7/7/21 – Just Feed Me Sugar!

You woke up in my bed at 6:15a telling me that I woke you up from your favorite dream (you talk about dreams you had the night before very frequently). I rubbed your back and whispered to you that we need to go back to sleep. You finally did and then didn’t want to get up when it was time!
So the hurricane was a flop and we hardly got any rain. Pirates & Mermaids camp was on today, so we got up and you were slow moving but we finally got out the door to camp. You were trying to wear your illegal leopard outfit again, but I told you that you needed to wear a tank top and shorts because of the painting projects at camp. You wouldn’t want to ruin your favorite outfit. You settled for packing the outfit, boots and leopard stuffy!

I picked you up from camp & you gave Ms. Lacey a huge hug before we left. We headed to my office for Spanish with Ms. Ida. You insisted on changing into your leopard outfit as soon as we got there lol. You told me at the office that “I want to stay this age. I have an idea. It’s not a good idea, but you should just feed me sugar and no vegetables so that I freeze at this age.”

On the way home, you said “this stupid Elsa rain needs to go away.” We had more rain the last two weeks than we did with the storm.

We went home to make shrimp & broccoli fettucine alfredo. You ate a ton and then we went for a bike ride and did 6 more laps. When we got back, I let you have a popsicle even though it was almost 9p. You did a performance for Daddy then we headed to bed. We read your Little Mermaid book and you were snoring in no time.

I love you so much!

7/6/21 – Hurricane Elsa

Hurricane Elsa was passing by today so theater camp was cancelled. The good news is we both got to sleep in! You finally got up around 8:30a so you had almost 12 hours of sleep, which you needed very much!

You decided you wanted us to get an octopus like Hank from Finding Dory. I thought you meant a toy or a stuffy, but you meant a real one lol. Your plan was to get one from the ocean and bring some sea water home & keep him in your sink. We decided to watch some octopus documentaries on TV so we could learn more about them. You were gathering “fun facts” all day! I had a closing and a quick consultation so we went to my office around 11am. Daddy closed his office early so he picked you up almost right away. You guys went home, played, had lunch and watched TV in my room. I closed my office at 3p and headed home.

We made tacos and Chrissy & Olivia came over. You guys played outside in the rain with you umbrella wearing rain boots. You changed from your “illegal leopard” outfit, to your nightgown, to swimsuit, to naked to your Halloween shirt and Frozen skirt all within about 5 minutes! You came back in the kitchen wanting a snack. When I came around the corner, you had the spatula from the taco meat pan and were shoving meat in your mouth in heaping piles lol. We went back to my bed and snuggled while we watched a little more “Octopus Information” shows as you call them. You had your arms wrapped around mine. I would definitely freeze you here if I could!

We ate early since I was home early, so I thought we would try to go to bed early lol. Around 8:15p we headed to your room to read books. After one Spanish Highlights book, we snuggled and you were out.

I love you so much!

7/5/21 – I Miss My Dog Harold

This morning you didn’t want to get up. I tried to wake you several times and you slept until 9:10a. We packed up to head out to the Pirates & Mermaids theater camp and Daddy kissed you goodbye. We saw Emily and Ashley Letarte when we walked in. You gave me a huge hug then sat by Emily to color as I was leaving. When I picked you up Ms. Lacey told me you were homesick today and really missed Harold. You also told Ashley on the way out that you love and miss Harry because he listens to you and stays by you.

We headed to my office to meet Ms. Ida for Spanish class. Benjamin and Hannah Berlin came too. When you guys saw each other you were excited and jumping around. When you saw Ms. Ida you ran up to her and gave her a huge hug. It was so sweet. You guys had fun, sang songs and danced around. I’m so happy you have the chance to keep learning Spanish with Ms. Ida and she was delighted with how much you all remembered!

