Tag: D

Baby girl D

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30 month stats

You’re 2 and a half years old today. That means that every second from here on out you’ll be closer to 3 years old than to 2. Wow!

D 2.5

 official 30 month pics. unfortunately half of them came out blurry, so i apologize for the sub-par quality. i am not a dslr master.

There’s no way words can even begin to describe all that you are and who you are becoming every day. Being home and watching you grow more than ever these past couple months has been simply amazing, and it is so fun to watch you turning into a real little person. Here is an attempt to encapsulate just a little of your essence:

  • Full sentences forming
  • Potty trained by 28 months (thank you!!)
  • Almost 2″ taller than you were on your 2nd birthday
  • Head and shoulders above the table tops now
  • Reaching up to the counters and sink
  • Eyes shining brightly
  • Crooked little “oh well” face
  • Mischievous grin
  • Cheeeeese! as you set up your tripod and take actual pictures with your little orange camera
  • 8, 9, 10 fast! as you race back and forth from the kitchen to living room
  • Singing A, B, Cs
  • The wheels on the bus
  • Hiding under blankets in Daddy’s spot on the couch and bed
  • Playing in your playhouse outside and in your kitchen inside
  • Coloring
  • Being outdoors
  • Swings and slides at the park
  • Helping Mama put the dishes away from the dishwasher
  • Helping make ice with the ice cube trays
  • Giving Baby Lana sweet little hugs and kisses on her head
  • Pointing out all of Lana’s “leetle tiny” features and parts
  • In your own words – “Don’t cry, Baby Lana, it’s ok. I’m your big sister. I’m right here.”
  • Watching up on the changing dresser as I change Lana’s diapers
  • Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby, & Dora still being your favorites
  • “Hmm, nek on now?” a.k.a “Hmm, what’s on next?” when watching PBS shows (we know the whole morning lineup. a good thing or bad?)
  • Knowing fully how to turn on and manipulate our iPhones and tablet computers (which completely blows my mind)
  • “Hmm, do day?” a.k.a. “Hmm, what did we do today?” as we get ready for sleep
  • Your cute little words that I sometimes wish would never change:
    • mee-mees = mittens
    • bapas = vitamins & diapers (those 2 sound extremely similar)
    • moke = smoke
    • no = snow (and no, obviously)
    • roo-roos, said while making a zipper motion on your shirt = cars (it’s your version of vroom-vroom)
    • roar = lion, tiger, bear… anything that roars
    • hop = frog & rabbit
    • neigh = horse
    • bas = sheep
    • pee-pees = piggies, a.k.a. pigtails
    • toi-toi = toilet
    • mee-meeze = excuse me (because you seriously fart like a man. thanks, daddy)
    • di-dos = dinosaurs
    • oppeepees = octopus
    • ameemees = ambulance
    • dupples = buckles
    • i’m sure there are more that need to be added here…
  • Some words come out perfectly, which is always incredible
  • Stickers
  • Robot dance & your monster walk
  • Toy Story, The Lorax, & Monsters, Inc.
  • A day back in daycare here and there, so you can keep playing with your best mates Hemingway and Nathyn (a.k.a Hemmy and Nay-Nay)
  • Doing your exercises
  • Memory like a steel trap

pizza

I could probably go on for all eternity here, but it really is just astounding watching you, my first child, grow in such a profound way. You have transformed from a tiny, helpless, immobile newborn into a beautiful, (usually) polite, charismatic toddler going on full-blown kid running through this world.

You certainly have your days, as we all do, but you nearly constantly make us so utterly proud and thankful that you are our child. We’re all learning here as we go, but hopefully you’d say Daddy and I are doing a pretty good job, if you knew what any of this meant. We love you so very, very much, my sweet Della Jolee, and that is one thing that will never ever change.

park

 

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We’re molting! And other news

I guess more accurately we’re shedding, but I liked molting better. But either way, the time has come for the postpartum shed to begin. Yuck! And this time it’s not just me, but Lana too. Her tiny little hairs are falling out all over the place, as are my foot-long ones. Again, yuck!

