Empty house

It's hard to believe how big Summer is getting. I can hardly lift her 40 pounds anymore, but notice I said hardly. I still lug her around when she needs a lift, but not to the extent I would've a few years ago when she was Lexie's size. The other day she jumped and landed on my belly. It was not a good moment, for me anyway. It hurt, and I was trying not to get too mad. I think I succeeded. I know she didn't mean to do it, but nonetheless, she pounced on me like a dog on a cat. I'm not a big wrestler or brawler so I'm not sure how much more I can take of her climbing on me like she's a monkey. I still like to play with her in the floor, but when she steps on my hair it can be painful. We need a yard with a playground so she can monkey around out there when she's feeling frisky. Well, maybe we don't "need" it, but I guess we all want it.

This morning we took a walk. After waking me up at 7:02 with the words "Mom it's morning," we proceeded to the couch for an episode of Little Bill. (I think that's what it was.) It inspired me to get up and get going so we had ourselves a little walk just like the boy on the cartoon had with his grandmother. Of course, we didn't get to see a goose and her goslings, but we did enjoy a sculpture garden. Summer lucked out because the sprinklers were watering the plants which gave her the opportunity to run through the water. And, yes, she made me do it too. It did get rid of her bed head hair so it was like a blessing for us both. I let her lead the way until we got back. Then I announced we were taking the stairs. She did pretty good alternating her steps all the way up. She did try to tempt me into a confrontation by starting off not doing it that way, but I ignored it which seemed to work. :) Go me. We have not been doing a whole lot of working on her motor skils, but she is pretty active and not having any problems so I think she will be okay. We did do a follow the leader type activity on our walk where we walked on our toes, heels, hopped, kicked and walked backwards. Her contribution to the activity was hopscotch type jumping. She loves to get her exercise. Sometimes when we do something physical, she will say we are exercising. She enjoys it too so that is icing on the cake.

Art camp started today. The teacher said they would be painting and making clay so I hope Summer gets her fill of crafting for the day. We have been working on a frog puppet for a few days now. She hasn't really had the attention span to finish it. The coloring of the tongue seems to be too much for her to do at one sitting. We both colored an eye, and I colored the arms. Maybe one day it will be complete. In Sunday school yesterday, we made puppets. Summer got to make the Jesus puppet for our puppet show. She didn't put any clothes on him, but rather drew the body, belly button included. She also gave him pink hair. Now granted, I did give the kids the option of white, pink, black or brown hair, but I didn't think the pink hair would be the one used on Jesus. I guess I should've when I gave it to Summer though. She was so excited to be the one who got to do him when I was handing out the bags. Before church, Summer's angel Brenda gave her $7 to buy something special with. This lady has always had a special thing for Summer and brings her gifts on holidays and special occasions. She has Summer's pictures hung on her walls at home. Well yesterday the occasion was just because there weren't any holidays coming up. Anyways, later that evening, we took Summer to the Learning Express toy store. She had found $4 in her wallet which she put all her money into before we left. I also put a 20% off coupon in there that I had found the day before. On the way there, she talked about this air pogo toy they have. We discussed that is was a lot of money ($200), way more than the eleven dolloars she had. She always loves to play on it when we go there. So, I was surprised that she did not even go near it the whole time we were in the store. She looked things over. She searched for the winged horse she had seen in there once before and wanted. But, it was not there. She looked over the expensive furry animal dolls. I was glad she didn't pick one of those because one little family is $21.99 (or close to that). She saw a wood picture frame with a cat that would be a fun craft and initially picked it. Then she saw the mosaic art kits and set out to find the perfect one for her. She got the one with unicorns. When we got to the car, Daddy noticed the price tag said $16.99 and he remembered her only having $7. She explained that I had given her the rest of the money to pay the $14.?? total. I didn't think it was worth it to make her pick something else when she was so excited about a craft that we can all 3 do together. And, that's just what we did when we got home. We sat in the living room floor making a beautiful picture of a unicorn and a rainbow. And, that was priceless.

Summer says

Got these questions from a fellow blogger's blog. Enjoy her responses.

1. What is something mommy always says to you? "No, always"

2. What makes mommy happy? "Not crying I know that."

3. What makes mommy sad? "Crying."

4. How does your mommy make you laugh? "By tickling."

5. What was your mommy like as a child? "I have no clue."

6. How old is your mommy? "Can't remember."

7. How tall is your mommy? "6 months tall."

8. What is her favorite thing to do? "Clean up."

9. What does your mommy do when you're not around? "Nothing. Just clean up."

10. If your mommy becomes famous, what will it be for? "Being pretty."

11. What is your mommy really good at? "Being bad."

12. What is your mommy not very good at? "Everything. You're not good at everything."

13. What does your mommy do for a job? "I don't know."

14.What is your mommy's favorite food? "Noodles."

