Toddlerville

Hello from Toddlerville! I world of giggles, irrational moodiness, mischief, and martinis! Just looking through my last post, I cannot believe how much Evelyn has changed! (She really only had 4 teeth the last time I posted?! She has 9 now!) Evelyn is keeping me on my toes lately... and my hands and knees.

One of her favorite games is for me to chase her while she is chasing me around a big chair in the Living Room. She will tell me wants to start by circling the chair a few times herself, warm up rounds, then give me a look that says "let's begin". Then, it's off to the races! She will giggle all the way around the chair. Then, pause to let me catch up to her, tickle her, then repeat. Her little squeals of excitement make my day! I wish I could she her face as she is chasing me!

Her newest "word" is uh-oh. So cute! She says it in a sing-song way that just makes Nate and I smile.

But it is not al fun and games. Evelyn went through about a week when she did not want to get in the bathtub. Bath time is one of her favorites, so this caught Nate and I off guard. Once she was seated in the tub, she was fine. Fortunately, she back to her old self. I suspect this behavior will return again. She has also thrown a few tantrums. Particularly when I want to take a shower. Every time. She will stand outside the door and scream and cry the whole time. I have tried leaving the bathroom door open, singing to her, talking sweetly to her, and ignoring her. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.

Sh has become quite the big girl at the lunch and dinner table. I thought "a growth spurt is starting!", but no. She just eats. a. ton! Let me give you an example. Yesterday she had 5 6 ounce bottles, yogurt with baby cereal, pear pieces, cheerios and puffs, 3 chicken nuggets, grapes, and pot roast. She is only 21 pounds- where is she putting it all?? She is also been practicing drinking water out of a sippy cup. She really likes drinking out of a cup with a straw when we are at restaurants. For the past two days we have ordered off the kids' menu at restaurants! This is major because it means we do not have to pack hot food with us all the time! Freedom!!

Imitation is the best form of flattery

She has been sleeping quite well lately. Last night she woke us up with these long, whining sounds. I go to check on her, and she has all her limbs tucked under her. Poor girl was cold! I wrapped her up with me in my robe, and we sat and rocked until I could feel her body relax and her breathing get deep. I love those moments- even if they are at 2am.

February is Grandma's month at our house! My mom is coming for a week this week. I am so excited to see her and see her with Evelyn. Then, Nate's mom will be staying with us until she finds an apartment near by. It has totally changed the way we think of our schedule knowing there will be a Grandma there to help watch Evelyn.

All three of us went to the Valentine's Party yesterday at church. It was fun to help her make crafts and for us to visit with the parents. These are the same parents we will be hanging out with until Evelyn goes to college. Isn't that weird? I feel we are making good connections at church!

I almost forgot! I have spent the night away from Evelyn! For my 30th birthday, Nate took me to a really nice hotel in Seattle. We had dinner and watched a movie in our room. The next morning, we went to Pike's Place Market to pick out dinner. Julie and Jared watched Evelyn overnight! Julie was so sweet to text me updates regularly. Thanks Julie! And thank you Nate for the great night out!

Grandparents and Aunt and Uncles, if you would like a hard copy or digital copy of any of the pictures in my blog, please let me know. I make a run every few months to print out more pictures.