Wordless Wednesday!

In case you didn't get the memo, ice cream is serious business in this house!

"By myself, I can do it, I got it, I a big girl"!!

Lady bug has been uttering shouting these words to me lately. I don't think I am ready to hear these words. I mean....she is growing up waaaaaaay too fast for me. When I was pregnant with her, I used to remember mothers talking about the different milestones their child accomplished. They would say after each one, "I wasn't ready for this to happen"! So, to avoid this, I figured I would document everything, take pictures of everything and not try to rush her to grow up. Well, she had a mind of her own! She is a little woman trapped in the body of a two year old. She is definitely going to be my independent child....typical first born.

This first thing I missed was when she stopped nursing. Oh......how I thought those ladies were crazy talking about they "missed" their child stretching out their nipples, nursing from them. But, I can remember the last time I nursed her. It was the night before a bad snow, in February of 2011. She kept crying and I sat in the middle of the floor holding her to comfort her. I hadn't nursed her in a week because I wasn't producing enough and the doctor was concerned that she wasn't gaining enough weight. The herbal teas and drops had stopped working and it was time to call it quits. Well, I got that "feeling" in my chest, brought on by her crying no doubt, and she nursed for about 15 minutes and went to sleep. I still miss that feeling that I had, not enough to nurse her until she could walk, sing and dance a jig, but I miss the feeling nonetheless. I pray that baby #2 lets me nurse them as well......

She is so independent and I love that about her. She tells me her needs, what she is going to do and what she isn't going to do =). She likes to get in and out of the car by herself. I usually have to convince her that she can't buckle herself in and that is something reserved for Mommy and Daddy. She wants to go to the bathroom by herself and has mastered staying clean and dry all day, except overnight. I used to think that she was "too young" to be able to do the things that she was able to do. I would see her at daycare and was always amazed with what she could do! I think the real issue was that I was not ready for her to grow up. I wanted to keep her a baby and "let her tell me when she was ready" for the next milestone. That doesn't always work. I was thankful to have a babysitter that was strict lovingly advised us on how to transition. LOL! We absolutely love out childcare provider. I have known her for over 11 years and trust her dearly. She has helped me notice that Ladybug is ready to hit the floor running and I am wanting her to "walk slowly" and "hold my hand". I need to let her explore her independence and acknowledge that she can do it by herself, she does 'got it' and she is a big girl! Who knew that a toddler could be a teacher also? Like I say....never underestimate them! Below is the picture I took of her after she was picked up from daycare. She wanted to put her shoes on by herself. I love this little ladybug!

Saturdays

I usually have a Saturday full of work related or house related chores. I am not the best house keeper, so I have a lot of things to clean up around the house and a lot of clothes to put away before Monday, only to start the process all over again.  It is so easy for me to come home, cook, do laundry and let everything land where it may. But, I am trying to get better and stay organized.  I have been working hard on keeping the house clean and picking up everyday and not letting it pile up.  But, it is still a work in process!  But, I am getting better at my second shift duties and assigning things to my husband when I need help.  Also, having my dinner menu is really a big help. It helps me keep focused on what the meals we will have for the week and what needs to be taken out for the next day's dinner.  Also, if there is an occassion where I am not feeling well or running late, my husband can know what he can help me with or cook for that night.  Well, having said that and gotten way off subject, back to the story about having my Saturdays back!

Well, since I have been cleaning daily during the week, I was able to enjoy my Saturday with treating myself to getting my hair down.  I mean.....my chores were done and my work was done.  This was wonderful news for me!!  My husband took my daughter to Lakeshore and did a free craft. I am not sure if you guys know that Lakeshore does crafts every Saturday. I for one am all about anything that is free and inside during the summer.  Last Saturday it worked out great because I desperately needed to get my hair done and my husband had something fun for my daughter to do while they waited for me to get home.  I was told that this activity was for 3 and up.  I beg to differ.  My daughter did a wonderful job and she is only 2.  Never underestimate a toddler!

Cooking something new!

Today I tried something new & told myself that I was going to cook something different for the family. Ladybug didn't care for it, but really enjoyed the cheese. I loved it and was really proud of myself for trying something new! I got the idea b/c they were having a sale on the bell peppers at the local grocery store and I figured it would not be wasting money if they didn't turn out good. I made red and green, but I only took pictures of the green because they were shaped the prettiest. = ) These were really good Stuffed Bell Peppers, but I made a few changes. I used cooked rice, mozzarella cheese, 3/4 can of diced tomatoes & I mixed 1 can of tomato soup in the meat. I also put a little cheese in the bottom of the bell peppers and sauteed the onions & garlic separately. These were changes I made because of what people posted in the comments. I know the pictures are not cute, but they were really delicious!

Best part of going out if town.

The best part about going out if town is going out to eat. We went to Pappsito's and it was great. Ladybug got balloon that ended up popping and contributing to a heartfelt meltdown. Mommy almost wanted to cry, too!!

Our last day in Houston

These are just some random pictures from our last day. Ladybug had tons of fun eating ice cream, a sausage full breakfast and posing for pictures to send to daddy while he was driving! ;-)

Fourth of July!

These are just my phone dumps from the fourth of July! The better ones are in my camera, but....I haven't had time to download!

1. Hiding with Cousin Amber.
2. Art time with Cousin Amber.
3. Playing with her "younger cousin" Audreena.
4. Eating grandma's cookies.
5. Snack time!
6. More hiding in grandma's coffee table.