Painting Pride

I made a judgement call and decided not to leave the crayons out in the easel everyday. Charley was drawing on the walls. It was really cute because she would color and then go get the Magic Eraser to clean it up. But as cute as it was, I didn't want her coloring the entire playroom. So we took down the easel and put away the crayons for use only under supervision. But yesterday I decided to let her try a painting project. She doesn't like her fingers dirty so I didn't know how she would like it. She loved it. She used up all the paint I had given her and asked for more.

It held her attention for so long that I got the dishes done and still had time to teach her colors while she painted. Today, she saw her painting hanging up in the kitchen and I could tell...

she was proud of her artwork!

SummerTime Blues

Why is it that at the beginning of every summer I visualize spending everyday outside? I should know by now that I am not a fan of heat and humidity! I try to plan outdoor activities for Charley's sake. She could do something different and burn off energy if only I could get myself out the door. With my need for sunshine, I should enjoy heading outside for a few rays of golden sun. But, it never fails, as soon as I start to get sweaty and my hair starts to frizz, I run for the air conditioning. We live 2 blocks from the beach and we have a summer pass, but it feels like such a nuisance to pack up all the towels, sunscreen, and toys. Especially when we usually can only stay for 2 hours. I complain when it's cold and I complain when it's hot. Why can't it be spring and fall all the time? Then I would spend everyday outside! :)

Dr. Visits

Sickness has permeated our house!! About a month ago, my healthy baby girl got sick for the first time ever. She had croup and a high fever that lasted a week. I thought that with summer right around the corner, we would be in the clear for a while and not have to deal with disease. Not so lucky!! Last week, Charley started developing these red bumps that itched her like crazy. I thought they were just mosquito bites, but after a few days, they developed blisters on top. They weren't chicken pox and we still have no clue what they were. As for me, I am now the sick one. I think it's strep because it started with a sore throat. I had a slight fever for a few days and now it's just a lingering sore throat and swollen glands. Hopefully the weather will warm up just little so I can air out this germ-infested house.

Poor Babies!

This past weekend, my baby had croup. She was having major coughing fits that had a bark to it. And she was running a high fever all weekend. I kept giving her dose after dose of Tylenol to keep her cool, but as soon as it started to wear off, back up to 102. It even spiked to 104.3 on Saturday night. To top off this weekend of sickness, my furry baby threw up on my parents carpet. 2 sick babies!

If Jeff and I don't get sick from this croup, it'll be a miracle.

Special Days in the Eyes of a Woman

So, Happy Belated Mother's Day to all the mothers out there. This day is one of five days that mean anything to us as mothers and women. Listen up men out there! The 5 days that you need to mark on your calendar/blackberry/iPhone are (in chronological order):

• Valentine's Day (February 14th)
• Mother's Day (2nd Sunday in May)
• Sweetest Day (3rd Saturday in October)
• Christmas/ Kwanzaa/ Hanukkah
• your gal's birthday (whenever)

I know what most of you men are thinking right now. You're thinking, "But she told us not to celebrate/ buy gifts for that holiday." R..I..G..H..T! As women, we're supposed to be humble and modest and not beg for gifts. But, how do you think that those first 3 holidays got started? Women wanted days dedicated just to them. We wanted to be admired, appreciated, and doted on. And how do we make sure that happens? By creating a special day. I don't care how often or how seriously your lady friend has told you that she "doesn't want to celebrate" or "don't buy me anything". If you don't at least get her a card, you're going to be sleeping in the dog house licking your wounds.

As for my mother's day, I wasn't expecting much. My husband is not the type to go-all-out. He's the type that usually forgets or it just doesn't cross his mind, that I would like a little something that shows his love and admiration. I definitely did not marry him for his attention to details. However, I was surprised that he had helped my daughter make me a card. He also cooked a huge dinner for me and my parents. I did the dishes, but sometimes I can't give up enough control to let him take over everything. ;)

Busy, Busy...

I know that it's been awhile since I've posted last. It's been pretty hectic around here. My parents left on vacation last Friday and I had to work for my mom. So... Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday was spent working, house-sitting, and dog-sitting. I'm back home now, but still dog-sitting until they get home on Sunday. As if having an 18-month old and a dog of our own wasn't enough, now we have another dog to care for. It's definitely been crazy around here, but it has made me realize that our dog is very well behaved.

Even more important though, this past Tuesday marked a huge day in my sweet Charley's life. It was her first day at daycare. It was only for the one day, but I was definitely anxious about her reaction to being left all day with someone who wasn't me. She was with a babysitter on Monday and I think it helped with the separation on Tuesday. It was wonderful that she was able to be babysat by a friend of mine who Charley knows and who also works at the daycare. I think I was more tense about the situation than I needed to be, but I'm glad that it's over and she did fantastic!

I did realize though that I don't want to find a job. I like staying home with my princess and feel blessed to have that opportunity.

My Funny Honey Bunny

So... This is sort of a continuation of the last post because I just had to write about what little Miss Charley did today. She came around the corner from the bedrooms and I saw her trailing something. I thought it was a shirt or blanket, so I turned around to grab my cup of coffee and when I turned back... I realized it was toilet paper!!! She had grabbed the end of the roll from the bathroom and dragged it down the hall and into the living room. Luckily I caught her before she could run too far, but I still had to roll the stupid trail of TP back onto the roll.

Oh, the funny things children do.

Here are a few other moments.

This is her evil-eye glare. She tilts her head down and looks at you through the edge of her bangs. It's like she's trying to threaten you.

And this made me laugh all day long. I got her jammies off and was trying to get her dressed, when she took off running around the house and giggling. Then she put on my shoes and was walking around with this little ensemble on.

Even when she does something wrong, I can't stay mad.

Laughter is the best medicine. And there is plenty of it around here.