Julianne & Darwin

Too Busy For a Full Post, But Here's Some Pictures

2009-07-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

From November

2009-01-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

When the first snowfall came, Juli and I went out and made snowmen and snowdogs. Juli is already a seasoned veteren of snow shaping, but I learned quickly and together we made some masterpieces.

You'll note that this is definately not the weather now. As soon as we used up all the snow, dad had to mow the lawn.

I get exhausted whenever I learn anything new.

Chef Juli!

2009-01-03T12:33:00.001-08:00

Today I will teach you how to make scrumptious cookies. To start, you need a bag of cookie mix, eggs and butter. You get your mom to open the bag which you then dump into the bowl and get cookie dust all over your face. Then you pick out a few chocolate chips and eat them while you get your mom to crack open the eggs for you, which you then get all over your hands and the counter.

After your mom cracks some more eggs for you and you get them into the bowl, you proceed to scoop too much butter into the bowl which mom then has to take back out. Now you can mix. At least until your arm gets tired - then you get your mom to mix.

Make sure your mom has preheated the oven and then lay out a bunch of papers on the counter to put baked cookies onto. Point at everything in the papers laid out and tell your mom that you need it. For an added treat, pretend the spatula is a microphone and sing songs from The Little Mermaid.

Now put the bowl of cookie dough in the fridge to cool. Make sure you ask your mom a MINIMUM of 5 times if you can lick the dough!

Go watch a movie for awhile, then come back to observe mom baking the cookies. Stare at the cookies and try to swipe bits of the dough when mom isn't looking.

Get your little brother to help distract your mom if necessary.

Try a baked cookie! Yum!

Let your brother have one or two as thanks for distracting mother during the process.

Oh, I supposed mom can have one bite...

Epic Holiday Hilights 2008

2008-12-31T14:42:00.000-08:00

Julianne has given me permission to give a recount of our holiday happenings! So here we go!

Preparing for Pictures

These faces were made to be put into frames.

Boxing It Up Before Boxing Day

Compact and cute. What more could you want to find in a box?

Julianne vs. Sammy the Mini-Tiger

Winner: Sammy

Julianne was in the ER for the second time in three days after trying to maul Sammy with affection, resulting in a scratch across the nose, one scratch on the forehead, and one above the eye. And for the second time, they declared her "one tough cookie" and sent her on her way. She has to be resilient to be able to battle me daily. She has noted that now she knows that we will have to befriend the felines as they are efficient warriors.

Me vs. The Wooden Monolith in the Living Room (AKA - The coffee table)

Winner: Wooden Monolith

However I think I'll last longer given how much Julianne and I use it for a stage.

Darwin - The Bucket Savage!

As Juli and I prepare to overthrow the parental overlords, I am trying out battle armor. I'm thinking something in more of a burgandy though....

Presents!

I am now wealthy in cars and trucks. Julianne is equally wealthy in things coloured pink.

Travelling... and more Travelling

Well we have to get to our presents somehow I suppose!

You will note that we have signed a defensive pact with dog while we sleep.

Family!

And the food family provides! Yum!

Bonnyville Xmas Pictures Here - Courtesy of the GramaRazzi

The Wild Blue Yonder

2008-08-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

Julianne forgot to mention the wonder of our lake. When I am older, I will acquire a boat and blaze across the horizon.

See this? We live two blocks from this. It's ethereal.

Now that we no longer live in Edmonton. It does mean that when we go into town, we get to stay with Grandma and Grandpa Fletcher. This is good for us, as Julianne has quickly discovered where they keep all the toys.

And here is our new bathtub. Mother and father can not yet afford dual bathtubs so Julianne and I don't have to share. So long as she leaves my racecar alone, it's tolerable.

And part of our new backyard. It came complete with a swingset. Uncle Teev not included.

We also were able to visit the Science centre again this summer.

And yes, for those wondering, dog does like his new home too.

A Return to Change

2008-08-25T20:43:00.001-07:00

So it's been a busy summer! Mom and dad completed their degrees and immediately got teaching jobs in a nice location northeast of the city. I spent an abundance of time with Auntie Arlee, and my parents purchased me a new home that better suits my need for space.

Of course, in order to make my new home suitable to my tastes, mom and dad had to do some painting and redecorating first.

However I now have a new room in my selected cotton candy ice cream pink. I had mother adorned the walls with the goddess of preschool TV - Dora the Explorer.

