Another Sunday for the Girls

So Tim has headed out to NJ for the week, leaving Lula and I up to no good on a Sunday again. At least our shopping is not frivolous spending this time - we have two family birthday's this month and needed to pick up a few things, so we headed to Williamsburg, of course!

We'll both be so grateful for prom season; we're missing daddy a lot these days as the push towards prom continues and he's out on the road constantly. I know he hates 12+ hours days during their high season, but we sure love having him home more. Between long road trips, potty training and my own busy work schedule, March is sure to fly by and we'll slam right into Easter. I'm OK with that though, because Easter means family in town. Counting the days already!

Mommy and Lula day...what to do?!

Girls Only Today...Again

Today is one of those especially tough days when Tim's been gone all week, and then has to leave again on Sunday. He got up early, before Lula was even awake, so he didn't have to leave the night before. Try explaining that to a 2.5 year old! We miss him already, but what is really hard for me, is knowing how much he misses us. We are so proud of him though, such a great role model for Lula.

This also leaves us with a big question, what will Lula and mommy do today??? It is actually going to be a nice day and we're so ready for spring! Perhaps we run some errands and play outside, or go to Stony Point or Short Pump mall where there are lots of things to explore outside (and inside for mommy). Church, gym, errands...and fun! Let's get our day started little lady :)

A Busy Fall With A Milestone ;-)

I know I've slacked off on the blog - but it has been a busy fall! We had the Fresh Beat Concert, Halloween, vacation to Charleston, an unexpected trip home...Thanksgiving with my family in RIC and Tim's in Fredericksburg. AND - we went to see Santa already! Whew...but fast-forward to now and here we are....

Since turning two, Lula has become Miss Independent. Well, let's be honest - she's always been that way; HOWEVER, since turning two she has really well...she's started testing us. Big time. She wants to determine bedtime, meals, clothes...did she turn two - or 22? LOL, it's not all bad by any means - it's exciting to watch her become her own little person. She's expressing herself in more ways than ever, and has such a silly and fun way about her. I love to hear her tell me "won more tiome mommy, won more" as much as I dislike (and secretly like) hearing "No. I no do dat!" She is full of surprises everyday!

We are still working on potty training and sleeping in her big girl bed, but we've said "bye bye" to the binky! Three weeks and counting now, and she pretty much quit cold turkey (seasonal pun intended). The holidays have been so fun this year as she starts to understand them and enjoy the traditions; and she gets super excited with each new thing (right now it's 'nowmen, Snanta, reinneer, kissmas tees and baby Jebus'). After visiting Santa last week at Papa's favorite Bass Pro Shop, she won't stop telling me about the "talking moose and catching that bear - roooaarrrr" - I LOVE IT! Especially since she was scared to death of all the animals, which she now remembers fondly. So sweet.

As we get back to normal this week following the holiday, we're doing it alone again as Tim travels to IL for a conference (Gram and Papa headed back to IL too). And though it is a tough phase as Lula grows into Miss Independent, we'll get by just fine. She's not only learning to express herself in new ways, but she's learning to follow rules and listen more too! My baby is growing up, but I know I'm gaining quite the little friend - which warms my heart.

We can't wait for our holiday trip home, and even more excited to experience Christmas through her eyes again this year...such a blessing we have in her!

Vacation!

My Beach Babe!

Her serious side...

Getting ready for Snanta!

Waiting for Aunt A!

Our house is filled with anticipation...well, I think. I know I'm SUPER excited - Lula, well, it's hard to tell sometimes if she really "gets" that she is about to have company. Tim is on the road, so he will just be glad for me to have another adult to lean on. My sister, Amber, is coming in tonight! We saw her quite a bit on our last visit home in early August, but it is amazing how much Lula has already changed in that time period. Sometimes being so far away from your family makes time go by sooo slowly between visits, but we've all had a busy couple months...and thank goodness for Skype - but there is nothing like having Amber (or any family member or friend from home) here in person.

We're planning to have lots of fun! Lula's most recent obsession (aside from princesses and Fresh Beat Band) is all things Halloween, especially pumpkins...and spiders...and candy. The plan is to take Aunt A pumpkin picking this weekend - it's truly fall and we cannot wait to get out and enjoy the season!

Witching you a Happy Halloween!
Now let me count my suckers again...

Reading with Gram

OK, so this special moment happened just after I posted my entry tonight. Had to share! Love reading with my Gram :)
Love them! Makes my heart so happy :)