almost named Maggie. Maggie is sooooo smitten with her new doll, and quiet frankly - so am I!!!!

Swinging with cousins Grace & Claire.

4513 Woodale Avenue, Edina, MN 55424. The house I grew up in, from birth til I headed off to college...

An incredibly loving and wonderful visit!!! A must for next summer's vacation list. HUGE thanks to the Kuipers!!!

Memorial Day Weekend 2010

2010-06-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend close to home, and celebrated by pitching a tent in the backyard. Lola & Vivi came over to join in our camping theme.

No camping trip is ever complete without SMORES!

And a trip to Crissy Field!

Time with Jasper.

April Showers

2010-04-30T10:39:00.001-07:00

In loving Memory of Grandma Grandma

2010-04-30T10:37:00.001-07:00

Grandma Grandma (as Maggie coined) passed away peacefully at 98 years of age. We all flew back for the funeral. Maggie, from the start, had a special relationship with Grandma Grandma - which made me a bit nervous to tell her that she had passed. But Maggie really seemed to understand that she had moved on, and during our visit had sweet moments of remembrance of her. I will always hold close the memories of Maggie & Grandma Grandma together. She will be greatly missed. She was an incredibly beautiful woman!

Maggie met her new cousin, Eloisa, who she just adored! Maggie jumped at any opportunity to feed Ellie a bottle. This was high on Maggie's list of things to do. She just loves to mother her dolls, to 'sleep' them, to feed them, to dress them...so to have a real live little baby - HEAVEN!!!

Sweet, sweet Ellie at 3 months.

Catching a moment with Grandpa. Maggie & Grandpa Leu have a really sweet relationship. She just adores her Grandpa and jumps at any opportunity for adventure with him. Whether that be a drive around town to run an errand or a visit to his studio for coloring...they just love their moments together. It's really sweet.

Maggie had a sleepover at Zoe & Phoebe's house while we were there (which she always looks forward to). The report back the following morning: popcorn & ice cream in the hot tub & asleep at 1am...and slept in until 11am. Now that's a sleepover!!!

A Soggy Easter

2010-04-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

We woke up to big fluffy clouds waiting to let loose on our day - but before they unleashed we embraced the grey & headed out to the big annual Easter Festival down on Union Street.

A note from the Easter Bunny...

What the Easter Bunny left.

You make my heart happy.

2010-03-21T14:55:00.001-07:00

I have found that I thrive on Maggie's jazzed up energy when she gets all excited about doing something social. Just the other day she was begging to not go to school, so on a whim we decided to keep her with us for the day....we were headed to Napa and knew she would be psyched to tag along. Ahhhh, psyched might be putting it a bit lightly. She was ecstatic! And an angel all day. She honestly LOVES to go on adventures and is always thrilled when she has a buddy.

So naturally play dates are becoming the norm around here. Her buddy from school came over last weekend, Leila. They were glued at the hips the entire time and were finishing each other's sentences. When Leila left, Maggie cried for 20 minutes over already missing her & wanting another play date.

So we quickly followed it up with some time with our new neighbor, Astrid. Instant friends!

She is my sunshine. She has this way of warming my heart every time she sneaks up on me & gives me a gentle kiss and says 'I love you mommy.' It's always unexpected, and it always brings me such peace.

A Family Vacation in Tahoe

2010-02-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

From the minute we told Maggie we were headed to Tahoe for a 10 day family vacation she just couldn't contain her excitement. She told EVERYONE at school she was going, and usually it got back to me in the form of, 'Maggie said she is going to Tahoe for 9 weeks!' If she had any true concept of time, I know she WISHED it were that long.

SO SO SO many highlights on our fantastically dreamy vacation! But mostly all centered around the kids and their pure excitement for all our adventures. My highlight was taking Maggie skiing for the first time. We started her in a day of ski school, and then decided to just go for it by taking her up onto the mountain.

Maggie in ski school.

All harnessed up - she was BRAVE. FAST. and LOVING every minute of it!

Sitting at lunch with Maggie that first day of skiing, she turned to me and said, "Mommy, this is the BEST day I have EVER had!" I got so teary when she said that, cuz there was something in that moment that felt so grown up and so entirely pure and so entirely honest to her core. I have relived that moment many times, it's a cherished favorite.

A classic Maggie moment.

Ice skating...

Logan was up there too the same week and we had some great adventures together, including giving treats to the zambonie driver, drinks by the fire, and GON-GOLA rides!

Nicky joined us for a few days, and of course we indulged in s'mores...

maybe too much???

Oh Tahoe...you are something very special to us! We can't wait to visit you again soon.

Just me being me.

2010-01-14T15:18:00.000-08:00

Every morning, on some level, a hair-brushing-battle occurs in our house. Maggie just HATES to have her hair brushed - sensitive, sensitive, sensitive! So one recent morning I tried to put some humor in it...

Maggie has always had a thing for 'sleeping' her buddies. She goes through this entire ritual of reading to them, feeding them (and if in need of buying more stay up time) they get their teeth brushed. I came home late from work to find her and ALL her buddies all snuggled up in our bed. CLASSIC Maggie!!!

A sudden declaration of 'I EAT & LOVE SALAD!' I am not sure I know that Maggie but certainly hope we forge a good friendship.

Feeding the birds at Chrissy Field.

Happy New Year - 2010

2010-01-01T08:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Mz. Maggie!!! May it be full of happiness, loads of laughter with Charlie, lots of pretend play, hot chocolates & yummy special treats, KINDERGARTEN, bike riding, city adventures, birthday parties...and all those things that make childhood a happy, beautiful and wonderful place to be!!! So. Much. Love. for you my little Margarita.

Nicky hung out with the kids on New Years Eve while we stepped out to the Fishers for a special dinner!!!

The Nail Polish Debacle

2009-12-28T09:17:00.000-08:00

I got a phone call while I was at work from Joel that went something like....

Joel: 'You might want to bring some nail polish removed home.'

Liz: 'Why?'

Joel: Long pause. 'Ahhh. Maggie kinda painted Charlie's face with nail polish.'

Liz: 'Just take him down to the ladies at the corner' (our Mani Pedi spot where they know us)

Joel: Another long pause. 'You might want to just bring some home.'

I didn't believe it until I saw it. I figured it was just a few paint strokes here and there. Nope. Maggie had crawled into Charlies crib while he was sleeping and painted his face. His WHOLE face. Every single color of the rainbow in her nail polish set. And the BEST part - she painted a pink stripe in his hair so that he could be just like her. I thought the whole thing was HILARIOUS.

So priceless.

A whole lotta lovin.

2009-11-19T11:09:00.000-08:00

I HEART this photo!!! Maggie came with me to work at the stores, and of course we had to break for hot chocolate. And there is NO BETTER place than Blue Bottle for hot chocolate. BEST in the city. And for so many reasons I just adore this photo, and frequently look at it with wonderful pause.

