Attitude of Gratitude

I'm thankful. Abundantly thankful. But those two little words just don't seem to measure my happiness and genuine gratitude for the life which God has blessed me with. And so allow me a few minutes to express my attitude of gratitude on this rainy pre-Thanksgiving day.

In no particular order....

I am grateful for a warm, beautiful home. A house built just for our little family. A home that keeps us warm and dry, provides comfort and security.

I am grateful for stain-treaters that get the various toddler messes out of Elliana's clothes, usually after only one wash cycle.

I am grateful for 3 sets of parents who continue to teach us lessons on love, laughter and family. Each parent is a unique and perfect part of who we have become.

I am grateful for photographs. Constant memories of our life together. Constant reminders of how quickly life changes and to never take a moment for granted.

I am grateful for an abundance of food to eat. Even if we typically eat the same foods consistently (Elliana, more than T.J. & I), I am grateful for the variety of choices we have and the ability to enjoy each food.

I am grateful for my daughter's intelligence. Each day, I marvel at her intelligence and memory. She is literally a human sponge and I LOVE her love for learning.

I am grateful for my husband's commitment to me being a stay-at-home mom. T.J. works so hard to provide for our family, and I appreciate it more than words can ever express.

I am grateful for play-dates. An opportunity for Elliana to play with peers and for Mommy to connect with other Moms and friends. We have built amazing relationships over the past two years and look forward to many more in our future.

I am grateful for coupons. Coupons that allow us to "splurge" without blowing the budget. Milkshakes, clothes, dinner, groceries...I use coupons for practically everything and am grateful for those special treats.

I am grateful for love. The love of Jesus, the love of our parents, the love of my husband and daughter. Each different kinds of love and very much appreciated.

And as I continue to type item after item, I realize that I could type all day long. I am thankful for life. And the opportunity to express my gratitude.

Goal ACCOMPLISHED! Result : More than expected

I set the goal for myself early in 2010. I didn't think I could do it. I procrastinated in setting an actual date for the occasion. In fact, I postponed the date once I finally did set one. But at last, the time had come.

After almost two years of practically being attached to my daughter at all times, we made the decision that the time was right for a little getaway (just Mommy & Daddy). I prepared Elliana for it all week. After each nap, I explained how many naps remained before her sleepover at "Papa Jim's House." I explained that Mommy and Daddy weren't staying there, and that it would be just Elliana, Grandma Carolyn and Papa Jim for two days. Every time we discussed it, she smiled and said "Yes" as if fully understanding the weekend plans. On Friday, Elliana woke up and said "Friday? Papa Jim's house?" and I smiled and almost cried at the same time. The day had come and I had a sinking suspicion that Elliana was far more ready than I was for her first time away.

We arrived at "Papa Jim's house" (as Elliana says) around 5:30 pm Friday night. We walked in the door, carrying the many accessories a toddler requires and began talking to my parents. Almost instantly, Elliana said "Mommy, Daddy leaving. BYE MOMMY! BYE DADDY!" and starts walking toward the steps. "Grandma Carolyn, play! BYE MOMMY!, Papa Jim...toys! BYE DADDY!" the requests from my daughter's mouth began flowing, but none of the requests involved me.

Looking back, I suppose it was the moment that most parents dream about. A happy, well adjusted child, thriving in a new environment. No crying or pleading on Elliana's behalf. In fact, we were the ones who begged for a few kisses from our munchkin. Then we were off!

We began with a dinner that didn't involve high chairs, crayons or kids menus. In fact, we didn't instinctively clean everything from the table when we sat down for fear of what a toddler can quickly grab, spill or throw. It was as if T.J. and I also knew that something special was in store for us this weekend. A rare glimpse at our lives together as husband and wife, rather than Mommy and Daddy.

For the first time, in what feels like a long time, we had the opportunity to talk. We didn't worry about diaper changes, snack times, bed time or practically anything for that matter. We focused on each other. We enjoyed our food and actually ate it while it was hot. Our conversations occasionally went on the topic of Elliana as she was never that far from our mind.

The weekend consisted of a total of 5 phone calls to check in on her, two of which I was able to talk to Elliana on the phone (as she was actually awake and willing). Each phone call was a glowing report of our daughter and brought joy to my heart.

Each moment spent with my husband reminded me of the love we have. The joy that T.J. brings to my face and the silliness that only he can bring out in me. It was refreshing and uplifting. We skipped meals, pigged out on junk food, ruined our appetites, stayed up late, and did things without planning (NEVER happens as a Mom)...all of the odd, goofy things that we don't do very often as we are too busy trying to be good role models.

Sunday afternoon, our drive home couldn't go fast enough. We loved our time alone together, but our hearts were missing Elliana fiercely. I had never been away from Elliana for more than a handful of hours at a time and my heart jumped for joy when I was reunited. Her little face smiled when she saw us and wrapped her arms around me. On the drive home, we were inundated with Elliana telling us about her vacation without us. "Elli fun. Papa Jim's house. Grandma Carolyn too. Elli fun."

Overall, the weekend was a huge success! I fell even more in love with my husband. I didn't realize how much I missed my husband, even though he is with us every evening and weekend as Daddy. The weekend allowed us to focus on us...and the love that made us a family and brought Elliana into our lives.

