Well, it's hard to believe our time in Springfield has come to an end already. I definitely have mixed emotions about leaving. It's exciting to think that Bryant's first 10 week internship is behind him. I am so ready to be moved into an apartment with our own stuff and be settled for a while, that's for sure! We are also very happy to know we will be close to family for a while. But leaving Springfield brings a lot of sadness for me as well. I never would have thought I'd feel so attached to people after just three short months. This has been a wonderful experience for us.
This ward has been so very kind and accepting of us from the very beginning. I had so many people offer to take Gracie if I had a Dr appointment and especially if I went into labor with Kate. It was so nice to know I wouldn't have to take Gracie to the hospital with us! When I went to Time Out for Women a few weeks ago, all the ladies I was with treated me like an old friend. And they all took their turn with Kate as well. It was such a nice weekend! Thanks Ladies!
It has also been so fun to see Bryant doing this internship. He is truly in his element! I feel so lucky that he picked a career that he will love. He has especially loved working with children. He is a very patient and gentle man, which is important when working with kids...especially with kids who are disabled in some way. The therapists he has worked with LOVE him--who wouldn't?! Seeing him in a working environment has made the past 2 1/2 years of intense, stressful schooling totally worth it!
I have learned a lot the past few months. My Mom has always said "You find what you're looking for wherever you go." I've learned that this is so so true. I suppose if I wanted to be miserable her in Springfield, I definitely could have found enough things to feel that way. You make your own happiness, and I can be happy anywhere--as long as I have my family with me! I am going to try and remember that as we move from this wonderful place and these wonderful people to Boise. I am sure there will be wonderful people there too! Well, my in-laws are there, so we are already off to a good start!
I've learned that one person really does make a difference. There is a young guy in the ward here, I'll call him John, (I think he's Bryant's age) who has a wife and four young kids, and he is dying. He has pancreatic cancer. I didn't get the opportunity to know him very well--but he has made a HUGE difference in so many peoples lives, He is all about service. I asked a friend in the ward what made this ward so friendly. I mean, there are no clicks, everyone participates in ward activities, there is a good spirit in this ward. One of my friends told me, "you know the ward hasn't always been like this." I asked what changed to make it like this and she said "You know, it's a lot of things, but I think John had a lot to do with it!"
I can make a difference. I can serve better, I can be a better friend, a better visiting teacher, a better example of Jesus Christ. I plan to make a difference wherever I go from now on!
I've also learned again, or at least my testimony has been strengthened, I know that God is truly in the details of our lives. This year has been difficult for my family. We sent three missionaries off this year (Kristin, My Mom and My Dad) only to get them all back home with serious medical problems. My pregnancy with Kate was really hard for me. Moving with a toddler and 7 months pregnant was also extremely difficult. Wondering if I would get medical insurance before I had Kate was very stressful. But, I've seen the hand of the Lord in my life so much through all of these trials. Things have worked out. Life is good.
I appreciate all I've learned here in Oregon. I'm sad to move on. Sad to say goodbye to these wonderful people. But I'm ready to make a difference and find happiness in Boise---at least for the next 7 months:)
Monday, November 22, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
One of the Greatest Days in History
At least it is for me, and for my family. You see, it's my Mom's Birthday. That's right, she was born November 16, 1948--a day that I will always be grateful for! My Mom is the greatest woman I know. She has has influence for the good on more lives than she will ever know.
My Mom spent her career as an elementary school teacher. I have always said, it takes a very special person to work with children in any setting. She LOVED the kids she worked with, and she wanted nothing more than to see them succeed in school and in life. I could write a book with all kinds of little stories I know had an impact on the youngsters she taught, but I will share just one right now.
There was a boy in her class (I forget his name), that was being raised by his single father. His Mom had died of drug overdose, and his Dad was trying to get back on his feet, trying to get off drugs himself. This boy had major behavior problems in his previous class, and was constantly in detention, etc for one thing or another. I think he even got suspended at one point.
