Thursday gardening with caris

Do you know what Caris is doing in this picture? I don't either. But for some reason, lil' C picked up this sprayer and set out determinedly across the yard. She went to every plant, every part of the yard, and pointed that little sprayer, just like that, at each one of them. I mean, I don't think it can be accurately described. I had no idea what was going on in her little mind...

Pretending Pink Puppies

Playing Pretend.

Playing dress-up.

Hallmarks of girl-hood.

Of which my lil C began a few months back. Brushing her 'emily's' hair. And dragging 'emily' to tea parties.

Stealing her shoes. (see pic above. Caris became obsessed with the idea that she could wear the doll's shoes)

Caris loves playing tea.

Pouring it out, serving the cups.

Giving it to her babies and any nearby guest.

Playing dress up.

jammies + the orange hat are a favorite.

Putting on mommies clothes and shoes.

And make-up.

Caris loves when mommy gives in and she's allowed to put on makeup to her heart's content.

Oh so pretty.

And the puppies.

Oh my, she is in love.

With ALL things puppy.

She pours out tea and serves all her little stuffed dogs.

And then chases the real dogs around with a cup of 'tea' for them to share in the goodness of pretend as well.

Caris also chased Max around trying to read him her 'Doggy' book.

Doggies always put a smile on her face.

Oh, and purple and pink? Truly the colors of a girls heart. And the choice for our little C. Let the girl choose her clothes, it's always the pink, then the purple.

So, playing pretend with purple puppies and pink pincesses may just be this girls best dream come true.

Potty party

This week's edition of Thursdays with Caris also marks a milestone.

The Potty.

Apparently, this week Caris is interested in the potty. And toilet paper.

After following me into my bathroom the other day, lil C takes off quickly and purposefully.

I find her in the hall bathroom, toilet paper in hand, lid lifted on her mini-potty, and attempting to pull down her pants. Too funny.

So I help her accomplish her intended goal.

Apparently, Caris also really likes toilet paper. And blowing her nose while on the potty.

After a discussion on what constitutes 'dirty' in terms of toilet paper use, Caris apparently also likes throwing the TP away and asking for more.

And so there she sits, on her little potty, toilet paper in hand, happy as can be.

So for a few days, this is what we do.

Caris wanders into the bathroom, repeats above process, and just hangs out.

So last night, I could tell she needed to 'go potty'. And so I asked her if she would like to do so on her potty.

Wouldn't you know, she marched right into her bathroom, grabs her some toilet paper, raises the lid on her potty, and pulls down her pants.

And then to my complete surprise, she was successful at the potty mission!! Way to go lil C!!!

So then she throws applicable materials away, closes the lid, and goes to wash her hands. All on her own.

Such a big girl we have these days!

Anyways, so I guess we are potty training. Or something along those lines. Although I think we will take it slow.

Advice welcome!!!

Thursdays with Caris

So it's the second Thursday in a row that I've been inspired to share a 'Caris story' and so I started thinking I might make this a regular feature. I have a feeling our funny Caris stories will undoubtedly increase and it might be good practice to remember one a week. I would love to look back on these one day and have a true recollection of a Caris moment.

Welcome to.....Thursdays with Caris.

Last night, I arrive home to a house already occupied by Caris and her poppa G. Garrett has been on anesthesia rotation and his schedule has been soooo nice that he is able to pick Caris up from school! It has been really enjoyable to come home to an evening already in progress to see what these two have been up to.

On this particular night, I round the corner to see an excited lil C running toward me with a shoe in hand. Instead of allowing me to pick her up and entering into her normal 'your-home-momma-and-I-will-NOT-ever-leave-your-side' pattern, she makes a little running turn and purposefully sets off to the kitchen.

Again, purposeful march = entertainment. And so I follow.

And laugh out loud at the sight I see.

A HUGE pile of shoes in the kitchen. (why I didn't snap a picture, I do not know)

Apparently, Caris had tasked herself to carrying all the shoes from around the house and piling them on the kitchen floor.