It is an excellent location from which to rule my empire. Directly across the street is my new teacher whom I expect will direct me in strategies for conquest and matters of finance. However, as my new base is near a nice lake, I have spent most of the last while, taking a break.

Uprooting

2008-05-06T20:07:00.001-07:00

I can now fight off that sister of mine. All my hard work in gaining muscle mass has finally paid off. Now we wrestle each other for fun – and when we get tired of that, we wrestle the dog.

I have also discovered an appreciation for macaroni and cheese. I declare it to be the most delightful of foodstuffs in existence and ensure my parents feed it to me on a daily basis.

Finally, an announcement. We will be relocating to the northeast of Edmonton as mother and father have acquired their degrees and will be working in that region. So long as they have kraft dinner there – I’m fine with it.

We Return!

2008-05-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

Yes. Hiatus. That’s what we’ve been in to say the least. During which, I’ve been learning about Pythagorean theorem (much to mom’s delight).

I am now a whole three years old. Along with this magnificent transcendence into preschoolerhood, I have acquired panties in place of diapers. I can now join my dad in using colourful euphemisms that describe my need to use the toilet.

Not an Infant Anymore

2008-02-02T09:09:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I celebrated the one year anniversary of the liberation of my mother's womb. While I can't recall much of the battle in getting out of there, I do recall the cold I felt when I came out. It was not unlike the recent cold snap we're all suffering under in Alberta.

Regardless, we enjoyed a very tasty birthday cake....

Which of course needed to be followed up with a birthday bath.

You'll notice over the past year I have increased in cuteness, mobility, and ability to combat Julianne. She still assaults me on occasion, but now I can usually convince her that it is better to work together to tag team mom and dad.

We did recieve a great many gifts for Christmas and I thank you all for your contributes to our playing. In addition I was able to add to our collection during my birthday. We are now well stocked - at least until Julianne's birthday.

And I love this car....

As Julianne mentioned, we also recieved the gift of more relatives.

And our new relatives are also quite cute. Must take after us.

Happy New Year!

2008-02-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

Pfew! We finally were able to access the computer! Mom and dad’s schooling this term is unrelenting and getting any access to the computers these days is difficult.

We had a fabulous Christmas and gained enough toys, clothes, and other items in tribute that our parents had to get rid of some of their own stuff in order to make room for it all. Among our presents was a vehicle which allows us more mobility around the home. I tend to let Darwin drive it while I scout in the backseat.

We also found ourselves some new family as of late! Darwin and I have managed to increase our spoiling thanks to the familial additions of Grandpa Rocky, Great Grandma Gladys, Auntie Tammy – among many others.

I’ve also been working on my image. Given that I’ve observed that the general population seems to give more attention to celebrities then people in actual political power, I’m working on my diva image. What do you think? Are the sunglasses too much?

Shake Off

2007-11-23T20:17:00.000-08:00

Walking… oh yes! I took one step solo on our outing to Jasper, and just yesterday I took two steps in a row! I am that much closer to being able to outrun Julianne when she gets that mischievous look in her eyes that can only mean trouble for me.

I have been trying out new foods as of late. Mother and Julianne swear by this chocolate stuff, but I’m not too impressed. Give me sour cream strait from the container any day.

I am also working hard at becoming an adept swimmer. You never know where Julianne will strike after all. It could be on land… but she’s also been known to get into shenanigans in the water. I will probably also have to learn how to fly a plane to evade her in the sky at some point too I imagine.

Also, I am hot stuff. Look at me in these shades from Uncle ‘teev. He will be teaching me how to get the ladies lined up, just like he says he does. Mother does not approve.

But getting the ladies will have to wait for now. I believe I'm about to go through a growth spurt, so I'm busy just eating and sleeping right now.

Afloat

2007-11-23T20:11:00.001-08:00

So I’ve consumed all my candy from Halloween now and without all the sugar in my system, I am able to sit down and hammer out a blog post for you all.

On Remembrance day long weekend we journeyed to Jasper, where I was able to hang out with my father’s side of the family. For the most part, it was just a chance to hang out, catch up, and otherwise spend some quality family time. I got to sleep with Auntie Arlee, so it was like a little slumber party for me.

We also did a good amount of swimming. This was good because Darwin and I usually have swim classes on the weekends, but because that weekend was a holiday, there was no swim classes for us. So we were able to practice our moves.

