" I look awesome, take my picture!"

Cindy Lou... Who?

Ready for Cirque

Doh!

Miss Daisy: Ainsley, where do you get your beautiful dresses?
Ainsley: They just...come to the door.

Doh! Too much online shopping?

Driving the combine

Ainsley's butterfly garden getting some more action

A little light reading on the porch

Big brother reading a bedtime story to little sister

Notice the feet

Sent from my iPhone... Ever so slightly off the ground!

Bright eyed and bushy tailed!

After hopping up to turn on her light this morning, a cheery faced Ainsley asked "What are we doing today!?" In response to being told she was going to Abra to see friends: "Yaaaaay! I'm going to see Benjamin, and Norah and Katie and..."

Watermelon on Fiona's porch

Sippy cup in hand, we attended the symphony.

Ainsley is a huge fan of the symphony. Who knew? "The music is pretty," she whispered. She didn't miss a chance to be the first to clap, appropriately, even with a sippy under her arm. "That's a bunny rabbit!" Okay, so it was Bugs Bunny at the Symphony at Wolf Trap, but it was pretty awesome! Ainsley sat on the edge of her seat...and not just because she needed a diaper bag behind her to keep her chair from flippy up and squishing her. Wolf Trap is such a special place. Our seats were surrounded by trees. More magical than Disney.

Best Part of My Day

I don't usually use this line, but I drank all of Ainsley's lemonade and I wasn't sure how to get out of it.
"I'm a bad mommy."
"No you're not!" Ainsley replies with wide, consoling eyes and complete sincerity. "You're a good mommy. You're so nice!"
What a sweet, darling girl!

Monkey Jammas!

Arcade @ Fuddruckers

About 3:30 PM...

Harry is in his room for a time out, Ainsley is napping. I hear a light switch flip and a door open. Thinking Harry is in time out until 4...why is the door opening...and why was the light off prior? Miss Ainsley appears. No post nap crying. No demands for milk. Naps over. She's a big "gorl" now!

Big day for the little girl...

IKEA

Looks like we will be going shopping for a big girl bed tomorrow. Ainsley is doing well in her current crib-toddler bed conversion, but would prefer something more roomy. Plus, she tells us,

"I just need something beautiful."

Day 2

Tears this morning but apparently the rest of the day was good...until I arrived and she completely broke down. Unexpectedly saw me while following Ms. Tanya to the bathroom. Sounds like she surprised them with her talkativeness today. Only took a brief nap, then woke up asking if they wanted to see her nails and discussing lighthouses. Good to know our travels have left an impression! Ate all of her lunch, except salad, and apparently no one ate salad. Tomorrow is water play day so it should be all good!

First Day at Abra

Ainsley reports eating Graham Crackers, playing with bristle blocks and with drums. But there were no drumsticks. She demonstrated her technique.
Teacher reports she did not eat lunch, but was served a cheese melt that was like pizza. Ainsley reports she did in fact have apples for lunch. And pizza. Hmmmm.
Did I mention she is so funny?
Also tried on her f irst ballerina costume today. She wants to be "a ballerina" and starts class in September. Attire includes a feathered tiara. She insisted a "headdress" is a must. There is such an item in a ballet book she has, which we reviewed ONE time. One!

Quote of the Day

Post bathtime:
Ainsley: Harry! Time to get on the potty!
Kim: You know how this works!
Ainsley: That's right. I got the rad moves!

Hangin at the Pirates Playground

Out like a light

Another Chapter Finished

Today is Ainsley's last day at daycare. 2 weeks from now (after a nice vacation to Duck NC), she'll once again be following in big brother's footsteps, and starting her career at Abracadabra as a Munchkin!

It also signifies the end of the McDermott's time with Menike and Infant-Toddler. She and Johnny have been wonderful with both of our children, and certainly they will remember their time with her fondly.

#2

***warning! Possible TMI

Miss Ainsley doesn't miss a trick. She is always listening. Came in from outside this evening to see her freaking out and crying that she pooped. Trying to calm her down I asked if it was elephant poo. Why, yes, it was. Explaining to Kevin that maybe it hurt her. I didn't think she had gone at all on Sunday. "I went today at Miss Menike's and it was Bunny-poo!" Miss Ainsley interjected between heavy tears. Huh. Well, let's explain fiber then. "I'm going to eat my vegetables...AT THE TABLE!" Added that last part herself. Works for me!

Would you like a carrot?

I would! Carrots come from Bunnyland.

No Rain, No Rainbows

When Ainsley sees rain, she wants to dance in it. And she does. She wants to take off her shoes and run in the grass. And she does. She wants to get her magnifying glass and look for lightning bugs, as she holds out her hands to demonstrate holding a small bug.
K: Do you mean rainbows? Up in the sky?
A: Oh! We need a telescope! Do we have one?

