New Tricks {Fav Foto Friday}

Guess what Milo learned how to do??!!

Hello tan lines!

Yeah.. mid-air.
This boy has no fear.

I was the privileged one to discover this new trick on Monday, when Matt was at a city council meeting.

About 10 minutes after I said the last goodnight to the kiddos, I heard a whimper.

I immediately thought Xandra got up (which is very unusual for her- she all but refuses to get out of bed, even if she needs to go to the restroom... we're working on that).

But I found Milo standing at the top of the steps.

As soon as I picked him up, he began crying.

Sobbing.

He couldn't calm down for 15 minutes.

Then he zoned out/shut down for another 15 minutes.

I think he scared himself.

So we had a good half hour of bonding time, while I assured him he was not in trouble.

However, he has been showing off practicing his new trick torture-technique skill for the past few days.

And our bedtime routine now includes a stern warning request begging him to remain in bed all night.

So far, so good... 

Since that first night, he's only practiced his climbing during daylight hours
(as Xandra watches & happily screeches "Do it again Milo! Do it again!").

We'll be shopping for a big-boy bed in the next few weeks.

Xandra Growing Pains {Sunday Snapshot}

Since I've been focusing a few posts all about Milo, I figured it was Xandra's turn again. I love this girl more than she will ever know. In many ways we are so much alike.... too much alike at times. She knows just how to get under my skin. 

I'm watching her mature, and grow into her own person right in front of my eyes. She's been testing her limits the past few weeks. I'm sure it's partially from being around all new kids in her kindergarten class - she's been testing out some new attitudes. None of which will fly at our house.

We experienced her first big-time punishment yesterday. Suffice it to say, she acted horrendously at a doctor's appointment. She had to forsake her promised trip to get some ice cream (which meant I had to give up my cravings for ice cream, too). And she was not allowed to play with any of her favorite toys (i.e. Barbies) all day. She also got to spend a great deal of time in her room, thinking about what she had done.

It was hard on all of us- especially Milo. He just didn't understand why his idol couldn't play with him. That boy just worships her. I suppose I never truly understood it when my parents told me that punishments were harder on them than on me... I get it now.

We'll find our footing again, I know. It will probably be just in time for her to begin another new school with all new kids to influence her. Fun. (Our town has one school specifically for kindergarteners. Then the kids move on to an elementary school for 1st-5th grades.)

Finally-Good Weather!

Yea!! I think warm weather is finally upon us!! But since this is Ohio, we know that mornings & evenings are still pretty chilly. The afternoons, though, are awesome!! I still don't think we're completely into full-on good weather. The gray skies still prevail (which I *hate*). But, here and there, the sun peeks through, and it brightens not just the day, but also my spirits. :)

It's been a long week. And it's looking like it will be a long couple of weeks to come. But today... today was good. :)

**BTW- is it just me, or does Xandra look insanely mature in that picture?! She is growing up way too fast!! I force her to let me hold her like a baby, and rock her at night. Sometimes she fights me (no time for mom's games!), but sometimes, like tonight, she lets me. She likes listening to how I would hold her when she was a baby & rock her to sleep. When she's really stalling at bedtime, she knows just how to do it - beg mommy to rock her for just a few more minutes. I give in every time. How do you say no to that face???

Where Has My Baby Gone?

Pretend she's not slightly grinning. Imagine her with a disgusted look - that's what we've seen way more often that I'd like. 

The last few days have brought a realization I was so hoping to put off for at least 5 more years (if not more)... My baby girl has been replaced with the makings of a pre-teen. The ATTITUDE she has been showing is absolutely ridiculous! All of a sudden, we're hearing loud sighs, huffs & puffs, smacking her leg in protest, and back-talk. I've heard a lot of "Whatever Mom!" I knew it was coming, but I really didn't expect it for a while. And not to this extent. I'm just not prepared. I've got to nip this while it's still new, so she doesn't think she can get away with this! 

She may look cute... but we know better! 

OH! & the negotiator she's become!! I think she may be a future lawyer! 

"Xandra, it's time to get your pj's on." 

"I just want 2 more minutes!" 

"Xandra, it's been 2 minutes, now it really is time to get ready for bed." 

"Mommy! I just need to brush baby's hair!" 

Grrrr!! What happened to my baby girl who hung on my every word and followed the rules? I know I've been spoiled by having such an incredibly easy child to raise. Seriously. She really is a natural rule-follower. At least she was before this 'thing' took over her body. I miss my sweet little girl!