Favorite Photo Friday

Those of you who have been reading here for awhile will know the significance of this photo...yes, folks...Lily is sleeping in her big girl bed! We are on day 4 and she is really doing well. We have had problems in the "sleep" area with Lily from day one, obviously, which is why I am making a big deal over a 3 year old sleeping without her mommy and daddy. It IS a big deal for this family. It is still a work in progress...she still cries out for me in the middle of the night. Actually, she seems to be getting gradually LESS excited about being in her own bed (in typical Lily style)...But, we're getting there. Wednesday night (around 1am) she called out for me and asked me to lay down for 2 minutes ("way down to two minutes"), so I did but kinda knocked into her as I got in, cuz I don't fit all that well. Lily (giggling) said "We bump heads momma"... and I answered "yep, Lil, we sure did"... still giggling, "I so silly, momma"... "Yep, you are Lil." After a few minutes of snuggling I told her I was going back to my own bed and she said "Otay, I sweep a wot of minutes by myself"...I replied "that's right honey, I'll see you when the sun comes up. Love you big girl!" As I walked away she quietly said "yuv you too momma"...

That's my daughter. Still struggling between her desire to grow up and be a big girl, and her desire to stay momma's little baby. Hmmm...I think I have the same struggle going on. I want her to be independent and strong, but I also know she's only young once and I savor all her "baby" moments. So, for now, I'm sooo proud of how far my sweet girl has come already in her life. I know it is important for her to sleep by herself in her "princess bed", but I will allow her to cry out for me as long as she needs to and I will come "way down to two minutes"...

Attention ladybug lovers!

I had mentioned awhile ago that my good friend/neighbor has started a business venture selling adorable bags. Well, her website is up and running, so check 'em out! This cute ladybug bag is the Lily Bag...yep, named after our sweet girl!
Now, go to graciemclean.com and buy some goodies!

Good days...and then days like today

Today is not a good day. Nothing earth shattering, but certainly not blog worthy. Lily has another cold and I'm um, how do I put this delicately? I'm being tortured by my monthly visitor...cramps, bloating, fatigue, and can you say CRANKY!? Yeah, that's me. Just give me a shovel so I can dig a hole and crawl in for about 24 hours. No shovel for me? OK, sorry Lily, momma's just gonna turn on "Dora saves the Mermaids" one more time.
A couple weeks ago, however, we had a very good day spent with my sister and her kiddos. We played at her house for awhile...Logan read to the younger kids, they made funny faces for the camera of course, and Lily and Payton took turns walking each other. Yep, that's what they are doing in the pictures - pretending to be dogs - with a real leash. They actually fought over who's turn it was to be the doggy. After all that doggone good fun we headed to CiCi's pizza for a delicious (and dirt cheap) lunch! If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times: We are sooo blessed to live so close to Lily's cousins. They are her very best friends - and ya'll know how I feel about my sis.
Michelle, if you are reading this: we miss you and wish you lived closer. Can't wait to see you and the kids in January.
OK, enjoy the pics. If you look closely at the last picture you will see how Lily spends her time at restaurants while most people are EATING.

This and that and a goofy hat!

Now that Lily's potty trained, we're trying to figure out a use for those princess pull-ups! What do you think???

Seriously, she's just a goof. Don't have ANY idea where she gets it!

She has become a non-stop chatterbox lately. She has an opinion about everything. And it isn't always nice. She is quite the sassy one. And if I choose to ignore her sassiness the first time around, she just repeats herself until she is acknowledged. In the car sometimes I just turn the music up louder so I can have just a moment's peace. (FYI: that doesn't work. She just talks louder...MAAAAMMAAA!) Don't get me wrong: I love that my girl has a lot to say. Most of the time she is charming, witty and smart! She is my absolute favorite source of entertainment...however, it does get to be a bit MUCH at times. And now that Christmas is in the air, shopping has become a total trip. Items in stores are all potential Christmas presents in her eyes..."I want dat...I need dat...can you buy me dat? Can dis be my Cwismiss pwesent?" OVER AND OVER AND OVER. (Saddest part is I have a really hard time saying no.) I took my mom with us to Target tonight and she finished her shopping (for Lil) in a matter of 20 minutes - and she KNOWS that her gifts will be a big hit cuz Lily already put her 2 cents in. My mom's just hoping Lily forgets by Christmas what she bought her - fat chance, mom, the girl's got a killer memory. We put up our tree last night and a few decorations around the house. Then, I checked my blog and saw that my Blog Fairy had been here! (thanks again, Verna. I love it!) It certainly is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Thanksgiving Highlights

Our trip was wonderful! Thanksgiving dinner at Jay's grandparents' house did not disappoint. Lily was fascinated with the candles, while the rest of us were busy eating ourselves into near comas. (Lily's dinner consisted of about 3 bites of corn. period.) After dinner she "passed out" with all the guys downstairs...the guys were tired from all the turkey, and she just enjoys being' with the guys. She did find her appetite when the desserts were served. She fought daddy for one of his hershey kiss cookies - he finally gave in! (big surprise)

After dinner Lily got some one on one piano lessons from cousin Jen. She has always loved to play, and we have always commented on her long fingers and wondered if someday she might make a wonderful pianist. For now, she just starts from one end of the keyboard and hits all the keys going down - singing "Twinkle, twinkle"...she also counts the keys. Ask her how many there are and she'll confidently tell you twenty. (that's as high as she can count, so when she reaches the 20th key, she starts at 1 again).

