Girly Moments

Siena is becoming quite the "princess" these days and has lots of avenues to be a true girl! It's fun to see her come into her own and really start finding her own personality and character! Here are a few examples in the past while...
I'm not sure how this opportunity first came about, but Siena has had the privilege of going to some photo shoots with Hallmark. Through a few different connections, she has had 3 outings with them! The very first one was for Father's Day greeting cards sold at WalMart. Her and Matt (and I, as moral support) went out to a park in Kansas to capture some "Daddy/Daughter bonding" moments behind the camera. We had no idea how she would do, if she would like it, if they would like her...but everything went better than expected! She loved every moment of it - I guess when you're the center of attention and you get to wear cute clothes, why not, right?! She listened to direction well, had fun with Matt (which made for great photos), and held it together for 2 hours! We were impressed with her! She did great. Apparently, Hallmark did too. She was called back a few weeks later to do another photo shoot for a different set of greeting cards. This one seemed even more of a "big deal" because they were staged in a beautiful house, with wardrobe, lighting, more people on staff, and it was really great! They were teaming up with Disney, so Siena got to hold a Mickey Mouse the whole time, which for her - major score! She did great!! She kept it together for over 2 hours and minded really well. I do have to quote one thing she said, which really gave the Hallmark crew a laugh. We were just about finished and we were outside doing some photos by a tree. We were in the middle of the shoot and she said, "Hold on...wait...I need to take a break..." while putting her hands on her knees and acting out of breath. Yes, as if she owns the place and is really working hard. Oh my. But they laughed, so I guess that's a good sign right? She went to one more with Matt a few weeks after that and I guess did a great job with that one too. Both Matt and I promised each other that if she started to not enjoy herself or if it became a problem, we would stop going. But, up until this point, she has had a lot of fun doing it and doing really well with the shoots. So, for now, way to go! Proud of you girl!


Siena, Matt and I also had the opportunity to attend a Princess Party held at Valley View. This was the first we had heard of this event and we jumped at the opportunity. Everyone we mentioned it to said how great it was and what a fun time their girls had going to it. Siena dressed up in her pretty princess/church dress and headed to the Party! We were NOT disappointed! It was darling! They went all out to decorate the place. It no longer looked like a school (or our church)...it was a fairytale princess land with sparkles, crowns, and fun activities around every corner! Siena got to meet the Tooth Fairy, get her make-up done, get her picture taken with princesses, watch the princesses sing their movie songs, make a crown, a bracelet, decorate a cookie...there were so many things to see and do! We could not have asked for a more enjoyable party to attend! This will certainly be a tradition we try to uphold. So sweet. (As a side note, another really sweet thing was that Matt was one of the only dads that went with his little princess to the party. He had so much fun with her and it was fun to watch the two of them together. He's such a great daddy and so supportive of his little girl. Love him!)


Siena's favorite princess, Tiana! Miss Tiana was walking by Siena and she stopped her to see if she could have a picture with her.

Writing a letter to the Tooth Fairy...maybe a few years early, but a little practice never hurt anyone!

Who wouldn't pick up that pretty princess in a carriage!
Siena and her PRINCE!

Very serious...she means business when it comes to make-up!

The Things She Says...

As a parent, there are probably a million things we find funny when raising a child. And usually, those are the very things that no one else gets...let alone finds funny. I get that - and am fully aware. However, for my own record, I just have to write some of these things down. My memory is not my strongest quality (by far) and I know that before I know it, these memories with fade with the new things I'm sure she'll come up with. So...bear with me. But take it from me, these stories in person are really great.
So, my last post was about potty training, and I said I wouldn't talk much more about it, but this is hilarious. When Siena has to go #2, we go into the bathroom and I sit her down. She looks at me and says, "Momma, I need my 'privacies!'" I answer with a dumbfounded, "You need your privacy?" "Yes, get out of the bathroom, please!". What else is a mother to do in that situation...get out of the bathroom! Not two seconds later, when I think she is going to want me back in there, she says, "Momma, I need a book!". Yes, this situation really happened. And it happens every time she has to go. Go with it, right? Take this to the next level now. We are at a football game and in a public bathroom. She says the same thing to me, which I have to inform her that I am not going to leave her in the stall by herself. So, she tells me to turn around!! Whose kid is this?! There I sit, in the corner of the stall, turned around so that I can't watch my two-year-old go to the bathroom. And then she tells me that she's trying not to fall into the big potty. Seriously. To be a stranger in the stall next to us. I can't make stuff up this good. That's a classic.
Another fun thing these days is our Thursday nights. Thursday night the "boys come over". Matt's position players come over for spaghetti and meatballs every Thursday. Siena has come to look forward to these dinners. She loves those boys! The boys are really good with her and give her the attention she so needs from these really cool boys. So, as the season has gone along, she now knows their names, asks about them all week, and cheers for them at the games. In fact, one particular game, she looked at me and said, "Momma, I love Dante.". This was a huge surprise to me as I didn't know she knew to love anyone else other than her Momma and Daddy! I told her that she better not tell her Daddy that after the game (knowing full well that she would...or I would for her). So, when she told Matt after the game, he cleverly said, "You can only love Daddy and Grandpa. Not Donte.". So, from the on, she said, "I like Donte, I no love Donte." Out of the mouth of babes. Yes, it's cute now. When we're reading these posts 10 years from now, and she's saying the same thing, maybe not so funny. :)
Love that girl...and her antics!

