November?

Yeah, evidently I kind of missed November...and half of December. I think I might be good in the sprints rather than being a marathoner...except that I don't actually run at all. Whatever.

Part of what I find is that I will have a day or two with nothing really worth noting, and then *blammo* 23 days in a row in which I should note how tremendously awesome Peanut is and how she makes me laugh and shocks my socks off every day, but if I miss that first day...it's all over. Since I totally still owe you baptism and birthday part 3 posts, then I have been that much more computer averse. Did I mention I am an avoider? Yeah, again, whatever. 

To get back on the saddle again, I am just going to post some quick Peanut facts:

1. She now has upwards of twenty words. All are in Spanish except "bye" for which she also says "chao." They include: 

Tía Mala, aka Acky

•  bravo - while clapping, often at the end of a solid mama written and performed number. This is clearly my favorite word, for what I think is an  obvious reason.

• luna - impressive particularly because she seems to have it straight that luna refers to both the moon and the dog across the street. This is her Papi's favorite word.

• nano - for banano. The trick is figuring out whether she actually wants a banana, or if she is merely pointing out the banana and making clear she knows what it is. Mama trick learning is ongoing. I have eaten many bananas.

• acky - for Jacky, or Tía Mala (Bad Aunt - more on this another time), our next door neighbor. Jacky would like me to point out that my last update of Peanut's words should have included this word as well. Jacky would actually like me to say that it was her first word, though that is possibly a complete lie.

• vamos - almost always said with great conviction. She will look at you and say "Let's go!" and head directly to the door. the fact that she has on only a diaper is not an issue.

2. The Nutter eats basically everything.

I know that this will change at some point, and I will likely pine away on this very blog about the "way things used to be," but for now let me just say that my girl can eat. She eats little cooked broccoli trees (and gives a hearty "yuuuummmmm"), auyama (kind of like sweet potato), green beans, black-eyed peas, chicken, open-faced tuna fish sandwiches with pineapple and melted cheese (hey, she asked...), creamed spinach, pumpkin pie, raisin bran, soft-boiled eggs, obviously I could go on and on. The part you should actually be impressed with is that she does it with FOUR TEETH. I mean really, with all this intake, don't you think they deserve friends? 

On a different note, I am greatly heartened by the variety and quality of my potential future meals when all my teeth have departed.

3. We dropped the bottle at her birthday.  

Now she  only drinks from cups (usually with a straw). While there are many things I miss when they go, that is not one of them.

4. She has started her campaign to be Queen of Carnaval.

Each year just before Lent begins, there is Carnaval. In Barranquilla the season of Carnaval basically begins at 12:01am on New Year's Day and from then on there are parties, dancing, and appearances by the Queen. The Queen of Carnaval is a highly coveted honor, usually given to children of wealthy families (nothing too surprising there). Though Peanut was born in Barranquilla, she does not have Colombian citizenship (long story), so that counts as one more strike against her. She, however, is undeterred. 

Deciding that if the odds are high then one must simply work harder, Peanut stops to greet every person (and dog, and cat, etc) when out on a walk. In the land of "Hola Vecina!" (Howdy neighbor! - mostly to cover up the fact that no one actually knows your name), everyone calls out to Peanut by name. She stops to wave at the ladies in Bible study at the back of the Catholic church. She always walks onto Doña Olivia's patio. She makes sure to wave to Carlos, and she often stops to watch the guys at the gym. Even better is that they stop too. One moment, pumping iron and looking tough. The next minute, five guys in sleeveless t-shirts googly-eyed and waving at the little girl on the sidewalk. Wish I had a picture of that to put up here.

5. Peanut looks up a lot.

I notice not only because I get to sneak in kisses under her chin when she does it, but also because she often loses her balance if she is standing and looking up at the same time. It reminds me of how little we all look up actually. Go ahead, do it. It's okay. 

Here's to being back in the saddle, to the ride, and to the marvelous view...be back soon.