12.28.13 - Saturday

You got up and played today--play dough; painting; My Little Ponies. You ate soup and giggled and wanted to have a book read to you.

Why is all this remarkable and worthy of blogging? Because this has not been the pattern the last few days for your behavior. You, my dear, have had the flu. And a miserable case thereof.

It all started with an innocent trip to Austin to visit "The Cousins" and Great Grandmama and Papa. One after another, children fell ill. Nothing super major. A few very tired days with a fever, and then they were up and running again. Baby Q got it after about the fourth day there. And finally, Saturday morning, just as we were getting up to leave for the airport to go home, you caught it.

Of course, after perfect flights to Austin and from Austin to Houston, we got stuck in Houston. For six hours. Five of which you slept, and slept, and burned hot, and slept. Finally we got home, and this same pattern of sleep and burning and not eating or drinking much continued for several days. As we had seen the pattern play out already for several other children, we figured we'd let it run its course. But it wasn't following the same pattern.

In the meantime, Christmas Eve rolls around and Christmas Day. You'd rather nap than open presents. Such lethargy. 

Finally, Boxing Day. You wake up cool and happy, ready to play. We encourage you to not overdo it, but we're excited to finally see some normalcy. Then you took a nap and woke up hotter and sicker than ever.

Enough was enough. You and I went out in the car to a walk-in clinic at CVS. 15 people in line ahead of us, at 15 minutes a visit, we were looking at over 3 hours of waiting. And you burned on. The lady next to me saw me looking up other walk-in clinics and told me she had just found Target's clinic had no wait. So we took off for the Target clinic. 30 minutes later we were finally being seen. Except they took your temperature and said, "sorry. She's running 105.5. We can't deal with that here. Go to the ER."

So after two hours, we wind up in the ER. Diagnosis: flu and an ear infection.

Two days later, you are, mostly, happier. Still coughing and recovering, but feverless, and happier. And that, my dear, is the best post-Christmas gift I could have from you.

09.21.13 - Saturday

Always a new challenge to be faced. Today was a discussion about rudeness and how it is actually possible to be friends with more than one person at a time. Surprisingly, my big girls and I have had several discussions about how it is possible to have more than one best friend as well. So apparently this isn't just a three year old thing.

09.17.13 - Tuesday

Swimming today. I coaxed you into practicing kicking and doggy paddling and also standing on your own in the shallow end (not on the stairs). When I say coaxed, I mean it took some substantial talking you into it on my part. But then you really got into it in the end. Baby steps, little Blue. We'll get you swimming well someday!

09.03.13 - Tuesday

My little introvert. You take nothing by storm but are always deliberate and contemplative in your actions. Which frequently means that you won't participate in activities that you would actually find a lot of fun unless you've had time to mentally prepare and get excited about them. And even then, often you have to experience it multiple times before you really dive in willingly.

For example, riding in a golf cart! You would have nothing to do with the ride in the golf cart from the office; although, you did look wistfully after it when it drove off. Cautious little Blueberry, don't miss out on some life adventures from fear. How do I teach that to you?

08.09.13 - Friday

Happy Birthday baby girl. Three years old today. You are growing up so quickly--charming and silly, imaginative and bright, loving and stubborn. I love you.

Your birthday morning pancakes!

Blowing out the candles--three years old today.

"Mine! My present!" The brother and sister relationship in its early years.

Auntie Joy came out all the way just for your party

Birthday cake wishes

Rainbow cake

Ponies meet Doggie

07.10.13 - Wednesday

I never know what you are, little girl. It makes for a very confusing existence.

Some days you are a Kitty Cat (and daintily crawl across the floor).

Some days you are a Sea Turtle (and creep along the floor on your belly).

Some days you're a Puppy Dog (and bark in response to any question asked of you).

And other days you're not just a Sea Turtle but a Leather Backed Sea Turtle--and woe betide me if I dare call you anything but Leather Backed!

I get in trouble if I call you Silly Rabbit, but I can call you Silly Kitty (or Sea Turtle or Puppy Dog or occasionally Whale).

And always you rescue the Tree Frogs.

