Birthdays

Yesterday was my Mom's birthday, the second one since she passed away last February. In a way I'm proud of myself for not getting upset and then I also feel a little guilty that I thought so little about it. I was aware of the date but I guess not focused on it. I still have days when the grief is overwhelming but those are fewer and fewer. Now I have more short moments of all those feelings versus entire days. So it's true, time does help.
Moving on to this weekend-R is having a pool party for her birthday. She is super excited!! She picked out a Tangled theme! Her birthday is next week and she will be 4. My baby is no longer a toddler, she's a little girl :(.

Baking with R

R and I had a fab time making homemade granola bars a few days ago. She enjoyed pouring ingredients in and stirring with lots of sampling. I used this recipe http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chewy-Granola-Bars/Detail.aspx, with lots of tweaks. Next time I will try the original recipe first and then make adjustments. Mine are far from extra chewy but I severely changed things (less sugar, tiny bit more honey, added applesauce, and nuts and raisins and dried cranberries) around so who knows what the recipe actually turns out like. The hubby always tells me to follow the recipe the 1st time and then make adjustments, maybe next time. Mine turned out good -not chewy but not hard either. Not sure how to describe them, kinda like a bar cookie texture but not really. :) I have plenty to put in the freezer for snack time.
The hubby and I have decided to try to eat more healthy and save money at the same time. This mean less over processed convenience food and more whole, natural foods. We already make our own pizza, some breads, and just started making refried beans. It is definitely a learning experience for me. I am so NOT a cook, that is hubby's expertise. So, it is a journey of trial and errors for me. Happy cooking.

Weekend Fun

We had "company" over Friday night for dinner (homemade pizza) and little R loved all the attention. My oldest niece was down here with her Aunt and her children for a short beach vacation and we got to spend some time with her. R was happy to see her Aunt Brandy and very pleased to be able to play with and boss around :) two older kids. The adults spent time reminiscing a bit while the kiddos played and watched TV.
Saturday morning EARLY I met Brandy and Sheila and her 2 at Crooked Island Beach for some shell hunting. We found some great shells and sand dollars, held a small shark, and had a good time just visiting. I'm not sure those shells were worth the irritation I am now enduring from the sand gnats though. My lower legs are covered in bites that itch incessantly. Makes me want to scream or take enough Benadryl to just sleep until the itchies go away.
We got to spend more time with Aunt Brandy on Sunday at the pool. However, Little R would not leave the pool steps willingly. The few times I got her off of them it involved crying, whining, grabbing, etc. We still had a fun time though and I actually think R was content to be sitting on the steps just playing in the water. It was a bonus for her to get to be around other kids too.
Last night R and I and her Granny baked sugar cookies. R had fun stirring, rolling out dough and using the cookie cutters (love the mini cutters from pampered chef). She even served cookies to her Granny and PawPaw. The smile was priceless.

2, two. dos, twee, deux, do'

I am now officially the mother of a 2 year old. I think she has been in the "trying 2's" for at least a couple of months already. Almost anything is worthy of a meltdown depending on her mood, lack of sleep, etc. However, she makes up for it in kisses, hugs, "love me's" and general cuteness.
I took off from work on her birthday so we could spend it together. We went shopping for books and practical life supplies, ate lunch, played on an inside playground, cooked dinner together and went to Krispy Kreme. The hubby and I had doughnuts, R decided she didn't want hers or ours and of course thought the floor was a better place than her napkin for the food to reside.
It is so true that the years fly by and you should enjoy them. It is hard to believe I first held her in my arms over 2 years ago..it seems like only a few days ago and at other times-a lifetime ago. I have learned so much in these 2 years. I now understand why you should nap when baby naps; I no longer pick up toys constantly-as long as there is a path, it's okay; sometimes, it's okay to let her watch cartoons for an hour-I need the break; kids really do repeat what they hear; some days are exasperating but the other days far outweigh those kind; parenting is not easy but it is rewarding; and so much more!!

