Dear Jorie,
I kind of fell down on writing these letters. Life got so busy I just kinda didn't have the motivation to sit down to write a letter to you. I'm sorry.
In the weeks since my last letter to you we've been busy. I think the highlight for you would have to be last weekend, which was the first Halloween where we actually took you out trick or treating. We went out with Zetta and Jaimee around their neighborhood. You were a lion and Zetta was a black cat. We did about half the houses on their street! You and Zetta got the idea after the first couple of houses and would run to the next house (with a lot of falling down) and try to be the first to ring the door bell and get, as Zetta exclaimed "YAY! Door Candy!" It was cold and rainy out, but it didn't seem to bother either of you.
The week before halloween, we also had a serious scare with you. You caught some nasty respiratory virus that had you coughing and wheezing very badly. When we took you to the doctor the doctor said something I hope to never hear again "We'll do everything we can to keep her out of the hospital." Everything involved oral prednazone, an inhaler with a steroid in it, and when you refused to take the inhaler, a nebulizer with the same steroid. You were sick and home from daycare for about a week. The steroids made you a miserable mess too, so it was no fun for any of us.
One big moment that I need to remember to immortalize came just the other day. We were sitting around in the living room and you picked up a paper and crayon and said you were going to draw a monster. Then you made a big circle for the head, and put three little circles in it, which you said were the eyes. They you made a scribble at the bottom of the circle which you said were the "teeth and tongue." It was your very first recognizable representational drawing. You proceeded to draw another "monster" drawing this one with a head, eyes and "feet". I think this was on Friday or Saturday. It was a big moment!
I love you so much Jorie Bear. I promise to try to write more of these letters!
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Weeks up to 115...
Dear Jorie,
I'm again having to apologize for not keeping up with the letters to you. I find it so hard to find the time or motivation to write these lately. The last few weeks in particular have been action packed, with Your Uncle Chris and Aunt Kim's wedding in Chicago on August 30th, and all the summer things we've tried to do packed in around it.
You were a flower girl in the Wedding. It was amazing. You were adorable. Right before we walked down the aisle you were totally melting down, but you did the walk calmly and cutely. You did start melting down after I handed you off to your Father though, so he had to take you outside and walk you around a bunch.
You stole the show every chance you got too. My favorite story is right before we took you up to the room, you ran around like mad trying to find "AUNT KIIIIIM!" when we found her, You reached up and took her hands and said "Aunt Kim! Dance with me!" and then you, Kim and your Uncle Chris went out on the dance floor, and you "boogied" out there without Me or Your Father, for an entire song.
You're talking so much now, and in these really amazing complex sentances. You continually say things that amaze us, that make us laugh, that astound us. Last night at Ross Family Dinner, you pointed at Wesley and said "That's my best friend."
Your favorite things to do right now are "Shake my booty!" and "Boogie!" to music. To draw, everywhere you can, with markers if you can get your hands on them, brushing your "little rainbow dash, little pinky pie and big rainbow dash" dolls hair, and running, always the running.
You got out of your room for the first time this Saturday. Your father and I were asleep. Your father says he heard you moving around and kind of grunting, I woke up when you shut the door to our room. I saw your head bobbing along as you ran around the bed and popped up in front of me and said "Good morning Mommie! Time to get up!" We think you managed to crawl under the gate across your door.
Today you took out one of the "book shelf" shelves we have on your wall, the middle one. I was changing for work and I heard a crash, when I came in your room you were just standing at the door trying to look innocent. When I asked you what happened you said "I knock it over." The middle shelf was pulled out of the wall and lying in a mess of books on the floor. I think you had tried to climb them, but I'm not sure.
I'm again having to apologize for not keeping up with the letters to you. I find it so hard to find the time or motivation to write these lately. The last few weeks in particular have been action packed, with Your Uncle Chris and Aunt Kim's wedding in Chicago on August 30th, and all the summer things we've tried to do packed in around it.
You were a flower girl in the Wedding. It was amazing. You were adorable. Right before we walked down the aisle you were totally melting down, but you did the walk calmly and cutely. You did start melting down after I handed you off to your Father though, so he had to take you outside and walk you around a bunch.
You stole the show every chance you got too. My favorite story is right before we took you up to the room, you ran around like mad trying to find "AUNT KIIIIIM!" when we found her, You reached up and took her hands and said "Aunt Kim! Dance with me!" and then you, Kim and your Uncle Chris went out on the dance floor, and you "boogied" out there without Me or Your Father, for an entire song.
You're talking so much now, and in these really amazing complex sentances. You continually say things that amaze us, that make us laugh, that astound us. Last night at Ross Family Dinner, you pointed at Wesley and said "That's my best friend."
Your favorite things to do right now are "Shake my booty!" and "Boogie!" to music. To draw, everywhere you can, with markers if you can get your hands on them, brushing your "little rainbow dash, little pinky pie and big rainbow dash" dolls hair, and running, always the running.
