Our pool

Thanks to Grandma Lala and Papa Rod, we have a pool for the summer. It's shallow and inflatable, but it's a pool! Natalie loves it. She lounges, she goes under, she splishes and she splashes. Audrey, on the other hand, would rather throw balls and rocks into it than actually get in the water.

It was 107 or 113 here today, depending on what news channel/website we visited. So, in a matter of days, I imagine the three of us will be lounging in the pool, dodging Audrey's rocks.

So tired...

Audrey is still taking two naps a day. But, occasionally, there are days when she decides one will do just fine, thank you very much. For reasons beyond reason she will, at times, fight a nap so miserably that I just give up and let her loose. She's ecstatic at first and practically skips out of her bedroom, intent on maximizing her non-nap bonus minutes. But, inevitably, she cannot stay awake until the next nap or bed time. Such was the case the day we looked over and saw this at the lunch table.

One minute she was eating, the next she was sleeping. I actually had to do a sweep of her mouth before putting her down in her crib in case her last bite was still there.

Sweet Cheeks

I was just scrolling through pictures today and noticed these from last month. I'm not sure if Corey, Nana or I took them but they were too sweet not to share! Why do children insist on growing up so fast? It's only been a month since these were taken and Audrey already looks different...a little less like a baby and a little more like a toddler. Couldn't you just eat her right up?

We have a hawk moth!

Not sure if you remember this post, but Natalie's horn worm is now a hawk moth (3 1/2 weeks later!). Corey found it this morning on the surface of the dirt it had previously burrowed into. So cool. Throughout the day his wings have opened wider and his antennae have unfolded, too.

Natalie's first reaction was total excitement. Her second reaction? "Mommy, you said it was going to be the size of a hummingbird and he's much smaller!" There's no pleasing this kid. I think he's plenty big, personally.

We positioned him on a plant outside and we're waiting for him to take flight. If he doesn't escape soon I'm afraid he's going to be domesticated against his will AGAIN!

It's not surprising that Natalie the Entomologist wears pink satin Easter gloves while inspecting her newly hatched hawk moth.

Such an amazing process to be a part of!

Happy Trails, Mr. Moth!

The Sleepover

Natalie finally had a much anticipated sleep over at Aunt Ashley's house last night. As I understand it, the only rule all night was that there were no rules! No bedtime, no sugar limit and (Natalie's favorite) no cleaning up! Audrey and I joined them for dinner and then left them to their fun.

Natalie had asked me about a dozen times earlier that day, "so, Mommy, you're just going to eat dinner with us and then leave, right?"
"Yes, Natalie."
"And you're going to take Audrey with you, right?"
"Yes, Natalie. It will just be you and Ashley."

Ashley had called earlier that afternoon from the grocery store to talk to Natalie and find out if she had any special treat requests. The only two things she wanted?
"Sweet yogurt"

(she meant the GoGurts that I refuse to buy because I don't think yogurt should come in neon colors)

and

string cheese

(I'm too cheap to buy it and she's always asking for it!)

After tea parties, walks around the neighborhood, grow capsul-ing, movie watching, book reading, GoGurt/string cheese/rainbow sprinkle sugar cookie eating and lots and lots of dressing up, bedtime eventually commenced around 11:30. I don't know who was foggier this morning...Aunt Ashley or Natalie.

Natalie was so excited to make the blueberry pancakes that Ashley purchased especially for the occasion until they realized there was no syrup in the house. Pancakes without syrup? Not at this sleepover! They ditched the mix in favor of the cafe down the street where Natalie ordered the only thing better than blueberry pancakes...chocolate chip pancakes.

Putting Wyatt the cat to sleep.

Auntie "Sleepover Rockstar" Ashley

The Tea Party

2 of the 4 stuffed guests were Audrey's dolls. One of which she received as a birthday present 3 short days ago. I had no idea Natalie had packed them until she unpacked at Ashleys. Oh, those older sisters!

The sleepover hangover
"what do you mean you don't have syrup?"
Way to make it up to the kid, Ash!

Needless to say, the girl had no interest in coming home this morning. Tonight as she pulled her jammies out of her sleepover suitcase she said, "these jammies smell like Auntie Ashley's house. I'm so happy I get to smell that smell again!"

So sweet. Thanks, Ash. You made her MONTH!

Big Green Monster

Natalie made a big green monster at summer camp this week. I just thought he was the cutest creature. Natalie said his name was Fluffy. He doesn't really look like a Fluffy to me, but who am I to argue with the artist?

This is Natalie posing with her monster while wearing her monster face.

It's ironic that Natalie made a big green monster project this week because we've had a bit of the green monster syndrome around here lately. If Audrey is on my lap, Natalie wants to be there. And if Natalie is snuggled next to me Audrey has a fit and insists on being in on the action. Natalie has pumped her little legs on the swings now for almost 2 years but now that Audrey gets pushed, she insists on being pushed, too! And recently I've had a lot of requests for just "me and Mommy time" from Natalie.

Yesterday, Natalie and I were playing princess (I was the evil queen, as usual) when Audrey announced she was finished with her nap (by screaming. loudly.) Natalie said, "just leave her in there, Mom. She's fine." I gave Natalie "the look" that clearly said, think again! Then I actually watched a light bulb go off in Natalie's head and she said, "actually, Mom, go get her. She can be my prince!" Nice to see the jealousy subside to make room for sisterly servitude.

Birthday Wishes!

Welcome to the mid-thirties, Sweetie!

It's not so bad. I promise.

We love you and we wish you a wonderful day!

Swimsuit Model

Feeding Frenzy

One recent, crazy, we're-running-so-late-I-can-hardly-believe-it morning I asked Natalie if she would feed Audrey her cereal for me. She agreed and they both were totally into it. Since then, Natalie will offer to feed her even when we're not running ridiculously late.

This morning she was gently feeding Audrey and she said, "this is the baby I've always wanted." Such a tender moment. Of course, 30 minutes later she yanked a toy out of Audrey's hand with such force that it sent the baby she's always wanted flying backwards (in tears) on her fanny. And that's how quickly the tides turn in this house.




Breakfast cereal is about the only meal I don't let Audrey feed herself. She'd prefer to just dig in with her fingers. Natalie, of course, lets her once the novelty of the first few sister spoonfuls wears off.