BibittyBobittyEmNaRoo*

We were blessed to have another visit from Mammaw and Pappaw before they return to Tanzania.


They were able to spend last Wednesday through Saturday with us. Em and Roo were very excited to have them here and wanted to spend every waking moment (plus some more) with them. Em even climbed out of bed to extend the day.

We also got a long overdue visit with Aunt Susan, Connor and Trevor. Em was cu-razy about the boys. She chased after them inside and out and called them "BOYS!". When they left, Em wanted to high five and fist bump them. So, she hollered after Trevor, "Blue Shirt! Boy! High Five?"

Pappaw, Connor and Trevor (taken at Aunt Susan's house)

Mammaw, Roo and Aunt Susan

Making some "music" while out to eat with Mammaw and Pappaw

A most favorite activity of Roo's was reading with Pappaw. She would trot up to him with a book, back into his lap or climb up next to him and say, "Here we go.", which means, "Let's get to reading now." She's kind of bossy. But it's cute when you're short.




more stories with Pappaw

Em and Mammaw getting some story time, too.


We tried to get a family all-together photo. Should have known better. Those never work.

The afternoon of the day that Mammaw and Pappaw left was tough. Em and Roo didn't believe that they were really gone. They looked all over the house for them, calling out, "Where are you?" Finally, I pulled out the phone and called them so everyone could chat. It seemed to help both Em and Roo make the transition and understand that Mammaw and Pappaw had to leave.

It's so hard when J and I realize that an entire year will go by before we see his parents again. We are so proud of the work Mammaw and Pappaw do and their obedience and faithfulness.
But, it must be said...
We all miss you so much.



*Here's another interweb Swahili lesson for you. Grandmother and Grandfather translates to Bibi na Babu. Which, really makes me think of Cinderella and pumpkins and fairy godmothers.

Leg Warmers Optional

Em and Roo had their first Kindertots dance class today.


This is a 10 week class that meets 30 minutes once a week.
Parents were welcome and encouraged to stay and participate. And there is no uniform.
It was a gentle introduction to dance instruction. Toddler style
(read: lots of transitions, props and leniency).



Em ate it up with a spoon and is excited to go back next week. Roo, typically slower to warm up to anything new was a careful observer for most of the class. I think she'll be a little more brave at the next class, since she knows what to expect.

After class, J and I took the girls out for breakfast at a nearby coffee house.


We are all looking forward our new Saturday morning routine.

over the hedge

Em escaped.

Yesterday morning we woke to her cheerful, "Hi, Mama!" as she climbed into our bed.
J's first reaction was to look at me and say, "Did you let her out?"
Most certainly not.

She also has a black eye.


I think she hit the corner of her crib while going over. Not that she cried about it. It was much too exhilarating an experience to cry over.

By nap time Em was exhausted. Thanks to getting up an hour early and abrakadoodling. She crashed hard and never tried to climb out.

We held out hope that the shiner on her face was lesson enough. That she would settle in and that would be the end of it.

Ten minutes after goodnight kisses and closing the door, she opened it. Her face was radiant.
Her glowing expression said,
"I'm baaa-ack! How awesome is this? We can play all night now!"

Immediately, Em was hustled back to her room. J popped open her PeaPod travel bed and we zipped her inside.

She cried like her heart was broken.

I felt awful.

And then I remembered that a friend's child spent months in a cast after breaking his leg during a crib dive. And her black eye is still fresh. Not to mention the scabbing so close to her eye that could have meant stitches or worse.

Guilt-be-gone.

*Crib tent has been purchased and will be arriving soon. I wonder if the nice lady and compliant toddler come with it and if she cooks and does laundry? What a deal!

Abraka-take that out of your mouth- Doodle

So today was the day to go "action painting" at Abrakadoodle. A cool concept that combines the action packed life of a kid with a lot of washable paint. The ideal age set for this activity is the 3 to 5 range. Em and Roo were a bit young for it, but it was fun to try. Em did the action part and Roo did the painting part. That's why they're a great team.

fueling up before the big event

the bomb-shelter style room where the "action painting" happens

The 3 year olds doing what they're supposed to be doing.

Em and Roo playing in the water bucket. Hmmm.

Roo getting her own clean-up crew. Because she basically sat in the blue paint tray. The girl looked like she's bitten the head off of a Smurf.

The still shots really don't tell the story of an action packed adventure like ours. So, lets roll film...

the color of insanity

Tomorrow our playgroup, of twins and triplets, will meet up to do this...

What do you wanna bet that I've got something to say about it when it's all said and done?

Crazy Talk

You are winning, Em and Roo. Slowly, your Daddy and I are being driven insane.

Good move having Roo wake up at 11:30pm, 1am and 2am. Which finally led to Daddy putting Roo in bed with us. Where she proceeded to wake up every 40 minutes until dawn when we finally put her back in her own bed. And, of course, she then went promptly to sleep.

Brilliant planning to then wake both of us up by having Em screech like a banshee until we pried our worn and exhausted bodies from the covers to check on you at 7am. And then, Em, you greeted us with smiles and your knowledge that "chi-chens say bawk bawk." Thank you.

Naturally, we thought you'd both need a long nap. Au contraire, mon frère.

You both woke early with all the loudness you could muster, screaming "JUMP!" and "AGAIN!".

Em, we watched on the monitor as you put your cupcake set into the pan, the eggs in the bowl (toys you insisted on sleeping with) and then jumped as high as you could. The resulting bounce sent the cupcakes and eggs flying from their containers. Roo would laugh like crazy and beg for a repeat performance.
It really was funny. Until...

Em decided to put all the eggs in one basket, or rather cupcakes and eggs. They wouldn't fit.

Em, you went mad, throwing yourself about, kicking and screaming.

Daddy got you both out of bed then.

Roo, you came straight to me, climbed up onto the bed where I sat.
And told me, "how about sit down."
Then, you sat on my head.

Em, you came in the room too, crawled into the sheets beside me and told me to be quiet. Then, you yawned and pretended to snore and sleep.
I know it's pretend. Because you two do not sleep anymore.

You know, we didn't mind this routine when you were infants needing to be fed every 3 hours. But, Daddy and I are feeling a tad bitter these days. And are talking crazy. Like making plans to run into your room every 2 hours when you are teenagers and just scream at you and pounce on your bed. And poke your nose over and over, demanding that you say "honk honk."

strategery

Tonight, after the girls' bath, Roo was brushing her teeth. And eying Em's toothbrush.

Roo really really likes to have two of everything.

She knew Em would not give it to her and neither would I. So, she didn't even ask.

Instead, she looked up at me with her big blue eyes and asked if Em could have a diaper change. Or maybe go put on her pajamas.

Smarty pants was banking on Em leaving the toothbrush behind when she got hustled away for her wardrobe change.