You had a great day at school today. Ms Shelley came to the gate to tell me how you were matching the penguin letters on the board yesterday.
I got this message in Sandbox today:
Giovanna practiced identifying beginning sounds and matching them to the correct letter in the pocket chart center. In the block center she collaborates with a friend to build a huge structure!
You FaceTimed with Daddy & Ms. Sandy on the way home from school. We went to the car wash and Publix. We met Grandma Noot at Cheesecake Factory for dinner. After we were seated you told the waiter “Grandma Noot is coming so there will be one more friend.”
We watched 2 more light shows with her after dinner. When we were driving out of the parking lot to go home, one more was starting so we pulled over & watched from the car.
Eating dinner leftovers in the car during light show
You started taking your clothes off in the car before climbing out in the garage. You walked in carrying your dress & I just laughed and laughed! We got home late so we headed straight to bed. When we were snuggling in bed, you told me “Daddy talks kinda meanly when I’m in trouble but you talk kinda nice.”
I tried for about an hour to wake you up for school. I knew the first day back would be rough & it was! You just kept going back to sleep and I didn’t get you to wake up until 8:40a when I was laying in bed with my pumpkin oatmeal and told you it was pumpkin pie for breakfast & you popped right up! Daddy had to fly to North Carolina today for work so you missed saying goodbye to him because you slept in so late!
We were about 15 minutes late to school and you didn’t want to get out of the car because you said it’s boring.
We stopped by Urfer Park after school to play for a little bit. We had to run home because you had a small accident, but we changed, packed a picnic & went to Benderson Park to play and eat. While we were there, we realized the lights show at UTC was going on again tonight, even though last night was supposed to be the last night. At 7p, all the lights in the park went off because the park closed. So we ran down to enjoy the show again!! You of course danced and we walked all around. I love what they have done this year at UTC and I have loved going just about every day!!! The bonus was that it continued tonight!!!
In bed I asked if you had fun at the park, picnic & light show. You said “oh yeah, I love everything we do!” We read books and snuggled. I had so much fun with you today.
I love you so much!
Maybe we should have gotten you a king size bed!?!
You busted me when I got up to leave so I had to come back & snuggle!
You slept until 9am, which considering you didn’t fall asleep until around 10:30p last night probably wasn’t enough sleep! We sat on the couch and talked about what happened last night with Emily. You apologized and Daddy closed your bike for 3 days. You went and dressed yourself and came out in Giants gear! You brought all your stuff & all the dog toys in my bathroom and of course tried to trap poor Harold in there.
You were playing with Harry in my room. All the sudden you ran out to the living room and said “Mom and Dad come look! I made the bed for you! You just need to come and put the pillows on.” “I apology. I thought of this as way to fill up your bucket from yesterday.”
We took Harry for a walk and saw Jim Zilli on our walk. He took you inside their house and you saw Susan’s make up table. You told him you want to have one in the new house lol. When we got home we played Hungry Hippos for a while. It’s been your thing during the break.
Since you were still short on sleep, I invited you to go to the car wash with me so that we could drive around. I knew you would fall asleep & that you needed it. It didn’t take long! I was cracking up because you wanted to wear your mask in the car & I removed it once you were asleep.
Still looking tired after your nap!
We went to dinner at Cheesecake Factory and met Ms. Sandy & Dean. As soon as you saw her walking up to the restaurant you ran and gave her a huge hug. You insisted on bringing your camera so you could take pictures of everything! After dinner, we took a horse & carriage ride then watched the UTC Festival of Lights. You were so excited about our horse, Ruby & kept telling her “Giddy Up Horsey!” When our ride was finished, we walked down to the circle on Cattlemen to watch the lights show and music. You were dancing the night away and having so much fun. I have really enjoyed bringing you down here so many times this season!!! As soon as we got home you climbed in bed and you were snoozing fast.
I tried to wake you up for gymnastics but you didn’t budge. I was worried about the cut on your foot as well so I didn’t push it. You slept until 10am. When you woke up you came out to the living room and climbed on the couch. I gave you a kiss goodbye because I had a pedicure at 10:30a. You didn’t want me to go and worked out some fake tears. I explained that it was your turn for a pedicure last week so now it’s my turn.