Maggie's 1st Sleepover

2009-11-09T14:00:00.001-08:00

Maggie had her FIRST sleep over with her bestest best friend, Mia from school. They had been talking about this sleeping over for well over a year. 'When can I have a sleep over with Mia?' She was a little on the young side, but Maggie is a social butterfly who was definitely ready for the adventure. So at just over 4 years old, Mz. Maggie had her first ever sleep over.

a Mermaid Halloween

2009-11-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

About a month ago we started talking about what Maggie wanted to be for Halloween. Instantly she answered MERMAID. What I love is that she never strayed from her decision. That was that, a mermaid. It is so Maggie to know what she wants and to stick with her decision and with dead on determination.

We went to Alex's house for their big annual Halloween party, and from there ventured out for trick-or-treating. Always a riot to watch the kids go from zero to 100 on the sugar high.

The Crayonbox School Parade & Party.

It's just me being me...

2009-10-20T11:46:00.001-07:00

Re-dying her hair on a Friday nite while eatting an artichoke...her FAVORITE! I had to give the pink one more run.

Lovin' her brother.

A Maggie classic drawing these days...especially with the name backwards.

Getting into the Halloween spirit...

Happy 4th Birthday Maggie Leu!!

2009-09-18T11:23:00.001-07:00

Oh, it was well celebrated!!!

That morning Joel & I ventured over to the Crayonbox where we served up homemade blueberry pancakes for her entire class. Maggie was smiling ear-to-ear during the entire breakfast, either because she had her Mommy & Daddy there (I would like to think), or it was because everyone got to share in her love for SYRUP & WHIPPED CREAM on pancakes.

I picked her up from school later that day & we had afternoon tea at Lovejoy's tearoom just down the street. She insanely just loves having tea. From setting up the table to putting ALL the sugar & milk in the tea - it's just something she is way into right now. And I find she truely relaxes during our tea moments.

So we ran with the tea theme & had 11 little friends over for a birthday TEA PARTY!

THE cake. We talked a lot about what Maggie wanted on her cake all the days leading up to her birthday. And she wanted about a hundred different things ranging from a princess to a cat to her family...and when told it wouldn't all fit, her reply was 'just make it all really tiny mommy.' So as to not squash her expectations I had her draw out what she wanted on her cake and that's EXACTLY what I put on it. A Maggie Leu creation....

My nutty Maggie...

2009-09-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

Maggie turned to her Nana the other day and said, 'Nana, you have big cracks in your face.' I held my breathe but was glad to find that everyone in the room found the humor in it...whew.

Yep, that's permanent!

2009-08-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

I recently had this sudden urge to embellish and celebrate all things GIRLY in my world. It's this rush of energy to embrace Maggie in a way that celebrates her as a girl & as her own individual, me as a mother...and dive into doing things together - as GIRLS!!!

So what better thing to do than DYE HER HAIR PINK!!!!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! And so does she.

Riding PEE WEE the pony - note she is wearing her Daddy's green tie. Awwhhhh. Look at that PINK hair. LOVE IT!!!

Charleston 2009

2009-08-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

In asking Maggie what her favorite memories were of the beach this year, she replied:

- Ghost crabbing!!! We go out with flashlights after dark & catch (and then release) these little crabs.

- Swimming in the ocean & playing at the beach.

All the cousins: Claire (8), Frederick (12), Olivia (10), Grace (6), Maggie (3), Charlie (1), Liam (5), and Haven (2).

A few Maggie sound bites over the last few weeks:
- We were at the Charleston aquarium & they had this skunk...which she pronounces 'SNUCK.'
- I was explaining to Maggie that in order for her to get her green ribbon at swim class, she needs to swim 6 feet on her own. After a pause she said 'but Mommy, I only have 2 feet' (as she looked at her feet in total sadness).

One of my favorite things about Maggie right now is all her facial expressions. She has this way of communicating with all these different looks. They get me every time too. :)

42" Tall

2009-06-28T16:11:00.001-07:00

Joel & Maggie's adventure to Six Flags...

Entering the park:

Riding the roller coaster:

The tea cup ride:

The carousel of course:

Playing games:

Hello Kitty Tattoo:

And feeding Lucy:

Camp Mather 09

2009-06-15T21:09:00.001-07:00

An EPIC week at Camp Mather. Maggie was IN her element. Running around (shoe-less most the time!), and just loving her freedom. And I had an amazing time with all the kids & my good friends. It's rare to get that unplugged, wholesome bonding with everyone where all that is around you is what's in front of you. A week I don't think any of us will forget.

Riding Tweetie the Donkey.

Making her first Tye-Die T-shirt.

Wheeling around with Alex, Lola & Vivi

Getting the Wiggles out with Eddie & Mariza.

Playing on stage.

Girlz Weekend

2009-06-01T17:27:00.001-07:00

Maggie and I just spent a weekend in Minneapolis visiting Aunt Red - she turned 40!!! Aunt Peach and Nana flew in to celebrate. It was a much needed escape & break from our crazy, ever hectic city life.

A few small reminders that Maggie is being raised in a city:
- thinking the water tower looked like a giant sucker in the sky
- commenting that cousin Claire & Grace have their own park (their backyard)
- and completely mesmerized by the blue's clue sprinkler that all the kids were running through.
- running out the back door so she can run to the front
- the ICE CREAM truck!!

We loved ever minute from jumping on the trampoline, playing princess dress up, swimming, a peaceful moment with a fire & s'mores...

The house I grew up in - 4513 Woodale Ave in Edina.

Maggie got a ROOMMATE!

2009-05-26T15:18:00.000-07:00

I have always said, 'Maggie LOVES to love and LOVES to be loved.' She is a social butterfly. Always wanting to know who is coming over or who are we going to visit. And certainly always the last to go to bed at night because she doesn't want to miss out on a minute of fun. Definitely gets it from BOTH of us.

For the past 5 months (ever since our trip to Tahoe over New Years) Maggie has been sleeping in our bed. We have both loved snuggling with her & waking to her smiling, charming self. But - it was time to make the move back to her OWN sleeping quarters. A few failed attempts later, she got a roommate. And from the sounds of their glee and giggling this morning, I think it's going to be wonderful for BOTH of them.

Taken at Golden Gate Park by Stephan last weekend (Mariza, Vivi & Maggie)...

I KNOW you hear me.

2009-05-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

I am certain it's the age, right. And that she'll grow out of it... LISTENING. I know she hears me but she silently looks right through me and ignores the rules crashing down around her. And ya know what, I SO GET THAT! Dare I say it comes from me. I'm a bit free spirited, and so is Mz Maggie. And god love her for it, cuz as much as I have my parental challenges around it, it's a good personality trait that will do her quiet well.

I asked her today why she doesn't like to listen to me, and she said 'because I don't like rules.' Yep. That's my Maggie!

A few photos during Bay-to-Breakers this past weekend...

A fleeting moment.

2009-05-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

This morning I found myself looking at Maggie and thinking...ok, time to cut that hair. It's constantly in her face and entirely too gnarly from all the food it finds itself visiting through out the day. She just HATES to have it brushed. It's a constant negotiation. And as we all know, you only have so many negotiations a day.

So, why not chop it off today? Maggie was game, and I was in the mood to be somewhat spontaneous. Strolled on up to SUPERCUTS, 1 hair cut please! 20 bucks and whala...

I have to say, I think you do kinda get what you pay for...the hair stylist was a bit more liberal on how much she took off vs. what I had intended. But hey, it's summer & it will grow.