07.05.13 - Friday

We've taken a new step the last week or so. You've always been a difficult kid to get to sleep, my little Blueberry. This hasn't changed as you've gotten older. However, I think we've found a new way to conquer nap times with little fighting--and for this, Mommy is very thankful.

You see, dearest, you get very cranky in the afternoons when you have no nap, especially when we're on duty and you're having constant stimulation. But you don't like to take naps--they make you mad.

So we've compromised. You are learning the fine art of quiet time: reading books or coloring in your bed. And guess when, you've wound up sleeping about half that time any ways! Love a good compromise ;)

Mommy's can learn to.

07.04.13 - Thursday

Happy Fourth of July my darling girl.

We tried to Skype Nana and Papa this morning but couldn't get hold of them, so we made a video and posted that to them instead.

Pictures of you and Baby Brother.

He was trying to eat Doggie.

07.02.13 - Tuesday

Short List--Summer Activities:

Finger painting with food-colored shaving cream.

 Playing in water.

Playing in sand.



Playing in a water fountain.

Trips to playgrounds. Playing with Daddy.

Going to the water park (I sense a theme here).

Playing with beans (I've combined a big bowl of beans for you to play with--you love it).

Cooking with Mommy (you're getting very good at making scrambled eggs).

Trips to the library.

Trips to the lake, farmers market, gym.

Bike riding (you are becoming dangerously good at this one!).

06.28.13 - Friday

You were a "maker" today, dear. You and I made Rice Crispy treats. And oh so proud of yourself you were. "Me a maker!"

The other day you made me an entire lunch with your fake kitchen. You had a tomato. I had a grilled cheese sandwich and a fried egg on a cheeseburger (sans the bun). You neatly set the table, we prayed, and you insisted that I couldn't eat my food until we were both properly served. You have learned well.

06.04.13 - Tuesday

As you grow and learn, I grow and learn. I found myself on the phone this morning with a friend seeking advice on what to do with faking injuries, and refusing to sleep. Last night was exhausting. I think you had legitimately banged your ankle bone on something and it was hurting you. But being the dramatic two year old that you are, it became a huge deal of screaming for "Mommy! Mommy!" And then you woke up this morning screaming again for me--way too early in the morning. So you spent most of the morning sitting on the couch even though you informed me your "owie all better." Sigh. Such things for me to decipher and determine how to teach--such lessons for you to learn.

06.02.13 - Sunday

Your aunt and uncle came into town for the day to see you and your little brother; they say to see us all, but we know the truth! Auntie Joy in particular is a sucker for doing whatever games you ask her to play with you: or whatever else you ask.

"Auntie Joy turn light on in bathroom?"

"Auntie Joy, I want [your] cupcake!"

"Auntie Joy play with me!"

05.29.13 - Wednesday

Today Baby Q was crying as I was putting laundry into the machines. All of the sudden, he quieted down. I peaked my head out of the laundry room to see what was going on. You had gotten some books and were sitting down next to him, reading him stories. You're such a good big sister.

05.26.13 - Saturday

Its Memorial Day Weekend, so we took all the girls to the lake for the first time since last fall. You've grown up so much little darling. Last year you enjoyed the sand, but you needed a lot of security in the water--we could barely get you out there. This year, you dug in the sand, and you went way out the in water with Daddy, playing on a floaty, and even letting him help you float by yourself a little bit. I'm so proud of you; you're growing so brave!

05.21.13 - Tuesday

Your brother has been learning to roll over. You were very obligingly showing how to do so today. I'm glad you love your little brother.

I was trying to get video of him rolling over. He wouldn't oblige (only rolled over after I turned the camera off!), but you were most helpful!

 

 

05.15.13 - Wednesday

Little Snippets

"My can smell something!"



You: "What's that?"
Daddy: "A fruit fly."
You: "A flute fly?"
Daddy: "No, a fRuit fly!"
You: "Oh! A Apple Fly!"


You bring Daddy an RCA manual. You say, "That's my card from Nana and Papa. It says, 'Love me. Hugs and Kisses.'"

05.10.13 - Friday

My sweet Blueberry, what a sleepy day you've had. When we're working (and school is on), we get up and have the big girls getting ready for school. Generally you'll wake up at some point in the hustle and bustle and come out and join us. Today, we prayed with the girls and sent them on their way, and I opened the door up between our apartments and the cottage and found you laying on the floor in the hallway.