I also visited the dentist for the first time ever. Mom told me it would be fun. She was clearly misinformed. The dentist is neither fun NOR exciting. All he wanted to do was poke in my mouth with some wicked looking tool. At least I got a toy from the dentist’s office for my suffering.

Julianne Dresses Herself

2007-11-23T20:05:00.001-08:00

I dressed myself for the first time the other day!
(Sorry! Sideways!)

I love chocolate. I love candy. Trick-or-treating did deliver!

2007-10-31T21:23:00.000-07:00

Just a little note to say... I have this trick-or-treating thing DOWN! Look at that score! I had to get mom and Baba to hold my Halloween bag for me it was so heavy!

I am the master of getting delightful snacks from strangers.

Halloween Soon!

2007-10-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

So I was having a grilled cheese sandwich (the best food on earth) the other day and someone reminded me it was soon to be halloween!

The time of year when we embarrass dog with some ridiculous costume and this year is the first time I'm being allowed to go out and scavenge treats from the neighbours. Mommy, Darwin, and I decided to prepare for the occasion by carving pumpkins. Granted, mommy did the majority of the work while Darwin gnawed on a toy car and I watched mommy work.

Daddy's design choice. Apparently has some reference to some 1980's show. Dad is clearly old.

Mommy's design choice. (Incomplete yet. Should have some half-devoured baby pumpkins on the side when done.)

My design selection. Classic, not too scary, and not too pop culture specific.

Mother is marinating the seeds so she can bake them tomorrow. I've never indulged in pumpkin seeds, however, they came out with a lot of goo and gore, so I'm not convinced I should eat them.

Balls of Fury

2007-10-21T13:30:00.001-07:00

Despite the sickness Juli mentioned, I have been rapidly growing and making new strides in becoming mobile. I am now an adept crawler, can climb several stairs at once, and can walk around with the assistance of a table or couch. Moreover, I have figured out how to fight off my sisters’ attacks on me (she retreats whenever I grab some of her hair).

This new growth is a little problematic however. I’ll soon be too large for my favourite swing.

I am, on the other hand, able to do a lot more and go to many more places. Case in point, our aunt and uncle came to take Juli, Mother , and myself to a grande play center. I quickly dominated the ball pit while Julianne romped around and conquered the slides in the center.

Afterwards, Julianne and mother went to ride a train while I snuck a sip of pop from my aunt (mother would certainly not approve). All in all, a good day.

Sniffly Salutations

2007-10-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

Hopefully no one has forgotten about us. Between a prolonged bout of illness in the house and mother’s general laziness in helping me type, there hasn’t been an update in much too long.

As I noted, we were all ill with colds, coughs, and who knows what else. It got so bad that mother went on a cleaning frenzy, getting the carpets and ducts all professionally done in order to remove what she denoted as “allergens”. Personally, I think the cold made her a little crazy. Dad agrees. In any event, the house smells of Lysol now so I like to go the local park to escape.

Otherwise we have been back in daycare where Darwin and I each preside over a different room of our peers. I clearly rule the toddler room and Darwin is in charge of the babies. Mom and dad meanwhile are doing sufficiently in their studies and there is only six months until they achieve their first degree.

We have also been on a couple trips. One to Grande Prairie to visit my much loved extended family, and another to Bonnyville to visit my much loved Ripkens grandparents. Darwin isn’t yet used to long rides in the van, so I hold his hand to soothe him. Being a big sister is a large responsibility after all!

The View From Up Top

2007-09-09T20:47:00.001-07:00

I also ventured into the mountains to meet up with the paternal side of the family. Though I did climb any mountains, I enjoyed the sights and smells the region had to offer.

I also ensured that we got a picture of the Gramarazzi up here to prove she really does exist.

There will be more updates soon too. Mother and father and settling into the routine of school again, while Julianne and I attend the daycare facility. Julianne has told me I should focus on ruling the baby sector of the daycare while she works on the toddler area. I wonder how she expects me to do that when I can’t even feed myself.

Champion

2007-08-28T20:20:00.001-07:00

I made it through the wilderness. You know I made it through! Didn’t know how lost I was until I made a poo!

I had lots of fun with Auntie Arlee. We visited relatives, camped, and we even met up with the rest of dad’s side of the family in Jasper where I climbed a mountain and was given a special medal of honor from my uncle Steven. Just practicing for my future conquests. Good world leaders usually seem to have a background in performing magnificent feats.