Well, he had my Mom for his teacher the next year. She REFUSES to give up on kids. She loved them. And you could tell that they knew that they were loved by her. That makes such a difference to kids---especially when they come from such horrible circumstances, as many of them did. Well, my mom worked with this boy, and he loved her. He came to school with his homework done and with a desire to be good. He was doing so well, the first month of school he got "Student of the Month" in fact. A great accomplishment for a kid who was constantly in detention the year before. With the Student of the Month award also came a gift certificate for dinner at Sizzler. A few weeks later, my mom was getting ready to leave and said she would be bringing this boy home with her after school. (Yes, she had permission). She said she was taking him to Sizzler. I remember asking "Why are YOU taking him to Sizzler Mom?" And her response is one I will never forget, and made me realize how important these kids were to her. She said "Because if I don't take him, he'll never get to go."
Now, that's just one little thing that she did for one kids, but there are hundreds of stories just like this I could share about her. My Mom taught us (my siblings and I) the gospel, not just with her words, but with her actions. I have NEVER wondered if my mom had a testimony. I would often wake up for work early and find my mom already awake reading her scriptures. She always made sure we had family prayer, and she and my Dad went to the temple as often as possible. Our family is not perfect by any means, but I think I have a pretty close to perfect Mom. What a great example she has been and continues to be to me!
This whole ordeal with my Dad has been so hard. I can't imagine watching my husband, the person I love more than anything go through what my Dad has been through. Yet my Mom has been such a rock through it all.
I feel so lucky to have been given such a wonderful woman as my Mother, and as a grandmother to my kids!
We Love You Mom! Happy Birthday!
My Mom spent her career as an elementary school teacher. I have always said, it takes a very special person to work with children in any setting. She LOVED the kids she worked with, and she wanted nothing more than to see them succeed in school and in life. I could write a book with all kinds of little stories I know had an impact on the youngsters she taught, but I will share just one right now.
There was a boy in her class (I forget his name), that was being raised by his single father. His Mom had died of drug overdose, and his Dad was trying to get back on his feet, trying to get off drugs himself. This boy had major behavior problems in his previous class, and was constantly in detention, etc for one thing or another. I think he even got suspended at one point.
Well, he had my Mom for his teacher the next year. She REFUSES to give up on kids. She loved them. And you could tell that they knew that they were loved by her. That makes such a difference to kids---especially when they come from such horrible circumstances, as many of them did. Well, my mom worked with this boy, and he loved her. He came to school with his homework done and with a desire to be good. He was doing so well, the first month of school he got "Student of the Month" in fact. A great accomplishment for a kid who was constantly in detention the year before. With the Student of the Month award also came a gift certificate for dinner at Sizzler. A few weeks later, my mom was getting ready to leave and said she would be bringing this boy home with her after school. (Yes, she had permission). She said she was taking him to Sizzler. I remember asking "Why are YOU taking him to Sizzler Mom?" And her response is one I will never forget, and made me realize how important these kids were to her. She said "Because if I don't take him, he'll never get to go."
Now, that's just one little thing that she did for one kids, but there are hundreds of stories just like this I could share about her. My Mom taught us (my siblings and I) the gospel, not just with her words, but with her actions. I have NEVER wondered if my mom had a testimony. I would often wake up for work early and find my mom already awake reading her scriptures. She always made sure we had family prayer, and she and my Dad went to the temple as often as possible. Our family is not perfect by any means, but I think I have a pretty close to perfect Mom. What a great example she has been and continues to be to me!
This whole ordeal with my Dad has been so hard. I can't imagine watching my husband, the person I love more than anything go through what my Dad has been through. Yet my Mom has been such a rock through it all.
I feel so lucky to have been given such a wonderful woman as my Mother, and as a grandmother to my kids!
We Love You Mom! Happy Birthday!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Do You Need A Time Out?
I sure did! So, thanks to Bryant, my good friend Danae, along with several other ladies in our ward, I went to Time Out for Women that was in Portland this past Friday and Saturday. It was just what I needed! I knew it was coming to Portland, and I would have loved to plan on going since I had never been to one, but I hadn't had Kate yet, I didn't know exactly when I would have her, and I didn't know what kind of a baby she would be. So, I didn't give it a second thought about going. Last week however, Danae said, "hey do you want to go to Time Out for Women?" We have extra room at our hotel and I know a few people who can't make it who would love to sell you their ticket.
