La, la, la

Lately, EV has really been into singing, especially singing songs with hand motions.  Her current favorite songs, that she knows some or most of the words include "The Wheels on the Bus," "The Itsy Bitsy Spider," and "Happy Birthday."  So, this was an extra special weekend since we went to a birthday party AND an opera performance of Rabbit Tales.

A co-worker friend's daughter was the lead duck in the opera performance, so I wanted to go to support her and to get EV exposed to some fun opera.  I did have my doubts; I was worried about EV being able to sit through an hour long performance and even more worried about my ability to sit through an opera performance.  The good news is that the performance was a lot of fun (for both EV and myself).  I was so proud of Evangeline--EV you spent the first 2-3 songs on my lap, but then you were wanting to join in on the fun.  You wanted to sit on the stairs, sing, and dance along.  Thankfully, the performance had interactive parts, and the theater was full of other kids (although it seemed that most of them stayed seated throughout the performance).  So, I did want any desperate parent would do, I bribed you with your favorite snacks if you stayed quiet.  You are such a funny kid though, every time I tried to tell you to stop singing or dancing, you would put your finger up to your mouth and say "Shhhhhhh", then you would proceed to say, "Duck, sing!! La, la, laaaaa!" "Lion, Rrrawr!!  Sing, Lalalaaaa!"  Then you would look at me and say, "shhhhhhhh."  There was a part of me that was holding back laughter and another part that was so desperately trying to get you to sit down and stay quiet.  All in all, it was a good experience.  You couldn't stop talking about it all the way up till bedtime, all you could talk about was the duck, lion, rabbit, and fox.  You couldn't stop singing and dancing.  I guess we should go to the opera more often! (Note to self:  try to get a video of EV singing, dancing, and doing hand motions).

Over the hills and through the woods, to grandmother's house we go!

I have been challenged since the New Year to spend more quality time with my family, especially with EV.  So last week, I started working an alternative work schedule where I front load my hours, so that I can take every other Friday off.  I don't know why I didn't do this earlier, I work overtime most days, and it's nice to have an extra day with the family. 

Last weekend, EV and I went to Jimmy's parent's house without Jimmy for the first time.  Although EV has flown many times before, this was her first flight where she had her own seat.  She was so excited about having her own seat that she didn't care if I fell asleep on the flight.  She was living it up--she had her "kiki" (stuffed monkey), her blanket, books, stickers, flash cards, snack, and juice (which she gets only on special occasions).  When I woke up, she had taken off her shoes and socks, was covered in stickers, and bent her flash cards to make little teepees.  She had the biggest smile on her face and was so proud of herself.  Although we had both been up since 4:00am on the flight up and back down, she was in good spirits and was well-behaved for most of the trip.  She also had a really good time with grandma, grandpa, and uncle Tom.  She even got to see her great grandmother.  Although the trip was short, you can't put a price on quality time.  Next time, we'll be sure to bring pappa bear and to make it a longer trip.

Not only did I have last Friday off, but Monday was a holiday.  So, we went to the aquariaum (we have totally made our season pass worth the money) and watched the dolphin show.  Although the dolphin show was seriously over the top, it was so priceless to see EV's jaw drop when the dolphins starting jumping out of the water twisiting, flipping, and dancing.  She clutched onto Jimmy's arm because there was a part of her that was so scared, but at the same time she couldn't keep her eyes off the water tank.  I wish we were allowed to take pictures, her facial expression was priceless.

I am really looking forward to more time with my family, developing a stronger bond with EV, and being there for the little things. 

"Mom! Wake UP! Right Now!"

Wow--it's been awhile since I've posted.  Well actually, I have "secret" posts that I have written but never published.  But it has been awhile.  As always, I don't know where to start.  Things have been pretty busy lately, I don't do much to help slow it down either.  I don't think I am capable of just sitting and taking things in.

As for EV updates.  Evangeline, you are talking so so much dear.  I was at a retreat Friday night and when I got home after lunch on Saturday, I was pretty tired.  So, that night as appa was giving you your bath, I fell asleep on your bed and as you walk in you yell, "Mom!  Wake UP! Right Now!"  It was quite amusing.  You are constantly repeating everything we say, your vocabulary is growing so quickly and you're just talking all the time, it's quite exponential.  Aside from saying the cutest things (*note to self--get a notebook and jot down all the cute things EV says from now on), you are also becoming more independent and sometimes you just seem so grown up for your age.  Sometimes, I can't believe you are not even 2 yet!  You definitely inherited some OCD qualities, like not liking when things are messy or sorting and re-sorting objects.  You have acquired quite a collection of hairpins and you love to sort them, over and over and over again.  You also love lining up your stuff animals, blocks, and books.  If you walk by your dresser and notice something sticking out, you have to open it up and make sure it gets put into the drawer correctly. You are also starting to sing!  Until now, you have been a little hesitant to sing, you would hum but never sing, but now you are singing along to any song you can follow and repeat.  We went to a birthday party yesterday and today you were singing happy birthday over and over and oh so well!

As for myself, I am trying to figure out how to better balance/integrate my work life with my home life.  This is the first week of starting a new schedule where I front load hours to get one Friday every pay period off.  I am so excited about having more time with EV.  It is becoming more obvious as she gets older that I need to spend more quality time with her.  Over Christmas we were really able to develop a great bond, but I feel like it makes her miss me more when I am at work.

It will be EV's birthday in a month.  I have one month to sew her dress--I chose a dress that will stretch my abilities.  We'll see how that goes--I might be making a quick and frantic trip to the mall if it fails...

This is currently one of EV's favorite thing to do.  Go to Jones Bridge Park and look at all the geese.  This is the first thing we must do before we head over to the playground.  The second thing is to survey the park for doggies.  Then last but not least, we can head over to the playground.

EV has really gotten into playing pretend with her stuff animals.  She loves lining them up, putting hairpins into their hair, and reading to them.  She also loves reading to herself.  We find her even sitting in the dark quietly "reading" in the mornings or when she's supposed to be napping.

EV loves taking pictures of herself.  The moment the camera is on her, she immediately runs towards you to take a picture herself.  No matter how much I have been trying to shelter her from technology, it's so inevitable since we use it so much in our everyday lives.  Without being "taught", she knows how to unlock an iPhone, play music, and take pictures of herself.

Here she is sorting her hairpins...

EV also loves playing with her friends.  It's so much fun to watch her interact with other kids now.  How self play and play along side friend, is now turning into, play with friend.  Here she is with two "unnis" (translation: older sisters), holding hands.

Evangeline, you will be 23 months in a couple of days.  You are such an amazing little kid.  You already make me so proud of you.  I love you so much.