Ice Dreams

Matt started something last night. I'm not exactly sure how the conversation at dinner began, but it ended with Jillian learning about ice skating and developing a sudden passion for it. Matt showed her You Tube clips of several figure skaters (and the ultimate in little girl heaven: Disney Princesses on ice), and she was absolutely mesmerized. Completely fixated as I have never before seen, wheels clearly turning at a rapid rate, she said, "I want to do that". Convinced she is now a pro skater, she put on a show just before bath, using slippers for skates. We decided we should post this video so that we can refer back to it in case our twirl-loving, determined, passionate, intense little girl does in fact really "do that" someday.

Easter

We enjoyed a pretty low key Easter, as Matt was stuck working most of the day. He always seems to draw the short straw on this holiday, and I really can't think of the last Easter he had completely free. Anyhow, the girls and I spent our tenth (yep, I counted) consecutive day together with no structured activities as Spring Break came to a close. We dabbled in the kitchen most of the day preparing for dinner, and passing time until Matt got home. About three o'clock we heard the doorbell ring. Seconds later Matt came in through the garage full of excitement as he told Jillian he just saw the Easter bunny in our driveway (actually, he told her he almost hit him with his car). She quickly ran outside to check.

 We must have just missed him, but he did leave behind some Easter goodies.

 Jillian quizzed her dad about the close encounter with the EB, and listened intently to him recount the story.

 Then she was ready to check out the goods

 She gave them a smile of approval.

When Adrienne woke from her nap, Jillian kindly assisted her in checking out her basket, and I did my best to get some cute shots of the sisters on Adrienne's first Easter.

 After snapping about thirty, I got the one I wanted. Bingo.

Our dinner guests soon arrived, and we enjoyed the evening with friends. The Easter Bunny even thought to hide some eggs for the big kids. They were hid so well that both a radiologist and an orthopedic surgeon combined were unable to recover them all. Ha!

The egg hunters: Will, Rachel, and Jillian

Scouring the yard

Opening the egg carefully so the quarters wouldn't escape!

We closed out the evening with laughs all around as the dads forced the moms to try driving the lawn tractor. I never would have suspected to be so entertained by that activity, but the novelty of this machinery for Matt just hasn't worn off  yet. As the author of this blog I reserve the right to leave those rather hilarious video clips out of this post. Happy Easter to all!

Milk Source

Jillian had an impromptu lesson on the source of milk this afternoon. She was enjoying her snack of a cereal bar and milk when she suddenly asked, "Mom, is your milk white?" I confirmed her inquiry, and told her that a mom's milk is white. Her question caught me off guard and made me realize that she probably didn't know where the milk we buy at the store comes from. So I told her. "Jillian, did you know that the milk you drink comes from a cow?" I wish I had thought to record this moment because the look on her face as she processed this was priceless. Then she simply burst into a fit of giggles, "What? A cow?" (more laughing) "Does a cow have boobies? I confirmed: "Yes, they are called udders" I told her they were lower on a cow's stomach than on a mom, and suggested she go find her small toy cow (a recent purchase at Fleet Farm) so I could show her. She retrieved the cow, which unfortunately did not help us out...seems it is void of any sort of gender identification. I pointed to the general area where udders are found and she blurted out, "You mean the milk comes from its bottom? Eww!!"
I must have finally effectively cleared up any confusion because she went right back to drinking her milk.

Gas It Up

Jillian has recently spent a lot of time with Matt out in the garage, so she has become acquainted with the air pump (that he used to pump tires on a lawn aerator and my baby jogger), the gas can (that he used to gas the mower), and her bike (she can finally propel herself--separate post to be devoted to that accomplishment!). Last night she decided to test her knowledge of the interaction of the items:

J: (while pointing to her rear bike tire) "Dad, I need you to gas this up".
Matt: "What?"
J: "My bike needs some gas, Dad. Wait, I can do it"
We just watched and giggled as she retrieved the air pump and proceeded to try and "gas up" her bike.

9 Month Stats

Adrienne had her 9 month well-child check this morning, and since it is Spring Break week around here, Jillian came along for the ride. Adrienne weighs 18 lbs 8 oz (43%) and 28.5 inches long (78%). Her head circumference came in at 78% as well. Jillian was very disappointed to learn that Adrienne didn't need any shots at this visit, as she was prepared to hold her hand so they didn't hurt. Dr. V and I chatted about the sleep subject, and she kindly reminded me that Adrienne does not need me in the night anymore, and eats plenty during the day to fill her up for a full night's sleep. That was just the ammunition I needed to firm up my expectations. I have been soft in recent weeks out of fatigue, frustration, and the desire to preserve as much sleep for everyone in our house as possible. It's time for me to put forth a bit of tough love and prevail in this arena...always easier said than done!

Swimming Lessons

Jillian had her first swimming lesson this afternoon. She was incredibly excited about this, and I am so thankful that she isn't afraid of the water (though her lack of inhibition makes me quite nervous). She enjoyed meeting her instructor (Nicole), and had a fun half-hour in the water with 1:1 attention. I caught a few clips of some things they tried together as Nicole assessed Jillian's ability level.

When the lesson was over she said, "Mom, I just loved that!!" She is already looking forward to next Monday's lesson.

Goo

Adrienne melts my heart frequently with her sweetness, but tonight she just turned it straight to a mush of goo in one instant. I was nursing her at bedtime as usual when she reached up to play with my hair. This happens occasionally, and I find it to be one of those mothering moments that makes all the hard stuff seem worth it at the end of the day. She could have stopped there and I would have had my "feel good" moment to last me awhile. But she didn't. She suddenly looked up at me, stopped nursing, smiled, put her arm around my neck, and literally sat up to give me a big 'ol kiss. Instant tears from this mom. I am going to try and remember that moment when she is a teenager and professes her undying hatred for me.