Art!

Here's Anika at our first art class, having just completed her first painting. Hooray!

Just this past week, she's gotten truly interested in drawing, so I have high hopes for our "Paint Playground" class. She was a little unnerved by all the activity (she's often, surprisingly, kind of anxious in classroom situations), but we definitely still did a little painting and water play.

This evening Anika and I will attend an opening for a show in which one of my own paintings is on display (it's a small works show at a gallery in Boston's South End). Hopefully, we will both come away having acquired some Art World schmoozing skills and inspiration.

Contemplating Misbehavior

In an effort to keep my blog going without the guilt driving me away, I've resolved to post anecdotes and the like more routinely. Starting now.

This morning Anika rushed into the bedroom where I was getting dressed, exclaiming "dad, dad"! She's recently started this 'trouble at the old mill' behavior (usually because her monkey has wound up somewhere out of reach), so I followed her into the kitchen where we discovered the cat on the counter: Bad. Bad kitty.

Andrew's comment: "Aww, our budding hall monitor." Ha!

Fall Fun

Only a month has passed, and yet Anika's growth seems exponential. She now boasts over 75 signs, is taking stabs at about 30 words, and has added many new tricks to her repertoire. One may now witness her enthusiastically "raising the roof", "bumping fists"(as captured below), stomping her feet, dancing, demanding to Skype with her "Bahpa", or egging on the tickle monster. Her laughter has matured such that she now squeals, giggles, chuckles... all are music to our ears.

Here are some photos from October's events:


In mid-October, my friend Emily and her new partner, Mike, came to visit. We took one last trip to New Hampshire for the year, and (despite lots of rain) thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.



Emily and Mike will make excellent parents, I gather, as long as their offspring are as adorable as mine. They are quite taken with Anika.




In mid-October, we were graced by the presence of Grandpa Wally and Grandma Karen. Although their week here was pretty relaxed, we did go down to Cape Cod for a day to revisit the old stomping grounds of Anika's great-grandparents, Wally Sr. and Karolla. We walked on the beach, ate seafood, and stocked up on Beach Plum Jelly (something none of us had enjoyed in more than a decade).

We actually did have a couple of occasions to break out Anika's lobster Halloween costume. Once for the Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade and again for a Halloween party at our local library. The Halloween party was for kiddos approximately 9-15 months old, which is a fantastic age for Halloween costuming. Anika's was one of the better costumes though. There were ducks, bees and pumpkins aplenty.




Anika is identifying her jack-o-lantern here as a kitty (via sign language--though she's probably saying "kitty" also).



Note the awesome new play kitchen. It actually looks just like our real cabinets (both are from Ikea). Anika loves banging around in there.



This is from a visit to the "Tot Lot" with the grandparents. There are two of these in our neighborhood, full of fun toys for toddlers.

At the zoo

After five weeks in Beantown

Here are some photos:





Maybe I'm imagining things, but it seems like the pace of life just keeps picking up for the Korsons. After one month all together in our new home, the unpacking is still not complete and we have much organizing, etc. ahead of us.

However, we have had fun. We've taken two quick trips up to New Hampshire (where we hiked and visited a farm); entertained Grandma Mary and Grandpa Tom; visited the Museum of Fine Arts and the zoo; and attended a couple Baby music/storytime classes at our local library.

I've recently organized a childcare co-op for about 15 neighborhood families who, like me, could use a break occasionally, but can't afford to pay for it. So far, we've just had a few playdates to get to know each other, but Anika and I will be swapping a few hours of entertainment with some new friends next week. Creating this group has also had the benefit of enabling me to meet and socialize with other new parents in the neighborhood. I honestly feel like I've had more social engagements these past few weeks than I've had in a long time, which is odd considering we're so new to this place. So, in sum: we're very happy here, just very, very tired.

Tomorrow I'm going to become a member at a local gym that seems inexpensive and provides childcare. After having exercised only a handful of times during the past year, I'm looking forward to working out a couple times per week. Although Anika doesn't love me leaving her, she's increasingly interested in playing and loves to be around other kids. Plus, this gym shares a building with a toddler art/movement place AND a children's music school. I think we're going to begin taking advantage of some art classes here once the weather begins to cool.