And the funniest part is that she names each one.

picks up my shoe....'Momma'
picks up Garrett's shoe....'Poppa'
and so on and so forth for the next several mintues this is what our house sounds like:
'Shoe! Momma'
'Shoe! Poppa'
'Momma. Poppa.' (aside: Caris loves assigning gender roles to many items based on momma. poppa.)

'Shooooessh' is a closer pronounciation to what has become one of Caris' favorite words. And items. Girl LOVES her shoes.

This morning in our getting-ready-for-school routine, I ask Caris to go get her shoes, thinking she would get her current favorite, the new pink sneakers, that were right in front of us. Instead, she proceeds to her room returning with some semi-dressy pink Mary Janes. And despite my attempts at convincing, she will not budge on her intent to wear her decided upon footwear.
With an expectant look and sweet voice saying 'Shooeessh?' followed by an attempt to place them on her feet, I decided not to pick this battle and thus the dress shoes were worn to school.

Report card

Here's my girl at school today. Excited. Doesn't she look so grown up? You can't see it, but lil C is sporting a 'uni-pony' as her daddy calls it. Big-girl style.

Yesterday's report card:

Caris had a great first toddler day. She stayed all day, didn't need to visit the mover room, ate well, got her food, played outside, got along with the other kids, and did good at potty time. I was so relieved to hear she had a good day; I've heard this transition can be tough and she was (as per usual) crying when I left. Her teachers were very complimentary about her first day and said she had no trouble and loved every minute. (more annoying mommy brag for you :)

This was my big girl on the way to school this morning:

Mommy - Caris, would you like to sing?

Caris- Yash!!!

M - What would you like to sing?

C - (points to her head, then feet) and says Toes! (they apparently sing this in school. and when she saw a commercial with it on, she was sooo excited. and thus I realized to sing it)

M & C- Head, shoulders, knees and toes. Knees and Toes! And Eyes and Ears and Mouth and Nose (you know how it goes...)

Caris' actual version - Hea, nan, knee, toe. KNEE TOE!!! Eye, Ear, Ma, Nose, Nananananana. BAHHHHH (which is how Caris says YAY!!!) While pointing to knees, toes, head, eyes, nose, mouth.

M - Caris, do you want to sing your ABC's?

C- Ya! Nay, Nay, B, D, D, E, ff, G, nananana nananana.

C- Bahhhahhhh!!!! (YAYY!!!)

And repeat.

Totally feels like big girl school when duet-ing is the activity on the journey there.

p.s. Just got some breaking bragging news on my other student, Garrett passed his latest medical boards!! Woo hoo Dr. G! So proud of all the hard work he has put in and how well he consistently does. Such a great example for our newest student.

School Girl

This morning I dropped this little lady off in the toddler room. She looked so big and was ready to be a big girl. These pics were at the start of a new school year, about a month ago. Caris looks much more grown in just that short span of time! Can't believe the change.

Got my 'pack-pack' on and my keys in hand. Ready to go mom.
Although she always cries and looks a little like the picture above at drop-off. And it never fails to break my heart, and make me threaten to turn in my two-weeks notice.


Caris spoke excitedly about 'sKool' (emphasis on the K, a bit lacking on the S when lil C pronounces) all weekend. When hearing some older girls speak of 'school' at the park, Caris turned to me with wide eyes and said 'sKool!' over and over. I think she was ready to start her new class. The transition began last week and reportedly Caris envoked her use of 'No' when asked to return to the mover classroom. She was ready to be a big girl.


It was clearly time for the transition. But still somewhat surprising to see my little one sharing a classroom with kids who look so grown up. She's loving the attention she gets from being both the newest addition and the youngest; girl eats this up.


We had a meeting with her previous and incoming class teachers to talk about all things Caris. It was so interesting to hear how closely their observations are to our own. Caris loves the fine motor skill work and is able to do some pretty advanced work with threaders and grouping. (I know that's annoying mommy brag) But I share it because it is SOO her daddy and I love to see that in her. Caris is following commands well; she sets the table, clears her plate, washes her hands, on cue. She leads the group to circle time and knows the rules. She knows where the potty is, where her clothes are located, and where her shoes reside and knows when to get said items upon mommies arrival. She knows her animals and objects and puts her work away. They also say books are her favorite :) We concur.