PT!!!

I don't want to be one of those moms that talks about her kid's bodily functions all the time...who really wants to hear that anyway? I don't even want to hear about my own kid's nastiness, so I will spare most of the details...
However, there is one exception. And if you have ever gone through this experience, and succeeded, you know...it's worth the conversation. Ladies and gentlemen, Siena may officially be potty trained. There, I said it. I'm almost scared to post this due to the fact that last winter I also thought we were there. But this time, I think it's the real deal. Can you even believe it?!
Every once in a while, I would get brave and tale Siena to the store in panties or other places in public...to test her out. Most of the time, she did great. No major embarrassing moments. Or, unknown to me, Matt would stick her into the children's nursery at church with panties on and just hope for the best. That's riskier than I would have been, but that's why I love our partnership...and Siena rose to the challenge. But we wanted more than just "crossing our fingers and praying we wouldn't get mortified in public". :)
I guess it's true when they say it's really about when the KID is ready...not the parents. She really just decided one day that it was her time. She gets a "giddle" (skittle) for going "peeps" on the potty and a "sucka" for goings poops. I am sorry to share all that. And judge me if you like, but I was just about ready to do anything to get her trained. We'll work on getting off the "giddles" and suckers soon.
Oh, and one other thing about the training...I have always been told that you have to find something the child totally wants and is motivated by. The candy wasn't cutting it for a while, so I tried something else. At a consignment sale the other week I found a super cheap Leap Pad with a bunch of books. I thought she would totally love it. And I was right, especially the Dora and the Princess stories. So I went with it. If she had a dry day at Grandma and Grandpa's house all day, she got to play with Leap at night when we got home. She was super pumped to play with Leap, Lily, and Tad. So for a week, out of nowhere, she was dry! Mission accomplished!! That worked and now she just goes when she needs to and plays with Leap when she wants. It is lovely.
I am sure there are other horror stories that totally overshadow this one (and this one isn't even that bad), but to each his own. I think we got it. We'll disregard the little sickness she got right after getting trained and we had to put her back in a diaper for a week because, well, she just couldn't hold what was coming out. Oh, gross...I have crossed the line. I am done and that's over.
Congratulations, Siena!! Momma and Daddy are so very proud of you!! Way to go, girl! As you can tell, Siena is quite proud of herself too! As you should be, sweetheart...

Getting Outside!

Now that school has started and we don't get to spend every day together, we all try really hard to make the best of our time together. I don't mean to say that we didn't before or that we do all these crazy things now, but we just try to be intensional with our time and do things together instead of wasting days and time together. The end of the summer ended on a HOT note, so outside stuff has been hard to do. But a few rare occasions as of late have allowed us to get outside and really enjoy it!

Last weekend, Siena and I went down to City Market. We just needed to get out of the house. So, while Matt was at football meetings, Siena and I took a drive downtown. We really had a lot of fun! We bought some basil (for pesto - yum!!), peaches, and a few veggies. We walked around and looked at all the stuff...and sat down to enjoy the weather. It was pretty warm, so we needed to stop for a drink and a little snack. While doing that, I had a impromptu photo shoot. Caught some really cute photos of Siena...and a few of her many faces.

On our way out, we walked by a little train that pulled kids around the market. Had to stop. Too cute not too. And now that Siena is getting to the age where SHE wants to do these things, it was a well-spent $2.00. Oh, she loved it! She was the caboose and she had a smile on her face the entire time. It was precious. I was a proud Momma, watching from afar. It's funny how quickly that happens - 5 minutes ago it seemed I had to be by her all the time, helping her with everything. Now, off she goes on a train ride, waving to me as she passes by, all the while saying, "...see you in a little bit, Momma..." Sheesh.

