Perspective

Perspective in theory of cognition is the choice of a context or a reference (or the result of this choice) from which to sense, categorize, measure or codify experience, cohesively forming a coherent belief, typically for comparing with another. One may further recognize a number of subtly distinctive meanings, close to those of paradigm, point of view, reality tunnel, umwelt, or weltanschauung.
To choose a perspective is to choose a value system and, unavoidably, an associated belief system. When we look at a business perspective, we are looking at a monetary base values system and beliefs. When we look at a human perspective, it is a more social value system and its associated beliefs. ~Wikipedia

We don't really get into Halloween around here. Yes, we let our kid dress up in a cute costume and take her trick or treating with the cousins, but there's no decorating the house or scary movies, etc. Well, my sweet girl said she wanted to be Kermit The Frog. So me being me, and not wanting to spend a lot on a frog costume that she'll wear once, decided I would make one. How hard could it be? Apparently, it's really not easy being green, because I can not find 1 single "kelly" (Kermit's true color) green hoodie or sweat pants anywhere. Ok fine. So I order an $8 hoodie online that should be delivered by today, and decide to make the pants, eyes, and collar. (At the last minute, no doubt!) Spent a few hours last night cutting out frog legs and looking for patterns for the collar and eyes. The mail comes, and low and behold, there's still no green hoodie. Chase down the mailman and he doesn't have it or have any idea where it is even though the computer says it was delivered Sat. Call the mail delivery annex and they said it was delivered Sat. and there's not much they can do for me. Starting to loose my cool at this point. Then I thought about having to tell my sweet girl that Mommy isn't going to have a Kermit costume for her. Let the water works flow from this Momma's eyes. I was so sad. I started texting my friends with boys asking if they have one? Daddy jumps online at work and searches for a costume and is willing to pay the big bucks for overnight shipping. I pull out the turquoise green hoodie and pants I bought just in case and think of how silly she will look and how no one will know she's Kermit because it's the wrong color green.

Then I log into facebook. Probably about to write some horrible status about how sad I am that this is all happening and how horrible my life is because I can't make my daughter the Halloween costume that she wants and that the mailman sucks because he lost our package.

Instead, I saw my friends posting pictures, like this. 

This is from a friend who's family owned one of these houses in Breezy Point, NY. They were not sparred from the destruction of Hurricane Sandy yesterday. So many years of memories, all gone. They are thankful that no one was injured here. It's just a house.

Then there was this story......Joy's Journal

Thank you God for giving me a lot of perspective today. The costume, however unnecessary, is coming together without the lost hoodie. I was made blatantly aware of the fact that I was a little out of touch with reality today, and need to start each day by organizing my thoughts and focusing on what is really important. Thank you God for my family and our good health, a safe, warm place to call home, and your unconditional and unfailing LOVE!  

3 yrs ago

3 years ago, today, we were on our way out to Columbus. We had received the call we were waiting for just 3 days prior, that we had been selected by a Birthmom and she wanted to meet us. I sit here remembering the emotions of that day. We were so nervous we could puke. Excited for what the future may hold, but reserved and grounded. I'm not sure how that's all possible at once, but I know that my husband was my rock through it all. I would have to go back in my blog to know for sure, but I would guess that I wrote about details of that day here already. I guess the thing that I remember most about that day, was how my heart was breaking for this sweet girl, who was so brave and strong. I just wanted to scoop her up and bring her home with us and help her get on her feet. I also remember telling myself that if she decided that she was going to parent this baby instead of  placing her with us, that we would all be just fine. Well, if anyone even reads my blog, there's a good chance you know how the rest of this story goes!

I think it's interesting how as time goes on, our focus has changed. During the first year after Mira was born, we remembered the events and milestones of the year before. Not a day went by that I didn't think, "this time last year, we.......". The second year, the little milestones slipped away, but I could still recall most details. This past year, I've been so busy keeping up with my sweet girl and the 2 babies I watch that it wasn't until last night that I realized it was Oct. 25, and I hadn't even thought about how on Oct 23, 2009, I was sitting at my sisters house when my cell rang. It was our case worker explaining that we'd been selected and she wanted to meet us. It kinda felt weird that Oct. 23rd 2012 came and went, and I hadn't thought about that wonderful day. Although I don't remember all the words that were said, I don't a year will pass that I don't remember Oct. 26th as the most important day for our family. A tall, skinny, blonde girl sat across from us, sharing her life with us. She had suffered so much, and possibly still is to this day. I have cried many tears for her, thinking of the milestones in Mira's life that she isn't apart of, and how amazing it is that she allowed us to share in this much joy. I hope she always knows how important she is to us, and that we will always love her and welcome her to be apart of our family.