You got out of your room for the first time this Saturday. Your father and I were asleep. Your father says he heard you moving around and kind of grunting, I woke up when you shut the door to our room. I saw your head bobbing along as you ran around the bed and popped up in front of me and said "Good morning Mommie! Time to get up!" We think you managed to crawl under the gate across your door.
Today you took out one of the "book shelf" shelves we have on your wall, the middle one. I was changing for work and I heard a crash, when I came in your room you were just standing at the door trying to look innocent. When I asked you what happened you said "I knock it over." The middle shelf was pulled out of the wall and lying in a mess of books on the floor. I think you had tried to climb them, but I'm not sure.
Main Trip - Year two
Dear Jorie,
I have been having a hard time finding the time to write these letters to you. It seems like the more I have to write about, the less I want to spend time sitting down to write about it all.
So much has happened since my last letter to you.
Your father and I spent an afternoon converting your room into a "toddler room" one weekend, your crib is now a toddler bed. We took the changing table out of your room and the rocker (for safety), and put up some "bookshelves" on the wall, and put a pouf for sitting on the floor, moved some of the furniture around (and bolted some of it to the wall for safety!) I also finally got around to putting some of the monkey wall decals up on the wall for you. You've been sleeping in your toddler bed for two weeks (and then the pack'n'play in Maine) without any issues.
Then last week was the trip up to Vinalhaven, Maine with one side of your Fathers family. We split the drive (it's almost 10 hours total) over two days, and stayed at a hotel outside of Boston both on the way up and the way back. You did really well in the car on all four legs of the drive.
Maine was amazing. We stayed in a cabin on Old Harbor Pond with your Uncle Michael, Aunt Becky, and Cousins Wesley and Sienna. The rest of the group was over in the family house and cabin on the Ocean.
The first night we were there, we were having dinner, and you were running around on the lawn with your Father, and you kept running up to people and giving them flowers. What amazed us was that without either me or your father keeping track, you gave one flower to each person. You didn't miss anyone, or give anyone two. You also remembered everyones names, even if you couldn't quite say them right.
You had such a good time, running and hiking and playing. It was amazing (and tiring) having you on the island this year.
The only really exasperating thing on the trip was that you started emulating all of your cousins behavior. You stopped using your words when he was around, and would instead scream for things. You started throwing more tantrums, and basically regressing in general. That behavior, thankfully, stopped as soon as they left (they left on thursday, and we stayed through saturday.)
One of the highlights of the trip was when we got a ride on a lobster boat. You had a great time enjoying the wind and spray on the boat, and were absolutely enthralled when the lobsterman pulled up some pots for us, and you got to see the live lobsters.
I'm really glad that you will grow up with summers in Maine. It really is an amazing thing to be able to do.
On our way off the island we met up with Kim and the gang (Abby, Finn, Goo, Grace and their Grandmother) We got frozen Yogurt, then coffee for the adults, and then hit a really cool playground. You and Goo (whose real name is Tristan) really hit it off. We stayed playing on the playground until around 7, when we had to head out to get to the hotel before too late.
One of the things we noticed while up on the island, is that you now have conversations. You don't just state short facts, you will have three or four sentence long conversations, and express complex ideas. Your sentences are longer and more complex as well, and you sing or hum almost all the time.
I have so many pictures from Maine, it's going to be hard to pare them down for here, But I'll try.
I love you Jor-monster.
I have been having a hard time finding the time to write these letters to you. It seems like the more I have to write about, the less I want to spend time sitting down to write about it all.
So much has happened since my last letter to you.
Your father and I spent an afternoon converting your room into a "toddler room" one weekend, your crib is now a toddler bed. We took the changing table out of your room and the rocker (for safety), and put up some "bookshelves" on the wall, and put a pouf for sitting on the floor, moved some of the furniture around (and bolted some of it to the wall for safety!) I also finally got around to putting some of the monkey wall decals up on the wall for you. You've been sleeping in your toddler bed for two weeks (and then the pack'n'play in Maine) without any issues.
Then last week was the trip up to Vinalhaven, Maine with one side of your Fathers family. We split the drive (it's almost 10 hours total) over two days, and stayed at a hotel outside of Boston both on the way up and the way back. You did really well in the car on all four legs of the drive.
Maine was amazing. We stayed in a cabin on Old Harbor Pond with your Uncle Michael, Aunt Becky, and Cousins Wesley and Sienna. The rest of the group was over in the family house and cabin on the Ocean.
The first night we were there, we were having dinner, and you were running around on the lawn with your Father, and you kept running up to people and giving them flowers. What amazed us was that without either me or your father keeping track, you gave one flower to each person. You didn't miss anyone, or give anyone two. You also remembered everyones names, even if you couldn't quite say them right.
You had such a good time, running and hiking and playing. It was amazing (and tiring) having you on the island this year.
The only really exasperating thing on the trip was that you started emulating all of your cousins behavior. You stopped using your words when he was around, and would instead scream for things. You started throwing more tantrums, and basically regressing in general. That behavior, thankfully, stopped as soon as they left (they left on thursday, and we stayed through saturday.)
