February 2012

Girl Trip!!
Evey and I flew to Charleston to hang with Karen for a long weekend and had so much fun seeing K's new house, playing at the aquarium and exploring King street. Karen is the coolest - she spoiled E with attention, affection, and a trip to the Candy Store. It was hard to leave.
















Karen got a total kick out of Evelyn's trash habit. E's a pretty serious garbage picker upper. I guess it's my fault. Made a few comments about how people should throw things in trash cans where they belong, and picked up a few random soda cups and plastic bags, and suddenly we can't walk through a parking lot (or in this case, along the sidewalk near Karens house) without Evey pointing at bits of trash and proclaiming with a stern frown, "Mamma! Doze Peoples!". Naturally we had to pick it up, Karen giggling uncontrollably.




E was great on the airplanes. Two flights there, and two flights back. She's a trooper man. Now she's always asking when she can go on another trip. Disappointed when she can't join me on a work trip that involves an airplane ride. I probably need to set her up with her own frequent flier account.




Some of her favorite activities involve mimicking adult behavior. If I let her get behind the wheel of my truck, it's about 20 minutes before she's willing to climb down and move on to something else. The next morning is always fun, trying to turn off windshield wipers, off road suspension settings and readjusting my mirrors...
While she doesn't have a whole lot of hair (that's my fault) she tries to keep up with her pony tailed friends and requests pig tails at school each day. I have the lovely task of trying to take them out without hurting her each night. Can't say I'm a fan, but Tag of course thinks they're the cutest thing ever.

January 2012

Winters in Memphis are WAY better than summers for a toddler.  Playgrounds are fun even when bundled in jackets and hats -- and this winter has been mild enough so far that often all we need is a sweater.  On weekends we go exploring new playgrounds -- an hour or so in the fresh air, climbing and running and sliding and swinging, is all E needs to have a fabulous day.  The Zoo is super fun in the winter -- the animals are active and the playground there is our favorite so far.  Tons of kids makes it that much more fun. And having lunch there too is a special "picnic" treat.  Evey and I took a solo trip there on a mild day (no jackets required!) and she basically ran/walked the whole morning on her own.  That's new -- she typically wants to be carried after just a short stretch, but at the Zoo all she wanted to do was go go go on her own.  Her nap that day was epic (!).  Tag had the same experience when he took her there one afternoon (I was off on a business trip) and they had an absolute ball -- collapsing in happy exhaustion at the end of the day.


Evelyn is now sleeping each night upstairs in her own bedroom.  After we got back from our Michigan trip, we instituted the new routine.  She loved the idea of her Big Girl Bed and loved climbing in and out of it, and even snuggling down into it, but as soon as we made to leave, it was sheer panic and confusion.  She did not understand, no matter how I explained, why this new set up made any sense at all.  "...Noooo...Mamma's bed!  Mamma's bed!..."  Broke my heart into a thousand pieces because I didn't fully understand it either and all I wanted to do was curl up with her in her soft little bed.  But instead I bit my lip and cried softly so she wouldn't know and stroked her head and patted her back until she fitfully fell asleep.  She woke up about every 2 hours, so I ended up sleeping on the floor next to her so I could quickly reassure her that she wasn't alone and could quickly fall back to sleep.  It was a rough two weeks.  But gradually, she became more comfortable, and when I left for a trip Tag reported success with 9 and 10 hour sleep patterns. Phew!!  I think we're out of the woods now.  We have a routine: Pajamas on and head upstairs to brush teeth (she loves "Evey's Bathroom" and climbing up onto the pretty step-stool that Aunt Claudia gave her), snuggle together into her bed and read a couple books, music on and lights out with mamma or poppa sitting in the chair until she falls asleep...It's a gentle routine and Tag and I enjoy it.  I miss her snuggling up next to me at night...but she really probably does get a better nights rest on her own...and so do I.


Vocabulary is exploding.  I love her unique pronunciations and the fact that only Tag and I (and her teachers) understand what she's saying.  Had fun teaching her to say Pineapple and Chiropractor.  She knows a bunch of songs now and can pretty well rattle them off (in Evey speak, of course).  "Dora" is one of her new favorite shows (ugh...I miss Sesame Street) and it's very interactive; she's always hollering back responses at the TV -- too cute.  I will miss this stage.


Oma & Opa pitch in Big Time when I'm traveling, and Evey loves her special trips to their house.  She and I dropped by their house the other afternoon. As I was gathering up stuff to head back home Evey looked over at me, busy with something in Oma's kitchen, "No mamma, Oma's house."  So I glanced at my parents and they shrugged their shoulders and chuckled.  "I'll bring her back over after a while" Opa said.  So I left, not sure if Evey really understood that I would leave without her, saying "Bye Evey - momma's going home."
"Bye Mamma!!" was the response I got, without her even turning her head!  Growing up too darn quick, that's what that is.

I love toddlers.  Yeah, they're opinionated and they struggle with emotions a bit (especially when hungry/tired), but so do most of us.  And toddlers are way more fun than a lot of adults.  Especially E.