Nothing bad ever happens at Tiffany

The little one is a big fan of shopping. I think she prefers it to a trip to the zoo.
Loves a stroller ride, loves to listen to the music, loves to pick out pretty pink/shiny things for me to wear. I had no idea a trip to Loft could be so exciting.

Mommy, I hear something! Can I dance?

Happy Memorial Day

Along with relaxing with an ice cold beverage, Ainsley spent two days at the pool. Saturday was at "Tylenol's" pool (that would be Tyler Lynch) and the second at Highland Park. She knows how to party, as well as how to turn use her words creatively.

Can you swim me?

Strawberry Picking at "Bunnyland"

Back in April we visited Butler's Orchards for a spring festival called "Bunnyland." This trip was for strawberry picking, but Ainsley remembered it fondly.

At bedtime:

I don't want to get in the tub. I want to go back to Bunnyland!

Lollipop!

Ainsley came home from Menike's with 2 barrettes in her hair. I have been struggling for, oh, 2 years to get her to wear a bow. What's the secret here?
I told her that if she would wear barrettes she wouldn't have to get her hair cut tomorrow.

I want my hair cut!

Hmmm...You know, Ainsley, you can have a lollipop without getting a haircut.
In all innocence:

You can?

2 barrettes!

Today at daycare...

Everett was not happy that I arrived before his mom or dad. He was getting upset. Ainsley took his hand and t old him "It's okay Everett. Your daddy will be here soon."

Phrase of the Day

No, Daddy, you're not a princess. I'm the princess!

It Keeps Getting Better!

I was snoozing this morning while Ainsley and Harry watched Prep & Landing for the 90,000 time (Ainsley's choice) and Kevin was out riding his bike. Ainsley likes company. AInsley also likes Mommy to Tivo commercials. "Wake up Mommy!...No napping!...Cockadoodle-doooooo!!!!!"
She cockadoodledooed me! Seriously! I love the brilliant logic of my 2 year old. And it worked like a charm. How can a person sleep after that? I was too busy laughing!

"I want to go outside with my magnifying glass and look for bugs."

Word for word.
Is this not a usual sentence for a 27 month old to articulate? It is at our house.
I thought the waiter was going to pass out last night when I asked her if she wanted apple juice or pineapple. "Mmmm...pineapple," she said clearly, after contemplating for a moment. Dutiful waiter looked like he was humoring us as we let our baby pretend to place her own order. Nope. Not Ainsley. Not sure if I mentioned when we went to dinner back in March, she walked in and immediately told the hostess "I need a high chair."
She also wants to play with other kids, not just next to them. She tells them clearly what she wants. "Will you spin with me?" or "Would you like to run in the grass with me, Samuel?"
She's really very funny! She is a pleasure to hang out with and to talk to. She listens to everything and follows directions well. She is just a little mini person. It's almost sad that she's never really been a little baby! She has always seemed all knowing.

May 20, 2010
K:"It seems kind of late for the tiger lilies not to have bloomed yet."
A: "Yeah. I think so too."

Go Climb a Tree!

Up at Harry's soccer practice field there is a lovely tree. It is perfect for climbing with lots of ladder-like branches. Perfect for climbing ... UP that is. The branches are few and far between when you are trying to get back down! Oh, and said tree is located over a dry river bed full of rocks! Nice! The kids love to climb it. Yesterday was Ainsley's turn to ask "Can I climb the tree, Mah-my?" Uh- no! "I can do it!" Oh, I am sure you can...but I wasn't ready for that line to come back and bite me!
She did spinning instead. Unfortunately her spinning buddies Kira and Olivia were not available. Lucenna gave it a go but it was apparently not her thing. I bailed out gracefully. Great time to end practice!
This was Harry's last soccer practice of the season. Next year will change, since co-ed will cease. We're going to miss the team as a whole, and I know Ainsley will miss the friends she has made. Luckily we will still see them at the pool.
I have to say I have enjoyed my time with her at the park. I haven't seen Harry play much soccer, but I've seen Ainsley swing and slide and swing and play in sand and swing...and even play a little soccer.

Wise beyond her years...

Menike informed me the other day how grateful she is that we paint Ainsley's nails...apparently it consumes much of the discussion time. It's always a great fallback topic...and has been for months! Pink toenails is nothing new. Ainsley has even been known to paint my nails...and the fact is she did a great job! She is also the first to notice a new pedicure. It seems to me she knows it's happened before she even sees it. Pedicure radar.
She also notices things like, oh...expensive dress boutiques from a block away. In full southern accent: Dresses, Daaad-dy!
Ainsley loves books, she loves Dora, she loves discussing best/worst part of our day...she loves a good story, In fact, on a whim (and because none of our videos were re-wound) I popped a Baby Einstein video in the TV last week. "What's THIS? I need a story!"
This weekend we took a family trip to the Joint Forces Air Show at Andrews AFB. For someone who is so observant, she was not at all impressed with the large aircraft or stunt planes. That is, not until I pointed out the "diamond in the sky." BIG applause for that! "Yaaay! Clap Mommy! Clap!"
Yesterday, she had just arrived home as I was heading out the door with Harry. "You take Harry to karate Mooom-my? O-kaaay." Still with southern drawl, as she lay back on the sofa, feet on a pillow, arms folded behind her head, watching a show (Arthur...NOT Baby Einstein!).
She is just lovely :-)

Ainsley made up a new song this evening...I think.