Then, this weekend was quite a treat weather-wise! Today was like 7o and sunny! I think everyone was out of their houses, enjoying the ability to be out of the house and not sweat to death! Just a couple days ago it was over 100! But hey, it's not worth trying to figure out. We just enjoyed it. After dinner, Siena wanted to go to the park, so off we went! Again, the last time we went to this park, we were helping her onto everything, showing her how to do things...and now, I mostly sat by and watched her climb and slide! Again, she loved being outside and loved her independence. She is a very "...I do it like a big girl..." kind of girl. You know what, I'll take it. She's doing great. And I love to be along on her adventure!

Noteworthy Odds N Ends

Okay, so...once again, I am playing catch up. I guess it just happens. I'm over it. :)

There are a few things that have been happening since Siena's 2nd birthday that I want to make sure I document them. With the whirlwind of school and football starting, as well as totally changing the face of KidsQuest (the children's ministry that I lead at our church), we have been busy to say the least. And when we do have some time, it's spent together and with Siena. We wouldn't have things any other way, but it makes for busy weeks, weekends, and every moment in between.

Let's start with the Connie story. I referenced it in my last post, so I suppose I should detail that story a little bit. Yes, Connie was a birthday present. And yes, she is doing just great in the house. But she is replacing another little creature we had in our house for a short time. On Memorial Day weekend, we brought Cole, a black lab puppy home. He was a wonderful puppy and I'm sure he will make a wonderful dog someday, but we are not the family to find that out. What we did find out is that having a dog - no, let me rephrase, a puppy - is not in our cards right now. It's just about impossible. Between our schedules, our lack of energy when we get home, and a 2-year-old, a puppy was not a good idea. For anyone - including Cole. We found that out as the weeks went on and it just wasn't getting better. So, we had to swallow our pride a little bit and admit that it just wasn't working. We put some feelers out and tried to find a home for him that would be better than what we could do for him. Long story short, we found someone. A friend of my dad's. He lives in Northern Michigan and has a wonderful family with 2 boys, ages 9 and 11. The perfect set-up for Cole. All worked out. The only situation we were facing then was that he couldn't take him till Labor Day. Not that we wouldn't have been able to suck it up and keep him for another few weeks, but Em was in town for Siena's birthday and no one had any plans to be going to or from Michigan in the next while. It would have been the perfect situation to send Cole home with Em and that way Cole would be closer to them when the time came. My mom, bless her heart - seriously, said she would take him in for those few weeks in between. Her and Peter took care of that puppy for long enough to realize that we weren't completely crazy in saying that we just couldn't do it. Since that time, Cole has been given to his new family and everyone is happy. It was truly a blessing to find a good home for Cole so quick. He's going to be a great dog. We hope to see him someday again! Siena still talks about her "Coley" and I think she does miss him...or at least the thought of him. But we know we made the right decision and it's what's best for all parties involved. But, back to Connie. We promised Siena that when Cole had to leave to go to another home, she could get a fish. We were trying to ease the leaving of her pet. It seemed to work and her focus turned to the fish instead of the dog. The timing was really great because Cole left the weekend of Siena's birthday party and we were able to get Connie a few days later, on Siena's birthday. All worked out. And that's the story of Connie and Cole.

Cole, we know you're going to love your new family!

Another really big thing that has come up somewhat recently. Siena has moved to a big-girl bed. A couple weeks before summer was over, we got new carpet in our house. We are still wanting to sell our house and we figured carpet would help that process. While moving all the furniture off the old carpet, we on-the-whim decided to take Siena's crib apart and just go for the big-girl bed. After the new carpet was put in, we put everything back and we set up Siena's room with the door closed, trying to make it a really big deal. When she finally walked in, she saw her mattress on the floor with her blankets, Ya-Ya, and a couple extra little friends to keep her company in her new bed! We totally overdramatized it...but anything to get her to think that's really cool! And she did. She was pretty excited. We were both a little nervous about what she would do that very first night now that she would have free reign in her room. But she didn't move a muscle. She didn't cry (or make a peep for that matter), didn't move around or out of her bed, and that was that. We couldn't believe it! We stared at the monitor to see what she would do. I don't think she really knew what to do with herself! Well, that was the honeymoon period. She soon figured out that she could get out of bed and that she could open her door and walk right out of her room. So, for a couple of weeks, we had to fight that one out a little bit. Unfortunately, the latch on her door doesn't completely shut, so she can just push the door open. I found myself holding the door shut while she cried on the other side. We did that for a few nights and then she realized it wasn't worth it. I am proud to say that now she goes to bed and stays there. She still makes sure to get plenty of hugs and kisses before bed, but you will never hear me complain about that "staller". And I don't mind it one bit when she wakes up in the morning, opens her door, walk out, closes the door behind her, walks into our room and curls up in bed with me for a little bit in the morning. That snuggle time is priceless and I love every minute of it.

