I Lobe You

Tonight as I was rocking Marlee before bed, I started eating her up, as I would say (really just kissing her over and over). And out of nowhere she says Momma I lobe you.

Yes, she repeats it back to me most times when I tell her I love her, but this is the first time she has just said it. To me. Or anyone. Just because.

Made the week I had much much brighter. My little 3 year old knows exactly what I need.

Today

-MK and I took our weekly trip to the library. An hour after our usual story time, which is okay with me since with summer break brings entirely too many kids. And too much chaos.

-Met Daddy for lunch at Red Robin, MK's favorite. She had her .75 cents in tow, as always, hoping this will be the time she gets the happy face ball. No luck. It was the dolphin ball. Again. But she seemed pleased. She was definitely pleased to order the macaroni and cheese, which was almost always a no no at restaurants due to her egg allergy. Well, that pesky egg allergy is a thing of the past. More on this later.

-Came home. MK napped while I worked.

-MK woke up and went swimming with Daddy. I wouldn't believe it if I saw it. She is actually swimming. Since Sunday (6/27). With a life vest on, of course. She goes back and forth across our 50 foot pool and she loves it. As long as dunking is not involved.

-I ran to LensCrafters to drop off my one month (new) glasses to have my second pair of ($400.00) lenses fitted into my frames due to LensCrafters damaging my old (new) lenses while adjusting my glasses. Yes, free of charge. Still annoying.

-Ran to yet another Target looking for my size in the cutest tankini. No luck. We leave for California soon (yippee) and I am in desperate need of a more modest swim suit. I don't want to scare my fellow beach goers and all. I will not give up.

-Had Stacey and Haylee over for dinner. Steak, lobster, and asparagus. No, we don't eat like this often. Yes, it was good.

-Cleaned up the house and got MK ready for bed.

-After reading stories (Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Snake Cake - both library books), singing our nightly songs (Itsy Bitsy Spider, Popcorn Song, ABC's and Count to 20), and rocking (yes I still rock my almost 3 year old baby before bed every night) MK says Momma let's talk? What did you do today? Something I have said to her night after night for as long as I can remember.

-So, we went through our day. As we so often do.

-And I thought I would share.

-Now off to pour me a bowl of honeycombs and turn on the boob tube.

Lately

-she tells me momma be happy if I get after her for something.

-or she gets the saddest expression on her face, lip puckered, and says momma yelled at you.

-we were holding hands walking into her swim lesson on monday (5/24) and she said what a beautiful day. made me smile. something i always say to her.

-about swim, it was short lived due to the fact that she cried the entire 30 minutes. all but 1 time. after about 6 classes daddy gave up and has been working with her in our pool, which she doesn't cry in. go figure.

-her grandma viola and pappa harland have been visiting from florida. they drove. which is pretty amazing considering dave's dad's age (89 in july) and health. marlee instantly fell in love with her grandma and cried when she left. and pappa was ok, too.

-she is a little copycat. mimics daddy and me constantly.

-she loves to play games on my iphone. one of her favorites is a cupcake app. after she makes the cupcake, adds the icing and toppings, and adds and lights the candles she sings happy birthday to you. happy birthday to you. happy birthday marlee kay (or momma kay). happy birthday to you. she then blows out the candles and says yay! every time.

-she is asking for a big girl bed, to ride on a bus, and to go to school. none will be happening anytime soon if i can help it.

-okay, maybe the big girl bed.=)

-she had her first happy meal (05/29). mcdonald's. and it just happened to be shrek themed. bonus.

-she started dance (ballet and tap) last week. her first class that is not parent and me. she will not go in alone and makes me stand at the back of the room. this is no surprise.

-she is completely potty trained. she now wakes up from nap dry and is dry about half the time when she wakes in the morning.

-we're planning a trip to Disneyland this summer for her 3rd birthday.

-we went and saw shrek ever after at the movies on memorial day. the second movie we have taken marlee to. she loved it and did great. what a difference 6 months makes.

As for the rest of the family...

-dave is beyond busy. starting his days at 2:30am and pretty much not stopping until 8-9pm, when he crashes. and he never complains. ever. He defines ambition and makes the rest of us look inadequate.

-as for me, i too am busier than ever. taking care of MK, the house, working, working, working, and gearing up for the fall semester. it.never.ends.

