Peepee on the Potty!

Potty training officially started today, and our first try was a success. Hannah got big cheers after her first try went in the toilet, and she cackled with pleasure at the fun of it. It's a silly thing, but we're so proud of Hannah. It's amazing to watch her grow up, and she certainly enjoys wearing her big girl underpants and going to the bathroom like Mommy and Daddy.

More Change in 2009 :)

2009 will be a year of change, and I'm not talking about President Obama taking office, although I am proud and hopeful about his Presidency. I'm more talking about the personal front. Changes to Hannah as she enters her 4th year of life; changes to our family with the addition of another baby girl in early June; and changes to both Maria and I as we continue to develop as a couple, as individuals, and as parents.

While all of these changes are profound, some take time to develop and become observable. I think one of the most amazing things about raising a child is how much this change takes place right before your eyes. Literally, day-to-day, week-to-week, and month-to-month. There is always something new to learn or discover about one's self, or about the world. Part of the reason 2 year olds can be difficult is, I think, that all of these things--physical and emotional--are becoming palpable for them around this time, yet they don't understand it all yet. New expressions, new emotions and how to express them, new ways of playing and new things to play with, new things to discover about the world and its inhabitants, and new and deeper trust and love for parents, and many other things too. Because this is all so amazing to watch and be a part of, I think it's worth stopping, as frequently as possible, to enjoy the moment and appreciate the gift of life, and the joys of childhood.

Now that's I've done that, let's talk about January :) It's getting easier and easier (and more fun) to go out and do things with Hannah, and we've been making an effort as much as possible. We'll need to learn how to continue this with a newborn, but that's for later. In the meantime, we did some fun stuff in January. We had a great warm weather spell here, and on one of those days, I took Hannah to the Zoo in SF. She loved that--especially the family farm they have where you can walk around and interact with the animals. We also took her to Lemos Farm in Half Moon Bay, where the biggest attractions were the bouncy room and Peewee the Pony sneezing. And at school one day, I was amazed to see her zooming around the yard on a tricycle. I had no idea she could do that, and what little kid doesn't love to go fast!

Anyway, enjoy these pictures from January 2009.