I don' care who ya'are.

A Week Away

We spent last week at my parents' house so that Richard could get first-hand help on his Capstone paper from my dad, and so there would be fewer distractions for him to get it done (because he graduates on SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!).
Here are some snapshots from our week:

Tuesday.

Wednesday.

Thursday.

Friday. (Ok, not really, but you get the idea.)

I think I'll take this call in private.

I might know that SJ dropped a ball in Grandpa's boot. Shhhh...

Thoughts on Pacifiers:

1. Why can't they be bought in bulk? If I could buy them 30 at a time, I'm sure they'd be a lot cheaper.

2. Why won't Shirley take the "cheap" ones?

3. The next baby will be started on the "cheap" ones.

4. For those of us who are visually impaired (especially in the middle of the night), why can't they make BLACK pacifiers, or dark purple, or brown? Something easy to see against the pastel baby sheets and light colored carpet.

5. Why does she need two to go to sleep? She only has one mouth.

6. When she's really upset, why does she throw the pacifier out of the crib (see #4).

7. Glow-in-the-dark pacifiers are a joke (glowing green isn't any easier to see than a pearl white pacifier in the middle of the night!).

8. Ahh, to be able to shove a plug in your mouth, roll over on your knees and pass out. (Notice the dirty pajamas she insisted on sleeping with. Whatever, man.)

Going for a Walk

Who needs a Baby Bjorn when you have an oversized sweatshirt?

Check out that laughing baby.

Laundry Helper

Shirley LOVES "helping" Mama with laundry. Her idea of helping is usually chewing on a sock, carrying around an article of clothing, or taking clothes out of the basket. All of these things are very helpful.

Last night, she carried around one of her Daddy's shirts for over an hour, so I decided to let her try it on. She thought it was SO COOL to wear one of Daddy's shirts.

Sippy Cup

Shirley has really been struggling with a sippy cup. She just doesn't care. I've been worried that she is going to get dehydrated this summer.

Richard loves to share his milkshakes with her, so they've been working on using a straw.

Well, I am pleased to announce that Shirley Jean has finally mastered the straw!!

She is SO pleased with herself.

She's a good kisser.

All Eastered Out

Dear Shirley,

It doesn't seem fair that you can leave me in the dust as you cruise to the other side of the room, but I'm not allowed to go into the kitchen without a major meltdown from you.

I'm just saying.

I love you,

Mama

The Farm

On Saturday, Shirley, Kristi and I went on a mini-road trip. We went up to WLBC to visit my old quilting friends (old, as in "for a long time," not necessarily old in age!) and on our way home, we stopped at the Farm to visit Grandma Shirley and Gram Helga.

SJ thought Gram's walker was her own, personal jungle gym.

Mall of America

This weekend, SJ and I were lucky enough to go to the MOA TWICE!

The first day, we had lunch with my cousin Lora and her daughter Alana. Alana was born in May and is newly linked on the left-hand side of my blog. Check it out!

We had so much fun that Alana couldn't keep her eyes open another minute. :)

The next day, we ended up back at MOA, shopping with some friendds, then out to dinner at the Rainforest Cafe for my friend, April's birthday. Shirley LOVED the animals, fish and thunderstorms at the restaraunt. Here she is enjoying a lemon. She ate three while we were there.

Underwear Model

Mama! Big, big, BIG sale at Vickie's!

12-Month Photos!

Big girl!!

This is one of my favorites. I love this smile.
A special photo.

Showing off her kilt.

A special bracelet from Uncle McClain.