Wonderful Weekend

We didn't do anything special this weekend, but for several reasons, this weekend was just a wonderful blessing to me.  My sweet kiddo was so interactive, so curious, so joyful (most of the time :] )...my house isn't an ounce cleaner, even though I felt like I worked, cleaned and picked up all weekend, but I suppose I can't put a price on these "heart" moments.  I've been having so much fun having conversations with EJ...and watching how much she talks and how many words she gladly tries to repeat...and watching her imagination start to come out and how much she cares for her little stuffed animals and her new friend Clifford (pronounced a bit like "calf-ford" :] )...and watching just how much she understands what I'm telling her or asking her about...just absolutely precious to me.


One of my absolute favorite moments this weekend was our Sunday afternoon.  One of my favorite ways to spend a Sunday used to be to come home from church, eat, and then crash on the couch in front of the football game...I particularly like dozing off during about the 2nd quarter for my little 20-30 minute "cat nap" and then wake up for the super fun parts of the 3rd and 4th quarters...rested and ready to watch the best parts of the game - the end!  Anyway, I cannot remember the last time I was able to relax and nap on a Sunday...probably a year and a half ago.  I missed my "window of opportunity" with a nap for EJ right after church, so I tried to get some food in her tummy to get her sleepy and then put her down, about an hour (+) past her naptime.  Friends just recently blessed me with a video monitor, so I watched as she played and procrastinated sleeping for nearly an HOUR in her bed...and then, FINALLY, she crashed...and then SO DID THIS MOMMY!!!  I was only out for about the 3rd quarter of the Rams game (poor, losing Rams...again, and again...) and then got to watch all the way until the last "4 minutes," which we all know lasts about 40 minutes with all the timeouts, etc.  EJ woke up and MUCH to my surprise, she was snuggly!  I plopped her on the couch with me and her blanket, tucked her under the newly-brought-out-awesome-winter-fleece-blanket, and spooned her little cozy baby body.  It was so fun to see her WATCH THE GAME with me, seemingly interested in the action (adorable!), and for once, just sit still and snuggle up with Mommy.  So precious...especially for those of you who know my kiddo cannot ever sit still.  I hope we can watch a few more games together....  :]


And, Mommy also did a very little, minor home improvement project on Sat, and EJ sat on my lap, handed me nails, helped me with the hammer and practiced using the hammer all by herself on the toolbox.  :)  I loved it!  Made me want to run out and buy a toddler toolbelt and workshop toys.  I hope this Mommy has opportunities down the road to continue learning handy skills...and then she has the opportunity to learn how to use the tools, too!  


Anyway, I feel like my whole weekend was full of these not-really-all-that-eventful-moments, but it was precious and special for me, nonetheless.  I feel like my heart can't help but just burst with love...it's often hard not to be able to share the moment-by-moment joys and new accomplishments, but I so appreciate those of you who delight in it with me, through this blog, through conversations and even through (nearly) daily walks around the neighborhood.


P.S. - Mommy's new favorite words (yes, I've taught her these. :]  Why not have fun with the developing language?!):


Chocolate
Snuggle
Cuddle

First night wearing her new PJs - Elmo!  LOVE this happy smile on her face!

Ah...the mischief doesn't take too long...she moved this booster chair over just so she could climb and reach things on the counter...the new "thing to do."

Caught!

OK, you're about to enter Clifford Overload - she's loving this new friend...and as you'll be able to tell, she has to take good care of him!

Need to brush Clifford's teeth!

Explaining how it works....

New friends added to (or taking over??) the bathroom as we add some excitement to sitting on the potty.  :)  Our sweet friend Heidi's girls colored these "potty pals" for us!

Elmo has his own special place, and is accessible for the random kisses that we have to give Elmo...

Clifford had to go potty, too!!  What a good doggie...

Taking good care of the the soft little bear friend.  And she even shared her snack with her bear friend!  Yea!

EJ also shared her highchair with Clifford, strapped him in, put her bib on him and (with a little help) put the tray on...and then tucked him in to get ready to eat her applesauce.  :)  

At least he LOOKS eager to eat his food!  :)