It's been an interesting week...

Well, they always say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here is my picture for the week.

Haircuts & Dinosaur fossils...all by Maeve I have to add.  Yes, this week Maeve decided it was time to cut her "bangs".  Technically, she doesn't have bangs, or at least she didn't have bangs.  What she has are longer wispy pieces in the front that have happened when she drags her hair pretty from her pony tail, causing a few pieces of hair to break off.  She doesn't like that, because her current favorite hair style is a low pony tail in the back, with all of her hair in it.  So, this past Sunday, while I was doing yard work and she was supposed to be playing inside, Maeve took matters into her own hands and trimmed her bangs.  Basically, cutting all the hair around her face to a super short length.  She was so proud of herself when she was telling me about it, especially the part where she told me that "I didn't even ask your permission first" knowing full well that I would have said No.  Oh well, it is just hair.  It will grow back and Maeve thinks she looks great.  So if she is happy, I am happy.  But all scissors are now safely put up and hidden from my budding hair stylist.

Now the dinosaur fossils are all part of her latest interest.  Ever since we saw the dinosaurs at some of the nearby museums, Maeve is crazy about dinosaurs.  My dressed in every shade of pink and sparkles princess is a Dino-fanatic.  One of her favorite places at one of the museums is the "Find the Fossil" area.  Basically a sand box, with fake fossils covered up and small paint brushes attached to the sides for budding paleontologists to dig up their latest discovery.  So, when I saw some dinosaur sand toys on clearance at a local store, I had an idea.  Today, Maeve & I, with the generous helping of Plaster of Paris made our very own dinosaur fossils.  Tons of fun, now I am searching for a clearance kiddy pool or sandbox to hide them in to complete the game.

The best thing about making "fossils" is that is perfectly okay if the break or chip a little coming out of the molds...and if your plaster bubbles up a little bit, it just makes them look more authentic.  ;)

My favorite picture from the week is Maeve acting silly at the pool.  This is typical Maeve and shows off her new bangs as well.

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Posted by Laura at 10:05 PM

A TV when she is 12 years old...

I should have known I was in trouble.  That is all I can say, I should have known trouble was brewing when Maeve strolled on up and casually mentioned, "Mommy, I have to ask you something."  I'm still scratching my head over what followed.

Me - "What did you want to ask me?"
Maeve, straight to the point, - "Can I have a TV in my room?"
Me - "No.  We've talked about this.  I am not getting you a TV for your room."

At this point, the discussion should have been over.  Question asked, answer received, but No, Maeve was determined to make her case.

Maeve - "But, Mommy, I am so booorrreeed.  If I had a TV, I wouldn't be bored."
Me, foolishly thinking I had her here, - "Now Maeve, if you are bored, you have so many toys to play with and books to read.  Go play with..."
Maeve, politely, but firmly cutting me off, - "Mommy, I know I have a lot of toys and books, but I am too bored to play with any of them."  At this point, her voice is adopting a tone to it.  Some sort of mix between strained patience and blatant patronization as she has to explain everything to me.  "Mommy, I am thinking of my toys, but I am too bored to play with them and I am thinking of my books too.  Mommy, I am just too bored to read."

Now, this is actually pretty funny and I am congratulating myself, a bit prematurely, that not only is this an easy argument to win, but I am getting "Good Mommy" points here by showing such patience and restraint.  So, I start up again.

Me - "Well, Maeve, if you can't find anything to do", I begin, but before I can get any further.
Maeve - "Mommy, you have a TV in your room.   No fair, I should have one in my room too.  Mommy, don't you want to be fair?"
Me - "Now, Maeve.  I don't have a TV in my room, I have a computer and I use it to work."

Now, I am feeling guilty over a little white lie, because I use my computer to watch TV too.  Just have to love Hulu & Netflix.  But I quickly rebound.

