8/6/21 – Meet The Teacher, Ms. Wolleon

This morning you were snoozing in your bed when I poked my nose in to put some laundry away for you, you started to flutter your eyes open. I said “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.” You said, “it’s ok Mom, I was already waking up.” Then you asked me to snuggle with you because you weren’t ready to get up yet. You laid there for a few minutes then came out to play with your Paw Patrol. I told you to get dressed because Carlos was coming and you did. You chatted him up the whole time he was cleaning and even wanted to get out our vacuum to help him! When he finished the living room, you grabbed the heating pad, plugged it in and were watching tv. I was cracking up.

We headed to JoAnn Fabric where you were hula hooping like a pro. On the way there, you were signing in your microphone, full blown concert style lol. We had about 40 minutes to kill before your Meet The Teacher started at school, so we stopped at Rico’s for a slice of pizza. You were giggly and smiley and I couldn’t get enough of you!!

Daddy met us at school and helped you find your classroom. It was decorated and set up so cute. Ms. Wooleon really went above and beyond to make all the kids feel special and welcomed. There was a scavenger hunt to help you find your mailbox, your bookbag hook, the classroom fairy door, the library and the reading tent. She made you a bag of jitter glitter with a super sweet poem and one for me taped to a pack of Kleenex! I couldn’t help but cry – tears of joy, excitement, and sadness that your preschool years are over. However, I’m so excited to see what is next to come. I know you will be amazing!!! Everything in the room looked wonderful and it felt like such a perfect place to learn. I can’t begin to tell you how much I have worried about where you should go to Kindergarten for several years. It was by far the most difficult decision we have had to make so far. I wish we could have seen the inside of the school sooner…it would have made our decision much easier. I hope we have found a school that will nurture you as you grow, challenge you to reach higher and reassure you that you are special and loved. After exploring the classroom, we headed to the cafeteria for an ice cream social. When we finished our ice cream, we explored the campus a little bit. We found the media room and met Ms. Blake, the school counselor. We talked with the PTO president and you signed your name on the volunteer sign up sheet. You seemed comfortable from the second we got out of the car, which of course helped me breathe easier.

  • Ms. Wolleon had my number!

We checked on the house on the way home There were a few trucks there and guys were working. You said “I know you’re happy those guys are working!” The first floor walls are almost finished! I’m so excited.

We ran home to change and head to the Meadows to swim. Daddy met us after work. You brought all your Paw Patrol pups and they all got to swim! You got to try out your new googles and you loved them.

We headed home just before 8p to shower and snuggle on the couch. You were sitting on my legs with both of my arms wrapped around you and you were holding both of my hands. I could sit with you like this for the next 20 years!!! Harold got in on the snuggles too! You laid down and said you wanted to sleep on the couch with Harry. It took some cajoling to get you to your room, but finally you came. I was trying to get you to snuggle with me while Daddy read us a story, but you weren’t hearing it. You wanted to snuggle with him. 10 minutes later you were out.

I love you so much!

8/5/21 – I Had To Shower So I’m Not Stinky For My Date With Grandma Noot Tonight!

We both slept until 8:30a & when we got up, the first thing you said was let’s go to storage to get my Paw Patrols! You quickly got dressed and brushed your teeth so we could look for the storage unit key. We found it and headed to the car to go get your Paw Patrol toys. We found a tiny frog hopping around, so that caused us a good 15 minute delay while you moved Daddy’s poker table, closet shelves and asked to “move this big machine” (the air compressor) to catch the frog! You weren’t successful, but I was able to get you to climb in the car and see what we could find. You found and opened the storage unit door and we excited to find your things quickly. We went home and played with the Paw Patrol, then you brought out Marble Run. I asked you to put the Paw Patrol away if you are getting out Marble Run and you said “No Mama, the Paw Patrols are here to watch a show about Marble Run!” I was giggling at that one!

Ms. Sandy arrived and we headed out to lunch. The second you opened the door to let her in you asked her if her shoulder is better. You chose Ford’s Garage and you proudly got the “clean plate award!” You flexed your muscles and kept telling her to “feel how strong” they are! We took her to the lot and you were happy to show her around. We also drove by Bay Haven. You excitedly told her you start school next Tuesday. Back at home, she played Marble Run and Paw Patrol with you. You were so happy to spend the day with her. All of a sudden, I heard water running, so I went into my room to check on you. You were in the shower (on freezing cold brrrr) and I said oooh I didn’t know you were in the shower. You said “I had to wash my hair and my body so I’m not stinky for my date with Grandma Noot tonight!” How sweet are you!!! You got your leotard on and we headed to gymnastics.

