November 7, 2013
Elizabeth is two and a half today. I cannot express how she has made me a better person in every way. I am so grateful for her, and every second I get to spend with her. She completes my life in such a profound way, and brings unfettered joy to our lives.
I know I have said in the past that whatever her age was at that time was my favorite, but THIS age, this magical, splendid age, has got to be the best yet. All we do is play, learn, and love. I can’t get enough of her, and I struggle to imagine how life can get any better than it currently is.
At two and a half, she can do the following:
· Count to 50
· Recognize all numbers on sight
· Say her alphabet perfectly
· Recognize all her letters on sight
· Spell a few words (tail, stop, and ears are her favorites)
· Sing several songs from memory
· Understand concepts of past and future
· Speak in full, complex sentences, using correct tense and grammar, and correct forms of singular and plural (mice instead of mouses, geese instead of gooses, etc.)
· Communicate accurately about emotions as consequences of actions (“If I sing you a song, it will make you happy” or “If I eat this candy, Mommy will be mad” sorts of things)
· Perform simple arithmetic (If have 2 apples and I give you 2 more, how many will you have?)
· Express excitement about future events (future trips, holidays, etc.)
· Engage in conversation about what traditions go with which holiday
· Put together a small puzzle
· Brush her teeth well, start to finish, with minimal assistance
· Understand the difference between reality and pretend
· Understand opposites
· Engage in complex pretend play, including alternate pretend locations, characters, and situations
· Recite from memory several books, if she has the book in front of her
· Throw and catch a ball
· Speak with a vocabulary of thousands of words
With all of these skills, she’s so much fun to be around. She communicates perfectly, engages us in conversation, and shows such an unbounded curiosity about the world. I love getting to be a kid again right along side of her.
My beautiful angel, two years ago today.
Elizabeth is two and a half today. I cannot express how she has made me a better person in every way. I am so grateful for her, and every second I get to spend with her. She completes my life in such a profound way, and brings unfettered joy to our lives.
I know I have said in the past that whatever her age was at that time was my favorite, but THIS age, this magical, splendid age, has got to be the best yet. All we do is play, learn, and love. I can’t get enough of her, and I struggle to imagine how life can get any better than it currently is.
At two and a half, she can do the following:
· Count to 50
· Recognize all numbers on sight
· Say her alphabet perfectly
· Recognize all her letters on sight
· Spell a few words (tail, stop, and ears are her favorites)
· Sing several songs from memory
· Understand concepts of past and future
· Speak in full, complex sentences, using correct tense and grammar, and correct forms of singular and plural (mice instead of mouses, geese instead of gooses, etc.)
· Communicate accurately about emotions as consequences of actions (“If I sing you a song, it will make you happy” or “If I eat this candy, Mommy will be mad” sorts of things)
· Perform simple arithmetic (If have 2 apples and I give you 2 more, how many will you have?)
· Express excitement about future events (future trips, holidays, etc.)
· Engage in conversation about what traditions go with which holiday
· Put together a small puzzle
· Brush her teeth well, start to finish, with minimal assistance
· Understand the difference between reality and pretend
· Understand opposites
· Engage in complex pretend play, including alternate pretend locations, characters, and situations
· Recite from memory several books, if she has the book in front of her
· Throw and catch a ball
· Speak with a vocabulary of thousands of words
With all of these skills, she’s so much fun to be around. She communicates perfectly, engages us in conversation, and shows such an unbounded curiosity about the world. I love getting to be a kid again right along side of her.
My beautiful angel, two years ago today.
November 8, 2013
Playing basketball at school. Or trying to!
Playing basketball at school. Or trying to!
November 9, 2013
This evening we did our Christmas Card photos. She did so well, playing up everything we asked her to do. My favorite is the first one. The photographer said "scream really loud and reach to the door." Priceless!
This evening we did our Christmas Card photos. She did so well, playing up everything we asked her to do. My favorite is the first one. The photographer said "scream really loud and reach to the door." Priceless!
Later in the evening we went to Lizzy’s very first bonfire. She really enjoyed that, and also had her first taste of shortbread. Yummo!
Pretty girl
Pretty girl
November 10, 2013
It has been awhile since we’d gone to the pool, so it seemed like a good day to do that. We all had a great time. in the evening, we went to BD’s Mongolian Barbeque where, like last time, she loved watching the cooks make the food, and had to ring the gong!
November 11, 2013
Just playing.
It has been awhile since we’d gone to the pool, so it seemed like a good day to do that. We all had a great time. in the evening, we went to BD’s Mongolian Barbeque where, like last time, she loved watching the cooks make the food, and had to ring the gong!
November 11, 2013
Just playing.
November 12, 2013
It was the first snow of the season. It wasn’t much, but I had her look out the window after waking and to say she was excited was an understatement. She lept into my arms and said “It’s not autumn anymore. It’s winter now!” Then she wanted immediately to go outside, to “throw snowballs and build a snowman.” We got dressed and were outside, playing, at 6:20 am. Brrrr!
It was the first snow of the season. It wasn’t much, but I had her look out the window after waking and to say she was excited was an understatement. She lept into my arms and said “It’s not autumn anymore. It’s winter now!” Then she wanted immediately to go outside, to “throw snowballs and build a snowman.” We got dressed and were outside, playing, at 6:20 am. Brrrr!
November 13, 2013
November 14, 2013
She was napping with her hands down her pants.
She was napping with her hands down her pants.
November 19, 2013
This morning Eb and Gee came to take her to breakfast and then to Tiny Tots Pottery. She had a good breakfast at Steak and Shake. She even won the claw game BY HERSELF! Here you see her (really ugly) prize!
This morning Eb and Gee came to take her to breakfast and then to Tiny Tots Pottery. She had a good breakfast at Steak and Shake. She even won the claw game BY HERSELF! Here you see her (really ugly) prize!
Then off to make pottery for the first time. She made a few Christmas ornaments, and just had a wonderful time.
November 20, 2013
I love this face. She's so expressive.
I love this face. She's so expressive.
November 23, 2013
We needed to get our Christmas tree put up a little early this year so we would have more time to enjoy it, since we’ll be gone for 2 weeks. She had a great time helping me fluff the branches, turn on the lights, and decorate it. She also helped me wrap Christmas presents!
We needed to get our Christmas tree put up a little early this year so we would have more time to enjoy it, since we’ll be gone for 2 weeks. She had a great time helping me fluff the branches, turn on the lights, and decorate it. She also helped me wrap Christmas presents!
We had dinner with the Lewises. While Dave was inside waiting for our table, we waited out the car (it was very crowded in the lobby.) Anju came over to our car to give Lizzy her trophy from soccer class this summer (we missed the last class, so didn’t get the trophy until now.) Anju handed the trophy to Lizzy, and without missing a beat, Lizzy said “Thank you. I’m going to London!” I guess she’s a little excited!
November 25, 2013
November 25, 2013
November 26, 2013
What a good night we had last night. We took her to see the lights at Reynold’s Farm Equipment, which she LOVED (we’ll need to do that again!). Next time, I’ll get her out of her car seat so she can see even better. She really enjoyed it.
What a good night we had last night. We took her to see the lights at Reynold’s Farm Equipment, which she LOVED (we’ll need to do that again!). Next time, I’ll get her out of her car seat so she can see even better. She really enjoyed it.
Before bed, she was playing pretend, where I had to be Aivan (“Iben”) and she came in the room with her backpack on saying “I’m in London now, Iben!” She’s also been asking “Is today the day we go to London?” I have to keep telling her it’s not until Friday, but she is definitely excited and ready.
November 28, 2013
Thanksgiving was a beautiful, perfect day. We slept in, woke up cuddly and happy, and got dressed. Elizabeth chose her "dressy" Minnie Mouse dress, and once she was dressed, she asked to look in the mirror.
Once she saw herself, she said "I'm the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!"
I agree, beautiful sweetheart.
November 28, 2013
Thanksgiving was a beautiful, perfect day. We slept in, woke up cuddly and happy, and got dressed. Elizabeth chose her "dressy" Minnie Mouse dress, and once she was dressed, she asked to look in the mirror.
Once she saw herself, she said "I'm the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!"
I agree, beautiful sweetheart.
Once the guests started to arrive, Elizabeth was glad to greet them. When Michelle and Kyle arrived with Baby Stella, Lizzy had Ed pick her up and take her over there. She told Ed "You say "What a pretty baby!"" I love that she tells him what to do :o)
Elizabeth's favorite food of Thanksgiving was Granny's creamed corn. She took a nap midway through our Thanksgiving lunch. When she woke up, it was time to say good bye to Eb and Gee for the next two weeks.
Elizabeth's favorite food of Thanksgiving was Granny's creamed corn. She took a nap midway through our Thanksgiving lunch. When she woke up, it was time to say good bye to Eb and Gee for the next two weeks.
We spent Thanksgiving night packing for our London adventure. Of course, Elizabeth helped!
November 29, 2013
The day of our adventure started with me getting a haircut, and Elizabeth wanted to sit in the chair next to me for the entire duration of my haircut. As not many people choose to get their hair cut on Black Friday, the salon wasn't very busy, so she got to sit next to me!
Afterwards, we came home for her nap. Once she awoke, we loaded the car and headed to my office. For months, she's been asking to come to "Finish Line to see where Mommy works."
