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!

Week 99

Dear Jorie,

Another busy busy week! Your Uncle Chris and his Fiancee Kim were in town this weekend, which meant a lot of visiting over at Nannie and Apa's!

We had breakfast there Saturday, Then after everyone was awake and fed we headed over to Lollypop farm to check out all the animals up for adoption and also all the farm animals! You pet a goat, and got to see a lot of Dogs, Cats, Bunnies, some sheep and a few horses. After that we headed back to Nannie and Apa's for a special pasta dinner that your Uncle Chris and (future) Aunt Kim cooked up for us, because Sunday we were running a 10K!

Sunday, Your Uncle Chris, Aunt Kim, Apa, Nannie and I ran in the Lilac 10 k! Your Uncle Chris pushed Nannie the whole way in a special running wheelchair. Your father and you cheered us on from the sidelines! It was great to see you near the finish line, I even ran over to give you a kiss!

After the run, we went home to rest for a bit, then it was back to Nannie and Apa's for dinner! You had a blast getting to see your Uncle Chris and Aunt Kim all weekend. They even asked you to be the flower girl in their wedding!

And now, pictures of all of it!

I love you Jorie bear!

Week 98

Dear Jorie,

What a fun packed week we had!

Friday there was a "Mother's Day Tea Party" at your Daycare. I left work early to come visit you in your class room and drink pink lemonaid and eat cookies with you, your class mates and their parents. Luckily for me, Jaimee was there and took a few pictures of You Zetta and me. It was great to see you playing with your friends and to see how comfortable you were there. You even made me a card and some crepe paper flowers!

Saturday morning we were awake early, so we made a trip to the local coffee shop and then headed over to the play ground. We were there early enough that we had the place to ourselves for a while, and you climbed all over everything. Soon enough other kids started showing up, and you had a blast making new friends. You played in the Sandbox, swung on the swings, and even went down the big twisty slide! We were there for a good long time, but not long enough for you! You were not happy when we decided to leave.

After a nap and some food, it was time to head up to the park to meet Nannie and Apa at the Lilac Festival! We were there to watch our friend Alex and his band perform. We got some food for Your father and Me, walked around a lot trying to find Alex, and then finally found him, and Lisa was with him! We couldn't hear really well, but Lisa came over and talked to us while we watched. It's always great seeing them, even if the location was not ideal. Then it was time to head to Nannie and Apa's for dinner, as usual!

Sunday was Mothers day! We started out the day with you and your Father giving me a huge plant of purple flowers and a cute card that you decorated with stickers. Then it was time to head to the Public Market to meet Nannie and Apa for our traditional trip to the market's Flower Days. We got breakfast and coffee at the Market, and then walked around, helping my parents buy plants and bring them back to their car. We even bought a few things ourselves. We were there long enough that we ended up getting lunch there too, Empanada's! They were delicious. After the market we headed back to Nannie and Apa's house to help Apa open the pool. It won't be ready to swim in for a little bit, but it's open now!

After that, we headed over to Your Father's Grandma and Grandpa DeGraffs, where we met up with Grandma and Grandpa Ross. We spent a long time there, we even got to see your Great Uncle Dan and your father's Cousin Dan and his Girlfriend Sam. Great-Grandma DeGraff brought out a doll house and a bunch of dolls, and you surprised me by becoming completely absorbed with them.

Some sad news this week, on Monday, one of the cats that lived at my parents house, who was my cat when I was in college, Elle, passed away. She was very old for a cat, 18 years old, and had a good long life. She was very sick, but it is still very sad for me and for all of us. I know you most likely wont remember her when you get older.

I love you so much Jorie-bear. Thank you for letting me be your mom!

Week 97

Dear Jorie,

This week was another busy week for us! I can't remember a week that hasn't been since you were born. Your Father and I finally started to get around to fixing up the back yard a bit. We spent some time clearing out the old garden in preparation for putting in a raised bed back there to grow some veggies! We also managed to get some grass seed down, which means that the back yard has been off limits to you, which you don't like at all.

Last thursday, your father and I took you up to cobbs hill to get a run in. You had fun, but unfortunately, mommies leg was none too happy with the run. Now that the weather's getting nicer, I hope to get you out for more runs with us, maybe along the canal or at Mt. hope.