I think she looks older now, and perhaps I already knew that but was looking for a bit more validation.

BEFORE

AFTER

Charlie turns 1

2009-04-29T13:18:00.000-07:00

I took Maggie to swim class today & the whole car ride back we talked about the day Charlie was born. She said, 'Mommy, tell me a story about when Charlie came out of your bellie.' So I did. And I gave her a picture from my wallet taken of Maggie the day she met him in the hospital. Very proudly she kept that picture tucked in her fist & showed it off to all her teachers and friends at school. Maggie has ALWAYS been so completely and fully accepting of her brother. She welcomed him with open arms and has never turned away from him with jealousy or anger. She has been nothing but loving towards him. They are both so lucky to have each other, and secretly I might be the luckiest! ;)

Easter Goodness

2009-04-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

Maggie, Joel & I lunched on Easter weekend at the yummiest tea spot in San Francisco - Samavor. Maggie sipped on her princess tea and enjoyed opening a fun package from Grandma & Grandpa Leu. Grandma Leu made the kids these amazing Easter bunny baskets...and of course Maggie indulged her imagination a bit & wore it as a hat at our GRAND tea party!

An Easter egg hunt in our backyard.

The Easter bunny brought her a flower necklace, a BIRD shaped cookie from Miette, stickers, and a doll that she had been dreaming of for days!

Maggie & I had a moment after dinner of taking pictures of each other & it got really funny...

Me & the Cupcake

2009-03-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

Just a Sunday afternoon heading out the door & out comes Maggie all dressed up in some sort of super hero look. Her costume was comprised of pink cowboy boots, Cinderella princess dress, super hero cape, bike helmet & a spatula. All day it was my constant reminder to just be in the moment of her PURE kidness.

We picked up cupcakes from NOE VALLEY BAKERY (mmmmmm) later in the day. Maggie has this habit to eat ONLY the frosting. Luckily this one had custard in the middle too so it involved a bit of digging.

A weekend with friends

2009-03-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

Brunch at the Mak's house in Mill Valley on Sunday morning:

Xander Mak at a year and a half.

Checking out the creek behind their house with David & Xander. Ewwww. Worms!!!

Family Nite at the Fisher's House on Sunday night:

Lots of princess dresses!!!

Purple Bubblegum

2009-03-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

I was just in New York on a quick buying trip, and before I left I asked Maggie what she wanted me to bring back for her...and she said 'purple bubblegum.' When I got back today, it was the first thing she asked for - dang she has a memory like an elephant! But the best part is when I surprised her with ANOTHER princess dress. She was just tickled purple over the whole thing!!!!

A few pictures from playing at Dolores Park with Nini while I was in NY....

Banilla & Buttersnotch

2009-02-16T18:55:00.000-08:00

Maggie had a playdate with Carly, and I think we all had our share of fun! It's exciting to have Maggie at an age where she can have a friend over without their parent's supervision. She was in HEAVEN just having a buddy to pal around with. Next step...SLEEPOVERS!!!!

We took them to the IMAX theater for a 3-D movie.

Then to Mel's Diner for grilled cheese & 'banilla' & 'buttersnotch' milkshakes!

And then finished off with a carousel ride or two.

Mirror Mirror on the wall...

2009-01-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

Whose the greatest of them all....

Nicky got Maggie a little princess mirror to decorate for the holidays & they worked on it this past weekend.

Always good times when Nini is hanging out!!!

Alas...Maggie sleeps IN!!!!

2009-01-11T19:02:00.000-08:00

3+ years later and FINALLY....the little lady sleeps in. I thought it would take til she was 16. It's a MIRACLE. Can you see me doing the happy dance??!!! :)

All her 'guys' lined up for dinner.

New Year's 2009 in Tahoe

2009-01-02T09:55:00.001-08:00

We joined the Zeches family for a week of PURE play in Tahoe. Joel had to work the entire week, so I escaped with the kids & he joined for the last few days. SO many wonderful adventures: hot chocolate & smores by the fire, sledding for the first time, riding the gondola, minor's camp with lola, vivi & lucy, lots of snuggles with baby Charlie....and for me, a golden week full of just time with my two children!!!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T12:21:00.001-08:00

First time seeing the Nutcracker. I LOVED it and so did Joel, maybe next year Maggie will appreciate it more. I think she was a bit freaked out on the mice and fell asleep during the 2nd half...but overall it was a big hit!

Lunch at Citizen Cake before the show...

Cocktails with Alex & Lola during intermission

My parents came out to visit for Christmas. A few photos from Christmas morning.

Maggie in her new cheerleading outfit from Aunt Red. She is drawing the Abominal Snowman, who is pregnant & has little pom poms all around him.

Papa Charles reading the Onion.

Opening presents.

The naked exit...

2008-12-17T07:01:00.000-08:00

Maggie, Charlie & I had dinner with Charley, Lola & Vivi the other nite...and after dinner we tossed all the girls in the tub together.

Maggie hit her daily capacity as she exited the tub and INSISTED she not wear any pj's home. She wanted to go naked. So I let her. I laughed the whole way home as she walked out the front door in just shoes (bless the neighbors who might have seen her!), as she struggled with the cold car seat buckles on her naked-ness, and as she scurried into the house. It was a COLD nite...and Maggie is a TWIG, not much meat on them bones to keep her insulated.

Charlie & I while Maggie was in the tub.

C is for Cooooookie

2008-12-15T13:57:00.000-08:00

We hosted our 3rd annual holiday cookie party at our house yesterday. So much fun!!! and Miss Maggie...oh she had many highlights!!! My favorite was the ONE cookie she decorated with sincerely almost ALL the decorations piled on top of it. She happily ate it too, and even crawled under the table with a few of her buddies to polish off more.

Annie & Mariza Lopez

Morrissey Family: Pat, Dillion, Merrin, & Lexi

Gussy Timken, Maggie & Reese Wellbeloved

Chris, Morgan & Edward Katzin

A much needed chill out time for all after all the sugar! Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer...

A few other holiday photos. Decorating the tree with Maggie.

At the Velveteen Rabbit with Mariza. Mariza is so light & tiny that the chair kept folding up on her.

Maggie's advent calendar.

Have a Nice Good Day!

2008-12-10T12:24:00.001-08:00

I picked Maggie up from school yesterday & she was so sad. She said someone called her a 'monster.' She just looked so hurt by it. What I gather is that they were playing around & chasing, and it was her turn to be the monster. BUT, what went through my head was a gazillion thoughts. How do I protect my daughter from mean comments people will say to her in her life? How do I teach her to be confident, independent, strong? How can I hold her tight & never let her go in fear someone might hurt her inner self??? How? How? How????

Granted, it's preschool we are talking about. BUT, it's the beginning of the end of innocence. It just gets so complex from here on out. All I want to do is hand her the tools and resources to ease the difficulty of some of it. And I certainly plan to, and I suppose I have been all along. Yet, it just seems more real now cuz she isn't a baby anymore.

I didn't think I could love her more today than yesterday. But I do. And I know I will love her even more tomorrow. Now that is BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Maggie loves to say 'Have a nice good day!'

Lily Pad.

2008-12-03T14:33:00.001-08:00

Ok. I have to...I just have to.

