The Gene

Early in our relationship, Ernie tried to educate me on the art of "relaxing," "chilling out." He explained to me that his family is good at it. Now some may call it lazy - even certain members of Ernie's immediate family. Apparently, Lilly has the gene.

Dr. Beeks

Dr. Beeks is my dentist. I love her. I trust her so naturally, she should be Lilly's dentist. However, she mentioned another guy. I called the office New Year's Eve because of Lilly's adventure in the bathtub to get his name again and Bethany said "well why wouldn't you just bring her here?" I thought Dr. Beeks was politely telling me she'd rather not see Lilly. No hurt feelings here! Anyway - here is Lilly getting comfortable in the chair. That's Bethany in the back smiling...

Lilly is starting to question things at this point. I think it's the mask. Really - all of the girls in Dr. Beeks' office are wonderful!

Ernie took a break from the first round which included a lot of crying and screaming. I took my turn.

Dr. Beeks comes in to meet the loudest child in the world. Lilly's appointment ended with this statement from Dr. Beeks, "She may prefer Dr. Holland."

We all survived. I went back to work. Ernie took Lilly home and fed her lunch.

Which included a powdered donut....

Lillynardo

I have wondered about those people who take care of other people's children during the day. They are called babysitters, child care providers, etc. We are fortunate to have found an excellent person to watch our little one during the day, but I am concerned about her mental health....

Not sure Lilly is really ready for crayons (and in a Laura Ashley dress?!)

I do appreciate the protective bib.

and the red heart Melissa turned her masterpiece into. For those of you making fun of me - I checked the box... 24 months is the recommended minimum age for crayons.

but paint too? Really Melissa? I bet the minimum age is 10!

This is definitely an activity to do at Melissa's house...

Proud Mama Moment

I've really been working on communicating with Lilly through sign language and our babysitter reinforces it all at her house as well. This weekend Lilly has been trying to tell me something and I have not been able to figure it out. She has been so frustrated with me. I was really doubting my stupid ideas today and thinking I would stop trying to communicate with sign language. Then tonight she asked for MORE milk twice!! With sign language! Can you hear the band playing?! I'm so proud of her for learning it and using it and so proud of myself for not losing patience with the sign language. We can now do bath, up, all done, and MORE!! I'm going to have to find a new word for her to learn!

Happy Valentine's Day!

From our little sweetheart!

Behind Closed Doors

I often wonder "just what is she doing in there?" I hear her talking and moving while she's in bed and I assume she is playing with a toy or something. I always wonder....

Lilly is clearly learning how to undress herself.

and must be talking to her arms - trying to guide them both out.

looks exhausting!

do I dare teach her how to use snaps?

Snow Day!

It was really a snow weekend! And not as cold as last time so the kids and I hit the great outdoors! Goose ran around like a kid in a candy store! He rolled around in it and tried to get Lilly to join him. It really made me miss Hunter. I loved watching him play in the snow.

Lilly sat in it for a few minutes. I took my eye off of her for a second (trying to keep an eye on Goose!) and turned around to find Lilly had fallen face down in the snow.

so back in the sled she went! And we sledded up and down the driveway.