Catching up

Makaia's 1st haircut

We love bubbles!

Blowing bubbles at the park with Nana

Makaia's face everytime she gets into a swing.

Nana and Paul took us to lunch. We had so much fun with them. Makaia even sat for over an hour like a good little girl, napkin in her lap, at the restaurant! Miracles do happen :)

Devouring an ice cream on a hot day

My friend Holly and her family came to SD for a visit:)

Makaia and Julia

Makaia loves playing in the sand. We hit the beach as a family every weekend.

Our "treat" after naptime. Cuddled up with some chocolate milk and a video.

With Mommy at the waterpark

Makaia at the waterpark with friends, Diana and Marissa

Has it really been 2+ months since I've posted on the blog? Lots going on here! I've been trying to make the most of our summer and doing fun things with Makaia everyday, which has left me with a feeling that I should toss the computer, TV, and maybe the cellphone in the trash. I'm realizing how fast she is growing up and want to soak up every moment with her before we gear up to having more kids. We are also in the middle of buying our first house in SD. It's a new build so there is lots of extra stuff involved. Makaia is doing great though, so I wanted to catch you up on the latest.

Potty training is (almost) a complete success. We run errands now without diapers (I'm getting brave!), and in my tired state I have twice forgotten to put a diaper on for naptime. Thank God she held it! She even gets out of the pool and tells me she needs to go! So proud off her. Ooopsy accidents happen every so often, the latest on an errand with Daddy last night. Is it bad that I'm secretly happy that it happened to him? Sorry honey, I love you, welcome to my everyday world!

We are not certain how it happened, because we have purposely kept the concept out of the house, but the word "Princess" and it's entire world has found its way into our home. Don't get me wrong, Princesses are great, but we wanted her to find her own way and decide which things she enjoys. Now that the enchanted world is here, it has been pretty amusing for John and I to see her whole world being shaped by the princess theme. So, being the dutiful parents we are, we broke down and bought the one video she wanted. Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses is now an everyday fixture on our post-nap routine. She loves princess dresses, princess dolls, princess everything. Just today, I went to put her hair in pigtails and she pulled them out saying she wanted the "princess hair." After some fast thinking, I realized that it translated into a ponytail and a bow.

Luckily, she is still well-rounded and continues to play with other toys that don't involve a princess. She loves matchbox cars, trains, coloring, painting, and reading. I have been taking a lot of home movies because she loves to watch herself, but I haven't figured out how to transfer those to the computer.

Her personality has shifted over slightly (just since my last post) to the "terrible 2's." I am now realizing why there is such a term and that it must have come from very experienced parents. For the most part, she is still well behaved compared to most kids. She just saves her neurotic moments for her Mother and Father. Patience is a virtue and it has been running thin in our house! With me being home, I can stay on top of her behavior, but she still tests me often. She likes to tell me "You in tuble" (trouble) and "You in time-out, Mommy" Oh really? I did get a peaceful 5 minutes to myself last month, putting away laundry in my "time-out." I was sad that my time-out was over so quickly.

She also says "I don't like kisses Mommy" and when I give them to her she needs a towel so she can wipe it off. She is very determined and will not quit until something is done just how she wants it.

September will start a very busy fall for us. Makaia has no fear around water and absolutely loves to swim so she is starting lessons twice a week. We also start a ballet/tap class and a music class. If you are counting, that is 4 days a week that we have an activity. Whew! Her days gets lighter just in time for us to move to the new house, which is scheduled for Thanksgiving week.

Video of Makaia on the water slides with her best girls.

One more thing...

Dear Makaia,
Just a few additions to the letter I wrote this week. After I posted the letter, we put you to bed and you had some trouble going to sleep. You called me in to take a hair off your finger ("eww, gose" ie. gross) , say milkjuice (normally 2 words but at nighttime you just make it into one word), and the 3rd time I walked in, you just gave me a smirk that said, "I don't plan on falling asleep anytime soon." So, I resigned to threatning you by turning out the light and pretending to leave the room. As I was standing in the hallway, expecting to hear you get serious about going to sleep, you shout out, "HEY YOU! Why'd you do dat?" So, I am standing in the hallway, wanting to get back to my glass of wine that I clearly deserve, and I burst out laughing at the sound of your voice. "Hey you?" Where did you learn that from? You are too funny!

This is some hummus that you were supposed to dip your crackers in. You decided you were not hungry so you spread the hummus over your arms and told me it was "losun" (lotion.)

I also forgot to mention another of your new favorite statements. Sometimes, I will tell you to do something and you reply with, "I not shir."
Mommy: Makaia, please walk to the door so we can leave.
You: No, I not shir
Mommy: You're not sure? Well, Mommy is sure and we are putting on our shoes, and leaving RIGHT NOW.

Needless to say, getting you to do anything that you're "not shir" about each day is an effort all on its own.

