Ode to Spring

Sorry I have been MIA lately - We have had just a tad bit of spring fever and some tiring allergies!! For some reason allergies make me tired - all I want to do is veg out or sleep and unfortunately not blog! Spring fever makes me want to be outside as much as possible and again, not update the blog!

So what have we been doing since March?? Playing outside as much as possible, luckily Miri is still at the age that even if Ryan and I are working in the yard she is getting to play......





This year we were actually blessed with a beautiful Easter after church we had an egg hunt outside (note to self when it is 80* outside do not hide eggs with chocolate in them!!!)







Since Easter we have played played and played mostly outside. Miri and I have made excellent use of the backyard - she loves her sandbox and swing set, I love the fact I can enjoy the fresh air, putter around in the flowerbed (and newly created herb garden) and enjoy a good book with minimal interruption.







Even our "indoor only" cats have gotten in the grove. We come home and they (or at least Dewey and Beasely) immediately begin to whine at the back door to go out. They stay in the yard (normally only the south end of the yard - thanks to the dogies that live in the house north to us)sniff the fresh air, smell the flowers, chase bugs, hunt bats.....



Yep hunt bats! In fact a few weeks ago Dewey decided to bring one into the house, let it go in the living room and go upstairs to take a nap with his brothers. When M and I came in we discovered the critter playing dead on the living room floor. As soon as I got near it - it miraculously came to life and started FLYING around the downstairs!! Did I freak out??? Only a little (ok - a lot!!!) I called Ryan more than a bit hysterical with a screaming M in the back ground demanding he come home and deal with it. I got Miri out of the house, kicked the cats out of the bedroom and downstairs (hoping they would do their job) and left the house! Ryan said when he got home the cats (all three) had the bat cornered and it took him less than 30 seconds to get the thing out of the house! Yay Ryan!!!

So I guess that is what is going on in our world.

Things She Says

A snippet of our conversation on the way home the other day:

"W ( a friend from preschool) sings "Old McDonald" wrong, he says that Old McDonald has a cookie on his farm. Only animals are on the farm - not live things that people eat!"


A little back ground for this next one - corner is one particular corner of her blankie that she always grabs and smells and loves on. One day when blankie is long gone, my guess is that corner will be somewhere close to Miri, always:

"When Daddy smelled corner he sniffed all the good smells away."


This next one isn't something *she* said but I found it humorous and great insight into our life with Miri:

At her 4 year old well check appointment the Doctor asked me if she can dress and undress herself - I answered yes, but what I really wanted to say was this (while laughing hysterically):

"Of course she can, especially if a princess dress is involved, most of the time she dresses and undresses herself 4-5 times a day. She is also very adept at obsessing over what she will wear the next day, she stands in her closet nightly of time looking over her clothes and bows to find the "perfect" outfit for the next day. If I do not let her wear whatever she deems "perfect" fits upon the hugest proportions ensue, followed by pouting and telling me she no longer likes me. And if she is feeling really rebellious she will (purposely) spill her breakfast on herself therefore assuring a change of clothes. - Is that normal for a 4 year old?"

As much as she frustrates me - how can I deny how much fun this age is???

Are you talking to me?

Today while on our way to preschool Miri spots an American Flag, the ensuing conversation went like this:

M: Look Mom, its the flag we live in.

Sarah: What?

M: The flag for the United States of America, where we live.

Sarah: That's right we live in the United States of America

M: But not the blue flag under it, We don't live in that flag.

Sarah: Actually Miri we do. That flag is our state flag, Oklahoma is a state in the United States. Annabel lives in Washington, which is another state in the United States, we were just in Florida....

M: Umm Mom - ARE YOU TALKING TO ME???


So much for the social studies lesson. (and I am really glad I didn't attempt the "live in" vs. "live under" flag lesson!)

Disney Cruise

What a fun trip! I have to say first off this was one of the best ideas we ever had, going a family big family vacation. Nay sayers tried to put sense into our heads, saying that M will never remember it and we would be better off waiting or better yet going somewhere just the two of us, but after the past week I can confidently say I am so glad we did it and didn't second guess ourselves. Yes, I know M will not remember all of it, but I do think at least one or two moments will stay with her, and as a back up I have plenty of pictures to jog her memory!!! There is so much to see and do on a cruise, even a short 3 day one like we took that there is no way you can squeeze it all in and stay sane or feel like you are on vacation and not in some "happiness boot camp!" Ryan and I did our research and had a plan of attack going in, we knew M wanted to see the princesses and Micky and Minnie, we knew we wanted some time alone with each other and maybe even a little time alone, alone, as well as to see at least one show. The key to any plan of attack is to know your territory. Luckily Disney gives you daily schedules (navigators) which allow you to build your day, the way you want to spend it! So armed with our navigator we were able to do exactly what we had planned on, not feel too much like we were in "happiness boot camp" and have a very enjoyable time together as a family! I won't bore you with all the details of every day, but I do want to share a few snipets of our adventure as well as a few of our *many* pictures!


