Make Me Laugh Monday: The Big Leading the Small

Much to Boo's disappointment, Pea wants to do everything he does. So she is typically everyWHERE he is, right underfoot. (Literally, often - she is quite petite.)

So when I read Morningsidemom's blog post "The Potty Trained teaches the Potty-Trainee" last week, I had a spark of hope. Boo could motivate Pea to sit on the potty! (forget about potty training, I just want to get her to SIT on the potty willingly at this point!) Brilliant flash of genius! (Ouch, I'm blinded.)

Hey, I'll try anything to save a few bucks a month on diapers. I could buy me some dancin' shoes with that money! Or more wine. I always need more wine....but I digress.

Alas, I have the most strong-willed 3 year old on the planet. Her response to her big brother's urgings? "No tanks, Sam. I don't wanna."

Potty fail.

*this may be why she isn't potty trained - I'm not very forceful on the issue. She scares me sometimes.

However, Boo took to his newfound responsibility like a fish to water.

The other morning, I heard him encouraging Pea in the other room: "Like this! You do it like this" to which Pea responded "Go away, Sam".

I walked in to see this:

"What are you doing?"

"teaching Maddie how to walk with 'Elf feet'".

Elf feet. I don't know whether to laugh or lock him in his room with some books, as obviously he has WAY too much time on his hands for the ridiculous. Kinda like his mom.

A few minutes later I hear thumping and giggling. I return to the living room to see this:

"What are you doing, hon?"

"I'm teaching Maddie to hop like this. Isn't it silly?" Um, yes. Something she can definitely use on her college applications.

And then he hops up, ran to the hallway, and said, quite enthusiastically "watch this!!!!" as he spins on the floor.

And did it again.

"I'm teaching Maddie how to spin on her BUTT!!!"

That's my boy. I am SO proud.

Sooooo.... should you see a 3yo wearing a tutu with a very soggy diaper hanging out from below it, walking in her sparkly Dora sandals with "elf feet" and then promptly stopping to breakdance, well, you'll know its MY daughter.

But you gotta love Boo's enthusiasm!

For more Monday silliness, head right on over to my gal Jenny's blog Jennyonthespot!

Wordless Wednesday - These are a few of Her Favorite Things (or, Accessorize Me)

Princess Pea

After modelling tutus this morning for my Etsy listing, Pea would not be satisfied with the dress she had previously been wearing...only a princess dress would do.

And what a princess dress it is:

Blowing kisses to her adoring fans...

And ever the fashionista, what princess dress would be complete without kitty rainboots? Isn't she awesome?

I think this calls for lots of glitter and bubbles. I mean, a princess dress like this needs a glitter updo...maybe I'll give Pea some glitter, too.

Happy Birthday, Maddie!

I can't believe that my baby turned three yesterday. Where has the time gone?

She isn't a baby any more - at least, that is what she tells me. She is a BIG girl.

(But not one of those big girls that use the potty. Those are Big Girls. There is, apparently, a difference.)

This year, Maddie had her first real party, with just her friends. We had a Princess Party, playdate style, while everyone's siblings were in school. In lieu of goody bags, me, being the good mama that I am, I made tutus for everyone.

Here they are, all lined up and ready for the girls:

To go with the princess theme, I also baked a doll cake. The cake was moist and delicious (thanks for the tips, Susie) but the frosting debacle, well, I'll take responsibility for that.


Maddie was thrilled, and it tasted great - so that's all that matters, I guess!


So 7 of her friends and their moms & nannies gathered in our basement playroom for a few hours of playtime and dressup. And dress up they did!

(Did I mention I made these tutus?)

Maddie is blessed to have such sweet playmates, and she really does love all her friends.

So happy birthday, my sweet little Princess Pea! You are one of my greatest blessings, and I love you.

Beach Day in February

(Warning: gratuitous photo blog post for grandmothers ahead)

Its beach day!

Well, not for real - just for Pea at preschool. I found it kind of hard to get in the spirit, given that it is about 24 degrees outside today, but she is certainly excited! Just check out that grin!

(and note the remaining snow in the background...BRRRRRR)

She thought the fishie barrettes were "perfect".

However, when we came home, she wouldn't take off the dress, but agreed to add some leggings. And the bunny slippers, because her FEET were cold. (Huh.) Always the fashion diva!

Needless to say, THIS was the outfit that Miss Thang wore all day long - including when we picked up Boo at school later that afternoon. She did agree to switch into her kitty rain boots when we went to Boo's guitar lesson, but those arms (now paint-covered from school) were still bare.

Yup, I'm one of those moms.

Fairytales don't always have happy endings

The picture says it all:

Jingle Bel-dens!

Yahoo! As they say, the 3rd time is a charm....


Today, we went to see Santa at the mall. Maddie was mildly disinterested in the idea until we picked Sam up from school, and he showed excitement at the idea. He had lots of questions on the trip, mostly along the lines of "What will Santa say if I ask for TWO DVDs? What will he say if I ask for "Lots and lots of Trains and Lots and Lots of Tractors?" And although the first thing that came to mind was "Son, you watch altogether too much TV, apparently", what I managed to respond was more along the more appropriate lines of "Be a good boy and listen to your Mommy". (As its never too soon to play the Santa card in this house.)


We arrived shortly thereafter, and after securing a prime parking spot (unusual), walked together to Santa's workshop. Maddie was awestruck. I was struck speechless - there was no line! No one even on Santas lap! (You see where my priorities lie...)


We walked the line around the workshop, gave their names quietly to the woman who was getting info about pictures while the kids bounced impatiently.


They approached Santa, who smiled widely and said "Hello, Sam - how are you today" -- and for the first time in 3 years, Sam did not freeze in shock at the idea that the big guy KNEW him. Santa chatted with Sam for a minute while Maddie looked shyly on, then said "hello Maddie". They sat on his knee, grinned hugely, and chatted some more.


At long last, wonderful pictures with our winsome Santa!




Afterwards, I asked Maddie what she asked for (as she is still figuring out this whole Santa thing) and she replied cheerfully "A map".


A what?


Sam disgustedly replied "Maddie, you can't ask for a map. You need to ask for a toy." She stubbornly replied, quite happily "No Sham, a map."


Go figure.....

Maddie

Maddie is rarely seen without a stuffed animal, doll and/or blankie in hand.
She has more "woobies" than I have shoes.

I love this picture of her. It really captures her impish personality!