34 months! And what and where is my printing press!

The Printing Press, created by Johannes Gutenberg, at the end of the 13th century, is often credited as getting the world out of the Dark Ages and into the Renaissance.

In the last few weeks, we as a family have visited the zoo, parks, museums, pools, and botanical gardens than we had in several months.  Why I asked?  Was it because the weather was bad, my schedule too busy, my growing belly -- well the later definitely played a role.  Truthfully, it was the word, "No",  temper tantrums and no napping had eroded our after school activities.  It was gradual -- first the word no crept in and the offer to go to the zoo or the park was answered with a "No."  Then if I took us out and about anyway it lead to wild toddler behavior and lots of concentration on discipline and just plain not getting herself run over by a car in the parking lot.  The most fun thing for her while doing these activities was no longer exploration and learning but running away from me.  The most enjoyable thing for me was getting in the car safely and going home.
 
Somewhere from around 28 months onward has been our Dark Ages -- the alphabet, numbers, and outings were ditched.  I began reading more and more books on discipline strategy and my log tallies of vocabulary, 10-word sentences and other developmental milestones were forgotten -- I had to quiet the roaring beast of "self" for a peaceful and tranquil "self and others".

Well I have not yet.  But I am thankful we have glimpses of a new phase, and we are learning together as a family how to deal with the toddler stage of independence and self centered preservation.  And we cannot wait for it to blossom into a blissful stage of childhood learning, exploration, and creativity. Not sure what will be Abigail's printing press -- maybe it will be her baby brother, or her mother back in pre-pregnancy shape.  My hope is it will be her -- all her own motivation and hard work and sensitivity to think of others, learn to be patient and kind and enjoy all the fun things we can fit into one day at a time. 

New favorite routine - Daddy pick up at school with stop at the gas station for a Push-Up and Coke Icee. 

The picnic dinner is an easy way to deal with no nap days giving her lots of room outdoors to run, play, and scream.

Doing a great job patiently waiting for dinner at her favorite restaurant, Torchy's Tacos.

Nachos and fried cookies are scrumptous!

New summer activity - swimming at the pool.  She loves the popsicle and needs to learn to kick and blow bubbles and listen to her swim instructor.  

I love you and your beautiful energetic spirit and smiles.  Kisses and hugs baby girl.