November 29, 2013
The day of our adventure started with me getting a haircut, and Elizabeth wanted to sit in the chair next to me for the entire duration of my haircut. As not many people choose to get their hair cut on Black Friday, the salon wasn't very busy, so she got to sit next to me!
Afterwards, we came home for her nap. Once she awoke, we loaded the car and headed to my office. For months, she's been asking to come to "Finish Line to see where Mommy works."
She liked my office! The highlights were for her were the Christmas tree in the lobby, the shoe wall in Merchandising, and our game room/employee lounge.
After we left Finish Line, it was off to the airport.
Read all about the trip here!
December 11, 2013
Jet lagged Mommy woke up at 3:15, and jet lagged Elizabeth woke up at 3:30. After several hours of trying to go back to sleep, we gave up and called Eb around 9:00 for them to come over for a visit.
Eb and Gee came over for a nice visit, and then we all lay down for our nap. Everything was so perfectly timed, that we were sleep again around 8:00 pm. Internal clocks reset after only one day!
December 12, 2013
I was a little worried that, after two straight weeks of being with me, my return to work would be fraught with difficulties upon parting. Fortunately, Elizabeth was quite happy to go to Eb and Gee's for the day, and be reunited with all of her toys.
December 13, 2013
Our friend Dan is home from Florida, so as usual this time of year, we went over to visit with him. Lizzy loved the "lovely fire" and we went back around the pool to make footprints in the fresh snowfall. What a nice time!
December 14, 2013
Funny story, but some background first: Santa Claus is likely going to bring Elizabeth drums for Christmas, since this is what she's asked him for. We have a set of Beatles Rock Band drums (that obviously aren't functioning drums) in the basement that Elizabeth likes to play on when we're down there.
Today Elizabeth was doing something minorly naughty where we had to remind her that Santa had asked her to be good. She said "That's alright. I already have drums in the basement."
Infallible logic, I suppose!
December 15, 2013
A lovely Sunday spent sledding in the yard, and another trip to see the lights at Reynold's. Elizabeth loves Christmas in a big way, and identifies all the characters on display - from Bumble the Abominable Snowman, to the Grinch, to Santa and all his Reindeer (Rudolph and Donner are her favorites!) On the way home, we all had to sing Christmas Songs.
December 16, 2013
Gee Gee took this picture of Elizabeth. I can't believe how much she resembles me in this photograph. It could have been a picture of me at 2 or 3, only with brown eyes instead of green.
After we left Finish Line, it was off to the airport.
Read all about the trip here!
December 11, 2013
Jet lagged Mommy woke up at 3:15, and jet lagged Elizabeth woke up at 3:30. After several hours of trying to go back to sleep, we gave up and called Eb around 9:00 for them to come over for a visit.
Eb and Gee came over for a nice visit, and then we all lay down for our nap. Everything was so perfectly timed, that we were sleep again around 8:00 pm. Internal clocks reset after only one day!
December 12, 2013
I was a little worried that, after two straight weeks of being with me, my return to work would be fraught with difficulties upon parting. Fortunately, Elizabeth was quite happy to go to Eb and Gee's for the day, and be reunited with all of her toys.
December 13, 2013
Our friend Dan is home from Florida, so as usual this time of year, we went over to visit with him. Lizzy loved the "lovely fire" and we went back around the pool to make footprints in the fresh snowfall. What a nice time!
December 14, 2013
Funny story, but some background first: Santa Claus is likely going to bring Elizabeth drums for Christmas, since this is what she's asked him for. We have a set of Beatles Rock Band drums (that obviously aren't functioning drums) in the basement that Elizabeth likes to play on when we're down there.
Today Elizabeth was doing something minorly naughty where we had to remind her that Santa had asked her to be good. She said "That's alright. I already have drums in the basement."
Infallible logic, I suppose!
December 15, 2013
A lovely Sunday spent sledding in the yard, and another trip to see the lights at Reynold's. Elizabeth loves Christmas in a big way, and identifies all the characters on display - from Bumble the Abominable Snowman, to the Grinch, to Santa and all his Reindeer (Rudolph and Donner are her favorites!) On the way home, we all had to sing Christmas Songs.
December 16, 2013
Gee Gee took this picture of Elizabeth. I can't believe how much she resembles me in this photograph. It could have been a picture of me at 2 or 3, only with brown eyes instead of green.
December 19, 2013
Eb and Gee took Lizzy to my house today. As they were on the way, they told Lizzy where she was headed. She said "But Mommy locked the door!"
December 20, 2013
Eb and Gee watched Lizzy at our house in the evening while we went to my work's Christmas dinner. Elizabeth was poking around around the presents and started to open one. Gee said that she had to wait until Christmas. Elizabeth said "Quick, get me some tape!" and proceeded to tape the tiny tear she had made.
Eb and Gee took Lizzy to my house today. As they were on the way, they told Lizzy where she was headed. She said "But Mommy locked the door!"
December 20, 2013
Eb and Gee watched Lizzy at our house in the evening while we went to my work's Christmas dinner. Elizabeth was poking around around the presents and started to open one. Gee said that she had to wait until Christmas. Elizabeth said "Quick, get me some tape!" and proceeded to tape the tiny tear she had made.
December 21, 2013
The day started with Elizabeth saying in her sleep "I want to stay underwater." Okay...
Once we got up, we had a lazy morning of Little Einsteins and cuddles. We went to Marsh to get guacamole stuff, came home to make that, and then she had a perfectly timed nap.
Once she awoke, it was time to go to my friend's annual Christmas gift exchange. We hopped in the car and I got on the interstate. Everything was going perfectly! Until she said "Mommy, I need to poop." So I get off the interstate at the next exit, which is the Castleton exit. The Saturday evening before Christmas. Yikes. Anyhow, she goes potty at the gas station, and we hop back on the interstate, delaying our arrival by 10 minutes.
Anyhow, we had such a great time together! She played, we ate, we took silly picture of us "fighting" over the babies (I told her to "scream really loud!" in that photo, and she delivered!), and we painted. She did such a great job painting. She sat so well and really enjoyed herself. I'm pretty proud of her finished product too - you can actually tell it's a Christmas tree!
The day started with Elizabeth saying in her sleep "I want to stay underwater." Okay...
Once we got up, we had a lazy morning of Little Einsteins and cuddles. We went to Marsh to get guacamole stuff, came home to make that, and then she had a perfectly timed nap.
Once she awoke, it was time to go to my friend's annual Christmas gift exchange. We hopped in the car and I got on the interstate. Everything was going perfectly! Until she said "Mommy, I need to poop." So I get off the interstate at the next exit, which is the Castleton exit. The Saturday evening before Christmas. Yikes. Anyhow, she goes potty at the gas station, and we hop back on the interstate, delaying our arrival by 10 minutes.
Anyhow, we had such a great time together! She played, we ate, we took silly picture of us "fighting" over the babies (I told her to "scream really loud!" in that photo, and she delivered!), and we painted. She did such a great job painting. She sat so well and really enjoyed herself. I'm pretty proud of her finished product too - you can actually tell it's a Christmas tree!
December 22, 2013
We had a deliciously lazy Sunday, which included a three hour nap and lots of playing.
In the evening, she said "Mama, you're Santa." This is my cue that we're now in pretend mode. So, I pretended to be Santa.
Me: "Hello Elizabeth, have you been good this year?"
Lizzy: "A few weeks ago I cried. And I made a mess. And I was mean, a few weeks ago. But I'm good now."
Me: "Oh sweetheart, you're very good. I will still bring you some drums."
Sweet girl. She only wants to be so very good.
December 23, 2013
Eb and Gee brought home a very sleepy girl, who woke up just in time to help Mommy and Daddy make our contributions to our family Christmas cookie exchange the following day.
She helped me make peanut butter no bakes, and Daddy make Mickey Mouse shaped shortbread cookies. What fun!
December 24, 2013
We woke up, showered, and ran to Qdoba to pick up the catering order for our Christmas Eve lunch with the family. Once everyone arrived, she chowed down on guacamole and chips (of course!), helped hand out the numbers for the white elephant gift exchange, and opened some presents from Granny. Her favorite was her horse trailer and truck set!
We had a deliciously lazy Sunday, which included a three hour nap and lots of playing.
In the evening, she said "Mama, you're Santa." This is my cue that we're now in pretend mode. So, I pretended to be Santa.
Me: "Hello Elizabeth, have you been good this year?"
Lizzy: "A few weeks ago I cried. And I made a mess. And I was mean, a few weeks ago. But I'm good now."
Me: "Oh sweetheart, you're very good. I will still bring you some drums."
Sweet girl. She only wants to be so very good.
December 23, 2013
Eb and Gee brought home a very sleepy girl, who woke up just in time to help Mommy and Daddy make our contributions to our family Christmas cookie exchange the following day.
She helped me make peanut butter no bakes, and Daddy make Mickey Mouse shaped shortbread cookies. What fun!
December 24, 2013
We woke up, showered, and ran to Qdoba to pick up the catering order for our Christmas Eve lunch with the family. Once everyone arrived, she chowed down on guacamole and chips (of course!), helped hand out the numbers for the white elephant gift exchange, and opened some presents from Granny. Her favorite was her horse trailer and truck set!
