Two more reasons why I love being a mommy. And short stories to support them.
4. Discovering a new tickle spot.
Last night at bedtime, I put Macie in her crib and she began her nightly routine of sitting upright, drinking out of her water bottle, and simultaneously patting her lap to get me to cover her up with her blanket. As she tilted her bottle up for a drink, I randomly reached over the crib rail and tickled her under her chin.
Macie erupted in laughter, almost choking on the water (whoops!). It was so funny that I couldn't help but continue the tickling. I wish I could have caught it on video. What is it about hysterical laughing that causes kids to get the hiccups?!? I'm just glad hiccups don't appear to be as annoying to toddlers as they are to adults. Or I'd have felt guilty.
5. Laughing at the random things that your children learn from you (without you intending to teach them).
Or, in this example, what Ivie has learned from Dale. And it doesn't take much of an explanation to get the picture.
You can always tell when Ivie walks into the bathroom if she has to go potty or poopy. Wanna know how?
If she's going poopy, she turns on the fan. NICE.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Pack a Pack!
Last Sunday at church, we learned of a World Relief effort for refugee children in the United States as the beginning of the school year draws near. It's called Back-2-School, and it involves buying supplies that these children need, but can't afford themselves.
Since today marked the start of our tax-free weekend in North Carolina, the girls and I headed to Target after dinner to stock a backpack to help a little girl (Ivie's choice) on her way to elementary school. While we ate dinner, I explained to Ivie what we would be doing. And, by the time we got to Target, she was ultra-excited. In fact, while we shopped, she told 3 or 4 strangers that we were "buying things for a little girl to take to school."
As we looked at the backpack selection, Ivie and I were in disagreement. She wanted to get a Dora backpack, and I wanted to get one a little less "character-y". I tried explaining to her that we didn't know how old the little girl was that would be getting this backpack, so it was hard to know if she would still like Dora. Ivie, of course, who thinks that everyone likes Dora, didn't take too kindly to that reasoning. As we talked, a young woman passed by, laughing, and said, "It sounds like you're doing the same thing as me...", and showed me her flyer for Back-2-School, as well! I finally convinced Ivie that when it came time for HER to go to Kindergarten, she could get a Dora backpack. But, for now, she needed to relent and go with the pink plaid one. Miraculously, she agreed!
Although we stretched bedtime out for this outing (and Macie made me pay for it by the time we got home), it was well worth it.
Another reason I love being a mommy?
3. Watching your child take pride in helping others and happily share her excitement with whomever will listen.
National Collection Week for the Back-2-School program is August 16-22, 2010. Check out this link to find out how you can "pack a pack", yourself!
Since today marked the start of our tax-free weekend in North Carolina, the girls and I headed to Target after dinner to stock a backpack to help a little girl (Ivie's choice) on her way to elementary school. While we ate dinner, I explained to Ivie what we would be doing. And, by the time we got to Target, she was ultra-excited. In fact, while we shopped, she told 3 or 4 strangers that we were "buying things for a little girl to take to school."
As we looked at the backpack selection, Ivie and I were in disagreement. She wanted to get a Dora backpack, and I wanted to get one a little less "character-y". I tried explaining to her that we didn't know how old the little girl was that would be getting this backpack, so it was hard to know if she would still like Dora. Ivie, of course, who thinks that everyone likes Dora, didn't take too kindly to that reasoning. As we talked, a young woman passed by, laughing, and said, "It sounds like you're doing the same thing as me...", and showed me her flyer for Back-2-School, as well! I finally convinced Ivie that when it came time for HER to go to Kindergarten, she could get a Dora backpack. But, for now, she needed to relent and go with the pink plaid one. Miraculously, she agreed!
Although we stretched bedtime out for this outing (and Macie made me pay for it by the time we got home), it was well worth it.
Another reason I love being a mommy?
3. Watching your child take pride in helping others and happily share her excitement with whomever will listen.
National Collection Week for the Back-2-School program is August 16-22, 2010. Check out this link to find out how you can "pack a pack", yourself!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Baby Baby
Nope, I'm not pregnant.
But, in other news, Ivie DOES love to sing, and she picked this song up in my car one day. And, for some reason, she latched on to it and now recites one verse of it (well, close, anyway, as you'll see) fairly often. I think it's because she enjoys hearing her pronunciation of "baby baby".
For those of you that aren't familiar with Amy Grant's version, I included the clip from it, as well. She's got nothin' on Ivie.
But, in other news, Ivie DOES love to sing, and she picked this song up in my car one day. And, for some reason, she latched on to it and now recites one verse of it (well, close, anyway, as you'll see) fairly often. I think it's because she enjoys hearing her pronunciation of "baby baby".
For those of you that aren't familiar with Amy Grant's version, I included the clip from it, as well. She's got nothin' on Ivie.
Our Juggling Sensation!
Juggling is a fairly difficult skill to learn. I can juggle, but Dale can't. How many of you can juggle?