I have loved her mover room teacher and we will be sad to leave her; she along with a few other teachers in the baby room have really taken to our lil C and have loved on her and cared for her with such insight to her personality. I loved hearing what they had to say about our girl. It is still a struggle for me at times be gone from Caris during the week; particularly when she is tired and I realize how much time she spends away from her home. But I am so grateful for the environment they have created for her; she is loved, understood, and indpendence is fostered. The have taken the time to understand what makes Caris, Caris. It helps so much to have such a great place to support Caris.

This morning at drop-off, Caris was greeted by hugs and smiles from former classmates welcoming her to the new environment. She was surrounded by little ones comparing the days chosen attire. Then ventured off with another friend who showed her around. Those two legitimately looked as if they were having a full-on conversation. Her interactions with other girls is so grown up these days. Caris loved showing me her work, table, and chairs. So proud.

Caris even plays like a big girl these days. going up and down the slide on her own. in her big-girl sneakers and 'jeggings'. Love this.

Love my sweet school girl! Hope you have a good first toddler day!!

A little diddy...

Last night, Garrett and Caris play a game. G is resting on the couch after a long day and lil C wants to play. So the game goes like this: Garrett pretends he is sleeping (which he kind of halfway is) and so he fake snores, dramatically, and goes 'na night'. Upon seeing his entrance into fake slumber, Caris excitedly runs over to her Daddy and utilizes various attempts to arouse him from his slumber. She's loving it.


Soon, Caris decides she wants to 'fake sleep' too. She crinkles up her little nose and makes a pretty good attempt at mimicking the 'snore', then lays her head down, peeking at Daddy. So I witness this game in action and say to Caris, 'Are you waking daddy up?' to which she happily answers 'Yes!'


Cue next fake Daddy sleep. Caris goes straight over to her Dad, taps him, and with perfect inflection, pronunciation, intonation, yells 'Wake Up!!'. Garrett and I die with laughter, because truly, it is spot on, and so perfectly invoked in timing. It surprised us.


So Garrett decides he would like a real nap; so I ask Caris to bring Daddy a blanket and let him go 'na night'. She does so and then marches purposefully off to her room. Usually a purposeful march leads to entertainment, so I just stand back to watch what she will do.


Lil C proceeds to her room and quickly returns to the living room proudly carrying her pillow. Which she places on the coffee table, lays her head upon, and fake snores.


I mean, maybe this is the kind of story that is only funny to her parents, but it sure was funny. And I wanted to remember.

17 months...

Of this girl.

Her sweet smile and joyful laugh. Eyes full of wonder, constantly amazing me with their depth of expression. Sweet Caris, your adventuresome spirt has sprung to new realms with your increasing abilities as a biped. Ever improving climbing, running, dancing. Feet seeking new adventures, new ground, new skills. Caris, you continue to LOVE the outdoors, so evidenced by our recent trip to New England when the weather allowed for ample time spent in the air of nature and in time spent in the country air of Gonzales and Albany. You came alive, my girl, and would spend hours upon hours outside if weather permitted. So much joy and love for the grass, wind, and air. You eat it up and it is as if it becomes part of your soul. My favorite.

You love new places and new adventures. Planes? Football games? Basketball stadiums? Parties? City streets? Shopping? You thrive there, my girl. Living it up and loving every minute. When mommy packs her bag and says 'let's go!' you are at the door in a flash, laughing and stomping excitedly all the way. You love adventure, crowds. But you definitely have a shy side in some circumstances, clinging to mommy when new kids are around and at morning drop-off. You are sensitive and emotional. Particularly when it comes to discipline and your things (including your mommy). You study; new faces, places, circumstances; so intently do you study. But when you come around, you are full of life. I see this that you love well and much.

