Mommy, I have a surprise for you!

Dear Miri,

There are so many ways I could have titled this post.  "Four Times in 20 Minutes," "She Finally Gets It," or maybe "Miri Makes up Her Mind on This Matter." But I chose to go with what you said. After dinner, and after many days of being dry, you took care of things yourself, even the thing you haven't been willing to do (except for those 2 times, including once back in October and again in February. Yes, I really was making mental notes!). When you emerged from the bathroom and said you had a surprise for me, I was sure you were being your trickster self. But, you did it! You did it! You did it! And sure enough, you did it again!

Other parents who read this will surely know what's being referenced here. It's one of the biggest milestones between babyhood and being a Big Kid. It's been your hold-out. And I'm very proud that you are crossing this so-far-wide chasm. I was ready with your chosen reinforcement (Scooby-Doo Fruit Snacks). But clearly it didn't really take that to persuade you or you would have done it months ago.

It just took time. It had to be your decision, your choice, your timing.

Thank you, Little Miss Control Freak. Let's keep it up!

LU,

Mommy

P.S. I know this is a public blog, but it's also sort of your baby book, where milestones are noted. I'll apologize in advance that 10 years from now you are totally mortified. At least I didn't post pictures.

Miri, the Artiste

Her media: Clay (ok...Play-Doh)

Her message: Not sure....what does a black heart signify? Maybe we don't want to know.

(For the record, she was devastated that the purple star crumbled and didn't make it to the photoshoot.)

Early Spring Picnic

We took a little drive, heading to a fishing spot Daddy used to go with his father. It was drizzly and cold, but a great escape nonetheless. Who can say no to a picnic basket full of yummies? (Hey, Boo-Boo...!)

Two rivers come together here, with some voracious swirling and erosion going on. Upon closer inspection, we realized the bank we were on was a bit precarious, and that log jutting out there might not be in position very long.

A sure sign of spring - skunk cabbage. This isn't the type we have in EO, but very recognizable still.

More Miri

We were able to escape the drugery of the week to take in the CIRCUS recently. Although we have no proof of actually being there, I did snap a blurry mugshot of Miri. You think she knew she was being photographed?

We all took a walk on a nice trail, and given the possibilty of rain (and snow and hail and sun....), it was prudent to bring along umbreallas. And you know, once you have an umbrella in a kid's hands, you don't really NEED rain as a reason to open it.

More of that Great Shorty Horse

How lovely it is to take a few minutes on a Saturday to bring up Shorty for a backyard pony ride. He's very easy-going -- easy to catch, walks right along with me, just wants a little loving and a treat in return. No drama. Oh, the happiness he brings!! The girls took separate rides, but they did pose together for a photo-op.....

Mom whispers a sweet secret to her boy while the girls grin.

Miri hams it up.

Happy, helmeted, horsey heroines.

Our Red Roany Pony

Shorty is the best thing ever. We've had him since October, but because of weather and time issues, we haven't had much opportunity to ride. A few chances to sit on him at the barn has been all. But we finally took quick advantage this weekend for a short backyard ride....

Lots of brushing and loving going on.

Aleaha says, "Hey, Mom, he still has his logo!!"

Kisses from Mom and BIG SMILES from Aleaha.

Mom: "Wow, Aleaha, this chance to be with Shorty was definitely the highlight of the weekend for me."

Aleaha: "The weekend, Mom? It was the highlight of MY LIFE!"

Thinking Ahead

Conversation with Aleaha last night.....

Aleaha:   Mom, when will I get married? I mean, how does that really work?

Mom:     Well, you know, you're just in first grade next year. Then you finish grade school and of course high school. Then you go to college. And maybe then or maybe after that, you'll probably meet someone. And fall in love and want to get married.

Aleaha:   So, I'll get married when I'm in college?

Mom:     No. Sometime after that. (wanting to move the conversation past "when"....) So, tell me honey, how do you think you'll know who is right for you?

Aleaha:   Well, two things. First, his hair. He needs to have hair. Second, a driver's license.






Clearly we have more work to do here.

Signs of the Times

Aleaha made signs for our bedroom doors, "so that in case we need to remember who's room is whose".

 

Marys Peak

The view from the pasture was really pretty one day recently.

Two-and-a-half is pretty fun

She does pretty well brushing her teeth.

She loves to strike a pose (but photographer had better be fast).

Cowboy hat and boots are a part of each day's costume change.

Playing Together

    It's good to document these moments. There are plenty of times when togetherness is eschewed.

Playing "Bunny" (eating carrots).

Watching a video under the dining room table. Get a big screen TV and what do they do?... Find the portable DVD player and prefer it instead.

Wii'ing ("The Ants Go Marching One By One...")

Making french toast. Miri hands Aleaha the bread, and Aleaha gets it gooey.

Burning off some energy (taken through the kitchen window - good to catch them doing something right).

Playing in the tub. Note how Miri closely watches what Aleaha is doing, them copies. So funny. Like any second child, there are many ways in which she tries to be like her older sister, and a few in which she resists, too (like potty training).