My Favorite Things

I've been thinking a lot lately about my favorite things about you. The other day I tried to pinpoint my number one favorite thing about you. But I couldn't seem to narrow it down. So I tried limiting myself to my three favorite things. And then five...ten. Still couldn't pick. So I've decided to list a bunch of my favorite things about you here (just in case you turn out to be a nightmare as a teenager).

- I love to hear you say "mommy"
- I love when you come running toward me and give me a big hug and kiss
- I love that you talk yourself to sleep
- I love that your cheeks bounce up and down when you run fast
- I love that you pat me on the back when I hold you
- I love that you look for me to pick you up and comfort you when you get hurt
- I love how tightly you hold on to me when we're in the deep end of the pool
- I love when you grab on to my legs looking for a place to hide when you're feeling shy
- I love the way you giggle when your daddy tickles you
- I love that you give "nite nite" kisses to a picture of your daddy when he's away at bedtime
- I love that I can understand what you're saying (some of the time) when others can't
- I love that you like to run around in circles until you're dizzy and fall down
- I love the way you look at me when you're talking gibberish, as though I should understand every word
- I love how you enjoy chasing the dogs around the house
- I love snuggling up with you and reading books
- I love that having you has made me love your daddy more
- I love that you always want to be with me
- I love that you pronounce "Elmo" "Melmo"
- I love that you walk around the house holding my phone up to your ear, talking and laughing as though you're having a conversation with a friend
- I love holding you and knowing that you're mine forever

Dinner Date

Zander's folks were running late today, so we got to pick him up from school and have him for dinner. The PB&J didn't get much applause, but the corn and pineapple were a hit! Dinner was followed by two episodes of "The Wonder Pets" and an argument over who got to sit in Georgia's chair. Zander (pronounced "nah no") is one of your newest words.

Trip Lives!

After an unfortunate potty mishap, Trip required a good laundering. I wasn't sure if Trip was washer and dryer safe, but it appears he came through with flying colors.

About Trip: Trip is a teddy bear that goes to bed with you at sleep times. You usually toss him out of your crib before heading off to sleep. We can't figure out why you do this, because you like to hug and love on Trip during the day. He was given to you by your buddies, the McTriplets. They went to Build-A-Bear to make him specially for you, so he holds a special place in our hearts.

About the unfortunate potty mishap: Mommy forgot to put shorts on over your diaper when I put you down for a nap yesterday. If we leave you without a diaper cover, you will take your diaper off and do your business all over your bed. It appears Trip got the majority of the potty yesterday.

Hi!

The Case Of The Missing Shoe

Today you spent much of the morning wearing a diaper and one shoe. We searched high and low until we found the other shoe under a pile of dirty clothes in the laundry room. It's a good thing we found it, too, because you have quite a shoe fetish. Lately you've wanted shoes on at all times and you'll throw a fit if we take too long to get them on your fat little feet.

This Photo Was Taken Shortly After You Burped And Farted At The Same Time

If I Had A Dollar For Everytime I Said "Sit On Your Bottom"...

Time For A Short Drive Before Bed

Old Man Hair-Do

Booster Seat!

We noticed the other day that your chunky thighs have been scraping on your high chair when we put you in and out at mealtime. So today we transitioned you to your booster seat. You seem to really enjoy joining us at the table for meals.

I'm Done Feeling Guilty

Our pediatrician has been telling us since your 1-year check-up that we needed to transition you off a bottle. As we head into your 18th month, you still take a bottle at sleep times. We tried to take it away, but it was horrible. We decided it wasn't worth the heartache to take away your bottle completely, and I've been feeling guilty ever since for defying Dr. Patil.

However, yesterday I opened the mailbox to find Katie Holmes and a bottle sipping Suri on the cover of my People Magazine. Since Tom Cruise knows everything, I feel quite confident that he wouldn't let little Suri have a bottle if it weren't in her best interest. Therefore, I can continue giving you a bottle at nap and bed times without guilt. Thank you, Tom Cruise, for lifting this weight from my shoulders.

It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time...

Today was another rainy day, and we were both feeling a little stir crazy. Our hopes of a morning swim date with your buddy Jack were washed away when we awoke to a downpour. I decided an afternoon trip to Cabela's would be fun, so we loaded up and off we went.

Cabela's is just 10 minutes down the highway from us and has huge fish tanks, stuffed animals (both real and the cuddly kind), an airplane and lots of other things I thought might interest you. Plus, you've really been practicing your animal sounds lately, so the trip seemed like an opportunity for you to see real (if not live) animals.