You very politely asked for cuddles, so I picked you up and we cuddled for about 20 minutes or so until Daddy came home. But you were obviously not done sleeping yet, as after that, you laid back down on the floor in the hallway for another 20 minutes or more until I finally convinced you to let me pick you up and put you back to bed.

You don't seem sick and are not complaining of anything except tired. You did have a rough night last night with several bad dreams (apparently you dreamed you were falling out of bed? at least that's what you told me), so maybe that's some of the tired.

Sleep well my little girl and wake up rested. We have a fun evening ahead of us.

05.06.13 - Monday

Who needs expensive toys? Currently, the three toys/games of the week are:

1. Play in the rice bucket
2. Play with a big wooden bowl that I've filled up with an assortment of (dried) beans.
3. Play with cloud dough (flour with baby oil mixed into it--super soft yet compactable).

You're welcome.

Now to buy some sandbox for your sand/water box, and we're set. And a whole bunch of cinnamon because I heard a rumor that mixing cinnamon in with sand in a sand box helps keep the bugs out.

04.27.13 - Saturday

You: "Look at my strong legs!" (as you sit at the table eating breakfast, pushing your feet against the table leg).

Me: "Wow! Those are strong!"

You: "I can jump high my strong legs!"

Me: "You sure can!"

You: "Doggy no can jump high."

Me: "But you can help Doggy jump high."

You: (very matter of fact) "No. I just throw doggy."

04.23.13 - Tuesday

So you got a vaccine today. I was so proud of you. You lay down, held my hand (and Doggy), didn't flinch a bit as they put the shot in. Got up. Smiled at the nurse. Limped out of the room (LOL) and happily took a sucker and a sticker.

You did fine all the way to the car and getting out of the car. I turn around and you're standing in the doorway with the saddest look on your face. You asked, ever so nicely for a cuddle, so I gave you a hug, picked you up, settled you on my rocking chair, tucked you and doggy up in a blanket. Oh so dramatic we have been.

You didn't want to walk to the bathroom because "My leg hurt real bad" as you limped down the hallway, so I babied you a little and carried you. Mainly because you're hysterically funny like this. Hopefully this limp will be the worst of the side effects from this particular vaccine. Sigh. The decisions of vaccination--not my favorite decision to have to make in the world.

04.22.13 - Monday

So in the last few days you have

• made a fishing pole out of daddy's tape measure (in addition to running around measuring things)
• rescued whales and tree frogs from various places, transporting them to other various fake oceans and trees
• stuffed your toy dogs into plastic bags and informed us that you're bringing home fish from the pet store
• made cupcakes comprised of shoes and game pieces
• had a birthday party for Doggy

all in addition to

• picking flowers
• seeing horses
• playing ball
• petting Zander and informing me that "he's really cute"
• riding your bike (you're getting good at this one!)
• swinging
• sticking stickers on anything but paper
• and otherwise terrorizing all the girls in the cottage--sweet talking them into playing your games

Sleep well my little Blueberry.

04.18.13 - Thursday

You've been watching Diego and the end result is you've been running around the house declaring that you are going "to the rescue!" and pulling tree frogs out of your pockets to rescue them. You've pulled Isha into your game, and she was helping you ride your bike all over the house as you were rescuing assorted animals. Today you were watching him rescue an anaconda, so hopefully we're not going to have you going around rescuing all the snakes.

You did actually rescue a June Bug the other day, delicately picking it up and placing it back on its feet. Squealing as it then came speeding towards you. Your daddy is delighted as he's been trying to teach you not to be squeamish around bugs.

04.13.13 - Saturday

You went fishing today. Okay, you didn't really go fishing, but you went to the pond with everyone else and touched a fish that someone else caught. This was rather exciting as you proceeded to talk about it multiple times before you finally went to sleep tonight. Eventually, you got bored, so we went to see the goats in the barn and swing before bed. Thank goodness Spring is here. Mommy has needed warmth to function properly.

04.10.13 - Wednesday

The monsoons came today. At least it seemed like they did. The skies opened up and the rains came pouring down, creating mud puddles and streams all around campus.