And since it was the first time that I have ever been without my daughter, the absence made me appreciate her and our time together that much more. Appreciate her overwhelming politeness, her sense of humor, the smiles and unexpected silliness.

I am so grateful for this past weekend. For my husband. For my daughter. For my parents who loved on my daughter as if she was their own. What a terrific start to celebrate this week of Thanksgiving.

Im-nas-tics

Elliana loves gymnastics. She loves the tumbling, the twirling, the jumping and sliding. I, on the other hand love to watch Elliana's growth and happiness each time we go.

We go once a month with the local MOMS Club and it always amazes me how much Elliana remembers month to month. Yesterday, was the gymnastics class for this month. We woke up, ate breakfast and Elliana began her morning routine of asking to watch cartoons. That routine quickly ended when I said that we didn't have time for cartoons if she wanted to go to gymnastics. The goofiest, happiest little grin came across her face. "Im-nastic?" she asked in her tiny toddler voice.

"Yes, honey. We are going to go to gymnastics today!" I explained, happy to see her excitement. And my little 22 month old began dancing in our living room. Twirling in circles and jumping to her own happiness.

And so, I felt the need to post a few pictures of Elliana's gymnastics adventures. These pictures are from last month ( as I was having too much fun yesterday to actually snap any pictures).

Laughing at herself after chasing a ball. Or maybe laughing at Mommy when I fell into the foam pit (not sure which as my memory seems to be less reliable than it used to be.)

Elliana is swinging like a monkey. One of her most favorite parts of gymnastics. I love to watch her let go, fall into the padded mat, smile and say "Elli okay" then run back to the line to do it all again.

No longer a decoration

Months ago, around Elliana's 18 month birthday, we bought a potty chair. Our pediatriacian had recommended purchasing one to just keep around the house for Elliana to get used to. On occassion, she would point to it and say "Elli's potty," but for the most part it was just part of our decor.

Elliana is now 22 months old and the potty chair has remained part of our decorations. A lonely little plastic chair adorning our guest bathroom positioned next to the toilet. That is, until two days ago. Elliana was getting ready for her bath and pointed to the potty chair. "Elli's potty!" she proclaimed with excitement. Given she was already naked and in bath mode, I asked if she needed to go potty. She lifted the pottty chair, pulled it into the middle of the bathroom and said "YES!" and sat her little tooshie on the seat. "Door close" she said as she jumped up and ran to close the door and then marched back to her seat. "Elli potty" she said and I said something like, "yes, this is where you go potty." Elliana looked at me and said "Elli potty!" You can imagine my surprise when I checked and sure enough she had gone pee-pee. She instinctually grabbed toilet paper, wiped and threw it in her chair. Her little eyes looked up at me and beamed with pride.

Thankfully, Daddy was home and was a part of this momentous event. We did a little dance. We showed our excitement and praised her good efforts. Our daughter continued to beam from ear to ear. During her bath that followed, Elliana looked at me and said "Elli happy." I explained that Mommy and Daddy were happy too and that we were very proud of her.

Today is Thursday and I admit, I have not even tried to ask Elliana if she had to use the potty again. We have been running around from sun up to sun down and it simply hasn't crossed my mind. This morning, we were preparing for another bath. And...much to my surprise, Elliana made an encore performance. "Elli potty?" my daughter asked as if seeking my permission. "Yes, honey. Do you have to go potty?" I asked. Elliana began sitting down on the potty fully clothed and I quickly stood her up and began undressing her zip up footed pajamas. As soon as she was undressed, onto the potty chair she sat. And, proudly announced her accomplishment again.

As a mother, I am continually impressed by my daughter's accomplishments. But, I really think that this potty business is just knocking my socks off. I think I am going to continue to allow Elliana to lead the potty training process as she seems to be doing just great on her own pace. And, I will continue to marvel at her accomplishments and be a happy Mommy.

Halloween Festivities

Halloween has come and gone. Almost two weeks into November and I think we have all recovered from the fun of the holiday.

We carved our first pumpkin with Elliana this year as we felt she was too young last year to "get it." Elliana was interested in the process until she reached her hand into the gooey, squishy pumpkin and the seeds and mush stuck to her hand. That was when the interest was lost. But, we did have fun with our friends during the Pumpkin Carving Party and Elliana had a blast with her new friend Ella.

Nana and Grandpa Perk (or "yo-yo" and "Papa Perk" to Elliana) were gracious enough to join us on Halloween for dinner. They passed out candy and helped Elliana practice gathering candy. Then we hit the streets!

Snuggling with Nana after a long, cold night of fun!

For the actual Halloween night, our little princess dressed up as a pirate. She quickly mastered the "argh" though never got the hang of "trick-or-treat." Once she realized that candy was passed out at each house, Elliana quickly got into the spirit of going door to door. "thank-you" was always used, along with phrases like "this house, now" "more candy" and many "hellos" to the many familiar characters she saw dressed up throughout the neighborhood.

Our Family after a night of trick-or-treating...

Piles of Fun

There are numerous benefits to being a parent.
The smiles, the giggles, the laughter and cuddles.

One of the greatest benefits of parenthood is one that I had never imagined. The ability to relive your childhood through your child. To rediscover the joys of everyday things and watch as your child discovers those things for the first time.

I had forgotten the simple joys of raking up leaves simply to jump in and rake them up again. I am thankful that Elliana quickly reminded me how much fun we can have even with our chores.