4.19.10

This morning on our way to school I was reminded of the fact that little ears are always-- always-- listening. And repeating. And while this can be funny, like the time that I beeped at a friend who was walking into the library (something I never do!) and my little backseat parrot proceeded to chirp "beep!" I have to remember that the outside influences of her little world have an impact on her, even at such a young age.

My usual morning routine is keep the radio on a country station for the first 10 minutes until the Christian station comes in, unless I have a CD playing-- in which case, it's probably been playing for a week and I don't even realize it anymore I'm so used to it.

So this morning I was singing along to Sugarland's "Baby Girl" and as I belted out "Iiiiii'm on my way," I heard an miniature echo from the backseat. "Iiiiiiiiiiii" it went. I stopped singing and giggled. "Iiiiiiiiii'm on my way," I repeated back. A smile stretched across her face. "Iiiiiiiii!" she sang back, kicking her feet against the seat with excitement.

I tell her a hundred times a day, "Lilly! I love you!" And while this story is cute and funny, it's a good reminder that she is always listening (well, perhaps not always-- she's learning the art of selective hearing already) and she's got a lot to say. I want her hearing words of love, encouragement, and truth from her parents. And hopefully someday those will be the words she chooses to repeat.

4.17.10

Breakfast: 2 eggs, 7/8 of a pear

2 hour nap

Lunch: 1 sloppy Joe, 1 yogurt, roasted red potatoes

1 hour nap

Dinner: Large dish of Mac 'n Cheese (every last noodle) and sliced strawberries



Sleeping over 12 hours a night, asking to go "night night," missing story time week after week so she can sleep, I don't know, do you think she's growing?

4.14.10

This morning I tried a new thing. I let Lilly play by herself in our bathroom and bedroom while I took a shower. I left her in just a diaper and had a towel ready in case she decided she wanted to get in the shower to play, but I think she enjoyed her freedom! I heard lots of giggling and squeeling... pitter pattering in and out of the bathroom. At one point I heard a loud thud and looked out to find a heavy duty flashlight planted on the bath mat for me!

My favorite moment was hearing a couple giggles and a long squeel only to find Midas laying down, cornered by the toilet, with Lilly laying on top of him hugging him with her face snuggled on his rump. She loves her Bubba:)

4.11.10

Every mom has her books of preference when it comes to parenting. We also have books we absolutely detest! I won't say which book that is for me, but I'm sure there are lots of you out there who can guess which popular "first year" book given to many mothers as a shower gift also doubles as an anxiety-inducing slap in the face when, at 3 months, you learn that your child should be walking backwards and juggling Playtex Drop-Ins liners blindfolded.

My favorite book right now is "What to Expect: The Toddler Years." I like it because each month it tells you what your child should be able to do, will probably be able to do, may possibly be able to do, and may even be able to do. That way I have a very wide range of what is "normal" and as long as Lilly is doing everything she should be able to do, the rest is just bonus!

So last week I read that by the end of her 16th month (so when she turns 17 months) she should be able to use 2 words, but may also be able to combine words. I wasn't sure what that meant, as they kind of seemed like the same thing to me. Either way, she wasn't doing it, so I felt that little panicky feeling, but figured she isn't even 16 months old yet so no sense in worrying about it. The kid talks-- she'll figure it out.

Fast forward to today...

She now says "good job" and "you're welcome." I had forgotten about "thank you." And, um, does "ta da!" count?!?!

No need to worry. Not that I was worried or anything;)

4.9.10

Grandma gives a whole new meaning to bubble bath







(and for once the bubbles weren't Lilly's fault!)

4.4.10

My mom is still here visiting and she and I just looked at pictures from last Easter. Check these out! What a difference a year makes! And, for the record, Lilly no longer attends service with us-- she has too much fun in the nursery. Matt and I enjoy having that time together:) After Sunday School and Worship Service, we go home and have lunch and she is pooped! We all enjoy a nice little nap around that time:)

Happy Easter!!