Age is Just a Number

Last weekend, Husband went golfing while Little Miss and I had some time home together.  Our usual Sunday routine consists of Husband making pancakes and bacon with Little Miss.  So, she explained to him later that we didn't have pancake and bacon because I don't know how to make pancakes, and I'm not a grown up.  That was great for the ego. 

Then, later this week, she was bouncing around the apartment (literally).  Husband said he wished I had that much energy, and Little Miss said I couldn't because I was too old.  That was also great for the ego.

When we got engaged, Husband bought me a hope chest with my name carved in it.  We've always used it to store stuffed animals even before Little Miss was born.  So, she has since claimed it as hers.  She told us Husband bought it for me, but it's hers now because I'm too old for it.

So, what I've taken away is that I'm old but not yet old enough to cook my own bacon.  They say age is just a number, but it turns out, it's not.  I think I'd rather it just be a number.  I'm totally fine with the number but not with the little barbs thrown at me by my own kid.

Not what Culture Club intended I bet...

For literally years, we've been trying to capture this video.  We listen to the 80's station on XM Radio a lot.  It's the only music the three of us can all agree on.  Somewhere along the way, Little Miss started this little butt wiggle dance to Culture Club's I'll Tumble for Ya.  Today, she let me record it.  It's always adorable, but I'm partial to when she did it as a squishy little toddler.  It's not quite the same as a big girl.  Still always makes me laugh though.  If you're not familiar with the song, I've embedded the original song below:

The Big Haircut of '13

Last Saturday, Little Miss and I went to the mall and got her haircut. We've been meaning to do it for quite awhile, but the chance never came up. So, we mentally prepared her and Saturday was the day. Above is the "before" picture.

She was a little apprehensive at first, but she was good. The man pulled her hair back and then cut it off all at once. Then, because it was 10", we had the opportunity to donate her hair to Locks of Love. I, of course, agreed and filled out the form. We've been praising Little Miss for her good deed.

The pictures make her look nervous, but she was told not to move so she didn't much. Once she was allowed to move, she shook her head a few time and a huge smile erupted all over her face. She can't stop touching and looking. It's a breeze to brush and it's so much lighter for her. She loves that she can wear her hair down. It's adorable.

As a bribe incentive, we told her she could get a new outfit at Build-a-Bear. So, after the haircut, we walked across the aisle at the mall. She picked out a set of pajamas, a robe and slippers. I told her to pick two, but I'll admit that once she picked two that I caved and bought all three anyway. So, after I was self-declared Best Mom Ever, Little Miss said she was hungry. So, I picked her up a little lunch at Corner Bakery. She loved the mac and cheese, and I have to admit it was pretty darned good.

Now that she's had her haircut as a big girl, I'm hopeful the subsequent haircuts will not need bribery incentive.

Weekend Update - Memorial Day

Last weekend was a nice, relaxing weekend actually.  On Friday, I had a half day at work.  There was some big demonstration that blocked the street so I snuck into The Gap.  A shirt, sweater and t-shirt later, I figured it was safe to continue home.  Then, Nordstrom Rack called to me so a pair of shoes and denim shorts later, I actually went home.  

On Saturday, Little Miss and I went out to my parents' house because my grandparents were only in town this weekend.  (More on that in a separate post.)  We had a great time.  She briefly played with Sister and Nephew before they had to head out and then we had dinner and went home.  

On Sunday, Husband went golfing while Little Miss and I met a friend for brunch.  We hung out and chatted for so long that Little Miss got hungry once again so I bought her a little frozen yogurt.  After, we all took a lovely family nap before cleaning the apartment a little.  Little Miss did a great job cleaning her room before she promptly took everything out to play.

On Monday, we had a quiet morning.  Little Miss had a project for school to do while I ran an errand and then we walked to the park for a school playdate.  We used Husband's new electric grill on the balcony to have a mini cook out and then called it a night. 

Good relaxing weekend.

Just Friends

We asked Little Miss about her boyfriend today.  She said they were just friends.

Well, not everybody can stay friends with exes so good for her. 

