"I want Da Da"

It may have been jarbled and spoken in the language of the Beebster (which sounds like a mixture of Maddie's old Cantonese/Crandall-nese and a hint of Russian), but there's no mistaking that my Faith-y said "I want Da Da" last night while crying. She's going through that "I don't like water poured over my head in the bathtub" stage that Maddie also went through at this age as well. Her baths lately have been lightning fast. And, she was crying yesterday when I got her out of the tub to towel her dry. In between crying, she would say "I want Da Da!" I called Dan right away, and he was so excited of course. It's definitely not in my head either because Lis heard Faith say it this afternoon as well. It might not be completely clear, but she definitely says it. Oh, the Beebster and her Da Da. They're inseparable, those two!

My little Beebster is 21 months old now, and the 2-year birthday seems to be approaching quicker than I would like of course. I'm trying my hardest to take it all in stride though, but I can't deny my natural inklings to want to keep them both my babies forever and ever and ever. On the upside though, there is the cool thought of having a birthday party for our baby this year. We're hoping to do something slightly 'bigger' this year for our littlest woman. We're definitely not over-the-top people, but Dan and I were both actually toying with the notion of doing something for Faith in October while the weather is still somewhat cooperative. It'd be extra nice to be able to do something outdoors. We've thought of maybe going to one of the orchards around here during pumpkin picking season so that they can pick their own pumpkins and then paint them. And, of course, have fun just running around and drinking apple cider, etc. All of the fun "fall" things. My little women were born in the cold PA months, and I hate that they miss out on fun outdoorsy-type birthday festivities. So, hopefully we're able to think of something fun for my soon-to-be (and, sooner-than-I-would-like-to-be) 2-year old!

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The girl loves COWS! It's been within the past month and a half or so that she's truly developed her love of cows. We went to Chick Fil-A for the first time yesterday and, on top of them having a really awesome children's play area, they also had cows hanging from the ceiling. The manager there was so sweet and nice, and he saw that Faith kept waving to the cows and blowing them kisses. He entered her in a contest to win one of the cows. Haha. She'd probably be in heaven with a big stuffed Chick-Fil-A cow in her crib! I can just imagine it. We might have to take the little lady to a quality Lancaster dairy farm at some point in her future!! She'd probably be beside herself to see actual cows.

Beebster

The many names of a Beebster

Nicknames are important, and unique, in our family.

Miss Faith-y earned quite the unique nickname. Maddie used to call her "Bee" when she'd be trying to say 'baby.' That later turned into "Bee-yah." Then, it progressively turned into "Bee-yah Sheck" because she'd be trying to say "check Bee's diaper." At 8 months of age, Nene turned the "Bee" into "Beebster" by saying it out of the blue one day while swimming with both Maddie and Faith. Maddie immediately loved the name, and it has stuck obviously.

I love Faith's nickname! We always ask Maddie why Faith is named Beebster, and Maddie responds: "Because she BEEPS a lot." Faith also answers to Flopper (I have no idea why I came up with this) and we say it's because she FLOPS a lot. Haha. Of course, both 'Beebster' and 'Flopper' have abbreviated versions too. Just like Madison with 'Crandall' and 'Trigger' and all of their abbreviations.

 The Beebster name is a unique name for my unique little lady. I can tell she's going to be a determined little girl one day, and someone who will excel in anything and everything that she attempts. I think her tenacity- or sheer stubbornness if you want to be exact- will be a great attribute to her later in life. I'll look forward to what my little Beebster will one day achieve. I have always admired that about Faith- she has a true will to tackle whatever comes her way. No fear at all. Of course, sometimes that can either a) scare me to death when she wants to do stuff like 'big' kids do or b) frustrate me, but, nonetheless, I think it's great.

Little woman had a no-nap day. You wouldn't have known it though because, except for a minor meltdown at the pool after scraping both of her knees yet again, she had a great afternoon. She's currently all about "The Aristocats" and loves watching segments of it that involve Marie, Toulouse, and Berlioz the kittens. Maddie thinks it's wonderful that her little sissy is becoming so interested in her Disney collection. The two of them get back from the pool and go straight to Maddie's DVD rack to try and decide which animal Disney to watch that evening while I get dinner ready. For the most part, Maddie's response to whatever Faith chooses is usually "oh, that's a good one. Good thinking, Beebster."

