This morning you didn’t wake up & come to my room until 6:30am! You were giggly & not going back to sleep even though I wasn’t ready to get up yet lol. Daddy tickled you & you guys rolled around on the bed for a bit then you showered with him. I love watching you guys play and be silly together.
After he left for work, you were eating breakfast & I was curling my hair. You asked me to play Bamboleo and told me you wanted me to dance with you. You told me to put down my curling iron so I could use both hands to dance. You love to dance and the early version of a Salsa dance you call “1, 2, 3” because we go forward 3 then back 3 & I try to spin you when you will let me! For a second, I just paused, soaking up how much you wanted me to dance with you and how special moments like this are. I am keenly aware that someday I will remember this exact minute and long for this, a time when you would drop everything to dance together. It was so light and fun and special. I loved it!!!
After your songs, you wanted to do Lingos. I told you to eat your breakfast & you said “how many bites?” I said 3. You said, “ok Mama I can do 3 bites! No problem!” You are constantly negotiating. It cracks me up, but also makes me wonder how this skill you are honing will benefit you in the future.
On the drive to school, you wanted to wear a mask & wore it into school. Silly goose! Of course, we had to wait until the Frozen song we were playing was over before we could get out!! You had a great day today & Ms. Sandy sent me a cute picture of you on your way home from school.
When I got home, you & Daddy were upstairs watching Toy Story, sitting at the pub table eating popsicles. You guys are so cute together. You were also sitting on your new Frozen couch and trying to get Harold to sit with you. We eventually headed down to do Kids Lingos and one Itailian Lingo. We listened to music (of course you asked for Hay Un Amigo En Mi & Bamboleo) and then we just snuggled. Shortly, both you & I were sleeping!
You came to my room around 12:30 crying. When I held you and hugged you you cried “I want Daddy!” So you snuggled up with him & went right back to sleep. When it was time to get up, you quickly did your jobs & then while I was drying my hair you were eating breakfast and working on your cutting projects.
When Ms. Sandy picked you up today, she surprised you & brought Harold! You were so excited you ran fast to the truck & gave him a huge hug! I’m not sure who was more excited, you or him!! lol.
You were snuggling on the couch, watching a movie before you started playing with bubbles when I called Ms. Sandy on my way home to tell her we wanted to take you to DaRuMa, now that things are starting to open back up again. Of course you were super excited about that, although a little drama unfolded about which dress you could wear to dinner. You were definitely starting to get hangry!!! We had a lovely time at dinner and Chef Junior, who loves you, hooked you up with all kinds of special treats. You asked if we could walk to the shops after dinner, so we did. On the walk, you were stopping to catch lovebugs, holding them gently in your hands & talking to them so sweetly. It was so sweet. I guess bug week at school really turned you on to bugs!!!!
When we got home, you insisted on all of us having dessert, so you passed out popsicles and ice cream sandwiches before heading off for Kids Lingos and snuggles. You were a little wiggly, but fell asleep in my arms. When I first went to put your head on the pillow you grabbed my arm and didn’t want me to leave. I assured you, I will be right here for you… Don’t worry little love.
I woke up at 3am and you were snuggled up with Daddy, looking like twins, so I snapped your picture. Once you were up, you were happy to do your jobs then play with your Buzz & Woody on my bed while I finished getting ready. On the way to school, you love looking at me in the rear view mirror, now that your seat is forward facing. When my eyes meet yours in the mirror, you get the biggest smile on your face and I just want to freeze you in time right there. I hope you ALWAYS love me like that…with that look in your eyes. I know I will always love you that way!
At school you were counting, grouping & patterning with eggs and birds, exploring insects & their habitats and played a game of “insects in the garden” with Eli!
I came home from work a little early & you ran around the corner, jumped into my arms yelling “I’m in the same clothes Mama! Today is Day 7!!!” We immediately went to my closet to get your new Elsa dress that you earned! You helped me prep short ribs We took a ride around the block in your car. You talked to everyone we walked by and asked a new couple we haven’t met if you could pet their dog. You are NEVER shy about asking to pet a dog!!!
I’m in the same clothes Mama! Today is Day 7!!!