I don’t remember Della losing her hair at this point so much, but then again she had a fraction of the amount of hair that Lana does. Hers did fall out too, but maybe it just wasn’t so obvious since there was less of it. I just hope this doesn’t last for 3 months again, making me think my hairline is receding like it did last time, because I detest cleaning hair up from every surface of the house.

Let’s see, what else… Della and I actually did a craft project today! I know, stop the presses. Every so often they would send home their little placemats from daycare with a picture of the kid and other stickers and pictures and stuff on them. We have 2 past ones, and Ryan thought it needed updating. So that was our project for this morning. I think it turned out pretty well, if I do say so myself. She picked all the pictures out of a magazine, I cut them out and glued them on, then she adorned it with stickers.

mat

 And speaking of daycare, D’s going back! Well, just 1 day a week, but I think she’ll love it. She still talks about 3 of her friends from there all the time, and I always feel bad when she does, thinking, well don’t get your hopes up because you’ll probably never see them again. I actually did ask the daycare director if they’re still there, and all but 1 of them are.

So we’re starting this Wednesday. Ryan will either drop her off and pick her up on his way home from work, or I’ll keep the car that day and play taxi. I really think she’ll enjoy being back with all the other kids, I’ll get a day to focus only on Lana, we can do it on a drop in basis, and we already know we love the place. Win, win, win, win, win…

Also, get this. I applied for a job! It’s just a part-time front desk position at the gym where I train and used to belong, so it’s not like I’m setting out to make my fortune here. I knew a long time ago that if I ever lost my last job, I would be very hard-pressed to make 6 figures again unless I did that same thing. Which I don’t really think I want to right now. So why not do something more lighthearted and fun?

The other great thing about this job would be I could probably take the girls into the kid care room while I was there, plus I’d get a membership for free. Winning again! It would just be a couple hours in the weekday mornings, whichever days they have openings. I spoke with the guy in charge of the front desk staffing today, and he will be working on February’s schedule later this week, obviously filling openings with current staff first then going from there. So he said he’ll let me know later in the week one way or the other.

I also said I would volunteer if they have no paid openings right now, which would still get us out of the house and me a free membership. So hopefully something will pan out there. I think it’s kind of a long shot since I didn’t see any front desk part-time openings on their website, but you never know. I’ll keep you posted.

Sooo… I think that’s about it. Fortunately 2013 seems to be off to a good start, and I’m feeling much better about everything these days. I definitely feel much more found than lost right now, and I am so thankful for that.

 

 

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The first time of many, I’m sure

Yesterday we went to an annual family Christmas party, and it’s always a great time. Ryan has a really big family, so fun always ensues when everyone gets together. And this year was no different. Except for one thing…

There were 2 little girls there, one of whom was 6 and the other must have been the same age. They were running around together the whole time, having a blast. One of the girls literally wheeled in a suitcase full of toys when she and her family arrived, which she immediately proceeded to dump out on one of the couches.

Well of course Della saw that and made a bee-line for that mountain of dolls, cars, blankets, and other crap. I could tell the little girl was less than pleased that little D came creeping over to play, so I just made sure Della knew that those were not her toys and that she was sharing. All was well.

Later in the afternoon the girl who brought all the toys was running around with a blanket draped over her like a cape, which Della thought was fantastic. D was having the time of her life chasing after the caped girl and the other one; she probably ran a million laps around the place where the party was. I thought oh great, they’re having fun, that’ll keep D entertained for hours.

Well shortly after the blanket adventures began, I glanced over to where D and this girl were, and the girl was chiding D and wagging her finger in D’s face while wearing a very stern expression. Della was sitting on the floor in front of the girl, and the look on her face just made my heart break. It was a mixture of sadness, confusion, and disappointment that this girl with whom she’d been having so much fun was telling her she couldn’t play anymore.