Otherwise, Darwin and I have just been hanging out at home with mom and dad. Next week school starts for us and Darwin and I will be supervising other younglings at the local daycare facility. Need to maintain a standard of quality in my empire after all.

Mom and dad also think they’re going to get me to put my output into the toilet. They’re funny those two. Why do it myself when I can get to done for me? Hah!

The Sweet Sound of Only Me

2007-07-29T20:06:00.001-07:00

As of today I am proud to announce that I have successfully completed six months of life. I have attained the ability to sit up without assistance and am working towards crawling forward (crawling backwards I can do).

In celebration, my parents determined I should feast upon chocolate cake. While it was appreciated, I don’t think I appreciated it as much as my sister did at her six month anniversary (Click here to see).

Speaking of my sister, she has gone to traverse the wilds of Northern Alberta with our Aunt Arlee. This gives me the much needed opportunity to spend time with my parents, and recover from the maulings I receive from my sister.

It also allows me to actually play with my toys without having to worry about when she’ll be snatching them up.

Power Supply

2007-07-14T11:16:00.001-07:00

Julianne has asked I send a message to our loyal fans that we will soon have more updates. Mother's computer recently started smoking and so we have been in hiatus while she fixes it. However we do assure you that we are still quite cute.

Family: Side A

2007-07-01T17:33:00.001-07:00

Of late, I have been in regular contact with several members of my dad’s side of the family. As such, I think it is befitting that the few of them I have pictures of be given proper introduction on this site.

My Great Grandpa Johannes (John), is my only Great Grandpa and despite trying to look grumpy, is really quite a lovable fellow. He makes a wonderful climbing mountain and is good for cuddling of any sort.

My Great Grandma Antje (Ann), is always happy and smiling. On her most recent visit she brought me cookies! (Which I quickly consumed with the assistance of my parents) I am worried however that she may be planning to consume me and young Darwin as she always refers to us as “delicious”.

My Great Grandma Edelgard (Oma), is an especially dignified German woman. So it is especially fun to attack her with tickles! Her and I enjoy dancing and the finer things in life – like chocolate and jewelry.

Grandpa Roy, or “Papa”, likes to think he’s big and tough, but is really just a big pile of mush when it comes down to it. He is my primary source for presents and spoiling. As soon as I can pronounce it, I will ask him for a Lexus as he seems unable to say no to me.

Uncle “Teev” (he is actually Steve, but we have given him a special pronunciation for added cuteness) is my daddy’s younger brother. He is big and tough and goes to school with my parents. Somehow he managed to get the best GPA (grade point average) last term. If mom and dad don’t shape up, I may have to assign him as my parent.

Auntie Arlee is my daddy’s big sister. She has been named the person to take care of Darwin and I in the event my mother and father croak. She is definitely my favorite of aunties, always having something fun to do and always reading to me. I am sure I developed my love of literature from her.

I am also giving a special mention to Mr. Orr and Mrs. Orr. Mr. Orr has this great patch of fur on his face that makes him kind of like a mixture between a puppy and a person. They are very cuddly individuals who also enjoy reading to me.

You may notice there is a lack of pictures of Grandma Jane on here – the reason for that is quite simple – she always takes the pictures. We call her the “Grandma-razzi”. It will have to be rectified though. I need to ensure I have her picture in case she ever goes missing and we have to put her picture on a milk carton.

Can we fix it?

2007-06-26T07:29:00.001-07:00

I have met Bob the Builder.

That's right! Yours truly knows a celebrity. We sang the classics (The Bob the Builder themesong) and some new songs (Munch and Crunch, Hop-hop). I have video of the whole event, but my mother still needs to edit it down to a length that youtube will accept before I can post any of it.

I'm still reeling.

Overshadowing

2007-06-09T21:31:00.001-07:00

Well I'm making strides towards becoming more mobile and self sufficient, however not as quickly as I'd like. You see, apparently when I was in utero, I had no need for lots of muscle mass as there was no place to go. Now that I have exited the womb, there is many places I would like to venture to, however I need to build up the muscle to get there... and I'm afraid that takes time.

As such, I'm usually resigned to being held by an elder of the species. All the while, my sister is capable of running and jumping and frolicking wherever she pleases (which usually lands her on top of me, and due to my immobility, I can not flee). I am also the subject of many vicious picture takings, again which I can not escape.

