Saturday Morning Chatter - Go For It

Just the other day, I updated my Facebook status with "Ever feel like your standing still while others are running circles around you?" That's how I've been feeling lately. I have several irons in the fire, tons of feelers out there, and working on projects right and left, but nothing has really taken off. My husband says it's because I don't focus on one thing, but I have the philosophy that if I don't work in several things at a time, how will I ever know what I'm actually good at. Right now, I feel like I'm failing at everything.

There was a time in my life where I felt like I fearless. Willing to try or do just about anything. Now that I'm 41, married, and have a child, I feel like I'm such a coward. I have people who rely on me and I can't possibly do something to jeopardize them or their future. But at the same time, if I don't take that flying leap, I will never be a success for either of them or me. I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. Standing still while others are running circles around me. I think my life could be a true cliche.

Then my mom and I had this amazing opportunity to meet Ina Garten. Ina came to Kansas City to talk at the University of Missouri-Kansas City about her self-made brand and entrepreneurial spirit. She talked about how she left her government job in DC because she didn't feel challenged anymore. She and her husband Jeffrey headed to Westhampton Beach, NY to look at a space she had read about to possibly pursue a completely new venture in life. After making a low offer on the space, they returned to DC where she assumed that journey to NY would end. Turns out they accepted her offer and she was the proud owner of her next challenge in life. A challenge that brought nearly 30 years of challenges, personal gratification, and incredible success. 

Ina's life has been one leap of faith after the other. She is a woman who likes to challenge herself and take flying leaps without over-thinking or analyzing every step. Listening to this was like listening to my own voice. I too am a girl who doesn't think before she leaps. I just leap, when I can. I don't analyze every step. I don't plan out my life and tell myself I have to be somewhere at certain age because life gets in the way and totally derails such ideas. But right now, I feel I've lost that spirit that I used to have and I'm trying to re-ignite that spark.

While Ina was speaking, my mom and I would look at each with that knowing look. Ina could have literally been talking to only me. If I were sitting down to coffee with this icon, she could have just simply said, "Andrea, you just need to go for it." And that's what I'm planning to do. I'm tired of just planning. I'm tired of just talking. I'm tired of just typing. I need to just do. And, I need to follow my crazy inner voice and stop listening to the buzz around me. I need to focus on my own career choices that involve working solely for me. To start that business, or businesses, that drive me, excitement me, challenge me, scare me, and move me to be the person I always knew I could be.

I'm currently working up a business plan for something I would never really have thought about doing until I had sleepless night(s) last week. My mom is all in with the idea and I'm literally reaching out to everyone I think might be interested. I've put pen to paper and I like what I'm seeing. I'm excited. I'm motivated. I'm challenged. I'm moved! It's everything I would expect when trying to get a business(es) off the ground and I like it. "If you build it they will come", right? And I owe it all to the amazing spirit of one incredible woman, Ina Garten! 

Tinseltown, Here I Come!

Do any of you watch award season religiously? Or should I ask, does anyone watch the Red Carpet coverage religiously? This girls does and has for years! I will never forget the year I discovered the Red Carpet on E! and their post award show coverage. I was glued to my TV for hours! And I've been a faithful viewer ever since. And I must admit, now a days, I almost prefer the Red Carpet to the actual show.

With the arrival of Fashion Police in 2010, the Red Carpet coverage changed forever. Yes, we still have our four hour coverage prior to the show, but Fashion Police truly put designers and celebrities in the spotlight. It's comical, or at least intended to be, but also incredibly informative when shedding light on designs, designers, runway and couture pieces, and proper fittings on said dresses. I've learned so about fashion houses all while being thoroughly entertained!

After the death of Joan Rivers, I thought I wouldn't tune in again. And when they announced that George Kotsiopoulos wouldn't return, I was even more sure I wouldn't tune in. I adore him! But, like any good fashionista, I watched and was delightfully surprised at how I liked the new format. And I even liked the new hosts. (I was a little leery of Kathy Griffin, but she's charming! And such a fashion plate! She's bringing it every week.)

