Project 355 - Day 31

Tonight was family night.....

We made a King Cake....

"Wanna lick the Icing?"

Eli does!!!

Did I mention it wasn't exactly a traditional King Cake.  That's what happens when you let a 3-year-old pick the colors

Project 355 - Day 30

Sunday Shoes....

Project 355 - Day 29

Today, we ate spaghetti.....

....or should I say "wore spaghetti".

With all this talk about food.  Here is a video of Eli getting quite passionate about his food.

Project 355 - Day 28

Today was GORGEOUS!!!  Hallelujah!  I have dreaded stepping outside lately, even for a second.  But today, it would have been a SIN not to do something outside.  So we did.....

And Landry made this mask at school today.  She was proud :)

To Nap or Not to Nap?

Like most moms, my kids' nap-time is what keeps me sane after endless morning of pure chaos.  So the fact that I am even asking this question makes me cringe!

For about the last month or so, we have been having lots of problems with Landry at nighttime.  We will tuck her into bed and then the barrage of requests come: "Mommy, sing one song.  Kiss my head.  Hold my hand.  Give me a big hug.  I need to potty.  I  need a drink.  I dropped my bunny.  I need that blanket."  And as I walk out the door, it never fails, the screaming begins.  It goes on for a good while and then the requests begin again pushing her bedtime further and further back.  Two night ago, we put her in bed at 8:30, and 3 hours later at 11:30, she finally went to sleep.

Now Landry has always been a great sleeper.  She still takes a 3-hour nap, so one would assume she needs it.  But, it doesn't take a genius to see the 3-hour connection.  I could only allow her to take a 1-hour nap, but believe me when I say, "you will regret waking this child up early!"

So yesterday I made the jump.  I did not make her take a nap.  I let her lay on the couch and watch a movie.  Once the movie was over, she had some room time and table time and then we went to church.  By the time bedtime got here, her lack of sleep was evident.  She still had her usual requests, but within a few minutes after, she was out and we could rest easy.

So what has your experience been with dropping naps.  Is it inevitable for me?  Do I have to say goodbye to this precious moment of tranquility?  Be gentle with your responses :/

Project 355 - Day 27

Landry had a playdate today with her buddy Reese.  It is so special to see her develop such sweet friendships!  These two are a couple of real girly girls, so being Princesses was on the top of their agenda today.  Here, the two princesses take a break to dine.

 Aren't they sweet?!?!

 And now, as a bonus, here is a little pink to sweeten your day!

Project 355 - Day 26

Today I decided to experiment a little with the sun.  In photography, the sun is either your best friend or your worst enemy.  I am trying to learn how to work with it, rather than against it.  Here are a couple of the shots I got today.  This was kind of difficult, because Eli doesn't sit still for long.  Next time, I may use a figurine. LOL

And then, Landry received a bag full of dress-up clothes from some friends.  She was in hog heaven for sure!  This wig really brought out her inner diva.  I had to add these to today's pictures.

Project 355 - Day 25

Today I was really hoping the rain would stick around for a while for my photo idea.  But this was the only remnant of the rain I could find...

So instead, I just took a self portrait.  Not real fond of it, but I've not taken too many self portraits.  This is one of the tasks of a flickr group I joined.  It's a start, I suppose.....

Is It Too Early To Tell?

I think it generally takes a while for one to determine which hand is
dominate in their child.  Children tend to use both at an early age and then eventually realize which one works best for specific tasks.  However, for Eli, there is no interchanging when it comes to throwing.  If the ball lands closest to his right hand, he picks it up and transfers it to his left hand to throw it.  If it lands closest to his left hand, he picks it up with his left hand and throws it immediately.

Take a look at this video to see what I am talking about...

Hmm.....a future pitcher?

Project 355 - Day 24

Every morning when I walk into Eli's room, I see this......

Lots of mornings he's bouncing too.  What a great reason to get out of bed!

The Shoe is on the Other Foot

Or I should say, "The shoes are on the other FEET."  Remember this blog post, where I shared the story about Landry "fussing" at me for wearing red shoes with a black and white top?  Well, look who was determined to wear red shoes today.  

I thought about fighting her, but then I realized they looked pretty cute.  So I added a red bow and called it good.

Project 355 - Day 23

My Drama Queen....

I love those little pursed lips.  

Project 355 - Day 22

A sweet new family in our area....

Project 355 - Day 21

I am posting a fill-in entry for today.  I actually took some special pictures today, but I can't post them yet because they will be used for gifts.  You should see them in the next few weeks.  For now, here is Eli playing with our prop from tonight's photo-shoot.

He grabbed these balloons and took off!  At bedtime, I finally had to pry them out of his hands which resulted in huge crocodile tears.  No fun for mama.

Here is a video of him having a ball! 

Project 355 - Day 20

Meet Connor...

Project 355 - Day 19

Who is that drinking milk from a sippy cup?

Eli has officially graduated from the bottle, and I think he is quite fine with it.

A little bittersweet for me, however.

She May Be On To Something

I've joked several times about Landry becoming a fashion designer because of her interesting combinations of dress-up clothes.  We all like to try and predict what our kids will do one day based on their current interests.  But, Landry did something the other day that maybe one day she will have a career in fashion or crafting.  I walked into her room to find this embellished princess dress.....

Look closely. What is hanging on the bottom?  Earrings!!!

I love how she stands back and admires her work.

Also, a few days ago, she pulled this outfit together.  Super cute!!

And while we are on the subject of dress-up, check out this amazing, wonderful, adorable trunk my mom made Landry for all her dress up clothes.  I am adding it to Landry's new dress-up corner in the room.  I'll post pictures of the whole corner when it is complete!

Makes me want to dress up!