One of the highlights of the trip was when we got a ride on a lobster boat. You had a great time enjoying the wind and spray on the boat, and were absolutely enthralled when the lobsterman pulled up some pots for us, and you got to see the live lobsters.
I'm really glad that you will grow up with summers in Maine. It really is an amazing thing to be able to do.
On our way off the island we met up with Kim and the gang (Abby, Finn, Goo, Grace and their Grandmother) We got frozen Yogurt, then coffee for the adults, and then hit a really cool playground. You and Goo (whose real name is Tristan) really hit it off. We stayed playing on the playground until around 7, when we had to head out to get to the hotel before too late.
One of the things we noticed while up on the island, is that you now have conversations. You don't just state short facts, you will have three or four sentence long conversations, and express complex ideas. Your sentences are longer and more complex as well, and you sing or hum almost all the time.
I have so many pictures from Maine, it's going to be hard to pare them down for here, But I'll try.
I love you Jor-monster.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Week 108
Dear Jorie,
This week we had a graduation party for one of your Father's Cousins, and your Apa O's birthday! So many parties!
We also stopped at one of the big playgrounds and let you go wild. It's been a while since we were at this playground, and you can certainly use a lot more of it now. You had a great time climbing all over, riding the 'cars' and 'horsies', and most of all, going down the big twisty tube slide!
You were your usual hit at the Graduation party, although I think it was a little boring for you, since there weren't any other kids close to your age there. Eventually they busted out the sandbox for you and you had a great time playing in that!
On sunday we had a party for your Apa O's birthday! We went over there and grilled up a bunch of food and had chocolate cake. You even helped sing happy birthday! You loved the cake, although I think you were a little sad that we didn't get to spend more time with Nannie and Apa this weekend, and we didn't get to go swimming. Oh well, hopefully this weekend will work out better for it.
It was a quick whirlwind of a week, and I'm sorry I didn't take more pictures. Also sad is that the summer is half over already! We haven't even managed to get to the beach yet!
I love you Jor-nado.
This week we had a graduation party for one of your Father's Cousins, and your Apa O's birthday! So many parties!
We also stopped at one of the big playgrounds and let you go wild. It's been a while since we were at this playground, and you can certainly use a lot more of it now. You had a great time climbing all over, riding the 'cars' and 'horsies', and most of all, going down the big twisty tube slide!
You were your usual hit at the Graduation party, although I think it was a little boring for you, since there weren't any other kids close to your age there. Eventually they busted out the sandbox for you and you had a great time playing in that!
On sunday we had a party for your Apa O's birthday! We went over there and grilled up a bunch of food and had chocolate cake. You even helped sing happy birthday! You loved the cake, although I think you were a little sad that we didn't get to spend more time with Nannie and Apa this weekend, and we didn't get to go swimming. Oh well, hopefully this weekend will work out better for it.
It was a quick whirlwind of a week, and I'm sorry I didn't take more pictures. Also sad is that the summer is half over already! We haven't even managed to get to the beach yet!
I love you Jor-nado.
Week 107
Dear Jorie,
Another action packed week! We went to a "rib festival" on a whim that turned out to be a lot less awesome than it was billed as, but was still marginally fun. We swam some more in the pool (you're getting to be quite the little fish.) We had brunch with "uncle" Farley. We got rained out of going to an arts festival, and just hung around at home instead.
Mostly this week I tried to slow down and observe you. Your amazingly endearing manarisms. Like how when you "put us to bed", you say "Sweet dreams" and give kisses. You say "Sleep time mommy!" and pat my back.
Recently you've started asking me draw you things on your construction paper with your crayons. "Draw Fishy Mommy!" "Bubbles!" "Draw Dragon!" I spent a good hour with you this morning drawing. It was awesome.
Of course with the toddler territory comes the increased tantrums, sometimes seeming to come out of nowhere for no reason. And the attempted assertion of your will. "NO TALK MOMMY!" when I'm talking to your father, or "THIS MINE!" grabbing a toy from your cousin.
This morning I had a really hard time leaving you at the Day care. We'd had a great morning, and it broke my heart to have to go to work. I miss you terribly when I'm at work, even though I know that not only do you have a great time at Daycare, it's a great place for you.
You sing now, your favorite right now is "No more monkeys", which you will sing while jumping on the bed, and "Baby Bumblebee" which you will sing random parts of and occasionally scare your poor mommy with "OW!"
You love to run. When we went to the park on friday you ran along an uphill path for almost the entire way up the path. Laughing the whole way.
You really are a happy kid. And for that I am eternally grateful.
I love you so much baby girl.
Another action packed week! We went to a "rib festival" on a whim that turned out to be a lot less awesome than it was billed as, but was still marginally fun. We swam some more in the pool (you're getting to be quite the little fish.) We had brunch with "uncle" Farley. We got rained out of going to an arts festival, and just hung around at home instead.
Mostly this week I tried to slow down and observe you. Your amazingly endearing manarisms. Like how when you "put us to bed", you say "Sweet dreams" and give kisses. You say "Sleep time mommy!" and pat my back.