Me - "Maeve, you watch Netflix on the Ipad.  Why don't you just use that right now if you are so bored."
Maeve - "Mommy, I am just too bored to use the Ipad.  Besides Mommy, you know how I always am on your Ipad and you can't play your card game?  Well, if I had a TV in my room, I could watch my TV and you would be able to use your Ipad."

Notice the quick switch there by Maeve.  This is my favorite part.  The fact that I will have an opportunity to use the Ipad, which is mine by the way.  The conversation continued for another five minutes, with me saying No and Maeve giving her best argument on the advantages of the arrangement.  I have to give her credit, she is good.  In the end I did what any good, firm and to the point parent would do.  I told her she could have a TV when she was 12 years old.  If I thought she would forget about this conversation and I wouldn't have to worry about it anymore, I was wrong.  Since then, her opening line of conversation with anyone she comes in contact with is, "I'm getting a TV when I am 12 years old.  Mommy promised me!"

I am in so much trouble when she gets older.  :)

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Posted by Laura at 2:49 AM

"The Big Kahuna's Party Pontoon"

Two years ago, for the annual pontoon decoration contest & parade, at Grandma & Grandpa's place, we took 1st Place.  Our them was "Pirates"and we went all out.  Grandpa supplied the pontoon, Uncle Tony decorated it complete with sails, air cannons in the back, and a captain's wheel on a platform for the kids to "steer" the boat, and I was in charge of costumes for all the kids and Grandpa.  Oh yes, and Uncle Eddie supplied....hmmm....hmmm...I'll have to go with morale support here.   Although, he was very helpful on the pontoon, especially when the "sails" really worked and both, Tony & Eddie, had to quickly shred them to prevent us from blowing away.  The kids and Grandpa had a blast!

Last year, Dad & some of the kids were judges, so we did not enter the competition...but this year we did....and we won again!  The theme was "The Big Kahuna's Party Pontoon" mainly due to the fact that I found a huge clearance sale and bought most of the decor for next to nothing.  This year was nearly the same as the last time.  Uncle Tony supplied the Volcano (it really worked!) and a couple of home-made surfboards to decorate the pontoon, Grandpa supplied the Pontoon and the Hawaiian music, I supplied the costumes for the kids and helped decorate the pontoon....and Uncle Eddie was big on the morale support again. :)  Now, I have to say the kids and Grandpa looked super cute...super, super cute, but the competition was fierce, one pontoon had a live polka band and another was the "League of Justice" with a bunch of super heros (another super cute one).  If I had to say what was the tipping point for securing us this win, I would have to admit it was Uncle Tony's volcano and enough smoke bombs to keep it "erupting" for the entire competition. It looked great and the kids all loved it.

For the record, everyone always calls this "Laura's Thing".  My brothers both do a little smirking when I start sending out the emails and organizing it.   Now, I organize and follow up with everyone, but when Grandpa and Uncle Tony are already arguing with me on next year's theme, I think it has turned into a "Family Thing".  :)

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Posted by Laura at 10:46 PM

She's getting married...

That's Maeve I'm talking about.  Sorry if I got your hopes up Mom. :)  As for the backstory, it started innocently enough.  Maeve is "Princess Crazy" and loves anything princess, especially Rapunzel in "Tangled".  She has the movie memorized backwards and forwards.  I found "Tangled Ever After" on Itunes and downloaded it.  It is a cute short film that shows the wedding.  This combined with the fact that I had bought a confirmation gown (huge clearance sale...couldn't resist) and had it sitting in a closet, complete with veil and gloves was too much for her to resist.  She has married just about every stuffed animal she has, and officiated several weddings as well.  Seems if a toy/stuffed animal wears the veil they are getting married.  Not sure of the legal ramifications of all of these weddings, although I have to say that "Big Bear" is getting around.  He might have his own TLC reality show soon with all of his wives.

Maeve's interest is starting to wan a bit and she is moving on to other things.  BUT....I think I am going to have to start a wedding savings fund for her, as she is pretty exact on what she wants for her wedding dress already and she is only 6 years old.  Big and pouffy, so it really twirls and the veil has to be super long.

