Grandma time

We just finished several days in Utah with my mom. You ate chocolate ice cream for dinner and played dolls and made yourself at home, crawling about the place and getting into every nook and corner as best you could. You had a great time and so did I. In fact, I'm not sure of all the reasons why but seeing you two together gives me more peace than anything else in the world.

Over the years, I've watched my mom spend time with and dote over her other grandchildren and it has always amazed me just how much she adores each one. She sees things in them that even their parents can't appreciate and offers a really gentle openness that let's them relax and be who they are.

And with you it is no different. If you are wondering who thinks you are the sweetest, smartest, most adorable girl in the world - it is probably your grandma.

And you know what? She might just be right.

Should I take it personally?

You're becoming a little talker. Some of your words:

Hi
Cat
Dog
Daddy
Ephan (elephant)

Dubin (dustbin)

Barrm (bathroom)

Rink (drink)

Buffly (butterfly)

Ball

Eye

Wow

Hat

Bug
Whatisszat
Wook (look)

Quack

Car

Up

You are generally working on a couple different words at a time and saying them almost over and over. My favorite was the few days you just said "wow" almost nonstop.

Sometimes a word goes to the back of the queue and we don't hear it for a while. Like, right now, you aren't saying daddy often, but if we say the word, you look right at him and maybe wave.

There are other words you don't say but obviously recognize and understand, such as fish, ladybug, octopus, banana, bubbles, bath, teeth, book, raisin - actually, there are a lot of these and you clearly understand a lot more than you say. You will point out these items if we ask you to and look around for them if we mention something you are interested in (aka strawberries).

You are also following simple commands such as "say hi," "wave bye bye," "give me a kiss," "find the ball," etc. It is truly amazing to see the gears turning and realize that you have beensoaking up a lot of what we have been saying this whole time.

But notice anything missing?
That's right. Absolutely no mama. You don't even point to me when we say it.

That is up until yesterday when you started saying it (and here's the clincher) every time you see a ... button or snap. What?

I guess it's because I've been saying it and pointing to my shirt.

On one hand, it's great to finally hear you say it and it sounds so sweet (*melt*). On the oher hand, I'm a little insulted that you've figured out the concept of a bathroom but can't verbalize the person who GAVE YOU LIFE.

Oh well. Those chubby cheeks are impossible to be mad at. It really is a good thing that you are adorable.

Love,

"mama"

The Joy Adventure Club: Hula for Moola

One in six families in Oregon is on food stamps and the food banks are almost maxed out. I and some friends are doing a little fundraising to help out.

Our newly founded Joy Adventure Club is hosting a fundraising event called Hula for Moola on June 27. If all goes as planned, 100 women will come together to let loose, have fun and support the Oregon Food Bank.

More at http://www.joyadventureclub.org/

The mile-high nap club

On the plane heading to Utah for family fun