Then there was "the comment" made this past week by Giuliana Rancic and all fashion hell broke loose! Now, I will be the first to say, that I wasn't all that offended. If anything, they seemed to just skip right over it and move on to the next celeb. And, if we're being honest about the whole thing, Joan Rivers said far worse things and no one said a word! Not on Twitter, on Instagram, or on their personal sites. But for some odd reason, this one was blown out of the water! And now Kelly Osbourne has quit the show. Unsure at this time is why. The obligitory "pursuing other opportunities" is being given by the network. Is it truly because she was offended by the comment made about her friend Zendaya? I have a hard time believing it since she's also friends with Miley Cyrus and they've made horrible comments about her over the years. But, be that as it may, she has indeed quit.

And with that news, it leaves a chair open. A chair that has yet to be filled. A chair that needs a warm body. I think they should take a VERY long shot and hire someone with fresh eyes. Someone who isn't a celeb. Someone who isn't friends with a celeb. Someone like me! A girl that's knowledgeable about celebrity gossip, past fashion hits and misses, fashion designers, cuts of fabric, fabric choices, and the arts as well. Why not take a chance on an unknown? How are people supposed to get their big break if you don't give them that chance? It doesn't even have to be a full-time gig. What about a one night on air challenge? I can totally do it! I am up for it! Incredibly prepared! Have you seen my Red Carpet blog posts? I'm usually right on the money with their choices!

So I ask each of you reading this to help me with my cause. If you're on Twitter, tweet to all involved. E! Fashion Police, Giuliana Ranice, Brad Goreski, Melissa Rivers, and E! themselves. I'm quick witted (at times), can rock a cocktail dress or party look, could totally style myself, could find a last minute makeup artist in LA (I'm looking at you Matthew Allen), and I even have a place to stay (my sweet "Aunt" Joanie would put me up). They wouldn't be out any expenses! I too know people! So come on Fashion Police. I'm waiting for your call!

Something like this would be an absolute dream come true! How amazing would it actually be? If I were to allow myself time to think about it, and I know something like this would NEVER happen, but it would be incredible. A moment in my life I would never forget. An opportunity of a lifetime. A Lifetime movie could be made about it. I can see it now. Andrea Krasnow plays herself in this sweet movie about a woman on an incredible journey to pursue a life long goal. Tune in next Friday night for this epic event. See what can happen when you let your mind wander? 

But in all honesty, I think we should at least try! So again, take to social media in all its glory and let's see what we can do! And, I promise to remember who I am and not make any rude, crude, or discriminating remarks. I would simply call em like I see em and enjoy my one moment in the spotlight. Let's go!!! Tinseltown, here I come!

Saturday Morning Chatter - What is Love?

It's Valentine's Day, loves! What are you all doing to celebrate the big day of love? Are you spending it with a spouse, partner, or significant other? Making it a Galentine's Day? Whatever it is you're doing, I hope it's filled with everything love! And maybe a box of chocolates.

When I think of love, I think about my family, Starbuck's, chocolate, champagne, and shoes. Always shoes! My love of shoes runs so deep, I have no room for them all! I also think of romantic comedies and romance novels. Those crazy stories of love lost, love obtained, and love ever after. Much like the love that's always flowing on the Bachelor/Bachelorette series! Seriously, who finds love in a month? And, who finds it on bear skin rugs with roaring fires behind them. As my girlfriend and I love to say, "Nothing says love like a box of wine and space heater." That true love, my friend, true love!

But again, I digress. I do that a lot. Back to those romance novels. When I was growing up, the Sweet Valley High series was all the rage! Who didn't love reading about the trials and tribulations of Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield. Those gorgeous, blonde, California twins with their golden, sun-kissed skin. They literally referenced that in EVERY book! Jessica liked to play the field while Elizabeth was holding steady with Todd Wilkins. I must have read those books over and over. Jessica the trouble maker and Elizabeth the brain. What those girls didn't get into together, or should I say what Jessica got into and what Elizabeth did to help/fix/rescue. Fun fact, I still own them!  I think I have up to volume twenty, but I will need to confirm. They're still great reads, even as an adult. And if I had a daughter, I would definitely pass them down to her.

So for your reading pleasure, an excerpt from something I am playing around with. Nothing concrete, but kind of fun at the same time. A little real life/a little make believe.  

Is there such a thing as love at first sight? Do we only get one chance at love? Can you fall in love more than one time in your life? These are questions Alexandra asked herself often. She wasn’t sure she believed in love at all, but there had to be answers, right? There were always answers. The first time she “fell in love” she was 13. A silly crush on a boy that didn’t know she even existed. But does anyone know what love is at 13? Sure. You love your parents, love a pet, even love your favorite doll, but does anyone know what love is at such a young age? The second time she fell in love, she fell hard. 