I should have checked the weather, but since it's often wrong I just assumed the rain we'd had all day would continue. Little did I know it would turn into a torrential downpour.

You really enjoyed the outing. Apparently I wasn't the only parent with the idea because there were LOTS of kids in the store. Perfect for you to people watch and chase. We started off in the fish section where they have this huge tunnel of aquariums and the largest fish I've seen. The first thing you did is point to a massive catfish and say "meow" (you don't call cats "cats," you call them "meow"). Maybe somebody told you about catfish or you saw it on TV. It would blow my mind to think that you were able to make the connection yourself.

Next came the jungle animals area. There weren't many creatures there whose sounds you could emulate (who knows what noise a zebra makes, anyway?), but you did enjoy saying "ah, ooh, ah, ooh" when you saw the monkeys. No matter how many times we tell you "monkeys say "ooh, ooh, ah, ah" you always say "ah, ooh, ah, ooh."

Then it was off to the big animal display in the middle of the store. They've got a little creek with fish and a bridge that we walked over. You have a word for "fish" that I can't understand. I think you say the same thing every time we see a fish, but I can't make out what you're trying to say. We headed to the mountain area where you saw lots of different kinds of sheep and said "baa." But the coolest part was when you saw a bear. Other than "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" I don't think you've ever seen a bear. And I've certainly never told you about the noise a bear makes. But before I could say, " What does a bear say?" you roared. My mouth dropped! It was so cool!

We saw a lot of other attractions before you started showing signs that it was time to head home. We got to the front door and I could barely see the parking lot. Water was coming down sideways. The rain we encountered on the way in the store was borderline bearable. This was disastrous.

I bought a cheap poncho and draped it over us, but you kept pulling it off your head as I dashed to the car. You were soaked by the time we crawled into the back seat, but you looked so stinkin' cute! I felt bad for taking you out in the rain and getting you soaked, but I don't think you minded. The entire ride home you pointed out the window and said "pool," which is exactly what I-35 resembled.

Here A Ball, There A Ball, Everywhere A Ball Ball

Dear Georgia:
There a times as a parent when it is our duty to set you on the right course, even though it may break your heart. This is one such time.

One of your favorite toys is a ball. It doesn't matter what size or color or texture, you like them all. You can spot a ball from miles away. When kids are playing basketball at the pool, you point and say "ball." You know where all the pictures of balls are in your books.

Unfortunately, your love of balls has led you to believe that everything round or circular is a ball. When we try to correct you, you look at us like we're stupid and repeat "ball" until we give in. Here's a sample conversation:
GA: Points to a circle and says "ball"
mom/dad: "circle"
GA: "ball"
mom/dad: "It's round like a ball, but it's a circle."
GA: "ball"
mom/dad: "Can you say 'circle?'"
GA: "ball"
mom/dad: "Okay, fine. You're right. It's a ball."

But we feel the time has come to emphasize the difference between a ball, a circle, a cylinder, etc. before we cause permanent confusion.

Examples:
hubcaps - not balls
Pringle's lid - not a ball
the moon - not a ball
the letter "o" - not a ball
lightbulbs - not balls
globe - not a ball
circular candle - not a ball
beer bottle caps - not balls
marker lid - not a ball
the ABC logo - not a ball
water tower - not a ball
convex security mirrors - not balls

We know we have an uphill battle, but we really hope we can overcome this struggle with little heartache. Please know that we have your best interest in mind.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Wagon Rides

Today was our going away party for Henry and his parents. I really wanted to get a bunch of pictures of the two of you together, but we spent so much time chatting and chasing you around that I forgot. Your daddy got this adorable shot of you pulling Henry in your wagon, though. Sometimes it's not quantity, but quality.

Posin' With Mommy On July 4th

Outtakes Of A Beautiful Girl

I saw this dress and couldn't resist. It is VERY girly and you LOVE wearing it. I think you know how adorable you look in it...you were a little bit princess-like today, wanting us to get everything for you and not sharing your big girl chair.

We have noticed lately that you are quite girly. You love shoes, purses (thanks, Stacy!), brushing your hair and today you threw a fit until I let you play with my make-up. I guess I shouldn't be so surprised at your girly-ness. I've always dressed you in cute little dresses and put cute barettes and bows in your hair (when you let me).

We've introduced a doll to your treasure trove of toys to help warm you up to the idea of having a little baby around the house. You like to pat the baby on the back, give the baby kisses and take the baby for rides in your little stroller. All of this makes us think that you will enjoy being a big sister. (Of course, we disregard the times you throw the baby on the floor and run over the baby with your wagon. )