This saturday was Bill's birthday! We went over to Jaimee and Bills to celebrate with a cookout and ice cream cake! Everything was decked out in My Little Pony, from some balloons to the table cloth outside, to the plates, and even some party hats for you and Zetta! You and Zetta loved the cake, which unfortunately (or fortunately for pictures) had some very blue frosting on it! The two of you looked like little smurfs by the time you'd finished. There was nothing to do after that but throw you both in the tub and scrub you down. By the time we were finished the water was blue! Zetta had even picked out a balloon just for you, and Jaimee added a couple more for us to take home. You got to bring home THREE balloons, one of which has all the Ponies on it!

Sunday was a whirlwind of Brunch, grocery shopping and then over to Nannie and Apa's for dinner.

One amusing story from this week, You've grown enough that you can now open the top drawers on the entertainment center, where we've been keeping things we didn't want you getting. You can't see in there yet, but you can reach in there. One afternoon I was in the kitchen, and you were being too quiet, so I looked into the living room. I saw the top drawer was open so I ran into the living room, and found you sitting at your dora table, with your baby doll propped up in the pink booster seat, a sheet of construction paper on the table. You were holding a (thankfully unopened) bottle of Elmer's Glue and dabbing the top onto the construction paper. When I asked you what you were doing, you looked up at me and said, very seriously "Baby do Project."

You're settling in well to your new daycare now, no more rough drop offs. In fact, with a few exceptions, you've been a very happy kidlet lately. You even came out of your shell at Grandma and Grandpa Ross' on Tuesday to bond with Kitty (one of the people living with them right now). You followed Kitty around for about an hour "helping" her clean up the yard.

I have to say though, I've been having a rough go of it lately, wanting to be home with you. Hearing all the things some other parents are doing with their kids, like mommy and me swimming lessons, or mid day trips to the play ground, makes me feel like I'm missing out. I know that I'm being the best mommy I can be, but it's hard being away from you so much.

This morning, snuggling on the couch and reading to you, was so awesome. I live for those moments right now.

I love you baby girl.

Brushing Mommies hair

Brushing Mommies hair

Surveying your domain

Sitting Pretty at Nannie and Apa's

Spaghetti requires careful eating

Weeks 93, 94 & 95

Dear Jorie,

I'm so sorry I haven't had time to sit down and write letters to you lately. Our carefully constructed schedule crashed and burned a few weeks ago, when first I came down sick (and even had to call out from work one day), and then it was your turn. In the midst of arranging care for you while you stayed home for an entire week, there was also Easter! And a color run! And nice weather! I can't speak for your Father, but I know that for me the past three weeks have been a sprint from start to finish, with so many things going on.

We tried our best to make sure you got in as much outside time as possible, which helped your father keep his sanity on the two (!) days he was home with you all day. I got to stay home with you one day, and you even got two whole days at Nannie and Apa's!

I honestly can't remember all the things we've done over the past few weeks, it's all a blur of swinging on the swings, running around the back yard and play ground and blowing many, many bubbles.

Some highlights from the weeks were the Color run and egg hunt we did at Jaimee, Bill and Zetta's. Both happened on the Sunday a week before Easter. We did the color run in the morning and the egg hunt in the afternoon. It was a very full day!

I had been signed up to do the Color Vibe Run with a friend, but when she texted me the morning of the run to say she was sick, Your Father decided he'd do it with me, which meant we'd be taking you along. Some quick scrambling around later we were all dressed and signed up and waiting to start the Run/Walk. We did more walking than running, although you really enjoyed the running (like you always do) and were often prompting me to run "Faster!" You loved the "color stations" where the people throwing color would very carefully dust you with colored powder, and the dance party at the end of the race. We had to pull you away to go home and clean up! When you woke up from your nap, the first thing you said to us was "More Color!"

After we were all cleaned off and rested, we headed over the Jaimee, Bill and Zetta's for a Pre-Easter egg hunt (they were out of town on easter.) After a bit of prompting, you and Zetta got the idea and were racing around their back yard finding eggs. Especially after you guys figured out how to open the eggs, and realized there were marshmallows in some of them!