I guess this would be an appropriate post to do a Mira update as well. I can't seem to ever focus long enough to blog regularly, so I better do it now! Miss Mira is in love with musicals and live shows. We went to Idlewild 4 times this summer, and the child never wanted to miss a show! They are so cheesy there but she loved it! I can't wait to take her to a real musical, or better yet, DISNEY WORLD!! She will be so excited. She is really being a great helper for me (most days) when the babies are here. She loves helping with diaper changes and picking up the toys that they drop over and over again. We finally achieved the status of completely potty trained. I haven't bought pull-ups for about 3 weeks! She was still needing them at night, but something finally clicked and she started waking up dry! When we used the rest of a bag up, I decided not to buy anymore. I was pretty nervous about wet sheets, but knock on wood, that has not happened at all! It was the strangest thing tho.....anytime I tried her in panties and told her that she was in panties and needed to keep them dry all night, she would panic and have to pee every 5 minutes. As long as we don't bring attention to the panties before bed, and never mention about needing to wake up to pee, she is completely fine. She wakes up one time a night to pee, but goes right back to sleep! It's really amazing how long the potty training process can take, and how it can be so different from one child to the next. I'm glad to officially be passed that stage! Mira loves the Muppets and frequently acts out the scenes. She randomly breaks out in song, or says something from the movie. When I ask her what that's from, she'll tell me it's Gary and Walter (from the Muppet Movie). Some of the funniest things she's saying right now are, "I can't alieve (believe) it!", "Hey Mom, I have a question for you.", and "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" She can count to 13, and 20 with help. She's starting to recognize letters, and associate words and names that go with the letters. She's very good at M is for Mira!

I think that's all for now. I really should have been creating my sweet girls Halloween costume instead of blogging, but I guess Kermit the Frog will have to wait til tomorrow!

Emotional Week

On Sunday we found out that a friend of the family passed away. A young guy, who only lived a short life. I kept sobbing for his Mother. She lost her baby. The youngest of 3 boys, who are all very close. A mother. Lost her baby. I can not fathom the pain that she is feeling, and will continue to endure. I kept waiting, hoping, praying to hear that it wasn't true. From Sunday until Wednesday evening it was all I could think about. Every time I kissed, hugged, played with my baby I thought of her. Many tears were shed. I tried to think of why God would take him from his family. There must be a reason. He always does things for a reason. Then Wednesday evening I drove to the viewing to pay my respects and hug the family. Justin stayed home with Mira since it was quite a drive and later in the evening. There was not a dry eye in the room, and you could feel the families pain. I had no words to say, just hugs to give and tears to share. It was really true. I saw him laying there. She lost her baby. As I was driving home, I called Justin to let him know I was stuck in construction traffic and would be there soon. Mira wanted to talk, so I told her I was on my way. We've been watching Daniel Tigers Neighborhood a lot lately, and there's an episode where they teach about Mommy and Daddy coming back when they take you to school or go out on a date and leave you with a sitter. They sing a song called, "Grown-ups Come Back".  As soon as I told her that I would be there soon she sang that song to me. I choked back my tears as we ended our call, and couldn't help but think that what if I didn't come home some day. Like Ethan never made it home Sunday morning. I was sobbing over the thought of how sad my baby would be if her Mommy didn't make it home. When I got home, it was time for bed. I was squeezing her extra tight that's for sure. She was really sweet, and wanted to wrap her arms around my neck and hug me while saying her prayers. She thanked God for our blessings, and prayed for Jill and Sam and Brianna. Thanked God for her family, our food, and asked him to keep us healthy and safe. She says, "hank you a bwessings" over and over when she's praying. I can't wait for the day that she truly knows what that means. We gave lots of kisses that night, like every night, and she and Daddy exchanged eskimo kisses, which she calls "mesiko" kisses. Tonight while tucking her in, she wanted to hug both Daddy and I during her prayers. She wrapped her arms around both of our necks, and said her sweet, sweet prayers.  Thank you God for our sweet amazing Miracle, and for the beautiful memories that we are making every day. Praying for the Day Family, as they mourn the loss of their sweet baby. May they feel God's loving arms around them daily, and may they find the peace and comfort they need to heal. I know they will celebrate Ethan's short life and share their happy memories with everyone!