The Best Part: Being together, enjoying the activites together not feeling like it is all geared towards adults or kids. It truly felt like there was special times for each of us and all of us.

We enjoyed relaxing together:






We were silly together:






We also enjoyed playing together:


(what pirate party would be complete without "mouse ears" for all)

Favorite Day: Without a doubt this would be the day we spent on Castaway Cay (Disney's private island). The morning was beautiful, warm, slight breeze hardly a cloud in the sky. The island is absolutely beautiful. The beach we went too (the family beach) was clean, and there were plenty of chairs and spots in the shade. Even though the water was chilly, it was still fun to stick our toes in the surf. Once again all M wanted to do was play in the sand. After the purchase of some "Disney approved" sand toys - she was good to go for the day and them some. Ryan and I enjoyed relaxing in the sun with good books.
After lunch the winds picked up and clouds moved in, the beach cleared out, yet we didn't see a reason to leave. The water had actually warmed up and a sting ray (one of Disney's captive ones) was lazily swimming up and down the shore. Miri took a short ride in the surf with an inter-tube and we enjoyed splashing around in the water.



Most Magical Moment: I am not sure how to narrow this down, it was a Disney Cruise after all, "magical moments" were around every corner! I would have to say M's was meeting Snow White (for sure the first and second time) The first time, well just because it was the first time, but the second time, now that was special. M met Snow White the morning of day two, less than 12 hours since she had met her the first time. Ryan got downstairs to the grand lobby and was 1st in line for the "princess meet and greet". When the princesses came down the stairs M was bouncing up and down and keeping her behind the rope until it was her turn to go was a challenge! As soon as Snow White (who was last down) hit the bottom step M escaped my grasp and ran to her. The escort, photographer and myself were all quick to try and stop her, but Snow White waived us off, bowed to M, took her hand and lead her to the appointed place to stand for pictures. She even told her she was so happy to get to see her again!




Ryan says his most magical moment was watching/listening to a conversation Miri had with Peter Pan. We were coming up the stairs on our way to our room and there was Peter in an alcove overlooking the grand lobby just hanging out. Miri tugged on Ryan's arm and said:
M: "Daddy, who is that!?"
Peter (who put both hand on his hips): You don't know who I am?? Why I am Peter Pan!!"
M: "Peter Pan! Do you know Tinker Bell"
She then proceeded to go over and give him a big hug!




I think my most magical moment was watching the pure joy and excitement and anticipation exuding from Miriam during the whole time we were on board or shore. We never knew who was going to be around the next corner or what fun thing we might encounter. The last night of our trip we went to the show of the night, Disney Dreams. This show was incredible, it had all the best music from all the best Disney movies (Pinocchio, Cinderella, Aladin, Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Lion King), I found myself singing along on more than one occasion! During the Lion King part singers and dancers walked down the isle to the stage from the entrance to the theater. The performers made a point to high-five every little kid within reach, never missing a beat! But the best moment was watching M's face when Belle looked right at her and waved directly to her while on stage during the finale. Miri was entranced (and truthfully so was I)! During our time on Castaway Cay the simplest act of playing in the sand brought so much joy and laughter that it almost made me want to relocate so that we could have a beach in our backyard. The final evening we were waiting for Mickey and Minnie to come down stairs and Miri started dancing around in the grand lobby to the piano music being played. She was just enjoying herself, not self-conscience about anything and having fun. Exactly what a kid should do!




Funniest Moment: On day two of the cruise (our first morning to wake up on the boat) When M woke up, Ryan and I called her over to our bed, instead she got up and started walking towards the cabin door. I called out to her "where are you going" her response: "I want to love on you Mommy" and out the door she went. I have never in my life seen Ryan move that fast in the morning (or ever) - he was out the door before my sleep fogged brain could decided whether or not it wanted me to laugh at the whole situation or call out for her to "wake up!" and get back in the room. I know I called this the funniest moment, but I think I can also categorize it as the most terrifying! That night we made a point to remind her that she didn't have to go through a door to get to Mommy and Daddy's bed when she woke up in the morning.


(When you are sleeping this good the night before it is totally understandable how waking up can be hard!)

