"Wordless Wednesday"

[Taken on Saturday, Sept 3, 2011]

3 1/2 years old

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Keep up in between posts, I tweet A lot.

xo

-Kandid Kelli

"FL Showers"

Growing-up in FL, I remember the HOT summer days were cooled off by the cold rains of a summer shower. 

It would rain out of no where and last for all of 10 minutes and move on. We haven't had so many summer showers this year, but more t-storms. :-( So the other day when we had an actual summer shower (no lightening or thunder) I told E she could play in the rain. 

She was so excited to get wet in her school clothes! I was excited to watch her do something I so enjoyed when I was a child.

It was very hot, as usual, out so it was a NICE cool off.

As soon as I gave her the okay... she grabbed her rain-boots and umbrella.

Although it didn't take long for her to ditch the umbrella. It was slowing her down. 

She quickly learned that the end of the driveway had the biggest "muddy puddles" as E calls them.

(Shes been watching Peppa Pig & the DVD we have is called muddy puddles)

Not long after E ditched the umbrella she kicked-off her rain-boots.

I was twitching, thinking she was gunna get ring-worm, but she didn't.

My heart was overflowing with joy as I watched my girl run & play. 

Giggling & squealing with delight.

I tried to stay undercover but when E started to get more adventurous I got out there, 

glad I had a waterproof digital camera, and played with her.

Eventually the rain stopped, but E stomped and splashed & ran

 until I made her come inside & take a warm shower and get ready for dinner. 

Now everytime it rains E begs to play in it. It breaks my heart that she can't every single time. If I hear thunder or see lightening, I will not let her play & like I said, we have had more t-storms than summer showers this year.

At least she has this memory, like I do, to hold onto. But playing in the rain (or sprinklers) is a great way to beat the 100* temps.

**Do you let your kids play in the rain? Do YOU play in the rain?

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Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo

-Kandid Kelli

"Seriously, Again?"

{via}

About a year ago I did a "letters" post [here], where I posted letters, similar to TOTs. One of said letters was to a woman who over heard me talking to another mom at the store, on the bottle isle, about how I COULDN'T breastfeed my daughter. Not that I didn't want to, I couldn't.

I was so upset about her comment that I relived the feelings I had when I had to stop BFing, I only got to do it for about a week.

Anyways, since that day last April, I have been lucky enough to not run into any "Im better than you" moms. Surprisingly.

That is until last week. I didn't write about it when it happened because I wanted to sort my feelings out about how I felt. It has been a week and I'm ready to share.

E is in pre-school MWF, from 9-2. She loves school & her teacher and friends. She has learned so much, like how to spell her name, count to 30, shapes and how to draw them and they are working on letter and number recognition. Anyways, school has been great for us her, despite the tears I cried on her first day.

On MW my mom, Nana, picks E up from school at 2, because I work until 2:30 at job1. But on F I get to pick up my girl, b/c I am off on Friday's, and we usually go do something fun, like the park or playplace at McD.

Last week E wanted to go to McD and play. She wanted to invite Nana and have icecream, so we called Nana from the car and invited her, she said she would be there shortly. So E and I went in and E started to play.

This mom, of a boy E's age with DS, and I started to talk. Our kids were playing together and I will talk to anyone. She was such a sweet lady, in her early 30's. We talked about her son and how he changed her outlook on children. We talked about how children don't realize they or their friends are different, until a grown-up points it out. I agreed and mentioned, MG, and how she is treated the same in school as everyone else.

All-in-all it was a nice convo with another mother. Her and her son Scott had to go, we said our goodbyes and that was that.

E was still playing and while waiting for my mom, I was fiddling with my iPhone. Until this mom sitting one table away said something. She said it in my direction, but I hadn't heard her or hoped I hadn't, so I looked up and said "excuse me?"

She was maybe 30, and appeared to be very well off, financially, by her attire/ purse/ jewelry.

She had said "I would never have a child like that." I was still a tad confused at her statement, hoping it wasn't going where I thought it was, and needed more clarification. "Like what?" I said. "One with problems, you know like that boy, thats why we adopted, its like picking the perfect child." she said.

I was beyond disgusted. I just looked at her, embarrassed for her and her ignorant comment and said

"I feel bad for your daughter, she is being raised by a close minded mother. People like you disgust me, I have a niece with special needs and we love her as much as we would love a child w/o special needs. God created ALL people equally. Everyone serves a purpose, decided by God, no one person is better than another. It's children with special needs that change the world. I hope one day that you learn to open your mind, so that there isn't another generation of close minded individuals like yourself."  

While I was in the middle of my tirade 2 other mothers and their children had walked in, without my noticing, and when I finished, they both said "AMEN" before said mother could say anything. She called for Chloe, her daughter, and left without another word.

I felt so empowered, I have never done something like that before. Her comment just really got to me and I felt SOMETHING needed to be said. Then after I thought about it, I was sad, mainly for her daughter and how her mother is ignorant and she's being raised to think she is entitled.

