What's Been Up

FYI: Pictures towards the end.

Here are a few random things to discuss:

1) Lack of Blogging Lately: There a many reasons I haven't been blogging as much lately. Mainly, it takes a lot of time. I'm not complaining at all. I'm so glad I have this blog and I'm even more glad you all read it. If you have a blog, you know that it can be rather time consuming. And life with my two year old leaves me exhausted on some nights. Thus, no new blog post. I can't promise to do better. But I can promise that I will update at least every other night. Sometimes more.

2) AC's Hair: Wow. It's a mess. I'm sure you've noticed. She pulls out every ponytail or pigtail that I put in. So on most days, I will pull it up as quickly as I can and let it be. This usually means that I don't have time for a brush. Just my fingers. I just wanted to clarify that I do notice. Don't sweat the small stuff, right?

3) Things That Make Me Anxious: Potty training - I have tried to start a few times and haven't really been sure that she was ready. I think maybe it's me that's not ready. Deep down, I'm not ready for her to take another leap into "Big Girlhood". We're gonna do, just not tomorrow! Same with the paci (only it will be more stressful, I think). She doesn't use it a lot, but it does calm her down and keep her happy at times. I need to bite the bullet and just start weaning her from it. It's really more about me and less about her. Can I stand to listen to all that whining when I don't have a paci to give her? Yes, but I may need a few more weeks to talk my nerves into it. Teeth brushing: This child will let me floss her teeth, but not brush them. It's so strange. We are currently holding her down and trying to make it a funny experience. It will get easier, right? My house: It's a mess. There's nothing more to say. AC has 10 hours a day to destroy it. I would rather spend my time playing with her and teaching her things than cleaning up. This leaves quite the wreckage for me and Daddy at night. This whole parenting thing is all about finding a balance, I hear. We're still working on it.

4) Things That Make Me Happy: Her manners: She says, "Please" and "Thank you" all the time. I don't even have to prompt her anymore. My heart melted when she said, "Tank you, Mama" for the very first time. I want nothing more than for my girl to be loving and kind. Sure, I want her to be smart and funny, but more than that, I want her to be the one that others want to be around. The one with all that positive energy and kindness. I'm hoping 'please' and 'thank you' are just the beginning. Her words: What a jabber box she has become. I absolutely love it. She has around 150 words these days. I'm thinking when she's 13 I might wish she didn't enjoy talking so much. Whole Foods: Love it. Love it. I'm so glad that this place exists. I sleep better at night because of it. Weird, I know. I have lots of reasons but that's a story for another day.

Today:

We woke up, ate some breakfast, and went to church. After church we went to Target to pick up a few things. Just as we were about to go through the checkout line, I snapped this picture of AC. "Cheese!!!" she says.

Once we finally got home, AC didn't want to come inside. She knew it was nap time and was doing everything she could to avoid it. Finally I had to scoop her up and carry her in. She wasn't happy.

Yes, sister. I know I'm looking very Crystle Gayle-ish these days. It's on my to-do-list. I promise to look less Amish at your wedding.

A quick rock before nap.

"Daddy, we're trying to rock here! Knock it off!"

Doing a little cooking in her kitchen with Mama's running shoes.

Daddy made AC a dress after my trip to Whole Foods. She loved it! "Dess, Mama! Dess!!!"

I fighting a losing battle with the dog hair. Have been for a few years. A few times a day AC will get one in her mouth and makes this face.

"Rattie yucky, Mama," she says. Rattie is what she calls Gracie. Dog hair in the mouth (any hair for that matter) is very, very yucky indeed.

We hope you enjoyed your weekend! It's back to school time for you guys! Enjoy! Kiddos here still have 3 more weeks! We love and miss you all.