Also, I know it sounds insane, but I just signed Anika up for a free "Countdown to Kindergarten" program at an elementary school down the street from us. Beginning tomorrow we'll be going to a 1.5 hour pre-school program once a week for one to three year olds. The class will be run by an early childhood educator, and is intended to provide kids with developmentally appropriate activities, help prepare kids (and parents) for school, and to help parents access social services. It seems like it could be a nice thing to be apart of, even if Anika seems (to me) too young to go thorough the whole pre-school routine.

And as for Anika's development, we continue to be amazed. She now has about 45-50 signs and is saying around 15 words. This morning over breakfast she kept signing "monkey", and after I told her (twice) that her monkey was still sleeping in bed with kitty, she signed "monkey" then "kitty" then "bed". Impressive for thirteen months, nay? She also does adorable things like sign "grandma/pa" when I turn on my computer because she wants to skype with them.

She's toddling rapidly and playing with a passion. She's become very interested in imitating us and donning accessories. There's apparently no greater thrill than waddling about our condo carrying her red Elmo handbag, talking on the phone and wearing a hat. Shoes are also totally awesome, as is feeding and passing the phone to her stuffed animals.

In other news, Andrew is surviving residency, though it is challenging. He is entering his third week without a day off, and has been largely working odd hours in the Emergency Department lately. While the nature of the ED means somewhat reduced hours, it hasn't been particularly restful since Anika doesn't care how late Dada was up. Nevertheless, we are survivors: we plan to visit New York next weekend, if only for a day or two.

Walking and the First Birthday

After a hectic few final days in San Francisco (during which Anika took her first steps and celebrated her actual first birthday) Mama and Anika are enjoying a week of respite and celebration in sunny Colorado. Here are some pictures from the birthday party today and a video of her walking yesterday.

As you can see above, Mama and Grandma baked Anika a very fun birthday cake, loosely modeled after her best friend Davely. It was created from a bear mold; I lowered the ears, constructed a prosthetic muzzle and added a tail. Needless to say, our resident monkey expert was enthusiastic.

Wielding Tools

I just took advantage of a rare moment when she was too busy to care about demanding the camera.

She's been more consumed by her play these past few days, which is nice. I think the ability to entertain oneself is an endlessly useful skill.

P.S. Some new signs: kitty, happy, sleep, hat, monkey, baby and possibly Dada. Anika's also pretty clearly saying bye, and taking an earnest stab at kitty, monkey and ball. Not much development in the walking department this week though. She's very good at standing on her own and cruising, but is hesitant to strike out on her own.

Freestanding!

Here's evidence of the near-walking. She's taken about 1.5-2 steps here and there over the past few days, and regularly stands on her own for about 7-10 seconds.

This image is evidence also of why I'm not taking more photos or videos these days. Every time I get out the camera Anika quits whatever she was doing and demands I relinquish the device.

One Giant Leap?

I saw Anika take one small step this evening. She's been trying to stand on her own quite a bit for the past day or so. I counted 9 seconds on one "stand" this evening. She's also really getting the hang of the sign language. I feel like she's learning a new sign almost every day. New signs include: diaper, eat, phone and fan. She's definitely still interested in signing and saying kitty, monkey, bird and duck, but none are passing exactly. She says "gi" often when pointing at her kitty and monkey stuffed animals, "di" for dog or duck, and "ba" when we talk about birds. But she says "ba" for bread, banana and ball too. Oh, and she says "ah ah ah ah" (as in "ooh ooh ah ah") whenever I talk about Davely or monkeys. Does that count as a word? If she's holding Davely she shakes him up and down as she says this, just like her mama does.

She's also capable of stacking a block, playing ball nowadays, and screaming when she doesn't get what she wants. I think my baby is transforming into a toddler before my very eyes...

