Feeding The Fish

Isobel loves to visit and feed the fish that live in the pond on the grounds of our new place. She is learning that a little food goes along way; still, the fish may suffer from obesity soon.

Moving? Moving! Moved!

Isobel has moved to the beautiful mountains of Altadena! On a whim, Steph and I checked out an ad on Craig's List for a quadriplex on 47 acres that promised peace, quiet and wild life. It turned out to be true. We now occupy a small, charming portion of what was once a gigantic three level house built into a mountain. It is up a private road on the edge of the Angeles National Forrest. It has been a bit of an adjustment so far for all of us. Izzy loves it. She has her own little room that came with a pre-painted mural of a sunrise and little animals. She is incredibly curious and, while on walks around the property, investigates every sound, plant, insect, bird, squirrel, etc., frequently ordering me to stop and listen or stand still so we don't alarm any nearby creatures. We have not had a chance to photograph much of the property yet, but we look forward to many Summer adventures and will post photos of our future exploits for your viewing pleasure.

Easter 3

Isobel celebrated her third Easter at her Goma and Papa's house. The weather was sunny and mild, a perfect setting for an egg hunt in the Anderson backyard. Izzy chased her older cousins around the yard and managed to get some eggs in her bag. She is very attached to her cousin Amanda, and the two rode a tricycle in circles on the back deck for a good twenty minutes. Little cousin Alicia joined them and they managed to continue to move in circles with no spills, a tremendous feat considering the volatile nature of the three strong-willed pilots.

2009: Quarter One

Isobel has had a wonderful 2009 so far! Please enjoy the photos. Most are from her 2nd birthday. A few others were selected because they are hilarious. Izzy continues to be an energetic, strong-willed, fun-loving little girl who commands the attention of most everyone she meets.

Summer/Fall Update

Many months have passed since my last post. Spring sprung, Summer faded into Fall, trips were taken, presidents were elected, etc. Please enjoy these pictures of Izzy on a trip to Northern California, trick-or-treating, and visiting the polls. She continues to amaze us and everyone she meets with her passion, humor, and absolute love of life!

Easter

Isobel had a wonderful second Easter. She had her cousins, auntie, uncle, and Goma over in the morning to find eggs and eat breakfast. She went a bit haywire when the contents of the baskets were spread on the floor, darting speedily across the carpet, picking up plastic eggs, throwing them, throwing herself onto her cousins, pointing and giving orders to all involved. After this madness Izzy went on a nice hike at Eaton Canyon with her friends Cindy, Marcus, and thier boy Quinn. Quinn is a month younger than Izzy, but already walking and at least her size, if not slightly larger. Quinn sat happily in the creek and splashed about, while Izzy looked very concerned. She did not want to get in the water, but happily observed and pointed to others enjoying the stream. After the hike Isobel cooled off in the nature center, anxious to show her friends the reptiles, birds, and rodents. Izzy ended the day with a warm bath (where she finally tolerated her bunny ears!) and a sound sleep.

Isobel's First Birthday

Izzy turned one year on Valentine's day. Her Goma and Papa hosted a huge party the following weekend. The theme was animals and the house and yard were decorated accordingly. Friends and family ate, drank and socialized, paying tribute to the wee commander with hugs, kisses, and lavish gifts. A pink elephant cake for the guests and a miniature heart-shaped cake adorned with a duck for Izzy topped off the party. Isobal dug in to her cake, then fell fast asleep in her mother's arms.

Natural History Museum

Isobel visited the Natural History Museum in January. It was actually her second trip to the museum (her first was at three months with her cousin Abby), and she had a great time. She especially enjoyed the Bug Zoo/Interactive Kid Zone, impressed with the animal skeletons and freakishly huge insects. She seems to have her mommy's appreciation for the large insects and spiders that give her father the heebie-jeebies.

First Christmas

Isobel enjoyed her first Christmas. She spent Christmas Eve and Day with the Anderson family, including the newest addition: Alicia Marie Flores. The little cousin was born on December 22nd. Izzy enjoyed all parts of the holiday: eating, presents, and celebration.

Izzy On The Go!

Isobel has been very active in the last month. She crawls easily and frequently now, getting into mischief, taunting her cats and parents alike. She continues to be active out of the house as well, day tripping about the city and taking it all in.

Thanksgiving Adventures

Isobel had a very involved Thanksgiving Holiday. She feasted on little pieces of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, and pie at her Goma and Papa's house. So far she is not a fussy eater and will try most everything (except baby food!). Izzy visited her Great Aunt Carol's on the weekend following Thanksgiving, where she feasted yet again, and had the privilege of seeing her Auntie-Cousin Heather and her Noni and Grandad. Following this lovely visit, Noni and Grandad followed Izzy up to San Gabriel and spent three wonderful days with her. Trips to numerous restaurants, the LA Arboretum, and the Mount Wilson Observatory followed.

First Halloween

Isobel hed a great first Halloween. She dressed in a little skeleton suit during the day, then changed into her monkey costume for trick or treating. She went house to house with her cousins, appearing to be very analytical of the whole thing, silently judging the people as they complimented her and gave her candy.

Goma's Birthday

Isobel hosted a party for her Goma Anderson's birthday. She delighted the guests with her antics as she was passed from person to person and was, as always, the life of the party.

The Harvest Festival

Steph's work hosts an annual fall festival, complete with a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, and other activities. Izzy enjoyed them all! She selected pumpkins, touched some farm animals, even petted a snake. Fun!

Isobel Goes North

Isobel went to a wedding in Palo Alto in September. It was her first road trip and she loved it. It was also her first trip to Noni and Granddad's house in Carmel. The busy weekend included the wedding (and reception), a stop in Santa Cruz, a visit to crazy Tania and Rob and Danila's house, and a walk on windy Carmel Beach.

Izzy's New House (Finally!)

Isobel and her family moved in mid-August to San Gabriel. Seems like a long time ago because it was a long time ago (apologies to those who have been waiting patiently for blog updates). Isobel enjoys her spacious new living quarters, especially the cleanliness of the carpet on which she frequently rolls. In time she will have her own bedroom!

Feet!

Isobel has been fascinated with her feet for the last several weeks. Tonight she got them into her mouth for the first time while sitting in the bath. She chewed her toes and heels, looked up, and licked her lips!

Little Baby Bumbo

Isobel is now able to hold her head up independently for several minute intervals. This means she is big enough to sit in her Bumbo Seat! The seat is an Australian invention and was given to Isobel by her Uncle Gabriel and Aunt Darlene. Her parents prop her up and call her Little Baby Bumbo.

A quiet 4th

Isobel had a quiet first Independence Day. She enjoyed a visit from Steph's childhood friend Shannon, now living in Pennsylvania. Izzy, Steph, and Auntie Shannon spent the day roaming around Pasadena and Sierra Madre, visiting old haunts and whooping it up. It turns out Auntie Shannon is pregnant, so Izzy will have a little cousin sometime in December!

Little lady of leisure

Isobel has taken to various leisure activities, including swaying in her swing, playing her drum, and, of course, napping. She also loves to watch the Best of Bowie video collection with her father!