I was also a little embarrassed at how I lashed out, and so quickly. I just CAN NOT stand when people talk bad/ bully children/ people with special needs.

I talked to a family friend about this and her and her husband told me that I was in the right and not to be embarrassed. I was proud that I stood-up for my beliefs and what I felt, but I wish it would have been in a different context, b/c I feel like I bullied this mom.

I hope I changed her outlook and maybe opened her mind a tad.

**What are you thoughts? Did I do the right thing or do you feel I bullied her?

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Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , A lot.

xo

-Kandid Kelli

"8 x 9"

Haley Over @ Be Serious did this Last Friday & my lovely soon-to-be-SIL Michelle did it Wednesday... So per usual... I stole want to do it too, w/o MySpace I don't get to do these anymore, Im totally NOT complaining, but these can be fun and addicting... Enjoy...

8 TV Shows I Like to Watch {This list could go on forever im a TV junkie}
1. Des. Housewives
2. Brothers & Sisters... OMG did you SEE THE SEASON FINALE!!!
3. Army Wives & DDD (to me they are like hooked together)
4. The Good Wife
5. Grey's Anatomy & PP (again 1 in the same)
6. Mercy
7. Vampire Diaries
8. Mentalist


8 Favorite Places to Eat and Drink
1. Olivias
2. Amigos
3. Olive Garden
4. Red Robin
5. TJ Flats
6. Jimmy Johns
7. Seasons 52
8. PF Changs


8 Things I Look Forward To
1. Morning snuggles swiftly followed by strong coffee
2. Reading blogs while I drink my coffee
3. E's nap time
4. Playing outside w.E
5. Beach/pool weekends
6. Playdates w.Ash & Mallory
7. Really cold glass of wine
8. Sundays


8 Things that Happened to me Yesterday
1. Withdrew from my college ::tear::
2. Read
3. Sudoku
4. Did the dishes
5. Started to switch my winter clothes out w.my summer clothes
6. Watched E play outside & Explore in the "woods"
7. Bathtime
8. Bedtime


8 Things I am Passionate about
1. My daughter
2. My fiancee
3. Writing this blog
4. School/ Wanting to teach
5. Reading
6. Stimulating my mind via sudoku or mind puzzles
7. Starting a tradition of a 'date night' w.my honey. We need it. A few hours every other week, just for us
8. Life & not taking anything for granted


8 Words or Phrases I Use Often
1. "NO!"
2. "Excuse Me?"
3. "I don't think so!"
4. "What are you doing?!"
5. "You're Crazy"
6. "Seriously"
7. "STOP IT"
8. "I love you"


8 Things I Have Learned From the Past
1. Karma is a nasty bitch
2. Never say never
3. It's never to late to change the path youre on
4. Things aren't always what they seem
5. Things can change in the blink of an eye
6. You can't please everyone, so start with yourself
7. Babygates are a terrific way to keep your clepto kid out of your stuff, until you catch your foot on it when stepping over it, not only do you land face first on the floor but the doorjam will take a huge chunk of your knee!
8. Bribing your child w.M&Ms for 10days damn ear infection is great until said child thinks candy is part of her morning routine. I THINK NOT!


8 Places I Would Like to Visit/See
1. Australia
2. London
3. Ireland
4. Costa Rica
5. The "big thing" in each state
6. Bora Bora
7. Greece
8. Cabo San Lucas


8 Things I Currently Want/Need...
1. To go tanning again, shouldn't have canceled my membership so soon :(
2. A new MAC
3. A house in Seminole Cty would be nice...
4. E to healthy (ie: no more ear infections!) & Happy
5. My honey to find a job in FL... like NOW
6. To be able to sleep till like 830
7. To loose 5lbs
8. Katie's dreams to come true

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Have a great weekend!

Sunday M, E and I are going to the aquarium w.Michelle, her husband, Brandon , their two kids & my soon-to-be MIL & FIL. Its my first time (and E's too) going to an aquarium, it's supposed to be for the kids but I feel like Christmas is Sunday... Im so freaking excited!!

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , a lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli

"Who I am [right now]"

I got this idea from Erin, you can check out Who She is, Right Now, here.

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Right Now, I Am...

Anxious. About my up coming move. I am not sure what my/our future holds. I am not a fan of uncertainty.

Missing warmth & sunshine. I guess in places that actually have all 4 seasons, May is Spring & in sprin it only warms a bit from Winter... which is the crappiest season, ever. Summer doesn't start till June 21st- Well I am a FL girl. Anything that isn't dec/jan is supposed to be warm & by warm I mean NOT 40s, like it was HERE LAST WEEK- gross (its 50* today)!

Enjoying being out of school for Summer. I normally would be taking a full 'summer' load but since I am moving states and schools; I am going to enjoy this summer with my pretty, who is growing all too quickly.

Procrastinating. On packing. I was looking around & I forgot how much there is too pack & IDK how it happens but in the 5.5 mons I've been here Ive acquired more crap, plus E's crib that was shipped here will not be shipped back, it will be broken down and packed, in the U-Haul. So much to do in a MONTH. ek.