After everyone left, she napped, and then woke up and played some more. Since we didn't have any other celebrations to attend (boo hoo!) we decided to go to Target, as I'd been wanting to get her Hungry Hungry Hippos and kept talking myself out of it. I'm so glad we did, because it ended up being one of her favorite gifts the following day!
Before bed, we looked out the widow and spotted Rudolph's nose in the sky, and she picked out three cookies to leave for Santa.
Before bed, we looked out the widow and spotted Rudolph's nose in the sky, and she picked out three cookies to leave for Santa.
December 25, 2013
What a perfect Christmas! She slept until 8:30, and then Eb and Gee arrived just as she was coming downstairs to see the drums that Santa left for her.
What a perfect Christmas! She slept until 8:30, and then Eb and Gee arrived just as she was coming downstairs to see the drums that Santa left for her.
She immediately sat down and started playing them, and did so throughout the rest of the day.
We had such a great time. Her favorite gifts ended up being the drums, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Monsters University characters that interact and talk to each other (they're so cool!), an airport play set, and her big train and town play table from Daddy and Mommy.
We had such a great time. Her favorite gifts ended up being the drums, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Monsters University characters that interact and talk to each other (they're so cool!), an airport play set, and her big train and town play table from Daddy and Mommy.
Christmas was exhausting, and she had a LONG, deep nap in the late afternoon.
This was truly a joyful day in this amazing life we share together. Our happiness is nearly overwhelming at times. I'm so grateful for the time we have together, and the memories we get to make.
December 26, 2013
Lizzy went back to Eb and Gee's today and had a wonderful day with them. In the evening, we went to a surprise birthday party for our friend Chris. She loved playing with their dog and with all of her friend Jane's toys. Once Chris arrived, we ate a yummy dinner and then got to sing happy birthday and have cake. Prior to the song, she took it upon herself to distribute party hats to the guests.
December 27, 2013
So many hours of play with this train table.
December 26, 2013
Lizzy went back to Eb and Gee's today and had a wonderful day with them. In the evening, we went to a surprise birthday party for our friend Chris. She loved playing with their dog and with all of her friend Jane's toys. Once Chris arrived, we ate a yummy dinner and then got to sing happy birthday and have cake. Prior to the song, she took it upon herself to distribute party hats to the guests.
December 27, 2013
So many hours of play with this train table.
December 28, 2013
After our original plans to go to the auto show sort of went off the rails due to some minor car trouble, we changed our plans and ended up going over to our friend Jon's for a visit. As usual, Lizzy found playing with the dog was preferable to playing with the humans.
Afterwards, we went to Famous Dave's for a lovely dinner. She ate FOUR little ears of corn. She dropped one on the floor on accident, but they brought her another one. This was evidently very important to her, as she recounted the story to Eb and Gee a few days later. While having this conversation, Gee asked Lizzy what she had to drink at Famous Dave's.
She told her "Beer. Me and mommy shared it together."
Little fibber! She always wants to taste my beer, but of course, I never let her. However, it's clearly important to her, enough so that she made up that story to tell Gee Gee.
December 31, 2013
We had a really nice dinner at Red Robin. She has lately been doing a lot of electronic puzzles, so she entertained herself during dinner with these. She certainly takes after me (and might I add, she's REALLY good at them!)
After our original plans to go to the auto show sort of went off the rails due to some minor car trouble, we changed our plans and ended up going over to our friend Jon's for a visit. As usual, Lizzy found playing with the dog was preferable to playing with the humans.
Afterwards, we went to Famous Dave's for a lovely dinner. She ate FOUR little ears of corn. She dropped one on the floor on accident, but they brought her another one. This was evidently very important to her, as she recounted the story to Eb and Gee a few days later. While having this conversation, Gee asked Lizzy what she had to drink at Famous Dave's.
She told her "Beer. Me and mommy shared it together."
Little fibber! She always wants to taste my beer, but of course, I never let her. However, it's clearly important to her, enough so that she made up that story to tell Gee Gee.
December 31, 2013
We had a really nice dinner at Red Robin. She has lately been doing a lot of electronic puzzles, so she entertained herself during dinner with these. She certainly takes after me (and might I add, she's REALLY good at them!)
After dinner, we came home and set off some fireworks. We Skyped New Year's wishes with both of our families, and were asleep well before midnight.
January 1, 2014
Upon awaking this morning, it occurred to me that she has been alive now for at least a part of FIVE YEARS. In 2010, she was alive and thriving in my womb. Born in 2011. Of course she's seen all of 2012 and 2013. And now, she sees 2014. What an amazing 5 years (if you subscribe to my unique tally of "years.")
We spent the day cutting snowflakes out of paper and playing with static electricity. She also decided, in her pretend mode as R2D2, to sing a medley of Christmas carols in all beeps. Nothing funnier than "Deck the Halls" as "Beep beep beep beep beep beep beep beep, beep beep beep beep beep, beep beep beep beep."
As we were having dinner, she started the following conversation with us:
Elizabeth (out of the blue): "I want to talk about beer."
Me (stunned): "Okay, what do you want to talk about?"
Elizabeth: "I want to have some."
Me (laughing): "You're not big enough!"
Elizabeth: "Yes I am."
Once again, what is her obsession with beer?
January 2, 2014
She played ALL DAY, much of it in the basement. In this photo, she had played with the lawn mower, golf clubs, drums, princess castle, slide, train table and bowling set within a span of about 10 minutes.
With no pants.
January 1, 2014
Upon awaking this morning, it occurred to me that she has been alive now for at least a part of FIVE YEARS. In 2010, she was alive and thriving in my womb. Born in 2011. Of course she's seen all of 2012 and 2013. And now, she sees 2014. What an amazing 5 years (if you subscribe to my unique tally of "years.")
We spent the day cutting snowflakes out of paper and playing with static electricity. She also decided, in her pretend mode as R2D2, to sing a medley of Christmas carols in all beeps. Nothing funnier than "Deck the Halls" as "Beep beep beep beep beep beep beep beep, beep beep beep beep beep, beep beep beep beep."
As we were having dinner, she started the following conversation with us:
Elizabeth (out of the blue): "I want to talk about beer."
Me (stunned): "Okay, what do you want to talk about?"
Elizabeth: "I want to have some."
Me (laughing): "You're not big enough!"
Elizabeth: "Yes I am."
Once again, what is her obsession with beer?
January 2, 2014
She played ALL DAY, much of it in the basement. In this photo, she had played with the lawn mower, golf clubs, drums, princess castle, slide, train table and bowling set within a span of about 10 minutes.
With no pants.
She seems to be right on the cusp of giving up her daily naps. Having no nap this day, she proceeded to fall asleep at 6:50 pm and sleep 13.5 hours, until I finally had to wake up her at 8:10 the following morning so I could go to work.
January 3, 2014
In the evening, we went and had Mexican for dinner with the Lewises. We had a lovely dinner, but again, she had had no nap so I was worried she'd fall asleep at dinner. Nope, she was wide awake and did great. She finally went down around 9:30, so I thought for sure she'd sleep so late on Saturday morning that I'd have to wake her for Gymboree.
January 4, 2014
So, imagine my surprise when I was counting on her sleeping until 9:30 or 10:00 or later, and I was awoken at 7:50 am with her hugging me, saying "I love you 3PO, my gold robot."
We went to Gymboree for the first time since November (we'd taken a hiatus due to our London trip and the holidays.) She had a great time, getting right back into the action. We came home and she made up for not getting enough sleep by taking a monstrous THREE AND A HALF HOUR NAP.
We awoke just in time for the Colts game and she watched right along with us. We celebrated the amazing victory by watching, you guessed it, Star Wars.
January 5, 2014
We started the morning of snowmageddon 2014 by getting dressed and heading out to get some doughnuts. We arrived to get the LAST TWO doughnuts in the place, which just happened to be cronuts. Lizzy loved them (and we did too!)
We were going to go sledding, but decided to just stay home the rest of the day since the snow was falling pretty quickly by about 10:00. She then spent about an hour playing in the sink, playing happily in snow that I brought in from outside.
January 3, 2014
In the evening, we went and had Mexican for dinner with the Lewises. We had a lovely dinner, but again, she had had no nap so I was worried she'd fall asleep at dinner. Nope, she was wide awake and did great. She finally went down around 9:30, so I thought for sure she'd sleep so late on Saturday morning that I'd have to wake her for Gymboree.
January 4, 2014
So, imagine my surprise when I was counting on her sleeping until 9:30 or 10:00 or later, and I was awoken at 7:50 am with her hugging me, saying "I love you 3PO, my gold robot."
We went to Gymboree for the first time since November (we'd taken a hiatus due to our London trip and the holidays.) She had a great time, getting right back into the action. We came home and she made up for not getting enough sleep by taking a monstrous THREE AND A HALF HOUR NAP.
We awoke just in time for the Colts game and she watched right along with us. We celebrated the amazing victory by watching, you guessed it, Star Wars.
January 5, 2014
We started the morning of snowmageddon 2014 by getting dressed and heading out to get some doughnuts. We arrived to get the LAST TWO doughnuts in the place, which just happened to be cronuts. Lizzy loved them (and we did too!)
We were going to go sledding, but decided to just stay home the rest of the day since the snow was falling pretty quickly by about 10:00. She then spent about an hour playing in the sink, playing happily in snow that I brought in from outside.
Then we headed outside, and built ourselves a six-foot tall snowman. This was the best packing, rolling, snowman snow ever.