I mean - look at that goof beside me! How is anyone supposed to take me seriously when I'm subject to such buffoonery?!

I have come to enjoy my mother. She provides me with food whenever I please - and I'm pleased to eat whenever I can at my size! She has begun to feed me milk with some sort of cereal mixed in because my appetite has increased beyond her capabilities, but I'm not the type of person who complains about food. So long as I get it, I'm content.

I have also attended many outings as of late. Grandpa's birthday party, water parks, a Bob the Builder event , parks, just to name a few. My schedule is quite full . I have met several other humans my size and around my age. It's important to make contacts after all!

Anyhow. I must go eat again - it's been nearly an hour since my last feeding and a face this cute needs it's beauty feast!

Ode to the Sprinkler

2007-05-29T19:20:00.001-07:00

I never knew such a thrill.

Like when the sprinkler rains on me.

And I long for the rapid chill,

That causes me to pee.

It doesn’t matter that I’m wet,

And chilled from head to toe.

Because I enjoy it best when I jet,

Right through the water’s flow.

My mother wants me inside,

To dry off all the water.

But I cannot abide,

Even though I am her daughter.

There’s just something magic,

About the sprinkler’s stream.

And it could be quite tragic,

But play in the sprinkler is just pelagic*!

*Pelagic: adjective; relating to or occurring or living in or frequenting the open ocean

Marine Life

2007-05-22T21:51:00.000-07:00

I hope the recent surge of updates pleases all you readers. I can give a variety of excuses for the lack of updates up until this point from being sick to not being able to access computers because the parents were monopolising them – in any case, consider these many updates my “I’m sorry”.

The past few days have been very busy for the family as we move into summer. Several days ago we went to visit Auntie Arlee at her home where we were served a variety of gourmet delights and entertained ourselves with legos (well my parents did anyhow) and movies. I was able to see grandma and grandpa, who were no doubt delighted with my presence.

Then today, Auntie Arlee met up with us to go to a water park here in town. She not only suggested this wonderful activity, but brought a new friend along with her for me to play with! I had a great time, and really needed the break from the everyday grind. I went on waterslides, and played on bumper boats and just had an all around good time practicing the skills I learned in my swim classes.

After the water park, we got to watch the sea lions perform! (No flash photography permitted unfortunately!) I believe they may be candidates for my new favourite animal.

But they have stiff competition, because once we finished up with the sea lions, we went to an observatory for reptiles and aquatic creatures. I saw many sharks, fishes, snakes and other creatures – but my favourite of all has to be the penguins. I could sit there forever watching those creatures.

Oh! And Worf and I have taken up a new hobby! Garbage truck watching! If you’re diligent, you can catch sight of them two to three times a week! Marvellous creatures those.

Baby Bonus Action Part 2!

2007-05-19T12:45:00.001-07:00

Bonus Baby Action!

2007-05-17T08:13:00.001-07:00

Inactive Unit

2007-05-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

Well what can I tell you. Not much changes for me on a daily basis. I eat, I sleep, I wriggle around in the hopes that I might be able to move more than an inch on my own one day. My existence is pretty mundane right now.

Because of my limited mobility, I amuse myself by engaging in philosophical debate with those around me.

Most days this is limited to the mongrel, but on special occasion I can speak with grandparents and other family.

A couple weekends ago, my grandparents took my sister and my parents took me with them to a place known as Calgary where they partook in shenanigans with friends and also met up with the revered Robert Picardo of Star Trek fame.

I enjoyed this vacation from my sister and the dog and took it upon myself to nap and enjoy the wealth of space in the king sized bed at the motel.

I must also confess that my sister is doing her best to destroy me at all opportunities. Sure it looks cute, but I’m really trying to escape her clutches! Why, Why am I second born and not first?!

Pina Colada Season

2007-05-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

Ah summer. This is the time of year I relax from my world conquering activities and just enjoy the sun and the swim time. My parents purchased a personal pool for me this summer and I have intentions to make the greatest use of it.

On that note, yes, I am a full two years old now. My how time flies. One day you’re plotting the downfall of civilization from within the womb, the next day you’re realizing it really isn’t that bad out here and no large explosions are necessary for you to conquer. Even dog is more settled than he was when I arrived in this world. Sometimes I need to jump on him in order to ensure he’s still alive.