Drinking in my daughter. We play some silly games during the day, but I love every second. She learns, grows and matures so fast & I don't want to miss one second of it. Yesterday we played [one] of her favs- We I drew shapes with chalk, she helps, by coloring them in, on the drive way & a white line: she stands behind the line & tosses a stone. Whatever shape the stone lands on she tells me what color & shape it is- Yes that is one of her fav games. We call it: E's Shapes. She almost never gets one wrong.

[heres what our 'game-board' looks like...]



Wishing PA/DE&FL could mesh. I know that everyone won't/can't be happy, and I hate that. When E&I move back to FL I am only half happy b/c 1/2 my heart & E's daddy will still be in PA, I will be elated b/c I will be with my families- biological and church & my friends who are like family. M will be miserable b/c his daughter and I will be gone, but he has a good job & his friends/family are here. I love M's family like they are my own, which in a yr they will be, once I leave I know they will miss us E, a lot, but I know they are ready to get their home back. But if I stayed to make all PA people happy not only would I remain unhappy (minus the fact my heart is complete) my family would also be unhappy. Why can't PA/DE & FL boarder each other? This sucks.

Actually reading for fun. During the semester I usually could find a little bit of time here and there, in between reading for class and HW & E, to read for fun but after Spring Break, forget it. Everything got c-r-a-z-y & I never had time. I just finished THIS book (yes Jess worth picking up again) & I have 2 on my Kindle I can't wait to read, I can't decide which I want to read first- DECISIONS, DECISIONS! I missed reading, for fun.

Wanting my hair to grow faster. I have always wanted to grow it, since I was 17 & it was longer, and then summers in FL come and I chop it off, its just too hot to deal w/my curly hair in humid FL. Them 'fall/winter' arrive I vow to grow it, but it gets to this weird length and I chop again. Well lucky? for me I am in PA yuck and I don't have my Mandi here, so no cutting for me for at least another month, maybe longer, so I can bypass this awkward stage & have a shot at growing it out? We shall see. I did pre-natals to help the process but it makes my nails grow to dang fast, and I don't have the funds to get them done more then once-a-month.

Wanting a pair of Reebok Easy Tones. I've gone as far as 'designing' a pair on the website, but I can't fathom paying THAT much for sneaks. I need to go to the mall and try a pair on to know exactly what size I would be, a 5.5 or 6- but haven't done that yet b/c I know that'll make my desire even worse. I do have a bday in 28days ::HINTHINT:: Honey I know you read my little blogy now.

Who are you right now?

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Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , a lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli

"Wordless Wednesday"

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Tomorrow is Thursday-- I am thinking about changing Convo w/a Toddler . I am having a hard time keeping up b/c E talks SO much. I mean seriously she has the vocabulary of a 3 1/2 yr old (according to what I am learning in 1 of my classes). I will keep you posted as to what it will be changing to.


Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Not Me Monday"

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. You can also check out Hailey @ Be Serious & see what she has not been up too.

-I did not forget/not care about the Oscars so when my lovely fiancee told me Brothers & Sisters wouldn't be on, I did not check the TV guide just to be sure... I HATE AWARDS SHOWS!

-I did not have to change my childs clothes multiple times this weekend b/c she thought playing in her 'furry cousin' puggles water bowl was fun- It's NOT fun its disgusting, es wen shes mixing his food in there too.

- I did not trash talk the Office Max & Office Depo chicks to the Kinkos guy... b/c they are retarded & can't OPEN A JPEG! I have way too much class to do that. Any ways KINKOS is not WAYYY Cheaper!

-I did not have a blast watching my beautiful ALMOST, not quite there but THINKS she is 2 year old play with chalk Saturday b/c it was over 50* out!! She did not try to draw on the grass, b/c if this draws on the driveway "why not the gwass mama?"

-I did not buy People Magazine w.Jake & Sausage on the cover...I am not that interested in that drama... I can not believe someone who lives 15mins from MY hometown won... I can't believe he is doing DWTS!! He DID make a colossal mistake!

-I did not go tanning on Friday & love every second of it & I am not going again today or tomorrow... I did not get a month of unlimTans-- now why would I do that? No I am NOT addicted- again.

-I did not buy a sleeveLESS DRESS @ Target, I know I live in a place where 50* is considered "Warm-front" but it was cute, PURPLE & on sale. Its already on the list for SB in FL...(4days)


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Giveaway blog closes WED... have you entered?
**You dont have to have a blog to enter, just a valid email address**

See ya tomorrow-

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Toddler Thursday"

So as most [all] you know I am in grad school. Well we are in a unit on EARLY literacy, in my Early Lit. class. Coincidence? Doubtful.

Well for this particular class, I had to go observe a toddler class at a child care center, to look at all the different modes for early literacy in a toddler class room.