I was so mad. I completely understand that 6 year olds rarely want to play with 2 year olds, but Della was completely harmless. These girls were running around like banshees anyway, so what did they care that D was following them? She couldn’t even keep up with the circles they were all running anyway. Della’s little head would come bobbing around the corner a good half lap behind the other two each time. I just kept thinking how dare she point her finger in my daughter’s face like she’s the boss? As ludicrous as it sounds, I was royally pissed.

After I saw that I couldn’t keep my eyes off the trio. I became obsessed with making sure Della didn’t get her beautiful little spirit crushed again. I kept seeing the pair of older girls go up to Della, then run away, teasing her into chasing them like they wanted her to play. But then they’d go into the bathroom and hide from her.

At one point they happened to walk up next to where I was standing holding Lana, and I heard them saying something about “oh no, there she is” and having to get away from the little girl. I told them to just leave Della alone because she’s only 2 and just wanted to play with them.

Then one time when I went into the bathroom to wash out a water bottle, Della was in there crawling on the floor trying to get under one of the stall doors because the girls were hiding in it. I about barfed seeing her crawl on the bathroom floor, so while washing her hands I made some comment to D like, “oh, are the girls in there?” She said yes and I could hear them giggling, and I said I thought they were hiding from her. She of course didn’t understand what that meant, so I asked them why they were hiding. They said they were hiding from the boys and Della, and I said well Della just wants to play with you guys because she likes you. They said “I know” in unison and just kind of laughed.

I don’t know if my prodding helped, or if they just decided to give up trying to “get away from that little girl”, but from that point on it seemed like they actually didn’t mind having D run around with them as much. At one point the 3 of them were actually sitting on the hearth of the fireplace together, looking at some toy. And of course D wanted to run around the rest of the time with one of her new blankets tied around herself like the other girl had been. Ok fine, if it makes my baby girl happy.

Now before you yell at me for being a crazy, overprotective parent, yes, I know Della had no idea that the girls weren’t playing with her but were trying to get away from her most of the time. She was just thrilled to be seeing other kids and running around. And she probably had no idea what the one girl was even talking about when she had her finger in D’s face. But I did. And I just couldn’t help feeling crushed.

Della and Lana are little pieces of my heart and soul running around outside my body now, and I will always try to protect them. Especially when they’re this young. So knowing that someone was purposely trying to quash Della’s innocent little sparkle and make her have a bad time just killed me. I seriously wanted to cry when I saw D sitting there on the floor, just wanting to play, and having that poor little look on her face while getting pointed at and scolded by a 6 year old little brat. I wanted to simultaneously scoop her up and smother her in hugs and slap the other girl for not including my daughter. (of course not for real slap, geez)

This little episode got me thinking, though. If I feel this bad when my girls get little hurts like this (i should say nonexistent really, since between me and d i was the only one who knew what was going on), what am I going to do when they go through the inevitable big hurts? I won’t always be there monitoring the situations and making sure everyone lets them play.

My greatest wish as a parent is that Ryan and I instill in our children the senses of confidence and compassion and knowing right from wrong. And more than simply knowing right from wrong, having the strength and self-confidence to act right instead of wrong, especially when wrong is the far easier choice. So hopefully when the big hurts come, as I know they unfortunately will, our girls will be able to navigate through them and come out on the other sides relatively unscathed and stronger.

This protecting my heart and soul when it now has its own legs and runs circles around me… Does it ever get any easier?

D

how could you not want to play with this one?

 

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Through your eyes

Through your eyes it is simply incredible to see

Just how amazing and wondrous this big world can be.

Through your eyes it’s all new, it’s fun, and you grow every day;

From the things that you do to the words that you say.

You’re a big sister, my helper, and a wonderful kid;

Certainly one of the best things your dad and I ever did.

Through your eyes in this season, the holiday time of year,

The magic all comes alive with Santa and his reindeer.

You light up at their mention and you squeal, “Ho! Ho! Ho!”

There’s no end to the places with your beautiful mind you can go.

