Playroom

About a year ago, Eric gave up his 'man cave/ OSU room' to turn it into a magnificent playroom for his little girl.  He took a week off of work and stayed home toiling away, not to mention several trips to the Ikea in Cincy for great new ideas. 

Over the course of the last year, we have decorated and grown into our playroom space, spending most of our family time together there, when we weren't outside.  We decorated with poster-sized photos, displays for her toys and artwork, as well as plenty of room for books and keepsakes.  We have used this room to hold parties, wrap presents, watch TV, and even have the occasional dinner/ picnic as a family.  This den/ playroom space has been admired by many other toddlers and parents alike, and I can honestly say this has been one of my favorite rooms to decorate and enjoy.Before we begin to pack it all up and move it--I wanted to try and capture things as they (rarely) looked, when things were somewhat tidy--usually after Amara was in bed for the night.  The new house has a playroom space as well, but like our house with so many memories, this will always be the first.

We are looking forward to designing a playroom WITH Amara this time, which will be fun in and of itself, but it was great doing this FOR her as well--I know it was for a very proud papa, who never looked back at his lost OSU football room.  Thanks daddy.

Help, Helllllllp!

A few weeks ago, Amara was really started to grab things off of the counter, try stepstools herself, etc.  I started telling her to just 'ask for help' anytime she needed something, and that daddy and I would be there to help her.  It's taken her a little while to start asking, but now when she does, it's not just "I need help," she BELLOWS "help, hellllllp!" at the top of her lungs!Whether she needs out of her chair, wants something high, or my personal favorite--help on the jungle gym at parks, she yells full voice "help, hellllp!" and we to help her.  The best part has become the reactions to her--the playgrounds always solicit chuckles from other parents, people in stores turn the head to make sure she's ok--and then chuckle, and Eric and I just look at each other and laugh.

Don't misunderstand, she knows what she's doing--sometimes, even by the second "help," she is already grinning or chuckling herself.  What a crackup.

"Hav'ta aks maaammy"

Considering I've been in my bedroom for the most part of the last month, I've heard some interesting things through these walls.  I can hear neighbors mowing, the garage door--or even tell who is walking in the door just by their walk at this point.

I can also hear Beanie.  A lot.  Our bedrooms share a wall--so whether it's going to sleep, waking up, or just playing, I can hear almost everything she says while she's in her room.

The other night, Amara had woken herself up.  Eric went in to change her--and they were having a really sweet conversation (she is always VERY sweet when she wakes up and she thinks she might get to come out and play, or wants something in particular).  Knowing she'd only been in bed a short while and was very tired, Eric was quick and got her back in bed, but before he could leave, she asked for "more meeeiilk (milk) PLEASE."  Sure.

I don't even remember why now Eric came into our bedroom vs. going downstairs for the milk, but he did.  Amara didn't miss a beat--she noticed that he turned right instead of left--towards our room and yelled "Daddy hav'ta ask maaaamy"--referring to having to ask me if she could have more milk, apparently, considering he didn't go downstairs as he 'should have.'

I was laughing SO hard by the time Eric got into our room, I had to put the pillow sham over my face to stifle my laughter.  I could not believe it!  Not only do we not usually say that kind of thing "have to ask mommy/daddy" to each other, but for her to NOTICE the direction Eric walked, and applying that logic to it?  Hilarious.  Eric and I were both getting a good laugh out of that one. I don't think Eric addressed her statement as he walked past.  I'm not sure, frankly, what you say to that.

Picking up the phone to call mom, I realized the genuine humor in the situation when she said "you should be very afraid of that one."  She is right.  OH BOY.  The new running joke in the house, obviously, "hav'ta ask Maaammmy."

Papaw's corn

It's that time of year...Papaw's first patch of corn is on, and B O Y is it yummy!  They brought some over to us for dinner one evening and we have a little corn-thief on our hands!

Back a LONG time ago, when we made Beanie's 'first foods,' one of the ones we made and that she always gobbled up was sweet corn.  We have been so excited at her eating habits, how she loves her fruits and veggies, and I attribute it all to those great foods.  

Now, we can't keep her away from those familiar bites.  She goes at the corn wholeheartedly, and isn't afraid to take a bite of everyone else's, or just take it off your hands for you! (I personally lost mine the other night!)  She takes these giant bites, and can't seem to get through them quick enough--always followed by an "mm mmm mmmm."  Thanks Papaw :)

Big Katz/ breakfast

We don't make as many ball games for the nephews as we used to, that is for sure, but when we can, we go.  A LOT of the weeknight games are late, and the weekend games are either too far away, or fall on nap time.  We lucked out and got an early weekend game, so we jumped at the opportunity.

Unfortunately it was a super steamy, humid morning, so we only lasted a few innings, but so did the big Katz.  :(  After a loss, we headed for the A/C and something cold to drink.

We don't often venture out to restaurants lately--just not worth the 'work,' if you can believe that :)  Inevitably though, there are times when it makes sense, or when we feel like it, and after a VERY hot Big Katz game, we decided to go.  Bob Evans was close, and is usually fast--but not fast enough apparently.  We all tried our best to entertain her as best as we could, but it was so darn close to nap time, we took most of our food to go and headed home.  She did enjoy her lemonade though--and Eric wanted me to share her "humidity hair look."

Jordan & Bethany's wedding

The day of Jordan and Bethany's long-awaited wedding was unfortunately the day my back decided to completely fall apart.  With no real choice (not being able to literally walk) Eric took Amara to the party stag.

We had started the day at the farmer's market--nothing out of the ordinary, but I think we were all just kind of wiped out (mentally).  Knowing the service wouldn't be appropriate, we opted for the reception (I was going to go to the ceremony, but no dice)...Eric and Amara headed up to get ready and looked so cute, I made mom promise to get some pics for me.  She luckily got a few good ones, so I wanted to share--plus, the beautiful couple (of course).

With the late start time, daddy and Bean didn't get to put in much time before she tuckered out, but at least some of the family got to be there to wish the happy couple well.  She got to steal a dance with cousin Thomas, and see Aunt Charlotte, Sherry (hot mother of the groom) Sabrina, and Randy and Heather too.  I'm not sure whether or not she actually got to see Jordan and Bethany, but she was talking about 'the wedding' for days :)

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Hamm (that is weird :))

GC Farmer's Market

Having had success so far this year at Farmer's markets, we decided to head out to the GC market again for some treats.  She always makes quick friends with the farmers and vendors--one particular lady liked Amara's star dress, and the two shared a moment over her delicious peach :)

We hit up the Circle S stand (a family favorite) and got green beans and new potatoes, peaches, bananas, some spreads.  Crossing the street, we got some fresh lemonade, an awesome loaf of pesto asiago bread, some sweet peppers (one she took a big bite out of before we could even catch up to her!), treats for ily, and found a super nice blackberry farmer.

Crossing back over, we talked to a super sweet lady from the GC bureau who had an adorable Giant Collie, who immediately made friends with Amara too.

We had a great (short) visit, (my back started getting really bad about 1/2 way through) and then had to head home, to not get ourselves too worn out!  Big evening plans :)