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Posted by Laura at 11:50 PM

Maeve's Fashion Style

Around November of 2009, Maeve decided she could dress herself all by herself in the morning and did not need any "advice" from Mommy. This decision prompted some interesting clothing choices. Usually she dressed herself in some variation of pink and "Dora", but sometimes her mood took her elsewhere and we ended up with some very creative dressing options, such as the one to the left.

This look to the left was composed of her shorts & shirt, knee high Valentines Day socks and her water shoes. Needless to say, we turned

a few heads while we were out and about that day, but who am I to stifle the artist within. :)

Other days we end up with more normal looking outfits, such as the one to the right.

But a clear favorite and worn many times throughout the month of November was her Halloween costume. Here she accessorized with eyeshadow, just like Mommy (as she told me...hmm, maybe it's time for a makeover.)

We did wash off the make up before we left for our Saturday errands and my little fairy and I had a wonderful day.

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Posted by Laura at 6:00 AM

Time to get up to date on this...

It has been awhile and so much has happened in the past year, so here are some of the highlights. I'll start with October 2009...

- Vacation in Michigan for the big Hayride party at our cousin's house. We also had plenty of quality time with Grandma & Grandpa and lots of play time with all the cousins.

Of course...still "Tooning" with Grandpa.

Grandpa's "Hayride". They loved it!

Grandpa and his grandkids.

Spending time with Grandma doing something they both love...reading.

All the cousins at the Hay Ride Party.

Who are Grandpa's girls??? I know. ;)

Then back home and on to all the other activities planned for October.

Lots of fun at the company picnic...

Later in the month, we went to the "Movie in the Park" showing. Can you guess which movie? :

Halloween at last! Maeve was a fairy with a really nice costume from "The Children's Place". She loved it!

We spent Halloween with some old friends...

and some new friends. :)

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Posted by Laura at 6:06 AM

Webster's Definition of "Spoiled"

According to www.merriam-webster.com, the definition for "spoil" or the inflected form "spoiled" is as follows,

a : to impair the disposition or character of by overindulgence or excessive praise b : to pamper excessively

Let's see if this definition fits Maeve...

This past Sunday, I woke up at 7:30am to a three year old poking me and hollering, "Wake Up MOMMY!" in my ear. (My little angel had actually let me sleep in a hour past my normal wake up of 6:30am. No spoiling there, just a generosity of soul that recognized Mommy needed a little extra sleep that morning.) Next, after a quick breakfast, a certain small person convinced me a trip to the pool was just what we needed. Something about asking the same question, "Mommy, go swim?", fifty different ways has a certain persuasive aspect to it. Off we went for the next hour or so. (With my best interests still at heart, my little angel realized I might need a little refreshing and the ice cold water was just the trick.) Then it was back home, where the little general graciously allowed me time to do the yard work and a few household chores. (My angelic cherub even grudgingly picked up almost half the mess she had made with her toys in the living room.) Shortly into the afternoon, my little angel, decided she didn't have time for a nap, when the world was desperately in need of a princess and in her big pink foo-foo dress, complete with crown she certainly fit the bill. So, sans the nap, but with global peace and an environmental campaign to save the rain forest in mind, Maeve headed off to the local grocery store with me.

At the store, Maeve became a little cranky (now who can blame her, after all saving the rain forest can cause some stress in a three year old), so Mommy resorted to her tried and true method of offering her a treat to eat while in the store. "Do you want some cake?" I asked, meaning a plain cake donut that has satisfied her during past trips. But this trip to the store didn't include regular Maeve, this was mighty Princess Maeve who was on a quest for global peace and rain forest restoration. This Maeve quickly located and insisted on having a 1/4 chocolate sheet cake decorated with various flowers and trim. A cake that was not complete until three ballerinas and a fanciful "Maeve" was added to it.