This was all prior to the "week of sickness" for you. You had started coughing at this point, but had yet to get the fever that showed up sunday night. It wasn't even a real fever, it just hovered around 99 degrees, but combined with the cough you'd been fighting, your father decided to keep you home on monday, which we extended through tuesday (day 1 and Nannie and Apa's), and then wednesday, last minute your fever started creeping up so I called out from work to take you to the doctors, where we found out you had bronchitis and an ear infection (again!) You've been taking medicine since then and are doing a lot better. Thursday you were at Nannie and Apa's again and then Friday your Father had off so he was home with you again.

This past Sunday was Easter, and even though we weren't able to take you to get your picture with the Easter Bunny on Saturday because you were still sick, we did an egg hunt and Easter dinner at Nannie and Apa's on Sunday. You were adorable in your Easter dress running around the yard finding eggs. You looked like an old pro at it!

Later on Sunday you gave us all a scare when you decided to test out the safety cover on Nannie and Apa's pool. You bolted out on to the cover before any of us knew what you were doing. You got about three or four feet out onto the cover before it started sinking a little, enough that your feet got wet. I was able to coax you to come back to the edge at that point, so I didn't have to test it out myself. I have never been more frightened in my life than seeing you run out onto that cover.

One of the things that I learned this week is that you are an Advanced child. I know, every parent believes this of your child, but you wowed the nurses and doctor at the visit. You have amazing verbal skills apparently, The Doctor said you talk like a three year old, and you follow directions very well. Both you and Zetta can jump with both feet, which I learned is a three year old skill as well, most kids your age can't jump like that. It's hard not to get really excited and over proud of you for all of it. I know kids all develop at different rates, but I really do feel you pick things up quickly. I hope you continue to grow and learn at this pace and never loose the love of exploration that's lead you this far already.

The week at home sort of derailed your ability to get used to the new daycare unfortunately. This week it's been a lot of rough drop offs. It's really hard on your Father and I, because neither of us really want to drop you off. We'd be much happier if we could stay home with you all the time.

You are in the full on Toddler Zone lately. You are one big ball of grabbing, running, pulling, exploring energy. This is very hard for me in particular, I spend a lot of time trying not to snap at you when you grab at something for the eight millionth time, or grab you when you go bolting for the area in the yard behind the shed. Your Father is much more Zen about it all than I am, and is constantly reminding me to relax, that you're just being a toddler. Most of the time it's a lot of fun, but sometimes I just run out of energy (especially after a full day of work) and wish you would just cuddle up on the couch with me. Sometimes you do, and it's amazing.

You've started giving real kisses lately, which is adorable. You insist on kissing both my cheeks one at a time. If you accidentally hurt me, you'll say "sorry mommy" and kiss the boo boo, which is so incredibly cute. You also started singing lately. You sing along to part of the My Little Pony theme song, and can sing part of your ABC's (sort of). You count "one two three" and say "Ready Set Go!"

The other week when we were at Nannie and Apa's, Apa was lighting the grill and you were watching sitting on your Father's shoulders. When Apa lit the fire, you started singing happy birthday! We were all stunned, we didn't even know you knew that song! So of course we had to go get a cupcake and candle and get you to do it again. Now whenever you see a cupcake, you say "Cupcake!" and then start singing Happy Birthday.

You love to "Do it Myself" lately. Everything from climbing up and down the stairs, to picking your clothes and brushing your teeth. You are Miss Independent. It makes me happy and sad at the same time, loving watching you be assertive and learning but missing my little baby. You really don't look like a baby at all anymore. You weighed in at 30 lbs at the doctors office and you're getting really tall already.

You still love taking care of your "Baby", putting it to bed, feeding it, washing it's face, "reading" books to it. I'm thinking we're going to have to get you a few more things for the baby soon. I'm having a really hard time with this, since the Feminist in me wants to only get you gender neutral toys and to encourage you to play with things like Legos and Cars, but you seem to gravitate towards the baby doll and the cooking stuff. I'm trying really hard to just let you play with whatever you want, to keep all the options available to you and let you be your own kid.

I love you so much Jorie Bear.

Week 96

Dear Jorie,

This week was all about your Mommies Half Marathon on Sunday. Most of the week was spent gearing up for that. So I'm sorry for the short letter. You and your father came out and braved the chilly weather to cheer me on, and then we spent the rest of the day at Nannie and Apa's recovering.