The snow really started coming down and the temperature dropped in the afternoon, so we hunkered down with a box of new toys that I had stashed away for times just like this. She chose a new game, and then a few minutes later had gone into her closet on her own and chosen a different item. We ended up painting a ceramic dog, a fun craft that took about an hour!
Daddy made a yummy dinner of spaghetti and meatballs. As he was cooking, she said (without knowing what we were having) "I smell spaghetti!"
January 6, 2014
Our coldest day in 20 years began with a lovely day of her playing and entertaining herself happily while I worked from home. In the afternoon, we moved to the basement to play. She decided the new game we were going to do was pretending to "Go to Dinsey." Here's how you play it (please keep in mind she came up with this ALL ON HER OWN):
Step 1: Get in the racing seat gaming setup, and drive to the airport.
Step 2: Check your bags.
Step 3: Get on the airplane.
Step 4: Get on the bus that takes you to Dinsey.
Step 5: (I helped prompt her with this step the first time we played) Check into the hotel.
Step 6: Go talk to (in the following order) Mickey, Minnie, Cinderella, Ariel, Snow White, Belle, Beast, and Sleeping Beauty. This consists of taking the giant Mickey and Minnie and standing behind them as though you are the puppeteer. You will have an in depth conversation about her Happy Birthday button, how she's now 3, sing Happy Birthday to her, and then move on to the next character. With the princesses, you play with the respective Little People figurine, and repeat the conversation.
At the end, you go back to the racing seat and start over.
After a few circuits of this game, I decided to find a YouTube video to show her Akershus, where we will be having a Princess lunch on her birthday in May. She saw the "Princess Parade" where the various princesses take a little girl by the hand and march around the restaurant.
Her response was to declare "I will wear my Cinderella dress and Cinderella will hold hands with me."
Guess I know an extra item we will be packing!
After about an hour of playing "Going to Dinsey", we came upstairs to make some dinner. No sooner had I stepped foot into the kitchen than the power went out. Uh oh! On the coldest day in 20 years! We had dinner (ham and cheese sandwiches and potato chips) by candlelight, before seeing that the electric company said it wouldn't be restored until approximately 11:30. Ummm...I don't think so! We quickly acsertained that the Lewises had power, so we packed up and headed over to their house. Lizzy spent a few hours playing happily with Naveen and their dog. A little after 9:00, we were all ready to go to bed when Tommy said that the power was back on, so we returned home for the night after all.
January 7, 2014
Another snow day, spent playing (her) and working (me.) She's so good at entertaining herself when I need to work.
I was using the bathroom, and she came wandering in with her pajama pants around her ankles, declaring "I need to pee too." Ha! It was such a funny sight. Little goofball, why not wait until you're at the potty to pull down your pants?
January 14, 2014
Elizabeth loves R2-D2. Elizabeth loves Mickey Mouse.
Elizabeth loves her R2-D2 Mickey ears.
Daddy made a yummy dinner of spaghetti and meatballs. As he was cooking, she said (without knowing what we were having) "I smell spaghetti!"
January 6, 2014
Our coldest day in 20 years began with a lovely day of her playing and entertaining herself happily while I worked from home. In the afternoon, we moved to the basement to play. She decided the new game we were going to do was pretending to "Go to Dinsey." Here's how you play it (please keep in mind she came up with this ALL ON HER OWN):
Step 1: Get in the racing seat gaming setup, and drive to the airport.
Step 2: Check your bags.
Step 3: Get on the airplane.
Step 4: Get on the bus that takes you to Dinsey.
Step 5: (I helped prompt her with this step the first time we played) Check into the hotel.
Step 6: Go talk to (in the following order) Mickey, Minnie, Cinderella, Ariel, Snow White, Belle, Beast, and Sleeping Beauty. This consists of taking the giant Mickey and Minnie and standing behind them as though you are the puppeteer. You will have an in depth conversation about her Happy Birthday button, how she's now 3, sing Happy Birthday to her, and then move on to the next character. With the princesses, you play with the respective Little People figurine, and repeat the conversation.
At the end, you go back to the racing seat and start over.
After a few circuits of this game, I decided to find a YouTube video to show her Akershus, where we will be having a Princess lunch on her birthday in May. She saw the "Princess Parade" where the various princesses take a little girl by the hand and march around the restaurant.
Her response was to declare "I will wear my Cinderella dress and Cinderella will hold hands with me."
Guess I know an extra item we will be packing!
After about an hour of playing "Going to Dinsey", we came upstairs to make some dinner. No sooner had I stepped foot into the kitchen than the power went out. Uh oh! On the coldest day in 20 years! We had dinner (ham and cheese sandwiches and potato chips) by candlelight, before seeing that the electric company said it wouldn't be restored until approximately 11:30. Ummm...I don't think so! We quickly acsertained that the Lewises had power, so we packed up and headed over to their house. Lizzy spent a few hours playing happily with Naveen and their dog. A little after 9:00, we were all ready to go to bed when Tommy said that the power was back on, so we returned home for the night after all.
January 7, 2014
Another snow day, spent playing (her) and working (me.) She's so good at entertaining herself when I need to work.
I was using the bathroom, and she came wandering in with her pajama pants around her ankles, declaring "I need to pee too." Ha! It was such a funny sight. Little goofball, why not wait until you're at the potty to pull down your pants?
January 14, 2014
Elizabeth loves R2-D2. Elizabeth loves Mickey Mouse.
Elizabeth loves her R2-D2 Mickey ears.
January 17, 2014
The last few days were relatively uneventful. As it has been the most January of all Januaries (read: cold, snowy, and generally yucky), our lives haven't had much other than work/home/eat/sleep/play.
However, today was Lizzy's first day back to school. She warmed right up to it again! She played really well with the other children, and made a cute polar bear decoration.
January 18, 2014
After waking, we were laying in bed togther snuggling. Out of nowhere, Lizzy said "I like nunning best when the sun goes down."
January 19, 2014
I decided it was a good morning to go sledding. So, we went first to have some doughnuts for breakfast, and then afterwards went to a sledding hill nearby. She loved it! We both took turns riding down with her, then she went down the hill by herself a few times.
Sledding solo!
After sledding, we headed home to shower and have naps. Then we woke up and watched some football, then decided to go out for dinner.
We went to Izakaya, where we'd been with her so many times before. However, we've always sat over on the sushi side, and never on the hibachi side. On a whim, we decided to sit over on the other side for a chance. She really enjoyed the "show!" The chef successfully flipped two pieces of egg into Daddy's mouth, which she really thought funny. She ate TWO BOWLS of soup by herself, and just had a great time. I guess we'll work that into the rotation!
January 22, 2014
Elizabeth made cupcakes today with Eb. She kept saying "I'm stirring it all by myself."
January 25, 2014
What a wonderful day! We had kept Disney on Ice a surprise from LIzzy. So, our Saturday started like any other Saturday, going to Gymboree. Afterwards, we drove downtown and had lunch at the Rathskellar. Elizabeth LOVES tenderloins, so guess what she ordered.
What a wonderful day! We had kept Disney on Ice a surprise from LIzzy. So, our Saturday started like any other Saturday, going to Gymboree. Afterwards, we drove downtown and had lunch at the Rathskellar. Elizabeth LOVES tenderloins, so guess what she ordered.
After lunch, we headed over to the Fieldhouse for our event. I had secured front row, center ice tickets the second they went on sale last summer. If we are going to go to Disney on Ice, we're going to do it RIGHT :o)
So, we headed down to our seats, and the usher said "Wow. Those are the best seats in the entire place." She was right! We were literally 3 feet away from the ice. We were close enough that we got ice on us from the passing skaters a number of times throughout the show. Also, it was a pathway for some of the performers to enter the ice. Tinkerbell walked right in front of us a number of times, and said "hi" to Elizabeth. Prince Eric walked right past us too. So very cool!
Of course, for Liz the highlight was Mickey and Minnie, and Goofy. The stories were all really well done, and she sat and paid attention the entire nearly 2-hour show. The fire-breathing dragon scared her a little bit at first, but I had brought a light-up sword for her (I knew the dragon would be appearing) and she held the sword up and said "no dragon, no!" She's a brave little thing :o)
At the end, Mickey skated by to say hi to Mommy and Lizzy!
It really was a lot of fun, and did a good job holding us (well, mostly me!) over until her Disney trip in April/May.
January 26, 2014
Elizabeth has such a tremendous sense of humor. She is really good at funny wordplay, and often makes us laugh. But it's some of her sweet, innocent observations that are the most priceless.
We were at dinner, and she (as always) was unwrapping the straws. She said "why are these straws wearing costumes?" Of course, that's a pretty funny way to look at it anyhow, but then she said "They're ghost costumes." Yes, they are if you think about it!
January 26, 2014
Elizabeth has such a tremendous sense of humor. She is really good at funny wordplay, and often makes us laugh. But it's some of her sweet, innocent observations that are the most priceless.
We were at dinner, and she (as always) was unwrapping the straws. She said "why are these straws wearing costumes?" Of course, that's a pretty funny way to look at it anyhow, but then she said "They're ghost costumes." Yes, they are if you think about it!
January 31, 2014
Elizabeth Linh Mac is 1000 days old today.
