Giraffes and Pirates, Oh my!

We have been attending baby story time at our local library since Elliana was about six weeks old. It quickly became my salvation as a new mother. A reason to get out of the house at least once a week that didn't involve a doctor appointment for Elliana or myself. A reason to shower, blow dry my hair and possibly even shave my legs. Those 45 minutes of structured reading, singing and playing helped me to discover the identity of myself as a mother and no longer as a career woman.

I rediscovered the joy in rhyming, rocking and reading. I learned new words in sign language to add to my limited vocabulary and received the encouragement to keep signing. And shortly thereafter, my daughter started signing back to me. :)

It's hard to tell who has grown more over the past year and half of story time. My daughter or myself. Elliana, obviously grew far more physically than I did. She morphed from this cradled infant, to fully sitting up, crawling, and then a walking and talking child. She went from being attached to me, clinging for comfort and familiarity to dancing around the room and randomly sitting on the laps of others (primarily our librarian and friend, Denise). She went from being surprised when we pulled into the library to practically begging to go each time we drove past the now familiar building.

Elliana's physical growth is truly incredible, although I think we both grew more than the growth described above. Together, we learned songs that can instantly bring smiles to both of our faces. We learned the joys of plastic eggs filled with rice and the delightful noise they make, which we will forever call "shaky eggs." We've learned to utilize the library and the free resources and classes they have to offer. We've made friends with other moms and kids and look forward to their faces each week. We joined a MOMS club through the friendships we made, which has provided hours of fun and an abundance of opportunities.

I've grown into a more confident and fun mom. A mom who no longer checks out every child-rearing book the library has to offer, but instead books on playing and laughing. A mom who WANTS to read the same book 42 times a day (assuming I've had enough coffee) because it can bring a smile to my daughter's face. A mom who makes our trips to the library an essential part of our week because it is something that we both look forward to.

This week we participated in our second baby story time Halloween party (which I like to think was extended to 23 months of age, specifically for Elliana). As with last year, I had a blast. Watching my little pirate run around as if she owned the library (and she probably thinks she does as it is home away from home). Watching her play and borrow Savannah's horse as galloped around the room. It is a long way from the barely walking giraffe I brought to the Halloween party with me last year. I can only imagine the growth we both have in store for us in the year ahead.

A Perfectly "Ducky" Day

Last week, we celebrated Nana's birthday by going downtown and riding the "ducks." I could go into details about the silly songs we sang, the laughter we all had and the way the boat just glided into the Ohio River and reemerged as a bus. But, rather than typing a bunch of details, I will allow these pictures to literally tell the story.

Just a bonus

Sometimes, the best plans don't work out as planned. When my husband left for a few days of hiking, I began planning our days with activities and plans to help pass the time and give us things to look forward to in his absence.

Our plan for today was beautiful. Mommy wakes up first and enjoys a little yoga and a cup of coffee while Elliana is still sleeping. Enjoy a play-date with friends, go out to eat with MOMS club, take a nap and then go to a matinee feature with Grandma of Elliana's favorite movie...TOY STORY! Afterwards, we would grab dinner at Chick-Fil-A enjoying their "Family Night out" specials as Mommy enjoys the fact that I cooked no meals today.

Well, I should know by now that things don't always go as planned. When I set my alarm clock last night for 6:30 this morning (to give plenty of time for yoga and Mommy time), I didn't realize that again I was going to suffer from insomnia without my husband asleep by my side. I didn't realize I was going to be up past midnight cleaning the house top to bottom, for the second possibly third day in a row.

When the alarm clock went off this morning after less than five hours of sleep, I hit snooze. 9 minutes later, I hit it again. And, 9 minutes later the button was hit again. After all, Elliana has been sleeping in until at least 8 or 8:30 so I would still have plenty of time to get some "me" time before she woke up. I woke up at 7:30 to the sounds of a very awake toddler saying "Mommy, UP!" No yoga. No coffee. I was on duty again. I don't mind though...I like my job.

Our play-date ran late. Our lunch always runs long, as my daughter is perhaps the slowest eater on the planet. We rushed home from lunch to squeeze in a nap before Grandma arrives at 2 to attend the movie. I laid Elliana down at 12:45. Still PLENTY of time for her to get at least an hour nap, possibly an hour and a half. Elliana had other plans. She laid in her bed talking, singing and playing. Did the play-date and lunch not wear her out as much as it did me?! At 1:25, I went back upstairs as she obviously was not going to sleep. A bundle of energy greeted me.

"Mommy, PLAY!"

"No Bed."

"Play pleeease"

All valid requests and ones I would normally give into. I lovingly explained that I want to play, but she had to sleep first. We had fun things planned, but not if she doesn't sleep. "Sweep...first" was repeated in her tiny baby voice. After a few minutes of cuddle time, I explained I was laying her back down and she had to sleep. And...much to my surprise...she did. My little angel laid down and went to sleep.

Although things don't always go as planned, I will always remain grateful that my job as a Mommy allows me the freedom to go with the unexpected and enjoy each moment of it. Days that actually follow my plan is just a bonus.

Kentucky Wool Fest 2010!

We began going to the Kentucky Wool Fest in 2008, when I was about 7 months pregnant with Elliana. As rather new residents to Kentucky, we felt it was important to begin a new tradition close to home.

I admit, the Wool Fest has quickly become one of my favorite fall traditions. Crafts, food and fall activities are just a few of the reasons why I love it there. But I think I like it there most because it is a constant opportunity for our family to grow and learn together.


Rather than a traditional feet photo, we switched it up with our KY Wool Fest stamps on our hands.

Daddy & Elliana near the barn where Elliana eagerly pointed out the tractor and begged for a ride. Yep, we are raising her to be a proud Kentucky gal!

Mommy & Elliana with our goat friend after enjoying the petting zoo. I absolutely LOVE her enthusiasm for learning. I pray it lasts a lifetime!

Mommys Gotcha

Last week, Elliana and I went to a local horse stable for a barn tour and horse ride. Immediately, my daughter was fascinated with the horses and tried to coax them out of their stable and into her arms. It didn't matter to her that the stables were closed and the horses couldn't physically get out on their own. "Come horse....puh-lease!" was repeated numerous times as Elliana continued to try to coax the horse to her.

A few minutes later we walked a bit further into the barn and Elliana gasped with excitement as she saw that people were actually riding on horses. "horse please, horse please...Mommy...HORSE PUHHHHH-LLEEAASEE!!" I explained to my impatient munckin that there was a line in front of us to ride on the horses, and that she would get her turn soon enough.

Finally, Elliana's turn had come and she boarded the horse with giddy excitement. I walked along side the horse snapping pictures as we walked and holding the saddle to help prevent any slipping. At one point the saddle slipped just a bit and Elliana looked at me with frightened eyes. Calmly, I said "Mommy's got you." Elliana continued to smile and laugh as she rode the horse around the barn.

After a circle of the barn, Elliana got off the horse as instructed and began to beg for another ride. I explained that I didn't think we were allowed to do a second ride and Elliana immediately said "try it." Well, turns out if you beg enough in front of the instructor, a second ride is granted. Around the barn we rode again.

Later that night, Elliana proceeded to talk about the horses and our adventures that day. "horses....Mommysgotcha" was announced all evening to everyone she met. More than a week has passed since our horse adventure, and every time Elliana sees a horse, she proceeds to say "mommysgotcha." Yes my dear, Mommy has got you. And I always will.