Spritz

How is it that some women smell so darn good no matter where they are or what time of day it is? These women baffle me. Who smells that good walking out of the ladies room stall or in the grocery store meat aisle? Are they closeted spritzers? Do they have super potent perfume? And why have I not discovered their secret?

And so it begins

While she has always been a sensitive child (thank you Allman genetics), IA has clearly turned it up a notch over the last few weeks. The other night, during a mid-dinner meltdown, the hubby turned to me and said "It's started." I instantly knew what he meant...even though I hadn't conciously had that thought yet. Here we go...the "Terrible Twos" (who came up with that misnomer btw?).

"Shell shocked" is the term I'd use to describe the Allman parents when this first happened to us 2 years ago. We did not know where our sweet smiley boy had gone and I remember emailing my brother and good friend D, asking if this was the terrible 2s. To be fair, I remember that email going out more towards 18mos...so perhaps it was the timing that threw me more. Now? I feel like a pro. I know all the tricks this little girl has up her tantruming sleeve and I say, bring it IA!

Peepee on the potty. Woot woot!

Ladies and gentelmen, we have entered phase 1 of Operation No More Diapers. IA has officially peed on the potty 4 times in 1 week. Granted, we're still in the "it was pure luck and good timing" part of potty training....but at 21 months, I'll take it! She is actively interested in going on the john, asks to sit on the potty and is developing an awareness of a full (or soon to be full) diaper. Good signs. Here's hoping for more (and speedy) sucess to come.

Sailing through a good memory

Yesterday I dressed IA in this little sailor outfit. I love it, mostly because my adored niece wore it the day my first born was born. That day is so vivid and KF looked (and acted) adorable. She was two at the time and had developed a facination with Tai Chi. I'll never forget looking over at her doing Tai Chi moves in the hospital room as I held my own new born child. She made me laugh and smile on a day full of both. Now my own daughter is old enough to wear this little number, and while she doesn't have her cousin's flare, she sure does look cute!

Whoa Mommy!

IA is doing the cutest thing, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. Each day we pass the construction site of a new Jewish Temple. It's cool watching the progress...from wooded lot to cleared land to foundation to frame. As we drive by at the end of the day, IA has taken to exclaiming "Whoa Mommy!!", when she sees a new wall or part of the roof magically appear. It is in-credibly adorable and makes me want to squeeze that little bundle of cuteness every time. Love it.