Truck Day

Every year, the town puts on Truck Day. We've gone three years in a row. Every year, I take a picture of Little Miss inside a wheel. It's going to be very awkward in 10 years. Still, you could say she's grown a bit in the last couple of years.

2011

2012

2013

Weekend Update - Busy Busy Busy

Some weekends, you need a weekend after your weekend because it was so busy.  Last weekend was one of them.  I'll include photos later, but I've been horrible about backing up my pictures.  For me, that means I've left my pictures on my camera for more than a week (the horror!).  On Saturday, Little Miss and I went to Truck Day at our local library.  They had a county bus, a cement mixer, police vehicles, a fire truck, cranes and other trucks I could not identify.  In the past, there have been Army vehicles, too, but nothing this year.  There was also a donut truck there, and we had the most delicious mini donuts.  I dream about them still.

After, I left her in the care of Husband so he could handle swimming class, lunch and a nap.  There was a playdate in there, but it was postponed.

Meanwhile, a friend picked me up and we went to the Gaithersburg Book Festival.  It was a lot of fun despite the overcast weather.  I was proud that I only bought two books - both of which I look forward to reading.  Then, we went to the mall to browse around before heading to a mutual friend's housewarming party. 

On Sunday, I woke up with Little Miss again.  We did brunch and left the apartment to tour the Taste of Arlington.  We met Brother-in-Law, his new fiance, his father and Nephew.  We all had a lot of fun together, and the kids were awesome.  I think the highlights were Little Miss got free chocolate-covered strawberries despite the fact that I was trying to rid myself of taste tickets.  I enjoyed paella, roasted suckling pig and risotto balls.  Little Miss enjoyed frozen yogurt, ice cream and Italian Ice.  She actually also ate pizza and went home to eat a decent dinner whereas I was too full for dinner.  I enjoyed the Buffalo Pork Belly Sliders, too, but they were a little too spicy for me.  It's one of my favorite local events. 

Weekend Update - Mother's Day

Oh, I have cute pictures on my camera, too.  I'll have to load them and throw them on the blog later.  Below is one of Little Miss performing in the show.  Her letters were L, R and Y so she wore Lavender Lace, Rainbow Ribbon and Yellow Yard on her t-shirt and wore a lei which starts with L.  Unfortunately, it'll didn't make it to the end of the show.

Friday, I went to Little Miss's school for her Letter People show and Mother's Day Tea.  The kids were adorable and did such a great job.  I then worked for half a day. 

On Saturday, we did swim class and then took an afternoon nap before heading to the in-laws' apartment for dinner.  The kids had a blast. 

On Sunday, we made the trek to my parents' house.  My sister and Nephew came over, too.  We celebrated a joint Mother's Day and Nephew's birthday.  It was a lot of fun.  We did Thai delivery and just kind of talked while the kids ran around playing. 

Little Miss loves spending time with her cousins, even more than her friends, I think.  It's hilarious to see the different relationship she has with each cousin.  She is much more sibling-like with my sister's son.  They play well and bicker and stick up for each other.  She's more big sister to my brother-in-law's son.  She likes to tell him what to do and to teach him things.  She's so very patient with him.  It'll be interesting to see them all grow up together. I wonder if they'll stay as close even if they are boy/girl cousins. 

Just Passing By

So, we've established that the strawberry truck is good luck.  The other day, we were lucky enough to see TWO strawberry trucks.  Then, one day, we didn't see any strawberry truck (but some days are like that).  However, we saw a Doritos truck which excited me.  I said that a chip truck is much better than strawberries.  I was then corrected by a voice in the backseat of the car, "No, Mommy.  Chips are not healthy for you!"

Well, she's no fun. 

Continuing Story...

Last Friday, I got to talk to Little Miss's suitor's mother.  She said the little boy has acknowledged the relationship and has even asked his mom if Little Miss can spend 7 nights with them.  I believe they will be going to different schools in the Fall so their romance will be short-lived.  They were dancing at the Cinco de Mayo celebration last week though so they'll always have pre-school.

And So It Begins...

We have often joked because Little Miss comes home with gifts from boys.  Last Fall, a little boy gave her a ring (a plastic ring with Miss Piggy on it).  A couple of weeks ago, another little boy gave her a beaded bracelet.  