Bellingrath Gardens

When my parents were visiting, I took time off and took Mom to Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile, AL. I wasn't incredibly impressed this time, but the gardens are pretty at anytime. I'm thinking they were in an in-between phase because I saw lots of new plants and lots of planting being done.
What I enjoyed was the time we got to spend together and the time my parents were able to spend with little R.
R had a great time exploring the grass, shrubs, leaves, flowers, water features and various bugs we encountered along the way. We used her new backpack with a leash, ummm strap-to keep her from escaping into the river or dissapearing into the flowering abyss. It was a lifesaver-she could walk or ride in the stroller and I didn't have to plead, argue, redirect or force her to hold my hand or stay close. I distinctly remember the devices from quite a few years back that attached to the child's hand and had a strap the parents held and I even more vividly remeber my thoughts about them. It went something like this I can't believe a parent would have their child on a leash like a dog..I will never do that to my child...those are for people who just don't try to make their child behave, etc, etc. I take it all back!!!!! I was so thankful for the backpack and the peace it allowed.

Family Reunion, car trips, etc

Well, we are back from our short trip to attend a family reunion in Alabama. The ride there was not pleasant. We need to remember to only travel in the morning or early afternoon with R. When she is tired, riding in a car seat for hours is not something she does without a protest. She cried, whined, and practically begged me to hold her (I hold you)-it was sad :(. We did stop once at a McD's to let her play for about 30 minutes and that seemed to help for a little while.
Little R had a good time playing chase and coloring with her cousin Jacob (he is actually my cousin's grandson, not sure what that makes he and R) at the family reunion. They were so cute!! And we got to see relatives we hadn't seen since...well, last year at the family reunion.
Kudos to my cousins Regina and Sheree for putting it together. I'm looking forward to seeing the CD of pictures put together by another cousin and his daughter. Someone had the awesome idea to have everyone bring family pictures-old and new-and scan them in to create a picture CD.
It was also great to get to spend time with my oldest niece. She came for the family reunion and spent the night at my parents' house. R has only seen her once or twice before but she warmed up to her quickly. It was sweet to see her holding R and see the smiles being exchanged.

Phrases, new words, and general cuteness

R is now using a few phrases...neat. She says "I hold you" which can mean hold me or I want to hold _________ (usually the cats or whatever critter she sees on TV or outside. She also says "I get you" when playing with me or the hubby. Her newest word is Libby but it comes out Geebee or Sheebee. Too cute.
The hubby has been keeping her at home most of this week so they have really been able to bond. The babysitter had her tonsils out this week and since hubby is without employment-it just made sense to have her home.
NOW-I must actually work :)

Lost

R's big sister Kiki (kelli) has been in town since Sunday. They have been spending quite a bit of time together. They have visited friends, gone shopping, out for pizza, to the park and to the beach. During the day, I am used to being away from her- nighttime is a different story. I'm okay until about 6pm, then I start looking at the clock and wondering...where is she? when will she be home? did she eat? does she miss me? did her sis remember to change her? is big sis watching her closely? is big sis being incredibly careful?
My hubbie tells me to lighten up and relax. I am having a hard time with either of those. I am rarely away from baby except for work. I have gone painting a few times, to the store on occasions and once to pick up my parents without her but those occasions are rare. I prefer to be with my little one versus alone. Now, I do enjoy having alone time but preferably in the house with her :)
Bottomline-I am forcing myself to allow little one some sister time with her Kiki. I know she will take care of her and be extra careful. I can't help but be a little paranoid.

Getting dirty

We spent time outside yesterday enjoying the beautiful day. I pulled and dug up weeds as well as mowed the front yard-I still have LOTS to do. R and the hubby played some in the backyard and then joined me in the front. R played in the dirt. It was amusing to watch her pick up dirt, let it run through her fingers, rub it in her skin, throw it, dig in it,etc. She has no problem getting dirty :) She and Daddy also had fun chasing each other around the car.
I think everyone felt better after spending some time out in the sunshine.

Discipline or lack of it

As little one gets older, I find myself having to discipline her more and in the process feeling more and more clueless. You see, I have a Master's in Counseling Psychology, have worked with children off and on for years, have taught commone sense parenting, and consider myself a decent counselor. WELL-my little one makes me feel as if I have NO CLUE how to discipline a child. I tell her no-she does it anyway, I tell her what she should do instead-she continues the misbehavior, I remind her of the correct choice-she returns to the misbehavior, I put her in the corner-she does it again...AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH. The tribulations of raising a strong willed child.
I have also tried spanking her hand or her bottom when it is something that could hurt her. This is also not usually effective. I do not like the idea of spanking-it has its place but I think it should be last resort and only when it is something that could result in harm. My husband has a different opinion but we are trying to compromise. He believes in spare the rod-spoil the child.
As little one matures, I am sure (fingers crossed) it will get a bit easier. For now, I will keep reminding her of alternative responses, alternate behaviors, etc, limit the use of the word "no" and just revel in the fact I have a beautiful, intelligent, strong willed little princess.