Favorite "Cast Member": I have to say this would have to be Edgar, our assistant waiter. He was very attentive to our table and was very good at keeping a smile on M's face, and trust me with a late dinner setting this was not all that easy to do! He even made her a rose from her menu one night! Followed closely by our second favorite "cast members" (service was so great there was a tie).



Second Favorite "Cast" Members: This was a tie between our head waiter (Jan), our room steward (Christopher) and a wonderful photographer, who by night 1 had M's name memorized and truly took some of the best pictures ever of our little princess. Jan was really sweet and always greeted us by name with a handshake or hug, one night he even did magic tricks for M and the other little boy at our table. Christopher always had a smile and a wave for us. One afternoon as we were returning to our cabin he pulled M aside and gave her a birthday present "just for the prettiest little princess he had ever met", a Tianna picture frame!

All and all the service for this cruise was outstanding and completely what you would expect from Disney. Every single little girl was always addressed as princess, the boys were buddy. The staff generally addressed the kids first and had a way to make everyone feel special. When we return for our next cruise there will be a "welcome home" sign on our stateroom door as well as a small "gift" inside.

(Every time we reboarded the ship after being in port - this is what greeted us, just another special touch from our mouse friends!)

The staff in the "children's clubs" had the balancing act between being a kid and playing with the kids to being in charge and alleviating any concerns of the parents. Miri really enjoyed going to the Oceaners Club, in fact the second night we had to drag her away from all of her fun! But what can I say we wanted our daughters company! I never saw a cast member that wasn't smiling or friendly - although there were many different countries represented throughout the ship, English was spoken. Cast members did not discuss amongst each other in their native languages, at least not when they were in public.

Not only was the staff fabulous and had the "Disney touch" but the character that freely roamed around the ship and island made this vacation "over the top". You literally never knew who you were going to see! One morning while we were checking out our official cruise photos at an interactive kiosk, a large white paw tapped R on the shoulder. He turned around to see who it was and was stunned to find Goofy waving at him and Miriam! Before we could get a picture, Goofy promptly bumped into Captain Hook and proceeded to run away down the stairs! Captian Hook then acted like his feelings were hurt that Goofy didn't want to stay and play! Of course the "bigger deal" characters always had lines to see them, but we paid lots of attention to the times and places in our navigator and also had a bit of luck. We managed to get pictures with all of the princesses and of course what trip to Disney (world/land/cruise) wouldn't be complete without a picture with Mickey and Minnnie!




Biggest Regret: Not doing a 10 day cruise. 3 days was NOT long enough!!!

Beach Baby!

It is official Miriam is quickly becoming a beach bum just like her Mommy and Daddy are. During our recent trip all she wanted to do was play on the beach. When we were in Cocoa Beach, Florida, it was a little chilly. On Wednesday morning it was 50 degrees, with a brisk wind, however, nothing was going to stop Miri from getting her beach time in. Here she is playing in the cold surf!



By the afternoon it warmed up a bit before the rain came in. So we headed back down to the beach, this time M insisted on a swim suit, even though most of the time was spent playing in the sand or chancing the "mine mine" (sea gulls) birds away.






Of course all that really mattered was that she was having the time of her life!



We did manage to drag her from the beach to check out the pier and have lunch. The pier was advertised to have tons of shops and placing to dine, we however found that "tons" is relative and it was more than a bit disappointing. But we did walk to the end and it was fun to watch the pelicans try to steal fish from the folks fishing off the pier.




All and all Cocoa Beach was relaxing (which is exactly what we wanted) and gave us a day to recharge and get ready for our big adventure ahead - DISNEY CRUISE HERE WE COME!!!!

First Flight

This was as trip of many first. Miriam's and Sarah's first trip to Florida, our first really big vacation as a family, first cruise for all of us and of course M's first time in an airplane.


Bright and early we arrived at the airport Tuesday morning for our 7:20 flight to Dallas. I really hope that all the people traveling on business day was brightened by little Miss M's excitement! She was more than happy to tell anyone within earshot (and then some) that she was going to see the princesses and Mickey and she had several enthusiastic exclamations about getting ready to "blast off"! The first part of our adventure went off without a hitch and we can now mark one more "first" off of Miri's list!

4th Birthday Bash!

Miriam's 4th Birthday party was soooo much fun!! The day started with a phone call from Sleeping Beauty wishing Miriam a happy birthday and telling her she couldn't wait to come to her party! After that Miri asked every few minuets when her friends and Sleeping Beauty would get to her party.