I am sure I will have more funny stories to share very soon.
Love you,
Mommy

The Latest From Mommy

Dear Makaia,
I haven't written a letter to you on the blog in awhile so I thought I would catch you up on all the new things you are doing. Several months ago, I got a journal to keep on my nightstand with the intention of writing to you every night. Unfortunately, when I climb into bed, all I can think about is getting my head to the pillow as fast as possible. You are now using said journal as a coloring book.

You are talking so much these days (in sentences!) and copying EVERYTHING we say! You make me laugh out loud every day with your words, mostly because I know who you learned them from. We have already thanked Grandpa for "Gosh dangiiiiit." Since you can't pronounce everything with clarity, you sound like you have some sort of accent, which makes what you say that much funnier. You even throw in some spanish by using "y" (eeee) instead of "and" like "Mama y Gamma y Papa y Nana."

As we try in vain to rid you of your pacifier addiction, we have attempted to hide them during the day. That doesn't work, as you just go around searching for them, calling out "Fossee, arrrrrre you?" (That's "pacifier, where are you?" in adult talk.) That always gets a laugh from us, because you seem convinced that they are going to respond to you. Your father, hilariously, shot back with a "We are hiding from your mouth, Makaia." You even know them by color now and notice when one is missing.

You are still so sweet and kind. You give everyone hugs and delight people with your adorable smile. You say things like, "Thank you SO much" but highlight each word in a different tone, which makes everyone want to just kiss you. You even sweetly put your hand on your chest in defiance while you say, "No, I won't" or "No, I not." Those are your new favorite phrases, by the way. You are also into sentences that start with "I need" or "I want," telling me "I need da jacket, I need da chocolate, I need juice." Wait, back up, you need chocolate?!

You are VERY into your art!

Your favorite color is still blue, although pink has been closing in on the top spot. You can't get enough of the art projects I put out for you! You can sing your ABC's, and don't mind letting other people here you. In the grocery store, at the bank, etc. You also know numbers 1-20 and your colors, and shapes. Triangles are your favorite. You also love to dance! Mama is going to enroll you in dance class this fall. Since you walk on your toes a lot, people say I should put you in ballet. I have something else in mind, though, because you like grooving to hip-hop music and pop music more. So, I am thinking a jazz/tap class is in order. You also climb everything in sight, and love your gym class. We have had to put all the dining room chairs and block them off in the kitchen, because you are up on the table in 2 seconds if we leave them out. Our home has become your personal jungle gym.

You are doing so great in our potty training "adventure!" You had a breakthrough several weeks ago. We had been cheering for you at each effort and one day you watched me go on the big-girl potty (I can't remember the last time I was in there by myself.) You stood there and said, "Yay Mommy! You diiiiiiiid it! Good girl!" Thank you sweetheart, for your words of encouragement. You then decided it was time for you to go on "Mommy's potty." I also took you to buy your own panties (we came home with boys underwear that had Thomas the Train and Elmo on them.) You only use your toddler potty after you're in bed and decide that you have to go (this is after we don't buy into all your other procrastinations.) The potty is in the living room, where Mommy and Daddy are, and you come in with a smirk on your face like you've just entered the off-limits promise land. You then sit on your potty and "try" while you figure out other ways to stay out in the "promise land." Nice try...back to bed!

You are not big into eating. You hate breakfast! I can't tell you how many things I have tried to cook with you in mind. Unless it's something you love, you take 2 bites and announce that you are all done. You do sit nicely while we eat dinner though, which is a huge plus when we are at a restaurant. So, what is it that you do love? Mexican food is your go-to staple. When we got you your own burrito a few weeks ago (you previously had to share with Mama) you said, "Cheers" and wanted to hit burrito's together like we were all having cocktails. You chowed down that burrito with such intensity. You also love mac n' cheese, and deli sandwhiches from our favorite local deli. They know you there and whenever we drive by the building you shout, "eat. sandwich!" You are also into brown rice (but just the Trader Joe's kind) and of course, tomatoes and blueberries. You are your Mama's daughter and go straight for the chip bowl at any party.

Wondering where you learned this singing on a stage thing? Just a guess, but we are thinking you picked it up from an Alvin and the Chipmunk video.

This is you on your "stage" after a trip to Costco. You are singing your ABC's into your "microphone" (other wise known as a maracha.)

Music is really a passion for you, which baffles me, because neither your father or I have any sort of musical talent. Nor does anyone else in our family, except your Nana, so we are thinking she is the sole person to thank for your gift. You sing, but you LOVE guitars! Maybe some music lessons are in your future?

Your behavior is usually really great. You can listen and follow instructions and are kind to others. One of the moms at gym class commented today that you are so dainty and girly but you carry yourself with a lot of gusto and confidence. That describes you perfectly! You are super sweet but you can hang with the boys and hold your own. You have become Miss Independent and want to do everything yourself. If I try to help you in any way, you say, "NO , SELF!" You get extremely frustrated when you can't do something on your own.