 At seventeen, Alexandra was living the life of most average teenager girls. Passing notes during class or in the hall with her best friend Emma. Giggling over the phone during nightly calls to talk about the notes you passed during the day. Agonizing over the perfect outfit for the next day and wondering if anyone will remember that you wore something similar the week before. And never really looking over your homework for the next day because that would totally eat into your social life. Aside from girlfriends, fashion, and the occasional studying, Alexandra was all consumed by her love of ballet. She took class several days a week, danced with the ballet school’s student company, and tried her best to maintain a competitive edge among the other girls. For Alexandra, life was good.

Who knows what this is or if it will amount to anything at all. It's been fun though. Trying to think like a teenager, especially a teen in this day and age, has been a challenge. However, I can't imagine that my inner teen isn't all that far removed. But I will love finding out!

Have a great weekend all!

 

Saturday Morning Chatter - The Mall

When Jimmy Fallon held a Saved by the Bell reunion this past week, it had me running down memory lane! The teens years. Some of them pretty. Some of them not so much. I was never the Kelly. I was more of the Violet. Actually, I was more the Amelia from The Princess Diaries before the makeover! But I had friends, my phone, and the mall! Ah, the mall. What were your teens years without the mall.

Last night my husband, son, and I were at the mall. McKinley really wanted to go walk around so we made an evening of it. We ate junk food from the food court, had cookies from Mrs. Fields, window shopped, birthday shopped, stopped in the toy store where McKinley got some construction trucks, rode the carousel, browsed in Build-a-Bear, and made our way back to the car. We honestly had such a great time. McKinley even committed at the end of the night how much fun he had. And while we walked, talked, ate, and shopped, I couldn't help look around at all the teenagers that were littering the place! I forgot that a Friday evening could be a teenagers dream evening. It was for me. Actually, any time at the mall was a dream.

I spent my teen years at the now defunct Metcalf South Mall. I spent all my time, and my money, at the mall. It was the "It" mall of Johnson County and now it's just a thing of the past. My teen years were a time where you could walk to the mall, yes I lived within walking distance, and you didn't have to worry about a thing. My friend Michelle and I would walk together, shop Claire's for the latest in trendy jewels, buy lipbalm and gum at Osco Drug, spend quarter after quarter at the Arcade while watching out for boys, and attend the weekly Saturday matinee of Dirty Dancing when it made it's way to the dollar theater (also located in the mall.) 

Metcalf South had it all. Water fountains, bright tile floors, florescent lighting everywhere, a main stage where kids and adults performed, three levels of shopping for literally every gender and age, and it's where I learned the fine are of layaway. (Another post will have to be why anyone did away with layaway! The best payment concept EVER!) When I discovered clothing and true fashion, thanks to my early subscription to Seventeen Magazine, I found all kinds of ways to make money. I babysat for everyone, cleaned my parents house, and did chores that weren't mine just so I could buy clothes that weren't on the essential clothing list provided by mom. My retailers of choice where The Closet and Ups and Downs. Both were located side by side on the second level next to The Jones
 Store. I also loved Outback Red, currently The Limited, which was located on the third floor in the upper corner above Sears. Yes, I knew this mall like the back of my hand! 

There was the record store where I bought cassettes of the latest groups, an Orange Julius where I never ate (I think the mall Orange Julius is the equivalent to a Casey's in small towns), a Cinnabon that would starve me with its aroma, the "salon" where I got my first, unexpected haircut, and the aforementioned Jones Store where I got my ears double pierced. This is also where I had a personal shopper for my seventh and eight grade wardrobes thanks to my aunt. God, I still remember the outfits and I still own a view pieces! This experience was incredible and probably why I love the world of clothing like I do. That and the mall in general. Honestly, there was nothing like the feeling of going to the mall.

Hell, my grandmother and I got locked in the mall once. A terrifying experience that I will never forgot. One we recount with fondness, now that it is behind us 30 some years later, and a memory we share exclusively. But that didn't scare me away. I just make sure to be out of the mall no later than 8:45!!

 Metcalf South. The place that shaped my retail career, fashion adoration, and teenage years. A place where I felt safe, among my people, and a home away from home for a few hours on the weekend. A building that will face demolition to make way for another shopping center or office buildings. Or at least that's what I've heard. An iconic building, in the middle of the burbs, that will be etched in the minds of every teenager that lived in Overland Park in the 80s. We will tell our kids about it. We will reminisce with our friends about it. And we will all sing together, "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot." And even though it was a parking lot to begin with, it was paradise in my mind.

