Helen turns one

Where the Wild Things Are

Mommy took Siriana to her first big-screen movie. We met up with her friend Noa and purchased the requisite popcorn, soda, and red vines. When we entered the theater it was already dark, the previews had begun and Siriana seemed a bit timid. We found some seats and Siri and Noa sat next to each other. Siri looked at the big screen with her blue eyes wide open and passed up my offers for her favorite food: popcorn. She was fairly well captivated for the beginning, but when Max takes his voyage, gets almost swept to sea and encounters the 'Monsters' Siri tells me that she has had enough and wants to go "Home Now." I tried to convince her that the monsters were nice but she started to tear up and repeat over and over "Home Now, Home Now, Home Now." Her face looked a lot like Max in this picture, like "Why did you take me here Mommy?" What could I do but take her home. We spent the rest of the afternoon playing with her neighbors Juliana and Francesca (who moved here from Duluth). It was fun to take her to her first movie. I wished she actually would have liked it. Next time, Disney with princesses.

Two more X chromosomes in the Simonsen Family

I once remarked to Melissa, "The next one better be a boy, or I am hiring a concubine!" Melissa had an ultrasound yesterday revealing that she did not heed my warning, the next addition to the Simonsen Family appears to be yet another girl. I know, I know, some of you are wondering how I can blame Melissa for determining the gender of the baby when it is clearly the genetics of the sperm that are the deciding factor. I once thought the same thing, but Melissa is really the one who helped me see the light on this one, way back when she was training to be a good little Feminazi at the college of St.Catherine she introduced me to a little something called the "Aggressive Egg Theory" whereby the egg actually selects which sperm it will allow to fertilize it. On the bright side, I guess we will save a bunch of money by not having to buy boy clothes.

We may not have USA grade medical care here... but at least it's "FREE"

Pop quiz. What is Helen holding in her left hand?

Fingernail Time

Siriana and Helen are always a challenge when it comes to keeping their nails short. It is especially important for Siriana who just loves to scratch her mosquito bites. Our latest trick is to convince Siri that it's wonderful to have painted fingernails and she only gets her nails painted after we have cut them. I only have a couple of bottles of paint so if anyone is sending a package (grandma's?) you could throw in some old bottles and she would just love it (also some kid friendly cream to stop her dang itching of the bites)! Helen can be soothed and coxed into this ordeal by putting Barney on.

The Magic Circus of Samoa

In September, before the Tsunami, our island hosted the Magic Circus of Samoa, from our neighbor country. We brought Siriana and Helen and many of our neighborhood friends were there. It was their first circus. Erick and I, and all other adults I spoke with, were truly amazed at what a wonderful circus it was. It was like one you would envision from the railroad days, akin to that described in 'Water for Elephants' minus the Elephants. Helen had a GRAND time. Siriana on the other hand had a TERRIBLE time. Every time that the tent darkened between acts she would burst into frightful tears and exclaim 'Home, Home, I wanna go Home!' During intermission we encouraged her to stay and bought an overpriced light-up purple bracelet. This seemed to cure her fears and we survived the second act. When we got to the car she asked if we could go to the circus again.

Tsunami

On Tuesday September 29 at approximately 7:15 a.m. an earthquake and tsunami hit the island and caused great devastation to the villages here as well as in our neighboring country of Samoa. Our family and home are safe. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers as relief efforts are underway.

Helen and Baby Kai on the day of the Tsunami. The parents were all emotional and strained but the babes were sheltered from knowing what happened and had a nice time playing with each other.