Almost Three!

Well, it's already that time again. It's time to order another blog book because your birthday is quickly approaching.  I can't believe you've been here for three years already... and at the same time, I can't really remember what life was like without you.

Lookin' through pictures and posts of the last year prove all the great times we shared together.  But I'm going to be honest... as much fun as we had, there were probably more hard times.  Two year olds really are terrible.  The tantrums, biting, hitting, disobeying, etc... were constant most days (often leaving us both in tears).  I've never felt as much like a failure as I've felt in the last year.  I've questioned my ability to be a mother.  Fact is though, I am one.  I am YOUR mother. And I love you.

I tell you all this not because I want you to feel guilty, or like you're not good enough...

Believe me when I say you ARE good enough.

I tell you this because when you are an adult, and a mother, I want you to know that the challenges you face are normal.  And like you are "good enough" at 2 years old as a child, you will also be "good enough" as a mother.  As long as you are doing your best and always trying to improve, you're doing great.

I hope you know that I'm always doing my best in raising you.  I'm certainly not perfect but I am always worried about how my actions/words will affect you.  We're learning and growing together.  I am so lucky to have had such a great little challenge for my first baby. I know that we were meant to be together!

You make me proud.

You have a brilliant mind.

You have a kind heart.

You love to sing and dance, bringing a joy like no other into our home.

You keep me honest.

You make me laugh.

You make me cry.

I worry about you and I also know that if I can raise  you right, I'll have nothing to worry about.

I hope I make you happy and fill all your needs the way a good mother should.

For your third birthday, the theme will be Despicable Me.  You love the movie and it is a fitting theme for the year we're finishing up.  Pictures of your birthday will start your next book.  I've gotta get this one printed!

 I love you dear!

I'm very curious about what the next year will bring.

Wish me luck!

Mom



Lil Racer

If you don't know already, your mama is a runner.

It makes me feel good.

The photo's below show me (and Auntie Sunny) at one of our half marathons... in fact, to this date, it's been our fastest one!  We ran it in 1:52 with an average 8:35 pace.

When we were finished, there was a kids race.  You all got your own ribbons.  You did so well and ran a majority of the way.  You were thrilled.  It was fun!

 

Love you,

Mommy 

I love my sister!

You're a great big sister.

And you take care of your Sophia.

You often tell other people, "Don't touch my Sister" or "I love my Sister."  It's cute.

Look at Me!

You love being in the spotlight.

And I love putting you there.

You can be a terror and I choose to ignore that most of the time.  But when you're sweet... it's sure refreshing!

 

For this picture you were saying, "Look at me mom! Take my picture."

So, I did.

Love you,

Mom 

Helping in the Garden

Our garden this year started off so BEAUTIFULLY!

You love to help in the garden-- which often means you pick our tomatoes while they're still green.

Here you are, completely delighted with your finds:

 

Unfortunately, now we have squash bugs that have totally wiped out plants.

I suppose we'll try again next year.

Love you babe,

Mom

 

Summer vacation in Red River

Nonna and Rascal Bill came to good ole NM for a much needed family visit.

We sure have missed having them close.

You seemed to remember them really well... which made me happy.

Towards the end of their visit we all headed down to Red River, NM to "vacation."  Mimi found us some great condo's to rent and we had a blast sharing a condo with Auntie Sunny's family.

You, lucky girl, got your own big bed the first night. 

Our condo was right next to a park.  The whole town was probably only about a mile from end to end.  So we visited a few shops, ate a lot, you got to go swimming, and we rode a group bike (which isn't easy!).  It was a nice little getaway.

 

We mixed up the drive home a little bit and drove along the "Enchanted Circle."  It was a beautiful drive that showcased EVERYTHING mystical about our desert home, New Mexico.  The Veterans Memorial was also along the way and it had amazing stories of men/women who have sacrificed so much for our countries.  Seeing places like that give me so much more appreciation for our military and the different wars that have been fought.  They make them more "real" for me.

 

 

All in all, it was a great trip!

Love you,

Mom

Nap time!

Naps these days are quite rare for you.

You like to play.  Not nap.

It makes some days pretty tough around here.  We both get kinda moody when you miss your naps.

While daddy was out of town, I decided to try and get you to nap in another way... By taking a nap WITH you.  All three of us girls snuggled up and got a nice 2 hour nap together.  Sophia was the first to wake up, of course.

It was a very tender moment.

Love you,

Mom 

All About My Daddy-- By Chloe Ann, age 2

As I was cleaning off the fridge, I came upon the questionnaire you answered for Father's day.  It was adorable and it showed how (reasonably) selfish 2 year olds really are.

 

My daddy's name is Daddy Smith.

He is 10 feet tall.

He weighs 30 pounds.

He is 2 years old.

His hair color is brown.

His eyes are brown,

His favorite TV show is Chuggington.

He likes to ride with me.

His favorite food is lasagna.

His favorite drink is chocolate milk.

I love it when Daddy reads to me.

 

You're awesome Chloe Ann.

Love you,

Mom