Saturday Morning Chatter - Age is Just a Number

Last week I attended Chicago the Musical with my girlfriends and had such a great afternoon! It was so nice to be among adults, having a glass of wine, catching up, and taking in some culture. It truly was so needed! The gals that went with me are my theater family. The people I've had the pleasure of sharing the stage with for over ten years. Women who are talented, passionate, and understand the thrill of performing. I haven't done a show, with them or otherwise, in almost four years and I'm okay with that. I'm busy being a mother. I'm raising a baby boy in hopes of having a mannerly young man in several years. A young man that may not want me around, and I might seek the stage again, but for now I love playing the roll of Mama.

I fear the thought of heading back to theater in my late 40s or early 50s because there isn't much for older women in leading roles. There's Daisy in Driving Miss Daisy. The mother in Night Mother. The mother in Barefoot in the Park. But I don't do straight plays. I'm a musical theater girl who likes to hoof it on stage. A dancer by trade, who loves to dance as much as she loves to breath, but may not have the goods at 40 let alone 50. I can't stand by that statement after seeing Chicago last weekend.

I walked away obsessed with the woman who played Roxie Hart, Bianca Marroquin. At 40, she had the ease of a young woman in her 20s. The way she moved was so lithe. She was sensual without being slutty. She danced without any effort. So comfortable in her own skin. She melted into the floor and I melted with her. And though I'm not aware of her actual dance training, I would only assume she has an extensive ballet background. Her lines were exquisite. A frame that can only come from years of ballet training. Something that a classically trained ballerina notices. She was incredible. 

She was also quite the performer. She pulled back when needed, but went for it when expected. She  brought a great humor to the character and a tenderness at the same time. Can you tell I loved her? And it got me to thinking. I'm mean, I've had this thought forever, but it really hit home this past weekend. Why is it that society, Hollywood, and even blogging, sets glass ceilings on age? Why is that those entities believe that after a certain age we've dried up? That we're talentless and have nothing left to give. Well let me tell you, we have plenty to give after 30! Hell, even after 40 and more!

American Idol cuts off the age of entry at 28. Really? Twenty-eight? Because we couldn't possibly have any talent at 29! In my personal opinion, I didn't peak until after I turned 30 and I think I'm still growing. I'm in no way saying that I think I'm extremely talented. That's not it at all. But I became so much more comfortable on stage the older I got. And, I got better roles as a result. I mean look at Bianca. She's playing a sexy, sultry lead character at 40! And could continue to do so in another five years! She's actually inspired me to up the game and get this "old girl's" body back in shape. There's an old dancers body in there somewhere. I just need to find it! But I digress. Why can't men and women over 28 audition? Afraid they might blow the youngsters out of the water? That the American public wouldn't vote for them, or listen to them on the radio, or buy tickets to see them in concert? Because they're over 28? Why can't someone's career begin at 30 or later? I didn't realize there was a cutoff age for your dreams to become reality!

We can argue that men aren't generally judged for getting older. (I'm not a feminist so I won't delve deeper.) Some do become more distinguished with age. But there are some women who just grow more beautiful with age. They grow into their own bodies, become more comfortable in their own skin. Why are we not looking at them to model this season trends? Why aren't we putting them on the cover of more fashion magazines? I'm thinking specifically of Helen Mirren, have you seen her on the red carpet? What about Diane Keaton? Sure she's incredibly quirky, but her menswear style is unbeatable. And have you seen her killer body? I also love Meryl Streep. She's not much of a dresser, and I would kill to style her for the next red carpet, but she's stunning. I would love to see them embraced by the public for the amazing, talented, beautiful women they are! And for the fact that they are all over 50!

I wrestle with this issue all the time. It's probably part of my own insecurities and I blame it on society and Hollywood. That I'm not living out my dreams because I'm too chicken shit to do so so late in my life. (Chicken shit always makes me think of the movie Cousins. There's this great line where the dad says "You've got only one life to live. You can either make it chickenshit or chicken salad." So true!) But either way, we should embrace maturity. Like they say, age is just a number. I don't feel 41. I don't feel like I'm getting older, when obviously I am, because I'm comfortable with parts of myself. I love that I look better now than I did in my 20s. I've never considered myself pretty, but I do feel that I've grown into myself over the years, and I look better than I did. Wrinkles, laugh lines, and concealed dark circles included. I dress better than I did in my 20s because I'm not trying to impress anybody. I'm dressing for me. And like Bianca, if I ever take the stage again, I would like to think I would have the ease, confidence, and maturity to embrace my older self and go for it when expected!