15.What makes your mommy proud of you? "I guess being good."

16. If your mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be? "Buddy." (on the Dinosaur Train)

17. What do you and your mommy do together? "Play and watch TV."

18. How are you and your mommy the same? "Well, we aren't the same."

19. How are you and your mommy different? "I have black hair and you have blonde hair."

20. How do you know your mommy loves you? "Cause you say that all the time."

21. What does your mommy like most about your daddy? "Being pretty."

22. Where is your mommy's favorite place to go? "I don't know."

Two more parks down: SeaWorld & Animal Kindom

What a whirlwind of a week! Tuesday we went to SeaWorld. We arrived at the park just before 10:00 a.m. and rushed to the the dolphin cove for the dolphin feeding. Summer got free fish to feed them with her pink Give Kids the World button. She didn't want to touch the fish though. I did finally get her to feed one of the dolphins the last fish. They were so friendly and swam right up to us. We got to pet them and I was surprised at they way they felt. Not slimy at all like a expected. After that, we viewed our pics and Summer decided that was what she wanted for her souvenir. Of course, she did not want it in a frame, but it came in one and there it remains....to her dismay. She wants it out so she can put it with her "collection." She has the pic of her, BJ and Baby Bop from Universal and a few postcards which make up her collection. There were a few rides at the park, including a carousel and a few spinning rides which she loves! Luckily, I can still ride them with her cause Daddy definitely can't. We saw lots of cool aquatic animals and a few good shows while we were there. She really enjoyed the Pets Ahoy show which starred mostly dogs and cats. After it was over, we headed back to the village so we could enjoy the pool some more. After dinner, we went to the icecream palace for a treat. Summer took her cotton candy she got at SeaWorld so she could put it in an ice cream cone. Not sure where she got that idea from. That night she played putt-putt for the first time. I think her daddy finally got her to hold the club semi-right by the end of our 7 holes.

Yesterday, we got up and ate breakfast while daddy went to the walk-in clinic down the street to discover he had an infection in his arm below where his picc line was a few weeks ago. He got a shot in the rear, :D, and a few prescriptions to knock it out. While he was gone, we went to the horse corral and Summer took a ride on Ginger. When he returned and ate breakfast himself, we headed to Animal Kingdom. The safari experience was pretty cool, just like being in Africa. One part of the park featured a veterinarian office where they treat and do check-ups on all the animals at all of the Disney parks plus any injured animals they find along the way. Summer was completely enthralled by the vet talking about animals they had treated and showing their x-rays. But, afterwards when I asked her if she still wants to be a vet, the answer was no. Now she wants to be nothing when she grows up. She did finally decide she will just be an "eater." LOL We have a long ways to go though before she really decides what she wants to be in life.

Last night we went to the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament just down the street. It was a great experience for us all. No silverware, but Summer did say they plates were silver. :) Our team was the green team which was the bad guy. He almost won, but of course in the end did not. I am glad we got a good discount there because it was rather expensive. But, I guess we were worth whatever it would cost anyway.

Today we are headed back to the Magic Kingdom for our last full day here. I am sad to see this vacation come to an end, but all good things must I suppose.

When I grow up....

Last night Summer and I had a conversation about what we thought people would be when they grow up. It started with her asking me what I thought Leah would be. I told her I didn't know. She said she didn't have any idea either. Then I asked her about Jonathon. She said, "Maybe Spiderman." :) I asked her what she thought I would be/was. She answered, "A cooker." :D Love it! I'm a cook. She still insists she wants to be a veterinarian....on stuffed animals. :( I hope she will switch over to the real kind...or pick a new profession. LOL I'm pretty sure she isn't going to be a ball player. She is still saying she doesn't want to play t-ball with her friends. We'll see. I'm guessing we've got a little cheerleader on our hands. At least, that is what she said she wanted to do instead of playing t-ball.

Big girl

Today, after our shower, she said, "I want you to carry my like a big girl."

Yep, she's growing up. Yesterday after our shower, and almost every other one before that, she said, "I want you to carry me like a baby."

She's all dressed up like a big girl too in her frilly skirt, shiny shirt and tights. Who knows what the day will bring, but we've already changed two of her bears clothes and practiced tracing letters....and showered. I am thinking that since she is such a big girl, we might get her a game of her own for the Wii. She is really wanting Littlest Pet Shop, but I don't want to fork out $30 or $40 and have her not play it. We will probably check out our local resale store and try to find it or something else a little more pocketbook friendly. :) Of course my girl says, "Just go to Target and get it." The funny thing about that is we rarely ever go to Target. She must not realize they sell them at Wal-mart too. She doesn't really have a good concept of money either since she gets things all the time without anyone worrying about the cost. We'll be working to correct that although we'll hopefully never have to be penny pinchers. One big problem I see in the world today is nobody knows how to save anymore. It is always spend, spend, spend. Put it on the credit card. I do not want my little girl growing up thinking it is okay to accumulate masses of credit card debt to get the instant gratification a lot of Americans have come to expect. I've got to teach her to think ahead and plan for the future. Although you can't take it with you when you die......