I was reluctant, seeing as I have my very own toddler at home. Haha. But its for a grade & it was a chance to get out of the house for a few hours.

I chose to do my toddler observation at the learning center that is affiliated with my college.

Lets just say when I got there it was NOTHING like I was expecting.

**Sidebar... the following was not included in my observation critique that I turned in for a grade... this is all blog fodder for my lovely freders!! /end sidebar**

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I was in the T1 room, these kids were 12-23mons of age- Minus one boy. He was 15 mons and in the INFANT room?

I was perplexed. -- Why was this TODDLER still in the infant room (Infants in child care are 6wks- 11 mons)? He came to the T1 room for snack, b/c they couldn't have solids in the infant room, and b/c the infant teacher used to teach toddlers for 22yrs (shes was 6mons from retirement) and thought he needed to socialize with other kids his own age; seeing as for the time being he was the ONLY one in the infant room. The other 2 children are 10 & 11 mons & are both sick.

I took it upon myself to ask his teacher. I figured I could ask just about anything, I was here 'learning' and they knew that and would prolly ask just about anything because of that.

Me: Ms. B, is it too forward if I was too ask why Samuel is still in your room?
Ms. B: No honey, he is in my care still, b/c of his mothers request, as you can see I think it is silly-
Me: Mother's request?
Ms. B: yes, apparently when he moved up to this class from infant he got hit on day 1, so she requested to the director he move back down.

[while she is telling me this story- Sam is in the middle of beating the crap out of Olivia w.a rubber hammer (!!!)]

Me: Is that so?
Ms. B: Apparently [while rolling her eyes]
Me: Well HE is beating Olivia with a hammer right now [points to the said action]

He is being held back socially by being in the infant room. It is terribly sad.

According to the director, who I spoke with before I left, told me by law he can ONLY be in there until they get another infant, which will be in 2 weeks. They will be getting a 5 month old and at that time they will be moving him to the MT [mixed toddlers] room. That room varies in age from 16mons- 3 yrs.

...

I was excited, after I got past my hesitation, to see how other toddlers act. It was nice to know that E is not the only one who has listening "issues".

Example #1:

Ethan hit Jade-- the teacher says to Ethan "Ethan we don't hit girls, please say you're sorry" (keep in mind these children are ALL under 2 yrs old, they barely talk, and if they do, it isn't well. Which surprised me b/c E talks very well & she isn't quiet 2 yet) Ethan mumbles something I am sure is supposed to be sorry and walks away... not longer then 3 minutes later he hit Lukas! In his defense, He did not hit a GIRL this time.

Miss Lisa should have said: "Ethan we don't hit our friends (thats what they call ALL of their classmates "friends"- as to not single anyone out) it's not very nice"

I am the only adult who saw him hit Lukas, so I walked over to the boys and I had a little quiet talk with them about hitting; Before I walked away I asked them if they understood me, they both said something that resembled yes. I was pleased. So were both of their teachers. They both praised me (so did Ms. B, who was still in the room with her "infant")

...

Example #2:

Miss Lisa [ML]: Alrighty kiddys!! Lets line up by the gate (babygate) for snack!! [Not a single child moves]
Miss Lisa's Aide: [Physically putting children in line] Snack time!!

I asked ML if I could try something b/c I used to work w.toddlers in child care in 2007. She said of course.

I sang this little song about snack time. I felt 9 pairs of eyes immediately on me- good sign.

Then I asked "Who's belly's want snack?" (not every child will know what the word hungry means yet)

Everyone but Maggie raised their hands. I said "Okay lets get line so we can wash our hands... we don't want our germs to eat snack with us, do we?" They all shook their heads no.

Success~

The two teachers were in awe! They kept saying "Can we hire you, NOW?" It was a great feeling.

I didn't realize how much I missed working [in childcare till I was in that setting]. I know that I could never work doing anything else unless it was with children. I am so lucky I found my calling. I just want to speed this process up!!

They are short a few teachers, I would gladly work there, but there are two factors... 1) They wouldn't pay me enough to put E there (or anywhere else) full time 2) Or enough to make it worth my while. All my pay would go to pay for E's childcare. I would get a discount for being a student at the affiliated college -or- being an employee, not both.

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Example #3:

During Snack time Judas was sitting next to Olivia. They were having apple slices & milk. Yum. Well apparently Jude eats extremely fast, like nascar fast. Well even if the children finish they are still expected to sit at the table with the rest of their friends. I guess Jude was still hungry b/c he took it upon himself to help himself to Olivia's apple's, but he hadn't touched his milk!!

ML was engaged with Maggie who was not interested in eating but very thirsty. I nudged ML as to not draw too much attention to the situation at hand. ML sent her aide to deal with Jude, this seems to be an everyday occurrence (!!!).

Aide: Jude please don't take Olivia's snack
Jude: Mine
Olivia is drinking her milk, doesn't seem to care
Aide: I think that we might need to talk to mommy about this if it continues. Please don't take Olivia's snack, anymore
Jude: Mine

As I am watching this situation unfold, I say to ML, "Maybe he is just very hungry. There are extra apples. What is the centers policy on more snack?' "There is no policy, its by class" -Very enlightening...

