Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Growing like a weed...

I joke about Ashley one day doing all the chores that I don't look forward to (that's why we have kids, right?!), and although we're not quite there just yet...Ashley definitely loves following me around and helping out with the house. She comes running everytime I open the dishwasher and hands me everything to put away, helps me load and unload the washer and dryer, and even helps wipe the furniture down when we dust! All this, and always with a smile! A few weeks ago, Ashley wanted to take on the heat with us, and make sure the plants got their water!! This has become a favorite "chore"...

Refilling with Daddy's helpI put so much time and effort into trying to plan activities, lunch dates and fun play dates, and that's good, but is that for me or for her? I say it's for Ashley, I feel it's for Ashley but when she's telling me "I'm upset and tired" and I'm responding, "This is fun Ashley, don't you see the fun!?", I may have crossed a line. I've realized it really doesn't matter what we're doing, it's that I am so fortunate to be spending this time with her, witnessing her growth, wisdom and awesome personality. The plans don't need to be grand, nor the time expensive. That's the lesson Ashley has reminded me of, aren't children amazing?

Friday, August 20, 2010

Bathing Beauties

One night I had a brilliant idea...how fun would it be for Ashley to take a bath in our big bathtub instead of hers?!?! So much fun!! We would clean up as usual, then I would add the bubbles and she would be so thrilled and happy, realizing I'm the funnest mom in town! Not the case. Instead, she just stood there not realizing what was happening, what all the white smelly foam was and wondering "How the heck am I getting out of here?". I thought (there I go thinking again) if I got in with her she would relax, but she grabbed my neck and was telling me to "make it go away" in her non-verbal way.
Playing with the water...It's all good, until...Bubbles!!! No smileRainey is excited...she thinks the bubbles are edibleThat's the, "Mom this isn't fun, I'm done" look. Still, no smile I tried!!!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Brush, brush, brush,

Brush those teeth. Brush, brush, brush, keep them clean! Ashley loves brushing her teeth, and now with her new stool, she gets even more excited about the process!
Hopefully this enthusiasm will sustain, and brushing teeth will never be a battle!! I know, one can dream.