rough.day

This picture pretty much sums up our entire day today. Other than our time at co-op, there were a lot of tears...by all of us (some...{cough}Amelia...more than others!).

Over the weekend, I was reading the book Steady Days (thank you, Myah!!) by Jamie Martin. She was saying that at the end of the day, it can be helpful to write down things that you're thankful for. It can give you a much more positive outlook on life, even in the midst of craziness. So here's my list:

Today, I'm thankful...
...that Josh will be home in about 30 minutes (he's been out of town since Wednesday).
...for the moms at co-op...today, especially Deanna and Danielle. I definitely needed to talk about random topics that didn't include cleaning the playroom in my house.
...for my sister because I know there will never come a day when she refuses to talk to me...especially because we debate such serious issues like floral delivery fees! :)

I feel just a little bit better already.  I'm also thankful that tomorrow is a new day.  Exhale.

sweetness.

I could just eat this baby up!!

ta-MAY-toe.ta-MAH-toe

Amelia has funny ways of saying words.  When she wants a napkin, she says, "Mabpin, please."  I, of course, know what she means.  Today, I decided I should see if I can get her to say it correctly...

A: Mabpin, please,
Me: Say, "NAPkin."
A: MAHkin!
Me: That's better!  Say, "NAPkin!"
A: MAPkin!
Me: Good!  You're getting there!
(A few seconds go by.)
A: NAPkin!
Me: YES!!  That's it!!  Good job!

Amelia then begins to giggle because she's proud of herself, and says to herself assuringly, "Wahkin."

Two steps forward and three steps back!! :)

yubbing yibia

Yubbing Yibia translated: Loving Olivia.

The other morning after I fed Olivia, Amelia asked to hold her.  While she held her, I asked, "Do you like her?"  She responded (oh-so-sweetly), "Yeaaaah...and I yub her, too."

Sugar sweet.

the view from here

info for the newbie

I was holding Olivia in the kitchen today, and Meredith looks right at her and says, "Olivia, do you know you have the best Mommy in the whole wide world?!" 

Warms my heart. :)

6.years.old

So, I'm a little behind posting about Meredith's (and Amelia's!) birthday.  Since Meredith's was Feb. 16, I figure I should post about her first. 

First of all, I just love this picture of Meredith.  She is so full of energy almost all of the time!  And when it's happy energy, she looks just like this!  Huge smile, ready for a hug, lots of love. 

When it's the grumpy energy coming out...well, we'll just leave it at grumpy energy.  Her outlook on life has improved immensely, and I'm encouraged that some day her grumpy moments will be few and far between!

At 6 years old, Meredith loves babies (both the pretend kind and the real kind).  She was extremely thrilled recently when I allowed her to hold Olivia while standing up.  (I was right there with her, hands under O, ready to catch!)  Meredith was convinced that her arms were much, much stronger after her holding time! :)

She can read, skip, whistle, sing, and dance.  You will find her doing most of those at the same time!

Favorites...
book: the imagination book (we have a book with blank pages, and we make up our own new story every time we read it)
food: chocolate chip cookies
game: Twister
activity: cooking over a fire
show: America's Funniest Home Videos

Now that she's 6, Meredith wants everyone to know that she can do more things and that she loves being a big sister!

For her birthday, Meredith decided that she wanted cookies instead of cake.  (She doesn't like cake or frosting!)  So we made a boatload of star shaped cookies, and one giant "6" cookie for her.  Josh actually made the 6 cookie...I frosted it.  It was a team effort. :)



Meredith, we love you.  You are so passionate, and we love watching you grow and learn.  You are creative and full of life.  We love having you as a part of our family!