Now, I could have said "No", but it wasn't truly spoiling. After all, Maeve did recognize that Mommy was a little tired and what better to fix that, then a quick sugar fix. Plus Maeve knows Mommy loves chocolate too. Besides, who can say "No" to the mighty Princess Maeve, promoter of world peace and champion of the rain forest!

PS - Maeve has been singing "Happy Birthday" all day today and telling me that this is her (or mine) birthday cake. :) 0 comments

Posted by Laura at 10:00 PM

Happy Birthday to Me!

It was a busy & exciting day today. I took the day off from work and Maeve and I headed off to Court first thing this morning for an 8:30am court appearance. Now before anyone thinks Maeve has busted me out & they are sending me to the big house for forcing her to go to swim lessons, think again. I simply finally filed for her re-adoption in our state and today they finalized it...again. I say again, because the adoption was finalized and legally recognized two and a half years ago when Maeve first came home, but every state differs in how the parents obtain a modified birth certificate. It is not necessary (I have the Chinese one), but it is convenient and a nice thing to have later in life when it is needed (signing up for Little League, etc.) Now, while some states just require you to turn in copies of the finalized adoption paperwork & presto bingo, the new birth certificate is mailed to you automatically, my state requires that I go through the "re-adoption" process. Basically, a whole lot of paperwork, $20 fee and a court date.

So off to court we went this morning. My choice of attire was dictated by my desire to look least like a felon (not that my wardrobe has any items that resemble that I hope, but my initial trip to the court house to file the needed documents had exposed me to the wide variety of clothing choices that people make when they appear in court. I now see why judges lose patience and the jails are full.) Maeve, I dressed for maximum cuteness, pink dress, high pony tails, huge flower hair pretties. This was deliberate on my part, not for the picture I wanted when we were done, but for the mayhem my very active child was bound to cause. We arrived in plenty of time and waited with the rest of the folks outside the court room. There were three adoption cases, including ours, and a bunch of misdemeanor cases. Maeve & I were first and headed back to the judges chambers. Maeve greeted the solemnity of the proceedings by jumping up and down on two of the judge's very plush chairs, then moving to the sofa for more bouncing enjoyment. Meanwhile, I'm trying to answer the questions, keep her under control and pray silently that he doesn't kick us out. I thought I was in for it, when Maeve hid behind me and kept jumping out and hollering, "Peek-A-Boo" at the top of her lungs at the judge. I was picturing contempt proceedings and I don't even know what contempt proceedings truly are, but the judge & his clerk just smiled and were actually completely amused and entertained by her antics. (Maximum cuteness dressing strategy pays off again. I use it for the airport too.)

After all that, we got our picture (now Maeve played shy) and headed back into court to wait for the paperwork to be finalized by one of the clerks. Meanwhile the judge came out and started to hear cases. Thankfully, he turned a deaf ear to the ruckus that Maeve was causing (where are those nice rooms, like they have at church when you need them.) I did feel very fortunate, because while waiting I watched both of the other adoption requests go south. Both were family adoptions (someone within the family was trying to adopt the child out of foster care), but not all the requirements had been met and each petition was denied at that point. Even though the judge handled it very nicely, it was heart breaking to watch. Also hard to watch was when the court officer explained to all the misdemeanor folks their options on paying their fines. It didn't really catch my attention, until he came to the part where he told them that if they couldn't afford to pay the fine (out of work, etc.) they could do the jail time. The officer was very nice about this, not an ounce of judgement in his tone, just explaining the options. Glancing around, I realized by the looks in a few faces that jail time was a real option for some. That was very sad. Needless to say, I was happy & relieved to leave. I always knew that Maeve & I were fortunate & blessed, but sometimes it really drives home.

After that, what was a good Mom to do on her birthday, but drop Maeve off at the babysitter and head out to see a movie on her own. Yeeesssss!!! A movie without animation, 3D glasses, six trips to the bathroom (4 of them false alarms), and I could eat all of my own popcorn. Such heaven is normally only dreamed of, never actually experienced. :) But that's not the end of it, then I went shopping, leisurely shopping (no rushing around to get everything done before a toddler's patience wears thin) and even took in a class at my beloved Apple store.