When we got back, Daddy was pulling in the driveway after work. You sprung out of your chair to run to show off your new Ice Powers to him! After you wowed him with your magic, we had dinner, built an ice castle of of dining room chairs in the kitchen, then we all snuggled on the couch with a Popsicle, and watched about 30 minutes of Brave. When the time was up, we went to your room, did a few Lingos and I fell asleep with you! It’s been a busy week (last few actually) and I might have even fallen asleep before you!!!!
We had a great day. I enjoyed watching your face light up knowing you achieved your goal. I’m proud of you. I know there are a million more things you will do in your life that will be great accomplishments. I’m honored to be able to slow down and watch these tiny ones stack up. You are an amazing little girl and you will become an unstoppable, unshakable woman, I’m certain of that.
You came to my room “early” last night – around 1:30am or so. Lately, you have been afraid that Alexa will turn the shower on. I’m not sure where that came from or why it is so scary to you, but it started a month or so ago. You climbed in to bed, crying hard, but settled instantly and went right back to sleep. You were super worried that if you peed in your night pants it would make you start over at Day 1 for earning the Elsa dress. Once I assured you that night pants don’t count, you calmed down! On the way to school, you ate your sandwich and sang Frozen songs, all while using your portable fan.
When I walked in the door after work, you ran up to me and jumped into my arms screaming “No Pee Accidents! It’s Day 6!!!!!!” You are sooooo ready for the Elsa dress! You were “cooking” for your unicorn pinata and then you helped me make the marinade for lamb chops. You ate 2 chops like a champ – you call all meat like that “steak” no matter what type of meat it is lol. You crack me up! You practiced cutting while I was cooking and ended up scratching the side of the dining room table because you were “cutting” it. SO we took a time out and you apologized profusely. Today you tried a new kind of Icelandic yogurt which you loved so much you wanted to go to Whole Foods to get more. So, we hopped in the car and went. You were so happy that we did! You selected all of the produce & watermelon popsicles and put all the groceries on the belt. When it was time to pay, you put my credit card in the machine and typed my code. I cannot get over how capable you are. You are extremely polite to the cashiers and baggers and always chat with them. We are regulars so many of them recognize you. As I always say, you are the mayor of everywhere!
We unloaded the groceries when we got home & without discussion, you headed to your room to do Kids Lingos. It took you an hour to fall asleep, but you were great when it was time to turn off the lingos and you read from your Spanish book for a bit. You snuggled and kissed me a hundred times. I absolutely adore you!
This morning, we both slept in again until 8:15. I woke up to you snuggled up next to me with your arm around me again. You gave me a ton of kisses and kept hugging me. We got up, made waffles and bacon and fruit (your favorite breakfast) & while I was cooking you ran down the stairs yelling Mommy!! Mommy!! You were so excited to bring me my Mother’s Day card. You were very proud that you wrote your name in the card & that you licked the envelope to keep it closed. We delivered fancy breakfast to Grandma Weezie and she gave us carrot cake she baked. Cake is definitely your new jam, so you were ready to tear into it immediately! When I was getting ready & curling my hair, you “made” me curl yours too. I was like girl, you have curls for days… the last thing you need is a curling iron lol. Then, I promply curled your hair lol!
While we were waiting for Grandma Noot to come over, we were playing in your room with your tool table. You also helped Daddy replace batteries in your turtle light & told me how much you love the music & need to keep it (it was in a bag of baby toys to be sent to storage but you recovered it lol). You danced and shared cake with Grandma Noot before we headed out to Siesta Key.
We had lunch at The Hub – our first restaurant experience since the COVID-19 closures almost 6 weeks ago. It was so great to be back in that environment with live music and the relaxing feel of the key. We walked through the village & tried to stop at Gidgets, the store you always get mermaid stuff at, but they required anyone entering to wear a mask & if you didn’t have one, they wanted to sell you one. W e thought that was ridiculous so we left (some places have asked people to wear masks but all have provided at no charge) and headed to the public beach access to play in the sand for a little bit.
You had a blast & were covered in sand in no time. You sat in the sand and packed it into your dress, pulling up between your legs to mimic a full pee diaper. You were cracking yourself up so hard. I was at least prepared this time & brought your swimsuit. At first, you were reluctant to change because I asked you not to get your entire body wet if you wanted to go for ice cream after the beach because I didn’t bring a beach towel. You told me you I shouldn’t have brought your swimsuit because it is for getting wet lol. You had a blast jumping the waves, splashing around & playing in the sand. We walked back to the village to get ice cream. You have never had anything but vanilla or chocolate, because I always avoid food coloring dyes and extra sugar, but today you wanted cherry, so I let you try that. You wanted the sprinkle dipped waffle cone – also something I have never allowed. You hit the jackpot today!! Waffles for breakfast, Carrot Cake right after then ice cream in a sprinkle waffle cone!!!! The smile on your face said it all!