Through your eyes the world is fine and happy and bright,

And my heart swells when I watch your sparkle and light.

You watch and you try and you learn and you play,

And I burst with pride as I see you finding your way.

Through your eyes I can see it all happen again;

This journey of life on which I have been.

There is so much out there for you to see and do,

And along the way I hope you’ll be as proud of me as I already am of you.

Through your eyes I’m your mama and your guiding light.

I hope and I pray that I do this all right.

You’re my heart and my soul; you mean the world to me.

Through your eyes I hope you always see the good, my sweet Della Jolee.

 

 

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Big sis

Lest anyone think Della has been forgotten around here, let me assure you she has not. We’re just busy giving potty training a try, and at the risk of jinxing our toilet mojo, she has been doing fantastic. Granted today was only day 2, but she has been wearing full on underwear both days so far this week (except for naps and nights) and we’ve only had 2 small pee accidents. Fortunately one was on the green indoor/outdoor carpet that’s in the basement, so I didn’t really care about that one. We got 20 new pairs of underpants and everything. Fingers crossed, people!

Not only is she an excellent big sister, she’s getting so big! I swear she grows an inch every night. She already wears 3T clothing, mainly to get the pants long enough. Guess she takes after Mama in that respect. She’s talking up a storm, too – getting some full sentences put together really helps the communication process.

p.s. Tomorrow is Lana’s 1 month birthday, but we don’t have her 1 month checkup until next Monday. So I’ll wait to post about that until after then so I have her measurement stats.

 

 

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My first. My only, just once more

You are my first, sweet baby girl.

These past two years you’ve been my world.

From the moment we met you, your love filled my heart.

Our lives were for you, right from the start.

Watching you grow and learn and play

has brought joy and laughter to every day.

You’re beautiful, smart, funny, and kind.

I feel so incredibly lucky to know that you’re mine.

No longer a baby, you’re growing so fast.

I know these days of just you and me aren’t going to last.

We rock before bedtime, getting you ready for sleep;

If I could, in my arms I would forever you keep.

But my lap is getting smaller as I nestle you on the side.

Don’t worry, though, peanut, my love for you I’ll never hide.

Tonight you hugged my hand as I laid you in bed,

And I almost started crying as I kissed your little head.

What will it be like when you’re not the only one?

I promise to do all I can to make sure you still have fun.

I know the best big sister you’ll be;

This new little boy or girl is as lucky as can be.

I love you, Della, all the way to my core.

You, my first and my only, just a little while more.

 

 

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One little monkey jumping on the bed

Let’s hope she doesn’t fall off and bump her head…

It’s official – Della is in a big girl bed. We got her a twin bed this past weekend, and so far she’s doing great in it. She did sleep in a twin bed the whole time we were in Canada a few weeks ago and didn’t have any issues at all, so I was hopeful that would just carry over to this one as well. So far, so good (knock on wood!).

Speaking of Canada, I just realized I still owe you pictures from that trip. Oops! Sorry, hang tight for those.

But back to the bed. We opted to go for a full-on twin instead of a toddler bed, because she’ll need one this size eventually anyway, so why waste money on 2 beds? Her crib did convert to a toddler bed, but we need it in crib form for #2 here in a few weeks.

So D is now in her big bed in her room, the crib is set up in our room for the baby, and we’ll put the 2 kids together as soon as the baby sleeps through the night so he/she doesn’t disturb D all the time. She slept through the night by 2-3 months old, so hopefully this one will figure that out fairly quickly as well.

D was a little confused when she saw the crib in our bedroom for the first time, though. “No, mize,” she kept saying, which translates into “no, mine.” Fortunately there’s been no issue since, so hopefully it stays that way. It’s still so funny seeing our little peanut all curled up in a big bed. She doesn’t like to get under the covers, so we just put her blankets on top of her as she lies on top of her new owl comforter. Fine by me, though – fewer sheets I have to wash.

saying night-night to all the decals on her wall. a bedtime must…

 Sweet dreams, peanut!