Clean hands?

Yesterday, Summer and I had this conversation in the car.

Me: Are you licking your hand?

Summer: It tastes good.

Me: Oh, ok.

Then she licks the other hand.

Summer: Well, the other one doesn't taste good.

I don't know what is up with the hand licking, but yesterday was not the first time. The other day I told her to get her hands out of her mouth because they were dirty. Then she licked them both thoroughly and replied, "They're clean now!"

Oh well, at least she has high counts and can fight off any minor germs that might be on them. Of course, I don't want her to end up sick. She's had a runny nose on and off the past few weeks, but nothing that has slowed her down for any amount time. Maybe if I keep her hands germ-xed she will keep them out of her mouth because she does NOT like the taste of it. Now, where is that germ-x at?

9 Days....

On the second day of Christmas, Summer's elf brought her a Santa gumball machine. She liked it and has been using her money to get the gumballs out. Today, she got some workbooks (letters, math, counting and colors). Now I just need some patience to go through them with her. Anybody got an extra box or two? :) She is really loving the elf bringing her surprises everyday. She is curious how he comes to life though. Must be Christmas magic! LOL

Last night was Summer's last Christmas party. It was on the riverboat, and we all enjoyed it. Good food, friends, Santa, magic show - what more could we ask for? We even got the pics with
Santa right away this time! The night before was the Make-A-Wish party at the Discovery Museum. It was also a lot of fun. That night she got her picture made with a Mickey Mouse Santa. Also, got that pic before the party was over - AWESOME! She enjoyed them both (as did I), but I am glad they are over. Now we only have family get togethers left.

We went shopping yesterday....for others. Of course, she saw a Littlest Pet Shop toy that she begged for the whole time we were in TJMaxx. I was strong though and did not cave. We were in giving mode, not receiving. She picked out a gift for her brother and her Nanny. She came up with the ideas of what to give them all by herself. Of course, I won't share what they were on here, just in case they are reading. Today, we went again, but she was treated because I was distracting her from wanting to go to the "airport" (really court). So, I told her I would get her a surprise from Walgreens since we needed to go there anyway. She ended up with a big, soft white bear. Just what she needed.....I also ran in ToysRUs to finish up her Zhu Zhu pet tunnel accessories which will be from Santa. She has not asked him for anything but Zhu Zhu pets. Thank goodness! We both scored some new shades in the mall. She met a little girl at the playground and on the way to the car told me they were friends. Too cute. If she sees her again, she says she will "tell" (she meant ask) her what her name is.

She has been eating really good, but not as often as before - thank goodness! Her weight was only 35 pounds on Monday (compared to 37 three weeks ago). That is still great though.

She is currently running around in her panties because she is "sweating." Oh to have her energy again.....of course showering might be needed more often with all the sweating. LOL

Tonight is the Christmas play at church. She is not planning on performing, but maybe she will on a last minute whim. No pressure here because I would just as well like to have her sitting by my side to watch it. Plus, then I don't have to stress about her getting up in the middle of the play and saying she is thirsty. It should be entertaining however it turns out.

Angel food cake

Summer finally convinced me to make another cake. I finished off the last piece of the one I made for Sunday dinner this morning for breakfast. Initially, I said, "No" because I did not want to eat another angel food cake pretty much by myself. :) She was unhappy and informed me we would not be leaving the house for the week. : I told her that wasn't going to work and eventually she forgot about that and ended up eating some blueberries. She finished off the pack I bought last night! We've already been to the fruit stand to get more (two packs this time). Then a couple hours later she asked to make a cake again using pretty please and no whining. Just the sweet, innocent face of an angel looking up at me. That did it. I thought, "It is angel food cake, and she is an angel." She was so excited and wanted to dump the cake mix and water into the bowl. She even ran the mixer for a bit. Then she licked on a beater, loving the sweet batter that has "angels in it."

Last night, I had to go to the store to get blueberries since the produce stand was closed by the time we got out of the clinic. When I got back, Summer bragged that her sister Amanda had time to play with her for a little bit. It was so sweet to here how special that was to her. She and Amanda are 16 years apart and don't spend much time together, but apparently what little time they do means a lot to Summer.

The tent we brought home from the clinic is missing one of the two supporting poles. LOL Still trying to figure out how to rig it up where it will work....