Recently you've started asking me draw you things on your construction paper with your crayons. "Draw Fishy Mommy!" "Bubbles!" "Draw Dragon!" I spent a good hour with you this morning drawing. It was awesome.
Of course with the toddler territory comes the increased tantrums, sometimes seeming to come out of nowhere for no reason. And the attempted assertion of your will. "NO TALK MOMMY!" when I'm talking to your father, or "THIS MINE!" grabbing a toy from your cousin.
This morning I had a really hard time leaving you at the Day care. We'd had a great morning, and it broke my heart to have to go to work. I miss you terribly when I'm at work, even though I know that not only do you have a great time at Daycare, it's a great place for you.
You sing now, your favorite right now is "No more monkeys", which you will sing while jumping on the bed, and "Baby Bumblebee" which you will sing random parts of and occasionally scare your poor mommy with "OW!"
You love to run. When we went to the park on friday you ran along an uphill path for almost the entire way up the path. Laughing the whole way.
You really are a happy kid. And for that I am eternally grateful.
I love you so much baby girl.
Weeks 105 &106
Dear Jorie,
The summer seems to be flying past. So many things to do and people to see! I honestly am having a hard time finding the time to write these letters to you.
The past two weeks have had a lot of activity in them. It's hard to remember the little things.
Last weekend we went to the Zoo with Jaimee and Zetta. It was a lot of fun! The two of you had a great time, even though it was REALLY hot out. When we were in the little inside part where you can look under the water at the sea lions and polar bear, we got a real treat! One of the polar bears dove in and swum right by the windows as we were standing there. You were fine until the polar bear got right in front of you, and turned it's head to look at you. It really frightened you! It took a while for us to get you to go up to the glass again, but you did it, you were so brave!
This past weekend was the fourth of July, with all the festivities that surround that. I ran a race on friday morning, and you and your Father came to watch and cheer for me at the finish. Then later that day we went over to Nannie and Apa's for a cookout. Ama showed up for it, so did your Aunt Becky and Uncle Michael and Wesley. The neighbors next door to Nannie and Apa's house came over with their two kids too, as well as a bunch of Nannie and Apa's friends. It was quite a party. Your father took you in the pool for a while, and then your Aunt Becky and Uncle Michael got you and Wesley dressed up for a photo shoot. One of the neighbor kids even got in on the fun for a bit!
Later that night we went to go see some fireworks. You were scared at first, but you cuddled up on Nannie's lap with Apa's arm around you too, and after a bit started enjoying the show, you even had a favorite firework. You fell asleep on Nannie's lap about halfway through the fireworks, and even slept through the finale!
We actually spent the night and Nannie and Apa's Friday night, and then hung out there all of Saturday, just kinda relaxing, swimming and visiting.
It was a very relaxing (extended) weekend. And made me realize even more strongly how much I wish I could be home with you all the time.
You're growing up so fast, I can't stand it. You are over half my height already. When I hold you, your feet dangle down around my knees. You speak in mostly full sentences, and have an impressive memory, often remembering things both your Father and I have forgotten.
You've been playing with Playdoh lately, and you make bracelets for us sometimes, and "waffles". Unfortunately you also like to try to eat the playdoh.
Some other favorite toys right now are the doctors kits (one at Nannie and Apa's and one that they got you for your birthday which is at our house.) And a few trucks we have.
You have a fascination with trucks right now. When the Garbage truck came by the house on Thursday when your father was home with you, you dropped everything and went running to the front of the house to watch it through the porch window (on your tippy toes no less.)
I love you so much Jorie-bear!
The summer seems to be flying past. So many things to do and people to see! I honestly am having a hard time finding the time to write these letters to you.
The past two weeks have had a lot of activity in them. It's hard to remember the little things.
Last weekend we went to the Zoo with Jaimee and Zetta. It was a lot of fun! The two of you had a great time, even though it was REALLY hot out. When we were in the little inside part where you can look under the water at the sea lions and polar bear, we got a real treat! One of the polar bears dove in and swum right by the windows as we were standing there. You were fine until the polar bear got right in front of you, and turned it's head to look at you. It really frightened you! It took a while for us to get you to go up to the glass again, but you did it, you were so brave!
This past weekend was the fourth of July, with all the festivities that surround that. I ran a race on friday morning, and you and your Father came to watch and cheer for me at the finish. Then later that day we went over to Nannie and Apa's for a cookout. Ama showed up for it, so did your Aunt Becky and Uncle Michael and Wesley. The neighbors next door to Nannie and Apa's house came over with their two kids too, as well as a bunch of Nannie and Apa's friends. It was quite a party. Your father took you in the pool for a while, and then your Aunt Becky and Uncle Michael got you and Wesley dressed up for a photo shoot. One of the neighbor kids even got in on the fun for a bit!
Later that night we went to go see some fireworks. You were scared at first, but you cuddled up on Nannie's lap with Apa's arm around you too, and after a bit started enjoying the show, you even had a favorite firework. You fell asleep on Nannie's lap about halfway through the fireworks, and even slept through the finale!
