What Big Sisters Do Best...

This is for Sara.

Do you see who signed this book, this book, that I own, that has my name hand-written, lovingly from the very nice, English, author? Are you jealous? You should be! Had you not been so eager to buy your own copy, the one that you just had to have the day it came out, she would have done the same for you. And I even would have mailed it to you even though it probably would have cost more than the book itself. Oh well.

And this, do you see this as well? Who knows when they will release it down under. Too bad for you. Maybe someone will buy the book for you and mail it to you. Let's hope!
Yes, this is what big sisters do. We (I) make you feel bad, for being so far way. I am good at my job, aren't I?

Jabber, Jabber, Jabber

Some pieces of recent conversations with Elizabeth. Yes, that is right, we have CONVERSATIONS! She talks incessentaly...what a difference a year (and some speech therapy) makes.

Me: Elizabeth, what is your favorite thing about Mama?

Elizabeth: That I love you.

* * * *

Elizabeth: Read me 'nother book.

Me: No, I just read that book to you. You read it to me.

Elizabeth: I can't, my teeth too little.

* * * *

Elizabeth: I want two cups.

Chris: No, you can have one. You can have another one maybe later.

Elizabeth: Mmmm, maybe now.

* * * *

Me: Elizabeth, if you don't eat your dinner, no more shows and no snack.

Elizabeth: No show you, no snack you!

* * * *

After telling Chris that the swing at the park was wet.

Elizabeth: Mama, calm down!

* * * *

Elizabeth: Mama, where you get your boobies?

Me: God gave them to me. (in a very mean joke)

Elizabeth: Where you buy them? (like I would CHOOSE to buy this particular set)

Me: I did not buy them.

Elizabeth: Where you pick them? (again, I would NEVER pick this particular set)

Me: I did not ever pick these.

This is probably a result of 18 months of breastfeeding. Oh well.

* * * *

Yes, I know she is sassy. But I just have to laugh sometimes and remind myself that contextually, she is doing very well!

You Should Be Jealous...

...because your camera can probably not do this. I am still learning the art of photgraphy in the manual setting. Trying to caputre a moving, almost 3 year old is not so easy in that setting, so I opted for a subject that would cooperate a little bit more. While not exactly my photographic taste, I do love this picture. The only editing I did was a minor crop. Enjoy (and take a moment to love my camera)!

Joys of Facebook

Realizing that you would probably still be friends with the people that you were friends with years ago, had facebook been invented then (and you did not have to pay for internet time in minutes and dial up for 20 minutes just get on).

While I have not been the best at keeping this up, I have had fun learing more about the people I once knew so well and shared so much with.

Thanks facebook.

Feeling Validated

I babysat for a friend recently, this was with the supplies that came with all of the necessary items to care for her child. I saw this while making a bottle for my extra child. Made me feel good. I will take a compliment and validation, even if it is from Costco. I think if I was choosing to use this though, it would make me feel bad. Good thing I do not have to worry about that.

Bird Poop and other Good Things

This past weekend was the first time I had ever been away from Elizabeth for more than nine hours. I was a little sad when I left and excited to return home to see her (and Chris), but it was a nice break from the mommy world.

My mom and I went to Vegas to hang out with Sara, gamble a bit, soak up the sun and EAT! Even though the last time I was in Vegas, about 7 years ago, I did not have the best time because Chris and I wanted to do different things, I had been wanting to go for a while.  When I heard that Bette Midler would be performing where Celine did at Cesar's, I wanted to go back. Yes, I know, I have a very eclectic taste in music!  Because I did a little research, I knew there was a ticket kiosk on the strip that sold day of tickets at a huge discount.  My mom and I were able to get tickets to see Bette for $60 a piece, a huge savings!  

After taking in some of the sights, doing a bit of shopping and lots of walking we decided to hit the pool.  It was nice to be at a pool and not have to worry about fighting with Elizabeth about not being able to swim be herself.  It was at the pool that a bird pooped on me.  And while I was disgusted at first, as I washed my arm off in the water I remembered that having a bird poop on you was a sign of good luck. And since we were in Vegas, I was willing to take any luck thrown my way! 