You did a great job stretching, but then you fell when doing a cartwheel and got really mad & lost your cool. Coach Brandon calmed you down nicely. Grandma Noot picked you up and when you saw her at the end of class you proudly told Coach “this is Grandma Noot!” She took you to California Pizza Kitchen and then to the mall to play. You told the waitress “we’re going to the mall if you wanna come!” You scammed her into cookies and pretzels after dinner & you got to play at the play area in the mall. Daddy & I had a dinner for his work. We got home a little after 9p & you were riled up! You got to tell us all about your date and then we headed to your room. Three minutes later you were snoring in bed!!!!

I love you so much!

  • Cheers!

8/4/21 – Great Explorations!

This morning, you finally woke up around 9:15a (your new favorite time lol).

It was super rainy all over the state so I decided to skip Legoland. We were meeting Lisa and Lucy Wallace so Lisa suggested we go to Great Explorations in St Pete instead. We did and it was so much fun. On the way there you were singing some made up Christmas Carols lol.

You enjoyed yourself and played so hard. You and Lucy played separately with your Moms for a little while, then you guys dumped us and ran off together. You two haven’t spent time together consistently and Lucy is a little shy, but you guys warmed up to each other nicely! I couldn’t believe you climbed to the top of the climbing structure right away – no fear at all!! It was so high!! There was a Publix store set up where you shopped and went through the check out. There was a beach, a medical exam area with a huge Operation game & X ray film reader, Vet clinic, Fire Station with real hose, pole, truck and fire jacket & pants. There was a wood fired oven where you could make pretend pizzas, Lego area, craft area and hurricane simulator. You gave a news cast where you could see yourself on TV which you were fascinated by. This was such a cool place. We haven’t been to anything like this since Portland in 2018! I’m so glad we found this!

We stopped next door at Carrabba’s for lunch. You insisted on ordering the same lunch as Lucy! The rain was coming hard, so they headed home after lunch. We stopped at Mazzaro’s Italian market just to have a look around. You chose a few desserts and we hit the road home. You were looking tired in the car. When we got home, you asked me to snuggle with you on the couch. I would NEVER pass that up!!!! I made dinner and Marcela stopped by. She brought you a cute purple purse and some silly socks for your first day of school!!

I thought after the day you had today you would pass out early, but that was wrong!! It was close to 10 when you finally fell asleep but you were happy to get to sleep in my room!!

I love you so much!

8/3/21 – Lobster Please!

It was again after 9a when you finally got up again today! You are really loving to sleep in! We had to sign a quick closing at work, then we went to pick up Grandma Weezie and took her to lunch at Brine to try the crab cakes. You decided in the car on the way there that you wanted lobster so you had the lobster roll and loved it. The waitress looked at me like I was crazy, but I would rather you be fancy than only eat chicken fingers!

We drove by the lot after lunch but didn’t get out because it was getting ready to start pouring rain! We stopped home, painted your nails and toes, then had to stop back at the office for a quick signing. While I was away, you used my phone to take a bunch of selfies and videos. When I found them when I got back, I was cracking up laughing! I immediately sent them to Daddy!

We were only there for a few minutes then we headed back to the County to get your passport! On the way home, we stopped at Publix to grab a few things for dinner. You brought your baby stroller everywhere we went today! We went home, cooked and had dinner.

I ran to the store for something while you stayed and played upstairs with Daddy. You wanted him to push you in the laundry basket. He jokingly offered to push you down the stairs in it. You worriedly warned him that you would bonk your head and be blooding. He pretended that he was going down the stairs in the basket and you came around the corner with a worried look on your face that he would get hurt!!! He was just joking but you were so lovingly concerned. I love that about you! When I got home, we headed to bed. You are very into your glow in the dark book and can’t get enough of it. You were wiggly and we had to “start over” because you were a little mouthy. When I came back to check on you, you apologized and asked to start over. I snuggled with you and you were out in 2 minutes.

I love you so much!

8/2/21 – Mom, Don’t Worry, It’s All Organic!