We actually spent the night and Nannie and Apa's Friday night, and then hung out there all of Saturday, just kinda relaxing, swimming and visiting.
It was a very relaxing (extended) weekend. And made me realize even more strongly how much I wish I could be home with you all the time.
You're growing up so fast, I can't stand it. You are over half my height already. When I hold you, your feet dangle down around my knees. You speak in mostly full sentences, and have an impressive memory, often remembering things both your Father and I have forgotten.
You've been playing with Playdoh lately, and you make bracelets for us sometimes, and "waffles". Unfortunately you also like to try to eat the playdoh.
Some other favorite toys right now are the doctors kits (one at Nannie and Apa's and one that they got you for your birthday which is at our house.) And a few trucks we have.
You have a fascination with trucks right now. When the Garbage truck came by the house on Thursday when your father was home with you, you dropped everything and went running to the front of the house to watch it through the porch window (on your tippy toes no less.)
I love you so much Jorie-bear!
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Week 104
Dear Jorie,
This week was kind of a blur. I'm sure we did things, I'm just not sure what! I do know there were a couple trips to the playground, some walks, and swimming!
You are a little fish! We got you these swimmie things that go around both arms and your chest, because you really just want to go, and I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to hold on to you. You are basically "Swimming" on your own now. You push away from me and kinda kick/flail your way around in the water. It's adorable! You love to jump off the side of the pool and have someone catch you. Unfortunately, you still haven't mastered keeping your mouth closed, or "blowing bubbles" in the water so you spend a lot of time sputtering, but I'm sure you'll catch on soon.
One of the things you've been doing lately is "taking pictures" of things with your toy phone. You see us take pictures with our phones, and I think you're emulating that. You also ask me to "Take picture mommy!" when you've done something or have something you want to show me. Like the medal I gave you. I got it from one of the virtual runs I signed up for, and you really wanted a medal like mommies (from my half marathon) so I gave it to you. You call it "My medal" and you'll put it on and then ask me to "take picture mommy!" holding it up for me to see. You will also put it on your baby doll and "take" it's picture with your toy phone.
You've also started to master using the pedals on the trike your Uncle Chris got you. You can use them to go backwards, but not forwards yet, so you still have a little work to do.
Right now your favorite bedtime book to read is a Curious George book you got for your birthday. It's a huge compilation of all the Curious George books, so we only read one "story" at a time. But you love them so much. They're really long stories, but you sit for the whole thing, and usually want another one. It makes me so happy that you enjoy reading as much as you do.
I love you so much Jorie Bear.
This week was kind of a blur. I'm sure we did things, I'm just not sure what! I do know there were a couple trips to the playground, some walks, and swimming!
You are a little fish! We got you these swimmie things that go around both arms and your chest, because you really just want to go, and I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to hold on to you. You are basically "Swimming" on your own now. You push away from me and kinda kick/flail your way around in the water. It's adorable! You love to jump off the side of the pool and have someone catch you. Unfortunately, you still haven't mastered keeping your mouth closed, or "blowing bubbles" in the water so you spend a lot of time sputtering, but I'm sure you'll catch on soon.
One of the things you've been doing lately is "taking pictures" of things with your toy phone. You see us take pictures with our phones, and I think you're emulating that. You also ask me to "Take picture mommy!" when you've done something or have something you want to show me. Like the medal I gave you. I got it from one of the virtual runs I signed up for, and you really wanted a medal like mommies (from my half marathon) so I gave it to you. You call it "My medal" and you'll put it on and then ask me to "take picture mommy!" holding it up for me to see. You will also put it on your baby doll and "take" it's picture with your toy phone.
You've also started to master using the pedals on the trike your Uncle Chris got you. You can use them to go backwards, but not forwards yet, so you still have a little work to do.
Right now your favorite bedtime book to read is a Curious George book you got for your birthday. It's a huge compilation of all the Curious George books, so we only read one "story" at a time. But you love them so much. They're really long stories, but you sit for the whole thing, and usually want another one. It makes me so happy that you enjoy reading as much as you do.
I love you so much Jorie Bear.
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| Reading your Wonder Woman Book |
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| "Taking Pictures" |
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| "Take Picture Mommy!" |
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| Being silly with Daddy |
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| Riding a bike at the playground |
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| Covered in Blueberry pie |
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| Enjoying your first blueberry pie! |
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Week 103
Dear Jorie,
Your first full week as a two year old. I still can't believe it. It was, as they all have been lately, a busy week. There were playground visits and your birthday party, visits to Nannie and Apa's and Amah and Apahs. Lots of giggles, running, and tantrums.
Sunday we went to the park with Bill, Jamiee and Zetta. We went to the playground first, but you both tired of the playground itself quickly, so we went down to a grassy area so you could run around like the crazy toddlers you are. While we were down there a family came over with this tiny little puff ball of a dog. You two were so excited, Jaimee laughed because she said she'd never heard Zetta squeal like that! You spent a little time chasing the dog around, it didn't seem to mind, before we got you to leave the poor family alone to their game of catch.
