Babies and Exercise

Jake has started saying a few understandable words and I thought it was pretty cute. It's also cute how much he likes Lily's baby doll. In this video he only says "baby" but he can also say ball, uh oh, mommy, daddy, baba and uh uh (as in "no").Lily is also showing off with her daily exercise routine.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Just Like Dad

Getting Lily dressed after her bath can be quite difficult sometimes because she is VERY picky as to what underwear and pajamas she wants to wear. To avoid frustration tonight I just told her to go get dressed herself and hoped she wouldn't pick the pj's that were too hot for this warm weather we've been having. I could hear her rummaging through her underwear drawer trying to find the perfect pair. A few minutes later she came to me and said "Ok mom I'm ready to clean your teeth." I looked over at her and asked what she was doing. Pointing to the underwear on her head, she said "This is my mask like daddy wears at school. " She was also using her lego blocks as dental tools. She then made me lie down and proceeded to clean my teeth. I must say I was a bit nervous getting my teeth cleaned by someone whose eyes were covered and had giant tools that didn't fit in my mouth very well, not to mention she was stark naked.

You can see the resemblance right?

More Pictures

I've been a little camera happy lately because I'm trying to figure out how to use my new camera. I'm really not great at taking pictures and I have NO CLUE how to edit so just ignore that part. It is really hard taking pictures of my kids by myself. I can never get them to look at the camera. It is much easier when Jacob is home to help out.

Full Amazon Reviews from Round 2:

#1

ABNA Expert Reviewer

What is the strongest aspect of this excerpt?

Amazing detail that makes you feel as if you are right there with the main character. With just a few words I can feel myself getting sucked into this world, feeling what they do - fearing what they fear. I was most impressed with the deft way the author handled his audience, at first making us think this kid is being hunted then relieving us that it's all just a game only to find out that it's all too real. Wonderful!

What aspect needs the most work?

I honestly can't find much to poke holes through here - I was taken with the first few words and didn't want to let go. Perhaps the use of nick-names is a big heavy handed, but this just adds to the realism of a gang of boys.

What is your overall opinion of this excerpt?

A must read, especially for boys - a very hard audience to impress. It would be very easy to get teens to read writing of this caliber. Wonderful!

#2

ABNA Expert Reviewer

What is the strongest aspect of this excerpt?

The start was well paced and had some very good misdirection. The interplay among the characters played well and rang true.

What aspect needs the most work?

Consistency is extremely important. When Sammy went to the attic and lifted the ceiling tile all the stuff fell down. When he was above the others and lifted the tiles - why did nothing fall from the tiles to alert them?

I'm willing, for the sake of the story, to believe Sammy moved that quietly. However, you introduced the "shower", then didn't maintain the "reality" you created.

What is your overall opinion of this excerpt?

I think this is a very strong beginning to what could be an interesting book. If the writing stays as tight as that in the excerpt, the reader should be swept along.

However, if there are too many instances of inconsistency, the reader will quickly become frustrated.