ML walks over to jude

ML: Jude would you like some more apples of your own?
Jude: tes
ML: Okay [gives him 3 more]

Problem solved.

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Finally-

since the playground is snow covered... screw you snow! & it was raining... Outside play was not permitted... ya think? They have this area called the "Village". This place blew my mind! It was incredible. It is exactly what it sounds like, it’s a miniature village and everything is labeled in big bold lettering.

There is: a beauty parlor, a home environment, a bookkeeping & law office, Doctor’s Office, A mechanic’s garage and a police and fire station. Numerous ride-in cars and a road to ride them on, a telephone booth, building blocks and risers to sit on that surround a tumbling area.

It was really a great place for the children to run and get their energy out, esp after snack time.

But... theres ALWAYS a but... it was chaos, pure chaos! The MT room and the T1 room where in there and right before I left the T2 room arrived! 20 TOODLERS ages 12-36mons & only 5 teachers (not including myself) in ONE area!!!

I could not believe my eyes. As the MT teacher who is a 21y/o undergrad said "Talk about BIRTH CONTROL". I chuckled and told her I have one at home, she looked at me wide-eyed and said "You must be joking" I just looked at her. She said that I was brave and walked to brake up a mini-wrestling match. Srsly!

I can't even begin to tell you ALL of the things I saw for the 30 mins I stayed in the Village- I wish I had a video camera- it would've gotten a bazillion hits on youtube.

But I can say this... I was glad to come home to MY TODDLER.

When I walked in the door she ran up to me and said "you home mama" and huged my legs. I melted in to a pool of love right there.

I LOVE children. I am glad I found my calling & I do miss childcare.

I am going to TEACH and MOLD young minds, but I am going to teach and mold America's 5 or 6 year olds! K or 1st grade for me!

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Thank Goodness Tomorrow's Friday--

Come on back then to see what I have planned... Its full of FUN & WIN

Next week we will be back to our normal "Convo w.a Toddler"

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Convo w/a Toddler"

Sharing is a habit I want to instill in not just E but in all my [future] children, its a good habit & teaches good life skills. Normally she is pretty good at it, but she is still learning, being that is isn't quite 2 yet (yes that is my excuse for EVERYTHING, when she is doing something less then stellar). Anyhow These next 3 "convos" all 'highlight' the little issue we've been having with sharing lately.

As most all of you know I am an only child by birth. I have 2 step-sisters & 1 1/2 sister (for more info on the ppl that play a role in my life go here ). Well Jessica doesn't children she just got into OSUCOD & Des is too young @ 10 y/o!! So the only other child E has had to "compete" w.for attention from grandparents is MG, Alicia's 4 y/o daughter. My dad & Jane have custody of her, so MG see's them 24/7, so when E would come over she would 'stand-down' so there really wasn't a competition for attention. Well... this past weekend I went w.M's family (His mom/dad/sis/BIL& their 2 kids) to their beach house in DE to check it for damage from the two snow storms that had just passed (none- Thank goodness!). Needless to say competition/jealousy (even though E sees them 24/7 she doesn't understand to 'stand-down') was at an all time high between E & Jori.

-While bop was holding Jori-
E: NOOO!! My bop! [pulling on his legs, almost crying]
Me: [shocked by her jealousy] E you need to share Bop...
Bop: I have room for both of you girls... come here
E: Bop walk... walk bop!! pay meme pay
Jori: Lets play with our baby dolls
Me: Thats a good Idea honey. E go get your baby dolls
E: [grabs the 2 babies that we brought down with us] My 2 babies (2 is her favorite #)
Me: Would you like to share a baby with your cousin?
Jori: Its okay I have a baby, see
E: TWOOOO babies!!! Baba? (baba= pacifier)
Me: Your baba is in your purse over by boobo over by the fire place.
E: My car!
She forgot about her 'baba' when she saw booboo playing with the tractor
Me: E you can play with the backhoe, okay?
E: K mama pouting. Me want up. [starts to grunt- boo got picked up by grammy]
Me: Your a big girl you don't need to be held
E: Bop... up

She knows where/ who to go to, to get her way. She always had to be in the center of the action. Here's a shot of Bop & all 3 grandkids:



...