Bryant was such a sweetheart and encouraged me to go, reassuring me that he would be fine with Gracie while I was away. I talked to my Mom as well who has been to several TOFW events and was so excited that I had the opportunity to go. In fact, she told me she would be mad at me if I didn't go!
So, Friday at about 1:30 Danae, her baby Elli, Kate and I headed up to Portland. We met the other ladies from our ward at Red Robin for Dinner and then headed over to the Friday night session. Michael McLean presented as well as Ardeth Kapp and Mark Maybry that night.
Saturday the presenters included: Hilary Weeks, Emily Watts, Michael Wilcox, Merrilee Boyack, Mariama Kallon, and Kris Belcher. It is amazing how every single presenter could have us laughing hysterically one minute, and have us in tears the next. They were all absolutely fabulous!
Since I had Kate (who by the way is still my little angel baby and was wonderful for me the entire time), it was kind of hard to take notes. However, I will always look back at my first "Time Out" experience and remember what a great feeling I had.
There are some things that stuck with me for sure. The theme was INFINITE HOPE, and here are a few things I learned during my "Time Out":
*The word "Mom" kills more brain cells than just about any other word!
* "Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
*Know that answers come in the Lords time..
*"The Lord will give us more than we can bare, because those are the time we turn to him."
*Think of Christ as your sighted guide.
*Romans 8:24-25--my new favorite scripture this week! "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."
Thanks to all who helped me remember to have Hope this weekend! Can't wait for my next Time Out--and I'm hoping my mother in law, sisters in law, my mom and my sister will join me next year as well--hint hint!
Bryant was such a sweetheart and encouraged me to go, reassuring me that he would be fine with Gracie while I was away. I talked to my Mom as well who has been to several TOFW events and was so excited that I had the opportunity to go. In fact, she told me she would be mad at me if I didn't go!
So, Friday at about 1:30 Danae, her baby Elli, Kate and I headed up to Portland. We met the other ladies from our ward at Red Robin for Dinner and then headed over to the Friday night session. Michael McLean presented as well as Ardeth Kapp and Mark Maybry that night.
Saturday the presenters included: Hilary Weeks, Emily Watts, Michael Wilcox, Merrilee Boyack, Mariama Kallon, and Kris Belcher. It is amazing how every single presenter could have us laughing hysterically one minute, and have us in tears the next. They were all absolutely fabulous!
Since I had Kate (who by the way is still my little angel baby and was wonderful for me the entire time), it was kind of hard to take notes. However, I will always look back at my first "Time Out" experience and remember what a great feeling I had.
There are some things that stuck with me for sure. The theme was INFINITE HOPE, and here are a few things I learned during my "Time Out":
*The word "Mom" kills more brain cells than just about any other word!
* "Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
*Know that answers come in the Lords time..
*"The Lord will give us more than we can bare, because those are the time we turn to him."
*Think of Christ as your sighted guide.
*Romans 8:24-25--my new favorite scripture this week! "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."
Thanks to all who helped me remember to have Hope this weekend! Can't wait for my next Time Out--and I'm hoping my mother in law, sisters in law, my mom and my sister will join me next year as well--hint hint!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Kate Suzanne Howard---Her birth story
As you can see from the previous post, Kate was born Monday October 18, 2010! It's still hard for me to comprehend that she is finally here and I now have two beautiful little girls still!
I went to the Dr. on Friday, and luckily I had progressed to being dilated to a 3 and was 75% effaced. That was good enough for him to agree to induce Monday morning. YEAH! I was so happy. My sister had flown in Friday morning (just before the dr appt) and I was hoping to have the baby while she was here to help me as much as possible! So, we were scheduled to be at the hospital at 7AM Monday morning. Well, Sunday night I was feeling pretty crampy, and i just figured it was from having my membranes stripped and from more braxton hicks contractions. However, at about 2AM, I woke up with definite contractions. It was a weird feeling because I KNEW that's what they were, but since I never really had them with Gracie, I kept second guessing myself. However, they were quite regular, and prevented me from sleeping--though I did lay in bed and try to rest as much as possible. By about 5 o'clock however, I had to wake Bryant up. They contractions were getting quite strong and more regular and I just couldn't do it by myself anymore. Of course right at this time, Gracie decided to wake up and want to crawl in bed with us. So, Bry took her back to bed while Kristin got up with me and timed my contractions and talked me through them. She was so sweet, she make me some breakfast (because she said they wouldn't let me eat at the hospital, and was very worried about that), and stayed in the bathroom with me while I took a quick shower. By about 6:30 the contractions were really starting to be intense and I knew I needed to get to the hospital.
