Penguin Days

It was 68 and sunny in Dallas yesterday (hello Spring weather on a winter January day!). So, I decided that we should take a trip to the Dallas Zoo and visit with some of the animals. Thankfully Mimi agreed to come with us... not sure I would have been able to handle it by myself! It was crowded but not so much that you couldn't enjoy the exhibits. Annabelle walked most of the time so she got a pretty good work out! We asked her what her favorite attraction was at the zoo and she replied "the animals." Ha! She does talk about the elephants and the monkeys too but nothing specific. I enjoyed taking her on her first carousel ride and on the new train. She loved both of those attractions. Can't wait to go again!

Field Trips

We have been to the Dallas Aquarium before but it has been a little while. We still love it! And its even better with a 2.5 year old. Annabelle is more aware of her surroundings and certainly more engaged. She asks questions and makes great observations. When we went to the aquarium this time she was very interested in seeing the cast of Nemo- clown fish, sting rays, sharks and turtles. I think she enjoyed the jelly fish as well. Here are some pics of our field trip.

Mommy Fail

Go ahead and judge.... Annabelle is 2.5 years old and she still uses a pacifier at bedtime. I could give you a million reasons why up to now it just hasn't been the right time to break her of the beloved habit; potty training, news of baby brother, transition to big girl room. Blah blah, blah.

I know its bad.

There has been a lot of jumping from one big change to another lately but I think sentimental reasons and convenience are the culprits behind my lack of enthusiasm to break A's connection to her paci. Humor me because my little baby has all of a sudden transitioned into this adorable "big girl." In my head this is her last tangible baby thing that connects her to the sweet time in her life (and mine) when she was helpless and needed me all the time. Don't get me wrong, I love that she is becoming more and more independent as the time passes. She can do so many things on her own and carry on a conversation with you. It is wonderful! But those sweet baby days are gone and I can't get that time back.

So, that is the sentimental reason.

The second reason is convenience. It is difficult to get Annabelle to sleep without a paci especially in her new big girl bed. I think it serves as a mental trigger for her. If she doesn't have it, she talks to herself, wanders out of bed and is generally not interested in sleeping at all. I do find her talking, singing and "reading" very amusing while she winds down at night but when it goes on for hours......

This is where I went wrong last night.

If you can believe it, Annabelle voluntarily gave up her paci after Stephen sweetly convinced her that she didn't need it anymore. She even went and put her paci in baby Ethan's crib! SO SWEET! I was willing, too. Didn't object even though I was skeptical. We went about our nightly routine. Annabelle climbed in bed and we read books. After that I said goodnight and turned out the lights. I go down the hall to have dinner with Stephen.

About 5 minutes later, Annabelle is up "I have to go to the potty." We go to the potty then she gets back in bed.

10 minutes later, Annabelle is out of bed reading books. I tell her to get back in bed. She refuses. (AWESOME)

For the next 30 minutes I sit in the room with her hoping to calm her down. Doesn't work.

Tag team... Stephen comes in A's room. He is there sitting with her for another 30 minutes or so. He creeps out when he thinks she is asleep.... She is not asleep.

10 minutes later she is up playing blocks. I tell her to get back in bed. I sing a song or two to help calm her down. Doesn't work. I ask if she wants to come lay down in our bed. (This is a bad idea, and I know it but I will try anything at this point).

In our bed for about 30 minutes. She doesn't calm down. She sings and talks to her baby. I am laughing. Not helping.

She asks to go back into her room. I go with her.

Back into her bed for about 20 more minutes. Still talking and singing. Wants to play. I am exhausted. The floor is hard and I have heartburn.

INSERT MOMMY FAIL: I go get the paci from Ethan's crib and give it to her.

She is asleep in 5 minutes.

We will try again this weekend........

:-)

Staying busy over break

I was lucky to have almost two weeks off from work for the holidays. It was really lovely to be able to spend so much time with Annabelle. We got to go on field trips together to the library, museums, attractions, parks, shopping and out to lunch. Just like old times!! I love that sweet girl so much!! Here are some pics from our time together.

Busy coloring at the museum

Climbing on the Perot frogs

Chicken nuggets Mom!

Ice Cream!

Building at the museum

Playing

Annabelle has had so much fun playing with all her new toys! Here are some pics of her around the house.

A likes to bring all her Daniel Tiger figures and put them in the Elmo train... oh and she sometimes uses the racetrack as a bench.

Scooting around the hood

Rocking out. No need for clothes.

Her fav "quiet time" gift. Stephen likes it too... this is his drawing of Daniel Tiger. Pretty good huh?!

Chalkboard time! Thanks Aunt Katie and Uncle Phil

Christmas Part 2

Mimi and Gramps hosted Christmas dinner at their house this year. It was very yummy and I particularly appreciate the fact that I didn't have to cook! We enjoyed a day full of food, fun and presents! Our annual white elephant exchange was a success... although I think Gramps was the all time winner with the most "useful" gifts. Annabelle had a great time playing with baby Charlie and Aunt Katie and Uncle Phil. She also loved opening more presents! Mimi and Gramps were very generous getting her a baby boy doll, elmo train set, dollhouse, airplane plus more. She loved every gift!

Can't wait to celebrate Christmas 2014 with baby Ethan in tow!

White elephant exchange winner!

Mimi and the grandkiddos