December 2011

We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at home.  Our friends Beth & Richard came visiting from Dallas and we hosted an open house for all their Memphis friends who miss them terribly.  Evelyn enjoys a party crowd, and in particular those who allow their beards to be stroked...(I almost died - it was hilarious to see Evey, fascinated by his white beard, tentatively reach out for Dr. Kevin Fowler's face and have him lean in to allow her to "pet" his cheek).
Keagan came home from college so we got to see quite a bit of him and Dylan - much to Evey's delight.  Man does she adore her brothers.  They joined us on the long road trip to Michigan to visit the Grahams and I'm certain it would have been a painful and torturous journey without them.  They entertained her and doted on her, holding her hand on request and putting up with endless Disney movies.  Evey felt like a traveling princess.








Aunt Claudia organized a big Family Gathering in Michigan so we got to meet some of the Cenkos and the growing troop of Uncle Scott's grandchildren.  Evey enjoyed the chance to follow the older girls around and jump in on their pretend play.  Nanny Ruthie and Poppa Graham reveled in the ruckus of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.












While Evey wasn't fully up on the excitement of Santa Claus and presents, she had a ball on Christmas morning.  She's pretty good at opening presents now, but her favorite part was selecting a gift from under the tree, looking to me to tell her who it was for, and delivering the gift to it's proper recipient. And she enjoyed helping them open it, of course.  Watching her fully immerse in the joy of giving was my favorite part of the holiday.

My lovely Evelyn

As I draw this first book to a close, I wanted to share my heart's message with you so that you might have a tiny clue as to how much I love you. 

I hope this chronicle will let you see the joy that you are, the magic that you've created in your family, the bottomless love that you've planted in us. 

When I think of you and feel you in my heart, I see a spirit of adventure, exploration, curiosity and daring.  I also see bubbling laughter, affectionate kisses and great big bear hugs.  Watching you play is one of my favorite things in the world; you're always busy filling little bags and boxes with trinkets and bits of this and that, maticulously organizing and re-organizing your eclectic treasures, wrestling large purses over your shoulders and hauling them across the room while pushing your filled-to-the-brim shopping cart.  I wish I could capture each hearty laugh in a jar to save for when my mood needs a turbo boost.  We have the best time giggling and laughing at the silliest things.  I don't know when I've had more fun at a playground, chasing you around and catching you at the bottom of each super-fast slide.  Strangers grin as they pass while we're shopping somewhere as they overhear our endless chattering and singing, and often comment about how much fun we're having.  I've never "met" as many strangers in my lifetime as I have these past two years with you.  You're magnetic!  They all want to say hello or join us in our "A-B-Cs."  My heart just swells and swells with joy the more I'm around you.

There have been moments that break my heart.  I'm not quite sure how I head out for work each day, sending you to day care until I can pick you up many hours later.  That's hard on me.  You have adjusted so well, though - it's what gets me through.  That and the fact that it provides a special routine for you and Poppa in the mornings; you share such a strong bond as a result of your daily morning choreography.  It's beautiful and fantastic.

I love you so much it makes me cry with happiness.  I thank God for you each day.  May He continue to bless you and may all your hopes and dreams come true.

Yours forever,
Mamma  xoxoxo

Two Years Fabulous

Well it happened.


I was really trying to keep it from coming so quickly.  We're loving this journey so much it's hard to let each precious moment slip away, but then we're gifted with another moment and we just keep slipping forward...and incredibly, it gets better and better.


Evelyn is now Two Years Old.  And of course, her adventures are only gettin' started.  She can reach things now, climb things, move things around in order to reach even further and higher.  The same playground now holds new thrills as she can move more confidently and tackle more challenging obstacles.  And she's not afraid to elbow past the rotten boy that won't get off the climbing platform.

Goofing around with her brothers, who can't resist her charms
 even when the requirement is to wear stickers on their forehead.

She's a true adventurer.  I can see that clearly.  She gets a bit gnarly after a day at home.  Needs to get out and explore a new place, even if it's just a trip to the grocery, but ideally it's a chance to touch things, see new faces, climb and run, some fresh air.  Not a home body.  No way.

Her birthday celebration was perfect. Good food, great friends, and a homemade pumpkin cake that launched the Happy Birthday song. Evelyn was lit up from the inside with the sudden realization that everyone was singing for her. Tag fell in love with her all over again when he saw the way her eyes sparkled - he said he could see magic in her eyes. I just cry when I think back on it. It really was magical. I'm so grateful for the friends we have. They indulged us by attending a 2-year-old birthday party but you would never know it - they were nothing but sweet and loving and it just meant everything to us and also to Evelyn.

A princess dress from Rachel

The Magical Birthday Serenade

Just wouldn't be a proper birthday party without Auntie Sandy

Lilly & Evey finishing off the birthday cake...

Just can't get enough of her

We were invited to join friends at their home for dinner.  We accepted and assured them that we'd get a sitter for Evelyn.  They weren't too happy about that and insisted we bring her along.  The dinner was wonderful -- and our hosts spent the evening playing with Ev on the floor and watching Snow White with her.  I'm actually a bit suspicious that they even needed Tag and I to come along... 