The Eleven Month Update

Well, we are extremely busy these days. I'm juggling being a full-time student and mom (with short-term help from Grandma Karen), Andrew is moving into our new home after a brief--an surprisingly relaxed--week and a half of residency, and Anika is... well, just busy.

Andrew was surprised to learn that he'd been scheduled to have a one week vacation just two weeks into residency. It's not what you'd call much needed, but it's honestly an ideal time. He had the movers deliver our stuff yesterday, and after two days of unpacking he'll join us in SF again for a few days on Tuesday. Anika and I will be go glad for his companionship and help.

So that I can get back to work here, I've just posted some recent photos and will list off some recent developments below.

Words*:
Bread
Yeah

Signs**:
Hi/bye
More
Dog
Wash
Milk
Toothbrush
Hooray
Drink

Favorite Activities:
Brushing her hair and teeth, along with those of Mama and her stuffed animals
Kissing
Playing ball
Listening to music/dancing
Playing with nesting cups
Reading books
Pushing her walking toy--and giving rides to her friends
Eating (new likes: curry, nectarines and lasagna; new dislikes: baby food)
Standing (for about 5-7 seconds on her own)

*Anika's been saying "brah" and "yah" for at least a month now, but I'm just now coming around to the idea that they actually mean something. "Yeah" seems like an odd first word to me; nevertheless, when I said "do you want to brush your teeth?" (with no toothbrush in sight) yesterday she said "yeah", made the sign for toothbrush, and then did it again when I demonstrated for Grandma. That's pretty hard to deny...


**She also seems to be trying to sign (and/or say) duck, kitty, bird, eat, bread, and possibly "all done," but they're not quite passable or confused (she signs "dog" when she sees a cat, for instance).

What a smarty-pants!

On the Road Again

I'm very sorry it's been so long since our last update. Much has happened. Andrew and I both finished our respective studies in New York, entertained our families during Andrew's graduation and moved out of our apartment in Brooklyn.

On May 31st, the entire Korson clan (kitty included) relocated to Denver, where we stayed a week with the grandparents. Here are some photos:


Anika is banging the gavel at her Grandma Mary's new office here. During our stay Mary announced that she will retire at the end of November. It was very fun for us to be there to read the many articles and editorials celebrating Mary's accomplishments. We are, of course, deeply proud.

I say "new office" here because, thanks to Mary, a new judicial building is in the works. Everyone at the state courthouse has relocated to the Denver Post building. Mary's office is very nice and has a spectacular view of the Capitol and the current demolition of their former home. I think it will be nice for Mary to look out on tangible evidence of her impact and efforts during her last few months as Chief.


And here is Anika waving with pride after having climbed an entire flight of stairs at Grandma Karen and Grandpa Wally's house. This is a frightening accomplishment for her mother.


After our week in Denver, we once again set out for San Francisco. This summer will be my last at the San Francisco Art Institute (where I've been pursing my Master of Fine Arts degree for a long time). We've been here a week (subletting a loft-style apartment near my graduate campus/studio), and it feels very nice to be settled and staying awhile.




Now that we're settled in SF, we bought the push toy I've long coveted. Anika is cruising around the apartment like a champ. It's amazing to see how grown up she's become.



At a whopping ten months old, she has about 4 signs (hello/goodbye, milk, drink, hooray) and several tricks. She is giving kisses, clapping her hands, pointing at everything, waving at everyone, bobbing her head to music, brushing her own teeth and hair, and playing peek-a-boo independently. She also is becoming interesting in pretend play: feeding us and her favorite monkey, brushing my hair, pretending to eat... And she's getting very insistent. We're practically convinced "bread" is going to be her first word, as she shouts "brah" whenever she sees it (including neighboring diners at restaurants). That said, she is still as sweet and happy as ever. I couldn't ask for a more lovable child.

The sad news, though, is that Andrew departed this morning for Boston. Orientation for his residency begins tomorrow. It was hard to see him go. While Andrew and I have parted for a couple months several times, leaving Anika behind was new. With luck, Andrew will discover he has some time off once he gets his new schedule, but as it stands we won't be seeing him until August 17th (our 3rd wedding anniversary). That all said, he is getting excited to begin the new job and move into our new home.