When class was over there, there was a huge thunderstorm passing through. We headed home, made dinner and then when the rain cleared, Grandma Weezie had blueberry muffins for us that she made so I ran and picked them up. You ate all your dinner, had seconds and a muffin!! The weather the rest of the evening was gorgeous, so we rode 6 more laps to add to your miles for the 100 mile bike ride challenge. We came back inside, played a little bit, you made Daddy two cards, then we headed to bed. The last two nights I thought you would fall asleep early and boy was I wrong. I knew you wouldn’t last tonight! You were out without a book, meditation or music in 5 minutes.

I love you so much!

7/4/21 – Pool Fun!

After going to be so late last night, I thought you would sleep in a little today, but Bianca woke up around 7a and then came to my room around 8a asking me if you were up yet. I said no, she went to bed late last night so she will probably sleep in. She immediately ran to your room and woke you up. You said “turn the lights down, it’s too bright” but there were no lights on lol! You got up, you guys were playing, the house was mess but it was full of laughter which fills my heart. Daddy brought home donuts and I made pancakes. After breakfast we headed to the Meadows to swim. You guys were flipping, jumping, swimming and standing on shoulders all day long. It was tough to even get you out of the water long enough to eat lunch. Around 5:30p we headed home, took a quick bath, watched a movie and had dinner. Bianca headed home & we dropped Daddy off at Marina Jacks to do fireworks with Dave Sherrier and some people from work. You were looking droopy during the movie and in the car, so I assumed we would go home and watch a little tv then you would be out early tonight after two late nights in a row. Instead, you caught a second wind, ate charcuterie, applesauce & cottage cheese. I finally got to you to bed and asleep around 10:30p! I can’t believe it!!!

I love you so much!

7/3/21 – Fireworks & Fun Photos!

Daddy was up and out of the house before we woke up this morning because was getting his office painted and had to meet the crew there. When you finally woke up, we snuggled for a little bit on the couch then had to get ready to head to Katrina’s to take some 4th of July photos! After that we ran to Target to grab a few things before Bianca arrived. You love to do the self checkout so you can scan and pay for whatever we buy.

Bianca arrived and you guys had a blast playing before Grandma Noot & Zephyr came over so we could go to the Benderson fireworks. As we were pulling in the parking lot another wave of thunder storms went through. It’s been raining like crazy for 2 weeks, but it was dry all day except for 5-7p tonight. The good news is that once it stopped it was done for the night and the fireworks went off without a hitch. You had more sugar tonight than all you’ve had in the last year lol. Ice Cream, Kona Ice, cookies, brownies that Grandma Weezie dropped off and even a beignet! There was a 5k race going on and you & Bianca were cheering the racers on blowing your horns and giving them high fives! You guys had so much fun and when we got home, you played until midnight! I thought you were ready to sleep early because you were up late last night but you two kept going! When I finally got you in bed at 12 you asked me to read Time For Bed. You were out before the book was over and about half way through you looked at me and said “Mama, my eyes are tired so I’m going to close them and just listen to the book, but please keep reading.” You were out one second later. I finished the book (because you asked me to) before I kissed you forehead and went to my room.

I love you so much!

7/2/21 – Going The Distance!

Today was the last day of the Superhero theater camp week. You were so excited to go because there was a performance at the end of the day that Daddy & I could go to. Aunt Deb, Fed, Grandma Weezie, Grandma Noot & Zephyr were planning to come, but we found out there was a limit of 2 guests per camper and everyone was bummed.

When we parked the car, I could see you in the window waving to us. You were so happy we were there and you did a wonderful job! It was unbelievable to see you guys do improv, singing and dancing after just a week! I’m so happy that you enjoyed this so much. Everyday you flew out of bed excited to go. I have never dropped you off and left you anywhere except for school. I wasn’t sure how you would feel about this but from the first day you were basically pushing me out the door to go to work and settled in so nicely. I knew this was a wonderful place for you because of Fed’s experience with everyone there, but it did make me happy to see you so excited to go back each day. After the show, you asked to take a picture with Mr. Brian. It confirmed everything I was hoping – that this was a great fit for you!

