Clarification

We have really entered a sassy stage with Jillian. Lots of eye rolls, heavy sighs, shouts of "fine!", stuff I really didn't think we'd encounter until at least 8, but holy cow, it's on. I have been preaching to her about respect, using kind words, etc, all while struggling to do the same back to her (it's really a test to try and control your own emotions while parenting your child, isn't it??? At least it is for me). Anyway, tonight in the heat of a battle, she was storming away from and said, "You are just an old mom!!!!" in a horribly snotty tone, I might add, complete with wild arm gestures. OK, that stung a bit, I admit. I am about to turn 35 after all and am not feeling particularly young. I'd like to be clear that it wasn't what she said, but how she said it (and really it was what she said long before that particular outburst) that got her in trouble, but as I was going in her room to talk to her about her grievances after the 'episode' I asked her why she would say such a thing to me and basically call me a name. Her answer was forthright and swift, "Well, you have been my mom for a long time". Um...she's got a point. I guess that does make me an 'old mom' after all. Add another point to her score!

A's Day

Adrienne's birthday seemed just about right for a 2 year old....play at the park, lunch of her choice (Culver's grilled cheese and french fries), nap, and then a "Georgie Party" (very small Curious George party for our George lover). I took the opportunity to practice with my camera, so I have loads of pics to document the day.

We started out with a trip to Soldier's Field Park, which is a beloved park in Rochester (also sometimes called the castle park because the play structures can look a bit castle-like to little girls) and one of Jillian's favorites. This was A's first visit, and she had lots of fun. The morning was beautiful, which made it even more grand.

Adrienne is scared to walk over cracks in slats. She does this at elevators, too, or just stands and yells "Mommy help!"

LOVE this of Matt and J

The pigtails kill me. They really do.

Mooing

She loved the little horse

J had a blast on the tire swing

Dizzy eyes

Adrienne wanted to try it out, too

Sweet sisters. My heart is mush.

Adrienne was hilarious with her crazy dizzy eyes. When she got off the swing she couldn't even stand without falling down.

Whoa!

After Adrienne's nap, I put her in her official birthday shirt before we opened her presents from us.

Adrienne noticed this sign as soon as she came downstairs, and said "Thank you Mommy for the birthday!"

A big girl lunch box much like Jillian's

This was such a cute moment. Jillian made a craft specifically for A's birthday over a month ago when they were at my parents'. She came home with it all wrapped up and has been telling everyone that she made Adrienne a special birthday present. She kept it safe and out of sight as she waited patiently for this day.

The beautiful piece of art: a carefully decorated cake magnet

A trying out her new wheels

We then headed outside to test out her new wheels. She loved that she was officially given Jillian's old bike helmet (poor second sister).

She insisted on wearing her Easter shoes (a good size too small) all day long.

Everyone is learning...A to ride a tricycle, J to ride her bike (hopefully soon without training wheels), and Matt...yep, that is a unicycle. He asked for it for Father's Day because he thought it would be fun for he and the girls to all learn something together. Seriously. I married a clown.

Finally, it was time for the official party. We intended to have a small family party with a grandparent or two present, but it wasn't in the cards. We are thankful the Tauntons agreed to come over to celebrate with us last minute. It seemed necessary to Jillian that Adrienne have some real "party guests". Jillian was so proud that we made these monkey cupcakes together, and that she helped me decorate the little cake with whatever she wanted to put on it (hand over hand, we really made a masterpiece any 4 year old would be proud of here).

And in case you want to feel like you were present, here are a couple of clips of the "big birthday moment".

The celebration turned sour (or putrid) after the birthday girl had an explosive diaper that required all 4 adults to manage in some way (one to bathe, one to watch big kids, one to clean high chair, and the other to take trash bag up to the designated bather). After a thorough clean-up, the birthday girl opened her gift from Will and Rachel just before bed.

I saw this face a lot. It's tough to be 4 and have to deal with your little sister getting the royal birthday treatment.