I don't remember how I learned exactly. I think I was self-taught, though, because neither of my parents know how. In fact, I think I might be the only member of my immediate family that does (though I expect to get a phone call from one of my siblings very soon telling me I'm wrong).
In an effort to teach the skill to others, I do remember developing and launching a juggling unit during my student teaching days at Rock Bridge Elementary School in Columbia, MO. I don't remember how successful it was. So probably not very.
Anyway, because I'm well aware of the extreme hand-eye coordination necessary to perfect this skill, I was quite skeptical this morning when Ivie told me she knew how to juggle. I mean, seriously. I know I've talked about how GREAT our day care is, but this was just over the top. Skipping is one thing. But juggling? Really?!? And then when I saw her do it, I was in utter disbelief. My 4-year-old really CAN juggle!
So, since I know you won't believe it either, here you go. I'm off to figure out how this could potentially make us rich...
I don't remember how I learned exactly. I think I was self-taught, though, because neither of my parents know how. In fact, I think I might be the only member of my immediate family that does (though I expect to get a phone call from one of my siblings very soon telling me I'm wrong).
In an effort to teach the skill to others, I do remember developing and launching a juggling unit during my student teaching days at Rock Bridge Elementary School in Columbia, MO. I don't remember how successful it was. So probably not very.
Anyway, because I'm well aware of the extreme hand-eye coordination necessary to perfect this skill, I was quite skeptical this morning when Ivie told me she knew how to juggle. I mean, seriously. I know I've talked about how GREAT our day care is, but this was just over the top. Skipping is one thing. But juggling? Really?!? And then when I saw her do it, I was in utter disbelief. My 4-year-old really CAN juggle!
So, since I know you won't believe it either, here you go. I'm off to figure out how this could potentially make us rich...
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Birthday Party Central
Today was a day of birthday parties for the Herman girls. Many thanks to Nina and Papa for being the stay-at-home-with-the-non-partying-kiddo crew today.
For Ivie, her friend, Violet, celebrated her 4th birthday at Monkey Joe's...
... and Macie went to her very first birthday party for a school classmate. Or, in this case, two, with twin brothers, Nicholas (with the boo-boo on his forehead) and Anthony celebrating the big number 2.
Ivie loves bounce houses. Today was no different.
Her main partners-in-crime were Violet and Kenzie, as they giggled and ran from one slide to another. Her buddy Samuel was there, too, as was Caroline (not pictured). And, just because it was too cute of a picture to leave out, Caroline's mommy, Kristie, and her 4-month old baby boy, Baylen.
Can you tell Ivie had fun?!?
Meanwhile, Macie skipped the bounce house this morning so she could be well-rested for her solo birthday party debut. Meaning the first one she's been to without her sister being along!
While she missed Ivie (she asked "Where's Ibie?" about 15 times), she, too, had fun playing with toys other than her own. Oh, and eating strawberries.
I don't think I've had reason to mention it here before, but Macie is scared of dogs. Each time we visit the Devers, poor Hogan has to get locked upstairs. And today, Nicholas and Anthony's dog met the same fate during the party. But not until Macie had spotted her. Which meant that she spent the entire party pointing at the stairs, scrunching up her face, and saying, "Ruff?" in a concerned voice.
Like this:
But all-in-all, she was a pretty happy camper. SUCCESS at her first party! Many more to come, I'm sure!
Mommy, for one, will sleep good tonight...
For Ivie, her friend, Violet, celebrated her 4th birthday at Monkey Joe's...
... and Macie went to her very first birthday party for a school classmate. Or, in this case, two, with twin brothers, Nicholas (with the boo-boo on his forehead) and Anthony celebrating the big number 2.
Ivie loves bounce houses. Today was no different.
Her main partners-in-crime were Violet and Kenzie, as they giggled and ran from one slide to another. Her buddy Samuel was there, too, as was Caroline (not pictured). And, just because it was too cute of a picture to leave out, Caroline's mommy, Kristie, and her 4-month old baby boy, Baylen.
Can you tell Ivie had fun?!?
Meanwhile, Macie skipped the bounce house this morning so she could be well-rested for her solo birthday party debut. Meaning the first one she's been to without her sister being along!
While she missed Ivie (she asked "Where's Ibie?" about 15 times), she, too, had fun playing with toys other than her own. Oh, and eating strawberries.
I don't think I've had reason to mention it here before, but Macie is scared of dogs. Each time we visit the Devers, poor Hogan has to get locked upstairs. And today, Nicholas and Anthony's dog met the same fate during the party. But not until Macie had spotted her. Which meant that she spent the entire party pointing at the stairs, scrunching up her face, and saying, "Ruff?" in a concerned voice.
Like this:
But all-in-all, she was a pretty happy camper. SUCCESS at her first party! Many more to come, I'm sure!
Mommy, for one, will sleep good tonight...