This morning, your arms and legs were wrapped all around me. You were sleeping so sweetly, I hated to move for fear of disturbing you. You slept until 9:15a. I was showered and working when you came out to the living room and announced “I’m awake Mama!” You snuggled with me for a few minutes on the chair and gave me so many kisses!

You ate breakfast, got dressed & we ran to my office for a quick closing. You poked your head in and said Hi to my client on a Zoom call while we waited for the closing to fund. As soon as we finished, we went to circus park to play. You were so happy to be there. I was surprised the equipment wasn’t too hot! There were a few other kids there, but you had most everything to yourself. When we finished, we stopped at the County to renew your passport. You chatted with the police officer who scanned our bags. You asked him if the fountain outside used to have water in it. You are often curious about things like this. He said yes and it used to have fish. You were so cute chatting with them. Daddy didn’t sign one page so we will have to come back.

We went to Whole Foods to grab food for dinner. While I was at the seafood counter, you were putting fruit in your reindeer basket. When I asked what you put in there you said “Mom, don’t worry, it’s all organic!”

I took you to my office to meet Daddy. He took you home to make dinner while I finished a late closing. You played kitchen and served pretend food on plates at the bar before you ate. When I got home you had just finished dinner and we’re watching a movie in my room. You asked me to snuggle with you, so I did for a few minutes. We talked earlier about making cookies tonight, but since you were watching the movie, I thought we would do it another time. When I came and and told you it’s time to go read books, you were really sad because you really wanted to make cookies… so we did! You went to bed later than I wanted but it was worth it!!

I love you so much!

8/1/21 – School Supply Shopping!

You slept until a little after 9a. Daddy & I were working on house plans when you opened the door and came out. You wanted to stay home and be naked all day. You were super interested in a home day today. I think the last few days have worn you out! I offered to take you to the Meadows, but you didn’t want to go. You put on PJs to match your baby. I eventually got you to get dressed (although it was a tank top, swim top and mermaid skirt) so we could check out the lot and grab lunch!

We came home, played marble run and a little while later, we ran to Target to do your school supply shopping! You got to check off each item from the list as we found them. You wanted to buy alllll the Sharpies!! We ate lunch late, but you claimed to be starving and wanted a burger, so we stopped at Five Guys to get you a burger. You told me you were going to tell Daddy you weren’t going to eat dinner, then surprise him that you already had a burger lol. You love joking like that!

When we headed home, we saw Ms. Moe and you jumped out of the car to chat with her. We grabbed our bikes and took a spin around the block with Captain chasing you. You two wear each other out! We went back in and watched a little TV before bed. You were out in just a few minutes!

I love you so much!

7/31/21 – Cookie Before Breakfast

This morning you slept until 9am and then came out to the living room to scare me! I was talking to Aunt Deb and you wanted to FaceTime her. Then you put on Secrets of the Zoo and ran to get the cookie we bought at Publix yesterday. You said “I have a question and I think you’re gonna say no.” I said “what?” You asked “can I have my cookie before my breakfast, lunch or dinner?” I said Sure & you were sooo excited! While you were munching on your cookie, Chrissy invited us to fancy breakfast so we packed up and jumped in the car and met them at Keke’s. You brought a placemat for both of you to use which cracked me up!

After breakfast, we headed to the Meadows to swim. Brooke Harris from Discovery Days met us there. You guys had so much fun playing, swimming and abusing the popsicle pool float. You guys went “back stage” to set up for your performance of “slippery fish!” We literally stayed all day! Around 6:30p you stood up and said “Daddy, we are going home!” I was surprised by that and you told me it was so you didn’t go to bed too late!

We showered, made dinner and watched a movie. You and “Baby Kyle” wore matching jammies. We headed to bed after the movie and read a bunch of books. You were squirmy and then finally snuggled up into my neck and started snoring! I’m glad you were asleep earlier than last night. With school starting in a little over a week, I’m trying to keep you on a good schedule.

I love you so much!

7/30/21 – I Caught The Froggy!

This morning you got up early and for once we weren’t late for theater!!! Carlos came early to clean and you ran out to tell him hello! You brought your baby to theater and went right in and weren’t worried about me leaving at all.

As soon as you saw Daddy, you ran up and kissed him even though you were supposed to be taking your place on stage. You got to choreograph and perform your own battle sword fight with Ms. Lacey. This was the last week of camp and your last performance of the summer. I wasn’t sure if you would enjoy this Star Wars themed week as much, but you really had fun! Daddy brought you roses and gave them to you after you took your bow.