Maggie was getting in the tub last nite and I noticed a little piece of toilet paper in her itsy bitsy tiny pink undies. Puzzled, I asked 'Hey Mags, what up with the toilet paper in there?' Very reassuring she answered, 'That's my lily pad Mommy.'

It took me a few seconds to realize she had made herself her very own maxi pad...and the only association with the word pad in her world is 'lily pad'

So. Damn. Funny! It still brings me to tears.

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-27T15:15:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving with the Potischman family again this year. And, as tradition begins to emerge...the BOUNCEY CASTLE lives on!

I attempted to make a Bannana Cream Pie this year. It's my FAVORITE dessert, but I am not clear as to why I THINK I can make one. I am a bit of a disaster at times in the kitchen. But a girl can want, right? Anyhow. I failed at it so Joel took over and made it with such ease. After all was made & settled, he comments "Making a pie is a lot like making hormone cream." Ah, yes - that's what I was gonna say!

Lots to be thankful for this year!

Maggie Sound Bite: Your Royal Majesty, comes out 'Your Royal Magic Sleeves'

Just a good weekend...

2008-11-24T19:44:00.001-08:00

Sharing Maggie's blog with Daddy...

Insisting that Jasper likes and must eat Mac n' Cheese too!

First OFFICIAL hair cut

Always pure love for a cupcake!

PRICELESS, right! Passed out on our way home from a last minute trip down Highway 1 to Santa Cruz.

Family Photos

2008-11-14T19:19:00.000-08:00

We just had some family photos taken for the first time up at the top of Dolores Park.

Maggie Sound Bit: Joel walks in the house in his navy blue down vest (the one I am pretty certain he wears EVERY DAY!!!)...and after gazing at him for a few seconds she says 'Daddy, why do you have a life jacket on??'

So of course I had to find a picture of him in it...which wasn't all that tough seeing he LOVES that jacket. This is Joel with Great Grandma Evelyn Leu (97 years old!!!) and little Charlie at 4 months.

Barack Obama for President

2008-11-04T21:38:00.000-08:00

Maggie & I started our day snuggled in her bed waiting for the sun to rise, listening to our neighbor ready his garage for the neighborhood's voting poll site. We watched as the line grew as people began to wait for the voting polls to open. Maggie ventured down with her Daddy to wait in line, but grew too cold so ran back upstairs with me. With her window to her bedroom looking out on the growing line, Maggie suddenly started to entertain. ALL ON HER OWN, she grabbed her 'Maggie' canvas painting & put it in the window. Everyone in line, including her Daddy, were so struck by this that they began to chant 'Maggie for president!' So funny!!!

This evening, as it was becoming more and more apparent that Obama was going to win I turned to Maggie & said ...
Mommy - 'Maggie, I think we have a new President!'
Maggie - 'Coooool, can I open it?'
Mommy - 'No, President NOT present - goof nut!' (
Maggie - 'Oh.' (and then she TOTALLY tooted) 'Ooops, was that a duck?'
Mommy - 'Sure sounded like one!'
Maggie - 'It was MY DUCK!'

She never ceases to entertain....

But seriously, a day in the making of MAJOR history for us! The first African American President. A day I will never forget sharing with Maggie.

Switch Witch Gone Bad...

2008-11-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

So I heard awhile ago about someone having the 'Switch Witch' visit their house on the nite of Halloween where the child picks out 10 pieces of candy & leaves the rest at their door for the 'Switch Witch' to take, in return she will leave a present. I figured, why not...I am so gonna try it. Get that candy, a.k.a. sugar HIGH & LOW, out asap. Right??!

Well, it didn't go too well. In fact, it back fired something fierce!!!

When we got home Maggie immediately started to covet her big ole bucket of trick or treat goodies, and started to ask about the 'Switch Witch.' She got really concerned that a WITCH was going to visit her while she was sleeping, and take her prized possessions from the evening. Repeatedley she ask if the 'Switch Witch' was going to come & that she was 'scaredy' of her. Seeing the whole thing go south I told her she wasn't coming anymore because Maggie didn't want her too. Over, and over, and over, and over....just obsessed with the idea that she MIGHT still come. It was pretty hillarious. She even woke up 3 times in the middle of the nite crying out 'No Switch Witch!'

Yeah. We won't be going there again...

Maggie Sound Bite: We painted our house recently & during the process we would go out in the morning & see how it was coming along and inevitably say 'it's looking good!' Well, now Maggie likes to say 'looking good house!!!' when we are driving. She will see a house she likes & blurt it out. So funny.

My little butterfly!

2008-10-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

We ventured down to the Noe Valley Harvest Fest this past weekend, and Maggie got her face painted for the first time!

What's a festival without an Elmo balloon??!

Charlie had a blast too.

Change of season

2008-10-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

The leaves are changing color, Halloween is sneeking up with the Thanksgiving close behind & suddenly I am noticing a new set of changes with Maggie. She is growing up, yet again! Maggie's newest chat is talking about the past in a make believe sort of way, and then laughing about it. She'll start a story with, 'when I use to be a Daddy....' and then at the end of her story just give out a few laughs. Or sometimes she will toss herself into the future with 'When I am a baby I am gonna do that soon.'

A few Maggie sound bites:

We were grocery shopping this morning & Maggie saw a big helium black bat balloon & said, 'Hey Mommy, it's a black butterfly!'

Daddy: 'Hey, what am I, chop liver?'
Maggie: after a long pause...'Yeah, Daddy, you are.'

Getting out of the car she saw a big green bush and said 'Hey, that's a horsey snack!'

And Maggie had an overnite with Nini (while Mom & Dad went on a sailing trip in the Bay!!!)

Happy 3rd Birthday Maggie Leu!

2008-09-27T08:34:00.001-07:00

We took a family trip to visit the Leu crew in Fond du Lac, and of course to celebrate Maggie's 3rd birthday. I don't think we left much undone...

Laughing with Grandpa Leu while taking a break from my treasured bouncey castle!!!

Loving my birthday cake

Styling in my new tutu that Grandma Leu made me for my birthday

Hanging with Great Grandma Leu who is 97 years old!

Family dinners

Bonfires and smores in the backyard at nite with family

Feeding the goats at a near by farm

Watering the tomato plants with Aunt Angie

Golfing with Grandpa Leu

Riding around in the electric BARBIE Jeep with Grandpa

Grandma Leu gives Maggie her 2nd haircut, with the help of Grandpa!

Holding hands with Avi while watching a movie

Whew...a busy but wonderful week in Fond du Lac!!!

End of Summer...

2008-09-02T15:15:00.001-07:00

This summer flew by...and of course we ended with a few grand adventures!

Her first year of preschool came to an end - teachers Monica, Nena & Eveyln

A bubble fight up in Tahoe with Lola

A moment with Daddy

Sailing with Lola

She finally found the courage to get on the Jumper at North Star in Tahoe

Maggie's FIRST BIKE with training wheels, her 3rd birthday present from Mom & Dad

A few good sound bites:

A typical comment from Maggie when she wants juice or is hungry...'I don't feeling gooding' - Yeah, I see through that one Missy!!!

The most asked question these days, 'are we going to walk or drive?' And she doesn't care which way we go but she just wants to know!