Sitting on the porch.
Singing one more song.

Catchy, isn't it?

Awaiting Dairy Godmother

You are my sunshine...

This weekend was the first in a very long time, that we all got to spend some serious family time, out of doors, at home.

Finally gone are the snow drifts, the melting agents, the ice, the post-snow rain, and the puddles.

Finally arrived are the daffodils, the sun, the fresh air, and even some not-so-welcome wildlife in the yard!

We all had quite a weekend together doing various outdoor tasks. Harry helped with cleaning up the yard, the toys, the leaves, the toys, the furniture, the toys, the snow-damaged shrubbery... oh did I mention the toys? Ainsley did her best to get the playhouse in order, and to make sure the sand table was still usable.

Soccer also finally started back up for Harry, and Ainsley continues to be his number one fan. She even brought along her own shiny pink ball!

Sunday took us all on our first full-family bike ride... I think Ever. Even with a few minor (and one almost major) bouts of non-listening, a brief mechanical, and some insta-too-tiredness due to over-excitement, I'd say it was quite a success, and will certainly lead to more rides.

We also made back-to-back-to-back dinner engagements... again, first time I think ever.

Friday was typical pizza night, but since Generous George's is no longer, we shifted East and hit Bugsy's in Old TOwn. Harry even got to meet the man himself, and they both immediately agreed that Alex is the most fun to watch on the Capitals! A quick walk down to the water for dessert reminded us that Ben & Jerry's is no longer, so a quick detour to another spot for some custard, and we were good.

Saturday, we headed over for a great afternoon & dinner with the Sullivan's, and the kids got to hang out with Fiona and her cousins, bouncing on the trampoline, and climbing all over the swingset.

Since we had so much fun the night before, and Sunday was really Sully's birthday, we were invited back for a repeat appearance!

Everyone had so much fun, they were all fully asleep (and by all I mean EVERYone but me), by 8PM.

It's going to be quite the Summer. Ainsley's very much coming into her own, and Harry continues to stretch his body and his mind in more directions than any of us can handle at once. I continue to be astounded with how different the two of them are, but how well they seem to be getting along and enjoying each others company (even if they don't think so). She want's nothing more than to do everything that big brother is doing, and oddly enough, Harry wants nothing more than to play with all of her toys!

Okay maybe there are a FEW things he'd rather do more... but he won't tell you!

Seems like overnight...

Little Miss A has had an explosion (again) in vocabulary, and more importantly in relevance of what it is she's saying. She's ridiculously appropriate in her comments, and is very much listening, mostly when you really don't think she is.

Case in point...

She and big brother were engrossed with the new babycare center she got for her birthday. Harry was getting Baby Conner in anywhere he could, and Ainsley was trying to keep up with babies #1 and #2.

I told Harry he needed to remember that this was in fact her toy, not his, and that she was in charge of it.

To which Ainsley quickly repeated (without even looking up from what she was doing):

"I'M in charge"

What have I done...

ABCs and 123s

With only 2 days left until she turns 2, Miss Ainsley already can sing her ABCs perfectly (along with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Row Row Row Your Boat) and also count to 10. I mean 12. Wait - 13! Every time she counted tonight she reached a higher number! She's fun to have around. She catches on quick, and we love to teach her new things.
Fun: Q: "Ainsley, how old are you going to be?" A: "2."
More Fun: "Ainsley, how old is Daddy going to be?" A: "Older."
Most Fun: "Ainsley, hwo old is Mommy going to be?" A: "Younger!"

Yeah, she's the cutest!

Also using the potty. Proficiently. So much for Miss Nathalee taking care of that. Damn it!

Sno-verdose

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Giant Lego House

Taking a snack break from saving the world

January 7, 2010

After 2 days of fever and yucky-ness, Miss Ainsley got to go back to Menike's today to play with her friends. She also learned a new party trick.
Q: Ainsley, how old are you going to be?
A: 2.

yaaay! She's so smart.

The view from my "office" today

TMI

When we are tight on time, I throw both kids in the tub together. Harry likes to "swim" in the tub. Last night, Ainsley caught on. Through the oatmeal and bubble filled tub, I was guessing she was doing more crawling than swimming, but she shouted "swimming" nonetheless. It was adorable. Harry encouraged her with a "let me see your bum," not in an odd way, but very matter of fact. Tub's not that deep. You could see her tushy atop the bubbles. Ainsley's response, however, was not to swim again, but to pop up and turn in a circle, shaking her bum! She's not even 2, and she's already a freak! She's so darn funny, though!

Lego parade