You constantly amaze me with how much you understand. You are getting 'it', and have been for the past few months, my toddler lady. Things are coming together in all forms and your world makes sense to you. You follow all commands exactly and even seemingly listen and participate in conversation. You set the table, use your forks, and get your cup when you are thirsty. You talk, often. Sometimes it is in your 'Caris language' but often it more closely resembles that of your mom and dads. I love to hear your voice; singing, making animal noises, and learning new words.

Watching you learn and teaching you new things is true excitement. You take on each new quest with great zest. Studying your mom and dads movement of face, mouth, and body and imitating so precisely. You have mastered your body parts and animals. Both responding when questioned and independently asserting your knowledge. Down to your elbows and knees and your bunny and monkey, you know. And you love to know. We are learning letters and colors and for some reason, you know the letters 'F, J, and S' and love to make the sounds. p.s. your animal sounds are my favorite, especially that bunny and monkey.

You are constantly watching, observing. Every little move we make, you see. Every picture and word on a page, you soak in. I am continually surprised by your attention to detail and the minute things you observe. You pick up on so many things that we pass by. And you are focused. You love to order things precisely and complete a task. Meticulous, my lady.

You are spirited and funny and love to perform. Your dance moves are increasing and you always ask for music to bust out your moves. You sing along to your favorite songs and light up when you hear a good beat. I truly love this about you; the joy and freedom you have in music. It too, like the air, is in your soul. And it is true joy. Your performance extends to your love to show off your skills; cutie shrugs, the 'face', animal sounds, dance moves, you love to show them off to your audience.


This stage has been a favorite; the last few months have seen such growth in your development. You are full of life and becoming such a little person. I look at you now and see a little girl, so tall and so grown up in your actions, looks, words. You run your little classroom like you are the boss. But you still love a snuggle and for mommy to hold you :) I cling to this last glimpse of baby-hood. Because it is disappearing quickly. With every new word and new skill, you are becoming a little girl. Not so much my baby Caris, but my beautiful girl.

joy

Joy.

In my soul.

In the eyes of my little C.
And the heart of her poppa G.
In the sweet, crisp air of a New England day ushering in the first of Fall.
In the consuming comfort of a humid southern day, ensuring summer lingers.
In the evening sounds with windows open, rain, cows, and birds singing lullibies.
And the peaceful comfort of a home that is ours, that we have created, and have loved.
In sweet baby kisses and warm night snuggles.

Joy.
Deep in my soul.

In the beauty of simple blessings.
And the humbling gratitude of the undeserved ones that are so great, they overwhelm my heart with the abundance of love.
In grass between my toes, and sandy feet and hands. Soaked in sun.
In the familarity of my hardwood floors.
In the calming peace a clean counter and clear table.
And the messy pile of toys and mini-clothes, evidence of a day well-played and well-worn.
In the knowledge that I am loved, and recognizing its presence, and it is unconditional and encompassing.

And that they have my heart.
Loving the life we are given, each day that we are given.

Joy.
And it is well.
With my Soul.

sorry for my mini-rant on the last post. apparently my self-edit was off that week along with everything else. needed to push the delete button on that! consider this my reprieve. and what i was trying to say. chaos = joy. when we look.

Making it Work:

Or being a Mom.

That's the phrase that keeps running through my head as of late. We all have our share of life challenges unique to our circumstances. With each new phase I know we will face many different challenges that will implore us to use new strengths and new resources. The point is, whether you are home with your babies, working away from them, sending them to college, or empty nesting, life as a mom is just that: LIFE happening and MOM trying to head to advice of Tim Gunn and Project Runway, and just MAKE LIFE WORK.

But this is my blog ;) and thus I operate from a life perspective of our unique challenges. I work, a stressful, busy job, that keeps me away from my girl from 7:40 to 5:30. We live in a metro city, thus requiring morning and evening quality time with thousands of unknown city mates (or rather with their cars) and extending the time we spend away from our humble abode. I have taken some extra work on that I try to accomplish during the slumbering hours of the rest of my crew.