You hung out with Daddy while I was gone and had so much fun. After you finally had breakfast, you took a bath. When I got home, you were STILL naked of course. I was able to get you dressed because you wanted to go on a bike ride. You were so happy that you were able to get your water bottle and take a drink WHILE riding for the first time. You were shouting down the street “this is my first time ever!” and were soooo excited!
We headed back home so I could make your dinner. Ms. Emily came to hang out with you so Daddy & I could go to dinner at Marina’s house. She was sending me cute pictures of you two and then she sent me a text explaining that she took you for a bike ride with Harold, but you weren’t staying where she could see you so you went home. You threw a huge tantrum, you went out the back door & went out the gate to the front yard. (you did that for the first time earlier today & I asked you not to do it again. I didn’t even know you realized there was a gate) You ran off from her several times and locked yourself in your room. She put you in timeout but it continued so she texted me. I called on Facetime to talk to you and you ran off out the gate again and got 4 houses away. She Facetimed me back when she got you home and we had a long chat about your choices. I was just going to come home but she said you were calming down. You were excellent after that and watched Soul and Tarzan. We came home and went straight to bed. You were allllll wired up and wouldn’t lay down. I finally just left the room. Daddy went to check on you and you said “thank goodness you are here to save the day Daddy!” He said, I’m not here to save the day. You better lay down and get to sleep. I never went back in there with you and when I checked on you about 30 minutes later you were snoring. I hate that you fell asleep alone. I just couldn’t continue to feed the attention you were seeking so I just had to leave. I have no idea what made you behave like this tonight. You were an angel for Daddy and honestly you almost always are. I was very disappointed to hear that you treated Emily this way but was relieved that once we talked you were back to your usual happy cooperative self. Tomorrow, we will talk about your choices and close your bike, which hopefully will send the message and help you make better choices next time.
You slept in until 10a! You came out and snuggled on the couch with your flamingo. You were so happy Grandma Noot spent the night. We made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast and played games on the floor all morning. We played Hungry Hippos and you kept saying “stand behind me Daddy & help me, I love you!” You got out the bandages and put at least 10 on you and 3 on me lol. You complained to Aunt Deb last night that we were running out of Band-Aids…I guess this is why!
Daddy Stand Behind Me!
We rode our bikes several times again today. We took a break for you to fly the kite with Daddy then we were back at it. While we were riding, I asked if you wanted to go watch Frozen tonight outside at UTC. You were surprised but happy about the possibility of watching outside! We went home to grab some dinner and pack snacks for the movie. You told me to “bring all the sugar we have” when I was packing up.
We went to watch Frozen 2 outside at UTC. Elsa & Anna were there and you were so excited about that. You said “I didn’t know Elsa & Anna were going to be here! This is the best day ever!” Your excitement made my day! I’m so glad we came. You ate tons of snacks and lots of sugar. You were up and dancing through some of the songs. I was snuggled under a blanket but of course you weren’t cold. Several times while you were up dancing, you came up to me, gave me a huge kiss & said “I love you Mama!” Nothing better in the world!
After the movie was over we decided to walk up Cattlemen Road to see the lights. I didn’t realize the light show was still going on. We were able to sit and watch it and of course you were a dancing machine! Jingle Bell Rock came on and you really went crazy! You really wanted to do the horse & carriage ride but it was too late. We will try to go again on Sunday! I was going to head home when the show was over because it was 9pm and you were up so late last night, but you wanted to keep walking and see more lights. What the hell…why not!?!?! So, we crossed the street, played on the stage set up at Barnes & Noble, took some pictures near the Christmas signs set up (of course by the Flamingo one too!) and then caught the last light show of the night. We headed home and told Daddy all about the show then jumped in bed. You were sleeping in 3 minutes!
You woke up around 8am. Carlos came to clean & the AC repair guy came at the same time, so Daddy took you on a bike ride to Grandma Weezie’s house. When you got home, you showed Carlos & the AC guy your bike! Daddy left to go golfing and youy wanted to take me riding and show me how to get to Weezie’s. We rang the doorbell but she didn’t answer. We headed back toward home but kept going to every street past our entrance. We went home to have a snack in the driveway and wait for Grandma Noot.