February 3, 2014
This morning was Lizzy’s first “regular” dentist appointment and cleaning. Not wanting to cause any unnecessary worry, I hadn’t said anything to her in advance. However, she knew something was out of the ordinary that morning. I told her “we’re going to go get yummy bagels together for breakfast” and immediately she said “where are we going after that Mommy?” I told her we were going to the dentist, and she started getting worried. She asked me probably 30 times “Mommy, will you hold me while they clean my teeth?” I reassured her over and over that I would.
Once we arrived, she did so great! She let the dentist look at her teeth (no major issues, hooray!). She got to sit in my lap while the hygienist did the cleaning. She loved the tickling feeling, and then she “tickled” Mommy’s teeth with the spinning brush tool and thought that was the best. Back again in 6 months!
February 4, 2014
Poor Gay somehow strained/pulled her back and was largely immobile most of the day. Elizabeth was hugely concerned about this. She asked Eb to take her into the office so she could write a letter. She wrote a series of squiggly lines that she said read “I want to help you.” She then took the letter to Gay. What a sweet, compassionate angel. Her kindness is amazing.
February 6, 2014
We were watching some early qualifying Olympics figure skating together. Elizabeth said "Mommy, I want to ice skate, but it looks kind of hard. I know, we can ice skate holding hands."
February 7, 2014
Elizabeth had a great day at school today. After school, it was just her and I for the evening since Daddy didn’t return from California until Saturday morning. Rather than be lazy around the house, I loaded us up and we went to the pet store. For 45 minutes, we looked at fish, puppies, fish, bunnies, fish, birds, fish, guinea pigs, fish, snakes, fish, and hermit crabs. Did I mention we looked at the fish?
February 8, 2014
We hadn’t gotten to see Lizzy's Great-Grandparents on my Dad’s side yet from Christmas, so Lizzy and I met them for a wonderful breakfast. They were most generous, giving Lizzy a little play laptop with tons of games. SHE LOVED IT. As soon as we got home and I got it configured, she was playing away.
Daddy arrived home from California not long after we returned from breakfast. He was beat, so we got him to lay down for bed. She and I were going to go on to Gymboree, but we got in bed for a second for some nunning, and before I knew it, it was 2.5 hours later. Whoops! Guess everyone needed a nap.
Upon awaking, we were all a little hungry. Lizzy's Great-Grandparents had also given us a generous P.F. Chang’s gift card, so we had an early dinner there. Lizzy had never been there. Upon walking in, she took one look at the beautiful décor and exclaimed “Wowee!” As usual, she ate an entire bowl of soup and some other stuff. That girl loves her some soup!
February 9, 2014
We went to a Chinese New Year celebration. Lizzy played several games, but the highlight were silly photo booth pictures. She chose the giant glasses and orange hat herself. What a little ham!
Elizabeth Linh Mac is 1000 days old today.
February 3, 2014
This morning was Lizzy’s first “regular” dentist appointment and cleaning. Not wanting to cause any unnecessary worry, I hadn’t said anything to her in advance. However, she knew something was out of the ordinary that morning. I told her “we’re going to go get yummy bagels together for breakfast” and immediately she said “where are we going after that Mommy?” I told her we were going to the dentist, and she started getting worried. She asked me probably 30 times “Mommy, will you hold me while they clean my teeth?” I reassured her over and over that I would.
Once we arrived, she did so great! She let the dentist look at her teeth (no major issues, hooray!). She got to sit in my lap while the hygienist did the cleaning. She loved the tickling feeling, and then she “tickled” Mommy’s teeth with the spinning brush tool and thought that was the best. Back again in 6 months!
February 4, 2014
Poor Gay somehow strained/pulled her back and was largely immobile most of the day. Elizabeth was hugely concerned about this. She asked Eb to take her into the office so she could write a letter. She wrote a series of squiggly lines that she said read “I want to help you.” She then took the letter to Gay. What a sweet, compassionate angel. Her kindness is amazing.
February 6, 2014
We were watching some early qualifying Olympics figure skating together. Elizabeth said "Mommy, I want to ice skate, but it looks kind of hard. I know, we can ice skate holding hands."
February 7, 2014
Elizabeth had a great day at school today. After school, it was just her and I for the evening since Daddy didn’t return from California until Saturday morning. Rather than be lazy around the house, I loaded us up and we went to the pet store. For 45 minutes, we looked at fish, puppies, fish, bunnies, fish, birds, fish, guinea pigs, fish, snakes, fish, and hermit crabs. Did I mention we looked at the fish?
February 8, 2014
We hadn’t gotten to see Lizzy's Great-Grandparents on my Dad’s side yet from Christmas, so Lizzy and I met them for a wonderful breakfast. They were most generous, giving Lizzy a little play laptop with tons of games. SHE LOVED IT. As soon as we got home and I got it configured, she was playing away.
Daddy arrived home from California not long after we returned from breakfast. He was beat, so we got him to lay down for bed. She and I were going to go on to Gymboree, but we got in bed for a second for some nunning, and before I knew it, it was 2.5 hours later. Whoops! Guess everyone needed a nap.
Upon awaking, we were all a little hungry. Lizzy's Great-Grandparents had also given us a generous P.F. Chang’s gift card, so we had an early dinner there. Lizzy had never been there. Upon walking in, she took one look at the beautiful décor and exclaimed “Wowee!” As usual, she ate an entire bowl of soup and some other stuff. That girl loves her some soup!
February 9, 2014
We went to a Chinese New Year celebration. Lizzy played several games, but the highlight were silly photo booth pictures. She chose the giant glasses and orange hat herself. What a little ham!
February 10, 2014
Elizabeth had made both Eb and Gee shake jingle bells and chant “Way to go, 3PO!” for about 15 minutes. Silly girl.
When we got home, she disappeared for a moment. I went to find her, and found her in the bathroom. Without a word, she had gone in, pulled her pants down by herself, and was going poopie in the potty. Normally, she’ll announce to me when she needs to potty. I was so surprised she took it upon herself and just went in and did her business. What a good girl she is.
Monday night was quite eventful. Daddy had to leave for Chicago. He left around 7:00, but got his rental car stuck in the driveway. This wasn’t good! I had to help him shovel and get unstuck. I couldn’t exactly take her outside (she was post-bath, wet, and naked) while we were trying to push the car. It wouldn’t have been safe. So, she stood at the window, crying. This of course broke my heart. I asked her why she was crying. She said it was her fault that Daddy was stuck, because she had thrown snowballs in the driveway. Oh, poor thing. It wasn’t your fault!
Before bedtime, we were watching Little Einsteins. She was pretending to be Rocket. She came over to get some nunning and said “I’m giving Rocket some gas.”
February 11, 2014
At 5:00 am, I hear Elizabeth crying loudly. I go in to see her sitting up in bed, with her eyes still closed, and tears streaming down her face. In her sleep, she was crying “I want to watch Star Wars!” I finally got her to lay back down and get calm. Wow.
I decided to drag my old Wii out for something new to do. We played Wii Fit. She really loved the downhill skiing game. Great fun!
February 12, 2014
We started the day by watching a new Little Einsteins with a Space Robot. Therefore, the rest of the day was spent pretending to be a robot. As always, Eb is very creative, and he helped her make her own robot.
Elizabeth had made both Eb and Gee shake jingle bells and chant “Way to go, 3PO!” for about 15 minutes. Silly girl.
When we got home, she disappeared for a moment. I went to find her, and found her in the bathroom. Without a word, she had gone in, pulled her pants down by herself, and was going poopie in the potty. Normally, she’ll announce to me when she needs to potty. I was so surprised she took it upon herself and just went in and did her business. What a good girl she is.
Monday night was quite eventful. Daddy had to leave for Chicago. He left around 7:00, but got his rental car stuck in the driveway. This wasn’t good! I had to help him shovel and get unstuck. I couldn’t exactly take her outside (she was post-bath, wet, and naked) while we were trying to push the car. It wouldn’t have been safe. So, she stood at the window, crying. This of course broke my heart. I asked her why she was crying. She said it was her fault that Daddy was stuck, because she had thrown snowballs in the driveway. Oh, poor thing. It wasn’t your fault!
Before bedtime, we were watching Little Einsteins. She was pretending to be Rocket. She came over to get some nunning and said “I’m giving Rocket some gas.”
February 11, 2014
At 5:00 am, I hear Elizabeth crying loudly. I go in to see her sitting up in bed, with her eyes still closed, and tears streaming down her face. In her sleep, she was crying “I want to watch Star Wars!” I finally got her to lay back down and get calm. Wow.
I decided to drag my old Wii out for something new to do. We played Wii Fit. She really loved the downhill skiing game. Great fun!
February 12, 2014
We started the day by watching a new Little Einsteins with a Space Robot. Therefore, the rest of the day was spent pretending to be a robot. As always, Eb is very creative, and he helped her make her own robot.
February 14, 2014
Happy Valentine’s Day!
This morning we gave Lizzy her presents: an R2D2 sculpture, a Star Wars coloring book, a monkey, and some chocolate. She really loved the R2!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
This morning we gave Lizzy her presents: an R2D2 sculpture, a Star Wars coloring book, a monkey, and some chocolate. She really loved the R2!