-cooper has been having some problems lately. after a vet trip and x-rays we learned he has spinal disc problems, hip dysplasia, and arthritis in his hips. they have him on meds, which will hopefully help the disc problem. as for the hips, his doctor doesn't seem too concerned. we put him on dietary supplements and we'll see how it goes. time will tell. lazy little bugger.

-as for mollie, she had surgery on her mouth a couple of months ago due to gingivitis and periodontal disease. after pulling 11 teeth and a good dental cleaning, she is good as new.

-yes, the dogs are going to bankrupt me.

-and yes, the majority of this post was written on 5/25. i suck.

Things She Says

That make me smile...
-okay Momma.
-ne-night Momma - last thing i hear as i close her door at night.
-peeeeeeaaaaasssseeeee. so exaggerated.
-swing so high. out in, out in.
-hold you.
-too heavy.
-careful blue doggie (when using scissors - long story).
-big girl panties.
-momma i coming (when she wants out of her crib because this is what i have always said to her when i would hear her calling for me).
-brrrr...cold.

-i need to get situated.
-rock you.
-i got a weggie.

-maybe.
-got a lot of crap.
-i happy.
-pooey stinty.

and if you know my daughter, you know it's not always what she says, it's the way she says it.

I Do It

My daughter will be 3 in less than two months, yet to me she is still so little.
I still get her dressed/undressed, put on (most) of her shoes, help her on the potty, help her wash her hands and brush her teeth, rock her before bed...
This is normal for me. This is normal for Marlee. I've done all these things her entire life. I've never thought of not helping her.
Lately I have been better about telling her to go wash her hands, brush her teeth, etc. And I've been wondering at what age does she start doing more of these things on her own.
Just today I was explaining this to my sister Kristy. I also had a play date with my oldest friend Jessica and her two kids.
I don't know what happened. I don't know if Marlee heard my conversation with my sister or if she was watching Jessica's 4 year old daughter being more independent. However, this afternoon I kept hearing "no Momma I do it." I tried to help her put on her shoes and this is what I heard. I went to help her on the potty and this is what I heard.
And as much as I want to raise an independent child, I too want her to need/want my help.
Sadly, I know this is just the beginning.

8 years

i carry your heart with me
(i carry it in my heart)
i am never without it
(anywhere i go, you go my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear no fate
(for you are my fate my sweet)
i want no world
(for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky and the tree called life;
which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart
(i carry it in my heart)

-ee cummings

happy number 8 to the man who stole my heart.<3

Favorite part of my day

This afternoon Marlee and I were dancing. I was holding her and we were swinging, spinning, dipping, and twirling about when she leaned in and kissed me.
Just because.
Made my heart smile.=)

Least favorite part of my day...
Right before dinner Marlee had an allergic reaction.
To what, I have not a clue.
I do know that her allergies - environmental or food, I'm not sure - seem to be getting worse.

Today's Marlee-ism (2)

This is how the conversation with Marlee went as we were getting ready this morning, more specifically me putting on my bra:

MK: want boobies
Me: what honey?
MK: (as she's pointing to her boobies) want to wear boobies.
Me looking perplexed and still not getting it.
So she repeats: want to wear boobies, until I realize she is wanting to wear my bra.

Definitely put a smile on my much needed face.
Couldn't she put a smile on anyone's face?

Playing outside today. Beautiful weather. One of the benefits of living in the desert in February.

PS-crappy quality photo taken with iphone.

Annual Family Photos

12/2009

All photos taken by an amazing photographer, Lesley Barr. Who also happens to be my big (little) sister. To see more photos and to read about my crazy love for my Bubba's, go here.

I love you....

Tonight.
Another first.
As I was tucking Marlee into bed and telling her goodnight, I said love you, as I always do.
But tonight was different than all the other nights.
Marlee told me she loved me.
Her exact words, love you.

Although I have heard her repeat this to Daddy when he tells her he loves her over the past few days or so, this is a first for Momma.

She is growing up. Everyday.

**Another photo courtesy of my talented sister Lesley.

Already?

Today...
I went to look in on MK, who was so quietly playing in her room.
She was sitting in her rocking chair reading a book - which she does often.
I stood in the doorway watching her.
She looked up at me, got up and walked to the door, and shut it. On me.
Already?

My Husband...

The other day I was out in our side yard and I saw a trail of popcorn on the ground. I turned to my husband and asked him what the popcorn was for. He tells me he left it out for the squirrels to eat.
How I adore this man.