Yesterday the ladies (me, MIL, and SIL) did some Christmas shopping while the boys (hubby and FIL) stayed home with the kiddos. It was great. It really wasn't crowded and I got some great deals...I'm almost done! The (little) girls had a great time at home, too. Lily kept herself so busy! Fell in love with Light Bright, Perfection, Rubix Cube, kitchen stuff, dolls, etc. She was actually somewhat quiet (which is ODD for her)...she was just so focused on her new treasures.

Lastly, the girlies made gingerbread houses. They were certainly more interested in eating the decorations than actually decorating anything, but they did a great job and it was fun for the rest of us, too.

Thank you (again) Papa and Booma D for a wonderful weekend. We love you and miss you already...looking forward to Christmas! XOXO

Oh, and to my wonderful sister-in-law who just admitted to me that she is a "lurker"...It was great to spend time with you and your girls. See you again soon!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We're outta here! (early tomorrow morning, that is. I have to work tonight.)

We are heading out of town for Thanksgiving. It is the first time in YEARS that I don't have to work! Yay me! So, we are going to spend a few days with my inlaws and we are very excited. It will be lots of family, fun, and FOOD. Jay's grandma is such a wonderful cook, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Wishing you all a Happy (and healthy) Thanksgiving!

A whole lotta leaves!

Saturday afternoon was spent doing yardwork. Wait, that isn't entirely true. My husband did yardwork - he blew a TON of leaves. Lily played in said leaves, and I took pictures of Lily playing in them. (hubby got the short end of that stick!) It was fun to watch her - she was having so much fun.

Actually, the whole weekend was packed with fun. After our "yardwork" Lily and I went and grabbed some hot chocolate with my sister and my niece Logan. Lily and Logan have always loved each other quite a bit, but it seems to have elevated in the last couple months. They are almost inseperable...holding hands, hugging, and Lily saying "Wogee Bear, I yuv you sooo vewy much" about every 15 minutes. It's nice to watch. Late afternoon I went to my friend/neighbor's house to see some bags that she is selling - they are WAY cute and I will let everyone know the site where they can be purchased very soon...great Christmas gifts! In the evening we went out to dinner and to IKEA (my first time) with my sister and her family. Again, much fun was had.

Today was church, lunch, shopping with my mom, and work. All fun...even work.

One more thing: we bought my nephew a newt for his birthday (which he is SO excited about)...but now Lily insists that she wants a monkey-newt for HER birthday. Anyone have any ideas where I might purchase one? hehe

Ta da!

OK, so here she is in all her short-haired glory! Havin' fun in the leaves, discovering the joy of popping "bubble paper", and just looking cute. She is lovin' her new "do" and so am I. We were planning on going to a parade in the morning, but Lily refused to go to bed like a "good wistener" so that's out. Now we're just planning on some yard work and perhaps some Christmas shopping. Enjoy your weekend and enjoy the pictures!

Hair today...

Just thought I'd post one last picture of my girl with her loooong hair, cuz she got it CUT Monday night. It looks really cute and I'll post pics of the new "do" on Friday.

Things are good here. Lily is functioning at about 85% now - we're gettin' there. We spent the day Christmas shopping with my mom and had a great time. Although I must admit Lily was quite feisty. At one point, when she was refusing to sit nicely in her stroller (for the umpteenth time) I leaned close to her face and said "Thank you SO much for being three!" To which she replied, "Oh, tank-u for being thirty four!" My frustration quickly turned to laughter. Then we headed over to Macy's to look at some clothes for ME and she was all over the store - even after I had scolded her several times to stay next to me. I was (again) becoming frustrated when she grabbed my hand and dragged me over to the dress section and pointed out a fancy gown "Wook momma! Wook at da gorgeous bwess for a bigga pwincess!" Again, frustration gone. Giggles from momma.

Sometimes my anger ISN'T diffused by her silliness. There are times when I lose my temper. Lately, Lily will give a throaty "AHHHH" and I know she learned it from me. The other day she dropped her marker on the floor and said "AHHH, I am so tired of dis!" And I knew she picked that phrase up from me as well. These are subtle reminders for me to take a deep breath and realize that she is constantly watching, soaking it in, and will eventually imitate. Careful momma!

More Lil tidbits

Here are some more snipits of my days/conversations with Lil.


At breakfast I'm enjoying a toaster streudel. Lily asks sweetly if she may dip her finger in the frosting. I, of course, oblige. After licking her finger she points the slobbery thing at me and says "I can wipe my finger on your sweatshirt." (To which I do not respond with anything but a raised eyebrow)...so she quickly adds "but you are NOT a napkin!"