Grandma Noot hung out with you while I got my nails done. You guys rode bikes and when you asked to come home she made you homemade mac and cheese for lunch. When I got home, you were playing Hungry Hippos. She had to run to work for a little bit and you & I headed to the grocery store to prepare for dinner tonight. On the way, you fell asleep in car so I ran to pick up empanadas instead. When you woke up you said “I’m ready to go to the store now!” You helped me shop & checkout. As we were leaving, you wanted an ice cream. I said ok and you were so happy to get a small vanilla with strawberries!
When we got home, Daddy had just pulled in from golf. We played Hungry Hippos and I started to cook. Grandma Noot came back and we ate. Aunt Deb & Fed came over after their dinner and brought the dogs. You were running & chasing Broadway and cut your toe on the baseboard. Blood was everywhere! You were calling out “Nurse! Nurse! I need a nurse please!” looking for Aunt Deb to help rather than me or Daddy. We got you back in action. We rang in the new year hugging Daddy and we all kissed. Then we went outside to blow our poppers and confetti cannons.
You popped up in bed around 820 and said are we at home?!? I said no, we are still at the Gaylord. We played with your Toy Story people in our bed so Aunt Deb & Fed could sleep in. When everyone got up, we headed downstairs to grab a muffin and a hot chocolate. You insisted on wearing your Olaf hat & gloves and your mask. You were cracking me up!
We packed up and headed home. On the drive you and Fed played and you had so much fun. We dropped off Fed and Aunt Deb then grabbed pizza at Blaze. We had to run to my office to fund a quick closing. You were so patient… We got out of there as soon as possible so we could go home to ride your bike!
We were riding bikes when Daddy pulled into the neighborhood from work. You were so excited to see him that you put down your bike and ran up to him! You jumped in his car for a ride around the block and threw your bike in the back seat. You wanted to race me home you guys in the car me on my bike. I won because you guys got distracted by Captain, who was walking the block.
You & Daddy had prime rib for dinner and we rode a little more. We went to your room to read and do Kids Lingos. We snuggled and then you were lights out by 8:30a because you were so pooped. I took a video of you snoring because it was so loud! We have had a lot of fun the last week but it’s definitely worn you out!
You woke up at 720 and worriedly asked “did I sleep too late?” I assured you we are good on time. Daddy made you a big egg sandwich and we left to pick up Aunt Deb & Fed. We went to Gaylord for our annual fun even though there is no Ice exhibit this year it is always decorated so pretty. Lots of lights, aerial shows and so much fun! As soon as we got there, we walked around to check everything out for a few minutes & our room was ready. We had a spectacular view of the atrium and all the shows right from our balcony.
We changed again and headed down for a snack before the tree lighting and cirque show. The acrobats were unbelievable and your eyes were glued to them the entire show. We headed to dinner after the show. You were talking about the new house during dinner and Fed asked if you were excited. You said “oh yeah! We are moving up!” After dinner we made smores out on the lawn.
This morning you slept in until about 8:45a so you missed Daddy. When you got up you called him and he asked what you are planning to do today. You told him you are going to the bike shop to get a water bottle holder! You were so happy to talk to him.
I was taking down Christmas decorations and bringing boxes in from the garage. You wrote Dad on your chalkboard then said “I want to make a person of Daddy” and you drew him.
When I came back in from the garage, I found you had your door shut to your room and I could hear that you had your Alexa blaring Vivir Mi Vida (which of course I loved). When I opened the door, you were sitting on your couch coloring with your new marker set. You came to the kitchen looking for breakfast. You opened the refrigerator and after checking everything out you chose milk, creamed corn, strawberries and grapes lol.