Grandparents' Visit
Dale's in Oregon on a golf trip, so my parents have been in town helping since Wednesday evening. Work is a bit crazy for me right now, so the timing of their visit is perfect. In anticipation of their visit, I made a mental list of chores that Mom could help with while they're here (they don't leave until Tuesday). I shared the tasks with her Wednesday night, ticking off item after item, including sharing my embarrassment that I couldn't remember the last time I'd washed our bed sheets (should have saved that for a "Not Me Monday" post, I know).
Anyway, when I got home from work Thursday night, it was as if Super Woman had shown up overnight. Every chore was complete. And a couple that I hadn't even mentioned.
My mom is amazing. But most of you knew that already.
Then, yesterday, Grandma and her best friend, Nancy (whom Ivie calls "Lancy", for some reason!), made the drive from Hickory to spend the afternoon with us. We took the girls to Rudino's for lunch, and then hung out at home. Ivie, of course, couldn't pass up the opportunity to dress up for her visitors. And then she had the idea of "sharing the love" with the dress-up fun. I couldn't resist taking a picture, although I'm pretty sure 3 of the beautiful ladies in the photo would have preferred that it not appear on my blog. Don't worry, gals. You represent one-fifth of my readership, anyway, so it's really no big deal.
Thanks for making it a fun Friday!
Anyway, when I got home from work Thursday night, it was as if Super Woman had shown up overnight. Every chore was complete. And a couple that I hadn't even mentioned.
My mom is amazing. But most of you knew that already.
Then, yesterday, Grandma and her best friend, Nancy (whom Ivie calls "Lancy", for some reason!), made the drive from Hickory to spend the afternoon with us. We took the girls to Rudino's for lunch, and then hung out at home. Ivie, of course, couldn't pass up the opportunity to dress up for her visitors. And then she had the idea of "sharing the love" with the dress-up fun. I couldn't resist taking a picture, although I'm pretty sure 3 of the beautiful ladies in the photo would have preferred that it not appear on my blog. Don't worry, gals. You represent one-fifth of my readership, anyway, so it's really no big deal.
Thanks for making it a fun Friday!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
How I Know That I'm Addicted To Blogging...
Saturday after t-ball, Ivie rode home with her good friend, Caroline, for her second weekend play date in a row.
This morning, I got an email from Caroline's mom, describing a conversation that had taken place during the girls' dress-up time (I know, seriously, does the kid do anything other than prance around in fancy dresses?!? At least she'll be able to walk in high heels as an adult.).
Here was the reenactment, as told to me by Caroline's mom:
So the girls were playing dress-up and something was said about a wedding dress or a Cinderella dress.
I said, "Ivie, your flower girl dress was beautiful on you - the one you wore in your uncle's wedding.".
And Ivie said, "How did you see me?!? Oh, no, did my mommy blog about it?".
And then Caroline's mom, in her email to me, said:
"I find it so funny that a 4 year-old knows about a blog???!!!"
And I didn't really know how to respond to her. I admit that "blogging" is a common verb used in my house, and that Ivie oftentimes will say, "Mommy, can you take a picture of me and put it on your blog?".
Just a final side note to wrap this one up. I called Dale to tell him this story, and after I read him what Caroline's mom had said about finding it "funny that a 4 year-old knows about a blog", his response was, simply:
"EXACTLY."
This morning, I got an email from Caroline's mom, describing a conversation that had taken place during the girls' dress-up time (I know, seriously, does the kid do anything other than prance around in fancy dresses?!? At least she'll be able to walk in high heels as an adult.).
Here was the reenactment, as told to me by Caroline's mom:
So the girls were playing dress-up and something was said about a wedding dress or a Cinderella dress.
I said, "Ivie, your flower girl dress was beautiful on you - the one you wore in your uncle's wedding.".
And Ivie said, "How did you see me?!? Oh, no, did my mommy blog about it?".
And then Caroline's mom, in her email to me, said:
"I find it so funny that a 4 year-old knows about a blog???!!!"
And I didn't really know how to respond to her. I admit that "blogging" is a common verb used in my house, and that Ivie oftentimes will say, "Mommy, can you take a picture of me and put it on your blog?".
Just a final side note to wrap this one up. I called Dale to tell him this story, and after I read him what Caroline's mom had said about finding it "funny that a 4 year-old knows about a blog", his response was, simply:
"EXACTLY."
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Macie in Action
We went to the mall last night to spend some Gymbucks at Gymboree. Macie wanted to carry the bag, but it quickly became too heavy for her. She was too stubborn (wonder where she gets that from?!?) to let Dale or me carry it, so this was how she adapted:
Backing up a bit to yesterday morning... While Dale and Ivie were at t-ball, Macie and I played with basically every toy in the living room. Among them, the stacking blocks. And I caught a bit of our "game" on the Flip.
Another reason why I love being a mommy?
2. Always having someone to tickle for a belly laugh.
Backing up a bit to yesterday morning... While Dale and Ivie were at t-ball, Macie and I played with basically every toy in the living room. Among them, the stacking blocks. And I caught a bit of our "game" on the Flip.
Another reason why I love being a mommy?
2. Always having someone to tickle for a belly laugh.
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