So, Bryant and I headed out and got to the hospital just before 7AM as planned. After getting all squared away with paperwork stuff, and getting the IV and into the very attractive hospital gown, the nurse was able to confirm that I was in fact in labor all by myself. I guess Kate was going to come on Monday one way or another! However, my contractions then became very spuratic. I was already dilated to a 5 by the time I got to the hospital however, so the nurse called Dr. Beller to find out what he wanted to do. To get the contractions going again, they gave me the tiniest bit of pitocin--for about 15 minutes is all, and sure enough they came back full force!
I progressed pretty quickly after that, so they called for an epidural. The poor anesthesiologist had a really hard time giving me the epidural however. He tried THREE times, and finally called his collegue to come and help him. The forth try made my legs go numb, but I could still feel every contraction and everything go in and out. Basically the epidural didn't work. But at that point I was ready to push. So Dr. Beller came in, and I pushed for about 20 minutes. That's not that long I know-but since I could feel EVERYTHING, it was the longest 20 minutes I think I've ever had to endure.
I felt Kate's head and thought "Oh good, it's almost over." I looked down and saw a concerned look on Dr. Bellers face, and then all the sudden I felt really nauseated. There were like 5 nurses in the room and at the next contraction as I pushed all the nurses pushed on my stomach at the same time. Finally--Baby Kate was born!
Come to find out, her little shoulder got stuck behind my pelvis and her heart rate dropped (hence the concerned look on Dr. Bellers face) and the reason all the nurses pushed on my stomach. And my blood pressure just dropped a bit which caused the feeling of nausea.
I LOVE seeing Bryant after having a baby. He is the proudest Daddy I have ever seen. They just took Kate to the warming table right next to my bed and I could tell Bry was so torn if he should stay with me or go to the baby (which he really wanted to do). I remember looking at him and saying "go with the baby" while the Dr. got the placenta and stuff out.
Little Kate was just perfect. She had a sweet little cry and despite getting stuck for a few minutes, had a very good APGAR score. We are still crossing our fingers that she stays as mellow and easy going as she is now. She's 5 1/2 days old now, and so far so good!
We Love You Baby Kate!
I went to the Dr. on Friday, and luckily I had progressed to being dilated to a 3 and was 75% effaced. That was good enough for him to agree to induce Monday morning. YEAH! I was so happy. My sister had flown in Friday morning (just before the dr appt) and I was hoping to have the baby while she was here to help me as much as possible! So, we were scheduled to be at the hospital at 7AM Monday morning. Well, Sunday night I was feeling pretty crampy, and i just figured it was from having my membranes stripped and from more braxton hicks contractions. However, at about 2AM, I woke up with definite contractions. It was a weird feeling because I KNEW that's what they were, but since I never really had them with Gracie, I kept second guessing myself. However, they were quite regular, and prevented me from sleeping--though I did lay in bed and try to rest as much as possible. By about 5 o'clock however, I had to wake Bryant up. They contractions were getting quite strong and more regular and I just couldn't do it by myself anymore. Of course right at this time, Gracie decided to wake up and want to crawl in bed with us. So, Bry took her back to bed while Kristin got up with me and timed my contractions and talked me through them. She was so sweet, she make me some breakfast (because she said they wouldn't let me eat at the hospital, and was very worried about that), and stayed in the bathroom with me while I took a quick shower. By about 6:30 the contractions were really starting to be intense and I knew I needed to get to the hospital.
