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!"

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.

A PSA from the Gong Girls (Mostly Fiona)

Hello everyone. Fiona has some important messages to share with you.
First, she would like you to know where her baseball loyalty lies:
Next, she would like to emphasize the importance of bicycle safety.
Campbell, who continues her quest to become enormous through an endless cycle of eating and sleeping, and who has apparently developed an alarming tendency for red-eye in photos, also has a thought to share:
"You can't choose your big sister. Bummer."

(How's that for creating coherence out of random photos?!)

Pickin'

Those of you who've been following this blog for over a year (if you exist) may recall that last year we took Fiona apple picking at Gabriel Farm in the lovely Sonoma County town of Graton. It was so much fun that we're hoping to make it a family tradition. And so it was that we headed back to Gabriel Farm this past Sunday. Things were a bit different this time around.

Fiona can now help out by carrying the apple box (which, moments after this picture was taken, she pronounced "too heavy" and handed off to Erick).

She can now actually pick apples.
AND, perhaps most fun of all, she can actually EAT apples. And eat them she did. In the sun....

in the shade...

back at home.

She also helped "pick" blackberries, until I wised up as to why the blackberries always seemed to stay at the same level in the box.

If you're wondering why Campbell is absent from this experience, it's because she WAS absent in terms of consciousness:

But lest you think that Campbell spends all her time passed out, here is a picture of her actually awake and alert. It does happen.

Fiona's Shiner

At almost 22 months, Fiona is shaping up to be a tough, independent gal. Her favorite saying lately is: "I'm do it!" (Often followed by screams of frustration when, in fact, she can't do it). A couple of her recent antics:

This week, while my back was turned for, oh, 30 seconds, Fiona decided to pull a Thelma and Louise and drive her toy car off of our front porch. A visual for those who haven't seen the movie:

She banged her forehead, which then slowly drained into her eyelid, producing her first (and probably not her last) black eye. She seems strangely proud of it. I, on the other hand, have been getting some nasty looks when I take her around town!

Fiona also pulled a fast one on her dad by convincing him that she wanted to "help" hold the baguette in the car on their way home from the grocery store. Here's what it looked like when they got home:

Campbell, on the other hand, has been shaping up into a happy, laid-back baby. She's going to have to be!

Birthday Fun!

Last week, Fiona had the honor of celebrating her friend Constance's 2nd birthday. Applying the wise adage that one should invite as many friends to a birthday party as the years one is turning, Constance's mother had invited Fiona and Cammi, who, at almost 3, was the big girl of the group.

The girls got right down to business with banana bread cakes in the backyard.
Fiona REALLY got down to business. She didn't even wait until "Happy Birthday" had been sung. We have a ways to go on etiquette.
The whole party was wonderful fun, complete with finger painting, bubbles, and multiple opportunities to watch Constance and Cammi use the "big girl potty" (we have a ways to go with potty training, too!). But the highlight, by far, was dressing up.

Especially the high-heeled shoes. I can't think of anything much more nerve-wracking or charming than watching these 3 girls clip-clop around on the brick patio in their plastic high heels.

Inspired by the party, this morning Fiona wedged her foot into a plastic thermos cap, which she proclaimed a "highway shoe." Sigh. They grow up so fast!

Fraternizing & Unionizing

This past weekend, the Gong Girls (along with their parents & grandparents) attended the annual International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers picnic at beautiful Stern Grove in San Francisco.

Their Granddaddy belongs to the IBEW, and this is the second year that we've attended. Last year, Fiona wasn't yet mobile, so she wasn't able to partake in all of the festivities. This was a year of exciting firsts for her.

First Sno Cone.

First Cotton Candy.

First bouncy house.

First face painting.
As for Campbell, her participation was a bit more...laid back. But no doubt next year she'll be bouncing right alongside big sister.
Fiona and Campbell continue to get along exceptionally well. Fiona has explained to Campbell all the ins and outs of her playgym.
And here is a picture of them in the first of what I'm sure will be many matching outfits, this one courtesy of Nana.
Happy September!