Introducing ...

Just in case the antics of one little Hammel were not enough to keep you on the edge of your seat, the producers of this blog (i.e. Jess and I) are proud to officially announce for your blogging pleasure that our third season, which commences around the end of March/beginning of April will feature ... a brand new cast member! Currently, this yet-to-be-named addition to the Lovett Hammel cast is about 10.5 inches and 3/4 of a pound, but we are certain she - the sonographer was about 90% certain about the sex - will grow considerably over the next few months. And as you can see, despite her small size, she is already extremely photogenic.

We are sure you are all as excited as we are to see what this latest plot twist will mean for our little drama, and we, the producers, will do our best to keep you informed. In the meantime, don't touch that mouse!

Slide, Snack, Santa

Perhaps we'll wait another year or so before returning to Toronto's Santa Claus Parade. If we wait until the mighty Morgen is older, she can join the hoards of children reclaiming the normally traffic-clogged Bloor Street with chalk drawings and pick-up street hockey. As it was, Morgen spent the pre-parade hour playing in a nearby park with her Grandpa and Daddy while Mommy and Grandma guarded her front row seat. Waiting for the parade to begin, Morgen fussed a bit, snacked a bit, and toddled around the curb in front of the spectators a bit. Five minutes into the thing she asked for a blankie and fell asleep in my arms. Twenty two marching bands crashed and honked by us, 1500 clowns threw candy, people dressed as giant skunks, dogs, butterflies, princes and princesses processed along the street, and still she slept. Until the big man arrived. Then, she smiled and waved...after all, the girl has got her priorities straight.

Peepers

Look at these eyes.

Perfect for seeing things way up high.

Like the "Moooo, mama, mooo!"

More to love

Morgen is growing more independent every day. And at the same time, she's becoming more attached to a certain toy that, until recently, we've called her 'transitional object'. The thing is, "Leona the Lion," called "Kitty" or "lllllllllullllluhluh" by Morgen isn't so transitional these days. Once only important at bedtime and naptime, Leona is now more of an ubiquitous buddy. I suppose it's better than Morgen's former fixation on my fuzzy pink pyjamas. For one thing, Leona is far more fetching. But the lion is getting a bit...grimey. Even a surreptitious wash this past weekend couldn't remove the stains and other signs of a toddler's love. Anyone out there (besides my brother) still have their comfort toy or blankie hidden away somewhere?

Science Centre!

Saturday was a banner day for Morgen. We went to the grocery store, where Morgen learned all about bagging up the groceries. We came home, where she helped us take everything out again. Grandma and Grandpa showed up just around snack time, and then after a nap, we all squished into the car for a trip to the Science Centre.

What to say about the KidsPark at the Science Centre? Morgen loved it, for a start. There are frogs, building blocks, ramps for balls to roll down, a house that is "under construction" where the kids can fill in the insulation and tiles using foam blocks, and then, just when Morgen thought she'd seen it all, she found the pretend grocery store - bigger than our living room, and stocked with empty cans, boxes, bottles, plastic fruits and veggies, and checkouts with tills that ding and belts that beep.

We spent a long time at this improved, child-friendly 'grocery store' before taking Morgen home. She was so sleepy in the car that she could hardly keep her eyes open. After a few tired requests for her "Kitty" (her sleep buddy, a fuzzy pink lion), she allowed herself to fall asleep.

And when she woke up, it was Hallowe'en. Can a day get any better?

Busy bug goes boo

Last Hallowe'en, Morgen was a pumpkin, and enjoyed a little whirl around the front yard before happily going to bed. Gavin and I enjoyed treating the hundreds of children in costumes who paraded by our front door. This year, Morgen joined the parade. High Park has never seen a busier bug.

Grandma and Grandpa Lovett warm up the cameras as our bug hits the pavement. Note the very stylish candy bag from MN Grandma in action...

I love Hallowe'en - it makes Toronto feel like a small town. The neighbours chat and say hello, strangers tell you where they live and how old their kids are, and those same kids are allowed to run and play in the streets. Not to mention the bit about taking candy from strangers. What could be better? Except for taking candy from...er, collected by...the baby, that is. That's pretty fun too. Aside from my big baby lady bug, favourite costumes from last night included a teenaged baker, a pre-teen midnight fairy, and a little tiger cub who had just learned to walk.

The bug in her natural habitat.

Sleepy, sitting bug (rarely seen).

Yesterday was full of excitement - more pictures and stories to come. Happy Hallowe'en everyone!