You Are 16 Going on 17

April 29, 2013

Your favorite book right now is ONE FISH TWO FISH RED FISH BLUE FISH by Dr. Seuss. At least once a day you hunt it down and bring it to your Dad or me, and we read it. Sometimes you sit through half or most, often times you turn the pages before we've finished the contents of that page. But you love this book most of all these days.

Your Dad completed your sandbox today. You climbed in with some hesitance, but then started throwing sand OUT of the box, and then at your Dad. We grabbed your pail and shovel from inside and you began to fill your pail with sand. Then you were over it. Hopefully you'll get to have some fun, imaginative play in your homemade sandbox in the future.

May 6, 2013
Today we all piled into the family room and had a pillow fight. You squealed and shrieked with delight as we all threw pillows at each other. We made a human pile, one of my favorite activities, and took turns "getting" each other--tickling until it was the next person's turn to be "gotten." It's so easy to make you laugh, and you are now entertained by "getting" us! You run over and plop your body on one of us, or headbutt me, and bounce up and down on Daddy's stomach. These moments warm my heart so intensely and I'm grateful for the little things, like these moments, that make us happy.

May 12, 2013
You are napping. We had a nice Mother's Day brunch at Little Next Door. You and I had croissants--plain for you and chocolat pour moi. You were so tired on the way home, your little face all fat and relaxed. We sang to you and tickled you to keep you awake. You giggled with your eyes closed. We laughed at your Andre the Giant expression.

You are happy and healthy. You bring me so much joy. Thank you. Today is already perfect, and so I say thank you for making me a mama.

May 18, 2013
We had a visit from fairy Godmother Evelyn last night. When she first arrived you did your trademark statue freeze. No eye contact, no movement. You were giggling and cuddling her in her lap within ten minutes. She brought you some killer threads, our favorite piece being the sheepskin-esque vest with toggle buttons. It's beyond. You slept it in last night, and even though it's hot we plan on wearing that thing out!!! Visiting with Evelyn was so nice, and her favorite part of you is your hamhock thighs!!!

May 20, 2013
You've been saying, "quack, quack, quack." Like what a duck says :) You also said book again this morning. I feel like you're gearing up for a big developmental burst, as your sleep has been a hot mess for the past couple nights. Your Dad says it's the pending speech burst that's keeping you and us awake.

May 21, 2013
We had a stellar swim class this morning! You are having a blast in the water. Today you really embraced jumping/falling into the water. We sing "Humpty Dumpty" while you littles are seated at  the edge of the pool, count 1-2-3 and you just fall right in! You loved it so much you kept jumping in before your prompt. You are still not completely comfortable on your back, so I spin you back over when you roll onto your side or belly. We like Teacher John very much, and he likes you, too. He encourages me to challenge you, and he always wants to try the next level of activity with you. Maybe he knows athleticism in your blood. Ha!

May 26, 2013
We went out to dinner with Abuela Grandma and GranDan last night. You really enjoyed her fried catfish! What a surprise. We had a great brunch with your Titis Hari, Riri, Jen, Auntie Val, Uncle Ric and Jacqui. Abuela and GD were here, too. You danced with your aunties and ate their blueberries.

May 28, 2013
Something mind blowing happened tonight. You smacked me in the face. Well, that actually wasn't mind blowing because you've been doing a lot of hitting lately. So you smacked me in the face and I just looked you deep in the eye. I said with my look what I normally say with my words: "I don't like when you hit me. Please don't do that."You stared right back into my eyes, then leaned in and kissed me right on the lips. One of your big, open-mouthed, slobbery wet ones. My heart melted. You heard me :)

May 29, 2013
At 4am I woke up, realizing that you hadn't woken me up for your nightly nursing session. I waited, awake and unable to fall asleep in anticipation of your sleepy cry. The last time I remember seeing the clock it said 5 something. I awoke a little before 7 with the realization that you had slept through the night. FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME IN YOUR ENTIRE LIFE. As in, you didn't cry for help getting back to sleep, or cry for milk. It's 7:39AM and you are STILL asleep. Obviously after 15 minutes of wondering if you were okay, I crept out to the living room and asked your father (enjoying his coffee and quiet time) if I should check on you. I did. You were in a deep sleep, but definitely breathing. Congratulations my sweet--you slept ALL night! And thank you.

15 Months

My beautiful and bold boy,

Life with you is never a bore.
I'm learning so much from you.
You want to take the world by storm. You want to take every moment by storm.
You want to touch and understand everything. You are a miracle.
When you meltdown I either rise above, finding compassion and patience, or I sink down with frustration. I'm sorry that I cannot rise above every time.
We are still laughing our butts off everyday with and at you.
Thank you for being you, Phee.

Love You!