And Mac and Cheese is pronounced 'Macin n Cheese' - I dread the day she corrects herself!!!!

I do it...

2008-08-15T21:46:00.001-07:00

Everything is 'I do it!' Man-o-man, Mz Maggie sure got my need for independence! More and more I see me coming out in her personality. All good of course. ;)

In the last week or so, the 'I do it' mentality has launched into this 'help yourself' mode. It started with the remote. She mastered how to turn the TV on, and then coupled that with pausing her 'show' using Tivo so that she could go HELP HERSELF to a juice box in the refrigerator. Then she began getting her own snacks. She hops up on the counter & rummages through the cupboards to find what she deems as 'needed' at that moment. I think the icing on the cake was today when I found her in the medicine cabinet applying vaseline on her lips (and certainly not in modesty) and globbing on my coveted face lotion all over her cheeks. Oh, wait, I take that back...the REAL icing was when she brought me the asprin bottle & asked if she could have some!!!

Soooo.

The TV is now 'broken' (UNPLUGGED)
Juiceboxes are stocked ONE AT A TIME in the refrigerator,
and the medicine cabinet is empty. :)

A picture is worth a 1000 words, right??!

Listen to your body...

2008-08-04T19:44:00.001-07:00

Maggie burped

...and then said "Hey Mommy, that's my body talking about me.'

I think she got it from us telling her to listen to her body (during potty training)!!!

So perfectly THREE!!!

...enjoying a special treat from the ice cream cart outside the Conservatory of Flowers in GGP after several tries on her bike!

Where's My Monkey?

2008-08-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

One day, not all that long ago, Maggie started to call Joel 'her Monkey.' She would say things like 'where's my monkey, Mommy?' or 'run...run...the Monkey is coming' (especially when Joel was disciplining!!!). I CRACK up when she does it - but had to hide how hysterical I thought it was until Joel finally found the humor in it. It's not all the time...but when she says it - it's wicked fun to laugh about. We think she got it from the show Diego & the Hobo monkeys. Who knows, but damn if it isn't funny EVERYTIME she says it.

On the top of the mountains at Northstar.

Puppet show with Monkey.

'Monkeying around' in the pool at Tahoe.

A Monkey moment at the beach.

Isle of Palms, 2008

2008-07-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

We just returned from our annual Crowell reunion at IOP, and this year was really Maggie's first big week interacting with her cousins. She was non-stop all week long trying to keep up with all of them; chasing the birds on the beach, building sand castles, playing a part in the circus & puppet show, trips to the ice cream stand, swimming in the ocean & riding the boogie board, swinging on the hammock, riding 'blue air-pains' to get there, playing with croc-o-dial in the water...she was literally non-stop! She had a blast, and I am certain she is excited to return next year for lots more fun.

On our plane ride home yesterday I asked her what her favorite part of the weekend was, and she replied 'catching the crabs with my cousins, but it didn't pinch me Mommy...we don't pinch or hit or bite, but crabs pinch...he pinched Uncle Dave.'

And then when we woke up this morning I asked her to tell me 'another favorite part,' and she replied 'My favorite part was Bibies (Olivia) and her polka-dot swimsuit.'

We took Maggie to her FIRST movie...An American Girl

and then to her 2nd...Wall-E (where she fell asleep 1/2 through it)

I think if you were to ask Maggie what her movie highlight was, it would be the popcorn & mini M&Ms!

The entire Crowell clan

Catching crabs with Uncle Dave (a HUGE highlight!!!)

4th of July in Tahoe

2008-07-09T22:02:00.000-07:00

We spent the 4th of July weekend up in Tahoe with the Katzin's and it was all sorts of F-U-N...especially for Maggie. She roller skated for the first time - and lemme tell you, watching those little stick legs try to balance on heavy skates was PRICELESS. She even looked the part with her headband & mini skirt!

We rode the 'gone-go-la' to the top of the mountain for a picnic where we hung in the sky swinging on the biggest swing of her life, aka the gondola...

I think one of my most favorite moments was after a long disappearance & spell of silence from Maggie she emerged (after being all cleaned up in the tub) with what seemed to be the entire tube of sunscreen LATHERED all over her face. She walked out all serious and I took one loooooong silent look at her, and she then responded, 'I'm sorry mommy.'

Oh, and let me not forget to mention that Joel taught her how to play her first video game - Katamari. The best, and most laughable moment from me, was when the 2 of them were found bickering over whose turn it was to play!

And as the crow flies, we are 2 for 2 on vacations this year with Maggie getting sick. She woke in the middle of the last nite there throwing up. She caught some stomach bug & couldn't make it to her brother's baptism. Lets cross our fingers for our beach trip coming up....

And I cannot not tag in with a CLASSIC Maggie comment! Charlie was getting a little naked time, and Maggie came across him laying there and kinda stopped in her tracks...looked at him for a minute & then said 'hey, look. he has a bunny.' :)

Maggie's Puppet show with Daddy

Wearing Daddy's glasses

Aunt Chris just a few weeks from having her baby!!!

Maggie Sound Bites

2008-06-04T16:39:00.000-07:00

This morning I was walking out the door loaded up with Charlie in the car seat, diaper bag, Maggie's nap mat, etc. It was all getting pretty heavy & Maggie was moving slower than molasses so I nudged her to pick up the pace. Maggie stops dead in her tracks, turns around slowly & looks at me with this look of sass & says 'Don't push me mom!'

OH BROTHER....

Other little sound bites:

Lip balm is 'whip bum' - and she is always in search of her whip bum.

Whenever we are around a few other people her new thing is to say 'come-on-guys' and she waves her arm to suggest you follow her.

Ask her where 'it' is (it being whatever it is you are looking for at the moment) and she will reply 'somewhere.'

The Naughties...

2008-05-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

It isn't always lollipops & ponies with Ms. Maggie, and while I like to blog about all the positive...I must admit, there are a few things I think dear Maggie should be reminded of when she is a bit older. And may I smile later in the memory of her intelligence of how she pushed the envelope.

Timeouts.
When Maggie is given a timeout, she will look at you & just start to pee while holding a big, fat grin. We quickly learned that giving her a timeout meant she would purposely have an accident so we moved the timeout to the bathroom. But then she started to splash & jump in it like a big puddle. And soon you would hear her playing in the sink & having a blast. We stopped doing timeouts.

Going To Bed.
Maggie has always fought going to bed. I think she just simply would rather be in the action than asleep. So when bedtime rolls around Maggie starts in on her manipulation - and damn she is good. She gets me every nite. 'I have to pee, I'm hungry, I wanna read another story, I need a hug, I wanna snuggle with you Mommy, I miss you so much, I have to poop...' The tough thing is that it always ends in tears and frustration with all of us. BIG sigh.

I am more the 'lets talk about it' where Joel is the strict enforcer. Lets just say she is going to bed these days a little more on time & without much of a push back...

Hangin With My Baby

2008-05-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

Maggie refers to her baby brother as 'my baby.' She was a big help this morning with her 'baby'...

Waking up together...

Feeding Charlie...

Why?

2008-05-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

It happened - Maggie asked her first WHY question today!!!

Joel: Maggie, we're gonna go home & make cheese burgers.

