I am, indeed, still alive. The blog barely is.

Okay, okay….I know it’s been a million years since I’ve posted. I often think about doing it, but then one of several things happens; 1) I don’t feel clever or creative 2) My life doesn’t seem all that exciting to warrant a new post 3) I’m too lazy to spend what little free time I have on a post 3 people will read or 3) I’m too freaking busy to sit down and write even a few words. The excuses keep coming, I know. But here I am damn it.

Lots of little things are going on…we’ve got a vacation planned – hooray!- more on that another day. Hattie is being sweet and smart and funny all the time. I’m still falling more in love every day, if that’s possible. We’ve been doing lots of little activities lately….Worlds of Fun, the pumpkin patch, apple orchard, petting zoo, soccer games. I love being out in the fall…it’s such a crisp time of year. (I also feel like we need to get everything in before it gets too damn cold to do anything outside!) We have a Halloween party coming up this weekend at Mom and Dad’s. My princess will be in full regalia (we hope) and I will post some pics afterwards to get you all in the Halloweenie mood. By the way, I’m talking Hattie the princess, not Brian. Although that conjures up some interesting mental pics. Click! On a side note, my running has been going well lately…putting in what, for me, is a good amount of mileage. But what for most actual runners, would be pathetic. Whatever. I am signed up for my first 10k (6.2 miles) beginning of November. I’m looking forward to it! 10ks are hard to come by around here. Though there is nothing better than a cool autumn run. Except for a mental pic of Brian in a pink sparkly dress and tiara…

Louisburg

I know its been for-ever since I've posted...I'll get something up soon. In the meantime, here are a few pics from our trip to the Louisburg Cider Mill yesterday. Enjoy!

This one's for you Gina!

I have attempted a few haircuts on Hattie. One was a disaster and we had to go get it fixed at a local salon on a busy Saturday before a holiday (oops). The others have been sub-par trims. Now that HP is older and can sit still, I decided to go and invest in a pair of good scissors. I must say my first true attempt came out pretty good! It only took about 5 minutes and is much less crooked than a few we've gotten from the beauty school up the street (and I didn't feel the need to break out the ratting comb, hairspray OR flattening iron like the girls up there). The sunglasses really set it all off, don't they?

Zoo

I took off work yesterday so we could take a trip to the zoo. It was a perfect day…sunny and not too hot (well, at least for KC in July). Hattie enjoyed seeing all the animals, especially the ‘goats’ (kudu). In the morning before we left, I asked what animals she was excited to see…I listed a few to nods and yeses and her question to me was, “They’re not going to lick me, are they Mama?” I told her no, no animals would lick her at the zoo…it didn’t dawn on me until a little later that she’s used to dogs who always give her kisses.

We’re on day 3 of 5 on the potty chart. Each day that she stays dry we mark off a day. On day 5, Hattie is going to get a new bike! Her very first bike. I think I am just as excited as she is. We almost made it to day 4 yesterday, but the long day with a 10 minute nap resulted in a mishap late in the day. When she has an accident, she'll look at me and say, "Aw, I'm sorry Mama. I'm sorry." It breaks my heart a little bit, she wants to do good and she knows she's let down her cheering section. Overall though, she is doing great – just a couple of setbacks.
And you know there are few things cuter in this world than a tiny behind in Elmo underpants.

Better Late Than Never

My Dad has always been very much involved in my life. He’s been there for me in many ways, but mostly he has been a great teacher. He has knowledge of so many subjects and is a patient coach. When I was young he showed me how to develop pictures in our basement darkroom. He showed me how to swing a golf club (which I really wish I did more like him). He taught me to fish. He taught me how to play basketball and coached my team every year in grade school. He also helped my mom coach volleyball. He taught me to be competitive while still enjoying myself and to take wins as well as losses in stride. I always enjoyed learning things during the projects he had going around the house, whether it be painting, carpentry, plumbing, electrical or yard work. His work ethic is something to behold. Even though he’s retired, the man does not sit down. He ALWAYS has a project going at home or for someone else (he spent hundreds of hours helping Brian and me get our house updated and remodeled). He plays golf several times a week. He helps my great uncle who does not get around well maintain his lake home. He babysits his 5 grandkids lots. He attends sporting events, recitals and school plays. He spends time with his brothers and sisters.
He has taught me that life was not meant to be spent sitting down. It is about doing, going, experiencing, helping, and enjoying every single second. I love you Dad, for all that you’ve done and all that you continue to do. Happy Father’s Day.

Potty Party

Yesterday we officially began potty training. We have watched movies, read books, bought a potty, talked about the potty, sat on the potty, but Hattie had never actually had any action on the potty. Yesterday she finally did. I whisked her into the bathroom right when she woke from her nap. Her potty chair plays a song when used, and as soon as she let go and heard the song and saw the look on my face she was so proud! It was really cute. We did a dance, called the grandparents, got lots of hugs, smiles, and yes, m&ms. I’m not above bribery, you know.
She went 3 more times successfully before bed. Woo hoo! Honestly, I’ve been kind of dreading starting all this. We live in a fully carpeted house for one. Secondly, I guess I just wasn’t looking forward to trying to keep track of her bladder’s schedule and telling her a million times a day where we have to go. I am expecting many set-backs, but feel our first day was a big success. My big girl.
On another happy note, I am taking all next week off of work. We’re not going away, so if you need me I will at home blissfully doing nothing. Ahh.

Small Things

Working 40 hours a week, chasing a toddler, cooking dinners, giving baths, doing the shopping, running errands and exercising as often as possible can quickly fill a week. There are some days even if I haven’t spent tons of time with Hattie, I still selfishly can’t wait until her bedtime to enjoy some “me” time. But it happens. Time can just slip away so quickly, and I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy what I’m doing. Raising a child takes open eyes, a warm heart, a playful attitude and loads of patience. You can’t let yourself do it half-heartedly. I must remind myself that there is nothing like Hattie’s soft voice when she wakes from her nap or is lying down to sleep. There is nothing like the way she laughs when tickled or when she tries to tickle back. There is nothing like the way she snuggles so closely when watching her tv show. Or how she holds her blanket to her nose when sleepy. Her questions although many can be so sweet and give so much insight into what is rolling through that brain. Yesterday while we watched the rain fall out the window, she asked if we could take her beach towel outside. When I asked the reason, she replied simply, “to dry everything off”.
Lately we’ve been having some bath time issues. She was very resistant and would cry and throw a fit the last week or so before and during her bath. Asking why gave no insights or clues. Brian and my first instinct was to tell her we could just hop in really quick and get out and play some more. That wasn’t working. So, the other day I mentioned going in and playing with some new toys and she said yes with no tears. We took a nice long bath and played in the water. Now when asked if she wants to take a bath, she says” yes, go slow”. Sometimes it really is about slowing down and enjoying the ride.