Saturday Morning Chatter - Movies

Good Morning!! If you're just tuning in, you are reading the first installment of a weekly post about whatever is going on around me. Yes, I have a weekly blog that contains daily outfit looks, beauty posts, wishlists, and trend alerts. But, I'm not just about those things. I'm a mom, a wife, a dabbler in the home decor arena, a DIY enthusiast, an Etsy shop owner, baker, want to be cook, movie lover (although I never get to watch them), beer lover, wine drinker, and watcher of FRIENDS on Nick @ Night! And with this weekly post, I just want to talk. Talk about everything. Talk about nothing. Talk about my family. Talk about my friends, but not in a bad way. Talk about how many chocolate chip cookies I've eaten this week and wishing I hadn't made them! What you want find here is a discussion around religion, politics, or worldly events. I'm not knowledgeable enough to talk about them and who really wants to read about them outside of all the news. Not this girl!

So for this week, I thought I would talk about movies. With the SAG Awards taking place this weekend, it's only appropriate. I've only seen one nominated movie, Into the Woods, so I can't talk about those actual movies. I thought I would focus on the ones I have loved over the years. Happy and sad. Romantic and comedic. Movies that got me through rough patches, made me laugh when I wanted to cry, and helped me cry when I needed a good one. That's what I love about movies. They're like a good friend. They can get you through the good and the bad.

I was watching Peggy Sue Got Married the other night. I'm not sure how that wasn't ever nominated for an award. It was awesome! One of my favorites, although until earlier in the week, I had forgotten all about it. But that Nicolas Cage and Kathleen Turner, what a match! I remember watching that movie as a young teen and wondered what it would be like to be a teenager in the 50s. You got to wear awesome clothes (the hoop skirts were the best), listen to some great music, and have amazing basement parties complete with a boyfriend who was the lead singer of a boy band. I remember thinking how cool it would be to one of the couples in the movie and wondered if they liked kissing each other, had to follow the script and kiss only when it said, or if they were truly allowed to act like boyfriend/girlfriend and kiss when they wanted. When you're a young teen, I guess you think about kissing...a lot! God help me with this in years to come! 

There are the classic 80s movies that I literally rented over and over again. Remember when you could go into a video store, rent a movie, and then take it home to watch. Remember the cute little slogan "Be kind, please rewind." Such simpler times. But I digress. I'm pretty sure that I rented, and re-rented, Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink every weekend. Or if not every weekend, I alternated every other weekend. To date Jake Ryan or Blane ("That's a major appliance, not a name.") was a dream. St. Elmo's Fire, still a classic, was a little too old for me so I didn't watch it as often. And The Breakfast Club didn't really come into my life until much later in my teens. Still could relate, but not a frequent renter. All of those movies have quotes that are still relevant today, even their issues, and I love that my husband and I can banter back and forth with all the same favs. I just hope I can share them with my son when the time is right. "What's a happening hot stuff?" Classic!

Then there are those B rated movies where famous actresses claim they wish they had never appeared. Okay, that just burns me up, because don't we all need to start somewhere? And without those B rated movies, they wouldn't be where you are today, right? Take Sarah Jessica Parker for instance. She says she wishes she had never starred in Girls Just Want to Have Fun. Really?!? I loved that movie and wanted to be her or Janey. Who didn't want to be her? She got to dance, dance with that really hot guy, and win a spot on Dance TV. I remember dancing in my room and pretending I was her. The only thing I couldn't do was the gymnastics. Then there's Picture Perfect with my gal Jennifer Aniston. Another actress who states she wishes she had never made this type of movie. Okay, again, what's not to love about that movie? It got me through my single phase. I seriously watched it nightly. Or weekly at least. A girl in her late 20s, I'm guessing, just trying to make it in the world. Dresses a little quirky, told she's not serious enough, finds love in the most unusually of circumstances, loses said love, then wins him back. All things I was so hoping would happen to me during that stage of my life. True story, I was watching the movie one afternoon, making my bed (something I never do), and getting ready to head off to work (I worked retail), and my phone rang. It was a boy. A boy asking me on a date, not my husband, and I couldn't believe my luck. It has to be the movie, right? Seriously, this movie was my single girls therapy.