I did not take enough pictures this week, although I'm sure there were plenty taken at your party.
Your party was a blur of playing, swimming, running, laughing, eating and presents. There was a cake, with candles that you needed help blowing out. The swimmies proved their worth in the pool as you took off trying to swim several times.
You got a lot of cool gifts for your birthday, and there will be more coming, since we ran out of window for opening gifts long before you finished. You still have to open the gifts from me and your Father and Nannie and Apa. So far your favorite toys were from Amah and Apah, a set of little dolls and accompanying furniture. You've been playing with them constantly all week.
I'm still in shock that you're two now. It sounds so old, and you're so big now. It's hard to believe that my tiny little peanut is this crazy happy energetic child you've become.
I love you so much Jorie bear.
Your first full week as a two year old. I still can't believe it. It was, as they all have been lately, a busy week. There were playground visits and your birthday party, visits to Nannie and Apa's and Amah and Apahs. Lots of giggles, running, and tantrums.
I did not take enough pictures this week, although I'm sure there were plenty taken at your party.
Your party was a blur of playing, swimming, running, laughing, eating and presents. There was a cake, with candles that you needed help blowing out. The swimmies proved their worth in the pool as you took off trying to swim several times.
You got a lot of cool gifts for your birthday, and there will be more coming, since we ran out of window for opening gifts long before you finished. You still have to open the gifts from me and your Father and Nannie and Apa. So far your favorite toys were from Amah and Apah, a set of little dolls and accompanying furniture. You've been playing with them constantly all week.I'm still in shock that you're two now. It sounds so old, and you're so big now. It's hard to believe that my tiny little peanut is this crazy happy energetic child you've become.
I love you so much Jorie bear.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Two Years
Dear Jorie,
How can you be two years old already? I honestly feel like I was just planning your first birthday party. How can that have been a year ago already?
This last week of your first year was as busy as the entire year has been.
Jaimee and Bill had a birthday party for Zetta on Saturday. You and Zetta were the only kids there, but that didn't seem to bother either of you. You guys spent the entire time from when we got there until you went to bed tearing around playing with each other. They had an extra bike for you so we brought a helmet and the two of you attempted to ride bikes in their driveway, somewhat successfully. You even both went to bed easily around 8:30 so the adults could have some adult time around the fire pit!
Sunday we had your Uncle Michael, Aunt Becky and Cousin Wesley over to Nannie and Grandpa O's for a mini swim party. We got you guys these cool floatie things that have two bits that go on your upper arms and one part that wraps around your chest and buckles on your back. We got two of them so we could have one for you and one for Wesley. You were more timid in the water this time, but once you got comfortable I was really glad for the floatie, since you did your now trademarked "I go (insert person far away from you) now!" and then launch yourself away from me in the direction of that person. This time I let you go, and you kinda flailed your way forward a bit. You also did a lot of jumping off the side of the pool to me. The last time you jumped to me, I kind of missed and you went all the way under for a second. It seemed to shock you, but it didn't phase you in the least, as I then handed you off to your Father so you could do a few more jumps off the side to him.
Today, we stopped at Wegmans before I dropped you off at Daycare to pick up cupcakes for everyone in your "class." I also dressed you in your "Birthday Shirt" that someone got you last year for your birthday. It looked HUGE when you got it, but now, now it fits, and may even be a little snug. I can't believe how fast you're growing.
There are so many things I want to say to you today, on your second birthday. Second. How crazy is that? You have changed my life, and your fathers life, in so many amazing ways.
You are a force of nature, little girl. The embodiment of the quote "though she is but small she is fierce." You embrace everything with abandon, from running to screaming. You have a wicked sense of humor, even if we don't always understand the jokes you're telling. You have an imagination, oh man your imagination.
How do I capture a snapshot of you right now, with just words and images? You are constant motion, these things are too static. Every day I wish you would slow down, so I could savor every moment I get with you, and trust me there are not enough. I miss you all day at work, even though I know you are happily playing at daycare.
We're having a small family party for you this weekend, on fathers day actually. I feel a bit bad that all the dad's are getting usurped, but I'll make sure to have little gifts for them too.
I'm going to fill out one of those "Birthday Surveys" for you this year, and every year until I can have you fill them out yourself. I found one who's questions I like, so I'm going to put some of them here.
How old are you? 2 Years Old
What makes you Happy? Playing, running, attention!
What is your favorite animal? All of them! Maybe my puppy Mojo.....
What is your favorite thing to eat? Blueberries! (or as I say it bueburres)
What is your least favorite thing to eat? Tomatoes...yuckie yuckie.
What is your favorite thing to do? RUN!
What is your favorite TV show? Doggies! (Clifford)
What are you really good at? Running, jumping, hanging by my arms, talking!
What is your favorite movie? Have not watched a movie yet...
What is your favorite color? I don't really have one, although I call everything "Pink"
What is your favorite song? Anything with a good beat! (also Baby bumble bee, itsy bitsy, and "the baby song.")