Back in early January, I asked Lizzy what we should get for Daddy for Valentine’s Day. She said “Star Wars pictures.” Huh. She was on to something! For the last 5 years, ever since we finished our theater room in the basement, he’s been saying he’d like to get some framed movie posters for the walls, but we’ve never gotten around to it. So, with Lizzy’s suggestion, I got these for Daddy, which he loved. Good idea, Elizabeth!
She’s having a great day at school today. I snapped this picture of her playing in the gym. The teachers set up a little obstacle course, and she jumped right in. Balance beam expert!
Pictures from the Valentine's Day Party that the teacher sent:
First in line for bean bag toss.
Success!
Cookie time!
Her Valentine's Party was a huge success. She was so excited to tell me about it when I picked her up. We came home and unloaded the bounty!
Then some pictures with and of R2. She insisted I take a picture of R2 by himself.
Oh, that silly smile.
Oh, that silly smile.
February 15, 2014
We got up, made pancakes, and went to Gymboree. Afterwards, we went to lunch at Al Basha. We were going to go ice skating, but she said she wanted to go home instead. So, home we went. I was really tired, so I asked if I could have a nap while she played with Daddy. She said I could, and brought me her dump truck to cuddle, and told me to “Dream about me.” However, it didn’t last long as she was back 3 minutes later, but it was pretty cute.
We were all in the basement playing when we got a text from Anju inviting us over. As we had no plans, we decided it sounded fun. She started crying that she didn’t want to go, and cried the whole way there. Of course, as soon as we walked in the door, she started playing with their dog and then went straight into Naveen’s toy room. We stayed a few hours, until she had sleepy eyes.
February 16, 2014
We went swimming for an hour, then had naps. It had been WAAAAY too long since we’d been to the pool, and it was amazing to see how comfortable she was with the water even though we hadn’t been in a long time.
February 20, 2014
We watched Sleeping Beauty, which she really liked (especially Prince Phillip and the dragon.) She told me that she will tell Aurora (at Disney) "The bad witch Maleficent put Prince Philip in chains, but the fairies set him free. Then she turned into a dragon, but brave Prince Philip used his sword to knock the dragon down. Then he woke her up with a kiss."
February 21, 2014
Today was her first day at school without a single tear! That’s a huge milestone.
At school they learned about the Olympics today. She was the only one in the class who knew anything about it, and was able to tell the teachers about some of the events we’d been watching. The teachers were very impressed.
February 23, 2014
We had a Costco trip today, and she really loved trying the samples of everything. We had to go back twice for ice cream samples and got three bread samples.
We had many errands to run that day. Our last stop was the dry cleaners. As Daddy ran in to pick up his clothes, she was playing a lullaby song on her computer. I looked back, and she had fallen asleep to the lullaby. So sweet.
We got up, made pancakes, and went to Gymboree. Afterwards, we went to lunch at Al Basha. We were going to go ice skating, but she said she wanted to go home instead. So, home we went. I was really tired, so I asked if I could have a nap while she played with Daddy. She said I could, and brought me her dump truck to cuddle, and told me to “Dream about me.” However, it didn’t last long as she was back 3 minutes later, but it was pretty cute.
We were all in the basement playing when we got a text from Anju inviting us over. As we had no plans, we decided it sounded fun. She started crying that she didn’t want to go, and cried the whole way there. Of course, as soon as we walked in the door, she started playing with their dog and then went straight into Naveen’s toy room. We stayed a few hours, until she had sleepy eyes.
February 16, 2014
We went swimming for an hour, then had naps. It had been WAAAAY too long since we’d been to the pool, and it was amazing to see how comfortable she was with the water even though we hadn’t been in a long time.
February 20, 2014
We watched Sleeping Beauty, which she really liked (especially Prince Phillip and the dragon.) She told me that she will tell Aurora (at Disney) "The bad witch Maleficent put Prince Philip in chains, but the fairies set him free. Then she turned into a dragon, but brave Prince Philip used his sword to knock the dragon down. Then he woke her up with a kiss."
February 21, 2014
Today was her first day at school without a single tear! That’s a huge milestone.
At school they learned about the Olympics today. She was the only one in the class who knew anything about it, and was able to tell the teachers about some of the events we’d been watching. The teachers were very impressed.
February 23, 2014
We had a Costco trip today, and she really loved trying the samples of everything. We had to go back twice for ice cream samples and got three bread samples.
We had many errands to run that day. Our last stop was the dry cleaners. As Daddy ran in to pick up his clothes, she was playing a lullaby song on her computer. I looked back, and she had fallen asleep to the lullaby. So sweet.
In the evening, she wanted to watch Minnierella, wearing her Cinderella dress.
February 28, 2014
Just a few tears at school drop off today, but all in all a good day.
In the evening, we drove separately to go to British Meetup night. She chose to ride in Daddy’s car instead of with Mommy, and really enjoyed herself. This bodes well for “Dinsey” – that she might be able to do things with Daddy while Mommy rides a different ride sometimes.
March 1, 2014
As we were leaving Gymboree, she asked (on her own) if we could go to Daddy Jack’s and get tenderloin. Well, of course we can! She ate everything on her plate. What a good appetite she has, especially when tenderloin is involved!
We came home for a nap, and then rode with my friend to our friend’s son's 2 year old birthday party. She was so cute!
Just a few tears at school drop off today, but all in all a good day.
In the evening, we drove separately to go to British Meetup night. She chose to ride in Daddy’s car instead of with Mommy, and really enjoyed herself. This bodes well for “Dinsey” – that she might be able to do things with Daddy while Mommy rides a different ride sometimes.
March 1, 2014
As we were leaving Gymboree, she asked (on her own) if we could go to Daddy Jack’s and get tenderloin. Well, of course we can! She ate everything on her plate. What a good appetite she has, especially when tenderloin is involved!
We came home for a nap, and then rode with my friend to our friend’s son's 2 year old birthday party. She was so cute!
She ended up getting a balloon sword, and loved it!
Once we returned home, the three of us were cuddling on the couch. She said “we’re the best family.”
March 2, 2014
We were all prepared to receive 9 or so inches of snow. However, the weathermen bungled that forecast, and we got maybe 2 inches. That was fine! We still made French Toast and a “lovely fire” (as she calls it.) We then made our Dinsey countdown chain, since every morning she’s started asking “Is today the day we go to Dinsey?”
March 2, 2014
We were all prepared to receive 9 or so inches of snow. However, the weathermen bungled that forecast, and we got maybe 2 inches. That was fine! We still made French Toast and a “lovely fire” (as she calls it.) We then made our Dinsey countdown chain, since every morning she’s started asking “Is today the day we go to Dinsey?”
We were sitting on the couch, and she said “Mommy, I love you all the time.”
March 4, 2014
We arrived home and sat down on the couch to do nunning, and she fell asleep. It was a little before 5, and she was quite deeply asleep. I wasn’t sure whether to wake her up or let her sleep. Eb and Gee had said she ate a good bit that day, so I decided to let her sleep, and she proceeded to do so for the next 12 hours. She woke up around 8:00 to go potty, but then went right back to sleep. These 12 hour nights are becoming the norm as she’s transitioning mostly away from naps.
March 5, 2014
I had to go see the doctor about my back, since someone hit me in an accident the day before. She came with me, and she was such a good helper! She talkative, inquisitive, and held my hand while the doctor examined me.
March 7, 2014
Another fantastic day at school. Her teacher said she had a “12 out of 10.”
In the evening, her school hosted a family fun night. The movie was Planes which is a pretty awful movie, but we still had a great time. We took our big beanbag chair and got comfy. They had stations set up with different activities (build your own plane, an obstacle course), so she had fun. She ate pizza and popcorn and was such a good girl, as always!
March 4, 2014
We arrived home and sat down on the couch to do nunning, and she fell asleep. It was a little before 5, and she was quite deeply asleep. I wasn’t sure whether to wake her up or let her sleep. Eb and Gee had said she ate a good bit that day, so I decided to let her sleep, and she proceeded to do so for the next 12 hours. She woke up around 8:00 to go potty, but then went right back to sleep. These 12 hour nights are becoming the norm as she’s transitioning mostly away from naps.
March 5, 2014
I had to go see the doctor about my back, since someone hit me in an accident the day before. She came with me, and she was such a good helper! She talkative, inquisitive, and held my hand while the doctor examined me.
March 7, 2014
Another fantastic day at school. Her teacher said she had a “12 out of 10.”
In the evening, her school hosted a family fun night. The movie was Planes which is a pretty awful movie, but we still had a great time. We took our big beanbag chair and got comfy. They had stations set up with different activities (build your own plane, an obstacle course), so she had fun. She ate pizza and popcorn and was such a good girl, as always!
March 14, 2014
Silly girl dressed up in Daddy’s shirt
Silly girl dressed up in Daddy’s shirt
We tried the new Brazilian steakhouse by home.
We snapped some photos by the "lovely fire" while we waited for our table.
We snapped some photos by the "lovely fire" while we waited for our table.
While not the best Brazilian place we’ve ever enjoyed, it was pretty decent and she LOVED the salad bar and grilled pineapple. She ate three trips’ worth of tomatoes!
March 15, 2014
Today was a happy Gymboree day, followed by getting her passport photos taken for her British passport, which will finalize/formalize her British citizenship.
March 15, 2014
Today was a happy Gymboree day, followed by getting her passport photos taken for her British passport, which will finalize/formalize her British citizenship.
March 16, 2014
Sunday evening couch snuggles.
Sunday evening couch snuggles.