Sunday M purposed. I accepted w.out a second thought, but being a single mom I did tell him that he needed to ask E if it was okay, if he married me. The only problem? She was at a hockey game with M's parents. So when she got home I took E from Grammy & said E dada has to ask you something:

M: Can I marry mama?
E: No! My mama!!! [hugs me tight]
Me: Oh honey I'll still be your mama
E: Oh
Me:Yah, I will ALWAYS be you mama. NOTHING will ever change that sweet girl.

a little later after her bath

M & Me: Would you like a new last name? [M will adopt her after we're married]
E: YESSSSS mamadadamama!!!!!
Me: Well then you have to let me marry dada
E: Ok
M: So I can marry your mama?
E: Yes dada

I am glad we have her blessing! What a silly girl. - We only had 478 days to convince her-

& Lastly:

Yesterday afternoon she was having her snack, goldfish. She LOVE LOVE LOVES goldfish. This kid could prolly live on them. I was putting the dishes away and the box was sitting on the counter and I grabbed a few (like 3) and kept on with the dishes. Then decided "man I want some of these" After I was done with the dishes I got some goldfish:

E: NOOOO mine uhhhuhh!!! [if outsiders heard this they prolly thought I was killing her]
Me: You have some & so does mama. It's okay to share your crackers E. There are plenty
E: No mama... Memmy's!!!
Me: E you know how to share. When you're done with those [pointed to her tray] you may have some more
E: Yes mama [shoved all of them in her mouth] More peeese
Me: I think you are done. You need to just drink your juice and get down and play
E: Meme's Cup

The same thing happened after dinner when M had some [regular] crackers & PB. We had a serious talk, It seems to be better today. I can only hope. This is not a phase I am enjoying.

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Thank Goodness Tomorrow's Friday--

Come on back then to see what I have planned...

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Convo w/a Toddler"

E is coming up on 24mons [2yrs] eek! She likes to imitate E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G she see us [mainly me] do. Whether it be unload the dishwasher, switch the clothes from one machine to the other. Vacuum, etc. You get it. I am mainly speaking of "homely" duties. She doesn't just imitate those, she dances when I dance, Laugh when I do etc...

But what I find the cutest is when she is little Susie home-maker. Monday AM when I was folding her laundry on the floor of the family room, I picked up half of her clothes to take them to her room- when I returned clothes were slung all about the fam. room:

Me: Little miss!!!
E: I do it mama. [Sitting in the middle of the mess of clothes]
Me: You made this mess? After mama folded ALL your clothes all pretty?
E: I pretty, mama. Socks! Socks! [Holding up socks]
Me: Would you like to help mama re-fold your clothes hon?
E: yes mama. I help do it. Peeeese.
Me: Here big girl but these shirts on top of that one there [showing here where to 'stack' the shirts]
E: Meme big gorl! Meme! [stands up and spins in a circle]
Me: E is a big girl. Smooch?
E: [bends down for a kiss]
Me: Want to carry these to your room w/mama?
E: Yes mama. [hands her a pair of jeans and socks]
Me: Thank you doodlee

...

Tuesday afternoon E's godfather Andy came over for & babysat for 2 hrs so I could run out and get a few things done. Knowing the impending Blizzard was on it way and things would be shutdown for days, I needed to get a few things. It was easier & quicker to do it sans toddler. I love how much E loves Andy "Chip". I told her while we were doing our Valentines day crafts [round 2] Uncle Chip was coming to play:

Me: Guess who is coming to play today?
E: CHIP! CHIP! CHIP!!!
Me: Yep thats right. It's bc you've been such a good girl & b/c uncle Chip misses you!!
E: Chip Play Me!!! Yayyyy!!!! [claping her hands bouncing in her booster seat- no longer crafting- haha]

**KnockKnock**

E: CHHHHHHIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPP!!!! HERE!!!!! Mama!!!!!
Me: Use your inside voice, please
E: Peeese down
Me: Go get him baby girl
E: kank you mama?
Chip: Hey ladies
E: Chip walk
[once playing in E's room- I walked in there to give E kisses & say bye]
Me: I'm heading out, smooches?
E: K bye mama [barley looking up from playing I get a half smooch]
Chip: See ya soon
Me: Bye bye
E: go bye bye mama [waving behind her head]

Im glad she doesnt cry when I leave, but a little something would be nice, geez!

& Lastly:

Wednesday night, as I have mentioned before, I let E be independent, it's part of growing up. With her being soooo picky with her eating/food choices, I have been doing whatever I can to get her to EAT. So when she asked begged me to used a fork at dinner, when up to this point she has refused to use one, I was iffy.

E: mine uhhhuhh [holds up her fork]
Me: You want to use this tonight?
E: Yes mam. Peeese?
Me: Are you going to actually eat or are you going to just play?
E: Yes mama
Me: Yes you will eat? or Yes you will play?
E: Yes mama yummyy!!! Milk?
Me: Okay, fine you can use your fork for your chicken
E: yay!! [claps hands]
Me: Go ahead & ask dada to get you in your chair.

She ate ALL of her dinner & them some...WITH THE FORK... Correctly! Yay for Big Girls!!
...

Tomorrow's Friday- Yay!!

You know you want to check back in b.c ... I am going to tell you all why I love Valentines Day!!

Valentines Day Countdown: [3days]


Check back tomorrow... It won't be TOO mushy... Scouts honor... :)

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"House Arrest"

Two year olds have a ton of energy. I am not quite sure where it all comes from really.

