Sunday, February 26, 2012

Animal Lover

Simon is a true lover of all animals. We spend a lot of time on adventures in Florida looking for different animals. From an early age, he was very good at making animal noises and he still loves to do them.
We have seen so many different animals in Florida. Some at the Naples Zoo, but a lot out in the wild too.

We spend a lot of time at a place called Lakes Park. It is much more than a park. It has a wildlife refuge, two playgrounds, two sprinkler water parks, three miles of walking trails and bike/boat rentals. We go there 3-4 times per week. The first time we went there, I was going for a jog with Simon in the jogger stroller when I saw and heard that we scared an alligator back into the water. Needless to say, I was pretty scared. I spoke to the park attendants and they explained that the alligators are monitored and they don't let them get too big. We also see birds, turtles, fish and "zizous" (lizards) there all the time.

Last weekend we went to the Naples Zoo with Daddy. Simon's favorite part were the "monkas" (monkeys). They have a big man made lake with islands spread throughout. Each island has a different species of monkey and they take you on a boat ride to see them. Simon loved it. He kept talking about the "monkas" doing "reachy" meaning the were reaching for the branches and swinging from them. Notice the monkey swinging in the background behind Simon's head in the picture below. He could have stayed there all day.
He also got to feed lettuce to a Giraffe. It was a very exciting day.




A few days ago, we visited Sanibel Island which is just a few miles away with Nonna and Dennie. We were there early in the morning and there was a pod of dolphins playing and fishing just 15-20 feet in front of us. It was truly amazing!

We also went to a petting zoo where Simon got to hold a baby white tiger! He absolutely loved it and was not scared at all!

We look forward to continuing our animal adventure in Florida and our goal is to see Manatees before we go home.


Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Simon is 20 months old!

Dear Simon,
I am still not able to blog a lot while we are in Florida because of the computer situation. So, I thought I would do a quick update on what you are talking about these days.
In no particular order here we go.....hop peas (which means help please), chee-choos (cheerios), squeezie (which is a baby food packet you LOVE to eat), the moon, clock, "deence" (dance), beach, pook, glassy (glasses), bisou (means kiss in french), swimming, ahmies (airplane), meck/beck (motorcycle and bike which are used for both), work, mana (banana), copy (helicopter), baby, bar, cracker, ready, bijoux (which actually means Bonjour for you but sounds more like Bijoux which means jewelry in French. Funny coincidence), j'aime (which is supposed to be je t'aime or I love you in French), bath, book, wee ooh wee ooh (your noise for firetrucks and ambulances), snap (your impression of an alligator), whistle, milk, apple, My's (mine), reachy (which mean reach when you want to pick something up), whaler (water), monka (monkey)
A few of your favorite phrases include, what's this? What's that? Where it go? No want it? Here it come.
Plus you can count to three and you are starting to do your ABC's but only in French. I know you know the English version, but you seem to prefer the French version right now.
You have also learned to say your name too. We have a CD that we play in the car which sings about Simon and nursery rhymes. You love to hear it over and over and over. You even request "Si-mee" as you call yourself. You love to sing these days. You have made up a song about "waller" (water) that you sing a lot. You also sing "baby" beluga (just the baby part still) and "baa baa" as in black sheep, but just the "baa baa" part.
I am probably missing a bunch of words because they are increasing and changing everyday. You are big on imitating us and even do funny voices to make impressions. Today your Daddy was singing a pirate song and you made your voice all deep to imitate him. It was so funny and cute!
Thank you for being the angel that you are. We feel lucky everyday to have such a good and easy little boy.
Love Always,
Mommy

Riding the train at Lakes Park with Mommy
In the dryer
At the library where you always have to bring your book bag
Big boy on the playground