Big Pool

Well, better late than never..... I joined our local pool.  The first month or so of summer wasn't that warm so I kept hesitating to join, not sure I would really get our money's worth out of the membership.  Two summers ago the pool was knocked down to build and replace an old, falling apart pool with a brand new, fun filled facility.  It has water mushrooms, a zero depth pool for the little ones, and special toddler times before the pool opens to accommodate nap times!  

So, even though we only joined for 1/2 the summer, it was worth every penny. Shannon loved it and so did I! I am able to play with her when I want  as well as safely sit on the side and watch her play and interact with other children at the pool.  You are allowed to bring guests, so anyone is welcome next year!

New Places!

Today we visited a local tourist attraction with our friends Lisa and Blythe.  The girls rode the merry-go-round, the Thomas Train, played at the museum, got to see a real live turtle, and ate lunch outside! Many of these activities were a first for Shannon. As her mom, I love watching every first and cherish these special moments forever! Summer is so fun, I wish it lasted longer!

Big Girl Play

I met my friend Susan when I first starting teaching at my current school 13 years ago.  She was first hired as a sub and then eventually as a first grade and K teacher.  She is the kind of friend who you can call after a few months of not talking and pick up right where you left off.  I can completely be myself with her and not ever feel judged by what I say, share, or feel.  We have shared many memories, secrets, and hard times over the years.  She did a reading at my wedding when she was 8 months pregnant! Her children are 12, 10, and 7.  I had always wished we would have children at the same time, but it didn't work out that way! Now, when we do get together, her girls are very sweet and patient while they play and hang with Shannon so we can talk. Shannon enjoyed every minute of being entertained by the big girls.... getting to go down the slide and climb all over. Thanks Danielle and Courtney, Shannon loves you.

Love it!

Just love it! Shannon isn't the most cuddly child, so when she is snuggly, I take advantage of every second!  She is getting better and is starting to reciprocate more. I think I kiss her 100 times a day!  I have always love babies... holding them, kissing them, and cuddling them. Now that I have my own, it's like a daily fix  for me!

Family Play

Our cousins, Caleb, Sarina and Aunt Sandi hung out with us on this hot summer day! I tricked Caleb and Shannon into looking at the camera at the same time to get this shot. Turned out pretty good, I think. Shannon really enjoys the water- even this summer at the babysitter, she loves playing and splashing in it. Next summer I hope she continues her love for the water and can begin to take swim lessons. It's really important to me that she learn to swim. I never did. I really tried many times. I'm not afraid of water but I think I was just enough afraid of deep water to hold me back.  Todd likes the water and can swim well, maybe this is something they can do together so Shannon does not take on any of my  swimming issues. 

Playtime

Being a working mom often leaves me feeling like Shannon, as well as I, are missing out on many of the mommy/daughter events and activities that non- working moms get to do. I am fortunate that my town has a working moms group.  Everyone is a working mom which makes it easy for us to relate to one another and allow events to take place on weekends and after work sometimes.  Today was a simple meet up in the park with a McDonald's lunch after. She was in her glory at the park.  We mostly visit the park on on corner so this new place was a special treat.  I kind of hesitated to go to lunch since Shannon is very particular about what she eats (I wonder if she got that from me? hmmm?). However, I figured I'd just go for it and hope for the best! Well, what do you know, it worked out! It was her first time trying nuggets and fries, and of course, like most kids, she loved it. The "dipping" in ketchup was so cute to watch. She was so serious, as she is about most things, and didn't pay much attention to the playland part until after the meal had been consumed!

Julie

Julie and I have known each other since 1986, that's 23 years!  We met in college when we lived next door to each other in the dorms and have stayed in touch all these years.  We have been in each other's weddings and have shared some life long memories.  Julie is a great friend that makes it so easy for you to be friends with her.  I have never felt competition between us and she has always taken in interest in what is happening to me, my family, and my life.  Throughout the years we have visited each other in our home towns (she is from Galesburg). This summer her son Peyton, who is now 11, was in town for a baseball tournament.  They are a big baseball family, Julie's husband has played his whole life and now coaches a college team.  