So, Bryant and I headed out and got to the hospital just before 7AM as planned. After getting all squared away with paperwork stuff, and getting the IV and into the very attractive hospital gown, the nurse was able to confirm that I was in fact in labor all by myself. I guess Kate was going to come on Monday one way or another! However, my contractions then became very spuratic. I was already dilated to a 5 by the time I got to the hospital however, so the nurse called Dr. Beller to find out what he wanted to do. To get the contractions going again, they gave me the tiniest bit of pitocin--for about 15 minutes is all, and sure enough they came back full force!
I progressed pretty quickly after that, so they called for an epidural. The poor anesthesiologist had a really hard time giving me the epidural however. He tried THREE times, and finally called his collegue to come and help him. The forth try made my legs go numb, but I could still feel every contraction and everything go in and out. Basically the epidural didn't work. But at that point I was ready to push. So Dr. Beller came in, and I pushed for about 20 minutes. That's not that long I know-but since I could feel EVERYTHING, it was the longest 20 minutes I think I've ever had to endure.
I felt Kate's head and thought "Oh good, it's almost over." I looked down and saw a concerned look on Dr. Bellers face, and then all the sudden I felt really nauseated. There were like 5 nurses in the room and at the next contraction as I pushed all the nurses pushed on my stomach at the same time. Finally--Baby Kate was born!
Come to find out, her little shoulder got stuck behind my pelvis and her heart rate dropped (hence the concerned look on Dr. Bellers face) and the reason all the nurses pushed on my stomach. And my blood pressure just dropped a bit which caused the feeling of nausea.
I LOVE seeing Bryant after having a baby. He is the proudest Daddy I have ever seen. They just took Kate to the warming table right next to my bed and I could tell Bry was so torn if he should stay with me or go to the baby (which he really wanted to do). I remember looking at him and saying "go with the baby" while the Dr. got the placenta and stuff out.
Little Kate was just perfect. She had a sweet little cry and despite getting stuck for a few minutes, had a very good APGAR score. We are still crossing our fingers that she stays as mellow and easy going as she is now. She's 5 1/2 days old now, and so far so good!
We Love You Baby Kate!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
We've added another 10 little fingers and 10 little toes!!!
Well, she's here! Kate Suzanne Howard was born October 18, 2010 at 11:38 AM. We are SO glad she has finally joined our family. She weighed in at 8 lbs 10 1/2 oz and is 21 1/4 inches long. She's a big girl! She outweighed Gracie by 5 1/2 oz and is almost a whole inch taller.
So far, she has been such a mellow little sweetheart. I hope she continues to be like this and it's not just a tease:) She is absolutely perfect. It's just amazing how you can automatically love someone so much so instantaneously!
Gracie has jumped onboard the "Big Sister Train" really well, and loves Baby Kate. She says her name so cute...it sounds like "baby cakes" when she talks to her or about her. She loves to give her the binky and has been very helpful and bringing me something if I need it. What a good little helper!
I will blog about the whole birth process with Kate separately, but for now here are a few pictures of our precious new little bundle of joy! And, I promise to post more pictures soon.
So far, she has been such a mellow little sweetheart. I hope she continues to be like this and it's not just a tease:) She is absolutely perfect. It's just amazing how you can automatically love someone so much so instantaneously!
Gracie has jumped onboard the "Big Sister Train" really well, and loves Baby Kate. She says her name so cute...it sounds like "baby cakes" when she talks to her or about her. She loves to give her the binky and has been very helpful and bringing me something if I need it. What a good little helper!
I will blog about the whole birth process with Kate separately, but for now here are a few pictures of our precious new little bundle of joy! And, I promise to post more pictures soon.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Ready or Not...
With the due date fast approaching, I realize I will have this baby sooner than later! I have a Dr. appt tomorrow, and hopefully we will schedule an induction date for sure. He will be doing the membrane stripping (sorry if that's TMI for some of you!) tomorrow as well, so we could have a baby this weekend sometime! In many ways, I am so ready for this, but in many other ways I am so not! Here is my list that is mostly for me, because I am really getting anxious about this whole thing!
Ready:
I am so tired of the aches and pains of pregnancy, I am ready to get this baby out!
Or Not...
But I know I will just trade one from of exhaustion in for another. It's one thing not to be able to sleep because I'm uncomfortable, it's another to be awakened from a nice deep sleep with a screaming baby!