It was heaven, but then it was over and time to go home to take Maeve to swimming lessons. Still continues to be the longest 30 minutes of my life, but we are making headway and I'll update more in a later post. The funniest part of the day happened after swim class, while Maeve was splashing around in the baby pool. She had met a little girl, her own age and they were having a great time playing and splashing with each other. I was sitting next to her Mother and the Dad with the brother was nearby too. Just so you have the complete picture, there is me, completely freckled caucasian, my asian daughter, her new hispanic friend, and the hispanic parents all at the baby pool. A woman and her son walk up and the little boy joins in the fun with the girls. I caught the woman closely observing the girls and glancing up at me. I knew something was coming, but wasn't ready for when she asked me, "Are they twins??". I don't know what surprised me more, the question of twins or the assumption that I was the Mom of both and not the other gal. I'm also not sure who was more surprised, me or the other Mom. I just stated that they were not and pointed to the other Mom...right next to me. Just the right funny ending to top off a really good day.

Below, I have scanned in the birthday card my parents sent to me. Dad handcrafts all of our cards on one of his programs, but you can always count on Mom to add her own personal touch.

1 comments

Posted by Laura at 10:29 PM

Maeve's Revenge

Meany Mommy has been making Maeve go swim lessons. Even worse, I have already signed us up for the August session. What's a toddler to do you ask? Silly question. Plot revenge of course!

First patiently wait for the perfect opportunity. Yes, Sunday night is presenting nicely as the time Mommy is at her weakest. Poor Mommy spent all day doing yard work, laundry and assorted chores, while playing with Maeve and even taking her to the pool in the afternoon (the kiddy pool nearby, no swim lessons.) Maeve, making secret observations, notes that Mommy is pretty tired, well, actually exhausted is more the word by the time 8pm rolls around. Next step is to go to bed with minimal fuss. Must set herself up as sweet angel child. Then simply lie in wait, biding her time, she waits for the perfect moment to strike.

She hears Mommy complete some more chores and finish her prep for the coming week. Then she hears Mommy go to bed. Even though, she knows Mommy probably fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow, she waits a hour to make sure Mommy has hit the deepest point of sleep possible....then she STRIKES!

Maeve (poking Mommy's face): "Mommy, Wake UP!!!"

Mommy (very groggily): "Huh? What's wrong? Why are you up?"

Maeve (wide awake with a big smile): "Mommy, Go downstairs?"

Mommy: "No, go back to bed."

Maeve: "Mommy, I hungry. I have snack?"

Mommy: "No, go back to bed."

Maeve: "Juice?"

Mommy: "No, please go back to bed."

Maeve: "Milk?"

Mommy: "Maeve, in the morning. Now you have to go back to bed."

Maeve: "Water?"

Now, groggy Mommy realizes that a game is afoot. She had made sure that Maeve had a full sippy of water prior to going to bed. Meanwhile, Maeve climbs up in Mommy's bed and proceeds to roll over her, ensuring every elbow and knee is well placed.

Maeve (grinning like a mad woman): "Hi Mommy! Read book?"

Well, you can see where this is going. Maeve kept me up, on and off, for at least two hours. If I happened to doze off, there was the helpful poking in the face until I woke back up. If I put her in her room, a small tantrum ensued (which I ignored), only to result in her coming back into my room when I dozed off. Needless to say, I am heading off to work completely exhausted, while "you know who" is peacefully sleeping, catching up on all her beauty sleep.

Has Mommy learned her lesson? Hmm...I don't know, but I've heard swim lessons have been extended into September.

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Posted by Laura at 7:42 AM

Ni Hao!!

Just a quick update...have go to work.