I'm also convinced that Faith is now saying "I want this" in babbled Beebster language. In fact, I know that is what she is saying. She's been saying that now since about Tuesday, and really there's no mistaking it. Her language is the cutest ever. I love listening to her Beebster language, because she talks exactly the way Maddie used to. I know Faith will also have a language explosion just as Maddie did right before turning 2, and so I am really enjoying this time while she speaks in her own language. She's going to be a talker just like big sissy; there's no doubt about that. 

Funny inevitability

It's now official!

Beebster is borrowing and swapping clothes from her 6-month old baby cousin, miss Ella. Never thought I'd see the day that it would turn into borrowing/swapping clothes from Ella rather than the other way around! Nene had gotten them each some cute outfits that she gave them at Donovan's party on Sunday, and we ended up trading a few things. Lis gave me two 6-9 month outfits since she knew the pants wouldn't fit Ella's waist, and I in turn gave her a 12-month outfit that would fit Ella a little better. Wouldn't you know that the outfits Lis figured wouldn't fit Ella's waist, fit my Beebster like a charm. 6-9 month outfits. On my 20-month-old Beebster Blobster.

I also think Beebster called Maddie 'Gouga' today! Haha.

I love my little girl!

Disneys and Roloffs

Making progress with the introduction of Disneys to my little Beebster friend. Maddie seems to know that any of the Disneys with animals will be good starters for her little sissy, and chose "Lady and the Tramp" on Thursday. Faith LOVES it. She starts doing her teenage screech when she sees Lady as a puppy or Jock and Trusty. She goes "awwwww" when she sees the part of the dogs howling and crying in the pound.

Completely forgot to even mention (block out 'mean' stuff I suppose) that the other day at the fair someone asked me if she was "like a Roloff." 'Roloff' as in the Roloff family on TLC. The family that has dwarfism in their genes. I had taken Beebster to jump in the big bouncy- thing while Dan and Maddie were on the whirly things. Perhaps it was her outfit that day (which, I will admit, I still like the one piece outfits since they still fit her for the most part.. the ones with the snaps which some people think are not for 20-month old kiddos at this age anymore.. I beg to differ, and what's the point in making them grow up faster anyway?...) but while she was jumping, someone asked me how old she was. Typical. I always think it's funny everyone's reaction when they hear her age and then can't believe that she's about 6 months older than what they had originally thought she was. But, there was a woman behind me that goes "awww.. she's like a Roloff?" First time I've ever heard THAT. I kindly told her no and got Faith out of the bouncy thing. That kind of stuff doesn't really offend me, but I still don't quite understand the tackiness of some people. Oh well! She's my little Beebster!

They don't make them any cuter

Beebster's going through a cute chef stage.

She is on her play food kick these days. Tonight, for example, she took two play brownies and a plate with her to her crib. She's always been pulled to Donovan's little play kitchen as if she and the kitchen had magnets, and could play with that thing forever. Making coffee, stirring things, banging on pots and pans, etc etc. Perhaps this will be something that we'll have to look in to for next Christmas (although we really don't have room, and the cottage really does fine with its little oven which they continue to use all the time). Anyway, these past few weeks she roots through the bin with the play food. She always picks out the two pieces of bread, the corn on the cob, and sometimes a bottle of juice that belongs to their dolls. She brings those things over to the little table in the kitchen and 'sets the table.' She gets the cutest smile on her face, and climbs in to the little chair. She sits there and pretends to eat her meal.

Today she fished a fork out of the dishwasher while I had the door opened. She pretended to give herself fork fulls of stuff and then would go "mmmm mmmm" and then try to feed me. Every mother thinks their child is precious, and I am clearly biased, but I think she is darling when she does this.

Bambi and Cars

Completely failed to mention Faith's infatuation with 'Bambi.'

She's now seen little bits and pieces of three Disneys: "Finding Nemo," "Bambi," and "Cars." I get so excited because I remember that Maddie herself was also 20 months old when we started introducing her slowly but surely to the wonderful world that is Disney. I have a strong inkling that Faith will be just like her Maddie and her Momma-- another great big Disney fan.