Some days......

Some days, I wish that we lived in a fancier house.
Other days I could care less about fancy, and am grateful that we have house, with 4 walls, windows and a roof to protect us.

Some days, me and my girl go about our business like your normal average family.
Other days I sob constantly at the fact that God gave me this beautiful spunky child to nurture and love and I feel more than average! Down right special!

Some days, I get so impatient thinking about having a second baby. Annoyed at the people who can get pregnant whenever they want. Angry at the people who have babies and don't take care of them. Jealous of the people who miraculously get pregnant against the odds. Sad for my friends who have to go through the same feelings I do.
Other days, I'm reminded of God's perfect plan. How our patience paid off in more blessings than we could have ever imagined. How beautiful the child is that God created for us. Our perfect child. How abundantly blessed our journey to parenthood has been.

Some days, I forget I'm an adoptive Mommy.
Other days it's all I can think about. Really? God and Mira's Birth Mom trusted ME to take care of this child. I still pinch myself over our journey to become parents, and pray daily for our future children.

Some days, parenting is easy.
Other days are so dang frustrating that I can't wait until bedtime. I can't wait until I don't have to lay in Mira's room with her until she falls asleep, can't wait until I don't have to run to the potty with her, can't wait until I don't have to watch her every move so she doesn't get hurt. Then I realize how sad it will be when all those stages have passed. I will spend less time with her, and she will be independent.

Some days, I wish time could stand still.

This N That

Source: Uploaded by user via Jenny on Pinterest

I thought this quote was fitting for my mood lately. I tend to forget how to deal with being busy, as in, doing more than just taking care of Mira daily and massaging occasionally. I can easily let myself get overwhelmed and bogged down, if I don't remember to be thankful for the opportunities that I'm given. Watching my friends babies is such a blessing for us. I am able to be at home with Mira, which is what I want the most. However, I am fortunate enough to be helping two sweet, loving families with their babies. It's really working out great. The Mommies are being very considerate of my families needs and it really is a great thing. Mira is behaving well this week too! She's loving "Her Boy" S and has cooperated for the most part. Baby B is off this week, but will be back next week. I'm hoping that transition goes well for all of us, but we'll deal with whatever. Yesterday I was working from 7am-7pm. Ugh. I also had some major cramps and no energy on top of that. Dear God, that was funny. Let's not let it happen again! I was praying that He would give me the strength I needed to make it through the day. By the time I got to my second job, I was feeling much better. I actually ended that long day feeling better than when I started! I remembered to give Him the glory. I struggle a lot with some things. I try to ward off jealousy by creating new things in our life to be excited about. Not necessarily buying new things, or spending money, just something new to work towards or some exciting event to look forward to. I've kinda been in that funk lately, like, all my friends are pregnant and looking forward to a new baby, or buying new cars, or taking an awesome trip. I'm searching for what our next excitement will be. Often during these times, I try to remind myself to draw nearer to God. To open my eyes and ears and be still enough to listen for the way He is leading us. I guess that would be discernment. I am also reminded of the Prayer of Jabez, and how we are supposed to ask God to bless us.

I think this post is kinda random, so I'll just add to that. I really wish that I could become a more organized housekeeper. Not to impress anyone, just to keep my self sane. Also, I'm really irritated at myself for not being able to complete a couple photo memory books that are long over due for completion. I hope that when I hit "publish" the photo quote at the top fits in the page and is no longer cut off. I really don't have the energy or the expertise to fix it. 

Week in Review

Wedded Bliss!

We celebrated our 8th anniversary as Husband and Wife this past week. We're not perfect, but we have some really great things going for us! In the midst of crazy schedules and a demanding 2 yr old, it's important to stop and realize that this is our life. We can either get frustrated and stay home, or we can suck it up and torture our kid by making her do the things we want to do! We took Mira to Cooper's Rock with us, where Justin proposed to me 9 years ago! It was much less peaceful and romantic this time around, but I was happy to be able to take Mira with us to make new memories together. When Justin proposed to me, he got down on one knee and said that he brought me there because it was a new place for us to explore and as we travel through our journey called "life" we would be exploring many new places together. OR something LIKE that! Ha! As we were walking through the woods, and playing hide and seek in "Rock City" I couldn't help but reminisce about the journey we have been on since that proposal. Some good, some bad, but I've made it through with an amazing man by my side. Loving and learning as we go. I pray to be a better wife. To learn everyday how to best serve my Husband according to God's plan. To teach my Daughter how to do the same. God's still working on me, and boy does He have his work cut out for Him!

