Conquering Fears

Mommy and I went to tot lot this morning and I was a very brave girl. There were a ton of kids there so I wasn't so sure about even going into the gym at first. Mommy talked me into going to play with the trains. I played with them for a long time and there were a few other kids I made friends with. After a while, I rode on the ride-on toys. I sure can make them bounce and go. I moved on to playing in the cottage house with a few kids. Usually I don't go into the cottage if anyone else is in there, but I didn't mind the other kids today.

Before Mommy knew it, I climbed part of the way into one of the huge bouncy houses. Mommy came over to cheer me on. I jumped in the house just like I jump in my bed. I laughed and smiled and had a fantastic time. We've been going there for months and I had to make up for lost bouncy house time. In case you think I'm a wuss, then you should check out the size of the bouncy house I went into. Here's the link.

After I bounced for a while, I went and played with a couple of nice girls and the huge exercise ball. Prior to today, that ball had to be avoided at all costs, but today I found out that it's fun to roll around. Who cares if it's taller than me? It was silly of me to run and cry when it came near me before.

We had such a great time that we stayed until tot lot was closing. I helped the other kids bring the toys to the storage area. Mommy encouraged me and I delivered a trike to one of the workers. He gave me five and I was so proud of myself. I hope we go back to tot lot next week!

I overheard Mommy talking to Daddy on the phone on the way home. She was talking me up like I won an Olympic event. I'll have to tell him all about it when I see him in person tonight. Too bad she didn't have the camera with her today so I could show him how awesome I am.

Careful!

That's what I say right before I destroy. If you hear me say "careful", then you'd better watch out! Oh, and for those of you pestering Mommy about a belly picture, you can see the bump in the background if you look closely.I love Daddy's new phone because it shines a fun light in my face and takes my picture.Here I am with my two favorite people in the whole world (any of the three of us could say the same!).Besides destroying things, I've also expanded my tastebuds to include crayola crayons. Mmmm...good...me like wax...

Funny

I made Mommy laugh really hard this morning. I was running around outside and I went over to the utility posts in the front yard and did my impression of Euclid. He always goes potty right there so I said "pee" and then squatted up against the post. Hahaha! Do you like my sense of humor?

Life Lessons for Charlotte

Mommy's big sisters taught her a lot in life so I feel it's my duty to do the same for my sissy. Here are some things I've learned in the last 22+ months. I expect you to follow my directions, Charlotte.

1. Be polite. It's okay if you toot or burp in public as long as you say "''scuse me." Everyone will give you big smiles. Also, say "'scuse me" if someone is in your way and you want to shove past him or her. Say "sorry" when you throw stuff on the floor. Say "please" when you want something really good like candy or crayons and say "thanks" after Mommy gives in. She can't resist it when you pair a smile with a sweet request. Don't bother yelling, she'll just ignore you. The same rules apply to Daddy, but he's a sucker for a kiss.

2. Sleep when it's time. You'll feel better after a good rest and your parents are a lot more fun to be around when they've had some time to rest also.

3. Shopping is fun. Behave yourself and say "hi" to people. Sometimes you'll get stickers from friendly people at the stores and Mommy will be more likely to buy you stuff when you're being cute.

4. Snuggling is important and solves most anything. The best part of the day is when you get to snuggle with Daddy and Mommy and Bubba in the big bed and put your feet under the covers. I look forward to adding you into the mix!

5. Join in the fun. Dance and sing along with all of us. It's okay if you can't carry a tune because we'll all still think you're cute (or cuter) for it. If you want to know the true tune of a song, then listen to Daddy, but not to me or our mommy.

6. There are times when it's appropriate to misbehave. I'll keep you posted on that. So far I've found that it's good to be naughty at football games. That way you can go exploring and don't have to stay for the whole game. Just make sure you're good for halftime because marching bands are awesome.

7. Always remember that you're loved. No matter what naughtiness you accomplish, there are lots and lots of people that think you're wonderful. Isn't life great?

Grandparent Visit #2

I was so happy to see Nana when I woke up from my monster nap this afternoon (4 hours!). Papa didn't come with because he's sick, but I still had plenty of fun without him. I asked for him a bunch though.

I fell down and bit my tongue after supper so Nana held me for a long time until I felt better.
I helped Mommy with the laundry this morning. There's nothing like clothes with a built in snack to put a smile on your face. Daddy is in for some fun when he checks his pockets.
Do you like my new wool pants? They're a diaper cover and pants at the same time. I'm going to hang out with Nana tomorrow while Mommy takes her test. Maybe I'll talk her into taking me to tot lot so she can meet my friends.

Grandparents Visit #1

Grandpa and Grandma came to see me today. We went to my favorite park and it was gorgeous outside. The sun was shining and everything smelled so nice. I loved holding Daddy and Grandpa's hands.Grandpa helped me reach the equipment. Just another few inches and I'll do it all by myself!What to play with next?Swings!I tried to start a kick line with Daddy and Grandpa, but they weren't into it. I guess there's a reason men aren't Rockettes.This is what a fabulous hair day looks like.There were a ton of geese and ducks at the pond. I loved all the honking and quacking.Daddy didn't let me go swimming despite my best efforts.Grandpa and Grandma escorted me away from the pond.Grrr...
We went shopping and out for lunch after the park. By the time my grandparents left I was ready for a nice nap. Speaking of napping - I've decided that it's an okay thing to do again. I struggled with it last week, but I've done well the last few days. Mommy gave me a pillow to sleep with and it makes it all soft and snuggly in there. Plus, Daddy climbed into my crib and laid down to show me how it was down. It was funny!

Football

Lately I've been watching a lot of football on weekends and today I got to see it in person. I dressed up as a super fan as you can plainly see. Even my diaper matched my ensemble. Lots of people smiled at me when we walked to the stadium. I even got to see some fun relatives that gave me popcorn.We stopped at the tailgating bus for a while and I took my turn at the wheel. I told the kids on the bus to move on back since that's what the driver says in the song.Don't worry. That wasn't my drink (or Mommy's either).I was very difficult during the game, but I knew just what to do to make it all better.Our team wasn't doing very well so I didn't have much to smile about here.The best part of the game was the marching band. My parents were so proud. I cooperated for a picture with Mommy, as usual.
Tomorrow I get to see Grandpa and Grandma and then I see Nana and Papa on Monday. Mommy gets to take a test at the hospital all morning on Tuesday so Nana and Papa will get to spoil me rotten. I hope they're up to the challenge. Good night!