Annabelle

Here are some photos of Santiago's chum, Annabelle. She lives in the neighborhood. Santiago has known Annabelle since he was ten months old. She and Santiago see each other a couple times a week. As Santiago and Annabelle age, it is fun to watch them turn to their gender role activities. While they used to play with the same toys, now Santiago likes to point out truck and Annabelle enjoys necklaces. Annabelle likes to hug and kiss which Santiago isn't so sure about. Nevertheless they are buddies and can say each others names. They are most honest in their play together -- Santiago is very likely to call foul while playing with Annabelle. Something he rarely does with others.

December 2016

First Lost Tooth

We have big news, Santiago lost his first tooth yesterday. He is excited!

Last night at bedtime we had a little ceremony. We lit a small, white candle. Ed and I read a poem (below) and Santiago put his tooth into a pouch and tucked it under his pillow. In the night the tooth fairy visited, blew out the candle and transformed his tooth into treasures: a coin, a blue star, a purple stone and a gold nugget (for abundance, wishes, bravery & knowledge).

It was quiet magical and now Santiago has tons of questions about the Tooth Fairy: What does she look like? Is there one tooth fairy or several for different parts of the world? She wears white and carries a wand and there is only one tooth fairy who doesn't follow time like us so she can fly through out the world in one night -- just like Santa

The poem...

I see you've lost your little tooth,

The pearly one that's been so loose,

I'll fly tonight on fairy wings

And come to you while soft you dream.

I'll take your tiny gift in hand

And fly away to fairy land

Where fairies all rejoice with you

And marvel at how fast your grew!

In exchange I'll leave a treasure

To amuse and bring you pleasure

And to remind you as you grow

To claim the magic that makes you bold!

Five Little Pumpkins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAn-g4qkp30

Pufferbilly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGMB762EJVA

Flirting -- It's Hardwired

Santiago and Mom were enjoying an afternoon at the swimming pool when Mom noticed Santiago was fixated on one of the life guards. This isn't so strange; Santiago often stares at life guards trying to figure out what their deal is. Yet, this soon proved to be a little different. When Mom moved Santiago in the water or spoke to him he would strain his neck to keep his focus on the life guard.

Turning around Mom found that the life guard was a very cute young lady with big sunglasses and blond hair. Santiago waved and said, "I'm waving at her, Mom." His waving got more emphatic and wild as the life guard waved back. Santiago waved again when he and Mom passed by the life guard again. However, on the fourth pass Santiago turned his head away from her stand and said, "I'm turning my head this way, Mom."

Let the games begin!

4th of July

Santiago rode in the neighborhood's 4th of July parade in his red wagon with his friend Annabelle. Santiago enjoyed waving to the folks along the parade route and telling stories to Annabelle. The fire truck was a big hit. Power to the people.

Santiago & Lucy

Santiago takes care of Baby Lucy (Annabelle's sister). He is so smitten with Lucy that he was willing to repeatedly kiss her while Mom tried to get a good shot. In the end all the kisssing photos looked like Santiago had fallen into Lucy's car seat.