Monday, May 28, 2007

discovery


It's so fun to see Tiz discover new stuff. She's so aware now that it seems like every few moments she's having another epiphany. Yesterday she was obsessed with tags. She would bypass the colorful, noise-making, razz-a-matazzing substance of any toy to gently knead its logo tag between her fore-finger and thumb. I like to think she's developing the fine motor skills necessary to make a magically flaky pastry crust.


Today, she discovered mirrors. One hangs above her changing station at Mom & Dad's and Tiz has become obsessed with beaming cheek-busting smiles at herself. Watching her do it is almost more joy than a person can handle.

birds of paradise


Somehow, between all the eating and planning what to eat next, Dad and I found time for a little landscaping project. Dad wanted to put in a small patio off his deck to showcase his three potted Bird of Paradise plants. We took a couple hours this afternoon to get it done and here are the results.



Looks like Dad was glad to have some help!

skype


Dad and I were having a talk about the mind-blowing progression of technology in the last century. It's so incredible to think about the fact that my grandparents grew up without running water, electricity or motor vehicles and now we're... well, you know. The talk was affirmed when we got on the Skype with Kim. For any of you who haven't seen it, Skype is a free online service that lets you video-chat with anyone, anywhere in the world. We Skype with Mom & Dad all the time because it's a great way to keep them in touch with Tiz's progression. This was the first time Tiz had Skyped with Kim and the result was hilarious. Tiz kept looking at the screen, then around it, trying to see where her Mama was. Even though she never found her, when Kim would sing to her, Tiz would beam with joy. Technology is indeed amazing.

bathing beauty


In anticipation of summer, Mom & Dad sent this bikini a few weeks ago. To try it out, they picked up a little pool for our visit. Here's a sequence of Tiz getting her feet wet.


At first she was a little uncertain...



But after a few tentative splashes...


She dove right in...

when in rome


Tiz has kept right in stride on our culinary adventure down south. She's really gotten the hang of eating from a spoon and now lunges forward, mouth gaping, in hot pursuit of her next bite.



Grandma's Pancakes are a family tradition passed down from our Estonian ancestors. Mom & I made Tiz her first batch this morning and she eagerly gummed away at one. Tanan vaga, Vannaema (Thanks, Granny)!

ace of cake

Mom requested a birthday cake... chocolate with vanilla buttercream. Here's the play-by-play action.




Here's the part where I really start wishing Kim was here...



OK... so it's probably not going to win any competitions...


But it tasted great... Happy Birthday, Mom!

the good life


I love coming to my Mom & Dad's because it's like being at summer camp for cooks. The weather's always warm and sunny and our days are spent cooking, eating and planning what to cook next. This trip has been especially fun because it's Mom's birthday and Mom & Dad's anniversary, so we've got some serious celebrating to do. In this shot I'm skewering some shrimp and vegetables on The Calypso - a cool cooking gadget that Kim found for my Dad's birthday.



It worked really well and made a dramatic presentation. Maybe we'll start carrying these at the shop. It turned out to be a great gift.

granny's house



Tiz and I are visiting my parents for the weekend. My Mom had a hip replacement, so we came down to cheer her up and help out where we can while she's in recovery.


Tiz was happy to see Grandma and Grandpa and is enjoying the plush accommodations.

Saturday, May 26, 2007

bird's eye


This is just a nice portrait of Tiz that her Mom took, so I thought I'd post it. Enjoy.

another food adventure


Here we are at Frontera Grill, a Chicago landmark and a favorite of ours since Kim & I were first dating. This was Tiz's first visit and, since she's now eating real food, she was able to partake in some of the dishes we had ordered. Here she is getting a taste of Rick Bayless' famous cowboy beans that accompany the tacos al carbon. And no, that girly-looking drink is not a cosmo, it's my mezcal margarita. Cloaked behind its feminine hue, this mysterious and high-octane brew is defined by a charred-agave smokiness that is unmistakably manly and is simply terrific with this food. Highly recommended.