Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

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. 

Lucky gal.

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

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

Doug and I had planned it for a while. We were going to Sedona to spend some quality time together sans the Tot. Easier said than done! Mostly in my mind, but the day of, I had a minor panic attack.

Janette sent me this picture just to assure me she was having a great time with Levi. (and the doggie of course!)Off we went….to heaven.

Entering Sedona, God’s country smiled upon us as we figured out which of the 700 hikes would we choose? Instead of analyzing each and every feature of all 700, we just took a right at Bell Rock and …this works! We hiked around the rock and perhaps took the long route because 2 hours later, we found the trailhead. We spent our time talking talking and more talking. The people we met on the trail were so kind..from mountain cyclists to serious trailblazers to 75 year olds.  We were hungry! So off to find a some food. It was a beautiful day in Sedona so the crowds were out. After a filling lunch of salads and sandwiches, we had to make it to our Segway appointment. Wait..a Segway. Aren’t those the people movers that look like oversized unicycles (with an extra wheel)? Honestly, I was pretty exhausted and the thought of a 2 hour tour of Sedona on this thing seemed a bit much, but Doug had spent money, time and so much heart planning this, so I had to put my game face on! Let’s do this!

Lauralee, our tour guide, was pure Sedona. She was a mother earth-loving, spiritual healer type (a bit trippy), but she was so much fun, and she made the tour that much more interesting. I loved these machines also because they reminded me of skiing and skating since it felt using  the same muscles. We road up into the mountains and checked out the scenery and the beautiful homes.

We even saw some javelinas as they posed. Doug asked if they would attack us, and Lauralee said the might. Great. Oh, well, “smile!”

Tada! We did it!

Being about 5:00, it is now getting cooooooold out, and I’m also wondering how the Tot is doing.  I receive this text and I see she’s enjoying her greek yogurt with blueberries. Hmmmm…The shirt is not hers. What is that about? I will soon find out.

Meanwhile, we check into the hotel and R E L A X!!! Hooray. Then I get the phone call.

“Levi pushed Tatum into the pool.” As I hear Janette talking I’m laughing a bit on the inside, yet I’m not exactly happy; It is funny however! Yes, Ian rescued her immediately and her clothes were all wet (now I realize why she is wearing this shirt). Janette apparently put a blue sock in with her clothes and they turned blue. So….She takes them to Target to buy Tot some new outfits. Above and beyond, Janette! SO kind.

OK..now I really can relax. We get some din din and chill in the room.

Next day, off to head home, but first we decide to go to the Chapel on the Rock to see the view and pray.  Can’t beat the gorgeous rocks and God’s creation all around us.

We say some prayers in the chapel and read about its genesis.

Amazing. But more importantly it was a much needed time for Doug and I to spend together without any interruptions (except finding out your kid has been thrown in a cold pool of water!)

Heaven is for real, and this overnight was a success.

After a storm, there are always flowers.

I’m amazed by how quickly and kindly Tatum will correct her behavior when it’s not her best. Upon leaving Trader Joe’s today, she had a different idea about getting into her car seat. We had a moment of frustration, and I chose to just be quiet and wait. About five minutes later when we got home, I left her in the car seat while I took in the groceries. As I opened the door to remove her, she looked at me and said, “Mommy I want a hug. Will you please hold me?” I walked in the house clutching Tot, and she then said, “Mommy, hold me forever and ever and don’t let go. I love you.”

MELT. Ok, she has the power to absolutely make my heart sink into a big mushy pillow.

How is it that she continues to get more adorable? I think I love a certain stage, and then BOOM, she enters a new stage of completely fresh awesomeness. I guess this is how God must feel about us. I pray she can know how deeply she is loved and adored. With that knowledge, she’ll move mountains…or at least kill it in Preschool!

The little goldfish of mine has mastered some swim skills.

It’s funny how we take for granted the things we can do in the water!

Guest Blogger: Douglas Hay

So, this was the afternoon that was planned for a couple of weeks. Steph was away for most of the day giving a lecture in Las Vegas about advanced complex teaching methodologies (not for her but certainly for the rest of us). So, I had the very good fortune to spend the afternoon with the Tater Tot!!

I have planned this out so I know when to leave to pick her up and all is scheduled – or so I thought. I assumed I would just slide the car seat in my car and be on my way. Not so fast! Getting it locked down wasn’t too much of a problem but adjusting the straps was another story! I couldn’t find the adjustment to loosen the straps. Ok, I’m thinking, seriously Doug, if you can’t figure this out you should quit your engineering job.   After 15 minutes and nearly disassembling the darn thing I see the adjustment under the seat cover. Why would you hide the adjustment there?? OK, problem solved and I was on my way!

After a bit of driving I arrived at Paradise for Tots!

I was immediately and warmly greeted by Gerry. Obviously, she was the director and she was expecting me. Still, I had to show ID and be vetted not unlike the TSA – Geesh! Ok, checked in! Signed in! Then we go the playground and I immediately see Tatum! The staff was extremely friendly and helpful just like Steph said they were. We said our goodbyes and were off. I had a snack and cup of water in the car – my strategy for hopefully keeping her awake for the ride home. Oh yes, that worked great!

Once home, we had to change into the Thomas the Train outfit! C’mon Doug, let’s go to the train park and swing!! C’MON Doug…

Hi Mommy!

Well it’s tooooooooooo late for the park. So, I quickly think – let’s play horsey!! She immediately thought that was a good idea. I didn’t think that one through because “I” had to be the horsey! …and so we did. The Horsey took Tatum through earth quakes, bucking bronco’s, etc.. . My back did just fine – good! One of us had a lot of fun (OK, we both had a lot of fun).

Now down for dinner. Steph had this already prepared and so it was streamlined. 20 sec in the micro and we were ready!

Man – does this look good! Where’s mine?

Cashew milk!

 

Stories. There were stories. Did I say there were stories!!

At the end of dinner Steph called! So, we had a little conference call and we all got to chat it up a bit! Perfect timing Sweetheart.

Hi you guys!

Just an observation… How is it that these two girls never take a bad picture. I mean seriously – what’s up with that?

Ok, the Tot and I are going up to the bedtime routine now. This is the 3rd time tucking in Tatum and I’ve learned almost the 100 baZILLION essential items the need to be just so for a smooth process.   Tatum is doing such a great job training me. All was smooth sailing and each time we are becoming more efficient.

This is one special girl (Mom’s pretty cool too!).