Monday, October 26, 2009

More Fiona Fashions


Now that Fiona is old enough to voice her opinions, she's been playing a much larger role in dressing herself. This has led to some interesting outfits. She has already grasped the concept of layering - with a vengeance. There are days when I want to post a disclaimer on my forehead (or hers): "My daughter dressed herself this morning. Don't judge."

Many of you will recall that Fiona displayed an early love of accessories, and this has only intensified. There are rain boots from Nana and Boom, which must be worn regardless of the weather and the fact that they cause her to walk slower than rocks eroding:

There are 3-D glasses for viewing sidewalk chalk drawings (a new technology, apparently) from Grandmommy and Granddaddy:

And these fetching glasses:
Which give Fiona a striking resemblance to everybody's favorite dictator:
When obvious accessories aren't to be found, Fiona has been known to supplement her outfits with vegetables...

...either that or she was attempting to use the brussels sprouts as a weapon. She certainly wasn't interested in eating them.

Speaking of eating, Fiona is learning to use chopsticks. A peek at her early technique:
Sometimes, though, we do get fashion right:(Note that Fiona finally has enough hair to support a couple of bows, which have definitively put a stop to questions about her gender, even in Berkeley).
And here is the latest in Campbell photos:
Campbell, at 3 months, is much more alert and active. She's generally a very happy baby, and has produced some great belly laughs. As Campbell becomes more of a person, Fiona has become increasingly protective. Here are the two sisters, with Fiona's stance clearly proclaiming: "This is my sister, yo!"

Monday, October 12, 2009

The Pickles go Pumpkin-ing


This weekend, we celebrated the advent of cool, crisp Fall weather in the Bay Area (yes, it CAN feel like Autumn in California!) by going pumpkin picking with our friends Tommy, Celeste, their daughter Elisa (and their other child, due in March); Kelly, Dani, their dog Trout; and Kathleen (who came along with her baby, still in utero and due in December). We went to Peterson's Farm, site of our pumpkin-picking adventure a year ago. In addition to a nice pumpkin patch, Peterson's features assorted animals (cows, ponies, chickens, ducks, a turkey, and lots of bees). A splendid time was had by all, and we came away with 3 fine pumpkins for our front steps.

Fiona enjoyed mothering Elisa, who is a year younger and thus deserves to be petted.

She affected quite an attitude during a wagon ride.

She attempted to interpret the inner life of a pumpkin.

And, finally, she selected her pumpkin.

Campbell came, too, but was a bit more reserved.

But Campbell came away with her own pumpkin (selected, this year, by her big sister).

Fiona, as she is wont to do these days, insisted on driving home.

But she gave up at last, and settled for a much-deserved nap instead.