today was a completely tv-free day. i love it when i can say that. i set up ava's tent, and she played her favorite game of throw the dog biscuit in, wait for rose to take the bait, and then zipper it up as fast as possible before rose gets out. the funniest part is when rose gets halfway out. carter spent hours in his little jumper today.

to clarify: i love fried tofu. this is my motivation. i know it is a weird thing to love, but i do. and thank you to everyone that emailed me tofu suggestions.

also, i don't think i adequately emphasized the milestone of doing without mommy for thursday's dance class--this is i think the first time she did something without me and with a non-family member--a HUGE accomplishment for my little girl.

one of the hardest things about having a toddler is the 'little toys' issue. it seems that the smaller the pieces are, the more fascinating it is. however, this means little pieces all over the house. not only do i find this painful -- most of them are sharp -- but it really bothers my aesthetic and organizational preferences. i fully admit to being neurotic, but i HATE the sight of a lone puzzle piece peeking out from under a chair. moreover, i can't bear the idea that a toy might not have all of its parts. but if you are a toddler, not only do you love all of the little pieces parts, but you LOVE to stash them in the most bizzare spots.