Two-timing

I'm not sure why seeing these pictures on my mom's camera surprises me, not in the least.  It explains a lot, actually--like her recent fascination with taking whatever it is that I might have, for herself.  Having to have 2 of everything...is this a chicken and egg discussion?

Hey, at least she's trying new things and experimenting.  She's not a taste snob, and hey, maybe she'll find the miracle flavor/ product that will get her through college?  A mom can hope...

oh, and the hair?  I'm guessing she just got up :)

Preview

 Grandma couldn't help snapping a couple pictures of Amara in her flower girl's dress for Aunt Kristin's wedding.  It just came in, and we wanted to make sure it fit ok--not sure how or why the kitchen table became the stage/ catwalk...but you can tell she is comfortable in it.

I love the one of her with her hands on it (though, of course I had to go inspect it and make sure there were no remnants of raisins, yogurt, cheese-its, or anything of the kind).   I can tell she was just rubbing the satin part (most toddlers don't wear satin a lot) and wondering what this slippery fabric was...

Hey!  Leave that beading alone!  It has to last one more week, kiddo!  She's going to be adorable :)

Fun day

When Eric took these pictures, I'm sure he had NO idea what was to come.  That's usually how things start--normal enough, an everyday event, that somehow morphs into something amazing...this was no different.

At some point (Eric had come home to work on a training event) Grandma decided to get a large bucket and let Amara have at it--oh, did I mention, it was full of water?

I know at some point, they were on the back porch filling the fountain...how that led to putting her entire head in the bucket of water, I will never know.  We're not talking picking the bucket up, we're talking bending over, sticking her face/ head in the bucket.  Who does that?

There were about 3 different sets of shirts and shorts hanging all over the railings.  Apparently Grandma Jackie would change her each time she'd get soaked, put something new on, and let the previous outfit dry out (which, given our recent warm spells, happens pretty quickly.)

I have to think this is somehow related to Amara and Abbie playing in their water tables at their Grandma's houses--but of course we'll never know.  I only know that this girl loves water, all kinds, and any time!

In fact, just the other evening--I was watering in the front yard, and it was windy.  Ily loves to chase the water stream from the spray gun, so we were playing with her, when out of the blue Amara came up for a drink.  I turned the pressure way down, but she wanted more.  This went on and led to her sticking her whole face in front of the spray and actually cutting Ily off!

When she wasn't drinking or getting drenched (she still had her normal clothes on), she was laughing hysterically.  I wish I'd had a camcorder or camera, because she was laughing SO hard at Ily nipping at the water.  Eric and I were just besides ourselves laughing at that sweet, innocent little thing.  She really makes you stop and slow down and appreciate what you have, that is for sure.

Eventually (again, drenched) I insisted that we come in and take a warm bath and get cleaned up.  I'm sure this won't be the last time ...we can't walk past the hose now without her wanting a 'drink.' :)

Getting ready for Mother's Day

We're always struggling to find new and creative gifts for--well, all of our families.  Between all of us and our siblings, we usually have all holidays covered...so we're always on the lookout.

This year for Mother's day, we decided to venture into uncharted waters for the Grandmas in our lives. 

We had actually headed to Michaels for something unrelated, when Eric spotted these stepping stone kits.  I had seen them before, but considering the pottery painting episode, I was a teensy bit apprehensive. 

Boy, was I wrong!  It was so easy!  Eric mixed up the cement, while Beanie and I got the decorations ready.  When he had the mix in the tray, she plunked her hand right in there, with no hesitation at all!  We decorated with stars and moons for Grandma Young, and mosaic pieces for Grandma Jackie.  I think the hardest part was having to make her quit--because we were out of space on the stone!

We put them in the basement to cure for the week, and I couldn't wait to see them when they were done.  They were SO cute and easy, I could NOT believe we just did those ourselves.  Of course, the Grandma's both loved them, and Beanie was so proud :)  I hope she will see them and remember--or maybe if not remembering, maybe reminiscing a bit...as I will.

Home Depot, Picket fence flower pot

Since we missed the Home Depot craft date last month (because it fell on the same day as the Eggstravaganza) we REALLY wanted to make it out this month.

Since we've all been doing a lot of yard work and planting (Amara has her own set of tools, gloves and a garden bag and hat) I was really excited for this particular craft.

The day started off POURING rain, not uncommon for April in Ohio--but we ventured out anyway.  We tried a different Home Depot (vs. Grove City) this month, to see if the stores did things differently--and they did.

We had a table all to ourselves, and plenty of tools, glue, instructions and parts.  Eric got started on the gluing, with Amara's help of course.  It wasn't long before Amara was distracted by the other kids, construction materials and caution tape--so Eric turned it up a notch and cranked out the planter in record time!

After construction, Amara got a pin and certificate of achievement--and we headed over to the planting station.  To our surprise, they were decorating with balloons, and a nice man gave Amara 2!  She was thrilled!  We put potting soil and seeds in our pot and headed out (into the pouring rain) for the rest of our day.

We got home and immediately watered the little guy, and put him straight in the window--surprise, we already have little green sprouts, now THAT was fast!

Baby and Chelsea

Our neighbors have a real impact on Amara.  So much, in fact--that she calls them all by their first names...

Josh--the daddy, has a motorcycle and EVERY guy we see on a motorcycle, she calls Josh. (also has LARGE 'stamps' on his upper arms, Amara always notices and comments on)

Morgan--Chelsea's mommy, drives the big white truck

Chelsea--little sweetheart, about 9 months older than Amara, and refers to Amara as 'the baby'

The relationship is quite funny--when we pull onto our street and see any of them, Amara will give a play-by-play as to who is doing what in their family.  Likewise, from her room (near the corner of our houses) we can hear Chelsea talking about 'the baby' being outside--or wanting to go see the baby.  Morgan also tells me in the mornings when mom is here, she'll say that "the baby is leaving" too.

We had them over for pizza night last week--so the girls could play in the yard and we grown ups could chat without fear of the street :) or wandering off.

All went well with the play date--and funny enough, when the pizza came, Amara was ready to eat, and Chelsea only cared about all the newfound toys. 

They had a little break from each other until we were winding down the visit with a little Yo Gabba Gabba in the playroom, when Amara wandered into the pantry for 'cakes' (thanks Ni How Kai Lan for the Moon Cake episode).  My only qualification (since they'd had dinner) was to share them, which they did--along with Amara's favorite bear chair, as the visit drew to a close.

Movie star

Grandma and Grandpa Young had stopped by for a visit with Amara when a star was born...

I'm not sure exactly what transpired, but from the pictures I saw when I came downstairs--it was a bit of a star-spotting, photo shoot!

Eric and I got these glasses for Amara either before she was here, or just after.  They have a neoprene strap on the back with velcro and are quite dark.  Being light sensitive, she has several pair of glasses, but these (for some reason) are more for play.  I don't think I've ever had much success getting her to actually wear these on sunny days :)

I am pretty sure Amara took turns having everyone try on her movie star specs--and, as you can tell by the fingerprinting, a good time was had by all!