Being from FL originally, after lunch I would open the back door and say "go play". Thats all it took eyes wide with excitement, E would wear herself out. A little climbing on the swing set, maybe a little swinging, definitely some sliding. It was a combination of the heat, humidity and activity that purely wore her out.

Then it was inside for some coloring in her highchair or playing with her ponies while watching a video then NAP-TIME. Nothing is better then the all glorious nap-time. We had it all down to a science, really.

That was until, we moved. We moved to the arctic, better known as PA, a few days after Christmas. We moved because I was starting graduate school in January, as you all know. We wanted to get settled in, get back into our routine, you know how it goes.

Well I forgot about snow that comes up to their waist, blizzards or just plain ole dreadfully COLD weather. E can't go out and play in that! Yes you can get out the snowsuit or layer the kids up but after ten minutes they are miserably cold and are ready to come in. So it's not even worth the hassle.

My child is wired, I see it in her eyes, cabin fever, and I feel as if I am on house arrest. The freezing temperatures and layers of snow are my ankle bracelet trapping me.

We play soccer inside but the fear of something breaking cuts the game short. E is small so she can run, but running indoors is so different from running outside, the fresh air seems to just pull all that excess energy out of children. It stays bottled up inside of them no matter how much they [children] play indoors.

Spring I call to you like a long lost pair of skinny jeans. The sooner you come and bring warmth, melt all this wretched snow the sooner I regain my sanity and the sooner my toddler regains her calm afternoons of coloring and tiredly asks for an early bedtime.

Oh how I feel I have served my sentence, I am ready to be released from house arrest!

...

I just love HOLIDAYS... no matter how BIG or little. I want E to love them too.

SOOO: Valentines Day Countdown: [4days]

Its not just about couples. Its about Love in general. I love my family & friends & I want my daughter to feel that kind of love... ALWAYS!!

Check back tomorrow... You don't want to miss Thursday's "Convo w/a Toddler" -- It seems to have "taken off" & a few ppl are doing it on their blogs & I love it [LINK BACK TO ME] . I am working on a "button" for "CWT" hopefully I will have it ready by tomorrow for yall to use on your blogs when you do your own "CWT"...

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

"Convo w/a Toddler"

Toddlers are like sponges. They just soak up everything they see and hear.



Tuesday night M was putting E's little bookcase, for her DVD's & books together. It is very small, we are staying with M's parents for the time being, we've started looking for a place since M's new job rocks our world! I digress... her bookcase is small since E's room is what used to be her aunt Michelle's/the guest room. So In her room is a full sized bed and a dresser, all E's toys, all the toys that were already here for her cousins, Jori & Will- That includes the FULL kitchen set. Not to mention E's crib.

And while M was putting it together E wanted to help, naturally. So M told E to go get her Handy Manny tools, & with a quickness she did. She helped her daddy. Now all at once... AWWW.





Well this Morning I was drinking my coffee catching up on Y!News. Laughing @ some of the wacky headlines , when out of no where E said:

E: I fix it mama!! [grabs her toolbox & takes off for her room]
Me: [Calling from the family room to her room] You fix what hon?
E: My tools. I fix.
Me: [hearing banging & pounding- I get off my lazy butt & I peak in her room, she was fixing to bookcase like the night before with M] Oh you fix your bookcase?
E: yes mama. I fix it. [pointing to it] My dada. My dada.
Me: Yes you put that together with your dada, last night.
E: Meme big!
Me: E is a big girl.
E: [held her arms up like a big girl]
Me: I love you.
E: Yes mama. hug. hug.

...

Wednesday AM is when my WeightWatchers [WW] meeting is. I am not sure why I choose that day, but Wednesday was chosen back almost 2yrs ago when I decided I NEEDED to loose 65lbs. Going to WW is nothing out of the ordinary for E, as she has been going with me since she was 2wks old. It had snowed over night so when I woke up Wed. there was snow on the ground (about 1.5in) but I was in a hurry so I didnt mention it to E like I normally do. I just got her up & dressed so we [I] wouldn't be late. Once in the car on our way to the center:

E: Mama lookkkkk KNOW! KNOW! KNOWWWWWW! [how she says snow]
Me: Yep thats snow, Jack Frost decided to come for a visit last night.
E: Play know!! Play know... Me play! Uhhh uhhh!!!
Me: Use your big girl words, please.
E: Peeese play know.
Me: Thank you. Maybe after we get back home.
E: Ome now mama?
Me: We're going to Weight Watchers for mama then we will be going home, is that okay?
E: [I hear a HUGE sigh] Okay mama [in a very pouty voice]
Me: [pulling into a 15min parking spot] We won't be here very long. I promise. Ready to get out?
E: I walk? I walk?
Me: If you hold mama's hand.
E: No.
Me: If you don't hold my hand, you don't walk & you won't play in the snow when we get home.
E: hold mama!! I Hold. [makes kissy face.]

She wins, again.

This kid KNOWS how to A) WIN B) melt my heart... Her hugs & smooches get me EVERYTIME!

-She wins.