When we left, we ran home to change and met Grandma Noot & Zephyr at Cheesecake Factory for an early dinner. You had fun with Zephyr and were super excited that you got a fresh squeezed orange juice with a side of cherries. You felt special – and you are! The waiter mentioned that the juice was $4.99 and asked if I still wanted you to have it. Every sip you looked at me and said “this is expensive so I’m going to drink it all!” Lots of time you order milk and don’t drink it because you just prefer water. But you slurped it down and you were super happy about it. You followed it up with cheesecake which you were also pretty happy about!!! After dinner we rode the elevators & escalators (as required lol) and of course you were glued to Daddy the whole time!

On the way home, there was finally a break in the rain (it’s been pouring for about 2 weeks now) and you wanted to ride bikes. So, you helped Daddy put air in our tires and we rode 6 laps around the block. You are in a 100 mile bike ride challenge for the summer from Guardian, the company that made your bike. If you ride 100 miles, they send you a prize and enter you to win a new bike! You were happy to cross off the circles on your chart and watch you get closer to your goal!

Daddy watched the Lightning game so you and I went to my bed to watch Incredibles 2. I thought for sure you would fall asleep during the movie because it was such a busy day! You not only stayed awake, but you told me you didn’t get anything to eat and you were starving! So, we grabbed some pretzels and finished Inside Out! I can’t believe you hung in for two movies. Daddy went to bed and you were hyper and squirmy. All of a sudden, you flopped yourself over to the foot of the bed and in 10 seconds you were snoring! What’s up with that?!?!!?

I love you so much!

7/1/21 – Mama, Your Turn!

You were sleepy this morning and not super interested in getting up lol. When you finally got dressed, you were scouring the fridge for your breakfast even though Daddy already made you eggs. We went to Michelle Adams office to meet one of her therapists to help make sure we are on track for school this fall. When I told you we were going to Michelle’s you asked if that’s where the turtle was (at Dr. Ordetx’s office) that you played with before. I told you that was a different office and I knew they would have cool stuff to do but I wasn’t sure if there would be a turtle. You were delighted to find that she had a swing in her office and you showed her how well you can swing while singing the days of the week in Spanish. She indicated that we are on the right track and suggested we play more non-verbal games like charades and Hedbandz. When we left we headed to theater camp and you were very happy to go there! After camp we went back to SaraFresh and you tried a PBJ smoothie, but you didn’t like it so instead you ate a charcuterie plate on the way to see Dr. Dan.

We hadn’t been to him in quite some time. He was astonished at how tall you have grown and how well you were speaking. The last time we were there you were afraid and wouldn’t really let him adjust you. Today you jumped right up and told him you wanted a back massage lol. You did great!!! Then you said, “Ok Mama, your turn! Get on that table!”

We stopped by Daddy’s office to say hi on the way to gymnastics. You were playing with Gabriella before class and you two were buddies most of the class. At one point, you looked up, realized Daddy was there and said “My Daddy’s here!!!” so excitedly. You are gaining more skills every week. Your strength on the bars is amazing and your cartwheel is almost there. You LOVE Coach Trey and he’s so good with you. I’m so happy that you are enjoying gymnastics again! I was worried for a minute that you were losing interest. The change in teachers has been perfect timing and has really helped reengage you.

We went home to have dinner and saw an awesome rainbow on the way! After dinner we went to check on the lot and see how close we are to getting a slab. You got your shoes really muddy which you thought was pretty awesome. I was a little less enthusiastic lol. We dropped Daddy off at Tom Chiappone’s house for man night. You really wanted to go in and tell Tom hi. I said no, but you jumped out of the car and followed Daddy in. You weren’t coming back out so I went in to get you. You were running in circles around their house and wouldn’t listen to me or Daddy. I got super frustrated and lost my cool. I walked you to the car and we didn’t speak for several minutes. You apologized and made me a card in the car. You called Daddy to apologize. I hate when this happens because I’m never exactly sure how to handle it and I know losing my cool isn’t the best way. I made sure to tell you I love you so much even if you make choices that aren’t great. I don’t know if being tired affected you or why you did that. You are seldom disrespectful like that. We went straight to bed when we got home and you were out quickly.

