3rd birthday

On Harper's birthday (back in November) we went to an indoor playground in Lincoln with her buddy Ryder and his dad. They had so much fun running, jumping, and climbing around. The adults did too;) We then headed to Old Mcdonalds for a birthday lunch of Harper's choice. Not too shabby of a birthday for our lil peanut.

"Sissy Jadey"...

has such an amazing spirit about. She is inquisitive, determined, sweet, funny, and a lover. She LOVES books and will tell you to "read it" a zillion times a day. She LOVES her big sister and will tackle her, kiss her, and mimick what she is doing. She LOVES to climb the stairs to her bedroom or any stairs for that matter. She LOVES to smile for the camera and say "cheese." She LOVES milk and will drink it anytime it is offered. She LOVES to sing the abc's and other nursery rhyme songs. She LOVES her binky and would have it in her mouth all the time if allowed. She LOVES to dance and be spun around by her sister. She LOVES to brush her teeth and will say it "brush teeth." She LOVES to be in my arms. This momma LOVES her to pieces and I am grateful for this beautiful soul.

1st Dentist visit=success

playing in the waiting room while daddy got his teeth cleaned
Harper's turn
X-ray pictures

cleaning with flouride by Hygentist

counting and scraping with the Dentist

I am so proud of Harper for doing an amazing job at the dentist. I had to explain to the hygentist (who was amazed at how well she did for her age) that my role at work consists of preparing children for potentially traumatic events in the hospital setting. By giving them developmentally appropriate explanations, I aim to help minimize the stress of the potentially "stressful event" and empower them with knowledge they can understand. I use this approach with Harper when it comes to the doctor and the dentist. We read about it before hand, she is aware of the events that will take place, and we often times role play with the doctor kit. Going to the doctor and dentist is not scary for her at all and she even looks forward to the event. She loves getting a sticker and the small tokens they give away as prizes at the end of the visit. She picked out this tiny plastic junky ring that broke the minute they got home. Teaf told me tonight that it was sad to see her face when it broke. This crappy little ring was a treasure to her. He looks at me and says "I promised her we would replace it." I am thinking to myself, really? we are going to buy ANOTHER crappy ring that will break. I turn to him and say "did you tell her that she can pick out another prize the next time we go to the dentist." His response: "no, i figured we could get her a candy ring or something." Me- "ok, honey;)"

gnomies...

We call ourselves the 42nd street gnomies:) These Child Life Gnomes took our patients trick or treating at the hospital on Halloween. It was a fun day and it's always a good time to dress out of the normal work attire and spread Halloween cheer.

a year later...

Harper-2 years

Harper-3 years

Livia- 2 months

Livia- 14 months

Another year later and they just keep growing right before our eyes. I know this is how it's supposed to be...it just crazy to me...thats all.