And my parenting partner in crime is as busy as imaginable. The boy has completed dental school, and now medical school (YAY!), taken four sets of boards, and works the ridiculous hours that only medical residents can somehow keep up. He spends long hours away and when he is home, is faced with the busi-ness that makes up a home with two working owners. G goes into work at an unmentionable hour, is on call several times a week, and has LONG days. And he's called to a profession requiring 6 years of specialized training following 8 years of school.

So our daily lives within the aforementioned setting can get stressful. Mornings are usually just me and the lil' C. Getting the two of us put together and out the door in the morning can get, well it can get INTERESTING. And arriving home after 6 every day and attempting to prepare dinner, feed bathe and slumber the little, all while attempting to both parent and love on the lil C (and sometimes her dad) can also be INTERESTING.

They aren't great challenges, but they are my challenges. And every moment, every day, I'm just trying to MAKE IT WORK in a way that I hope is positive and purposeful. So I know this post seems 'complain-y' and that is likely because it is. But this is where I'm at right now because it's been one of those weeks riddled with illnesses, work projects, board tests, and house maintenance that has dragged on to a months worth of weeks.

And I'm trying to learn from it and create something within the midst of what seems to be a chaotic mess.

And what I'm learning is this:

When Caris needs an extra snuggle, she gets that extra snuggle. Because she's little and sweet and loves her momma and deserves that from me. And when I get those precious times with my little girl snuggled by my side, I stop and savor that moment. Because those moments are what we have. And when she's big and moody and annoyed at her momma, we will still have those moments tucked away in our hearts.

And when Caris needs a few minutes in the morning and get herself ready for the day, we allow them. Even if that means I show up late and work through lunch. Because we are busy and so is life, and we all need a moment from time to time. And I sense that the harriedness gets to the little. And I vote that 16 months is a little too young to feel stressed. And it seems allowing the moments make for a much better morning routine.

That when Caris would rather play with her parents than have us make an elaborate dinner, I should head the call. Because I believe in the value of PLAYING and in spending family time void of the pressures of HAVE to's. And we all know at the end of a hectic day, we could use a little downtime with the ones we love (and I'm sure the little's day spent with 11 other littles can be hectic!) So we play. And then turn chores into play.

And for the times my girl needs some extra slumber, she gets the extra slumber. Because I value providing good sleep. And because she works hard and is tired and never wants to miss a thing. And however we can get the treasured slumber, we take it. But when mom needs the little up for an early meeting, then we make that work too.

And when mom and dad need a dinner together and a moment together, we need to take it. And time alone to make me, me. Because it makes us the US that created this home, this life, this girl. In all honesty, this is probably one of the areas I struggle with the most. Sincewe have such little time with our girl, both G and myself are hesitant to spend more without the girl. But I'm learning those moments can be an evening on our porch, a run in the neighborhood, or an hour in the study.

And when my home is a little too evidenced of our weeks happenings, I TRY to not let it get the best of me. And when dinner isn't perfect and lunches aren't made, I TRY to find ways that work better. And in the same vane of honesty, these are the areas that my biggest hold-ups remain. (So any tips from the wise on how to keep these together, I will gladly accept!!) Because clutter and mess are not so peaceful, but neither is constant stress and cleaning! (can someone resolve that conundrum for me??) And I mean, I washed my iron with a load of clothes this week. So clearly my house-wifery skills are at an all time high. That, my friends, is multi-tasking.

And when I need to use my blog as a sounding board and write a 'complain-y' post, well I guess I do that too :) thanks for listening.

But every once in a while, I give myself a break from myself imposed strife to keep it all together and instead just focus on trying to MAKE it WORK within that which is seemingly apart. In the end, I just want to make a life that is peaceful and happy for my family. Because whatever the circumstances, we have precious MOMENTS. With our girl, each other, families, and life. And I want to love each moment as it comes. And when I decide what we value and focus on those, it's much easier to see clearly when those moments happen amd making things work doesn't so much seem like work anymore.

And how could it be otherwise when my moments look like this?

Here's to much needed break. A FULL WEEK with my sweet Caris, her dad, and no work. Here's to VACATION!!!