Lastly, Daddy and I love how much you like to cuddle!!! The other day you opened your arms and said, "Mommy...hug. I love you!" You are just such a snugglebug and I love it.

Daddy and I are so proud of you and can't wrap our heads around how much you are changing.

We are trying to enjoy each moment with you, challenging as it is sometimes. ha ha ha.

Love,

Mommy

Mother's Day

The hike "down"

I know Mother's Day was last month, but I finally got around to putting up some pics of our day hike to Ceder Creek Falls. We had the best day just being together, which is exactly what I wanted for Mother's Day.
Crossing the creek. Makaia was dying to get down and play in the water.

She was so giggly and excited to finally be at the waterfall.

Totally worth the huge hike!

Yup, this is me...in the frigid water. At this point my body is numb so it's not feeling so cold now.

She was worried about her Mama as I swam to the waterfall. John caught these pics as she was shouting to me.

"It's too hot Mommy!" She was shouting. She gets her hot and cold mixed up. Last week she told me it was too hot and she needed a jacket. HA!

A little hiker got tuckered out on the way back up the mountain!

Makaia's new room

There are butterflies on the hanging flowers!

The room is essentially 75% complete. There has been weeks of naptime-work done for this room and it's almost done...whew! We still have a flower mirror that is on back-order and a tu-tu bedskirt that I crafted (and my wonderful mother is sewing) that will be done in a few weeks. Some more flowers also need to be painted on the wall, but I got a bit burned out last week.

John painted the tree and I used the leftover leaves from the silk flowers that are hanging to craft the tree. Our families' frames they each made for Makaia make up the new "family tree." A neighbor gave us the table (for free!) and I re-covered the chairs.
Her new bedspread

I made this pillow case for her, with all her current favorite things. Guitars, turtles, flowers, ladybugs. She likes to invite people to come and sit with her on the bench :)

More Disneyland videos

Dancing with the chipmunk :)

Riding w/ Mom on the carousel. This is the day we got hit with the rain!

Dancing after dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. She loves to dance!!!

Disneyland

What an amazing 3 days we had at Disneyland! It was so much fun, and Makaia had the time of her life! We totally soaked up everything Disney and it made for such a great experience. We did breakfast with the characters, ate at Rainforest Cafe and Blue Bayou (inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride), and came home exhausted. ha ha ha.

Her favorite thing was meeting the characters. She couldn't stop hugging all of them and they (especially the chipmunks) couldn't get enough of her either! It was so adorable.

Makaia may not remember her first Disney trip, but we definitely will. The last time we were there was 3 years ago April when we were deep into fertility treatments and we had just found out that the previous round hadn't worked. John took me to Disney for our anniversary and we were feeling down. We made a pact that we would bring our 1st child here and experience it with him/her before we thought about having another one. So.....taking Makaia was every bit an emotional thing for me. Hopefully, we will have many more trips with more kids to wear us out even more, ha ha ha.

There were so many pics that we loaded them on a seperate site. Here are the links:

Set#1

Set#2

Below are the videos we took:

Easter

As I was packing for our trip, Makaia ran around in her bunny slippers. She is too cute sometimes!

We had a great trip to Fresno over Easter and spent nearly a week there just hangin' with Grandma, Grandpa, Great Grandma, Heidi, and Kyle. John had to stay in San Diego for work but he gets to make a trip up with us this summer...in time for the Fresno heat!

Her first time holding her own cone. Maybe not one of Mommy's smartest decisions to do this in the car :)

Yum Yum!

Grandma had a big-girl bed waiting for Makaia. She was definitely stoked when she saw this!

Thanks Grandma for this amazing set-up! Anything with Ernie on it is worth its weight in gold!

Our new obsession: guitars

Trying to ride this "big girl tricycle" with a little help from Mommy.

We had a picnic at Woodward Park. I haven't been there in about 10 years and forgot how nice it is there. We had so much fun!!!

Makaia and Mommy at Woodward Park

Makaia with a stuffed bunny from her Easter basket

Can't head to church without playing a little guitar first.

The crazies who went egg hunting in the rain!

Showing off her beautiful Easter dress (thanks Nana! - John's Mom) with Grandma Dorothy

Bubble gun with Grandpa was a huge hit. She kept begging him to go outside for bubbles.

My sweet, dainty girl has an arm on her. Lookout!

Been awhile

Our first taste of Dippin' Dots

Huge smile on her face!! She loves water.

Posing in front of the New Orleans Lego city

Wow! It's been awhile since I've updated the blog. Our days go by in a blur right now and we are busy with all sorts of stuff. Here are some cute pics and video of our visit to Legoland in March. It was a hot day, which was great because playing in the water was the highlight of our day. Makaia rode her first amusement park ride, which served as a great preview of how she would handle Disneyland the following month...loved it!