Despite the wet conditions, you and daddy ran over to the gym to go swimming. You're practicing wearing water wings as we anticipate lots of water activities this summer. As you're older, enjoying water more, and have a history of not liking water wings last summer, we decided we needed to work on this. You seemed pretty happy with them this year, eager to wear them if it meant swimming with daddy. As the pool was closed for repairs nearly all winter, it had been quite awhile since you'd done any swimming, so it was a big deal.

04.09.13 - Tuesday

We took an excursion to a park this morning. Actually, it technically was an excursion to go down the road and see the baby foal that is now living in the field down the road. However, the horses were not in the field tonight, so we wound up going to Smoothie King and the park instead.

You almost got into it with a little girl there. She was attempting to take Doggy from you, and you would not have any of it! You stood your ground and told her where to get off. I will admit, I'm glad to see you standing up for yourself; you will need it in your future. Now to channel that righteous indignation in good ways...

I was so proud of you, watching you climb ladders and swing and crawl through tubes. You are conquering so many things. All while mommy is trying to conquer that instinctive reaction to shelter and protect you from all potential accidents and harms. You are capable--I just have to be willing to let you try.

04.06.13 - Saturday

We had a busy day today in the cottage. You had fun participating in many of the activities--more and more you enjoy being a part of "the big girls."

We started up doing ballet class again. You wanted to be a part of some of it and had great fun stretching and turning. You've been doing lots of "choreography" lately. You make me laugh because I feel like I'm watching myself as a little girl.

We also went out to a pet store today to buy some new fish for the cottage. We have a shark and a sucker fish currently; I talked to the fish expert there and we bought three new fish that theoretically won't get eaten (the reason we only have a shark and sucker fish). Upon getting them home, you dubbed the shark our new daddy fish, the sucker fish the mommy, and the three new ones the babies. I love the way your brain works.

04.01.13 - Monday

Today was what I expected yesterday to be: gorgeous, clear, and warm! We went with Nana and Papa to Garvin Woodland Gardens where the tulips are out in full force. We had some fun along with a number of meltdowns on your part. You are so two, my darling. One moment happy and bouncy, the next, stubbornly quiet or melting down.

I'm so glad we got to have this last final outing with Nana and Papa. Tonight we said goodbye to them for probably a long time.

03.31.13 - Easter Sunday

Today was your third Easter Sunday. You probably got a little bit more out of it this year than you have in times past. Unfortunately, it was a cold and wet day all day--not at all what I expect from my Resurrection Sundays!

Nana and Papa helped with an Easter basket for you, and I had picked up a few things as well, so that was fun. Not much in the way of candy (I figured what you got from the Easter Egg hunt yesterday was plenty), but some fun new bits of things. I'm especially happy about the new Bless the Lord: 103rd Psalm. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. The author wrote one more Psalm like this, so I'm hoping to get that one for you someday as well.

03.30.13 - Saturday

Today was the Easter Egg hunt at church. It was supposed to have been at a park, but sadly, it was absolutely bucketing down with rain, so the whole thing got moved indoors. We still had much fun.

You saw your first puppet show as they had a little service in the sanctuary before starting the hunt itself. You were very excited when you realized that the puppets were talking.

And then you went into a room and scrambled to pick up eggs. You were hysterical my darling as you first carefully shook each egg before putting it into your basket. Later you started piling all the eggs into you lap and then carefully transferring them to your basket.

You also met the Easter Bunny (I'm not sure how I feel about an Easter Bunny at a Christian egg hunt, but that's another discussion for another place). I was a little concerned given your reaction to the Chic-fil-a cow (screaming terror), but you were very comfortable with the bunny, going so far as to introduce doggy to him and give him a hug!

03.29.13 - Friday

Nana and Papa have been visiting Uncle Jon and Auntie Joy etc the last few days, and they came back today. Just in time for the fun joys of dying Easter eggs! You did a lovely job, my dear. Although the nice rainbow assembly of eggs you had originally done eventually wound up to be a rather pink assembly of eggs as you found redying the eggs was a lot of fun as well.