My Marlee Kay - #2

My Marlee Kay,

Where has the time gone? You have been apart of this world, my whole world, for 2 short years. You see, 2 years ago on this very day, you and I met, and my life has never been the same. Time is going by so fast, too fast. I thought once I got past your first birthday, things would slow down. I was wrong. I thought as I look through pictures of you as a tiny baby, I would always ache to have that time back with you, to be able to hold onto you at that moment in time for a little longer. And, although I still feel this way, I am now finding myself looking through pictures of you from a year ago, even six months ago, and missing you then. You are growing up right before my eyes. It seems everyday you are learning something new and truly amazing me in one way or another. I could sit for hours and watch your little curious brain going. You are so full of life.

You have brought so much to my life. Because of you, I now find joy in the simplest things. Because of you, I feel a sense of completion. Because of you, I feel blessed and so lucky. Because of you, my heart is so full. Because of you, I know true innocence. Because of you, I smile (and laugh) every single day. Because of you, I stop and smell the flowers.
Because of you, I am fearful. Because of you, I contemplate the what if. Because of you, I second guess everything. Because of you I question greatly.

Oh how I love and treasure everything about you, my beautiful daughter...your unexpected hugs and kisses, your imagination, your innocence, watching you run into your Daddy's arms when he walks through the door...so delighted, hearing you call out for your Momma first thing in the morning...how I love hearing that word, how you say "ne-night" when you know it's time for bed, how you tell everything "bye bye" when I tell you we are leaving, your snuggles first thing in the morning, watching you dance to music (the louder the better)...especially in your car seat, your voice..

You are a determined, curious, temper mental, giggly, impatient, loving, delightful, beautiful soul. I am so fortunate that you chose me.

I love you. So much.
Your Momma

M.I.A

Yes, I am aware that I have been horrible about posting. I have so much I want to write about and document, but I never seem to find the time. Where are the days going?
With that said, I'm getting my grove back. Stay tuned.

Weekend Free

My Marlee Kay,
Tomorrow I will be leaving you for a couple of days. This is another first for us as we have never been apart for more than a couple of hours. Daddy is going to take such good care of you while I am gone and I know you two will have such a great time! If I know Daddy at all, I am sure he will not stick to your same strict schedule that Momma sticks to; and that's okay. I just want you to have fun. I also want you to know that this whole leaving business is very hard for me. As much as I want this well deserved break, I am going to miss you so! I will call you everyday...multiple times a day, and you will never be far from my thoughts my beautiful girl.

As I rocked you and put you to bed tonight, I held you just a little longer. I took in your pure smell, and I explained to you that I will be gone for a few days. Oh how you will miss me my love. I'm not sure who is going to have a harder time with my absence. But I will be back, and it will be like I never left. Promise.

See you soon,
Your Momma

PS-I secretly hope that you wake tonight so I can rock and hold you just one more time...

So far today...

M and I
Slept in...
Snuggled on the coach while watching Curious George and drinking milk (M) and coffee (Momma)...
Played...
Caught up on laundry...
Went to Einstein for Pizza Bagels...



Just want to remember mornings like this...

**Photo courtsey of my talented sister, Lesley.

Sick Sick Sick

We are so so sick.
Marlee with an lower respiratory infection (she gave us quite a scare with this one) and a sinus infection, and Mama with a nasty chest/head/nasal funk.

And a husband/daddy who canceled his weekend trip to stay home and take care of his two favorite girls. Thanks Daddy!

Little Slice of Heaven

*Today I...
spent the afternoon with 3 of my favorite sisters.

*Which consisted of...

..delicious, hi-caloric lunch - chips with salsa and guacamole, fries with ranch, and a chicken caesar salad. Conversation included our girl trip to NEW YORK CITY this fall.

..a couple of hours at the Red Rock Spa. Jacuzzi, steam room (which I disliked), laying poolside, and a swedish massage...divine.

..coming home to a happy daughter who was so delighted to see me and dinner on the table.

..rocking my sweet baby girl before bed.

It doesn't get any better.

Yesterday

we had a yard sale.
The profit was going into my treadmill fund.
A treadmill that I have been coveting for months.
Never did I think my junk (err stuff) would add up to over $700.00.
Very exhausting but so worth it.
That's all.

Today...

was a great day.





Just want to remember.


PS-please bear with me. I will be writing about and posting way too many pics of our San Diego trip later this week...promise.