After the performance, he went back to work and you I went to Discovery Days to pick up your portfolio. Three years ago today, you started preschool, and now we close that chapter. I was very emotional about it while you were just happy to see the teachers and some of your friends. We ended up staying over an hour and you had so much fun! When we left, you asked for a donut so we went to Publix. You ended up choosing a cookie instead. While we were shopping you decided you actually wanted ice cream. You were prepared to put your cookie back! I told you to get it and eat it tomorrow! We stopped at Southern Creamery and shared an ice cream before heading home.

We stopped home, packed bags, put on swimsuits and headed to the Meadows. Daddy met us there after work and we ate dinner there. You found a frog which you tried to put in a ziploc bag and bring home as a pet!! You had a blast jumping and playing with Daddy. We stayed until the pool closed at 8:30p! We showered and watched an episode of Secrets of the Zoo. We headed to bed (you wanted Daddy to come with us to snuggle) way later than we should have but you were out by 9:45p.

I love you so much!

7/29/21 – Did You Get My Mass-age?

I tried and tried to wake you up this morning. I about had to just pick you up!! Finally, around 9:15a you finally got up. We were about 20 minutes late to camp again! Even with going to bed early, we are still running behind in the morning. You walked right in, put your stuff down and started to color. I felt so much better since you were happy.

I picked you up from theater and stopped by the office because Christen made you a mermaid skirt. At first you were shy and didn’t want to say thank you to her, but then you ran to the conference room and put the skirt on. You went to her office, twirled around and gave her a hug and thanked her.

After we left the office, you wanted to go to Il Panificio for cheese pizza. When you placed your order, the guy working remembered you from the last time we were there & you gave him a thank you note with your name on it. He asked you “is your name Giovanna?” You were so excited that he knew your name! You ate (inhaled) your pizza on the way to gymnastics. Christen gave you a piece of bubble gum when you were in the office. You wanted to try the gum so I let you. You are now able to flip over on the bar by yourself!!! You are really progressing.

On the way home, Cheryl, Chrissy & Olivia were driving in the lane next to us. We honked and rolled the window down to say hi. Chrissy called us and so we decided to meet at Ford’s Garage for dinner. Daddy called and you said “Hey Daddy, did you get my “mass-age”? We are at Ford’s Garage, I’m just sitting on this bench! Come meet us!” You and Olivia played and ate and had fun. After dinner, we took Olivia to our house to play for a few minutes while Chrissy ran some errands. You guys did dot markers and chalk. Chrissy picked Olivia up and we headed to to your room to read books. You wanted to snuggle and we read a few 5 minute stories and then you said “I need to close my eyes” and you were out in a few minutes. It was 8:45p and you were sleeping so sweetly.

I love you so much!

7/28/21 – Bacon Is My Favorite Kind Of Eggs

Although you went to bed early, you still didn’t want to get up this morning. Finally I was able to wake you at 9:15a. You told me “I’m not going to theater until Friday because I already know the battle sword fighting!” I finally got you up and running but we were a few minutes late to theater lol. In the car on the way to camp you said “I’m hungry. You didn’t give me any breakfast?” I handed you your scrambled eggs and you said “bacon is my favorite kind of eggs! Thank you so much Mommy, you are the best. You made sure I have breakfast!” Today was an easy drop off at theater and you were ok with me leaving!

You wanted to grab a “milkshake” (actually a superfruit smoothie) after theater so we did. When we were leaving you wanted to sit and have a picnic lol. You wanted to go home and bring Harry back to the smoothie store. I told you they were closing so you settled on taking him to Fruitville Park to play.

Both you and Harry were hot and tired, so we headed home to cook. While I was cooking, you did and “experiment” (which you were calling an experinece lol) where you combined milk and strawberries to taste and water with apricots. You determined the milk was gross and the water was good, all at the expense of my organic ingredients lol!!!

After dinner, we took a drive by the house to check progress. You were excited to help Daddy take measurements and you wanted to climb on the stacks of blocks! When we got home we headed to bed to read. I read 6 books, then you were starving so you got up and brought 3 cheese sticks to bed. We read some more, then you asked Daddy to “please deliver toast bread to me in bed” which we both said no to. Then you conned him into coming into your room and read you more stories. You squirmed a few minutes then rolled over, hugged Daddy’s legs and fell asleep. It was so sweet.

I love you so much!