Ready:
The hospital bag is packed, the apartment is clean, freezer meals are made and all the baby clothes are washed and hung up
Or Not...
No contractions that I could really tell this week, and the Dr. won't induce unless I'm a little more dilated:(
Ready:
I can't wait to see Gracie as a big sister!
Or Not...
Two kids! How am I going to take care of a newborn and still make sure Gracie feels special and loved? She's been my whole world for the past two years!
Ready:
Seeing Bryant once the baby is born. He is the proudest Daddy I've ever seen
Or Not...
For some reason I'm super anxious about the labor and delivery of this baby. It was so easy with Gracie (I slept through the whole thing and pushed 2 1/2 times) that I'm afraid I won't be that lucky again!
Speaking of Bryant:
What a great guy! He just lets me complain, and tries so hard to help me when he can. Despite being 9 months pregnant and HUGE, he still tells me how beautiful I am everyday! He is such a good Daddy. I love how excited Gracie gets when she sees him after he's been gone all day. I hope our girls (and our other future children) know how lucky they are to have a Daddy like Bryant! I'm so glad we came to Oregon together as a family, and he will be right next to me the whole time. I don't think I could do this without him!
Ready:
To get over being tired, slow, fat, hot, uncomfortable and anxious
Or Not....
Too bad I will still be all of those things for a while afterwards anyway
Ready:
To see our new baby girl
Have my sister here for 2 1/2 weeks
Take lots of pictures
Get back to the gym
Enjoy our new family of four
Or Not...
Going through labor--again, I'm afraid it won't be as easy as last time
After birth contractions (those hurt!)
Trying to figure out how to deal with two kids while completely exhausted
Seeing how much weight I have to loose even after the baby is born
Ready:
I am so grateful to be a mother. I realize what a privilege it really is, and how many women want children that can't have one. I hope I can make our Heavenly Father proud as I strive to teach my children the gospel.
So Ready or Not....Here we go (I hope)!
Ready:
I am so tired of the aches and pains of pregnancy, I am ready to get this baby out!
Or Not...
But I know I will just trade one from of exhaustion in for another. It's one thing not to be able to sleep because I'm uncomfortable, it's another to be awakened from a nice deep sleep with a screaming baby!
Ready:
The hospital bag is packed, the apartment is clean, freezer meals are made and all the baby clothes are washed and hung up
Or Not...
No contractions that I could really tell this week, and the Dr. won't induce unless I'm a little more dilated:(
Ready:
I can't wait to see Gracie as a big sister!
Or Not...
Two kids! How am I going to take care of a newborn and still make sure Gracie feels special and loved? She's been my whole world for the past two years!
Ready:
Seeing Bryant once the baby is born. He is the proudest Daddy I've ever seen
Or Not...
For some reason I'm super anxious about the labor and delivery of this baby. It was so easy with Gracie (I slept through the whole thing and pushed 2 1/2 times) that I'm afraid I won't be that lucky again!
Speaking of Bryant:
What a great guy! He just lets me complain, and tries so hard to help me when he can. Despite being 9 months pregnant and HUGE, he still tells me how beautiful I am everyday! He is such a good Daddy. I love how excited Gracie gets when she sees him after he's been gone all day. I hope our girls (and our other future children) know how lucky they are to have a Daddy like Bryant! I'm so glad we came to Oregon together as a family, and he will be right next to me the whole time. I don't think I could do this without him!
Ready:
To get over being tired, slow, fat, hot, uncomfortable and anxious
Or Not....
Too bad I will still be all of those things for a while afterwards anyway
Ready:
To see our new baby girl
Have my sister here for 2 1/2 weeks
Take lots of pictures
Get back to the gym
Enjoy our new family of four
Or Not...
Going through labor--again, I'm afraid it won't be as easy as last time
After birth contractions (those hurt!)
Trying to figure out how to deal with two kids while completely exhausted
Seeing how much weight I have to loose even after the baby is born
Ready:
I am so grateful to be a mother. I realize what a privilege it really is, and how many women want children that can't have one. I hope I can make our Heavenly Father proud as I strive to teach my children the gospel.
