The Adventures of the Little Missy: September 2007

Sunday, September 30, 2007

The Itsy Bitsy Spider

For quite a while now Elisa has been singing songs. She kind of hums with an open mouth, not really forming words. However, it is pretty obvious that she is singing. It is one of the really cute and funny things that she does (for her biased parents the list is long).

A couple of weeks ago Jennifer started singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider to Elisa. After just the 2nd or 3rd time of singing it Elisa picked it up... somewhat. She does her version when Jennifer finishes (with the hand choreography too!) You will definitely enjoy this video!

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Farroupilhia

Tomorrow is a holiday in our state known as Farroupilhia (fa-hoe-peel-ya). The only real way I know how to explain Farroupilhia is to say that it is a celebration of the Gaúcho spirit. Every year at this time the gaúchos of the area have a large camp out near downtown for almost the entire month of September. If you were to go to the gaúcho camp you would see a lot of people walking around in traditional gaúcho attire, lots of horses, good food and some traditional gaúcho products for sell.

Today we took Elisa down to the Farroiupilhia/gaúcho camp. We had a great time walking around and checking out all the cool stuff. I will share with you one really close call that I witnessed. Elisa's favorite song is "Baa, baa black sheep". I looked over as we were walking down a path to see "Baa, baa black sheep" hanging upside down with a crowd gathering around to see him get slaughtered! Yikes! Now that is Farroupilhia! Thankfully, Elisa wasn't exposed to that part of Farroupilhia.

Here are some photos and a video of our family at Farroupilhia. We really think that Elisa had a great time. Check out the video to see her taking her first horse ride!

Daddy and Elisa in traditional Gaúcho clothing.

BEEF!

Mommy helping Elisa on her first horsey ride!

A Gaúcho walking down a path at Farroupilhia.

Mommy and Elisa with the state (Rio Grande do Sul) and Brazilian flags.

A miniature horse ready to pull a buggy.

Yikes! What!? Did she...?

Somehow I think we are in for it. Elisa has turned on a whole new attitude that we aren't quite ready for. I've heard of the "terrible 2s" and maybe even the "terrible 3s", but do the "terrible 15 months" exist? It could be that she isn't feeling well due to teething, but it is hard to say. All I know is that lately, although she is still sweet, she is a little stinker too!

An example: the other day I was feeding her lunch or dinner and she decided to throw some of her food on the floor (this isn't altogether uncommon - happens at every meal). This time, however, when I told her "No, Elisa!" she furrowed her brow, looked at me and said "Na, dada!" with her pudgy finger pointing at me! What!? Did she really just do that!? Oh, man, we are in big trouble!

My mom likes to think that us kids will get the trouble that we caused through our own children. The problem is, I really don't think I was this ornery!

Monday, September 10, 2007

Smarty pants!

Elisa has really gotten good at pointing out whatever we ask her to. She is a pro at pointing out eyes and saying "eyes" (although it isn't perfect pronunciation it is close enough for me to not change it phonetically). She has some t-shirts that have animals on them like chicks, puppies, turtles, etc. If you ask her where her chick, puppy or turtle is she will point it out on her shirt. She has gotten exceptionally good at doing this with the puppies because, as an added bonus, she will point the puppy out and give a little bark. It is too cute. I hope you enjoy this little video of her demonstrating how much of a smarty pants she is.

Saturday, September 08, 2007

Out and about

This week we have seen huge temperature changes. The south part of Brazil has experienced its coldest winter in something like 45 years (give or take). Finally, after consistent temperatures in the 40s and low 50s (with rain) we have had some nice days in the 70s and 80s [note the difference in temperature change by viewing the picture of Elisa helping me make a fire in the previous post]. We are able to get out and take walks more comfortably now (wearing shorts and sun dresses). We open up the back doors of our main floor to allow Elisa to play in and out of the house as she pleases. And let me tell you, she pleases! She loves playing in the grass of our little back yard. And she loves looking over the fence to see the neighbor's dog - which she yells at and makes an attempt to bark at! We love seeing her eat up the outdoors. It is a lot of fun now that she is so mobile and able to get herself "out and about" so well. Our family invites Spring to stay in Porto Alegre as long as it likes!