Children's Museum of Phoenix

Amy and I took Reese and Charlotte to the Children's Museum of Phoenix this morning.  It was so nice when we got there because it was quiet.  Reese loved it!  There are play houses and a grocery store.  A place to make forts and the noodle forest.  Reese was bummed that we didn't get to climb on the giant climber because it became crazy busy as the day went on.  A couple of school groups came in and that was the sign that we need to leave.  Reese really enjoyed the Museum and I know she will enjoy going back.

Reese then had the biggest tantrum that I have ever experienced on the way home.  It was awful for everyone involved and took her a long time to calm down.  We spent the rest of the day at home being quiet.  We watched Monster's Inc. and had a dance party after dinner.  Dance class again tomorrow!

Classroom visit

Reese and I began yesterday by visiting Reese's preschool classroom.  Mrs. Casey was very nice and inviting and Reese did a great job.  We participated in the morning roll call and calendar, then an All About Me for a student, snack time, then some time on the playground.  I am feeling better because I know what her days will look like and Reese is very excited about starting school.  She got really upset when we had to leave because her class was going inside to make pancakes.  We had to go home and make a paper-chain so that we could count down the days until she goes back to school. 

We played outside after her nap yesterday while drinking a smoothie and oops, we spilled!  I got out the hose out to wash it off and should have known it would turn into a big mess.  Reese had a blast splashing.  I loved her little footprints!

Scooby Dooby Doo

Today was a great day.  Just an average day, really, but it felt great.  We playing with the little people and had a home visit with our AZ case manager.  She arrived while we were setting up the little people wedding.  Bella, Trudy and Santa were in attendance.  We ate our lunch standing at the kitchen counter, Reese on the step-stool, and talked then played outside for a bit before naptime.  We have borrowed a little tricycle from Amy that automatically pedals and Reese has really gotten the hang of it.  It is so awesome seeing her just pedal down the drive way.  She has a hard time getting going but with a little shove, she is on her way.  At dinner we were talking about letters and sounds they make and Reese wanted to do these little flashcards that spell out three-letter words and shows a picture of the word when you put them together.  I was pronouncing the sounds for each letter and Reese was not understanding why I was doing that.  She didn't realize that I was sounding out a word and then all of a sudden, it clicked.  I cheered and she was so excited that she had to give me a hug.  It was really a fun moment and boosted my self esteem for teaching her things. 

I always want to be taking Reese places, showing her things and giving her experiences but the days I love most are the quiet ones at home.  The ones where we just play outside and she listens well, where there are lots of hugs and giggles. 

It was also a Scooby Doo day.  Thankfully, Aunt Kathy bought Reese the Christmas Scooby Doo DVD because today it was all she wanted.  After bathtime she asked to watch the same episode twice.  I need to check to see if Scooby Doo is available on netflix.

Why did I think I wanted to see Drive?  I didn't mind the two hours of Ryan Gosling but seriously, what was I thinking.  It was violent and gory.  I don't even think I read the synopsis when I added it to my netflix list.  Now I am having to watch some Big Bang Theory so that I don't have nightmares.  Maybe I should take a look at my queue.

The Stove that Craigslist Bought

Yesterday was a day of introducing Reese to friends and coworkers.  We started out the day with a trip to Chandler's Sunset Public Library, where I interned last summer.  We attended Micah's family story-time, which I used to give with him.  Reese was a little shy but that was to be expected because a couple of staff members stopped us on the way in and were excited to meet her.  She did love when Micah read a book, it was the dancing that she as not crazy for.  Weird, I know.

They have remodeled Sunset since I worked there and it was fun to see all the changes and bright new colors.  Reese liked the elephants in the kids area!

Yesterday evening, Amy had a "Welcome Reese to Arizona" Happy Hour.  A couple of friends and coworkers were able to come and it was great to see the people that I am so used to seeing every day and let them meet Reese.  She was crazy for my friend Debbie's fiance, Jesse, who played with her and the Wazny girls all night.  She had to wear a fancy dress and did really well playing!  I had a glass of wine, some great food and much needed conversation.  It was really wonderful to have everyone together.  I have always known how important my coworkers are to me but this break and big change in my life are a good reminder how much I value them. 

I know that I can never repay Amy for all of her support, friendship and kindness that she has given me since we became friends.  I truly have no idea if I could do all of this without her friendship.  I am forever indebted to her and her family.  Once again, she went above and beyond.  Thank you!

Reader's Digest and Honeys

Potty Training update: Reese is making big strides!  She can now go into the bathroom and do everything by herself.  She does need a little step-stool and sometimes she cannot get the soap to pump.  The other day I was in the shower and jumped out of my skin when I heard the toilet lid close.  Reese had come in and used the potty all by herself!  This morning she wanted me to come in with her but then didn't need my help at all.  I love when she needs her "piracy" aka privacy and I have to leave and close the door, "all the way!"  She was taking a while yesterday so I peaked my head in and she was just sitting there reading a Reader's Digest. I couldn't stop laughing.  Needless to say, she is fitting into my lifestyle perfectly :)

Today has been a quiet day around here.  We had a pretend yellow baby monster visit this morning, that I ended up carrying around for longer than I would like to admit.  Then, Reese was riding her "honeys" around the backyard on a tricycle.  I am not sure what they are but she kept talking to them and when it was time to come in she had to keep running out to the grass to get them. 

My neighbors have a drum set in their garage, which I am not a huge fan of.  Today they were playing while Reese and I went out to feed the cats.  Reese looked over and said "You're hurting my ears, neighbors."  Then just went back to her business.  It is exactly what I have wanted to say to them and she just put it out there.  I love her!

Ballet Class

Reese began going to ballet class yesterday at Devonshire Community Center.  She was SO excited and did such a good job.  I was very proud of her.  When we were getting ready to go, she said that she wanted me in the class and I told her that I didn't know if I would be able to.  She just kept insisting that I could but once we got there she was so brave.  We went in, signed her in, put her shoes on, she gave me a kiss and was perfectly happy seeing me go into the lobby to wait for her.  It is a half hour class with Miss Susan.  She said her favorite part was jumping over the dog :)

I am so excited to be able to give her this experience.  It is only a four week session and the last class I get to attend to see all that she has learned.  I cannot wait!!

Movies

"Let's go already"

Amy and I took the girls to the movies yesterday to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D!  It was Reese's first time at the movies and she was very excited. 

Friends

She did an amazing job for the first 45 minutes and then it started to go downhill.  We had to go to the bathroom and then she wouldn't wear the glasses.  Afterwards she wanted to run in the theater like a banshee which I was not a big fan of.  She was so excited by seeing Steamboat Willie in 3D, she turned to me and said "it is coming at me."  I really enjoyed watching her and seeing her reactions.  I love that this was her first movie experience!