Maggie: Cheese? on a burger? WHY?

Joel: Cuz it tastes good!

How cool is that? I swear, ever since her little brother has arrived, Maggie has suddenly blossomed into this older toddler self. I LOVE it!!! And now WHY...here come the open ended questions & those off the beaten path questions that kinda catch you off guard. I cannot wait for more. :)

Maggie Meets Her Little Brother

2008-05-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

Maggie came to the hospital to meet her little brother Charlie for the first time, and I couldn't be more proud of her! She was a bit wide-eyed at first, but the minute we brought her into the nursery & told her to pick out her brother (the one with the gift - of course!)...she was smitten. All those practice runs with diaper changing finally put to the test. She was grinning from ear-to-ear as she left with a handful of hospital blankets, diapers & hats for all her baby dolls awaiting her at home.

And since we have been home, together as a family of FOUR - Maggie has been nothing but the best big sister! She is doing well with her role and pointing out all the new things to her brother. 'Charlie - look, look. An airplane!'

I think she just made her first best friend!!!!

Birthday Parties

2008-04-24T15:18:00.001-07:00

Merrin's Birthday Party

Eli's Birthday Party

Lola's Birthday Party

Sound Bites

2008-04-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

There are these moments that just stop me in my tracks & make me delight in all of my present being & my pure Maggie glory - here are a few recent sound bites...

excuse me - 'kooz me'

family - fren-a-me

Out of no where....'mommy, lets play catch at the park - good idea huh.'

We got in the car today & I asked Maggie if she wanted to hear her favorite song 'peanut butter & jam' by Charity - ALWAYS adds a smile to her day. She answers, 'no mommy - I want daddy's music.'

Daddy: What's the Magic Word Maggie?
Maggie: Abra-ca-dabra

Ocean Beach w/Daddy on a Sunday drive.

Maggie's FIRST hot chocolate, at the Farmers Market - Blue Bottle no less!

Captain Outrageous

2008-03-24T08:52:00.001-07:00

Have you met Captain Outrageous yet? She just showed up in all her glory this past weekend at Golden Gate Park. Her super power = FLYING!!! around and around and around. Aparently she has been known to sleep in her cape...and why shouldn't she!

And at times we find her with a bit of flower power - as seen here with her good buddy Eli...

De-caped, we headed to the Union Street Easter Festival...and lets just say I was in HEAVEN to be able to share this event with Maggie. It reminded me of the MN State Fair growing up with all the rides, SUGARY treats, and constant excitement on all that there was to do...

Coffee (caffeine) pit stop for Mom before heading into the sea of carnival-ness!

The Easter Bunnies with their ENORMOUS bucket of chocolate candy...

Maggie's first ever true carnival ride with her friend Gussy...

Coming out of the catepilar bouncey castle...

Maggie's first ever REAL pony ride!!!

Down Right HYSTERICAL

2008-03-15T07:50:00.002-07:00

This left me curled up on the floor just crying with laughter. Seriously. So we were at Fiddlesticks merchandising with Nini (Maggie was merchandising the doll house of course), when all of a sudden I catch Maggie pulling down her skirt & undies and squating on the doll house toilet!!!! Mind you, that toilet is about 2 inches big. She flipped the lid up & just decided to try it herself. It was a moment that I SO wish was on video....it was sincerely priceless.

And the photo seems appropriate, and honestly not staged. Maggie just rounded the corner with her undies on her head giggling. It cracked me up.

Dinner Date with Maggie's Neighbors

2008-02-25T21:21:00.000-08:00

Maggie's MOST favorite neighborhood girlfriends - sharing a brownie together with Gussy & Riley.

and the beginning of what I imagine will be her dress up stage - introducing Chef Ladybug Maggie!

Kauai Vacation

2008-02-24T10:55:00.000-08:00

We ventured over to Kauai with Maggie in celebration of our last vacation together as a family of 3. We stayed in a condo at the Kiahuna Plantation in Poipu, Kauai...and beyond all of us having some sort of illness, it was a relaxing time together!

Building a sandcastle with Mommy

Hangin' around with Daddy before dinner at Tidepools

Modeling Daddy's Sun-gasses...

'The sun melted into the ocean...'

'Froggles'

Snuggling with Mono & Maggie's new doll - Keiki

Visit to Nana & Papa's House

2008-02-07T07:42:00.000-08:00

Maggie & I took a last minute - get out of the yuckie rain & chillie San Francisco weather trip & go see Nana & Papa....we had a BLAST! I didn't realize how much I needed away time with my Maggie. I get so caught up in the daily chores at home, work & life in my general routine that it is tough to back out of it & just be. So we 'just be'ed' at Nana & Papa's house - and it was everything and more for us!

The beach with Nana & Papa, lunch at the Ritz 'Gumbo Limbo', Royal Scoop Ice Cream Cone...

Nightly hot tubs under the stars, golf cart rides with Papa, seeing a turtle & rabbit on the golf course, lunch at the lighthouse...

Getting new shoes with Nana, morning stretches with Papa, constant companionship with 'Olive', making orange cookies with Nana, the zoo...we shall return again soon!

Telling Time

2008-01-14T14:11:00.000-08:00

All 3 of us were snug in bed, slowly waking up this morning when I asked 'what time is it?' Of course I was thinking Joel would answer...but then Maggie piped in & said '18 20 clock.' I had no idea she even knew time, or what it was, or how to answer a question like that. Well, I guess I better get on teaching her that one....

A few pictures from our pizza dinner with Chris ('kiss') & Eddy the other nite:

and her first introduction to the Simpsons....

New Hobby: Photography

2008-01-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

One small glimpse of the camera these days & it's attack of the mega picture taker Maggie!!! Check out her recent work of art:

And a recent melt my heart moment...I was brushing my teeth with Maggie & when she leaned over the sink to spit she grabbed her hair & pulled it back, just like Mommy!!! ADORABLE.

Oh, and to add - verdict is RIGHT HANDED!

Gamma & Gampa Visit

2008-01-05T10:13:00.001-08:00

riding gampa...

eatting with gamma & gampa....

playing at the beach with gamma & gampa...

maggie just ADORED her visit with gamma & gampa!

The Holidays...

2007-12-08T14:17:00.000-08:00

THANKSGIVING 2007

Our holidays started off down in Menlo Park with the Potischman family this year. And lemme tell you - 3 little munchkin's in some major heaven! It started with the bouncey castle, and then some cookie decorating...

Here is Maggie with her buddies Emmett Brown & Eli Potischman:

Riding the carousel with Daddy one day in December, a Maggie FAVORITE.

Maggie at her 2nd Annual Leu Holiday Cookie Party.

Sugared out a bit with Mariza after too many cookies.

Daddy got his first NEW car ever, and first hybrid - a 2008 PRIUS!

NEW YEARS EVE 2007

We enjoyed our New Years Eve this year with Chris & Edward, and Gamma & Gampa Leu. We munched on loads of cheesey fondue...and giggled our way through the remaining hours of 2007. We celebrated the east coast New Years & believe we were all passed out by 10pm.

May the laughter, goofiness & loving to live each day to it's fullest continue on in the year 2008!

Happy To You Halloween!