I drove to meet them at their hotel and of course we had to take a group shot. Julie's daughter Jillian was loving hanging out with Shannon. It was so fun for us to see our kids, 13 years apart, interact with one another!  Julie, her mom, Jillian, Shannon and I went out to dinner and we spent the entire night talking!  I really miss not being able to see her all the time- wish we lived closer. Julie really hasn't changed a bit, I Iove it!

Thomas

Thomas the Train is becoming a favorite, both on and off  TV!   On this particular Sunday Shannon and I took a ride to a nearby "shopping town". I was in the mood for checking out their french market, the day was beautiful, so we set out.  By accident we stumbled upon a giant street fair and a THOMAS store!  I have to admit it was quite a sight. An entire 1/2 of the store had anything and everything you could think of that has Thomas on it.... trains, lunch boxes, toys, everything!  Shannon was in her glory playing with all giant set up with all the "character" trains, rails and bridges! Hmmm....... sounds like a great gift for grandparents to purchase! Ha!

I am amazed at her ability to name and recognize so many of the trains.... to me they all look the same!  As a first time parent I continue to be in awe of how kids are really like sponges, taking in all of the sights, sounds, words, and learning opportunities each and every day. We look forward to watching Shannon's interests change and grow throughout the years!

Hot Day

I'm guessing everyone doesn't head out on one of the hottest days of the summer, but we did!  It was OK as long as all kept hydrated and moving!  We met our friends Tim, Joanna, Sean and Katie at the zoo.  The kids had a great time. Sean is such a caretaker and was always holding Shannon's hand and helping her (and his sister Katie).  We cooled off in our regular indoor cafe and enjoyed lunch.  I thought maybe Shannon (as I am always hoping) would take interest in what Katie and Sean were eating but no such luck.  Trying to get a picture of all 3 of them was comical, so this one is the best of bunch.  Spending time with the M family is always a nice event. We all get along well and enjoy each other's company!

New Car

We are not beyond garbage picking in our house, especially when it is close to new condition!  Todd found this today on his lunch break.  He brought it home, we cleaned it up, and it was ready to go!  Shannon loved it! She immediately open and closed the door, climbed inside, pushed it, put things in it and beeped the horn. She did not, however, ride in it!   We don't think she got the concept that you can sit it in and make it go.  Riding on toys does not appear to be her forte. She has a ride on car and doesn't care for it much. Once she figures out what it does and how much fun it is, I'm guessing she'll be on her way!

Lunch Date

Every girl loves the mall! Well, at least learns to love the mall.  On this beautiful summer day we met a good friend of mine, Deb, at the mall for lunch.  Deb chose her favorite cafe at an outdoor mall.  I was excited to go for lunch since I had only eaten here once before.  I ordered pizza for Shannon off the children's menu and it would have been enough to feed all 3 of us!  We enjoyed lunch and then headed out to the mall to walk around and get a Starbucks cold drink. We sat outside and looked at pics while Shannon played with a balloon and enjoyed her freedom outside the stroller.  She hasn't quite learned that she has to stay close to mommy so we took turns  corralling her as needed!  Thanks Deb- let's do it again soon! 

The Music Truck

Most people know this childhood  favorite as an "ice cream truck", but in our house we call it the "music truck".  One day I got the idea to call it the "music truck" so that every time it came Shannon would get excited about the music instead of the ice cream!  She loves music so it the idea made sense.  Most days we only get to hear the truck as it travels around our neighborhood 10x a day!  But sometimes, like today, we did get to actually see it.... and I had my camera with me.  Shannon was in awe of this well loved sight!

The Lake

This summer has been such a rewarding time for me to be able to hang out and watch Shannon change and grow.  It's amazing what a difference a year makes at this age. Last summer she was still an infant! At 17 months so many activities and events continue to be "firsts" and I am loving every minute. 