Here is a picture of one sleepy Maeve (just up from her nap) with her new Kai-Lan doll, cell phone, Dora sippy & Dora shoes. The doll is new and she loves it. Yesterday's constant chant was "Ni Hao! Ni Hao!" (chinese for Hello), because after all it is Kai Lan from "Ni Hao Kai Lan" on Nick Jr. I saw the Target ad for all the Kai Lan items and showed it to Maeve. She literally freaked out when I asked her if she wanted to get a Kai Lan dolly. "Yes Yes Yes!!!" So, off to Target we went and one short trip later, we ended up with a Kai Lan doll, a Kai Lan game & a new toy cell phone, that she picked up and chatted on the whole time we were in Target...I couldn't resist getting it.

The doll also came with a Kai Lan necklace. She doesn't have it on in the picture, but it is a favorite too and she wore it most of the day.

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Posted by Laura at 7:02 AM

Go Run?!

That's how Maeve greeted me at the door last night. Wearing a cute little sundress and her new Nike sneakers, the first words out of her mouth were, "Mommy, go run?!" Then it went something like this.

Mommy: "Well, what about swimming? Do you want to go swimming?"
Maeve: "Swim in the baby pool?" (she used to beg to swim in the big pool.)
Mommy: "No swim with Mandy & Michelle in the big pool."
Maeve (shouting): "No! No big pool! No swim! We go run! I run!!"

This was the first time ever she has turned down an opportunity to go swimming. This conversation repeated itself in various forms for the next 15 minutes while we changed into our bathing suits. While Maeve did willing put on her bathing suit, she kept insisting on swimming in the baby pool and even put her Nike sneakers back on...just in case I changed my mind about running. She even made a last ditch effort as we were leaving, trying to insist that we take the stroller and not the car. (There are two pools. Swim lessons are to far and we drive, but there is a closer pool that doesn't offer swimming lessons that we regularly walk to with the stroller.) Ignoring her stroller requests/orders, I put her in the car and then listened to a rather angry & insistent Maeve for the five minute ride over, "Mommy, no big pool! I swim baby pool!! No Mandy & Michelle! NO!!". This continued for the two minute stroll from the parking lot to the pool gate. In the pool area, Maeve trailed about 10 feet behind me with the same angry chant...quite entertaining for all those around us. I continued to ignore and sat her down to take her shoes off. At this point, Maeve tells me, "Mommy, no you go swim. I sit here!" Oh boy...another loooonnnngggg 30 minutes.

I walked her over and sat on the steps with her and, yes, when it was her turn I made her go out. Both instructors, Mandy & Michelle were highly supportive and tried to help out, encouraging her and pointing to me, saying, "There's your Mommy." anytime she became upset out on the water. But no smiles, no happy Maeve, just a "I'm gritting my teeth to get thru this" little girl. Still, I high fived her after every turn in the pool and smiled and waved like a mad woman every time she was out in the pool and turned, looking for me.

Then the Turning Point!

Michelle asked who wanted to jump in the pool? That is how they end the lessons, letting the kids jump into the pool and they catch them (heads do not go underwater unless the kids are ready.) Michelle asked the question and Maeve shrieked! My immediate thought was that it completely freaked her out and she was scared, but No! She was so happy, and doing a little dance because she could hardly wait. I walked around with her to the side of the pool where they jump from and stood next to her. Maeve turned and pushed me away and I mean pushed. Heaven forbid I cut in front of her. Off she went and jumped four times into the waiting arms of Mandy and Michelle. All smiles and completely happy, she even high fived Mandy & Michelle at the end of class before we went to swim in the little (baby) pool. Less than a hour later, while driving home after splashing in the baby pool for awhile, I asked Maeve if she had fun. "Yes!!" was the answer. Pushing my luck, I asked if she liked Mandy & Michelle. Again, a loud "Yes!!" came from the back seat. Then, really pushing my luck, I asked if she wanted to go swimming again on Tuesday with Mandy & Michelle. "Yes Mommy! I go swimming with Mandy & Michelle!!" was the swift reply. Now, I am not claiming complete victory yet. A lot can happen between now and then to make Maeve change her mind, but it was nice to hear that I hadn't put my child through a complete torture session.