2007-11-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

All day long... 'Happy to you, Halloweenie!'

Our lovely pink flamingo marched in a parade at school, ate 100 sugary frosted cookies with her classmates, danced her way around the fabulously hosted halloween party at the Fisher's home, and quickly learned the trick or treat method with all her little buddies. Lets just say there was a bit of a sugar induced SUPER high followed by the crash, and then straight into bed a little on the late side. A Halloween well done!

Potty Trained!!!!

2007-10-23T11:44:00.001-07:00

I had so much anxiety over how to potty train Maggie, what potty to buy, and when to do it. So we casually introduced her to a potty & started to just take her diaper off when ever we were home. And suddenly she was just going in her potty, and this past weekend marks THE turning point. Maggie wears UNDIES!!!

and she occassionally lets me style her hair...

Aunt Angie Visits

2007-09-25T05:42:00.001-07:00

Aunt Angie visited Mz. Maggie for her 2nd birthday..and we had our fun of celebrating!

My New Friend Eli

2007-09-23T18:20:00.001-07:00

My dear friend Andrea, who I have known since college, finally realized the true potential of the west coast & moved on over here just a few months ago!!! and to say I am thrilled is an understatement. To have a good friend join you in a place you find so beautiful & spectacular is truly wonderful. AND...to have your kids grow up together...kickin!!!!

Eli (otherwise widely known around our house as E-EYE) is just 5 months old than our little Maggie, and the biggest teddy bear! We ventured out to a pumpkin patch down in Half Moon Bay where we rode a tractor, ran through the corn fields, caught a quick ride together in the wheelbarrow, and ran wild through a huge ole labyrinth that I all but tripped over myself to not loose Maggie. Damn that thing was pretty cool!

Welcome home Eli, Neal, & Dre. It's dang good to have you here.

Maggie's 2nd Birthday

2007-09-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

We hosted a big party at our house for Maggie's 2nd birthday. We served her favorite, burritos (or otherwise known as 'rittos'). We wore party hats, ate loads of pink and green M&Ms and vanilla cake, and worked our magic at opening the Elmo pinata. I think her favorite was the 6 foot blow up monkey that Uncle Eddy & Aunt Chris brought in!

I think it's still settling in that she is TWO YEARS OLD!!! I think back to her 1st birthday in Kauai last year where she was just learning to walk...it seems SO long ago, but it goes by SO incredibly fast. As I head into her WONDERFUL twos, I am very conscious of cherishing all the moments that will so quickly speed by...like rocking together in the rocking chair, wanting to be carried or hold hands. My little Maggie is growin' up and I couldn't be more proud of her!

Mmmm, which one???

2007-09-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

Maggie & I stopped off at the Pet store this afternoon to pick up supplies for Jasper. I think Maggie was in HEAVEN, between the 'dog-loo', the dog collars, and the gazillion different kittie toys. All through the store I could just hear her 'meowing.' I think she melted a few hearts.

As she got into the kittie toys I told her she pick out a toy for her buddy Sassy (Chris & Edward's new kitten). All smiles she started pulling things off the hooks, but was drawn specifically to a set of balls. Certain that's what she wanted we headed to the check out. But wait...we ran into a whole new display of kittie toys, and on it were more balls but different. She grabbed another package, and I explained she could only get one. She looked them both over & decided to get the packet of 3 soccer balls. She was most certain about her FIRST DECISION!!!!

And that's when it hit me. Maggie had just made her first decision. Can you believe it? I am still letting it sink in...

Maggie's First Day of PRESCHOOL!!!!

2007-08-28T21:11:00.001-07:00

Maggie started preschool at the Crayonbox, and she is loving it! The school is a Spanish immersed, art based program so she is going to quickly surpass my limited Spanish speaking abilities (and most likely I will be in trouble later down the road) and hopefully quickly become the Picasso we always thought she would be!!! She adores her teachers Nena, Monica, and Yolanda...and is hanging with all her new classmates.

I still cannot grasp how she so easily & quickly learned to nap on a mat with TEN other kids in the room...I swear that has been my two year challenge!!! and I am still in a bit of a haze over the fact that Maggie is ALL GROWN UP and off to preschool!!!!

Oh wait, did I mention the uniform? Yeah, khaki pants & a navy top...

Deedo. DEEEdo. DEEEEEDO!!!

2007-08-22T14:07:00.000-07:00

Maggie loves her Guido Jack, otherwise widely known as 'Deedo' these days. She talks about him A L L the time, especially about their rides on the carousel in the Golden Gate Park. 'Horsie. Deedo! Up. Down. Up. Down.' You mention his name in the morning, and she doesn't stop looking for him til we meet up. Just a girl looking for her good buddy.

One of my most treasured moments is watching Guido & Maggie sit in the backseat of the car cracking eachother up. It's pretty dang cool to have watched these two grow up together, and then to finally see them interact...and to make eachother laugh. I could watch that ALL day and never tire of it!!!

Just Another Saturday

2007-08-18T13:47:00.001-07:00

Ok. Today was AWESOME! and it was Maggie who more or less pointed the day in the direction I suppose it was suppose to go. We started at the Farmers Market where Maggie picked herself up a brand new green (geeeen) watering can from our favorite store the Gardener. From there I was inspired to pick up a few new plants, and of course had to get a raspberry bush! I remember growing up & just itching to pick those ripe raspberries in my mom's garden. And home to plant, and most importantly water with that brand new GEEEEEN watering can!!!!!

I'd love to say this is just another Saturday...but living in a city always proves to keep us more than busy. It feels like it takes quiet an effort to just sit still & enjoy a sunny afternoon together. Although it's days like this that make you hunger for more. So hopefully next Saturday will be 'just another Saturday!'

But for now, we are off to get a bike seat attachment for my bike so we can meander around town. First stop on the bike... ICE CREAM CONES!!!!!

A Bellie Ache

2007-08-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

I just got back from 4 days in NYC with Joel (Maggie stayed home with her buddy NiNi for the weekend) & was really craving some alone time with my sweet little Maggie. Chenery Park has a kid's nite on Tuesdays, and it was just calling us this evening..that and my jet legged self was just itching for someone else to make us dinner.

As we headed out Maggie was holding her bellie & kinda whining about it so I figured she was hungry. But just before dinner she got really sad & melted in my arms. We rocked together as we waited for dinner to arrive. A little pasta helped settle her bellie, and I felt a bit more settled with my desire for just wanting to snuggle with her by being her booster chair during dinner.

I have to say, at times I am rendered speechless by Maggie. All that she can suddenly say, all that she can feel & certainly all the ways she can express it. I had no idea she would be as advanced in thought, understanding & actions as she is before the age of 2. I suppose if you've never been through it, you would never know...but I understand where every parent thinks their child is just the smartest, the best & the 'MOST' of everything out there. I certainly see Maggie as all that and way more!

Simba

2007-07-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

We had to make the difficult choice to put Simba to sleep today. She was 13 years old and unfortunately in the chronic stages of kidney failure. I got her my senior year in college & she has been faithfully by my side ever since.

