Dancing In The Dandelions

The weather has been wonderful this week, and the grounds surrounding Abbey's school were especially beautiful. The girls and I took a moment after class to have a snack and run around in the dandelion fields. I may not get the girls to exciting places like the zoo, and the children's museum as much as I did when it was just Abbey and I, but simple doesn't mean it is any less special.

Ellie's Doctor Visit

All is well. Baby Bell went to the pediatrician for a routine visit and is on target for an almost 15 month old. She is weighing in at 26 pounds 4.1 ounces, and is 31.75inches long. That is the 90th percentile for both height and weight. Each day she is walking a bit more, and can cover about a yard at time. Her new favorite word is up which she calls out when she wants to be carried. which is more often than none. That's my girl.

Inspiration

I found my inspiration this morning in a coffee cup full of lilacs rather than a cup full of coffee. I must admit, that the coffee helped a little. Make it a great day.

Let It Be

Any mom who has ever joined a play group, or stumbled upon one by default, knows it is in a woman's nature to compare their child's milestones to everyone else's child. I did my best not to brag about Abbey and Cari, but I must admit by 14 months old, neither had much infant left in them. They were on the go, walking, talking and taking in what life had to offer. They were amazing, if I do say so.

Then there is Ellie. She is just a wonderful as her sisters, but just doesn't have that drive to experience what life has to offer with no motivation to walk. None, Nada, Zip, Zilch. As a mother it is easy to worry that this could be a sign of a delay. Then I thought about it, why would she walk? she is The Baby, and likes her status. Not that Abbey and Cari are not my babies, but Ellie is seen as the baby by all. Her sisters bring her toys, and even Cari tries to feed her. If Ellie is crying both girls try to comfort her. The psychology of birth order has really shown it's true colors in our family.

Mark and I try to encourage her. She can finally get around by scooting, crawling, and has mastered the stairs. In the end she is happiest in a lap. I still worry about her, but in my heart I know that she will do just fine. On April 26, at the ripe age of 14 months old, Ellie did finally take two steps. And I mean left foot, right foot done. She then plopped to the ground and put her arms up to be held in my arms. What can I say, neither parties involved have any objections to this. All three of my babes are growing up too quick, and if Ellie wants to be a baby a bit longer then let it be.

Abbey Lost Her First Tooth......

Literally, lost her first......

Shortly after Abbey's fifth birthday, she complained her mouth was sore. I did not pay much attention to this because it is not uncommon that a five year old, meaning Abbey, to complain about something sore on her body. It was when she bit into an apple and started crying that I realized her tooth was loose. I never expected a loose tooth at barely five years old.

Over the past month I have been trying to encourage Abbey to wiggle her tooth and try to get it out under my supervision. She had other plans. There are some things she is going to do her way. This was not a battle I was going to fight with her, so nature was going to take it's course and that tooth was just going to come out on it's own.

Well, on April 23, 2009, that tooth finally fell out. My excitement turned sour when her teachers told me that the tooth was not found. I searched high and low for the tooth along with her teachers. We all came to the conclusion that Abbey swallowed it. At this point I decided the tooth would not be recovered by me or Mark.

Luckily for Abbey, that Tooth Fairy must have used her magic to recover the tooth because a trail of white, red, and green (sounds like Christmas glitter if you ask me) fairy dust surrounded Abbey's room the next morning. And a note on her dresser from the Tooth Fairy thanking Abbey for her beautiful tooth. I am still a bit disappointed that her tooth will not be recovered while Abbey is still talking excitedly about her first visit from the Tooth Fairy. At the end of it all, her happiness is all that matters.

Earth Day 2009

Abbey's school put on some special activities for Earth Day. We decided to attend, so I packed the babes in their stroller for a little off roading on the grounds of Abbey's school. We hiked the trails, stomped in puddles, and observed a live caterpillar. According to Abbey "it was black, red and furry."

The highlight of our day came when we got to go horseback riding at the equestrian center. In all reality none of my babes would actually ride the horse, but Cari deserves an honorable mention. I did not know what her reaction to the horse would be, but once I got her on him she was squealing. Even today she is making horse sounds. It was a good time for all of us girls. Happy Earth Day.

Mama Mine

April 10, 2009 marks the one year anniversary since Carina came home. I have been pondering the right words to describe this past year. I have to be honest, some aspects of it were ugly. It was quite an adjustment for Carina, and for me as well. There are some things that no amount of reading could prepare me for. Somehow, we both figured each other out over time. As of today she eats well, sleeps well, talks well,runs well, and is a whole lot of fun. She is mine in every sense a daughter should be. While saying this, it still doesn't describe what my heart truly feels about this wonderful little girl, or how close we have become.

I thought I would just not comment on this day. Sometimes, certain things are better off left unsaid, until it came to me today. Cari and I were sitting on the couch together just playing with a toy. . At a particular point, she kissed my knee and hugged my legs. She then looked in my eyes and said "Mama Mine." She has claimed me as her mommy. This says it all.