Growing up

My little one will soon be 18 months old. WOW!! In some ways she is so BIG and others, still such a BABY. I know I am going to miss the baby stage so much. In the past month she has started alot of new things.
Facts about baby:
- sometimes puts herself back to sleep (self soothes)
- lets us know when she wants a bottle
- Bottles are getting fewer
- takes her diaper off and runs!
- learning animal sounds and can imitate a bark, neigh, meow and oink.
- able to name some and point to most body parts
- spending less time in mommy and daddy's bed
- still snatches her hand away and tries to run off when in public
- NO FEAR!!!
- climbs-anything
- thinks getting on the coffee table and standing there is fun
- Cat food and dog food are still options for snacks and toys
- Anyone's cups are much more interesting than hers
- Remotes and phones are fun to play with
- already likes TV too much
- Baths are still fun
- The bathroom is not a private place-she MUST be a spectator if at all possible
- On occasions she thinks SLEEP is for SISSIES
- Graceful is something she is not
- loves our critters
- Tough girl
- loves SHOES
- continues to be strong willed
- is affectionate-she hugs and kisses all the time (the kitties too)
- likes to be around other children
- consumes most of our time
- has never spent a night away from me
- lights up when she sees her sisters
- likes to clear everything off the table by throwing it on the floor
- unfolds clothing as I fold
- smushes her food if she is no longer very hungry
- eats most foods including lima beans (yuck), kiwi, mango, tomatoes, chicken curry and spicy stuff
- is ADORED by her mom and dad
Probably more than you wanted to know but now you know!!

Vocabulary

Everyone says I am paranoid for being concerned/thinking little one is behind developmentally in vocabulary. OK..so maybe I do obsess a bit about it. Various sources say an 18 month old should have a vocabulary ranging from 12 to 22 words they say clearly (including mama and dada).
Let's see, baby currently says:
Dada
Mama
Hi (almost always with kitty)
Kitty
Mouth
Milk
Juice
Shoes
Eye
Ball
Papa
Nana
That
Night Night
All of these are not clear but she does make a pretty close approximation. I am trying to NOT be so worried about these types of things but I still am.
Now is a good time to put some of those Montessori ideas to work :)

words and songs and stuff

Yesterday baby said another new word...JUICE!! She is picking up on things pretty quickly now. OH and she can say "up" and knows what it means. She walks up, sticks her arms out and says "UP". She also mimics songs-it is too sweet to hear her. She will sing to herself sometimes and it is so adorable.
She is constantly singing "up above" from twinkle, twinkle, little star-I have no idea why she clued in on those words, but she did. Her other song to mimic is the ABC song. Nicole got her a puppy that sings it (cause she liked the one her daughter had) and she will try to mimic it. Funny!!
Kids are such fun. It is truly amazing to watch a little one's personality develop and to witness pure learning. I never knew I would love being a mom so much.

Talking

R said a new word yesterday....SHOES!!!! Too cool.
We went out to Pier Park Sunday and I bought 5 pairs of shoes for little one (all on clearance). Last night, I was showing them to my husband and had them all out on the floor. R walked by, bent down and pointed and said "shoes". I am beyond excited. Her words are coming ever so slowly in my opinion. Thanks to hubby she also made a really good attempt at saying "butthole". MEN!!

Interrupted Sleep

Last night, R again woke up at 3:30 am crying. This has been an almost nightly occurence for the past 2 + weeks. She isn't quite awake, but not fully asleep either when this occurs. As usual, we attempt to soothe her with no success. One of us almost always ends up making her a bottle and POOF she's better. So, you are thinking-just go ahead and give her the bottle and be done with it. Well, that would work except sometimes she just pushes the bottle away and keeps crying. Sometimes it's a low whine, sometimes it's a cry, and sometimes it is a wail!!
This has happened off an on now for a few months, but as I said before-it is frequent now. I have tried feeding her grits at night to fill her up-this has worked a few times or it may have just been a fluke.
Hopefully, little one is just growing through a growth spurt and her hungry nerve will settle down soon. Until then, Caffeine is my friend.