Tutus

We've spent the majority of this afternoon spinning. C insisted that I wear this pink tutu. It fits (rather snugly) around my thigh.

I love this girl.

The Girl Can Grill

I realize I sound like a 1950's housewife when I say this, but I have never used the gas grill...ever. I cook every single day, but I never leave the kitchen.

I've always been a little intimidated by it, but more than anything, there has always been someone to do it for me. Both my dad and Husband love to grill, so why would I need to? It's always been a break for me when Husband wants to grill dinner.

Well, Sunday night, we got home from a weekend at the lake just in time for dinner and Husband had to go into the office. It was so pretty outside, I just couldn't be stuck in the kitchen. So, I let C and Banks run around the back yard and I turned on the grill. 

I actually googled how to grill a chicken breast... and then I did it!

It's a little sad how excited I was. I texted photos of my beautifully grilled chicken to my parents and to Husband. 

Even more exciting? The picky toddler ate every bit of chicken off her plate. 

I feel pretty accomplished. It's the little victories, right?

Soaking It Up

We are coming off of a birthday month high, filled with sweet friends and family, new toys and clothes, and fun outings all in the name of turning TWO. 

Cousins watching Tangled

Wesley outnumbered by the girls

Playing her new piano

Loving her new "princess castle" (aka house)

Two is such a special age. Every day is completely different. She says new words and phrases each day, surprises us with her comprehension (and repetition), and does more and more independently, like climbing the ladder to her slide all by herself. We still have to keep a close eye on her all the time as she lacks fear. She will climb on anything, jump off of everything, and stand on top of a pile of toys she has carefully stacked into a personal platform.

The other day, I was on the phone with the pediatrician trying to schedule her two year old check up. As I verified our insurance and turned around to C echoing "Blue Cross," I found her in the middle of our table, eating a banana she had just gotten from the bowl and peeled.

She keeps me on my toes.

I'm still finding it difficult to believe C is actually two, but then she kindly reminds me with one of her epic tantrums. She is certainly stubborn (a trait she gets from both Mommy and Daddy) with a flare for the dramatic (a trait for which I will have to claim responsibility); and not getting her way often results in a show.

This past week in Kindermusik, everyone was sitting quietly in a circle for story time. C was spinning around in the middle of the circle saying, "weeee. It's fun." In her defense, the activity immediately preceding story time was dancing and playing sand blocks to music. Still, I grabbed her and tried to make her sit still in my lap.

She was not a fan.

When she started to do that toothpick/noodle trick that makes toddlers impossible to hold, I picked her up and took her in the hall to have a chat. We talked about the importance of listening and following directions. When she continued to pitch a fit, I sat her in a chair at the end of the hall, told her she was in "time out" and walked around the corner. 

She said, "bye!"

We went back in the room, got our things, and left.

I refuse to be the mom that lets her child disrupt an experience for others, whether it is a music class or a meal. I was so embarrassed, but I know it's just a part of being two. Plus, it's hard to be mad at her when she looks at me with arms outstretched and says, "Mommy hug."

Tantrums aside, two is pretty fun. Everything is a lesson. Everywhere is a classroom. C is a sponge, soaking up everything we say and do. Watching her learn really is gratifying. Knowing her personality is a direct result of your genetics and your actions rolled into one not only makes you feel pretty great about yourself (when she copies the good traits, of course), but also holds you accountable to the little things you do or say without realizing it. She is a tiny mirror, reflecting the good and the bad, and reminding me to touch up the imperfections on a daily basis.

Spring is finally trying to make its grand entrance and we are loving the weather! Our days are spent mostly outside, either in our back yard or at a park. She asks, "outside?" as soon as we come downstairs in the morning. 

I'm just so thankful for my little sunshine. I had the worst day a couple weeks ago trying to renew my car tag. It was ridiculous. I waited in line for 5 hours, had my info checked twice while in line, and, when I finally made it to the counter, was told (with attitude) I needed my car title, Husband's car title, and my marriage certificate (in addition to the huge file of paperwork I brought with me) in order to renew. I went home with nothing. I was so mad, I couldn't even write about it. I'm still mad. But then, I walked in the door and heard, "Yay, Mommy!" She ran and gave me the biggest hug; and suddenly, I didn't care about my wasted day or the incompetence of Jefferson County. I was just glad to be home.

That's the magic of parenthood. It is rewarding every day. Sure, there are days that are harder than others; but I cannot imagine our lives without C. After a day like that, I used to crave happy hour and a dirty martini. Now, I crave snuggles and Play-doh time. I crave peek-a-boo. I crave a fuzzy blanket and Finding Nemo with my girl. I crave a tiny, sassy, little girl brushing my hair, jumping on my bed, and asking me over and over again if I want to go outside. Her existence makes my days brighter. I just breathe and try to soak it all in, try to memorize her scent, try to commit her little speech imperfections to memory, to cherish how easily she still fits in my lap, my head resting perfectly on hers. 

Life is good.

Party Girl

There is nothing more fun than watching your child run around and play with bubbles with a room full of her toddler friends. We had Catherine's 2nd birthday party last weekend at The McWane Science Center. It is one of her favorite places to go, so it was an easy decision when it came to party planning this year. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

Daddy driving C to her party

Watching the Vulcan ball machine while we wait

We were early (my fault) and had to wait for fifteen minutes before we could go back to the party room. Fifteen minutes is an eternity to a two year old, so she had a mini meltdown right before her party started. Poor thing. Waiting is hard.

But, as soon as she got a milk and was wheeled back to her room, she was a happy girl.

Bubbles AND goldfish?!

The room we got was perfect. The main activity set up was a big bubble table with tons of wands, but the room was also full of other activities for little ones. C got right to work!

Grocery shopping.

Bubble table with cousin Abigail

It was so much fun to see all of her friends playing. The funny thing about this age is that while they are often playing together, they are rarely playing together. Regardless, I think they all enjoyed themselves!

Drayton making bubbles

C working hard at the bubble table

C and Ben at the bubble table

Blowing bubbles with our sweet party helper

Abby and Catherine

Ben at the bubble table

When it was time for cake and singing, Catherine was a little shy, until she heard her name. Then she got excited. She worked so hard to blow out those two candles (then Mommy helped a little)!

Yummmmm. Cake and Ice cream!

Enjoying cake with London, Sara, Abigail, and Connor

Sharing with Aunt Heather

Daddy's girl.

London and Sara

Calton and Ben enjoying a snack

It was so much fun to be surrounded by family and friends. I didn't get nearly enough photos of Catherine with everyone (including one with Mommy and Daddy), but I am so grateful for a room full of people we love and I know she had a blast.

CiCi, Aunt Mallory, and Mommy with the birthday girl

Catherine and all of her honorary "aunts"

After the official party was over, everyone was free to roam and play in the McWane Center. Catherine pretty much parked it at the water table - her favorite spot. It was such a fun party!

GiGi and Poppy

Water table concentration

Playing with CiCi

Showing Cousin Major and Uncle Mitchell how it's done.

Sand table with Aunt Jenn

Being silly with Poppa

High five, Mim!

Headed home for more fun!

Sleepy birthday girl on the way home (her only nap of the day)!