03.28.13 - Thursday

Today we played your first board game (not counting Snakes and Ladders that you've been playing with daddy on his I-pad). Candy Land! You did pretty good; although, you are a bit of a sore loser. And figuring out which direction you were traveling on the road was a little bit tricky for you too, but we made it in the end.We will have a gamer on our hands yet, my little Blueberry.

03.23.13 - Saturday

We are determined to make a gamer out of you yet. Daddy has introduced you to the wonderful game of Snakes and Ladders (on his I-pad). And tonight you were doing an excellent job of playing cards by helping mommy play Gang of Four (a fantastic new card game we learned from Mr. Joel and Ms. Richelle). You were saying Pass and putting out cards and doing a great job. I can't wait until you're old enough to play your hands--that's something I yearn to pass on to my children--our love of games. I have so many happy memories with Nana and Papa and your uncle and aunt and countless other people playing games; I want this for you too.

03.22.13 - Friday

So before your brother was born, we bought you a baby doll and some baby doll accessories, thinking that this would be a good way to teach you how to play with your brother as well as something to entertain you as mommy was spending a lot of time holding someone other than you. You love your baby doll toys and accessories. But I have to laugh that the baby doll is not the one who benefits from a crib and a swing and a mini Moby wrap. Oh no. The beneficiary of all this love and attention, diaper changes, kisses, and hugs, is none other than doggy. I should have known as much.

Daddy says, "I told you so."

03.21.13 - Thursday

Hello imagination! You have taken off in the imagination department. I watched you today serve me ice-cream out of a boot, and take doggy on magical flights around the house. You were a doggy with a leash and an elephant with a desire for candy. Everything has suddenly turned fantastical--and I love watching you play.

Both your daddy and I had pretty good imaginations when we were little, so I'm glad that has translated into your life. Just don't let it run away with you, little one. Imaginations can be both blessings and curses.

03.20.13 - Wednesday

Sigh. You have another ear infection little girl. At least I'm pretty sure it is. We're trying a different route and using a Gaia ear drop to see if that might help as I'm concerned about putting you through yet another round of antibiotics.

You spent the whole day alternating between wanting to play and complaining, "I don't feel good."

03.19.13 - Tuesday

We went to the zoo today. Normally you love going to the zoo, in fact you've been begging for the last week to go to the zoo. But today you were a little grump. You finally informed that you didn't feel good--which was sad because I wanted this day to be a happy one for you. I am glad, though, that you are old enough to tell me when you don't feel good now. Simplifies life greatly.

Oh, and since when have you learned the entire alphabet song? I know we've sung it before, but really, you completely threw me for a loop today when you burst into song and sang the whole thing--correctly--from start to finish!

Your sad face

03.13.12 - Wednesday

You were cracking me up today kiddo. Top two statements of the day: 1. When seeing a nut lying on the ground, you picked it up and brought it over to me. "Look! Shadow!" And here I had just been bragging on you a few days ago that you already understood the complex concept of a shadow! Perhaps not so much.... 2. While playing with various items laying on the counter in the kitchen, you picked up your brother's bottle (which I have pumped for but so far he has had minimal interest in), asked what it was, and after I said it wad your baby brother's bottle, you gravely looked st me and said, "mommy squeeze milk?!" Best description of pumping ever!

03.11.13 - Monday

My darling Blueberry--I have letters for you that I will post on here that I wrote while you were not yet born. Since I've decided to start journaling for you and your little brother, I will add them to this site later.

In the meantime, my sweet two and a half year old of the charming smile and stubborn nature, what a life you've had so far. Moving states, living in a children's home; you've had eleven "sisters" in your life already, plus your new little baby brother. How many more children will come and go through our lives, I wonder? I just pray that they will be happy memories for you and not hard ones or hateful ones in any way.

The big excitement in our lives at this current time--waiting for Nana and Papa to arrive. They should be here tonight (after you're in bed, I'm afraid). You and I have been crossing off a calendar for weeks now, counting down to their arrival. Every day you've talked about Nana and Papa coming and how you're going to "show them my room. Show them my toys." Today you calmly discussed how they are "coming here on the airplane." I love that you understand this concept--at least somewhat--already.

I hope this visit is everything you've been dreaming it to be!