Snippets of Sunshine : March 2015

Getting Close

When your milk carton's expiration date is AFTER your due date, you know delivery is imminent. #waitinoncaleb #maytwoissoon

Easter festivities began on Palm Sunday with worship at our neighborhood church. Eleanor did an awesome job adjusting to an unfamiliar nursery with new teachers and friends, while Kyle and I were in the sanctuary hearing scripture of Jesus' joyous arrival (and ensuing betrayal) in Jerusalem.

After the service, Eleanor joined the other children 0-3 years old on the lawn for a chilly community egg hunt. Then, surprisingly, she couldn't wait to jump on Mr. Bunny's lap and give him a hug for a photo op!

As Holy Week proceeds, we're excited to continue celebrating and praising the risen Christ.

Exploring the Goodies in Her Eggs

Eleanor said that she wanted to share her stickers with Caleb, so she stuck every single one on my belly. Already such a sweet sister!

Caleb to the Rescue

To say that it has been a stressful week at work is an understatement. I'm only a couple of days away from spring break, and at 34 weeks pregnant, my patience for nonsense is thin. Thinner than the lined paper that my little 2nd grade student refused to write on today.

Instead, my friend was screaming and crying and scratching himself until be bled. Naturally, the writing topic of "princesses" simply sent him over the edge and into meltdown mode.

And, there I was... sitting beside him in a tiny Baby Bear chair with my burgeoning belly bumping the table every which way I turned. Our go-to calming strategy of three deep breaths was not terminating this tantrum. No, not this time. The idea of fancy dresses, tiaras, and royal castles was just too much to handle.

Well, Caleb let me know that he was detesting this irrational behavior even more than me. Caleb started going crazy, tossing and turning in my tummy without pause.

So, I decided to let my volatile friend know that the Baby could hear him yelling. I proceeded to tell my student that the Baby was kicking inside of me because he didn't like hearing the loud noise from my friend being upset.

Well, a switch flipped. Any sign of a tantrum disappeared, and my friend picked up his pencil and wrote the most lovely composition on pretty princesses.

Lord Jesus, thank you and amen.

Now, if only I'd known about this several months ago.

Buds, Big and Small

Playdate at X's House

In a short span of about two weeks, Eleanor and I both had several wonderful friend dates. I decided to include all the pictures together here.

Kasia Comes Over for Dinner While Her Parents Go Out

Eleanor kept talking about how she wanted Mommy's friend Lisa to come visit again. (I LOVE Lisa!)

Me with T and the Belly Rub (I LOVE Tia!)

St. Patty's

Keeping with my Irish roots and family tradition, Eleanor and I got up early on St. Patrick's Day morning to prepare a green breakfast of grits and milk. I got the impression that this little lass finds just as much joy in wearing and eating green as I do!

Festivities for the holiday actually kicked off early with the D.C. parade the weekend beforehand. When asked about her favorite part of the parade, we expected Eleanor to name the firetrucks, horses, dancers, or band. Instead, she adamantly answered, "candy!"

At least she knows what she likes!

Stirring in the Green

Green makes it taste better.

She'd been asking to ride the metro for months! So excited!

Dancin'!

Baby Brother's doing an in utero jig.

Why?

What's the reason for jubilation you ask.

Well, he officially has a new namesake.

Take a look-see.

Swim Lessons

Ready for Her First Lesson with Daddy

When it came to her very first swimming lesson, Eleanor jumped in with both feet. We weren't sure how'd she'd respond and if she'd make waves since this was her first time in an adult pool.

However, this water lover hasn't shown any fear or anxiety and has been all giggles and smiles throughout the entire experience. In particular, our little perch has really enjoyed singing the interactive songs, meeting new friends, and spending one-on-one time with Mommy and Daddy. After each activity, whether it's kicking her legs or jumping in the pool, she beams with delight.

We're really looking forward to seeing the progress she'll make over the next several weeks and are excited to continue visiting the pool this summer.

Getting Praise from the Teacher

Mommy's Turn

Practicing Floating on Her Tummy and Leg Kicking

Was a Pro At Reaching for Her Toy in the Water and
Pulling Herself Out of the Pool to Retrieve It

Working on Back Floating with a Noodle

Mealtime Talk

Whenever I'm hungry, I innocently attribute my ~~gluttony~~ appetite to growing Baby Brother. Then, when Kyle caters to my cravings, I thank him and rave about how much Baby Brother loves Daddy's delicious cooking.

Well, Eleanor has begun to pick up on this rather routine conversation. In fact, she has begun voicing her very own version.

It sounds pretty similar. The only difference is that Eleanor talks about Baby Jesus... in her heart... and he is always "hungy," just like Baby Brother.

And, in case you're wondering, the infant Prince of Peace... in Eleanor's heart... loves Daddy's spaghetti squash and baked apples... just like Baby Brother... in Mommy's tummy.

As if all this toddler talk wasn't silly enough, it then prompts Kyle's redneck ramblings of asinine quotes about 8 lb. 6 oz. Baby Jesus from Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.

God help me... and Baby Brother... in my tummy.

Amen.

Gettin' to 3

At two and a half years old Eleanor is...

asking "Why?" waaaaaay too much
frequently requesting her favorite foods of yogurt, applesauce, and oranges
sleeping from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and taking a 1-2 hour nap in between
pushing limits and learning consequences to choosing her way
always interested in watching an episode of Daniel Tiger
staying busy strolling, holding, feeding, and changing Baby Stella and Baby Forrest
repeatedly echoing her own comments and what she hears from others
only ready for bed if, at the very least, lovey and paci are in her possession
recognizing stand alone letters and numbers
really digging Dora books
expressing preferences on what clothes and bows to wear
no stranger to taking "breaks" for time-out or to just lay in her bed when she's tired
(without prompting) coming to me and Kyle to say, "Lub (love) you, Mommy Daddy."
very willing to go see the doctor or dentist (and will even request it)
into art projects involving play-doh, stickers, glue, cutting, markers, crayons, etc.
beginning to create her own prayers (with thanks, asks for safety and health and help with sharing and following directions)
identifying shapes and colors quite well
singing her favorite songs of "Twinkle Twinkle," "If You're Happy and You Know It," "ABC," "Itsy Bitsy Spider," "Baa Baa Black Sheep," "Muffin Man," and "Wee Baby Moon"
taking her first set of swimming lessons, which she finds so very fun
very active and always eager to take a walk or play at the park
proclaiming purple as her favorite color
already telling people that her 3rd birthday is coming up and that she's going to Florida to celebrate
orally counting up to 13 by herself
confiscating smart phones in order to watch or take videos
happy to climb into her bed or rocker and read books to herself