As we were going home, I told Maeve, "I'm so proud of you!". Maeve looked at me and said, "I proud of you too Mommy!" 0 comments

Posted by Laura at 6:23 AM

Not so high hopes on Swim Lessons tonight...how about some cute pictures instead?!

I don't have any illusions on how Swim class is going to go tonight. Unfortunately for Maeve, she has a Mommy that has decided that learning to swim is very important (& more importantly safety around water.) So, like it or not we will continue to go.

So, how about a few cute picture to take my mind off the loooonnnngg 30 minutes ahead of me tonight? :)

Just like every child out there, Maeve loves to hide & "Pop Out" of boxes, hampers, baskets, etc. These two pictures are from Sunday when I was doing laundry and had emptied the hamper.

Talk about a perfect opportunity...Maeve couldn't wait to get in the hamper when I dumped it out. Of course, I had to help her in and out, so it wouldn't tip over. Just one more reason why I was so exhausted Sunday night, but on the upside I do get my workout and as she gets bigger, I am progressing up in weight lifting. My favorite picture from this past Tuesday was actually one I took before we left for Maeve's swim lessons. After she put her bathing suit on, I asked her to put her shoes on. Normally, she goes for her sandals (her favorites), but since Sunday the sandals have a new rival...her Dora sneakers. She loves them. Heck, if they had them in adult sizes, I would have bought a pair for me. They are awfully cute.

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Posted by Laura at 6:04 AM

Swim Lessons...the story continues

The picture says it all. We just finished our 3rd lesson and Maeve whimpered through half the class. Today I sat at the edge of the pool and let the swim instructors take her out on her turn. The first couple of times, Maeve cried almost the entire time, but then she settled for just an extremely unhappy look. I feel bad "forcing" her to do this, but I do know, despite herself, she is enjoying it at some level. At the end of class, I asked her to jump into the pool (into the waiting instructor's arms) just once when it was her turn and she did. Maeve then proceeded to line up twice more to jump again, so I know she liked that part. When I asked her if she had a good time, she said "Yes", but when I asked her if she wanted to go again on Thursday, Maeve said, "No Mommy. I have to say No."

It wasn't all bad. After swim class, we happily splashed around in the kiddie pool for another 30 minutes before calling it a night.

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Posted by Laura at 1:50 AM

"Mommy, I so proud of you!"

First we woke up at 5:30am...make that I woke up at 5:30am and dragged a sleepy Maeve along for the ride. We headed off to the registration event of a local running group. (I have been threatening for a year or two now to get back into running, so finally decided to do it.) Earlier this week, I checked to see if it was okay to have one adult and one child in a jogging stroller as part of the program, so no problem there.

Maeve might have been a little groggy in the car, but by the time we hit the track it was a different story. Today, I had to run a mile (2x around the track) to establish my pace group. My plan was to push Maeve in the jogging stroller, but Maeve had a completely different idea in mind...she was determined to run it right along with me. Maeve almost ran the whole mile. She only stopped to ride in the stroller for a little bit, and that was just to suck down her sippy cup. We had the only jogging stroller on the track and definitely stood out from the crowd. Here's how it went for most of the run.

Mommy: Panting, breathing hard, trying to keep a pace.

Maeve: "Run Mommy! Run! Corre Mommy! Corre!" (Corre is Spanish for Run.)

Mommy: Panting, breathing hard, still trying to keep a pace.

Maeve: "This is fun!! Mommy, say Wheeee!! Say it Mommy! Say Wheee!!"

Mommy & Maeve together: "Wheeeeee!!" (yes, I heard laughing around us)

Maeve: (as other runners passed us) "Wow Mommy! They are super fast!!" or "Mommy, they really good runner!"

Mommy: Still panting, breathing hard, trying to keep the pace that Maeve has set.