Who is your best friend? Zetta!
What do you and your mom do together? Play! Run! Tickle! Snuggle!
What do you and your dad do together? Play! Run! Tickle! Snuggle!
What is your favorite sport? Running!
Where is your favorite place to go? The playground!
What is your favorite book? Paddington, Little Bear & Corduroy.
What do you want to be when you grow up? A big kid!
I'll most likely have more to say about this birthday, as it sinks in that my little baby girl is actually two years old now. But for now:
Happy Birthday Jorie Bear. You are amazingly loved.
How can you be two years old already? I honestly feel like I was just planning your first birthday party. How can that have been a year ago already?This last week of your first year was as busy as the entire year has been.
Jaimee and Bill had a birthday party for Zetta on Saturday. You and Zetta were the only kids there, but that didn't seem to bother either of you. You guys spent the entire time from when we got there until you went to bed tearing around playing with each other. They had an extra bike for you so we brought a helmet and the two of you attempted to ride bikes in their driveway, somewhat successfully. You even both went to bed easily around 8:30 so the adults could have some adult time around the fire pit!Sunday we had your Uncle Michael, Aunt Becky and Cousin Wesley over to Nannie and Grandpa O's for a mini swim party. We got you guys these cool floatie things that have two bits that go on your upper arms and one part that wraps around your chest and buckles on your back. We got two of them so we could have one for you and one for Wesley. You were more timid in the water this time, but once you got comfortable I was really glad for the floatie, since you did your now trademarked "I go (insert person far away from you) now!" and then launch yourself away from me in the direction of that person. This time I let you go, and you kinda flailed your way forward a bit. You also did a lot of jumping off the side of the pool to me. The last time you jumped to me, I kind of missed and you went all the way under for a second. It seemed to shock you, but it didn't phase you in the least, as I then handed you off to your Father so you could do a few more jumps off the side to him.
Today, we stopped at Wegmans before I dropped you off at Daycare to pick up cupcakes for everyone in your "class." I also dressed you in your "Birthday Shirt" that someone got you last year for your birthday. It looked HUGE when you got it, but now, now it fits, and may even be a little snug. I can't believe how fast you're growing.
There are so many things I want to say to you today, on your second birthday. Second. How crazy is that? You have changed my life, and your fathers life, in so many amazing ways.
You are a force of nature, little girl. The embodiment of the quote "though she is but small she is fierce." You embrace everything with abandon, from running to screaming. You have a wicked sense of humor, even if we don't always understand the jokes you're telling. You have an imagination, oh man your imagination.
 |
| My desk @ work, covered w/ pictures of you. |
How do I capture a snapshot of you right now, with just words and images? You are constant motion, these things are too static. Every day I wish you would slow down, so I could savor every moment I get with you, and trust me there are not enough. I miss you all day at work, even though I know you are happily playing at daycare.We're having a small family party for you this weekend, on fathers day actually. I feel a bit bad that all the dad's are getting usurped, but I'll make sure to have little gifts for them too.
I'm going to fill out one of those "Birthday Surveys" for you this year, and every year until I can have you fill them out yourself. I found one who's questions I like, so I'm going to put some of them here.
How old are you? 2 Years Old
What makes you Happy? Playing, running, attention!
What is your favorite animal? All of them! Maybe my puppy Mojo.....
What is your favorite thing to eat? Blueberries! (or as I say it bueburres)
What is your least favorite thing to eat? Tomatoes...yuckie yuckie.
What is your favorite thing to do? RUN!
What is your favorite TV show? Doggies! (Clifford)
What are you really good at? Running, jumping, hanging by my arms, talking!
What is your favorite movie? Have not watched a movie yet...
What is your favorite color? I don't really have one, although I call everything "Pink"
What is your favorite song? Anything with a good beat! (also Baby bumble bee, itsy bitsy, and "the baby song.")
Who is your best friend? Zetta!
What do you and your mom do together? Play! Run! Tickle! Snuggle!
What do you and your dad do together? Play! Run! Tickle! Snuggle!
What is your favorite sport? Running!
Where is your favorite place to go? The playground!
What is your favorite book? Paddington, Little Bear & Corduroy.
What do you want to be when you grow up? A big kid!
I'll most likely have more to say about this birthday, as it sinks in that my little baby girl is actually two years old now. But for now:
Happy Birthday Jorie Bear. You are amazingly loved.
 |
| Water break! |
 |
| Running with Daddy |
 |
| Taking "pictures" with your phone |
 |
| With your Best Friend! |
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Weeks 100 and 101
Dear Jorie,
I'm having an awful time finding the time to write these letters to you. The past couple of weeks have been so full! We had a memorial day cook out at Nannie and Apas with a bunch of our friends and family, there were many trips to playgrounds, my birthday, and a few walks around the neighborhood. So instead of listing off all the things we did, like I usually do, I'm just going to talk a bit about how you are right now, and then let the pictures tell the story of the past two weeks.