In the car on the way home you had a lot to say about how the store clerk wasn’t very nice & that we aren’t going to talk to her anymore. Listening to this, and all the stories you are telling now, is hilarious. Your awareness is very heightened and there are no more options to talk about something in front of you without you participating in the discussion! But, this is just crazy – these times – where a little kid is even aware of a mask. I can’t wait for this to pass.
When we got home, you ran inside and before I could unload the car, your dress was off, you were “packing up” all your ducks from the bathtub and moving them to my shower so you could clean up. We ran to Whole Foods after our shower & stopped by to say hi to Grandma Weezie on our way home. You had a lot of stories to tell her and her neighbor about the beach & all the fun you had today. In the car, you had a small handheld fan that Grandma Noot gave you at Easter. You asked me if I needed some fan and offered to blow it on me. I told you how proud I am of you for always being so considerate and concerned for others. I love “catching” you do good things and praising you for them. You really do impress me and make me so proud.
Especially on Mother’s Day, I’m very aware and grateful for the honor to be your Mom. I’m equally in awe of how much you teach me when it’s supposed to be my job to teach you. This was the most perfect Mother’s Day I could have imagined. You are amazing and I completely adore you.
This week was a tough week and I was exhausted. I NEVER sleep in, but this morning, both you and I slept until 8am. Daddy woke up before us and snuck in and snapped a photo of us snuggling. When I woke up, we were facing each other, you had your arm around my shoulders and neck and I had my arm over your belly. You are the best snuggler in the universe. I know that one day, this just won’t happen again, and I won’t know when the last time is, as it is happening…and that frightens me. I’m terrified of missing something, forgetting a feeling or a memory. You mean the world to me and I would love to freeze this period in our lives.
We got up and snuggled on the couch. You love to eat on the couch, so you had a banana. I baked a batch of cinnamon rolls as a surprise and you were super happy about that! We watched a little TV, then went to take a bath. We walked the block to get the mail, you snack surfed in the refrigerator and then you ate lunch on your couch that you had on Daddy’s chair. You took your couch outside so we could play Uno then you were going to nap in the sun. You set up all the tables around you and had Daddy’s fan blowing on you. I was like…G it’s 5pm, it’s too late to nap lol! You and Daddy worked on your cutting and gluing workbooks & then we had dinner.
We went for a bike ride and you wanted to go 4 or 5 laps! I thought we might wear you out, but you had tons of energy lol. We chatted with Ms. Moe for a while and Captain came by & gave you tons of kisses. Daddy got the kite out and you were so happy it was flying high because it was windy. You disappeared and returned with an ice cream sandwich. You offered it to Ms. Moe, but she passed so you ate it. When we headed home you walked next to Daddy, holding his hand. It was the sweetest thing ever. We never left the house today, never went blueberry picking, never did the giraffe driveby, never went to the beach…but we had a full day of fun being together. Slow motion…which doesn’t happen often, so I treasure it when it does.
We headed to your room to do 2 Italian Lingos. When we finished I asked if you wanted any music and you said “no, Mama, I just want to snuggle with you and tell you a story.” My heart melted. You were out in 10 minutes. I can’t say it enough. I LOVE our bedtime routine. I love spending slow, snuggly, quiet time with you. I love watching you drift off to sleep. I love that you always put your legs on top of mine, then squeeze your feet between my knees. I love that you know I will always be available to comfort you, day or night. I love you. I love that I am your Mom. I love that you need me, that you want me, that you kiss me out of the blue, that you know my job is to keep you safe.
This morning, I got up early to get ready and get you packed because I had to get to work a little earlier than usual. When I got out of the bathroom, you were all snuggled up with Daddy on his side of the bed. Next thing I know, you took your night pants off, threw them on the floor and laid in bed pretending to sleep with a huge grin on your face lol. You are sooo silly sometimes. You woke poor Daddy up early.
