In May we were invited to a friend’s birthday party. Little Stella was turning three so naturally, it was a princess party but knights were welcome. Her mother, my friend and boss, took these of the kids. They really capture them as they are. For instance, Heidi’s hair is a mess. I have not fully embraced “fixing” hair yet and she has not mastered wearing a bow without interruption. So, her style options are limited to a mess, a ponytail, or a bow (briefly). In addition, Heidi loves candy, just like her Mama. In classic toddler fashion, “more is more” as you can see by her ambidextrosity as she eats her suckers. Wyatt appears to be concerned, more guarded in one of these pictures which is how he is in general. Don’t misunderstand me. He is robust, confident, and a brute of a child at times but in the same breath he is clingy and cautious. His sweet of choice is cake and he would choose it over any other food any day, any time. He can eat a full size cupcake in 5.2 seconds with minimal loss in crumbage. Pictures of my children are such a treasure. I may one day not remember so clearly these details but these pictures will remind me. Thanks, Amanda.

We took a break from running errands today to have lunch at a little Asian restaurant. You know, the take out/dine in kind. This one happened to be a Japanese restaurant serving hibachi and sushi. We got our food and were just beginning our meal when someone behind the counter called out someone’s order, “Tiger Roll!” Heidi, not missing a beat and never turning around to face the speaker, raised her hand and yelled “Here! Heidi Rose is right here!” Not laughing yet? The noise of the restaurant combined with the speaker’s accent made “Tiger Roll!” sound just like “Heidi Rose!” to her. Thus the title, Elephant Shoes. When spoken, or rather mouthed, “Elephant Shoes” looks just like “I love you.” Heidi Rose may have gotten a new nickname today, Tiger Roll. 🙂

Heidi’s pet caterpillar that we made at her class Mother’s Day lunch. Cute, huh?!

4-18-2012
It was washable.
Still, I won’t be so quick to give them to him again.
In Wyatt’s case, taking my eyes off of him for 15 seconds is too long.

Fast forward to Mother’s Day, 2012 (yesterday): I was cooking dinner while they colored (with crayons) at the kitchen island.

Heidi: “That’s BEAUTIFUL, Bubby!”
Wyatt: “Tanks.”

I turned around to see Wyatt out of his chair, coloring on the french door glass. I had exceeded the 15 seconds.

Demonstration:

Heidi’s Run:

Wyatt, not to be outdone:

She’s about a week old and is still with her Mommy but we can’t wait to welcome her home in July!

Wyatt (20 mos) demanded to sit on the potty today, promptly tee-teed, and beamed with pride. It’s probably the fifth time he has ever sat on the potty, which has only ever been prompted by him asking to do so. Heidi immediately scowled at the cheering for him. Nothing wrong with a little healthy competition, Heidi!

So…Heidi wanted me to sing her a song tonight while putting her to bed. I chose “You are My Sunshine” and she sang along for the first line. As I sang “You make me happy”, she sang, keeping the tune, “sing another song.” She then giggled.

P.S. If you haven’t heard, we’re getting a puppy!