 Photo courtesy of Mira!

 

Adventures in Babysitting!

This week was pretty busy with babies! We watch 4month old Baby B on Monday and Wednesdays, and this week she came Friday also. Baby S will be Monday -Thursday but was only one day this week. He'll start full time when school starts. Let me tell you how BIG of an adjustment this is for Mira and I. I am getting a little taste of what my Mommy friends with twins go through! Mira's working through some jealousy stuff, which is totally to be expected. She has been the center of my attention for 2.5yrs. I need to work on my temper towards her when she's having a difficult time dealing with it all. There are times when she is a really great helper, and other times she's regressing into baby mode and making things very difficult. The babies are getting into the swing of things, and I am confident that once we are on our "regular" schedule, things will get easier. I'm thankful for the opportunity to watch both these babies, and their Mommy's are working well with me on schedules and such. Pray that this is the right path for our family. I'm thankful to be able to work at home. I really appreciate my time with just MY baby, and I'm working on her getting to appreciate our alone time together as well! 

 

Blast From The Past!

That is the theme of the county fair, but I only know that because I looked it up on the website when needing a subtitle! Ha! We tried something new this year, riding the trolley to the fair! What a fun time for the kids! Thursday, Mira and I met Mimi and Kayleigh there. Friday night we took Daddy! We rode the trolley, walked through the animal barns, (the piggies were a favorite!) and congratulated our Cousins for winning Champion and Reserved Champion Steers! We enjoyed some treats, (of course!) went to the petting zoo, and then headed back on the trolley. A great (sticky, dirty, smelly) time was had by all! 

 

Beautiful

After a pretty hectic weekend, (good, but crazy!) I got Mira to bed early and was relieved to go veg out on the couch. Instead, the gorgeous sunlight shining into the windows caught my attention. I grabbed my Hubby and we sat on the front porch watching just about the most beautiful sunset we've ever seen. I sat in awe of God's intricate creation. The bright blues and greens, yellows, oranges and pinks. Amazing. Just like a painting. These pictures do not do it justice, but will remind me to stop, and witness how amazing our God really is.

We watched as the sun sank lower and the bright beautiful colors faded into a dark sky. I stand in awe!

Where, oh where has my little BRAIN gone????

I had 2 Mira stories to blog about, but no pics to go with them because I always forget to grab my camera. Then, as I was re-telling the second story to my Hubby, I totally forgot the "punch line". Ugh. Really brain? Must you fail me now? I'm much to young........

I will save them until I can remember, because, you really had to be there, OR you really need to hear the funny part. Which I can't remember. So. Why bother?

To Be Continued......... :-)

Oh where my mind does wander.......

I'm a horrible blogger. I have great intentions and a lot to say (just ask my Hubby!) but when I sit down with the computer I get lost in a million different directions and never organize my thoughts enough to type. Sometimes I wish that I had an automatic blog link from my brain, that when I think stuff, it's automatically posted. Then again, sometimes that would get me into trouble!

For the first time in a long time, I can truly say I am throroughly enjoying this summer! I love getting to hang out with Mira, watching her learn new skills and discover new things. She just started pedaling her bike all by herself! She's becoming quite independant and wants to do a lot by herself. The transition into a big girl princess bed has not been the easiest. Probably hardest on Mommy, because she's been such an awesome sleeper that I've been spoiled. We can't seem to figure out how to keep our panties dry and sleep all night. I'm really trying to be sensitive to that fact that she's young and it will eventually work out. She really does very well for her age.

Dinner on the go

I was trying to figure out a good healthy meal to serve Mira one night when I knew that we would be out of the house around dinner time. I whipped these up, threw them in a container, and had the dipping sauce in another. They were tasty at room temp. and Mira and I gobbled them up!

Zucchini Pancakes
2c. shredded zucchini
2 eggs
1/4c. GF baking mix
season to taste

Spoon onto griddle, cook until brown

Dipping Sauce
Mayo
garlic dressing

North Carolina OR BUST!!!!

Here's a sneak peak, but I will add descriptions ASAP. Must. Go. To. Sleep.

I Will Survive!

We did it! We had what I would classify as a successful week on our new adventure! The babies (mine, not so much a baby anymore!) were as good as could be expected for having both of their routines twist turned upside down! It wasn't easy or perfect, but we all did very well adjusting to being together! Mira loves Baby S. She couldn't wait for him to get here everyday, and couldn't get over the fact that he poops his pants and sleeps so much!