The other night, we were chatting on the way home.  Right outside the door, she just casually drops, "...and Aaron is my boyfriend."  What now?

I immediately had her walk in the door and tell Husband who just sat open-mouthed.  We asked the usual questions like "How did you become boyfriend and girlfriend?"  She replied that Aaron asked her earlier in the week in the library, and she said okay.  She also said that he plays what she likes, and she plays what he likes which really is the basis of a great relationship.  I've never seen her play with him, but he also comes later in the morning after the line up (which is saying something because we arrive quite late as it is).  I don't think they'll go to the same school next year so this is destined to be a short little fling.  Oh, young love...

My So-Called Life

The day of the bombing at the Boston marathon, I walked into work and was laid off.  Normally, I'd go home and feel sorry for myself.  The news help put things into perspective.  By the time I got to the parking lot, I had called Husband and texted all my friends in the industry.  By the time I got home, I had talked to a good friend and had requests for my resume.  I had a phone interview on Tuesday and two additional phone interviews by the end of the week.  I had three in-person interviews the following week.  There was one organization that informed that I was one of two finalists for the position, and I would know by the beginning of the third week.  Then, they wanted me to have another phone interview.  After the final phone interview, I was told I'd hear something by end of week, but I was called a couple of hours later and given the job.  I told them I had to think about it, ran around the apartment smiling like a fool and then called back to accept.  It was a long three weeks, but it was nice to hear such good things from my references as well as have such a fantastic support system within my family and friends.  I can honestly say I would not have been hired so quickly without them.  I know I earned the quick hiring, but my contacts and friends got my foot in the door definitely.

So, tomorrow is my first day at the new job.  Lots of changes.  I'll be taking the train into DC for the first time.  I've always worked in Virginia.  It'll be my first new job in over 7 years which, in this industry, is quite awhile.  I think it'll be a good fit, and I'm located in a nice part of the city and near many friends which helps.  I do have tiny butterflies as any new endeavor brings, but I do think this will be good change in the long run.

Movies Watched in April 2013

1. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
2. The Five-Year Engagement
3. What to Expect When You're Expecting
4. American Reunion
5. Breaking Bad

I watched many on Netflix or my DVR. I also ran through Season 1 of Breaking Bad on pretty much everyone's recommendation. I liked it. I'm not quite obsessed with it, but I'm social with my television. I like to watch with people and I'm watching this by myself. I'll keep with it to watch the farewell season this Fall though.

Books Read in April 2013

1. Love Irresistibly by Julie James  (NOTE:  This is part of the FBI/US Attorney series.  The order in which to read can be found here.)


2. Rush by Maya Banks  (NOTE:  This is part of the Breathless series.  The order of which can be found here.)


3. Be Mine by Jennifer Crusie, Victoria Dahl, and Shannon Stacey.  (NOTE:  Some of these short stories are part of a series, but they can totally stand alone.  It was a decent anthology for what it's worth.)


4. A bad Idea I'm About to Do by Chris Gethard

Decent month of reading.  They were all digital except Rush which I won.  At least none of the books were a waste of time and fairly quick reads. 

Weekend Update - Off to the Races

This weekend was fun and low key.  Friday was a family night.  I picked Little Miss up from school at 11:30AM because it was a half day.  I brought her bicycle, and she rode it all the way home.  She had a large lunch and then we cleaned the apartment.  

On Saturday morning, Father-in-Law took her to swimming class and got her ready for a sleepover.  We finished cleaning the apartment and cooked for our annual Kentucky Derby party.  It was low key this year, but it still required a bit of cleaning.  This year, for the first time, it wasn't too bad.  We had been keeping up with the tidying and cleaning.  We'll see how long it lasts.  We had a great time full of food and cocktails.

On Sunday, we slept late.  Husband slept later than I, but I read in bed which was a nice luxury.  Little Miss came home around lunch time.  Then, the two of us went out shopping which she loved.  I bought a new dress and, while trying it on, she said, "Oh, Mommy, you look incredible."  I am now taking her shopping with me every single time.  It's nice for the ego.  When we got home, it was board game time for her, nap time for me, and then dinner and bed.