3 going on 13

Tonight, as I was rewarding Sullivan for a very successful day using the potty, I ask: -Sullivan, what would you like tonight as your surprise for staying dry ALL day? -Sullivan: A car! (Thankfully a chocolate chip cookie did suffice for tonight!) A bit later, while attempting to brush her teeth, sheet shouts in protest: - I need to cry tonight! I cry tonight! And finally, as I leave her room, she joyfully coos: -Happy Easter Day! Is she only 3? Really? Lord, help me as to what is to come!

Jackson!

We just found out this morning that Lee matched in Jackson, MS, for his fellowship in Sports Medicine! We are so excited (and I am so proud!) as this was really what he wanted! So, onward we march! This move won't be until late June/early July of 2012, but that is truly around the corner. Do you have any advice, favorites places, or"two cents" about Jackson? Any suggestions for a pre-kindergarten for Sullivan? A pre-school or Mother's Morning Out for Sawyer?

Priceless

This was the attempt at taking a professional photograph of my neice, nephew and two girls. I love how Sullivanwatches Sawyer topple over, while Sawyer is crying and pulling at Josephine's hair. Priceless.

Survival of the fittest

When the days are tough and my personal and familial survival are seemingly hanging on by a thread, it helps me to count all the things that keep me tethered and grounded. A few things that help me are as follows: 1. Prayer, prayer, prayer...Will I ever pray enough??? Lord help me! 2. Time with dear friends or Key phone calls to loved ones. My mom always is "the counselor on call". 3. Taking a walk. Any exercise. 4. Taking a shower. This doesn't happen enough. 5. A long drive. This is shockingly a relaxing escape and a break for me, as the girls are quite happy and quiet in the car and need no physical care from me. 6. Grande Coffee Light Frappacino from Starbucks. 7. Something fun to look forward to or plan or finally enjoy: visits from loved ones, Datenight once a month, Mom's Night once a month, playgroup weekly... 8. Indulgent take out. I will miss Greenville's Frodos Pizza, Joy of Tokyo, Thai restaurant... 9. A good cry. Maybe a scream of two in my driveway. 10. Organizing or cleaning something. The quick accomplishment of a bit of tidiness is satisfying. What helps you? Here's to motherhood! Here's to us who are wives of surgeons! We can do this. May the force be with you.

From the mouth of my babe

Recent utterances from Sullivan's mouth:

-When told it was her birthday..." I don't like birthdays."

-While watching Woody on Toy Story 2, as he views all of the "Woody" paraphanalia and comes to realize who he is, she says with a total straight face..." Woody got all the things cuz he peepee on the potty. Buzz peepee too."

-"Mommy is BIG, Sully is tiny."

-When asked to use the potty..."No do dat anymore! No more! Sully no peepee on the potty. Sully need diaper." A few seconds later..."Sully say, "yes!" to potty, Mommy! Sully say "YEEESSS!"

-Upon recently seeing Jeremiah, her friend who is almost 3, "Jeremiah is a man!"

--Getting her out of her bed this morning, holding her beloved pink blanket that she sleeps with, she whispers , "Sully got a pink blankie, for Sawyer. Sawyer's wake, Mommy? See Sawyer!"

And finally, my favorite from tonight:

While reading "My Nest is Best" by P.D.Eastman, she is reminded of her classmate Parker as there is a Mr.Parker in the book...

Sullivan: Parker at my school! Parker sit on the potty!

Me: Oh, Parker at your school goes to the potty?

Sullivan: Yes. Parker is a BOY.

Me: Oh...He is a boy. Do you play with Parker at school?

Sullivan: Instruments!

Me: How nice! You two play instruments in music class? Parker sounds nice.

Sullivan: (Smiles) Parker likes me.

Me: (laughs!) Parker likes you?

Sullivan: Yea! (Giggles!)

Sullivan's 3rd Birthday Party

We had a fabulous birthday party for Sullivan last weekend, March 19th, at our local Gymboree. The children loved singing, dancing, parading and catching bubbles! Our Honey, Lee's mom, was able to come and visit and made it extra special! Happy Birthday, Sullivan!

Quick trip

We just returned from a quick visit back home to Montgomery to go to a wedding in Birmingham. It worked out well for us to swing into town on Friday, visit, then spend Saturday night and Sunday morning on our own in Birmingham. Such a treat for us to have 24hrs by ourselves! And also such a treat to enjoy a dear friend's wedding and the chance to be with 2 of Lee's close college friends, Chris and Noble. Here are a few glimpses of the weekend...too quick but so fun!

Oh, and included is a picture Lee took the other weekend of me reading to the girls. I cannot express how grateful I am to have this snapshot of our "everyday" moments together, as they so often are undocumented.