Friday also happened to be my 5 year wedding anniversary.  Since we are not huge on making a big deal about our anniversary, I was ok with being away from Chris.  Turns out, I think this was my favorite anniversary.  I got to see Bette Midler, went to a great dinner at one of Mario Batali's restaurants (fried proscuitto balls-to die for) and bought myself something that I have been wanting for about 20 years. Next year I think I will try and be a better wife and include my husband, though  he does have a lot to compete with.  

On Saturday night, after more time at the pool, my mom and I went to eat at Bobby Flay's restaurant.  We knew ahead of time that they were booked for the night, but we went there anyway.  When we got there and inquired about a table, we were told it would be at least 10:30 before one was available (it was 8 when we got there), but I spotted two seats at the bar and we enjoyed our meal there-with out the wait!  After dinner we played blackjack at the Bellagio (surprisingly low minimums on the table), I doubled my money and played some slots (won a little more) and then we had dessert.  Because we HAD to have dessert.  I spotted Serendipity earlier that day and despite my aversion to chocolate, I had to go.  It was well worth the calories!

I think the luck thing actually turned out well for us.  We got A-MAZING seats for Bette, $350 face value, I won on the slots (even on the ones at the airport) and blackjack and had some great meals!  I will never be grossed out by the prospect of bird poop again!

Days Like That

Yesterday was probably one the the hardest days Elizabeth and I have ever had. We were both in tears at various times for various reasons.  All week I have had an additional child with us during the day.  I have been watching my friend's one year old, who Elizabeth is usually quite fond of.   I guess she decided that she had had enough of sharing her Mommy and decided to become a child I did not know.  She was being territorial, mean spirited and very whiny.  I found myself struggling to find a redeeming quality that she could possible possess.  And while she did have her moments, I was more than happy to drop her off with my dad (sorry, Dad) and go out with my mom and even more happy that she would be with Chris for the rest of the evening.  I just needed a break (and a Margarita).

It is days like those that sort of make me happy that she will be in the four year old range when another little addition to our family comes along.  I think she will have the ability to be reasoned with better than know and will also to be able to maybe more fully understand what is going on. Maybe I am just telling myself this because I NEVER thought I would ever have kids this far apart.  But I sure hope I am right, because I can't have too many more days like the one we had yesterday.  

Today

Here are two pictures of the nose today.  I cancelled the pictures for tomorrow.  Let's hope she does not damage herself next time.

What Happens at Nana's...

I dropped Elizabeth off at my parent's house today in perfect condition.  She returned home in not the same codition.  Of course this has to happen 2 days before we have family pictures scheduled. 

A Healthy Dose of Brainwashing

Although it was never our intention, Chris and I have managed to successfully brainwash Elizabeth. Chris has made her into a little CUBS fan.  Sorry family, he has done this when left alone with no supervision.  When we were at the Rockies game the other night, I had to take Elizabeth to use the bathroom and as soon as she sat down to do her business she raised one hand in the air and said Go, CUBS, Go!  It is kind of cute, even if she is cheering for a group of losers. She also told Chris the other night that she liked to watch baseball.  Not too sure how much I really believe her, I think she was just trying to suck up to daddy.  

I have said before that I am a bit of a jewelry snob.  I can't help it.  Chris knew this piece of information going in.  While I am an admitted jewelry snob, I am also very boring and tend to wear the same pieces over and over again, this has worked out well on the budget side of things. If you ask Elizabeth what is the only color jewelry box a boy is allowed to get her, she will quickly tell you blue.  Boys, you have been warned. 

Not long ago Elizabeth told Chris and I that she wanted to go to Pari.  We were unsure of what she said, because that is not somewhere we thought she knew, but she continued to insist.  We later found out that she had been listening to a lot of the Anastasia soundtrack at Nana's house and in one particular song they sing about Paris. She learned to love Paris with out me even doing anything!  Seriously could not be happier about that.  She does ask to go every so often and I tell her that we will go in a few years.  I even have an Eiffel Tower picture that matches the pinks and greens in her room that I plan to put up in the next few days.  I have decided that her room will have subtle french accents, I know she'd pick the same things if given the choice!