Buddies!

Blessings

I'm feeling quite blessed today. I think the stress of my busy week has shut my brain down so I don't really have a choice but to trust God to get me through it! Whatever it is, I'll take it. I keep thinking back to a couple weeks ago when I was rocking Mira before bedtime. We were reading, singing, and talking about the day. I told her that she was a  good girl that day and that Mommy was so happy. She looked up at me and said, "Mira happy too!" Cue the tears and sappy Mommy! That meant so much more to me than I could ever imagine. I suppose any parent worries about giving their child a good life, but for adoptive parents, hearing your child say they are happy makes you overflow with joy! When you have biological children, you have a certain responsibility to provide for them and give them a happy life. When you adopt a child, and are CHOSEN by their Birthparents to give that child a better life, the level of need and want to provide a better life is even greater. I'm not perfect, and I'm sure there will be many days ahead where Mira tells us she's not happy and doesn't want anything to do with us, (dreading the teenage years with Miss Sassy Pants!) but for now I feel happy and content with the life we are providing for her. I pray that God will continue to give us the wisdom it takes to raise up an exceptionally humble woman of faith!

Now about that busy week......we started a new adventure around here and will be watching my friends baby 4 days a week, starting full time in September. He's here this week as a trial run. So far so good! I am enjoying being back in the baby stage, and being able to send him home at the end of the day! Ha ha! Mira is being amazing and such a big helper! I was pretty worried that the jealousy was going to complicate things! She's loves Baby S and can't wait for him to get here each day. Thank God! She's learning to be patient and play on her own, and also to share her Mommy not just her toys! I'm really thankful for the opportunity to be able to watch him and be home to share so many great days with Mira. Just hoping yesterday wasn't a fluke and today goes smooth as well!

Sunshine

"I love the warm sunshine
Shining softly on my face
The beautiful feeling
That it makes me feel inside
The blessings of each day
Feeling the joy being me
Inside feeling so carefree"

~John Denver

Random

So I've been lovingly reminded that my blog has been stuck on the same weekend in January for too long. I've come to the conclusion that I have ADD. When I finally sit down at night and log in to write a new post, I browse the list of the other blogs I follow first, get lost reading them for hours, get tired and go to bed. Sorry.

Mira update:
I'm not sure how it happened. I'm still questioning where my baby went? WE HAVE POTTY SUCCESS! I didn't push it, but at about 18 months, Mira started peeing on the potty! We celebrated every time with 2 fists in the air and a good 'ole, "WOOHOO"!!!  She watched her big cousins learning how, and it kinda just happened! (The M&M's and cookies had NOTHING to do with it, I'm sure!) Right before she turned 2 we started actually wearing big girl panties around the house. This Momma was too chicken to venture out that way! She hadn't gone #2 on the potty until January. We bought tickets to see Sesame Street LIVE! and I was trying to use that as her reward for going #2. She could have cared less, because she had NO idea what I was talking about, she had never been to a live show yet! 2 days before Elmo, she actually pooped on the potty! I hadn't been that excited about poop since it turned solid at 6 months! (This is a great thing for a cloth diapering Momma!) We got to go see Elmo, and I'm so glad. I think Mommy and Daddy were more excited than she was!

So, at 27 months, she wears big girl panties all day, even at nap time, and only has the occasional accident. Sometimes there's just too much fun going on, and no time for potty! She's still needing a diaper at night, but that switch will be coming soon. A relative recommended switching to a big girl bed and big girl pantie at night all at once. Makes sense to me, so we'll attempt that in another week or two. She still wakes up pretty wet, so I'm not rushing it! I think we will use a reward system, maybe getting a sticker for every time she wakes up dry, and when she gets 10 stickers, she gets a prize. All in all, the process was pretty smooth to this point. There were VERY frustrating days. Potty training DEFINITELY tests Mommy's patience. Definitely. I'm not an expert by any means.  If someone asked me what was the key to success, I would say that once she was comfortable sitting down and peeing on the potty, it was more about a constant reminder to do so. We would start first thing in the morning, wake up, sit on the potty, and then continue to try every 30 minutes. Yes, a daunting task, but totally worth it. A couple days of that, and she was ready to spread it out to every hour, then every 2 hours, until she was confident enough to tell me when she had to go, and when she didn't. Boy did she tell me when she didn't! Ha ha! Thanks to my Sister at this point, for the encouragement to not fight to get her on the potty. She was ready to tell me on her own when she had to go. She's such a big girl and we still celebrate every time! "WOOHOO"!!!

