Mama trying to get some work done. HAHA!
Not so sure about Daddy being at work
Snow is not as bad as she thought it was going to be! Especially since she got new boots to go with it! Her first experience of getting dressed for going outside was full of "bu yao" which means "I don't want to"! (I've heard that a lot lately....) But once she got outside, and the hat came off, and the gloves came off --- she was happy!
I guess she'll learn that cold hands make it not as much fun, but not today anyway!
Tim and Joy made snow angels and we tried to play Fox & Geese. That wasn't nearly as much fun as playing fetch with Katrina later today though! Tonight, when we went out with Katrina after dinner, Joy was exploring on her own, walking all over where Katrina was running. I was hoping it would wear her out more than it did. We'll have to run around more tomorrow for sure!
Today, I discovered the need to have tissues in every single pocket of every coat, pair of jeans or purse pocket. Just in case! And carmex is a magical thing! Her poor little nose and lips are not adjusting to the dry climate all that well. That's in every pocket as well!
The dogs came home from the kennel today. At first we had tears, but now she can't stay away from Katrina. Scarpia laid down and she went and covered him with her blanket and said, "ikat (look) mama, sleepy!" Katrina goes upstairs, I think to get a little peace and quiet and she's calling her right away. Katrina tries to lay down and Joy is petting her (not always in the right way). Poor dogs - they are both mad at me I think. They probably both wonder when this little creature is going to leave. Oh well. They will just have to be disappointed!
We went to Italco today. The idea was to show Joy where Daddy works so that when he disappears tomorrow, she'll know where he went. I am not sure that was understood, yet. I do know that she was terrified that we were going to leave her there! She didn't really relax until we got to Target. We were buying things there for her and I guess she understood that. She happily said "Hi!" to absolutely everyone! There is something fun about buying new clothes, I have to admit!
There are so many things that we take for granted. When we get in the car, or when someone leaves and says, I'll be back, we understand that. She doesn't yet. She is so dependant on what happens in the present. She is constantly looking for clues from us about how to behave, what's coming next, what words to learn.
Her little brain sometimes goes on overload - I found out today that her repeated phrase from yesterday and today is a made up phrase. She told two people who could translate for us that she didn't know what it meant either! That was a relief!
She has already learned that repeating what we say will usually illicit a laugh and a smile (especially my "wait" or "so ---"). But she's also learning that saying "thank you" gets her what she wants faster. And "I'm sorry" is the right thing to say when someone gets upset. That's a good start.
Today, with me, we were testing limits. So bathtime was full of "bu yoa" and crossed arms and shaking of head. But the tub flutes were great (thanks Tina!), and eventually, we decided it was okay, especially after getting to splash mama. Then getting dressed. Then eating breakfast. Then picking up toys - everything was a test today. But when we got to Italco, she wanted me to carry her and had her arms wrapped pretty tightly around my neck.
I must not be all that bad!
Daddy is scary sometimes, because when he says to do something, he has "that look". But he's pretty great too! He plays Tickle Monster and Pirate Ship. And he knows how to throw the toy for Katrina. That's definitely a plus.
Little does she know that he knows how to cook too! Our refrigerator has all sorts of green things in it that I've never even seen before! And I've had more rice in the last week than in the last year, I think! Her diet consists of fruit, juice, rice, ham or pork chops, some kind of green veggie and some yogurt. But when in doubt, McDonald's chicken nuggets will always work! That was a special treat there, so she will eat that with gusto! Including the french fries.
Especially the french fries!
Oh, and Animal Crackers and Goldfish!