I love you so much!

6/30/21 – Blow The Horn!

You were slow to wake today and finally got up at 8am. You ate breakfast and watched a little bit of Bubble Guppies. We headed to theater and you were excited for pizza day!

After class, we picked up Grandma Weezie. We went to a late lunch at Ford’s Garage. You brought your markers and writing boards and we all played class while we waited for our food. You drew a picture and walked it over to the guys at the table next to us. You said “he looks sad. Can I give him a gift?” You made you drawings for our waiter then gave another picture to a random waiter who wasn’t helping us. Our waiter had your picture displayed on the bar wall and showed you. When we paid the bill, he took you behind the bar so you could blow the horn.

After dinner, we went to TJ Maxx & HomeGoods then dropped Grandma Weezie off at home. We went home and played until Daddy got home from the gym. He went to man night tonight for the Lightning game and we went with him. It was busy so it was a little late to be getting food, but you weren’t really hungry yet at lunch with Weezie, so I wanted to be sure you ate. You did great and then all the sudden got droopy. You climbed up in my arms and put your head on my chest. It was about 9:10p when we left and we went straight to bed when we got home. You were out before we finished one meditation.

I love you so much!

6/29/21 – Do You Want Me To Draw You A Picture?

You slept all night in your bed. While I was getting ready, you came running into my bathroom fully dressed including shoes because you were so excited to go to theater camp. You wanted to do your hair and put your own hair bow in. We were ready to go early so I told you we could stop for a donut on the way in. We ended up not stopping, so I promised we could go after.

When I picked you up, I asked you if you wanted to grab a juice at SaraFresh juice bar next to the Players. You were all chatty with the clerks and ordered a mermaid smoothie & loved it. We went to check on the lot. We finally got concrete today for our footers. They guys were working so we just drove by. We stopped to check out Indian Beach, but as soon as we got out of the car it started to rain so we got back in. You asked to go to the Publix with the escalator for a donut. You insisted on bringing your clipboard and markers in the store and you asked one lady at if she wanted you to draw her a picture. She was smiling ear to ear at you. You love using the self checkout to scan our items and weighing yourself on their huge scales.

After that we headed home and changed into matching whale shirts. We made pork loin for dinner, ate together and then watched some TV. When Daddy got home from the gym, you snuggled up with him immediately. We headed to bed to read books and do meditation. You were completely out by 9p. Camp is definitely wearing you out. You are very ready for bed which is unusual for you!

I love you so much!

6/28/21 – You’re In Luck!

This morning when you woke up you were excited chanting “I want to go to theater now!” because you were so excited about your first day of camp at the Players. You climbed in my arms on the bed and snuggled with me for probably 5 minutes, hugging me tight. I’ll take that everyday!!! You put Dance Monkey & Old Town Road on Alexa and danced around naked like a crazy girl!!! You love your new electric toothbrush and are now happy to brush your teeth 5 times a day lol. When we did your hair, I offered to take a stab at Raya hair and you were super happy about that! You had breakfast and we headed out to the Players. This was your first time in any camp and you were excited to go. When I dropped you off, everyone knew you were Fed’s cousin so they scooped you up and when I left you were comfortable and happy coloring at a table. That made me feel good!

I picked you up after camp and we ran to my office to grab my stuff. Auntie Marina was there and you shared some Ferrero Rocher chocolates with her and printed some funny papers on my computer. We ran to Publix with the escalator & covered parking because of the rain and then ran to Grandma Weezie’s to pick up the birthday cake she made for Daddy. On the way home, you told me it’s movie night and asked me what I wanted to see. I requested Toy Story. You said “you know what?!? You’re in luck! Movie night tonight is Toy Story!” We got home, made ribs for dinner and you and Daddy did some performances in the living room. We sang happy birthday, had cake and gave Daddy his gifts. We watched some Toy Story shorts then went to bed. We read a little Spanish and after 5 minutes of meditation turtle you fell asleep snuggling in my arms.

I love you so much!