You were such a great cheer section! It was great to be see you on the side lines at the half way point and again at the finish!

Other than that, you've been acclimating back to the new daycare, and getting used to our schedule again. Today's drop off went really well, you barely fussed at all, and most of that was before we even left the house. You told me "No daycare. I sick." Then pointed to me "Mommy sick. Mommy home." I wish I could baby girl, believe me. But when we got to the daycare, you went right in and started playing with Zetta.

Your Grandma Ross is out of town this week, and boy did that bother you at dinner last night! You spent a good chunk of the night wandering around calling out "AMMA!!!" I think you were convinced she was just hiding somewhere. I'll bet you'll be overjoyed next week when she's home!

I love you so much baby girl. Thank you for cheering me on!

Week 92

Dear Jorie,

This week the weather finally started to show some mercy on us. It finally looks like spring has shown up!

Friday we went over to Bill, Jaimee and Zetta's for dinner. It was so much fun letting you girls play your little hearts out like usual, and then to have some adult time for the parents once you'd tuckered yourselves out.

Right now is kind of a stressful point for all of us, since after a long debate, and a lot of unhappiness, we've decided to move you and Zetta to a new daycare. We made the decision as a group (all four parents) to keep you and Zetta together. This week, ending this upcoming friday, will be your last week at the daycare you're in now. I am really nervous about the transition, but I feel a lot better knowing that Zetta will be with you, and I know, in the long run, this is a decision that is in your best interest.

Saturday morning, when I woke up and came downstairs (your father let me sleep in), you were demanding waffles! Since I made them a couple of weeks ago, you've been obsessed with waffles. Whenever we ask you what you want to eat, "Waffles!"You even "cook waffles" in your play kitchen. You really are a big fan of my Waffles. Especially when we let you have "dip" on them (when we take the pieces and dip them in syrup for you.)

Saturday afternoon we were at Nanni and Grandpa O's, and you were a whirlwind of activity. You were constantly bouncing from one thing to the next, which has been your M.O. lately. I think you are not getting enough exercise or something. I'm hoping that now that the weather is nicer we can start getting you out to the playground to burn some of that off. There was a surprise huge snow storm Saturday night, with huge flakes falling, and about six inches of snow showing up over night.

Sunday, after brunch with Uncle Farley, we stopped back at Nannie and Grandpa O's, because your mom had forgotten her phone there the night before. You fell asleep on the way there, so we ended up staying there and hanging out for a few hours while you napped, and then for lunch once you woke up. We even got a chance to talk to your Uncle Chris, who called from Chicago while we were there! It was a nice relaxing Sunday, with only the grocery shopping after that. We managed to get one of the cool race car carts, the one with the race car part up top, so you had a great time at the grocery store.

Monday, I had planned on running in the morning, but I wasn't able to get myself out of bed. When I told your father I wanted to go for a run in the afternoon, he decided to join me! So we packed you up and took the Jogging stroller out for the first time this season! We ran for a bit, up at the Reservoir. You had a great time, while your Dad was pushing you you kept pointing at me saying "Mommy Run!" So I asked "Is daddy running?" you said "No! Daddy push." We switched pushers for a while and you said "Daddy run!" then when we switched pushers again, you got really upset, saying "NooooO! Mommy Push! Mommy Push!" We did about a quarter lap with you protesting before I took over pushing again for a bit.

You really are growing and changing so much lately, although it's hard for me to see it day by day. You have definite opinions on what you want to do, what you want to wear. You are getting so confident, it really makes me happy. This morning, while I was giving you a bath, you showed me how you put your face in the water. You also, after a little prompting, lay back in the water, with me holding your head, to practice "floating". You then proceeded to kick your feet (saying "kick! kick! kick!" the whole time) and completely soak me! It makes me really happy that you're getting so comfortable in the water. It will make teaching you to swim that much easier this summer!

You speak in short sentences now. Some as long as four or five words, and occasionally you string sentences together. This past weekend after we woke you up from a nap, you looked at me and said "I nap in crib. I wake up."You also "talk" to people on your play phone, having long conversations (only part of which are intelligible to me), and often tell me who you are talking to (usually Nannie, Grandpa, Zetta or Aunt Becky.)

I love you so much baby girl. You amaze me every day.