Then there are those movies that helped get me through the rough times. Okay, not really rough, but those days where I needed a good cry. I always look to Bridges of Madison of County. When she has her hand on the car doorknob, and he's staring at her in the rain, I always yell at the screen "Open the door. Open the door." No, I'm not one to promote adultery, but she loved Robert. And her own family never really loved her. Why shouldn't she go! I will always yell at the screen! Then there's Titanic. True story. The first time I ever saw the movie, I bawled. Seriously bawled. The second time I saw it, yes I saw it more than one time in the theater, I cried so hard that a man came over after the movie to make sure I was okay. I didn't realize I had cried so hard and apparently I had the shoulder shudder. You know the move. You cry so hard that your body shakes? Well, that's what happened to me and apparently it was enough to cause a stranger to be concerned. I cry every time I watch it. I never fails. I also cry (happy and sad tears) when watching Somewhere in Time, The Thorn Birds (made for TV but still a movie), Say Anything, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Sweet Home Alabama, A Walk on the Moon, and Sleepless in Seattle. 

And lastly, there is the category of movies that just make me feel good. The movies that make me belly laugh, remember a different time in my life, or simply play in the background while I clean or cook. Clueless is hands down my go-to movie when I need something silly. A movie that I adore and can watch over and over again. Dirty Dancing because I just feel the need to do the merengue. When I need that laugh that comes from my toes, I turn to O Brother, Where Art Thou. Not everyone's cup of tea, but a movie we can't get enough of! Hilarious! "Oh George, not the live stock."

Okay, so there's on last category that my life would not be complete without and that's the romantic comedy. The movies are as follows: Down to You, A Lot Like Love, The Proposal, Never Been Kissed, Serendipity, Fever Pitch, The Twilight Saga, and Pretty Woman. Those really only scratch the surface, but you get my drift. Romance, romance, romance!! 

So that's it. My nod to all the movies that have shaped me, provided therapy, carried me through thick and thin, or simply made me happy. They aren't all award worthy movies and they don't have to be. They are all awarded "Andrea's Seal of Approval" and will continue to feed my soul. Now I just can't decide which one to pop into my DVD player. 

In the words of Daddy Warbucks, "Let's all go to the movies."

Chatter Box

For the past several weeks, McKinley has started "talking" more and more. I haven't a clue what he's actually saying, but he knows. I listen, answer when I think its a question, nod enthusiastically and provide banter when I think it's necessary. Then there are the words we truly understand. 

"Car-car". This word is as early as getting him out of his crib in the morning. And, it's said with a Bostonian accent. I'm not sure if its a mix of our Midwestern accent and my parents Southern accent. But, it is for sure a distinct accent and only used for car-car. "Hi" is used most often and with a high pitch. Not like a shrill high pitch, but when you're excited to see someone. He tells everyone hi. And when they don't answer back, I say out loud, its only because they didn't hear you to ensure they heard me! How do you not say hi back to a 16 month old? Rude!

His big word is "momower". Translated, lawnmower. I have to admit, sometimes I think he's saying mama and then I realize he's pointing at his own lawnmower. And, he says it with vigor. Upon walking into a Home Depot several weeks ago, he literally yelled momower as soon as he saw them. The other day, he say dada's lawnmower in the yard and he literally threw his arms in the air and yelled out the door. He loves momowers!

Memow and Tica are Elmo and Chica. Everyone knows who Elmo is but you may not be as familiar with Chica. Chica is a chicken from the Spout Networks Sunny Side Up Show. Actually, Tica was one of his first words. And this isn't really a word, but he snickers every time he sees Cookie Monster. He knows other Sesame Street characters from the books we read. We just have to say "where is Grover" and he can point right to him. Memow and Tica are his favorites.

Let's see....of course there's the traditional mama and dada. There's "pow-wow" for dog, "awing" for swing and the general use of wow and uh-oh. There is also the non-traditional verbiage such as "cockal", "boppie" and "dita". We haven't a clue what any of those mean but he uses them all the time! And, he continues to grunt, whine and point for the things that he can't say. I've loved all the phases so far, but the talking is by far my favorite, except maybe the whining...