We took several laps around the block then you wanted to go to the bike shop to get your water bottle holder. We stopped at my office to pick up some papers and you told everyone about your bike. Yulia, the mail lady was there and you got to thank her for the gift she gave you. You opened the trunk of my car and showed your bike to Amanda, Scott and Yulia. As promised, we headed to the bike shop. You were starving but kept saying you didn’t want to stop at Whole Foods for a snack. I promised you that I wouldn’t buy any other groceries, just your snacks and you finally agreed. You got a slice of pizza and a charcuterie pack. You inhaled the charcuterie on the way to Village Bikes. They had a cute pink bell and a cage holder for your handlebars, but no water bottle cages that would fit your Yeti cup. We both those things and the clerk put them on the bike for you. While you waited you were checking out all the bikes. You started to get impatient and asked really loudly if your bike was done yet. The guy very politely said “almost young lady.” When he finished, you rode your bike around the parking lot for a bit and then we headed to Pop Cycles to see if they had a water bottle cage. On the way, you were eating your pizza and then fell asleep in the middle of it! I was dying. You slept about 45 minutes. When you woke up you said “it’s a good thing I took a little nap, now I don’t have to take a nap at home!” I was laughing because you never nap at home anymore lol. Pop Cycles was closed still from Christmas break so we headed to Ryder bikes. They didn’t have the water bottle cage either! So, we headed out to the rainbow car wash then got gas. You opened the gas door, unscrewed the cap and pumped the gas. You are always very interested in what is going on.
We went back home to ride some more. Daddy was home when we got home because he wasn’t feeling good. We rode from when we got home just before 5p until 7p. I only got you off the bike because I wanted to warm up the food for dinner. You ended up staying in and eating. After dinner, we went back out and rode and found Ms. Moe, Jack Daniels and the whole crew walking. You were riding by the guys and said “hey boys, watch this!” I love how you involve yourself in any conversation! We rode with them until 8:50p.
We are going to Gaylord Palms tomorrow with Aunt Deb & Fed. I set out my suitcase to pack. When I turned around you had it filled with all the things you decided you are bringing! There were 82829493 Toy Story people, your Polar Express train, the Olympic gymnast Barbie Grandma Weezie gave you for Christmas and your ice cream shop. I was cracking up laughing because there was no room to pack any clothes!
We headed to bed at 9:45p which was way later than I was hoping, but you snuggled and passed out in two minutes after I told you you have to get to sleep or we will miss the Gaylord.
You woke up this morning at 8:30am and immediately asked to ride your bike. It was freezing this morning, so I distracted you with your Toy Story characters. Daddy was playing clips from the movies and then you two would reenact them with your characters. He even played “Hay un amigo en mi” and you were trying to make Buzz dance flamenco!
After we played and had a snack, it was time to take down the Christmas tree. Unfortunately, I didn’t do a great job of watering it so it was extremely dry and it needed to go. This is the earliest I have ever taken a tree down! You weren’t too bummed about it and you helped take off all the ornaments.
Daddy took the lights off while we took your bike for a spin. I think we did at least 8-10 laps around the block then all of a sudden, you wanted to stop home “to take a break off.” You asked for a snack of “strawberries, pears and apples with peanut butter, but I want the apples, naked with no skin!” You pulled the chairs out to the driveway and sat there without moving until I got back! We ate our snack and when you finished, you wanted to ride some more so we took a few more laps.
I needed to go take a shower and you came inside with me. We got ready to go to Marina’s house for a fry party. Without hesitation, you jumped on Victor’s skateboard and with Daddy’s helping hand, you were catching on in no time! You played hard with all the kids and after dinner, you had nerf gun war with Victor & Daddy.
We went biking again when we got home. You showed your new bike to everyone who walked by. We stopped at home and Daddy was talking to Mike Bell across the street. You immediately wanted to go see Captain, but I told you he was already in bed. So instead, you showed him your bike, jumped on and showed him how you can ride. You were riding fast and went between the two of them and said “watch out guys, I’m coming in hot!”
We went inside and played a little then of course you wanted a snack. I made you a quick charcuterie plate while you watched some football with Daddy. When you finished, I asked to you to come to bed and you gladly gave Daddy a goodnight kiss and followed me down the hall. I showed you some videos from when you were 2 years old and you couldn’t believe it. You kept commenting on how curly your hair was lol. After that, you rolled right over and went to sleep. I think this new bike is wearing you out!!!