My friend Lisa invited us up to her parents lake house and we (I) graciously accepted!  Shannon had never been to a lake and I wasn't sure how she would respond to it all. Much to my surprise she loved it!  She cautiously, yet willingly, stepped into the water and never looked back!   Megan and Matthew, Lisa's niece and nephew, are old pros at this. Shannon seemed to take their lead, yet my independent little one did enough to keep herself busy and enjoy the water!  Later we had lunch by the beach, ate a delicious dinner Lisa's mom cooked, and went for a nice walk around the lakefront. Thanks Lisa- we had a great day and glad to share another great "first" with you!

Small Moment

As I upload pictures, plan posts, and write, I often find myself stuck on what to post and write about.  Often thinking that it needs to be about a big or special event. Then I saw this and realized a post can be just a moment in time, maybe just between you and your daughter that may not be important to anyone else,  that you want to remember!  This plastic spoon got stuck under Shannon's foot and she couldn't figure out what was happening!? It was so cute! She kept trying to walk to get it off, yet seemed to enjoy the fact that it was there and was very interested in how it remained under her foot despite the fact that she was walking and trying to shake it off. I had to take a picture and remember this small moment forever!  Who doesn't love baby toes?

"Dip It"

This week I introduced cheese and crackers to my picky little eater!  She love the novelty of dipping crackers in cheese, so I gave her the whole tub and let her have at it! 

Dora Couch!

So, yesterday Todd went to Toys R Us to pick up a picnic table for Shannon. My cousin had one I really liked so I looked online, called around, and the only TRU that had it (it was being discontinued) was near Todd's work. He is usually great about running errands and picking up things we need and doesn't usually stray from "the list" or from the task at hand. However, TRU sucked him in this time and he caved and purchased a Dora couch for Shannon. He was worried I wouldn't like it and before bringing it into the house, clearly explained he would return it if I wanted him too. At first I wasn't sure, but as soon as Shannon saw it she loved it, hugged it and spent every second on it. I knew we had to keep it!

As you can see she likes to sit and look at books or just relax.  It is a special spot just for her. 

It opens up to a small bed and has a zipper to remove the blanket on top. Thanks Daddy, I love it!

Pool Time!

With the warn weather we've been having, it has been great to hang out in the yard and play in the pools, yes I said poolS. Doesn't every child need 2? She actually received them as b-day gifts- we spoil her but not that much!  Splashing, jumping, filling buckets, and trying to eat the plastic  butterflies keep her interested and occupied for long periods of time! Shannon's attention spam is like that of a gnat, so this is quite a milestone for her (or is it for me!?) to be able to stay interested in one activity.  The 2nd picture is a favorite!! It's hard to get pics of her looking at the camera, let alone smiling and centered!

Starbucks

During the school year my friend Lisa and I take turns buying Starbucks for one another. I'm not a coffee drinker and she really isn't too much either so we have our favorite frappichinos, lattes, and ciders that we order randomly throughout the year. When summer comes I often get a Startbucks craving because we aren't around each other as much. On this particular day I had a craving and had an idea. 

Shannon has recently learned to sip from a straw and I thought it would be fun to get her a smoothie. Well, it was KIND OF a good idea - the kid's size ended up being very large and the lid didn't stay on so easily and Shannon kept wanting to take the lid off. So, live and learn!  Next time I'll put it in her own cup or not try to continue driving trying to enjoy a double chocolate chip frappachino.

Lunch with the Ladies

Today we headed out to meet "Aunt" Lisa for lunch.   Lisa and I work together and have become great friends.  Lisa is great with kids and enjoys spending time with us! I was please that they had outdoor seating available AND... that is was enclosed! With our seats off to the side Shannon was able to explore and play without bothering any customers and giving us some time to visit and relax.  Since Shannon is still pretty picky as far as her eating habits go (I wonder who she go that from?), I brought along a lunch of avocado and applesauce for her. 

Shannon got a kick out of reading the menu and sitting with Aunt Lisa. It was beautiful day to spend outside.