A couple funny things:

I often have to remind her to get her finger out of her nose. Gross. Now, when I catch her doing it, and ask her to stop, she says, "It's mine!" Yes honey, it is yours, but it's still yucky. Ha ha ha!

She is becoming quite the procrastinator at nap and bedtime, and uses every excuse she can think of. The funniest one is that her "finga-nail" hurts. Then it's her chin, elbow, cheek, and finally, she has to go potty. AAAGGGGGHHHHHH!!!! GO TO SLEEP!

Every time we drive past a Wendy's, she wants "burga-a-cheese" and fries. Now when we drive past a McDonald's, it's "chick-a-fries". We don't eat there often at all, but it's amazing to me how quickly a child is influenced by commercial things. She sees the sign, and knows what it is. Crazy.

When she cries or gets upset and I ask her, "What's wrong?" Her reply is, "A 'cause". Ha ha ha!

Finally, we have been obsessed with singing Happy Birthday lately. Lots of our family celebrates their days Nov-March so she's gotten lots of practice. It's the sweetest thing! The first video was in February, sending birthday wishes to our sweet friend, Marissa.

This past week, we celebrated Mommy and Daddy's birthdays. She sang to Daddy on Mommy's day, and vice versa. I can't believe how much her birthday song has improved in just a few short weeks. Sweetest. Thing. EVER.

Weekend Update

Friday, I went to a massage therapy seminar to learn an new technique! It was a great class. So glad I was able to attend and I can't wait to use my new knowledge.

Saturday we didn't have much on the schedule, which was awesome since there was an ice storm and it was nasty outside! Daddy went out to chisel the ice, and Mira and I had an impromptu dance party in our jammies, including the sweetest kisses from my beautiful baby. All the giggles and kisses brought me to tears. I was cherishing the moment, and hoping I will remember it in 20 yrs. when my baby is all grown up!

Mira went to play with Mammy and Pap Pap and we went to our church to attend Marriage Seminar 101
It's an 8 week course in Marriage Enrichment, and there was a good blend of young couples and some with more experience. (I was going to say old, but then remembered I will be on that end of the spectrum someday!) I can already see a slight change for the better in our relationship, and I can't wait to spend the time with my Hubby to help us learn to be more aware of each others needs. 

Sunday was off to church, and then to Pap Pap's birthday celebration! It's always a crazy time with all the kids together, but it's awesome to be able to get everyone together so often! This week we'll celebrate Aunt Hega's (Heather) birthday too! Happy Birthday to them both, and prayers for a healthy, successful year!

(I just realized I don't have any pictures to share, and I don't think anyone took a picture yesterday! I would like to be better about that, so we will have these wonderful memories captured to share with our kids in the future!)

Oranges

Big Girl Update

Our sweet baby is growing so fast! I love watching her learn new things, and she gets so excited when she does. Last night while taking a bath, she was laying on her belly with her face in the water blowing bubbles. She would blow bubbles, and look up at me and say, "I did it!" Of course I was tearing up, thinking of all her accomplishments thus far, and feeling so blessed that we can share all this with her!

Maybe I was a little more emotional yesterday, since it was also the day that she pooped on the potty for the first time for me! She's been peeing on the potty for months, and for about the last 2 weeks she's been doing really well keeping big girl panties dry during the day! I haven't been this excited about poop since it turned solid at about 6 months! (For a cloth diapering Momma, this is awesome, as the diapers are easier to clean when it's solid.) Our goal has been to go on the potty before tomorrow, when we go see Sesame St. Live! She did it! She achieved our goal! We can go see Elmo!!! (Mommy and Daddy would have looked pretty funny going alone!)

She's been really creative lately too, here she is working on a masterpiece! 

She loves to sing, and The Veggie Tales theme song is her new favorite. She also sings her ABC's, and Jesus Loves Me, and she  loves to dance! Her vocabulary is ever growing, and she's been speaking in sentences. Unfortunately for Momma, her favorite thing to say is, "I don't want to." (in the whiniest voice imaginable) It's a good thing she's cute :-) She tells us when we're doing a "de djob" (good job) and is getting pretty good at remembering to say please and "de dum" (thank you).

At her 2yr. check-up she was 30lbs. and 35.5" tall (2ft. 11" or something) So thankful for our healthy, perfectly proportionately growing gift from God!

I'll leave you with our many failed attempts at a Christmas family photo :-)