March 30, 2013
This morning we went to Jacqui's house for a very fabulous bruncheon. Jacqui is quite the host, and we were so impressed with her delicious, simple and elegant meal and her beautiful home. We got to hang with Auntie Val and Titis Townhouse, too! We are going to start a monthly bruncheon and we are hosting the next one in May.

After naptime we went to celebrate Miss Logan turning one! It was a lovely, mellow party. You and your buddies were so content to explore, snack and play in the Tiddes' amazing backyard. We got to watch her blow enjoy her cake and I think she had a really nice time. The two of you were very into chalk, mostly eating and some drawing. You were happy to see Bandit and Miles, and it's always nice to get our group together.

March 31, 2013
Your face is a heart,
My heart is a smile,
Our laughter, hugs and limbs make a perfect pile.

April 3, 2013
We had a wonderful visit with Grammy T! We played and hung out and had some good quality time. She got to see you at Baby College with some of your buddies, and we even made a handprint memorial thingy for her. She wants to put it in the backyard as a stepping stone.

April 6, 2013
We had a nice brunch with some of the Manhattan 7 this morning. It's always good to have some lady/baby time :) They say good friends are hard to find, my Squirrel. So treasure your buddies, because love is the greatest gift.

April 10, 2013
Today your Ma went to help Sophia & Matt welcome baby Frankie into the world. It was truly amazing to witness the journey and be in the presence of new life. You and Daddy had a great time while I was gone. Being a doula makes me reflect on your entrance to the world, and so I watched your birth videos again. I wonder if I'll ever get sick of watching those things. Your entrance to the world is a miracle. You are a miracle.

April 11, 2013
We went on our first preschool tour this morning. Wowsa. Preschool looks fun. They teach Spanish, French and yoga, and the munchkins play all day! We have some more tours set up and we will just have to see where we are living when the time comes....I'm seriously considering doing a co-op preschool with some of our Mommy and Baby friends. We'd save thousands of dollars ;)

April 14, 2013
Yesterday you hung with Daddy all day while I was prepping for and playing at Daniela's baby shower. You guys had a great time, and you came to visit all the ladies after the shower ended. Your Pa got you dressed up in a hilarious get-up, complete with leather jacket. We had many belly laughs, and Auntie Daniela gave your dad an A+ for styling you. You got to meet lots of new ladies, and you really enjoyed playing with baby Renesmee's YaYa, Ellen. She came in town to spend time with the parents-to-be. Auntie D had a lot of friends and family celebrating her pending arrival. It's beautiful to see community, and feel all the love that new life brings.

April 24, 2013
We toured a great preschool nearby this morning, while you stayed home and hung with Uncle B. We really liked the space, it's homeyness and ample outdoor space were appealing. The director is a sweet and bright woman, and we got general good vibes from the meeting. It's still soooo early, and who knows where we'll be living this time next year, but I'm glad we've started exploring your preschool future. There's a couple more schools I'd like to check out, one co-op and one montessori. We're touring lots of different types of places to see what jives with us, but as you grow and develop we'll have a better idea of what style of school you will connect with.

April 25, 2013
You live for the outdoors. Inevitably you start to get antsy after an hour of being inside. You start to fuss and cling. We know what that means. Take the squirrel OUTSIDE! You thrive and explore and become so independent and curious once the sunlight hits your face. You find your requisite stick, we call it your "Harry Potter wand" and walk around poking things with your stick. You like to play ball and run the dirt through your fingers. You like to overturn Violet's water bowl and splash around in there. I typically try to intervene when this happens, but you are crafty and you usually make contact with the water bowl, proud and satisfied, covered in doggy water :) Your Dad finished the frame of your sandbox long ago, and we will hopefully get it filled for you soon! I think you're going to love it.

April 27, 2013
You had your swim evaluation today, and it was a blast! You were a little tentative when you first got in the water, but you eventually relaxed and we had a lot of fun. You floated on your back with assistance from me and your instructor, Richard. You were even smiling and laughing by the end of class. We signed up, and I'm so excited, not only for you to have an awesome new activity, but for you to learn water safety. You've gotta be able to ride the mellow Mediterranean waves in the South of France someday soon!!!

You also helped me cook today. It was very sweet. You were curious about the cookie dough I was making, so you watched me measure out all of the dry ingredients, and you helped me whisk them together. In true Phee-style you turned up the volume by whisking wildly, and we shared a smile when you got flour all over the counter. To be expected. I do dream about the day that we cook and bake together, for real; can't wait to share my love of food with you!

April 28, 2013
Your Dad built you a treasure chest. It's "indestructible." Okay, by indestructible I mean you will have to be much older and crafty to break into it. Your Grandpa Tom won a whole bunch of silver dollar coins, and those are the first deposits you made!