This is part of Cecilia’s daily afternoon routine.  I’m not sure if she’s yelling at the cars that speed down our street or if she’s singing Indian folk music.

Cecilia’s not the only person in our house that loves pickles.

This morning, my mother-in-law, Cecilia, and I headed out for some summer yard sale shopping.  We didn’t hit the jackpot.  In fact, I only spent $7 total, five of which was on a used play tent for Cecilia.  However, that was $5 well spent!

Sometimes after meeting up with our playgroup, I feel like I’m neglecting Cecilia because I see how little she has in comparison to other kids her age.  But then there are moments like these when I realize that she doesn’t know or care.  (It’s worth noting that there’s a brand new $30 push toy in the background.)

Laundry Basket from sleepingKelly on Vimeo.

Next time I feel the need to rush out and buy her a new toy to further her development, I’ll just get out some Tupperware and cardboard boxes.  After all, this ignorance to monetary value won’t last forever.   I should probably just save the money in anticipation for her teen years.

Life suddenly gets harder when simply taking away an object doesn’t stop her.

Object Permanence from sleepingKelly on Vimeo.

Apparently Lucy also has object permanence.

We use positive reinforcement to train Lucy, which means lots of treats, and with her IBS, it’s been difficult (and expensive) to find treats that don’t cause her to shoot a fire hose of blood out her backside.  (Nasty to read, nastier to watch.)  Last Saturday, we ran out, and the gourmet organic dog store is closed on Sundays.  I knew it was time to take matters into my own hands and bake my own dog cookies.  I’m aware of most of the foods that irritate her digestive system (beef, salmon, chicken) so I had a good starting off point.

I was a little worried that she wouldn’t like them, but most of the recipes that I found looked inexpensive to make so it wasn’t much of a financial risk. However, I didn’t expect her to love them.  In fact, she loves them so much that it completely rattles her brain.  I’m pretty sure she’d be willing to hold up a convenience store for just one more.

Canine Crack Cookies from sleepingKelly on Vimeo.

Here’s the recipe:

Canine Crack Cookies

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth*

1. Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.  Grease cookie sheets.  (I used generic Pam.)
2. Mix dry ingredients. Mix in wet ingredients.  Adjust accordingly.  Roll into teaspoon size balls and place on cookie sheets.  Flatten slightly.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until nicely brown and firm. Cool completely and store in an airtight (Tupperware) container.

*despite her allergy to chicken, I assumed chicken water was okay.

Lately Cecilia has been chattering away, and if you respond to her noises, she’ll have a conversation with you.  It’s quite adorable.  I thought I’d capture it on video.


talkin to me from sleepingKelly on Vimeo.

Cecilia Bounces from sleepingKelly on Vimeo.

Shot with a baby on my hip.

Squirrel Crazy from sleepingKelly on Vimeo.