Big Girl Bed

Of the landmarks Mia has had at this age, the most exciting by far has been her big girl bed. Right after we got back from New York, we went to IKEA and picked it out. It converts into a bunk bed if you flip it upside down! Those clever Swedes :-)

We Left Our Hearts in NY

Over Labor Day week, we went to New York to visit Great Grandma Joan and Great Grandpop Bill. We stayed at their charming home in Long Island and had a wonderful time. It was sunny and hot (just as we hoped!). We got to visit with Great Gramps, Grampy Jack, and Uncle David and Aunt Laura. We got tours of the gorgeous surrounding estates, went to the beach and to the Big Apple, which was very exciting! (We even taught Mia how to talk with a New York accent :-)

See the full slideshow here.

Que Los Cumplas Feliz

Dearest Mia,
This week you turned three! We can hardly believe it. The past few months have been all about becoming a "big girl." You are so independent now! Here are a some fun facts about Mia at three years old:

1. Earlier this spring, you taught yourself to whistle and snap your fingers.
2. You are not afraid of the garbage truck anymore (well, most days).
   
3. Canela the Bear is still your #1 stuffed friend and has developed her own personality. Sometimes Canela gets too mischievous and has to be given a time-out. (Canela is also potty trained now!)
4. You are constantly making us laugh with your voices and impersonations, especially your impression of Mona.
   
5. Lately, you've been into lullabies. Your favorites are "Duermete mi nina" and "Hush Little Baby." Sometimes you ask mommy and daddy to sing a duet.
6. You are learning to write the letters of your name.
7. You love to dance and sing. Sometimes you do these funny little dance moves that remind us of Elaine from Seinfeld.
8. Your favorite books right now are "El Cuento de Ferdinando," "The Diggingest Dog," and the book of fairy tales from G.G. Joan.
   
9. If you are given the option to run or walk, you will choose "run" every time.
10. You still get the hiccups sometimes if you laugh too hard.

For your birthday you asked for Hello Kitty-themed birthday party, and you had a blast. We are looking forward to another year of rediscovering the world with you.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

(Click here to see a slideshow of Mia's birthday party photos.)

Attic Remodel

After a month of camping out in our living room, we can now call our home a 2-bedroom, 2-bath! Mia has really enjoyed showing off the new bathroom to our friends and family :-)

Click here for more photos.

For the grandmas / Para las abuelas

We went to our annual Shorinji Kempo barbeque last weekend, and guess what our friends had at their house? FROGS!

Bienvenue Lucien

Yesterday, July 13, our dear friends Denise and Thierry welcomed the newest member of their family, Lucien Henry Laborde. Five is a magic number!

Hugs and kisses from Portland,

Beba, Keenan and Mia

Trip to Seattle

Over the Memorial Day weekend we drove up to Seattle to visit the family. There were four generations of Allans/Cotes running around Aunt Carole's house. Mia had a great time playing with her cousins, and we all had a lovely time visiting. Everyone was on their best behavior (except around the card table! ;-). More photos here.