We got our new movie storage cabinet yesterday since we have soooo many movies (especially VHS) and half have been in my bedroom floor for months. Summer's movies alone filled it up. And, we still have a storage bin full of kids movies. Not sure if we should get rid of some of the movies or what, but I am not a big fan of getting rid of stuff that we might use one day. We need to go through all of her toys and get rid of some of them, but they are all still in such good condition that it doesn't seem like we should. But, we are running out of room in her room and Christmas is coming up. I've got most of her shopping done already. I hope. :p

The lady at the fruit stand gave Summer a peanut and caramel covered apple. We waited until we got home to try it. She ate a few bites and decided she didn't like at which time I took it and devoured it. I guess it was good. :) She also tried a peanut butter and banana sandwich today. After taking a bite of mine, she said, "Yuck." I just kept eating. Then she said she wanted me to make her one and she ate half. I guess the "yuck" was just her trying to be cool or contrary or whatever. I just love trying to figure out kids. I have found what works best in getting the behavior I want is not reacting to the behavior I don't particularly approve of. When the bad thing isn't acknowledged, it is seldom repeated. At least with Summer. I could've swore she said something naughty today, but I may have been hearing things because I couldn't get it out of her again. Of course, I didn't say "did you say ---?" Oh my, I do hope she turns out right.

Enjoying life & the great outdoors

We have been enjoying life outside of the hospital, trying to take it easy and not get a fever. :) The past few days we have been lots of outdoor places: tricycle rides around the block, bike rides, Coolidge Park carousel, playground, local zoo carousel, Nightfall. We stopped for ice cream yesterday after the playground. Summer got strawberry with sprinkles, but only ate a little. The rest is in the freezer where it will probably remain until I cave and eat it. Wish she liked cake batter ice cream. :) She woke up this morning a little after 7 wanting to go get ice cream again. Today she wants blue ice cream. I think it is cotton candy flavored which is not my favorite, but I guess it isn't for me. It's for my little princess.

She has been dressing herself this past few weeks. She likes to pick out her clothes and shoes. I usually let her, even if it is a little mismatched. She still looks adorable sporting her own style.

Today during lunch she told me "Mom, you're the best cooker in the whole wide world!" I live for those moments. She enjoyed the spaghetti, especially the fact that I did not cut up the noodles. She likes them long. For breakfast she had some grilled chicken with BBQ sauce. She has also had a few baked potatoes with sour cream since we have been home from the hospital. She thought she wanted Garlic Chicken pasta a few times, but the flavor is not in her palette right now. Hot dogs are still a go at times. She hasn't been eating much, but she is trying and has not been throwing up so that is always a plus. She has been drinking pretty good so I am not worried about her intake at this point in time.

She just came and invited her Daddy to a tea party. He said "ok", but I have a feeling he wasn't really thinking when he said that. LOL

Summer's favorite movie right now is Care Bears II. It is cute and I can remember watching it with my sister when I was a kid / teenager (all those years are kind of running together at this point). She has watched a few episodes of the Big Comfy Couch on YouTube this week which was a nice treat for her. She has really missed it since they took it off PBS.

She has been listening to her Ipod quite a bit lately too. I put some new music on it while we were in the hospital. Her favorite song is "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus with "Rockin' Robin" being her 2nd favorite. She looks so cute with the Ipod in hand, headphones on, jamming to her favorite songs. I can't wait until she learns all the words to "The Climb." I can see us singing it together at karaoke some day.

She is growing up on me. These past few months she has really aged, more than I would've wished. But, she is growing up into a wonderful person - loving, polite, and kind. I am trying to instill give/take values into her too. You can't always get your way, sometimes you have to let others have a turn. I know she still thinks it is better to receive than give at this point, but hopefully that won't always be true.

I'll finish up with a cute thing she said the other day when we saw a train. I said, "I wonder what is in the cars." She replies, "Maybe toys."

Summerisms: Age 3 #2

When looking at an online card with a beach/pool scene from Nona & Nono:
"That's pretty cool. Did they put on sunscreen?"

Yesterday morning she woke up having ate a Fudge Round just before bed and not brushing her teeth (because I was too tired to brush them again):
"My teeth didn't rot out."

Boy did I laugh at that one!!!

She really cracks me up, I mean out. :p

Summerisms: Age 3

It is so cute to hear some of the things that come out of Summer's mouth. I wish I could remember all the funny things that make me smile all the time, but alas I cannot. Here are a few cute things she's said at one point or another:

"Mommy, you crack me out."

"This is kind of funky."

Yesterday going into Longhorns in Dublin to eat:
"Mom, there are 3 benches. Just like I'm 3. Isn't that crazy?"

After waking from her nap on the car ride home:
"Are we going to stop and get Fudge Rounds?"

When I asked Clint where he was going to stop for Fudge Rounds:
"We already tried the gas station. They didn't have any."

This morning after eating all of her garlic chicken pasta with carrots and brocolli:
"Mom, push my belly in and it will push your hand back. That means it's full."

She's so perceptive!!! I am so thankful I have such a smart little cookie. I think she gets it from me, but I'm probably biased. LOL