Looking through a toy catalogue with her we spot the Aqua Dots. My girl is OBSESSED with these things. "I want doze! I WANT doze!" I told her they are for 6 year olds and older. She sadly says "I want to be odor!"

On the topic of her getting older...she has informed us "When I get bigger I gonna be a astronaut and be in da outerspace wif da pwanets and comets too." She really enjoys just about everything that is in the sky. She woke up from her nap the other day, kinda dazed and confused asking "Where is my hot air bawoon?" When I told her she doesn't HAVE a hot air balloon she replied "Well maybe we should buy one so we can fwy up in da sky."

Then, last night when I got home from work she greeted me with a hug and a kiss and squealed "You make my day!"

I don't have anything new to report (0r any new pictures). Lily is still under the weather, but I think I see a light at the end of this tunnel...her cough is starting to break up and we actually ventured outside the house yesterday. Hallelujah. Happy Monday ya'll.

TGIF

It's been a very long week. Lily is on the mend - but still not back to herself. Her fever is gone and in its place is some nasty congestion in her chest. She has gone from hot, sleepy, sad, and snuggly to uncomfortable, whiny, clingy, and antsy. She has also decided that daddy is the enemy and he cannot bring comfort to her in any way, shape, or form - only mommy can do ANYTHING for her. This has caused daddy to get his boxers in a bunch, and mommy to be quite tired of all the drama...have I mentioned that it's been a long week? Because of her current condition, Lily had to skip dance class last night. I was pretty sad - I know how much she is lovin' her class and her little friends there. HOWEVER, I was able to watch the girlies dance last week and got some pretty cute pictures. I tried to get some video, but wasn't able. Trust me, it was some cute stuff. I was laughing so hard I was crying! My girl has some moves...she can really shake her buns. I just can't wait till this bug is gone and my lil sweetie is dancin' again.
Hope you all enjoy the pictures...and your weekend.

Pirate ships, soccer games, and Mermaids, OH MY!

My last post was bugging me - please know that I am not depressed about what my future holds. I know God has a plan...I just spend some time wondering what that might be. Thank you all for your kind words, though, it means a lot to me! Now, on to other things...

Our weekend was great fun, but I don't have many pictures to show. Jay took Lily to Home Depot for the monthly free fun with tools and they built a very cool pirate ship. I stayed home and sent him with the camera. He left the camera in the car...typical. I swear, if I didn't take pictures - we would have NO pictures. ever. I'm not bitter...just mildly annoyed. So, here is a picture of Lily and her pirate ship when they got home - she is applying the finishing touches (stickers). Jay's parents AND grandparents were in town so we spent the day at a soccer game with them. It was a beautiful day and our team won! That evening we all went into our downtown area for dinner and a walk. It was really great to spend some time with them...a very special treat. Lily is CRAZY about them all - especially her great grandpa!
But, all good things must come to an end. Now it seems
Lily is fighting a bug. She has had a fever since last night, so we are just doin' the Motrin thing. It came on suddenly - one minute she was helping me make dinner (yes, in her ballerina costume) and the next minute she was sick. I had to leave her to go to work today and my mom was gracious enough to come HERE to watch her, so Lily didn't have to go out in the bitter cold. Yes, it is bitter cold today - rain mixed with snow. Yippee...can you FEEL my excitement? So, Lily just stayed in her jammies all day and watched "Dora saves the Mermaids" about 100 times. She has also had several tea parties. She has decided that she is "too hot" and "too sick" to walk. So, when she has to leave the couch she says "Momma, I need you to hode me. I can't walk. I reedy yuv you so vewee much!"

The feeling is mutual, sweet one. I really love you so very much too - get better soon. XO

What is keeping me up?

When I go to bed at night sleep doesn't come quickly. My mind races with insignificant stuff like "I wonder what time Lily will wake me up in the morning" to more important things like "When will I ever get around to organizing my office!?" and even more mind boggling topics like "God...will we be expanding our family again...ever? Do you have a sibling planned for Lily?"



That last one occupies my mind quite a bit. I am happy/content with one child. I don't feel like we are lacking. BUT, I have always wanted two children. I've always wanted Lily to experience life with a sibling. Afterall, you know how much I love my sister -- I don't know what I'd do without her. But, I don't know what the future holds...so for now, Lily enjoys life with her cousins. She and Payton (turned 2 in August) are very much sibling-like. They laugh and play...and fight like siblings. I'm so thankful for these sweet relationships, but that doesn't always help me sleep at night. I am, however, a fabulous nap taker. I can fall asleep no problem in the middle of the day! (and I do that as often as Lily allows it). I should probably organize my office instead...

Favorite Photo Friday - That Face!

That face...that lovable, squeezable, kissable, beautiful face. Love it!!!!

Have a wonderful weekend, friends! We have much fun planned!