When Sleeping Beauty arrived Miri had a small melt down because the dress she got this morning as a present was blue not pink like Sleeping Beauty. But there is nothing like a "real life" princess to calm down a few tears and get the party started. We had, counting Miri, seven little princesses running through the house, getting their faces painted and prancing around in royal fashion in their princess dresses! I think the girls all had a blast, I know Miri did. Thank you so much Audrey S., Lucy, Claire, Edee, Edith, Audrey C and Catherine for helping make Miriam's birthday special.

I also want to send special thank yous out to my Mom, Sandy and to Marcia - Thank you both for helping out today!!!

(A lesson on curtsying from Sleeping Beauty)


(Princesses eating cake)


(The Birthday Girl with her favorite Princess)

Blink

(Miri on her way home from the hospital)

Tonight I tucked a very sleepy 3 year old into bed. Tomorrow morning when we wake up I will no longer have a 3 year old but a 4 year old. WOW! I am trying not to sound to cliche or sappy - wait who am I kidding this is MY blog and I will be as sappy and clichey as I want!!!

When Miri was first born everyone kept saying "enjoy it, it goes by so fast". As I new mom I heard the words, smiled and nodded, but I don't think I really "got it". Tonight I can say "I get it", at least as much as a mom of only 4 years can. See, I have this theory that as the kiddo gets older the years go by quicker.

After Miri's bedtime stories tonight, we brought out her baby book, looked at the pictures of her in my tummy, the pictures from the day she was born and all throughout her first year. We talk about her name and what it means (much hoped for child) and how much Mommy and Daddy loved her and how happy we are that she is our little girl. We talked about all the things she learned to do that first year, and how much she grew. I couldn't help but wonder when did she go from our baby to our little girl. From the helpless little being who depended on us for everything to the little kid in the car tonight who entertained us with stories of how to make "lava hot bubble hair" (apparently you have to get melty hot lava and pour it on your hair to get bubble hair!!!)


(Miri a couple of weeks shy of her 4th birthday)


I know I have said this before, but Miri is our miracle baby and I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful, smart and healthy sweet baby. I know that five years ago I couldn't/wouldn't allow myself to dream about these moments. Struggling through our infertility problems, it was so easy to loose yourself in despair and jealousy.I could never let my heart believe that this would be possible in an attempt to protect myself from anymore heartaches. But now I let my heart sing with joy at the blessing in my life and relish in my role of Mommy. And yes, I sometimes do feel like I blink and life is speeding along with us, but what a wonderful ride it all is!

(Miri singing her birthday song)

ACTUALLY

In the past few weeks I have noticed a considerable usage of the word 'actually' from Miri. Today I think I heard the word about 100 times in an hour ~ so I guess it is safe to say this might actually be a new favorite word.

"Actually Mommy I wanted this one..."
"Actually this is how it goes....."
"I think this is my new dress, actually this one is...."

You get the point. Actually, the point is I want to bang my head on a brick wall......

Right now we are on birthday countdown (I swear this is bigger than Christmas, actually it IS bigger than Christmas....)

Every morning for the past few days I hear: "is it my birthday yet". She is very excited about her party! I am very happy that I still haven't told her Sleeping Beauty (her most favorite princess ever b/c she wears pink) will be at her party, I can not imagine the excitement/pestering that would ensue if she knew! Actually, I can!

As excited as I am about her upcoming birthday I am in just a bit of denial that my baby is turning 4! Where has the time gone, it literally still feels like we just brought her home from the hospital. Now I will be the first to admit that I don't miss waking up every few hours for feedings and I don't miss changing dirty diapers or having tons of baby toys everywhere, I am a little sad that she isn't a "baby" anymore. She is becoming more and more independent each day, and I love the little girl she is becoming, actually!

It is ALMOST here!

Not sure what our household is more excited about at the moment: Miri's 4th birthday or our upcoming cruise!! I guess the real question is how much fun can you squeeze into a 10 day period??

We have been running around like crazy people the past week, and I am already foreseeing next week to be even more busy!! I am sure I will question my sanity in hosting a birthday party at our house just days before leaving on the cruise.

But today we celebrated all the love in our lives, starting with a brunch of heart shaped pancakes!! This afternoon M and I made cutout cookies and decorated them (she was in charge of the sprinkles!) We also worked on decorations for her birthday party next weekend. While I do agree that Valentines Day is pretty much a "hallmark" holiday - it is still fun to have a day of hearts and love. I have the two most special valentines a girl could ever need - a wonderful hubby who will always be my first valentine and our sweet little girl who has made the past four valentines day more and more special then the one before.