You moved fast this morning doing your “5 jobs” as you call them – brushing your teeth, brushing your hair, getting dressed, eating breakfast & getting in your car seat. Today was Teacher Appreciation Day at school, so we gave gifts to your teachers. I picked you up and you absolutely ran to my arms. You were so excited to see me through the front gate. You couldn’t wait to tell me that you were in your same clothes because you didn’t have a pee accident! You told Ms. Marian all about your Frozen dress with “ice powers” in it that you will earn when you make it 7 days without an accident! You told her it has a battery right here (pointing at your lower back) and if you have a pee accident it will go “buzz buzz” and zap you!! She was cracking up laughing. You had been doing so well, but since the disruption with the coronavirus, you have had more trouble listening to your body.
You made me a Mother’s Day gift and you told me “hurry up Mama, you can open your really cool gift in the car. It’s beautiful, I made it!” You helped me open it & said “it’s something that I made that’s cool, it’s something special that I made for you and Daddy, not just you but Daddy too. Here’s an example of what I did. I painted all of this!” You said this is lever (lavender) inside of here….You painted a jar with flowers and there was a lavender satchel inside. You were right, it was very special and very cool!
“hurry up Mama, you can open your really cool gift in the car. It’s beautiful, I made it!”
We headed to my office & of course you made the rounds visiting the girls. Chrissy met us there and took you home to play with Baby Olivia while I finished my last closing. You were cracking up laughing at how cute Baby O’s outfit and sunglasses were. On the way to our house in Chrissy’s car, you were wearing Baby O’s headband (keeping it “safe” for her) and singing Rudolph. At the house, you were showing O how to play the drum, kick you soccer ball & ride your scooter. You had so much fun. When I got home, we made pizza & you played with O. They left so she could go to bed & we went on a bike ride to check the mail. We went inside, cleaned up your toys and did three Kids Lingos and two Italian Lingos. We listened to Toy Story 3 soundtrack & you were snoring in no time. We had a really fun day.
When you came to our room at 4:30am, you stood on the bed and said “Daddy, can I snuggle with you?” You curled up next to him and immediately went back to sleep. I woke you up at 7:30am and you pulled the covers back up to your neck and said, “Mama, I need to relax for a few more minutes!” I was dying….
“Mama, I need to relax for a few more minutes!”
You had a dentist appointment with Dr. Mac. Because of the COVID precautions, I couldn’t go back with you, but of course you weren’t bothered by that. You went back and charmed everyone, like always! They came to get me when you were finished and showed me the X-rays (first ones ever) that they took today. Dr. Mac said, whatever you are doing, keep on doing it because your teeth are perfect! You scored a few prizes and bracelets (although I’m sure it’s supposed to be one per kid lol) & left with a bag full of goodies! I took you to school and you had a great day. You were SOOOO excited to see me when I picked you up. We ran to Whole Foods to grab a few things and at the entrance there was someone asking if you would like a mask. You piped up “Sure! I want a mask please!” You were happy to wear it although it was way too big for you lol.
We headed home to change and pack up to go to the private beach with Grandma Noot. We picked up dinner and brought it to the beach to have a picnic. You played in the sand and water, even though with the breeze we thought it was chilly…you didn’t mind at all. You took your swim bottoms off almost immediately to rinse the sand out in the shower, and I never could get them back on you lol. Good thing there were hardly any people at the beach! We stayed and played until sunset, which was stunning. Then, just as I was saying let’s pack up to go, you darted to the water and jumped in!! I didn’t bring a beach towel, because I didn’t think it was warm enough to swim… rookie mistake Mom! When we finally headed back, you rinsed off in the shower before getting in the car. The whole way home you were chatting with Grandma Noot. When we were unloading the car at home you said, “I like going to Longboat Key Mom!” I don’t think we ever said Longboat Key today. Grandma Noot said you saw the sign. You never cease to amaze me with what you know and pick up. I am in awe of you.
“I like going to Longboat Key Mom!”
I ran a bath and got as much sand out of your hair and off your body as possible. We headed to bed for 3 Kids Lingos and you were snoring shortly. What a fun, fun day. I’m so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have these unplanned days and special times with you. Through all the craziness and lack of routine through the COVID situation, you have been a happy, flexible, adventurous little girl. I’m proud of you and how resilient you are. You haven’t complained about missing gymnastics or being home so much more. You have gone with the flow, been patient with Daddy and I taking work phone calls and have been a bright spot during this chaotic and stressful time. I hope you have never felt ignored or back burner as we have had to adjust to working from home more than before. I have always tried hard to be present when I’m with you and leave work at work, until you were in bed. We have had to adjust that for the last 6-8 weeks or so. I admire how you have adapted. Once again, you are teaching me…when I should be teaching you. Thank you so much for your patience with me.