& Lastly:

I let E be independent. So when she runs off to another room in the house, I don't follow her. No need. The house is "E proofed"- Or so I thought. Out of no where E stood up and ran off. No big deal.

E: Bye mama
Me: Bye E

I hear her playing in her room, loudly. Then silence. I give it a minute or two before I go in there. When I go in she is "reading".
Me: You like that book?
E: Yah mam
Me: You want mama to read it to you?
E: No mama [gets up and runs away]

An hour later:
Me: Nappy time honey. Who do you want to sleep with you?
E: My car.
Me: Okay lets get one of your cars & try to go potty.
E: No potty, I peepee [points @ her diaper]
Me: Its okay , lets change your diaper and lay down.
I go to grab her wipies but they are empty. WTH? I had just filled it up. So I look and look and look and then BAMMM!!! There they are in the top of her Diaper Champ.

Me: Oh boy look at all those wipies!!
E: ::giggles::
Me: How did those get in here? [as I am salvaging what I can of said wipies]
E: [still giggling]
Me: Did you [poking in belly] put those in there?
E: yea [giggle]
Me: Wipies are not toys. Please don't do that again.
E: Ok mama. [very whiny]
Me: Def nap time
Since it happened more then an hr back I wasn't going to make a fuss or punish her. Children have short memory spans.

Shes a sneaky one!! That's what she must've been doing when she got all quiet; Used the book to trick me.

E- 2 Mama- 0

...

Tomorrow's Friday!!

Can't wait to see you back here tomorrow @ Kandid Kelli...!!!

Keep up in between posts, I Tweet , do you?

"Not Me Monday"

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. You can also check out Hailey @ Be Serious & see what she has not been up too.

-I did not drive over an hour out of my way Saturday on the way to E's playdate @ my sister-in-laws . I certainly did not in the process get on the Turnpike & did not call M @ work freaking out b/c I didn't have any cash & did not pull over and count out change laying around my car.

-I did not pig out Saturday night by making homemade pizza for dinner followed by doughnuts & reeses for dessert. oops. (I am not Lifetime on Weight Watchers or anything)

-I did not make fun of M for getting pizza on his shirt and I did not even 2 mins later drop my entire piece, "face first" on the front of my new light purple HAND WASH ONLY sweater.

-I did not spill sling vegetable soup ALL over the kitchen b/c I thought it was another tupperware & when I quickly pulled it open while taking to M, while he was in the other room and soup did not fling all over the kitchen, I did not yell a string of obscenities and my 21mon old was not standing in the doorway; laughing.

-I did not but E a new Wow Wow Wubbzy movie b/c I was going out of my mind watching/hearing the same one OVER & OVER & OVER again.

-I def. did not get Britney Spears & Beyonce mixed up on our way home from Best Buy & M did not correct me. How does that happen?

...

Only [7days] till the reveal of the new NAME & Design for the blog yall. Erin @ MyWayThisTime has been working really hard, or hardly working? To make this great. Hmm. JK. We shall see come Monday, Jan 25. I can't wait!

...

-Kelli-Sue

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"Silence is NOT Golden"

I like a loud home. One where my doodle is laughing and playing. Talking and babbling. I like hearing the pitter patter of her tiny feet running through the house.

The minute it gets quite, it better mean ONE thing- SHE IS ASLEEP.

If its not 10:30am, 3:00pm or 8:15pm- all 3 of which are sleepy time in my house hold- It usually means she is into something they are not supposed to be into.

E is small for being almost 2, she is TALL & LANKY (unlike me, I am short), but VERY flexible. She seems to be able to maneuver herself into some tight spots, "to check stuff out". Usually after I have told her a firm "No". she gets two tries before a timeout.

Not to mention the climbing, all over EVERYTHING & the jumping off. [Insert Heart attack, here.]

I am all about exploring, thats how children learn & grow. That helps them feel independent and what not but I worry about things that could hurt her.

I am not a hoover mom, by any means. I never have been. But I do go into her room or the living/family room after a few mins & peek in just to see what she's doing- she doesn't always want to play with mom. She is content playing with her toys and her "friends" (dolls & stuffed animals).

We moved from a 2 story death trap house were Doodle was only permitted to play in the bonus playroom [above the garage that was babygated off], Unless she had a chaperone to watch her every move downstairs.

To a one story, well the master is upstairs but a babygate blocks the stairs, so its mostly a 1 story (minus the basement) house; Where doodle is free to roam about everywhere, no chaperone needed.

E loves her newfound freedom, she also loves all the new stuff there is to get into. The house is pretty much baby proofed, but not really.

Lets just leave the major exploring to Dora & unless my doodle is asleep I want loud laughs & gut giggles. None of that quite stuff.

----
OKAY FREADERS, I have BIG, AND I MEAN MONUMENTAL NEWS:

Coming SOON there will be a NEW NAME and LOOK here @ The Urban Cowgirl. So keep your eyeballs peeled.

Have a good weekend yall.

-Kelli-Sue

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