Quick Notes

On May 17th, one of those things every mom hopes for happened. The girls played nicely together. It's not that they are in the habit of being mean to each other, it's just that Bella really hasn't been old enough to carry on many activities that would hold the attention of a 4 year old for more than 2 minutes. But on that evening, I just enjoyed folding my laundry and watching them sit at the head of my bed and play baby dolls together.

On May 18th, I was reminded that we need to further explain that more than one person can have the same name. When we leave town, Boo is always quick to ask are we back in (?) when we return. That's why I was so shocked when she hollered, "Are we still in Africa?" from the back seat as we left Bible Study that night. One of our friend's daughters is named Jennifer and apparently she confused that with the orphan in Uganda that we pray for every night named Jennifer.

It was also around this time that Bella became more sturdy on her feet. In fact she was walking by the time she turned 10 months old. Her pride in this new found power was exhibited though every time I tried to place her on the ground. Instead of just letting us sit her down, she would rigidly place her two cubby little legs down like tree trunks so she could stand.

And lastly on Wednesday May 21st, I realized just exactly what was important to Boo. Normally this child doesn't get up in the mornings till 8 or 8:30, but we'd been observing that she seemed to be getting up early every Wednesday to watch one of her favorite shows at 7:30. Our hypothesis was confirmed when she got up at 5:17 that morning wanting to know if Clifford Puppy Days was on yet.

We're weak and they know it...

Here's Boo in April, apparently doing an impression of

her Daddy when he was little. Although I'm informed

that his antics involved rolling up both his pants

and sleeves of his church clothes during the service.

So it was during that same week that I was sick that Boo took the opportunity to inform me that I hadn't slipped anything past her. Both of the girls and I were playing in our toy room on May 8th when Hurricane Bella started her usual destruction. And being foggy-headed from the immense sinus pressure, I have to admit that I wasn't particularly understanding of a big sister that had just lost her entire tea party with one swing of Bella's arm. Trying to quiet the blood-curdling squeals, I started to explain in a calm voice that the toys belonged to all of us and not just her.

Being just as coy, Boo decided to quiet down and snuggle into my side. Then in the sweetest voice she asked me, "Mommy, do you remember when Baby Bella was still in your belly?" And being the sucker I was, I sweetly responded yes and pulled her even closer. That's when she announced, "They were all my toys then."

Smart Kid

Contrary to what it might look like in this photo (taken in April), Bella is not impressed that she was born into a household with an extra pint-sized policeman. She's a bright little gal that is always trying to figure out how things work and so we weren't surprised when she found a solution to her problem the second week of May. It was around that time when she figured out that her sister couldn't pick her up if she held her arms straight up in the air. It was also during this week that she managed to figure out how to open up all of the closet doors and cabinets in the house. I was really sick for the second time this year, but I guess it's like they say, "No rest for the weary."

A picture is worth a thousand words...

I don't think we need to feel sorry for the little one.

Seems like she has everything figured out.

This was taken two weeks ago when we went to visit some dear friends over the Memorial Day weekend.

Too Big for Her Britches

This was originally posted May 21st.

I'm grateful that our oldest daughter has a birthday next week. I never thought I'd hear myself saying those words, but I'm getting really tired of being outwitted by a 3 year old. Today we were out running some errands in the car and it was one of those rare times when we weren't listening to Veggie Tales CD's or watching a movie on the DVD player. In fact I was pleasantly surprised that Boo didn't seem to mind me listening to Country Music. And then it happened, after two hours of being out and about and within 3 minutes of arriving home. A squeaky little voice from the backseat pondered aloud, "I don't think these songs are about Jesus, are they?"

Here she is enjoying the "Best Birthday Gift Ever." Thanks Grandma!