On the subject of birthdays, in the last little bit, mother and father both turned twenty-five. That’s really quite a feat. I certainly hope they have life insurance because I can’t yet afford to survive on my own if they croak.

However, genetics should help dad out, as grandpa Ripkens is turning fifty soon. I wonder if that will qualify him for some kind of special award as it’s really quite amazing that the body would hold out that long. Why that’s twenty five times my own age!! And my life has been really quite long thus far!

Darwin is really adapting quite well to outside-the-womb living. He’s growing rapidly, and stays awake for longer periods of time every day. I admit, having a younger sibling isn’t exactly as I envisioned it. For starters, the drool output of young Darwin is not exactly an attractive feature, and certainly not something I planned upon. He also doesn’t really “do” much. He sort of sits there and appreciates his fingers and toes for extended periods of time and then demands mother’s milk. I have no idea how I managed to get through that part of my life without taking some kind of drugs to relieve the boredom. Mind you, at that point I would have lacked the motor skills to acquire the drugs in the first place.

Thriving

2007-04-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

I have conquered the illnesses and have reclaimed my former glory!

You see, I was afflicted with croup, and then my dear brother Darwin caught RSV. So, not to be outdone, I acquired RSV and Mono. However, in hindsight, this was foolish of me. Until this point I thought wearing multiple sicknesses was a badge of fortitude. But now I understand that the more infirmities one bears, the less staying power one actually has.

Regardless, I am now over my ailments and thirsting for adventure!

My adventuring however has been limited to the mechanical contraptions at the mall. My parents are in the last month of this term and, as such, have many projects, essays and tests to do before any real fun can be had.

Darwin has been growing steadily as well. He is now able to lift his head up and look around independently. He also makes delightful cooing and laughing sounds when he sees me. He clearly knows his place.

I'm growing too, despite my interlude of illness. To my dismay, my favourite pink boots no longer fit. Alas! It is a good thing spring is upon us.

A new novelty

2007-02-21T19:20:00.000-08:00

My elder "sister", as they would have me address her (they being my "parents"), has been under the weather as of late and so I have apparently been authorized to contribute to the blog to entertain what she insists is her "loyal readership".

As you can see, I receive regular attacks from my sister. She insists that I am an accessory to her cuteness and that with me she may be able to triumph over the world. I meanwhile am left to try and just keep my head aloft and brace myself for impact whenever the mood strikes her to assault me with affection.

It has however, not been all bad. I am regularly served a fine dairy blend from my mother and I have full service rump cleanings several times a day. The "dog" has more or less become bored of prodding me with his nose and has moved on to prod other things with his nose (mainly his own rear).

I have been told I am a good sleeper. This should not be any surprise - I spent 9 months in an enclosed area with nothing to do, so my sleeping skills should be well practiced. I have also put on some weight since entering the outerworld. As of last week I weigh in at 10 lbs 12 oz, and the assumption by all is that I'm probably larger then that now. "Mother" has suggested that I should be able to maul my sister in retaliation in no time. But for now, my sister is sick and I am notably immobile - so I will just have to plot my revenge for now.

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

2007-02-05T12:23:00.000-08:00

Being an older sister is tough work. Young Darwin has much to learn and because of all the extra work imposed upon my parents, I have to do a lot more on my own. Now it isn't all bad because I assure you, I'm quite capable of many thing so long as it does not require retrieving anything from an elivated location. For example, I can put on my own boots. I am also able to let my parents know when they get the pleasure of changing my diaper.

Young Darwin sleeps with the parents right now. I am a little jealous because their bed is quite good for jumping and bouncing - however I do like having my own space in my own crib. Young Darwin also goes through a lot more diapers than I do so by not sleeping with him, I'm avoiding the smell that comes with new siblings.

A bonus to having a new sibling is the increased visitation from friends and family who wish to inspect this new sibling to ensure he is suitable for me. However these visits can also be quite taxing since I have to maintain a high degree of cuteness at all times and I've been known to fall asleep on occasion during them.

-Julianne

What the heck?!

2007-02-05T11:59:00.000-08:00

One minute I'm nice and cozy and warm - the next I'm in a wide open place with large people everywhere poking and prodding at me. What kind of world is this?!