We have such amazing friends.  I love watching them laugh with her - they are always so surprised and charmed by how happy and funny she is.  My social calendar has never been so full.  Everyone wants to hang out with us (her) !!

The Birthday Parties have already gone into full swing.  We've been to 5 parties already.  I totally get why people throw extravagant events celebrating their cherished one's birth.  And I really think it's great.  And I fully support it (note attendance at FIVE parties to date).  But I'm not goin' there.  Sorry Evelyn, but you'll have to make due with a fabulous cake, candles and a small group of loving faces singing the birthday song.  When you turn 5 (or when you beg for one) your Poppa and I will throw you a super fun birthday party with all the trimmings (except the give-away goodie bags - I promised auntie Sandy that I would never succumb to that tradition).

Visit from Big Brother Dylan

Our initial Big Girl Bed success is slowing deteriorating.  Tag and I now wake up in the morning with a foot or a butt in our faces.  Ev has gotten skillful at carefully climbing up into the bed with us in the middle of the night.  Hmm.  Not sure what do to about that.  Guess we’ll have to help her make the Big Move up to her room.  (Am I ready for that….?)

Clothing is considered optional. Even when it’s chilly, she’s stripping down to her bum-cheeks.  Ran around the other night in just her socks and slippers.  Happy as a lark.  Wild and free as Taggy likes to say.  Indeed.

Our Budding Book Worm...

Ev has an official addiction to Mary Poppins.  “Pop! Pop! Poppin!” is the demand after a long day at school/work.  I think it’s her way of unwinding – she LOVES the music and dancing.  Tag and I have reached a point where we really can’t stomach another chim-chimminey so we’ve become skilled at redirecting.  I love that she appreciates a good musical though.  We just need to find other ones that she likes and expand the options.

Sportin' the Mr. Potato Head glasses....

We are never 5 minutes without singing or music and Ev now joins in and even makes up her own songs.  Her favorite though is Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.  Her soaring, offbeat rendition always makes me chuckle.

She still loves school; keeping up with the “big kids” isn’t an issue.  I showed up to take her home from school and the teacher shot me a look saying, “There was an altercation today…”  I’m thinking, altercation?? Was there bleeding?  Apparently she had a throw-down with her dear friend Adrian who wouldn’t give up the Mr. Potato Head.  So they went after each other with finger nails flying.  When I told Tag the story, the first thing he asked was, “Did she win?”  I said, “Not sure, but she was the one holding the Potato Head when I got there.”

Climbing is a swiftly developing skill.  Playground holds new excitement for her – she can climb the ladders now, which she loves to do.  And the swings are a new favorite (she didn’t like them up until now).  Climbing isn’t limited to the playground, unfortunately.  Tables/counters/couches… it’s all game.  I was preparing dinner the other night and couldn’t hold her at the same time.  Instead of getting upset like she usually does, she walked to the kitchen table, pulled out a chair and proceeded to push it into the kitchen and up to the counter, climbed up onto it and helped herself to the spatulas so she could “help.”  Fantastic.  Blew my mind.  I didn’t teach her that. Totally new behavior, all on her own. 

We visited friends and they had a swing-set in the back that Evey ran over to.  I was so relaxed about it that Katherine, experienced mother of 5 children, immediately tensed and in an effort to ensure safety tried to hold onto Ev as she climbed the ladder and slid down the slide.  Totally ruined the fun for poor E.  I finally convinced her that Evey was pretty darn solid on slides and could do it on her own – and E shrieked with glee as she zipped down the slide and landed on her butt in the grass.  Little Daredevil.  Love it.

Unbelievable that we are but a few breaths away from 2 years old...

Running free with Opa and Jack in the field behind our house

Halloween

Post Lifetime Fitness Halloween Extravaganza
she had a sorceress apply make up to her face (note rosy cheeks) and a witch apply a tattoo to her arm
she had an absolute ball

Had the best Halloween ever.  Dressed Ev as a little cowgirl in an outfit we inherited from her friend Lily.  The club had a dinner event for members, including a hay ride, animal petting zoo, Thomas the Train and, Ev’s favorite, a DJ and dance floor complete with laser lights.  She and I have had plenty of dance-parties together in the living room so she was ready to boogey when she heard the music.  Kids were running everywhere and she could not get enough.  Danced her little heart out.  So Much Fun!

bonding with a Fairy Princess at the club halloween party

Partying With Miss Darcy

Actual Halloween night was also very special.  I was busy cooking in the kitchen while Tag and Evelyn watched Wizard of Oz and handed out candy to trick-or-treaters.  The doorbell would ring and they’d both make “O” surprise faces, jump up and run to the front door where E would delicately dole out pieces of candy. She was absolutely tickled that all these strangers kept coming to the door.  I will never forget her expressions and laughter.  Or that of the trick-or-treaters, who were so charmed by her.  It was way better than actually trick-or-treating, at least for an almost 2 year old.