Growing Up

Big Sister seems to have been thinking a lot lately about growing up.  She's had 3 meltdown episodes in the last 2 days where she's inconsolable about the prospect of moving out when she's grown up.  I've tried to talk to her about the fact that she might actually WANT to move out when she gets older, and reassured her that we won't make her move out until she's ready (within reason of course!), but she just tells me (with tears spilling from her eyes and rolling down her cheeks) that she'll miss me too much.  It really would be such a sweet moment (what Momma doesn't want to hear that her sweet little girl loves her so much!), but the fact that she won't be consoled, and no amount of hugs, kisses and reassurances helps her feel better, makes the situation just a tad bit frustrating.  At the end of one such conversation, she did say that she would like to have her own babies one day, and I was able to use that to bring things around to a positive note saying that maybe, just maybe when she's grown up, she can move into the house next door to us, so that I can come over and play with her and her babies.  She liked that idea very much.

She's a little foggy on other aspects of growing up as well.  In addition to talking about moving out, she's been interested in the idea of getting married (asking questions, etc.).  She's thinking she might get married to Little Bud.  I guess there's plenty of time to explain why that isn't such a great idea ;)


While we're on the subject of Big Sister... the other day while we were at a family member's graduation party, Big Sister came and whispered in my ear that she needed to go poop.  I thought it was a little strange that she whispered this, because she's never been shy about having to go to the bathroom before.  So, while she was doing what needed to be done in the bathroom, we had the following conversation:

Big Sister: "Does everybody poop?"
Mommy: "Of course."
Big Sister: "Even Liz?" (she'd been playing with John's sister Liz before she had to go potty)
Mommy: "Yes, even Liz."
Big Sister: "Oh."
Big Sister: "I don't want to poop anymore." (meaning she never wanted to poop again)
I then explained about how the body works, taking the nutrients from the food we eat, and getting rid of the things we don't need, which seemed to help her feel a little better about pooping in the future.
Then, she finished of the conversation on this note...
Big Sister: "It's just that I'm so BEAUTIFUL and my poop is NOT!"
The girl had a serious revelation while sitting on the potty :)

Life with a 4 year old is never dull!!

Miss Independent

Big Sister has been becoming increasingly independent lately.  We've had a few power struggles lately, and John and I have been working hard to find good ways for her to demonstrate her independence.  She now dries herself off, dresses herself and brushes her hair after a bath.  She helps put away groceries.  She helps set the table before dinner.  She likes to get everything out for Little Bud's diaper changes (although she runs for the hills during the actual process!).  We got her an electric toothbrush so that she can brush her own teeth after breakfast and lunch (we still brush them at night).  Having a few responsibilities around the house seems to be helping her to feel more independent.  She is proud of herself when she completes a task, and you can see her confidence grow when we congratulate her and give her a high five.  I'm learning that parenting is all about balance, creativity and choosing your battles...

This morning Big Sister got dressed, brushed her hair, and then...
"fixed her hair", with little clips in odd places that don't match her clothes.
She was so excited about how nice her hair looked, that I decided to let her keep them in,
even though we're running a few errands this morning.

Desoto Caverns

On Sunday, we drove over to Desoto Caverns with John's grandparents (who are visiting from New Hampshire), Grammie (John's mom) and his sister and her boyfriend.  Big Sister wasn't so sure about walking down into a cave, but she decided to give it a try, and ended up having a fun time exploring and learning (although she did try to act scared a few times and asked the tour guide if there were any bears in the cave!).  After the cave tour, Big Sister was able to ride a few rides, pan for gold and dig for crystals.  She was one happy (and tired!) girl!

watching the presentation

inside the cavern

Big Sister was very serious about listening to the tour guide

Big Sister exploring with Gigi and Grammie

Daddy and Little Bud (his new hair cut makes him look so grown up!)

panning for gemstones!

treasures :)

bumper cars!

playing in the fountain

tired girl on the way home

Beach Trip

Last week we drove down to the gulf for a week of fun in the sun!  We found a great deal on a condo and decided it would be a good chance for us to get away as a family.  The kids had a great time playing in the sand and splashing in the ocean.  Papa and Grams were also down for a few days and we were able to spend a day with them at the beach (the ratio of 4 adults to 2 kids is much preferred to the 2 to 2 ratio we experienced the rest of the week!).  In addition to playing in the sand and the waves, we rented bikes and explored the coast a bit; Big Sister and Little Bud enjoyed their time cruising in the comfort of the bike trailer.  Overall it was a nice get away, but we did realize that at this stage in our life, a long weekend is probably better than a whole week at the beach (It's a lot of work keeping up with 2 littles at the beach, making sure no one gets sunburned and trying to fit in naps).  After a few days, the work load is wearing and the relaxation aspect goes completely out the window.  I'm not complaining though, just sharing a lesson learned.  It was a fun week, watching our littles play and explore and have an all around fun time :)

playing in the sand

taking a rest in the stroller

the kids playing next to us found a crab while they were digging in the sand

Taking a ride in the bike carriage!

This girl is always making silly faces when I try to take her picture :)

sand angel!

crawling to check out the water...

crawling away from the water

helping Daddy

these two do not cooperate very well when it comes to having their picture taken!

checking out the ocean

playing on the porch

chasing a bird!

mother's day breakfast

Daddy buried her in the sand and then made her a sand car :)

Miracle Strip at Pier Park

bouncing is one of her favorite activities!

she loved the ferris wheel

Little Bud had lots of fun on the merry go round

boating through the butterfly house

more fun in the sun!

trying out the boogie board (or surf board as Big Sister called it!)

SHARK!!  Thankfully it seemed sickly and wasn't interested in eating anybody!

Daddy magically turned our broken float into "Horsey Twinkle Toes"
(that will only make sense to the Peppa Pig fans out there!)

relaxing on the beach
(trying to warm up after a cold swim in the ocean)

playing kick ball

trying out Mommy's hat

enjoying our last bit of time at the beach