Maeve made quite a few new friends with her "super fast" & "good runner" compliments. I think everyone thought she was quite cute. One thing to note...we did not finish last. Yes, some of the newer runners now have quiet mental goals to beat a three year old. Me? Luckily, I managed to keep pace with her. It would have been difficult if we had ended up in two different pace groups. ;) I do know, I definitely have to up my game plan if I have any hopes to keep up with her when she is four.

Finally, the mile was over and we were given a pace group assignment. I started to head to the exit, but Maeve goes, "Mommy, go run!" and took off. We had to do another lap around the track.

After dragging Maeve from the track, we were off. Grudgedly accepting that "running" was done for the day, her next words were, "Go Swim?!" Maeve chanted this the rest of the way home and I'm not sure if I truly agreed or it was the effects of the brain washing, I thought it was a good idea too. First though, we made time to call Grandma & Grandpa (& also talked to Aunt Darcy.) Maeve was in a talkative mood and even sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" for each of them. Now, if she can remember to hold the phone up directly to her mouth when talking, it will be even better. But Grandma & Grandpa (& Aunt Darcy) all got their fair share of Maeve today, including a few "I love Yous!". Knowing I had avoided being disowned once again (it's so not about me anymore), we headed down to the pool, where she happily splashed around for a hour or so. There were a few other kids there, which was bonus for her...more pool toys to play with and argue over.

We had a good time there and even practiced some of our swim lessons moves (I have a good feeling about Tuesday). Then it was back to the house where I insisted Maeve take a nap. It wasn't so much for her as it was for me. Mommy was tired. Very, very tired.

After our nap, we worked around the house for a bit, each doing our part. Maeve making the mess and Mommy cleaning it up and then we drove off to run some errands. I had realized that morning that "Miss Constantly Growing" just barely fit into her size 7 Nikes and needed a bigger size. We ended up with two new pairs of size 8 running shoes. One absolutely adorable pair of Dora running shoes (which she refused to take off the rest of the day) and a new pair of Nikes (no laces, Velcro just like Grandpa.) After a couple more errands, we stopped off at the grocery store. Now it was hot and time to eat, so "Miss Sunshine" was more on the "Miss Cranky" side by then. Luckily, the grocery store had recently brought in racing car grocery carts. Maeve can sit in front and drive the car while Mommy wields the cart behind her. She loves this car and I am eternally grateful to the person who thought of it! A big Thank You to this mystery person! I hope you made millions from it!

Finally, we made it home and Maeve immediately demands her "Juice". This girl is addicted to Orange Juice and I had run out the day before. She really didn't freak out too much when we ran out, but when I pulled out the new gallon jug, she went beserk. This girl has an issue and I am seriously considering rehab. She sucked down three big sippies of this orange stuff one after another. Luckily I had thought this might be a possibility, so I iced them down and made sure the cups were 1/2 water too.

What a day! Now, relaxing on the couch, watching a little Nick Jr (the "General" has the remote afterall), Maeve plops down next to me, looks me in the eye and says, "Mommy, I so proud of you!"

That's my girl! I'm proud of her too!

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Posted by Laura at 8:44 PM

Baby Got A Boo-Boo

"Poor Baby!" That's what Maeve keeps saying. That and, "Baby got a boo-boo."

Poor dog indeed. Baby developed a small skin lesion that the Vet said was cancerous, so she went in for surgery to have it removed last Friday. Good news is they got it all and all the lab work came back that it had not spread further. Upon picking her up, they warned me that she might be a little lethargic (have they met my dog....she sleeps 99% of the day, any more lethargic, she would be in a coma.) Also, the Vet told me not to be alarmed on the size of the incision. Even though the original lesion was the size of a quarter, she has a 7 inch scar. The Vet took out extra skin on all sides and went down a fat layer or two to get it all out and make sure it had not spread. I told him not to worry. Baby, my very tubby dog, would have been fine to lose several fat layers. Now when people see the stitches and asked what happen, I simply say, "liposuction". 0 comments

Posted by Laura at 7:23 AM