Dancing Queen

This past weekend we went to Louisiana for my cousin Alex's wedding -- it was a good time. Naomi got to meet/play with lots of new cousins. I got to see my cousins and family. The wedding was really beautiful. The place was really beautiful. Oh, and Naomi danced. Alot. A whole lot. And fell in love with her Aunt Alli - she really only wanted her the whole weekend. And then she danced some more.

Slumber Party

A few weeks ago, after Naomi's friend Ellaiden's birthday party, the girls were still playing. We went looking for them to leave...and found this! Naomi and Ellaiden had climbed under the covers and were talking and giggling. It was a glimpse into the future...

Two Months Shy of 2

Over the past month or so, Naomi has been coming more and more into her self. She is so funny, talks so much, and can be so silly. She has such clear ideas about things. Today, she was back in her room, and came out with an old shoe and her Halloween costume, and asked me to help put it on. She had been rummaging in her closet. So, she ran around the backyard the rest of the evening dressed as a dragon!

Happy Birthday Mark!!

A happy happy birthday (an hour late) to Mark. He turned 33 on the 28th. We had cake and presents on Friday, since he was going to be out on the actual day of. A chocolate hazelnut cake I've been wanting to make for him for a long time now, because it has an entire jar of Nutella in it. And he now has his own permanent copy of the book "How to Grow More Vegetables."

I had all these ideas of what to post about him, or a find a cool picture, or something about him and Naomi. But really? He just rocks. I am really really lucky to be in his life, and that he is my kid's dad. Naomi really lucked out too. Have a happy birthday, and a wonderful next year. We love you very very much.

Gardener

I realize that until yesterday, it had been a month since I've posted anything. But the picture to the left really pretty much sums the last month up!

Ahhhhhhh!!!

There is just no other word. A few weeks ago, we added a potty to the bathroom - a Naomi sized one just to introduce the idea of her using the potty to her. She likes to sit on it, pretend when one of us in there, and then the high point is getting toilet paper. But nothing really happens. One night, she asked to sit on the potty, sat, but then ran around the house naked until she actually peed in the dining room. I picked her up, took her into the bathroom and we all talked about how that is pee, and you can go in the bathroom. But tonight, in the middle of diaper changing and pajamas, Naomi asked to sit on the potty. I almost said no - cause I thought she was stalling. But realized that's not a request I want to deny right now. And then she actually went! We are so proud.

New Ways to Play

At Central Market this afternoon I walked over to find Naomi hanging from the bar above the small slide. Um, when did she start this? And earlier today, we played ring around the rosie -- and when I was tired, she played with her baby.

The Summer of Hammocks

Or at least the Spring of. It was such a beautiful weekend - a perfect Texas Spring. And Naomi and I spent a good chunk of time in the hammock eating canteloupe. I also discovered that I can move the hammock next to her play area - and thus lounge with a book while she is busy. Really, the perfect plan. See - she's happy!

Dot Dot's Shoes

My parents came to visit last weekend, and Naomi had a blast. No pictures of them, but we do have a picture of Dot Dot's shoes! Naomi calls my mom "dot dot" -- because after my mom signed a card to Naomi 'Grand...', I started calling her grand dot dot. Dot Dot bought Naomi some shoes while they were here, and now they have been so-named by Naomi. She talks aboout Dot Dot when she puts them on.

Friends

Naomi had some friends over to play the other day -- two other girls her age and they had so much fun while their parents were out and about. We spent the whole evening playing outside -- swinging, picnicing, chasing cats, playing in the sandbox, and running! As a sidenote, you can notice Naomi's dress. I bought on a work trip to South Padre two years ago (while I was pregnant). It fits her now, and was the only thing she wanted to wear for two days! Mark wonders if this is how she'll dress when she's 80. :)