Gabby!!

I’m very picky about who gets to watch Tatum. Actually, I’m pretty picky about any association Tatum has. Why? Because this Tot’s brain is in development mode, and every input her little neurons receive means more positive neuron growth. Am I over-analyzing it? Probably. But we found Gabby, and for that, I’m incredibly thankful. This means whenever I have to go for a couple hours here or there, I am confident she is in superb hands.

Gabby is headed to college next year, and selfishly, I’m praying she chooses ASU! She probably could go anywhere, but ASU would be so blessed to have her. She is such a mature, well-balanced girl with an old-souled head on her shoulders. When I talk to her, I feel like I’m talking to a seasoned adult.
IMG_2505Tatum continues to love her even more every time we see her. Thank goodness it’s mutual.

Meeting the President?

It was not just a day off school and a day to spend with Doug; it was so much more!

After starting off with a quick workout, we headed off to the park. It was that or the zoo for our Monday plan. The city of Scottsdale had the same idea, because the park was packed. According to sources, the zoo was worse, so I’m glad we chose the park, but we went home and walked (blessing to live so close) since the parking was impossible.

I had promised her a ride on the carousel AND the train. What was I thinking? The line was longer than even the weekends.

20160215_110940_resizedThen it happened. Who did we see giving a State of the Union speech but President Lincoln! Resurrected. 20160215_113544_resizedI thanked him for freeing slaves, and we shook hands.

We headed to the museum since it was indoors and full of trains! Doug saved me with the “I can’t see!” issue. 20160215_113222_resizedAfter many rounds of making the Thomas, Mickey, and Nemo trains go, we were headed home for lunch and playing with Coti. He showed off as Tatum threw him the monkey. My two kiddos are sure amazing. IMG_2477 IMG_2478Doug took care of Tot while I headed to an appointment; I promised a surprise for Tot after I returned. OK, so it was really because I wanted it, but I took Tot to get fro yo. Chocolate, vanilla, and “I want more, mommy!” She kept saying, “When I get bigger can I have a bigger size?” She saw my massive one and got a bit jealous. 
IMG_2480She scooped every teeny tiny bit out, and

IMG_2479Hooray!! Now we are ready for Kiddy Keys class!

What a fun-filled day with our hero, Doug and my Tot! 🙂

Love that grows

The doorbell rang and Doug came bearing gifts.

Tot, a squoooshy heart-holding bear20160213_175632_resized

Mom and Connie, truffle dark chocolates (so kind!)

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and Me?

Flowers, wine, and chocolate…
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After posing for a few pictures….(and poses!)

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We headed to a lovely dinner and special memories. I’m honored to be Doug’s girl. 20160213_175846-1_resized

Remember this day exactly ONE YEAR AGO!!? We’ve come a long way in one year!

The flowers are still as beautiful as ever…and he still gives me the best dark chocolate.
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This year, Tot got to enjoy the fun by being involved with us (well, for pictures!). Slow and steady wins the race, right?

He truly is our hero, and he shows me that love grows day by day.

Connie the builder

My dear Aunt Connie came to visit Mom, Tatum and me last week. We had so much fun playing board games, talking, making yummy food, and just being a family.
Connie could not wait to play with Tot. They “duplo”ed it up and made many fun towers! Tada!
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Seriously, it was such a blessing to spend time with her gaining wisdom and clarity on so many things. She is a voice of reason, and helped my mom and I see eye to eye on many things. We just needed her lovely presence and her words to help us along in building our relationship even deeper. She also got to witness the love we all have for each other, and maybe a few foibles too!  I love you, Connie!20160213_175955_resized

Will you be my Valen”slime”?

Our “love”ly friends, Jennie and Robert had a Love party today. We made homemade slime, and it sure was fun! We all had a turn stirring and adding in all the ingredients. It was a definite Pinterest success!
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Robert, Tatum, Lainey, and the cousins all got to stir!
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Boom! Red SLIMEIMG_2452 IngredientsIMG_2451 IMG_2450 IMG_2449 IMG_2448

We had such a great time…to be continued.

Sleep is a five letter word

To Tatum. To me? It’s the Holy Grail. What’s up with that?

Lately, Tatum doesn’t really nap, which is fine, but then is challenged to fall asleep at 7 when she is put down. I will not change her bedtime because I do believe in her having the structure and 12 hours of sleep, yet this does have Tatum all up (literally) in a tizzy. This tizzy looks like her sneaking out of bed and grabbing books, taking out all of her clothes, obtaining plastic food items from her kitchen, etc! How can I get her to stay in bed and entertain her animals? We are thinking outside of the box everyday and trying something new.

For now? Tatum is TIRED during the day since she’s not getting her sleep. We are now in a similar boat. The difference is Tatum can (and does) fall asleep anywhere. Here she snuck into my room while I was working and I found her under my pillows ASLEEP. 
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Lucky gal.

Meanwhile, she is taking every opportunity to get some shut eye

IMG_2429while I think of new ideas to make her sleepy by 7 and fall asleep. Maybe a melatonin milkshake before bed? Hmmm?