Philadelphia Chickens

We went to Lift Bridge Kids Bookstore on Saturday for a preview of Sandra Boynton's new book/CD entitled, "Dog Train". We enjoyed the activities and bought the book/music CD "Philadelphia Chickens" which the bookstore worker touted as her best.

Well, we have been enjoying the well-produced musical ensembles and Arianna's favorite song is "Snoozers". Here's a little taste of Boynton's bubbly, fun lyrics (many of which are based on previous board books):
We like to snooze horizontal
We like to snooze upside-down
We like to snooze however we choose
Snoozing around the town.
But when the world grows quiet
And the evening moon is bright,
We put on pajamas and hug all our mommas
And never go to sleep all night!

The music is performed by Kevin Bacon and his brother.

Other rhythmical fancies are performed by Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, and the Heath Sisters, among others.

Off to dance to another round of Snoozers . . .
Those Philadelphia Chickens sure know how to party!

Rebecca

I almost forgot!

As Christmas was approaching, Arianna asked her daddy, "What are you going to be for Christmas?"

Halloween made quite an impact, apparently.

Rebecca

Happy New Year!

When I was looking back through the Archives in my blog, I realized that I started blogging last February. It will be one year on February 7th. Thank you for sharing in our parenting journey!

As I wrote in my last blog, we were interviewed on Wednesday by 13WHAM News in Rochester. It went very well and we are eagerly waiting to hear when the air date will be. Ginny Ryan said that it would be an extended segment. We were so honored that they were interested in our story.

In preparation for the big day, we massively overhauled our Great Room. We got rid of half of the "stuff" laying around and re-arranged the furniture and shelves. It looks so light and airy now and it feels heavenly to be surrounded by such good feng shui. Andrew and I were kicking ourselves for not doing it sooner! Arianna got in the spirit of furniture moving too. For the past few days, she has been dragging her round table to various venues across the room!

She was so good during the interview. She had a snack while we were taped. We redirected her a few times and she took it all in stride. The camera man even got some shots of her running around with a few of the game pieces from CashFlow 101. She is such a little cutie and we were very proud of her!

I was rereading the types of activity Arianna was engaged in one year ago. This blog is so helpful in jogging the memory. We were in NH and having a grand time with the children's library there. She has been exposed to songs and music for a long time and is just now starting to spontaneously sing songs. Jingle Bells is a huge favorite. Our friend gave us a Wiggles CD and she is learning their catchy tunes quickly. It's also a great aerobics workout to sing and dance to the Wiggles beat. Her rhythm is pretty good, but the intonation hasn't arrived yet!

It's fascinating to see how she is still interested in the same things, but her skill and understanding is so much deeper now. Children are such natural learners and play is a huge part of that process. It makes me think about my own growth over the past year -- as a parent, as an entrepreneur, and as a human being. There are so many areas where I am consciously trying to improve myself. But watching Arianna reminds me that having a playful attitude and allowing yourself to take risks, is the most fertile ground in which the human mind can flourish.

Here's to another year of learning, fun and growth!
Rebecca