Now that was a week ago and I'm still confuddled. I have two large people who seem to take care of my needs but there is this one larger, but not as large person who has proceeded to attack me whenever she feels the need to "kiss" or "hug" something. There is also a furry creature that stands upon four legs and prods me with a very cold and wet black nose periodically. I have tried to assure this creature that I am alright and do not need to be poked but since exiting my former safe haven, I have found that I am not nearly as mobile as the other creatures about and similarily, I do not speak their language. This will have to change. I will not be able to stand for much more of this!

Signed, Sealed, Delivered!

2007-01-30T17:10:00.000-08:00

Well it’s arrived! My parents were called out Sunday night to pick up my little sibling at the baby depot – which for some reason is located at the hospital. However that seemed helpful since Mom somehow hurt herself on the way and needed to stay there once they picked up my little sibling.

I received a younger brother, which is good since I hear young boys like trucks and trains and I have a good collection of those things stored up with which to amuse him with. My parents dubbed him Darwin and his package weighed in at 9 lbs 10 oz and 22 inches long. He is quite immobile at this time and requires sustenance from mother regularly in order to survive but I am assured that as he grows and learns under my expert tutelage, that he will function as a wonderful minion. I may even allow him to post on here periodically.

You can quite easily see how much he was clearly made to look as cute as me without being AS cute as me. We can't have this young one usurping my position after all.

Although, after all this hard work of sistering, I'm completely worn out. It's going to take me awhile to be able to manage my new responsibilities and balance them with my already overfilled play schedule - but I think I'll be able to cope.

Post-Holiday Update

2007-01-15T11:51:00.000-08:00

Well, despite checking our mail box everyday, my younger sibling has still not arrived. I believe I will have to check with my parents to see where they ordered it from because if it needs to go through customs – I could be waiting an awfully long time.

My parents have started their winter term and have a relatively light course load in comparison with the last term as they prepare for the maintenance and training my new sibling will require when it arrives. I will help as much as I can, but so long as it does not take away from my schedule of play and sleep.

Christmas holidays were quite fun, but also quite hectic as we roamed across the province visiting family and picking up my yearly tributes from them all. I received much too many toys and clothes and books to list here, but suffice it to say, I am well equipped until the second anniversary of my birth.

Waddle waddle quack quack

2006-12-19T23:17:00.000-08:00

Whew, what a month. My parents succeeded in their studies this term as well as their student teaching. I have been busy ruling over my minions at the daycare and I have also graduated Duck level swimming. Next year I will take on the challenge of Sea Turtle level.

In the flurry of activity this past month, I almost forgot it is time once again for Christmas. I look forward to spending time with all my extended family and seeing what it is they will be giving me in tribute this year.

However, Christmas has become secondary to the impending arrival of my new sibling. Mother has grown quite rotund as she prepares to feed it and she indeed waddles wherever we go. I would be more embarrassed if I wasn’t so amused by it.

My communication skills have developed nicely too as of late. I have especially become proficient in making demands for food and drink and this has helped me to get my parents to get me food faster so I have been able to put on a nice little winter belly to keep me warm. I also let them know when I am ready for naps and bedtime so as I can achieve maximum rest time in order to manage my empire without tiring.

I imagine with the travelling that is to be done this season that I may not have the opportunity to update this site in the next couple weeks. However rest assured that once I do, there will be a plethora of pictures of myself and my acquired loot.

Escalation Part II

2006-10-29T22:26:00.000-08:00

My parents had me go in for my very first haircut this week. I don’t know if it’s because hockey season is back or because the 80’s are returning but my father decided that a nice mullet is apparently what I needed. My hair better start growing faster then it has been for the first 18 months of my life otherwise I will be pegged as some kind of style victim or the latest incarnation of Joe Dirt. Either way, I think I may have lost some marks in cuteness.

I did however get the company of my aunt this weekend. Due to the increasing girth of my mother and the work schedule of my father, I have been unable to get in as much romp time at home as I would like. My aunt remedied this though by taking me to a petting zoo and later on, some kind of crazy children’s park with about 10 levels of ball rooms and tubes and slides. I ensured that not only did I get a workout, but that my aunt also got the necessary cardiovascular exercise.

And not to feel left out, but Worf had a friend over too to keep him busy. My aunt’s dog Rylee played with Worf until they both decided it was time to monopolize the couches and laze.

I dance to my own groove.

2006-10-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.members.shaw.ca/dripkens/Movie.wmv

For baby dancing action.