Beebster had a wonderful night on Friday night. It marked her first ever 'girl's night' with myself and Maddie. She had taken an awesome nap, and I thought it'd be fun to take her out to catch lightning bugs with Maddie too and then let her stay up til 8:30pm watching a movie. She loved it. Maddie chose "Cars" that night, and granted we don't even watch 20 minutes total of it, but Faith still loved it. I didn't even realize that of course she recognizes all of the characters since she's been playing with Maddie and their cars since the ripe old age of 5 months. So, she was pointing and screeching with delight at the sight of Mater! Haha. She thought the movie was great!

 And, she just loves "Bambi." I also failed to realize that we've been reading her her Thumper books now since she was a tiny baby as well. Her Thumper books have always been some of her most favorites since she was only a few months old. So, "Bambi" was a good choice to introduce to her because of Thumper. She laughs hysterically when she sees Faline chasing Bambi when they're little, and also the part where Bambi and Thumper are ice skating (which is also Maddie's favorite part). 

Best little sister

No doubt that Beebster would be awarded the 'best little sister' in our house. Not to mention, Cran would get 'best big sister.' Then again, they're the only little sister and big sister in our house, so I guess that goes without saying. But, even still, Faith truly is the definition of a little sister.

She just adores her Maddie. I've finally realized that Faith calls Maddie "Da Da" just like she calls Dan. I'm the only one that doesn't get that phrase for a name, and am either unnamed or sometimes am "Mommmma" (which is music to my ears). There's a baby doll that Nene got Faith for her 1st birthday that says "Da Da" when you squeeze her. The doll really sounds just like Faith. But, just recently, we've discovered that the doll is slightly freakish in nature. I accidentally stepped on one of her arms one night about a month or so ago, and the doll cried. Then, Maddie and I realized she would laugh if you stepped on her other arm. She is NOT supposed to do this, and I even checked the voicebox in the doll's stomach and the only sound it makes is "Da Da." Very odd. But, anyway, you have to step on her arms a very certain way to get the doll to make the crying or laughing sounds.

Faith always goes to Maddie when she wants the doll to cry or laugh. It's so cute. She comes to me and asks "Da Da?" and I send her in Maddie's direction since I've now deciphered that she means Dan with certain 'Da Da's' and Maddie with other 'Da Da's.' She walked over to Maddie this morning calling for her saying "Da Da! Da Da!" and her arms outstretched with her doll (who is naked). Maddie asked her what she needed and Faith goes "dis... dis." It's so funny when she wants Maddie for certain things and not me. And, she goes SPRINTING whenever Maddie is pooping and calls for Beebster. Faith LOVES going in there, and she's typically the comedy relief for Maddie. Faith will get the step stool and do stuff to entertain Maddie, or I'll hear Maddie asking Faith to look for certain bath toys in the cabinet and there goes Faith to see if she can grant big sister's request. So cute.

Today on the way home from the pool, Faith was sitting in the stroller laughing HYSTERICALLY at Maddie ripping leaves off of the bushes and throwing them in the street. Little things like that seem so much bigger in a little sister's eyes!

The other cute thing that Faith's been doing lately relates to her bond with her blankie. They are both still blankie babies. I always knew when we received the green blanket that Trevor sent right before Faith was born, that that would be the blankie we would use to cover her as a newborn. We used a plaid one always to cover Maddie as a newborn, and by 6 months she was taking her blankie with her everywhere. Still to this day. By 4 months, Faith was so attached to that green blankie. She takes it everywhere and the only place 'he' is not allowed (blankies are boys here in this house for some reason) is the pool. Faith will stand at the top of the stairs and it's that bond between you and your child that I know with a look that she'll give me that she wants one more sniff of her blankie. I'll tell her 'Ok Beebster, go give him one more sniff and then we have to go' and she runs as fast as she can go to wherever he is laying and picks him up, sniffs him, and gives him a kiss. She says 'Bah...Bah' as in 'Bye, Bye.' She'll usually repeat this process about 3 times.