In the wake of her departure I reflect upon Maggie's relationship with Simba. Although it was brief, it truly was a beautiful friendship. It began with Simba really mothering and protecting Maggie as a baby. Simba would get so upset when Maggie would cry that I often found myself consoling both of them. Simba ALWAYS kept a close eye on Maggie and she was so quick to be on the scene if she sensed she was needed. I never had the heart to get upset with Simba when I would find her curdled up in Maggie's crib or on a clean laundry pile...because her heart was truly devoted to Maggie. And as Simba's illness progressed Maggie was always on the hunt for her 'Sim-Ma.' They would talk on the phone together, play 'nite nite' in her crib with Mono, share their snacks, and read stories together. They had an adoring and respectful relationship.

She in many ways was Maggie's guardian angel, and always always mine. May her soul rest in peace, may she frolic in the grass with her old pal Atticus, and may we continue to draw on her ever unconditional loving self as we move through this universe.

My 34th Birthday

2007-07-18T15:00:00.001-07:00

I spent the day with my Maggie, and it was a good day I must say! No expectations, just a day of looking through a window into my past & reflecting upon when I was her age...and all my birthday parties, the growing number of candles on the cake, and the monumental birthdays that allow for more liberities in this culture. I use to put more weight on my birthday, until Maggie. I think at this point all I want for my birthday is to relax & reflect...and for Maggie to have what I once did.

Innocence, the basic purity of it and the simplicity of it's action certainly brings me back to why children are our windows into our souls. It eliminates all that is negative & just brings about this wave of blissfulness. You cannot ask for a better gift than the gift of a child.

Tuning in the Radio

2007-07-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

As Maggie runs around in her TUESDAY morning polka-dot undies (I am trying my hand at potty training finally), I am tuning in to all her words. I felt the sudden need to write them down before they become clear & before I slowly forget the beginning of it all. She is learning both Spanish & English, so there is certainly some fuzziness, and so as we wait for the 'radio station' to tune in clear...here are some of my favorites:

green = dean
blue = boo
towel = dowel
shock with maa-mee = rock with maggie
the sound of blowing a kiss = moo-woa
bravo = bra-o, bra-o
monkey = mono
keys = dE-esss
please = si (spanish for yes)
ride the train = ride choo-choo
soap = sou-P

First Sign of Memory

2007-06-11T21:33:00.000-07:00

I came home today with printed photos from our trip to Naples, Florida to visit my parents. It's so rare to even print pictures these days with digital photography being what it is...so needless to say, Maggie hasn't been looking at too many photos - although MANY of her have been taken.

The photo with my Dad in the golf cart with Maggie came up and Maggie started to study the picture. Joel & I paused and just watched her & sincerely I swear you could see her wheels just churning. She pointed to my Dad & said 'Papa', and then 'vrrrrrrrrrrrrom', 'beeep beep.' Joel & I about feel over with such pride & excitement because it was the first time she displayed memory.

Routine

2007-06-04T20:42:00.001-07:00

Oh, the power & pull of routine. We were going through our usual Monday morning; watching Sesame Street while I slowly (oh ever sooo slooowly) make my way out of bed; Maggie brushing her teeth & singing to Mono while I shower; biting into each orange before it's juiced while I sip on my coffee; ...you know, the usual.

So on our way over to Cecilia's house this morning (to spend the day with Lucy, her nanny), we were detoured due to road construction. We ALWAYS take the same route to get there, which involves a HUGE classic San Francisco hill, where we put our arms in the air while we go down (like a roller coaster ride) and wave goodmorning to the downtown San Francisco skyline. Maggie usually gets her hands up & yells 'weeeeeeeeee.' Well...little did I realize until this morning how much Maggie looks forward to this little routine. We were detoured the block before the hills began & literally, it was like the sky was falling. So I purposely detoured again & found another hill similar to our routine & it was all smiles after that...but WOW. How cool is that. My little navigator letting me know we were off course!

Two Words Together

2007-05-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

We have been waiting & working on Maggie to string two words together...and it's such an amazing moment when it happens. Especially because it wasn't solicited, it just happened. And man-o-man, I couldn't be more proud!

'Please Mommy' - Maggie & I were cruising through the grocery store, and a typical trip includes breaking into all the treats to get her to (1) sit in the cart, and (2) give her a little distraction so I can think my way through the visit. We were rounding the corner through the last ailes, when she turned to me & said 'please mommy.' She wanted another stick of string cheese. And I melted with the words, with the sincere look on her face, and the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. You bet she got another stick of string cheese!!!!

'Daddie Help' - The following morning she turned to Joel & said 'Daddie Help.' And it was then that Mz. Maggie set her goals on starting sentences...it's just been exploding since.

Monkey, Part 2

2007-05-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I don't know how this whole Monkey addiction can get any better! It's a blossoming friendship for sure. I caught Maggie changing his diaper today. She now puts him in her little stroller, tucks him in there (which includes the blanket over the face - have to work on that one!), and preaches to him in some rambling, scrambled Maggie talk.

But wait, it gets better. She begs to get in her crib now, gives 'Mono' (Monkey's new name) a bottle, rocks him to sleep, and then when changing his diaper scolds him a bit & waves her finger at him. Whoooooooa. Where did she learn that???! MMMMM. Perhaps a little role playing from when she gets her diaper changed!!

Monkey

2007-05-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

You know that sinking panic you get when you leave your cell phone in a taxi, or you forgot to attend a super important meeting ... well, that's what we experienced with Monkey yesterday. It was nap time, and Monkey was NO WHERE to be found...and I kinda think it might have been my fault.

He was something gnarly from our travels & he was in need of a serious bath. I tried to get him in 'the tub' (aka. washing machine), but Maggie wasn't about to fall for it...so she hid him. Come nap time, Monkey was missing & Maggie was NOT going to nap without him. Nope. Not without Monkey! I all about tore the house upside down looking for him. No kidding, 30 minutes later I found him, happily laying in the drawer to my bedside table. One wided-eyed and smiling Monkey & one super proud Maggie napped very very soundly.

After nap time I called in for back up...

Visiting Nana & Papa

2007-05-07T22:25:00.000-07:00

Maggie & I just escaped to Florida to visit Nana & Papa Crowell. We LOVED our super long naps, the peace of the humid air blowing in the palm trees, the incredibly quiet evenings, and...

our time in the pool, and sometimes around the pool.

playing at the beach.

piano lessons with Nana.

and I got a little time with my parents!

Possession.

2007-04-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

It's like watching a pot boil...it takes a little longer than you anticipate but when it starts boiling, man-o-man, it happens fast!

Mommy, Maggie & mine are all sort of sounding the same. But in the last few days, 'mine' has definitely made it's way to the top. Everyday it seems to get a little clearer. And i have to say, it's actually really cool. It's age appropriate, and shows she is learning possession. Now the trick is to ensure she understands it.

I do find it really entertaining, the whole sudden burst of emotion over THIS IS MY DOLL. How can you not smile...especially when you plug in adults in a what-if scenario in the same situation.

1...2...3

2007-04-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

onnnnnnnne. twwwwooo. freeeee.

Guess who's counting???!!!

and guess who's counting everything...from strawberries, to toes, to going down the slide. If there is more than one, then it will be counted.

The best part is when she tries to count with her long, beautiful fingers. Getting just 3 fingers up isn't easy!