Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The Great Outdoors

I am so thankful the weather has been nice enough to spend many days going on walks, to the park, and to the Zoo.

Reese seems to enjoy the fresh air as much as I do.

It's the best when Daddy can come with us, too.

One of her favorite places to be is on his shoulders.

I taught Reese to play Tic-Tac-Toe. I won.

I am not a believer in letting your child win, so sue me.

The flamingos were fascinating to Reese.

Ahhh, The Great Outdoors!

Is there anything better?

T.G.I.M.

Or Thank God It's Monday.

Reese can't wait for Monday to roll around so she can see Sesame Street.

I can't wait to see this girl's booty bounce.

I get to enjoy this sight for the next 4 days in a row.
Lucky me!

# 1

From Winnie The Pooh and the Honey Tree
Written by: Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

Winnie the Pooh

Winnie the Pooh

Tubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff

He's Winnie the Pooh

Winnie the Pooh

Willy nilly silly old bear

Reese loves her Winnie the Pooh bear.
She rarely goes anywhere without him.

Book Worm

Well it's official, Reese is a book worm!

She's been read to since she was in my belly, but her love of reading still surprises me. I guess this has something to do with her age. See, she can "read" to herself for 20 minutes (or more) non stop. She's perfectly engaged and happy to sit there going through board book after board book. It's as if they're her friends and she's playing with them.

She still likes to be read to, too, but only on her terms. She will take the book from you midway through if she wants to finish it herself or if she's just not "feeling it."

However, she has her favorites that she will almost always let you finish reading.

Let's see...there's Five Little Monkeys. When I snapped this picture I had no idea what she was doing with her hand and then it dawned on me. She's trying to do the hand motions I always make when I read this book to her. She's catching on that smartie pants.

Then there's Sheep in a Jeep. She often wants me to read this to her again and again. Maybe she enjoys all the rhyming words in the book?

Another favorite is Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? This version has sound buttons. She really enjoys pushing them and listening to the different animal sounds.

She's also taken with her Sesame Street books at the moment.

Sometimes I catch her Reading while walking. 

This is disasterous at times.

Other times I find her reading in the most unusual places. Like her old vibrating baby chair.

This video gives you a glimpse into how her reading sessions go. She goes from book to book. Sometimes forwards and backwards. Laughs to herself. She's so precious to watch.

Did you notice how she flipped the Sesame Street book right side up. She's already picking up on correct book orientation. It's also clear she loves Elmo.

Man, oh man, I am one proud momma! 

Play dates

Play dates are the best!

I am not sure who enjoys them more--
the kids or the parents?

Reese and I have been on many play dates recently.

On President's Day we met my friend Shannon and her son Austin for breakfast and then played at our house afterwards. The best play dates are ones that involve food in my opinion.

Reese loves being around older kids. 

Austin was especially sweet to her. 

They had a ton of fun together .

Playing tea party,

with Reese's stuffed dogs,

and in the ball pit were some of the highlights.

Reese will enjoy playing with Austin again over Spring Break and his mom and I will enjoy catching up!

A few weeks ago we met Emma at the Science Museum again for our weekly play date.

These girls make me smile.

I enjoy watching them interact and (occasionally)

get into a little mischief with each other's help.

Last week at the zoo they were beyond cute in the Radio Flyer together!

They pet goats together,

walked around,

encountered big grizzly bears

and big fish.

They also ran off with my sunscreen bottle

and got filthy by, first rubbing their hands along the tires of the Radio Flyer, and then all over themselves.

Oh wait! I'm sorry Emma!

It was just Reese who did those things!

Yep! Here's my filthy tire rubber girl!

She can certainly be stinky sometimes.

But, I love every stinkin' inch of her.