March 19, 2014
What a day she had! She went with Eb to a farm and saw lots of animals, but her favorite was the cat. Then to IMI, where she got to see all of the exotic animals. Then she fell asleep and had a 3.75 hour nap!
I got picked her up late due to this lengthy nap, but it worked out well because I was able to get some trip shopping done, including some new shorts and a few pairs of sunglasses for her. Once we arrived home and I showed her the new sunglasses, we immediately had to “play beach.” This involves you laying on your back, pretending to lay in a beach chair, put on “sun slather” (sunblock), and saying how lovely the sun feels.
March 21, 2014
Elizabeth was happy this morning when I dropped her off at school. She looked so cute in her St. Patrick’s Day green!
What a day she had! She went with Eb to a farm and saw lots of animals, but her favorite was the cat. Then to IMI, where she got to see all of the exotic animals. Then she fell asleep and had a 3.75 hour nap!
I got picked her up late due to this lengthy nap, but it worked out well because I was able to get some trip shopping done, including some new shorts and a few pairs of sunglasses for her. Once we arrived home and I showed her the new sunglasses, we immediately had to “play beach.” This involves you laying on your back, pretending to lay in a beach chair, put on “sun slather” (sunblock), and saying how lovely the sun feels.
March 21, 2014
Elizabeth was happy this morning when I dropped her off at school. She looked so cute in her St. Patrick’s Day green!
She had a fun day at school, making the cutest little leprechaun.
We played across at the playground, had dinner at Chili’s, bought Frozen, and brought home Menchie’s to eat while we watched it downstairs. It was a fun night!
March 22, 2014
Today was Gymboree, followed by nap time, followed by dinner with the Lewises at Tucanos, and then Star Wars. Lizzy insisted, about halfway through the film, I take her upstairs and put her Darth Vader costume on.
March 23, 2014
Daddy had to leave super early for Texas, so once she woke up we went to Muncie with Eb and Gee.
Chuck E Cheese was a lot of fun as always. She loves playing all the games and getting her tickets. For her prizes, she chose a ball and this sucker, which she took maybe three tiny nibbles of.
March 22, 2014
Today was Gymboree, followed by nap time, followed by dinner with the Lewises at Tucanos, and then Star Wars. Lizzy insisted, about halfway through the film, I take her upstairs and put her Darth Vader costume on.
March 23, 2014
Daddy had to leave super early for Texas, so once she woke up we went to Muncie with Eb and Gee.
Chuck E Cheese was a lot of fun as always. She loves playing all the games and getting her tickets. For her prizes, she chose a ball and this sucker, which she took maybe three tiny nibbles of.
Afterwards, we went to the Muncie Children’s museum. As always, she played in the pretend Marsh for a LONG TIME, and did pretty much every activity in the place.
March 26, 2014
Yesterday, Disney announced special Star Wars dining events that just happen to kick off while we are there. So, for May 4, I’ve managed to book a Star Wars dinner with Jedi Mickey, Princess Leia Minnie, Darth Goofy, Storm Trooper Donald, and Ewok Chip and Dale. I’m not telling Lizzy. It will be a wonderful surprise!
Yesterday, Disney announced special Star Wars dining events that just happen to kick off while we are there. So, for May 4, I’ve managed to book a Star Wars dinner with Jedi Mickey, Princess Leia Minnie, Darth Goofy, Storm Trooper Donald, and Ewok Chip and Dale. I’m not telling Lizzy. It will be a wonderful surprise!
March 28, 2014
Elizabeth informed me, out of the blue, that she will be asking Santa Claus for a rocket ship this Christmas.
March 30, 2014
We went to get doughnuts, and then she and Daddy played in the basement for a long while. We napped (me 2 hours, and her FOUR HOURS), and then went to Target for some more pre-trip shopping.
Elizabeth was playing in her room, when out the window, she spotted a hot air balloon going basically right overhead. She excitedly came to find us to show us. We went outside to see it in person. It was so close we could see the fire and the people in the basket, and it ended up landing just behind a row of trees behind our neighborhood.
Elizabeth informed me, out of the blue, that she will be asking Santa Claus for a rocket ship this Christmas.
March 30, 2014
We went to get doughnuts, and then she and Daddy played in the basement for a long while. We napped (me 2 hours, and her FOUR HOURS), and then went to Target for some more pre-trip shopping.
Elizabeth was playing in her room, when out the window, she spotted a hot air balloon going basically right overhead. She excitedly came to find us to show us. We went outside to see it in person. It was so close we could see the fire and the people in the basket, and it ended up landing just behind a row of trees behind our neighborhood.
Elizabeth is at such a fun age (yes, yes, I know I say that all the time.) Some of the things she’s doing now that delight us:
The other thing that I don’t know how else to describe is just HOW GOOD she is. She absolutely wants to please and be a good girl. She doesn’t have tantrums. She minds. She tries to make us laugh and smile. She is appropriately independent, without being subversive or trying to push boundaries unnecessarily. I don’t know why we got so lucky with such a good girl. I’m not certain if that’s just her nature, or because she’s so very smart and understands consequences and rules better than her peers, but we are so fortunate to have her. She is absolutely delightful to be around.
April 3, 2014
This morning it was storming. On the way in, she said “Mommy, where does lightning come from?” I said it comes from clouds when there’s a storm. She said “No. I think it comes from the Death Star.”
She was so happy to give “Day Day” (what she’s been calling Gee Gee lately) her birthday card this morning. Birthdays are SO important to Elizabeth.
Another thing Lizzy is asking about lately is along the lines of "How did you and Daddy build our house?" or "Did you nail the wood together to build our house?" She's fascinated by building things, and wants to understand how we came to construct our house.
Given this interest in all things construction, a few weeks ago Eb got Lizzy her own toolbox. Inside (among other things) are her safety scissors (which she has mastered) and a roll of black tape.
She also has a magnifying glass, which she loves to use to inspect the world around her.
Put those things together, and this is what transpired:
- If you use a new word, she’ll ask “What did you say?” to have you repeat it, so she can hear it again. Often she’ll start working that new word into her already impressive vocabulary. Her teachers often remark to me how advanced her vocabulary and communication skills are compared to her peers.
- When playing pretend (and oh my goodness, she has the most elaborate and involved pretend play scenarios), she will script out for you what you are supposed to say in your pretend role.
- When she wakes up every morning, her first words are either “Where are we going today?” or “Are we going to Dinsey today?”
- If she wants to do something, she will say “You say “That’s a good idea, Lizzy.”” In effect, she is telling you to give her permission to do that thing.
- She always has a song in her heart, and will often quietly sing to herself.
- She loves to play with change, and will sort quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies correctly (she knows each coin type by name.)
- She is becoming more assertive with other children, which shows she’s becoming more mature in her social development. The other day when we were at the Muncie Children’s Museum, an older boy was not playing correctly with the shopping cart and groceries, turning the cart onto its side and spilling the groceries all over the floor. Lizzy (with quite the edge of authority in her little voice) told him “Oh no you don’t.”
The other thing that I don’t know how else to describe is just HOW GOOD she is. She absolutely wants to please and be a good girl. She doesn’t have tantrums. She minds. She tries to make us laugh and smile. She is appropriately independent, without being subversive or trying to push boundaries unnecessarily. I don’t know why we got so lucky with such a good girl. I’m not certain if that’s just her nature, or because she’s so very smart and understands consequences and rules better than her peers, but we are so fortunate to have her. She is absolutely delightful to be around.
April 3, 2014
This morning it was storming. On the way in, she said “Mommy, where does lightning come from?” I said it comes from clouds when there’s a storm. She said “No. I think it comes from the Death Star.”
She was so happy to give “Day Day” (what she’s been calling Gee Gee lately) her birthday card this morning. Birthdays are SO important to Elizabeth.
Another thing Lizzy is asking about lately is along the lines of "How did you and Daddy build our house?" or "Did you nail the wood together to build our house?" She's fascinated by building things, and wants to understand how we came to construct our house.
Given this interest in all things construction, a few weeks ago Eb got Lizzy her own toolbox. Inside (among other things) are her safety scissors (which she has mastered) and a roll of black tape.
She also has a magnifying glass, which she loves to use to inspect the world around her.
Put those things together, and this is what transpired:
April 5, 2014
Friday night we went to dinner at Red Robin and then to see the Lego Movie. This was only her second time going, and the first time we’ve stayed the whole time. She enjoyed popcorn and a cherry frozen drink, but had to go potty 5 times before and during the film. She really went every time. I think each time she had to pee, she was in such a hurry to get back to the movie that she didn't make sure her bladder was all the way empty!
April 6, 2014
Since our time at Gymboree is (sadly) quickly dwindling, I made sure to get some pictures of her hard at play. Since most of the area is on Spring Break, she was the only child for the first 20 minutes or so, when one other child and her dad came to the class late. She loved having everything to herself!
Friday night we went to dinner at Red Robin and then to see the Lego Movie. This was only her second time going, and the first time we’ve stayed the whole time. She enjoyed popcorn and a cherry frozen drink, but had to go potty 5 times before and during the film. She really went every time. I think each time she had to pee, she was in such a hurry to get back to the movie that she didn't make sure her bladder was all the way empty!
