Scooting and Snacking

Because of my recent mental chaos, I have fallen behind on keeping you up to date with the regular happenings of our household. Last week and weekend were super busy and super fun — a welcome break from constant brainstorming about our plans to ensure economic stability (as exciting as that sounds). Let me bring you up to speed.

On Wednesday, it was Taylor’s cousin’s birthday. So, we went to Scooters, a roller-skating rink, for his party. Taylor immediately fell in love with the razor scooters and spent a good bit of time scooting around the rink with the big kids.

But, just like her Momma, she was most excited about the snacks — pizza and cookie cake! Party food is my favorite food. And Tay’s too.

Mmmm, pizza.

The blowing of the candles and singing of Happy Birthday

The anticipation of the cookie cake cuttingTay and Daddy protecting their cookies/taunting Mommy

On Thursday, we had small group, which meant Taylor spent the evening with her favorite non-relative babysitter (like how I covered my butt there, grandparents and sister-in-laws?!) Tay loves Thursday nights. Instead of whining when we head out the door, she barely gives us a nod over the shoulder and yells “bye Mommy, bye Daddy” as she drags her sitter down the hallway to her room.

On a totally random note, we have been working with Taylor to say her full name and to know her Mommy and Daddy’s names. Just in case she gets lost or if there is a medical emergency or whatever. (We’ll work on her address and phone number memory later, Oprah.) I think it’s a good idea for her to know this information. Not to mention, it is so cute. She now refers to herself as “Tayla Blady”, to Mommy as “Hil-la-la-de-de”, to Daddy as “Yimmy”, and to Nana/Mamaw as “Doodie” (they’re both named Judi/Judy). She says both of her Papaw’s names very clearly, so they’re not as funny. We were reading a book the other day and she pointed out a turtle on the page, saying “turtle.” I said, “Oh, what a cute turtle. What is his name?” to which Taylor replied “Tayla Blady”. Because we call her “turtle”. Right. Hahaha.

Back to recent events. On Saturday, we spent the afternoon with good friends. Eating snacks, catching up, and watching the kids (and daddies) play Wii. Taylor spent most of the afternoon cleaning the glass doors (and her hair) with a squirt gun. She is obsessed with cleaning — another piece of evidence that she is my daughter.

Cleaning

Sharing snacks with Alex

On Sunday afternoon, we had dinner with the Cornwalls. It started out a little testy -- Hana, Brooke and Taylor had a few power struggles with the pull-toy puppy, the shopping cart and the baby stroller. But after a few time-outs and timed sharing sessions, they finally learned how to play nicely.

The past few days have been mentally complicated and exhausting. We’ve learned a lot about ourselves, which, in turn has led us to grow personally and spiritually. We are grateful for friends that have helped us to hash these thoughts out, and for parties that allow us to temporarily lose ourselves. How can you stress during the chicken dance?