This morning, I laid on the bed next to you, rubbing your forehead to wake you up. Daddy was playing Wake Up Everybody on Alexa and came out to dance next to the bed and try to wake you up. You told me you didn’t wanna go to school you wanted to have a “stay at home day.” Me too girl… me too! You finally picked your outfit and you were adamant about bringing your new glow in the dark necklaces with you. You ate breakfast on the way to school and we had to sit in the parking lot for a bit while you finished your sandwich and Frozen songs in Spanish, in the front seat of my car! You were signing “Let It Go!” out of my car window with great excitement!
Ms. Sandy was out again today, so I picked you up from school again. When you climbed into the car, I was on a Zoom call with Marina, Jackie & Amanda and you got right up to the phone to tell them all hi!!!! Of course, they were all cracking up. We went home, you immediately took your dress off and were climbing all over me on while I was on the call. Fortunately, everyone has been understanding as many people are working from home now, and kids and dogs pop into webinars and video calls. Then, you worked on your tracing project that you brought home from school. I was on my call, sitting at the table, and you said “don’t worry mama, you can talk on your phone and I will trace my letters!”
Chrissy & Baby Olivia came over. You love to play with O and you love to show her all of your toys. Sometimes, you try to tell her “how” to play with the toys… We had dinner and then played outside. We went for a walk around the block. You were riding your bike & Olivia was pushing the cart. When we got back, you pulled out your scooter and then you wanted to give Olivia a ride. I wasn’t sure it was the best idea, but Chrissy was game! You both had a blast. It was getting late, so Chrissy needed to leave to put Olivia to bed. Neither of you wanted to be done with the scooter, but Olivia especially was pointing at the scooter and crying! Poor thing! We headed inside to play a little more an then head to bed to do Kids Lingos and watch Mr. Steve read another book online. You rolled over and asked me to “turn Mr. Steve off so I can go to sleep.” You were a little wiggly for a bit and then you rolled over and went to sleep.
You did NOT want to get up this morning. You wanted to stay in bed and snuggle. When you were eating breakfast, you opened your last birthday gift from Lisa & Rafe Sessa. It was a snowflake necklace with a pearl inside and a necklace with a tiny bottle of sand & shells – both glow in the dark. Tonight, when you realize that you are going to be excited. You picked your outfit today – twirly dress, yoga pants and matching sneakers, for a change!!!
When we got to school, you asked if we could sit in the car to finish listening to the Toy Story song before going in. You climbed in the front seat and were very happy about that! You brought your seashell jewelry box with your necklaces in the car even though you couldn’t bring them into school. When we were walking up the gate, you said “when you get back in your car Mom, please call Ms. Sandy and tell her that you will pick me up and not her” so that you would get to your seashell as quickly as possible!!!
Ms. Sandy was sick so I did pick you up from school. I was on a Zoom coaching call with Marina & Jackie. You saw Marina and leaned into the video and said hi to her. Everyone was cracking up at you. We met Mr. Steve to give him new books and get the first batch we loaned him back. You climbed into the front seat to talk to him and had a blast. Then, we picked up Grandma Weezie & took her to Shake Shack to get a milkshake. We shared one and you were of course, right up front, chatting up the worker! You showed her your new necklaces of course.
We dropped Grandma Weezie off at home and ran to Publix to get stuff to make tacos tonight. We talked to Grandma Noot on the way to the store. You asked to face call & when she answered you said “are you at the private beach?” lol you are too much!! While we were shopping, we ran into Ms. Jenny. You were so happy to see her & when we walked away you said “Ms. Jenny is my favorite.”
We made tacos & watched Toy Story 3. Grandma Noot brought Tres Leches & chocolate cake and you had some of each. THAT is a LOT of sugar for you!! We headed to bed a little late because of the movie. We watched Mr. Steve read The Magic is in You & then we went to sleep. No Lingos tonight. You were so excited that he was reading one of your books.
I love you so much!
Scammed Chocolate Cake from Gma Noot!
New Glow in the Dark Necklace from Mr. Rafe & Ms. Lisa!