April 6, 2014
Since our time at Gymboree is (sadly) quickly dwindling, I made sure to get some pictures of her hard at play. Since most of the area is on Spring Break, she was the only child for the first 20 minutes or so, when one other child and her dad came to the class late. She loved having everything to herself!
In the afternoon, Eb and Gee arrived for Gee’s birthday dinner. After some play, we headed to Tucano’s. It means so much to her when all of her people are together, so she was thrilled, as always.
Here she is being a scary dragon:
Here she is being a scary dragon:
April 7, 2014
I started feeling pretty awful in the morning. By afternoon, I was dreadfully bad. Turns out I had strep throat. As a preventative, we took Lizzy to her pediatrician, since she’d had a fever that day. Thankfully, her throat culture was negative. The doctor indicated that, since she gets my antibodies from nursing, the likelihood of her getting it from me was lower than a child in an identical situation who doesn’t nurse. Yet another reason Extended Breastfeeding is right for our family!
April 8, 2014
Lizzy was such a helper, taking such good care of Mommy. She let me rest while she played. She kept coming over and giving me kisses, telling me to get all better. My beautiful little sweetheart has such a loving spirit.
She’s been practicing meeting the princesses again, and likes to wear her Cinderella dress while we role play what she will say to each in turn.
I started feeling pretty awful in the morning. By afternoon, I was dreadfully bad. Turns out I had strep throat. As a preventative, we took Lizzy to her pediatrician, since she’d had a fever that day. Thankfully, her throat culture was negative. The doctor indicated that, since she gets my antibodies from nursing, the likelihood of her getting it from me was lower than a child in an identical situation who doesn’t nurse. Yet another reason Extended Breastfeeding is right for our family!
April 8, 2014
Lizzy was such a helper, taking such good care of Mommy. She let me rest while she played. She kept coming over and giving me kisses, telling me to get all better. My beautiful little sweetheart has such a loving spirit.
She’s been practicing meeting the princesses again, and likes to wear her Cinderella dress while we role play what she will say to each in turn.
April 9, 2014
I stayed home from work one more day, but was feeling a bit better. The sun was shining, so we left the house to go to the park and get some lunch. While at the park, we saw a snake cross our path. She was so excited!
April 12, 2014
Saturday was a BEAUTIFUL day. After Gymboree, we went shopping at several places, and once we got home, it was playground time!
April 13, 2014
Another warm (but not as sunny) day saw Lizzy get to take a few bike rides, one with her Daddy and one with me. She and I had a lovely 2 hour nap together (since I was still feeling a little run down from the strep), and then we enjoyed our evening by having dinner and browsing at Fry’s. She loves the movie/projection room there, so that’s fun for her while Daddy gets to shop!
April 16, 2014
While waiting for Eb and Gay Gay, we took a picture to send to Daddy to tell him good morning and that we missed him.
I stayed home from work one more day, but was feeling a bit better. The sun was shining, so we left the house to go to the park and get some lunch. While at the park, we saw a snake cross our path. She was so excited!
April 12, 2014
Saturday was a BEAUTIFUL day. After Gymboree, we went shopping at several places, and once we got home, it was playground time!
April 13, 2014
Another warm (but not as sunny) day saw Lizzy get to take a few bike rides, one with her Daddy and one with me. She and I had a lovely 2 hour nap together (since I was still feeling a little run down from the strep), and then we enjoyed our evening by having dinner and browsing at Fry’s. She loves the movie/projection room there, so that’s fun for her while Daddy gets to shop!
April 16, 2014
While waiting for Eb and Gay Gay, we took a picture to send to Daddy to tell him good morning and that we missed him.
We came home at the end of the day, and she decided to lay on the step and ask “Mommy, what would happen if I slept here tonight?” Silly girl!
As we were getting ready to go to sleep, out of nowhere, she says “Mommy, when we get to the airport, I’m going to spray everyone there with nunning milk.” She then proceeded to laugh hysterically. Where does she come up with this stuff?!
April 17, 2014
Daddy returned from Miami, and was excited to open his Google Glass to start playing with it. He kept talking to it via voice commands, where he would say “Okay Glass, take a picture” (or whatever he needed to it do.) Lizzy kept thinking he was talking to me, and kept saying “Daddy, her name isn’t “Gloss” (due to his accent), it’s Mommy!”
Here’s a picture he took with his new toy, while we were eating dinner:
April 17, 2014
Daddy returned from Miami, and was excited to open his Google Glass to start playing with it. He kept talking to it via voice commands, where he would say “Okay Glass, take a picture” (or whatever he needed to it do.) Lizzy kept thinking he was talking to me, and kept saying “Daddy, her name isn’t “Gloss” (due to his accent), it’s Mommy!”
Here’s a picture he took with his new toy, while we were eating dinner:
April 18, 2014
After school, we boiled our eggs!
After school, we boiled our eggs!
After our 2 hour nap, we did our egg coloring. She really got into it, and was quite adept at using the little dipper. She ended up liking to dye them green, saying “This one looks like an alien” each time.
April 19, 2014
Saturday was a beautiful, perfect day. We got up and went to Castleton to see Great-Grandma Sherry, who had TWO Easter basket for Lizzy.
Saturday was a beautiful, perfect day. We got up and went to Castleton to see Great-Grandma Sherry, who had TWO Easter basket for Lizzy.
After visiting a little bit, we headed back home for our neighborhood's annual egg hunt. You will notice in all the egg hunt photos from the weekend she's wearing her "1st place" medal. She wanted to wear it, saying "It will help me find the eggs better." Okay...:o)
She was so excited when the Easter Bunny arrived, that she stopped hunting eggs and ran as fast as she could to go meet him.
After her first interaction with the bunny, she asked me if that was really the Easter Bunny. Then she said “Mommy, I don’t think that’s the real Easter Bunny. I think it’s a man in a costume.” Sometimes, she’s too smart for her own good.
After her first interaction with the bunny, she asked me if that was really the Easter Bunny. Then she said “Mommy, I don’t think that’s the real Easter Bunny. I think it’s a man in a costume.” Sometimes, she’s too smart for her own good.
Afterwards, we went to Gymboree (only 1 more class left!), then home for lunch and nap time. We spent the rest of the night playing and watching Star Wars Episode 1, since she likes the part where C3PO is naked.
April 20, 2014
Easter was beautiful. Once she awoke, we hunted eggs and she went through her Easter basket.
April 20, 2014
Easter was beautiful. Once she awoke, we hunted eggs and she went through her Easter basket.
Here’s a little video of her happily hunting her eggs.
Then we went to Eb and Gay Gay’s. There were 2 more Easter baskets there, which she literally did not even look at or open, since she’d gotten so much stuff already.
Then we went to Eb and Gay Gay’s. There were 2 more Easter baskets there, which she literally did not even look at or open, since she’d gotten so much stuff already.
The day was beautiful, and she played HARD all day. There was the obligatory egg hunt, playing in her sandbox, sand pile, and little beach, playing chase through the yard. Oh, it was a perfect day, and she enjoyed seeing all the family. The suntan we all got wasn’t bad either!
April 21, 2014
Look at this tiny little person. I love her littleness. I am treasuring the sweet perfection of this age.
April 21, 2014
Look at this tiny little person. I love her littleness. I am treasuring the sweet perfection of this age.
April 25, 2014
Today was a good day at school for Lizzy. Next Friday is their Mother's Day tea. Since we will be in Disney, the teachers went ahead and gave me the gift that Lizzy had made for me. I love it!
Today was a good day at school for Lizzy. Next Friday is their Mother's Day tea. Since we will be in Disney, the teachers went ahead and gave me the gift that Lizzy had made for me. I love it!
April 26, 2014
Today was Lizzy's very last day at Gymboree. We have had over 2 years of great memories there, so it was a little sad (for me at least.)
Today was Lizzy's very last day at Gymboree. We have had over 2 years of great memories there, so it was a little sad (for me at least.)
Her teacher gave her a big hug when we were leaving, and her last ever Gymbo stamps.
Saturday night, when she crawled into bed, she was saying she was really cold. This is unusal for her, as she's normally quite warm-natured, and doesn't even like to be under blankets that often. So, I had a hunch something was amiss.
April 27, 2014
Sure enough, at 12:45 am I noticed she was HOT to the touch. At 2:30 am, she woke up, so I got some Tylenol in her, and we went to the couch to watch some cartoons for awhile. We had had plans for a lovely breakfast with family, and then the zoo with our friends. Due to her fever, we could do none of these. So, the day was spent with her taking it easy, a few more doses of Tylenol, and by evening, she was much better. It's rare when she does get sick, and it never seems to last more than 24 hours, thankfully!
April 29, 2014
Turning 3 at Dinsey.
Saturday night, when she crawled into bed, she was saying she was really cold. This is unusal for her, as she's normally quite warm-natured, and doesn't even like to be under blankets that often. So, I had a hunch something was amiss.
April 27, 2014
Sure enough, at 12:45 am I noticed she was HOT to the touch. At 2:30 am, she woke up, so I got some Tylenol in her, and we went to the couch to watch some cartoons for awhile. We had had plans for a lovely breakfast with family, and then the zoo with our friends. Due to her fever, we could do none of these. So, the day was spent with her taking it easy, a few more doses of Tylenol, and by evening, she was much better. It's rare when she does get sick, and it never seems to last more than 24 hours, thankfully!
April 29, 2014
Turning 3 at Dinsey.