So Ready or Not....Here we go (I hope)!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
All about Gracie
I was looking back on my last several posts, and realized I haven't blogged much about the two loves of my life...Bryant and Gracie. So the next few posts are all about them!
Gracie...well she is definitely two, there is no question! Some days I LOVE this stage because she is so imaginative and cute and loving, and some days I can’t wait for this stage to be over because she is such a little stinker! How can someone so little be so dang loveable and make me so dang mad in the same five minute period of time?
I won’t focus on her naughtiness too much, since that is really not how she is usually. Basically she is just learning to be independent, and not listening to Mommy is one way to do things her way I guess. The problem is I HATE HATE HATE being ignored. When I ask her to do something like eat her yogurt at the table for example and she does everything but sit at the table because she is defying me…yeah that doesn’t settle to well! I have to look past this however, because she really is so much fun. She loves her Tigger and Pooh stuffed animals and will often have them do something like ride her bike or eat her breakfast, etc. I don’t know where she comes up with some of this stuff! She also loves to sing, and she’s getting very good at saying almost all of the words to some songs. Currently she loves Old MacDonald and a new song she learned in nursery about Elephants. So sometimes we will spend a while just singing different songs before naptime.
Her words have exploded along with her imagination lately too. Today for example, I was trying to take a picture of her on my phone and she decided she was going to be “sad” so she just got a fake sad face on and told me, “I sad Mom.” When I asked her why she said “I don’t know….I sad.” She also gets sad when she sees someone else sad. Like Cinderella for example! When Cinderella runs out to the garden crying, Gracie will pretend cry with her. It’s so sweet really!
She loves to give kisses. She loves to be tickled and tickle us! She LOVES animals. She loves other little kids too, but for some reason we still have to stay in nursery with her. She loves ice cream and fries and asks for them everyday. She also really loves babies. I think she is going to be a great big sister.
Her new favorite things to say:
MMM...it's alicious (delicious)
How you doin' Mommy/Daddy? You Okay?
Let's see
She loves to count. She can count to 10, but sometimes skips 5 and 8 for some reason
She is also learning her colors right now, which she is starting to get pretty good at...for being two!
We love you Gracie!
Gracie...well she is definitely two, there is no question! Some days I LOVE this stage because she is so imaginative and cute and loving, and some days I can’t wait for this stage to be over because she is such a little stinker! How can someone so little be so dang loveable and make me so dang mad in the same five minute period of time?
I won’t focus on her naughtiness too much, since that is really not how she is usually. Basically she is just learning to be independent, and not listening to Mommy is one way to do things her way I guess. The problem is I HATE HATE HATE being ignored. When I ask her to do something like eat her yogurt at the table for example and she does everything but sit at the table because she is defying me…yeah that doesn’t settle to well! I have to look past this however, because she really is so much fun. She loves her Tigger and Pooh stuffed animals and will often have them do something like ride her bike or eat her breakfast, etc. I don’t know where she comes up with some of this stuff! She also loves to sing, and she’s getting very good at saying almost all of the words to some songs. Currently she loves Old MacDonald and a new song she learned in nursery about Elephants. So sometimes we will spend a while just singing different songs before naptime.
Her words have exploded along with her imagination lately too. Today for example, I was trying to take a picture of her on my phone and she decided she was going to be “sad” so she just got a fake sad face on and told me, “I sad Mom.” When I asked her why she said “I don’t know….I sad.” She also gets sad when she sees someone else sad. Like Cinderella for example! When Cinderella runs out to the garden crying, Gracie will pretend cry with her. It’s so sweet really!
She loves to give kisses. She loves to be tickled and tickle us! She LOVES animals. She loves other little kids too, but for some reason we still have to stay in nursery with her. She loves ice cream and fries and asks for them everyday. She also really loves babies. I think she is going to be a great big sister.
Her new favorite things to say:
MMM...it's alicious (delicious)
How you doin' Mommy/Daddy? You Okay?
Let's see
She loves to count. She can count to 10, but sometimes skips 5 and 8 for some reason
She is also learning her colors right now, which she is starting to get pretty good at...for being two!
We love you Gracie!
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