Right now you are a force. You are a Toddler in full effect, running and laughing and screaming and tantruming. Climbing and jumping and always always running. You talk constantly, even though a lot of the time your Father and I can't understand you. You mispronounce "truck" and "clock" and a lot of other words in ways that make us fight back laughter. You melt our hearts with full on body hugs and many many kisses.
From the moment you wake up until you sleep you are in constant motion. You've recently discovered doll houses, and I have my fingers crossed one shows up for your birthday, which is coming up way too soon.
You are stubborn little girl. And strong. Very very strong. You can hang from the rings at the play ground, and use the couch and the coffee table as "parallel bars" to swing back and forth. You seem to constantly want to be doing something, to not want to miss anything, ever.
You are a big kid, tall and muscular. I think people think you are older than you are when they see you. You love to play with the bigger kids at the playground, although a lot of the time you'll run towards them yelling "Kids!" and then stop when you get close and stare at them shyly. The exception of course are your friends, like your cousin Wesley, whom you knocked flat on his back with a flying tackle hug at the playground last sunday.
Potty training isn't going so well. You sit on the potty, but don't use it. You tell us you have to "go potty" all the time, saying "I sit potty!" but you almost never actually go. We've been showing you "potty videos" to keep you sitting on the potty for longer, and you have a few favorites, like the elmo potty song. Hopefully time will just work this out.
You tell us elaborate stories, usually about your friend Zetta. Most recent was "Zetta scream! Zetta Run! Zetta 1 -2 -3! Zetta Hide!" After which you laughed hysterically. It was adorable. But you often also tell us stories about the baby doll "Baby poop, oh gosh. Oh gosh."
You've picked up a couple of mannerisms from someone at the daycare I think. One of them is the "oh gosh!" the other is every now and they you say "EEEEnough!" It's really cute.
You've settled in nicely at the new Daycare now, drop offs are relatively easy, with minimal coaxing needed to get us out the door.
Speaking of getting out of the door, let me tell you, you do not make it easy to leave the house in a timely manner. You insist on walking yourself, although not always in the correct direction. You don't want help either insisting "I do myself!" even on the steep front steps. It's kind of like herding cats, without letting them know they're being herded.
We also turned the carseats around to face front last week, which means you get to climb up into them yourself, although most of the time that means you crawl into the car and quickly find someway to squirm to the other side of the car where one of us has to extricate you and put you back in your seat. Although sometimes you let your Father bribe you with the right to "buckle in!" yourself.
I love you so much Jorie Bear.
And now: the pictures!
I'm having an awful time finding the time to write these letters to you. The past couple of weeks have been so full! We had a memorial day cook out at Nannie and Apas with a bunch of our friends and family, there were many trips to playgrounds, my birthday, and a few walks around the neighborhood. So instead of listing off all the things we did, like I usually do, I'm just going to talk a bit about how you are right now, and then let the pictures tell the story of the past two weeks.
From the moment you wake up until you sleep you are in constant motion. You've recently discovered doll houses, and I have my fingers crossed one shows up for your birthday, which is coming up way too soon.
You are stubborn little girl. And strong. Very very strong. You can hang from the rings at the play ground, and use the couch and the coffee table as "parallel bars" to swing back and forth. You seem to constantly want to be doing something, to not want to miss anything, ever.You are a big kid, tall and muscular. I think people think you are older than you are when they see you. You love to play with the bigger kids at the playground, although a lot of the time you'll run towards them yelling "Kids!" and then stop when you get close and stare at them shyly. The exception of course are your friends, like your cousin Wesley, whom you knocked flat on his back with a flying tackle hug at the playground last sunday.
Potty training isn't going so well. You sit on the potty, but don't use it. You tell us you have to "go potty" all the time, saying "I sit potty!" but you almost never actually go. We've been showing you "potty videos" to keep you sitting on the potty for longer, and you have a few favorites, like the elmo potty song. Hopefully time will just work this out.
You tell us elaborate stories, usually about your friend Zetta. Most recent was "Zetta scream! Zetta Run! Zetta 1 -2 -3! Zetta Hide!" After which you laughed hysterically. It was adorable. But you often also tell us stories about the baby doll "Baby poop, oh gosh. Oh gosh."You've picked up a couple of mannerisms from someone at the daycare I think. One of them is the "oh gosh!" the other is every now and they you say "EEEEnough!" It's really cute.
You've settled in nicely at the new Daycare now, drop offs are relatively easy, with minimal coaxing needed to get us out the door.
Speaking of getting out of the door, let me tell you, you do not make it easy to leave the house in a timely manner. You insist on walking yourself, although not always in the correct direction. You don't want help either insisting "I do myself!" even on the steep front steps. It's kind of like herding cats, without letting them know they're being herded.We also turned the carseats around to face front last week, which means you get to climb up into them yourself, although most of the time that means you crawl into the car and quickly find someway to squirm to the other side of the car where one of us has to extricate you and put you back in your seat. Although sometimes you let your Father bribe you with the right to "buckle in!" yourself.
I love you so much Jorie Bear.
And now: the pictures!
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