Monday, June 30, 2008

Swim Lessons

I am so proud of the progress you have made at swimming lessons. I could tell you all about it but I am going to insert some video that will speak a thousand words. Way to go my Little Mermaid!!

Morning at the Beach

Today we had no plans. Being the early risers that we are, around 7:45am I piled you in the car along with your buckets and shovels and we headed toward the beach. First we took a REALLY LONG walk along the boardwalk. Sitting in your stroller you entertained yourself by singing songs such as Bump, Bump, Bump (you learned it at tumbling) and Row, Row, Row Your Boat. You also talked A LOT about Dora Mermaid and her mermaid crown. Right now you are obsessed with mermaids!

When we were done with our walk, we fetched your beach gear from the car and headed toward the sand. Together we built sandcastles and dug holes. We did this for some time and then decided to look for sea shells. We walked up the beach and you squealed each time you found a shell. Then you would say, "Sea shell." You were so excited each time you found one. It was such a lovely morning. I wish I had my camera to capture the joy on your face.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Fire Truck




Today was Lauren and Andrew’s 5th birthday. They celebrated with a big birthday bash at the park. There were hot dogs, fruit, and cake (of course). But the most amazing part of the whole day was that a fire truck came to the party. It was a surprise to everyone. On the way to the park you were fast asleep, but the moment you saw the fire truck in the parking lot, you were wide awake. “FIRE TRUCK, FIRE TRUCK!” The firemen were taking all the kids for rides around the block. The first ride was full. So you waited patiently for your turn. When the fire truck returned, you ran excitedly to get in line. The children started climbing the latter to board the truck. You got to the front of the line but it was full. No more kids could get on. I explained to you that we would have to wait again for the next ride. Your once smiling face turned quickly into a frown. Your eyes looked sadly at the ground. You were crushed. But the truck eventually came back and we got to take two rides instead of one. You had a big grin on your face the whole time and you weren’t even scared when the firemen rang the siren and honked the horn. WHAT FUN!

Friday, June 27, 2008

Edible Art

Summer has officially started and we have jam-packed the entire week full of fun activities. On Monday we went to a mommy and me class called Edible Art with Aunty Netty and Hailee Bop. It was quite interesting. We got there and around the room there were plates filled with colorful edible paint. You were instructed by the teacher to finger paint. You and Hailee had a fabulous time plunging your entire hands in the paint and rubbing it messily all over construction paper.

While you guys were having a wonderful time, Aunty Netty and I were having major anxiety attacks. The reasons are two-fold. (1) because you guys were getting so MESSY! And (2) because all paints were community shared we were freaking out you would get hand-foot-mouth disease. YUCK!!!

So I know you had the time of your life, it was just too much stress on us. As soon as I got home, I called and pulled you both from the class. I wanted to tell the man on the phone that the class was disgusting and absolutely unsanitary with all the kids sharing the same paint, but I chickened out and told him it just wasn’t for us.

You and Sara



You and Hailee Bop and the green glob


Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Good Night Kisses

Tonight, as I finished up your bedtime story, I asked you for a goodnight kiss. You said no (huh?). I stuck out my bottom lip and told you I was sad. So you pointed to my cheek and said, "I kiss you here." So you leaned in and kissed my cheek. Then you pointed to the other cheek and said, "and here." Again you kissed my cheek. Then you gently touched my nose and said, "and I kiss your nose, mommy." You melt my heart!

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Sick?


Does this look like a sick child? I don't think so either!

Yesterday I got a call from your preschool at about lunch time. You had a fever of 101° and was resting in the sick room. Your daddy rushed over to get you and I quickly got my classroom ready for a substitute teacher for the following day.


You took a long nap and woke up a bit grumpy. You complained that your head hurt and told me, “I need to go to the doctors.” So adorable! The rest of the night, we spent watching television and cuddling on the couch. We watched the movie Cats and Dogs and ate lots of purple popsicles. The two of us fell asleep on the couch and daddy had to carry you to bed. You slept through the night except for a couple of whimpers.


You woke up in the morning in a very cheerful mood. I was prepared for a grumpy, miserable little munchkin, but you had other plans. You still had a slight fever but ever other symptom of illness was GONE! All day you literally bounced off the walls.


The best part of the day was when you got out of the bath tub put on a hat and slippers (and nothing else) and pretended to roller skate all over the house. You made me put on my slippers and some bunny ears (I was fully clothed, of course) and we skated around the house.


I probably could have let you go to school today and I could have gone to work. But I think this mommy/daughter day was just what we needed. It was a fabulous day and made me ache for summer when every day will by mommy/daughter day.




I Must Remember


Mae, you are officially two and half years old. Wow, how did time fly by so quickly? It seems like just yesterday we brought you, our little glowworm, home from the hospital. It has been two years full of fun, laughter, and so much love I never thought it was possible. Every day your dad and I look at you and comment on how beautiful and amazing you are. You have brought such joy and happiness to our lives. I can’t even remember what life was like before you came along. I don’t want to remember. You are truly the best thing that has ever happened to us.


I have decided to start this diary for a couple of reasons. The most important reason is that I have the worst memory! Seriously, people always ask, “remember that time we did……” and I can NEVER REMEMBER. Sometimes their stories spark a memory, but not too often. So if I write down important things about you and our lives, then I will HAVE TO REMEMBER!!


The second reason is that I would love for you to have a glimpse into your early years, the years that are usually a bit foggy for everyone. Someday you may wonder what kind of things we did together. Now all you will have to do it open this blog and read to your heart’s content. I will do my best to update it as much as possible.


I hope you enjoy these memories as much as I enjoyed making them with you.


I love you with all my heart, my sweet Natalie Mae!