Now to make art...

Crawling! Or: Spidermom Strikes!

As of this morning, Emdrew has finally figured out how to crawl forward (she's been crawling in reverse for a couple weeks).

Also, I had an "adventure in parenthood" yesterday. Anika was taking her morning nap as I was preparing to go student teach. I went downstairs to put a note for her babysitter on the intercom (requesting that she call rather than hit the button because it wakes Anika) and--that's right--forgot my keys.

Luckily, I'd just opened the window on our fire escape (for one of the first times all year) , so after flipping out for about 30 seconds I solicited the help of the kooky Korean woman who runs the flower shop below us. She let me climb her ladder, from the top of which I pulled myself up onto the iron bars around her air conditioning unit. From there I managed to climb up the outside of the fire escape and in through the window--just in time to welcome our babysitter, say goodbye to a freshly napped baby, and head for school. Phew! Anika never even knew I was gone. My student teaching mentor called me Spidermom. I like it: friendly neighborhood art teacher scales Gotham buildings to rescue babies (followed, naturally, by a lightening-fast costume change).

All in all, it wasn't particularly difficult, just nerve-wracking, hazardous, dirty and wet.

Someone's Standing!

She's been doing this for about a week now, more readily and often by the day.

Grandma Mary's Baby Clothes

We took these photos at home about a week ago. We just pulled our sheet up over the headboard and plopped Anika on the bed. Andrew is apparently quite the photographer when he wants to be...

Family Photos

Here are a few photos from Sunday's trip to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens with a former teaching mentor of mine (who photographs weddings and events when he's not teaching middle school).






We enlisted his help simply because we're watching Anika's babyhood rapidly disappearing, and figured we ought to get a few decent family photos in before it's gone.

Anika is demonstrably understanding many of our words, and is slowly adding gestures to her signing vocabulary. I noticed today that she is beginning to point a bit, rather than just reach for (or wave at) things she wants. Also, we're very impressed that we can get her to wave simply by verbally telling her to "say hi."

She's still not truly crawling, but is spending lots of time on her knees (or scooting backwards). She'd also very much like to pull herself to standing; however, she's stalled out on her knees in this respect as well. I suspect she'll untangle her feet and start progressing forwards here within the next week or two.

The Eight Month Update

Well, life is speeding up, and I don't particularly want to go into elaborate details, but here are some recent photo and a little commentary.


This is a picture of the place we're eyeballing in Boston. We all went up to Boston last week (some longer than others), and did some serious house hunting. If all goes as planned, we'll be buying the first floor here within the next month or so. This isn't something we'd anticipated being able to do, but we figured out recently that the housing market is such that it may actually be cheaper to pay on a mortgage than to pay rent.

Anyhow, we like this place. Benefits include: two bedrooms, a small study, a deck, a fenced yard, basement storage (these are all things we currently lack), children upstairs, and a playground (plus an enormous old cemetery) across the street. It's in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, which has a reputation for housing lots of artists, young families, Latinos and LGBTs. It seems like a pretty happy little community. Plus there are many green spaces, and we'll have easy access to the T. Andrew will be a 10-15 minute drive from the hospital, or a 30 minute bike or subway ride. Our offer has been accepted, and Andrew attended the house inspection today. Generally speaking, things seem to be falling into place. We're excited about it so, you know, fingers crossed!

And now for a slew of Anika photos:



We think this monkey could be "the one." Time will tell.


Anika is getting close to crawling finally. Just this weekend, she began getting up onto her knees and sort of rocking back and forth. Now it's mostly a matter of finding a way to propel herself forward.




Needless to say, this kid is not short on pride in one's accomplishments. She can't pull herself up yet, but she sure does love the view from up here.




Note the ridiculous Popeye arms.



And again: those arms!






Here she is in her bathing suit, getting ready for her first swim.


The pre-swim shower...
The pre-swim capping...


And finally, the swim. She didn't hate it, but wasn't thrilled either. It was very cold; I think we all would have enjoyed it more if we weren't freezing.