Nothing special, but she loves to say she's sleeping in a big-girl bed!! Another step closer to not being a little kid anymore...sigh...

And as a side note, we have started school. Matt started football the week of Siena's birthday (she was born the first day of practice two years ago - so she will always have football surrounding her birthday) and that has preoccupied a lot of his time. He really does love being a coach. And we love him being a coach. Siena and I plan to be at all of his games this season, cheering him on! Go Cats!

Matt and I have also both started teaching again. I am thrilled with my class - they are wonderful and a treat to teach. Matt is excited about some really great opportunities at the high school too. It's a good start to the year. Of course it's hard to be away from Siena and we both miss spending every day with her, but it's just the way life goes. I think I am a better mother because of my job...it's just my personality and how I operate. Matt loves what he does too and I know he loves Siena to be a part of that as much as possible. We are blessed to have jobs that allow for us to be with Siena as much as we are. We thank God all the time for the situations He has given us and the way He calls us to live a life for Him. We are very blessed. And as we start a new school year, we look forward to it all...

TWO YEARS OLD!!

That's right. Believe it or not, Miss Siena Grace is TWO years old. And what a two years it has been. It's hard to even begin to process all that has happened since her last birthday, let alone her 2 years of life on this earth. Life-changing doesn't begin to describe her. There is not someone that brings us more joy and more laughter. There is not someone who is more demanding of our time and energy. There is not someone that we love more on this earth. Siena is a celebration of life.

This year, for Siena's birthday, we toned it way down (as most parents do after they realize the production that goes into a first birthday party). :) Siena loves to swim and be in water. So why not celebrate her in a place she loves - Grandma and Grandpa's pool. The weekend before Siena's birthday was a good time for everyone. With football starting the week of Siena's big day, we wanted to make sure we got a good party in before the busyness really kicked in!! We invited family and a few of Siena's friends (and ours) to swim and play outside. We decided to do simple food - sandwiches, chips and salsa and guac, fruit, salad, frozen yogurt, and drinks. Other than that, there wasn't much of an agenda. We all swam, played on the slip-n-slide, played with bubbles, chatted on the porch, and just spent the day together. We are so thankful for such wonderful family and friends to surround Siena with love. She is one lucky girl!!

A very happy birthday girl, pin and all!

Daddy and his birthday girl - in their favorite spot! (The reason for the "fog" in the picture - it's so blasting hot in Missouri, going from inside to outside is too much of a shock for a camera and it completely fogged up...for quite a while! Wasn't going to wait for it - wanted to capture some moments!!)

The bubble-blowing station...

"Running" down the slip-n-slide...

...and back for round 2.

A very excited little girl, waiting to blow out the candles! Might have been one of her favorite parts of the day. For days after her party, she kept talking about "...more candles on my birthday cake?!"

All of Siena's little friends who joined the party. Bryce, Erick, Laney, and Brady! What sweet, sweet kids! (Bella and Benjamin were there too, we just took the picture too late!)
Inside to open a few presents from the family...I think Auntie Em's more excited about the gift than Siena! :)

A happy day for us!!
An extra bonus to the birthday party? Auntie Em! Em was in town for a wedding reception, so it was perfect timing! She made the party complete. Siena sure does love her Auntie Em! Those two have lots in store for the future...

Oh, and then the cake. We made it tradition last year (ha - tradition...after just a year!) to make Siena's cake each year. Last year, that cake about got the best of us. This year, we again decided to ease up just a little bit. We made a fun swimming pool cake that (we thought) turned out pretty cute! We used teddy grahams as people in the pool and little candies for the toys. It was pretty painless and we got it finished during Siena's nap the day before. :)

The party was a success! Siena had such a great time with her family and friends around her! She loved splashing around in the pool, loved blowing out the candles, loved running down the slip-n-slide (and you can just imagine how that turned out!), and loved being the center of attention. After everyone left and she opened a couple gifts, she was worn out! A good, long nap after a birthday party - sounds like a success to me!!

And then Siena's special day, August 10. Even though we had Siena's birthday party, we still had to celebrate her actual special day! Matt had football for the morning and I actually had to work too. When I woke up Siena in the morning, she right away talked about her birthday cake! She was one excited little girl! She got to spend a few hours with her buddies, "Byce and Brady Boy." I think she loved that gift!!

After Daddy got home from football, we headed straight for the zoo! We have never been to the KC Zoo, so it was high time! What kid doesn't love to look at all the animals?! Her favorite was Nakita, the polar bear. She kept saying she wanted to get in the polar bear water and swim with him. Needless to say, we distracted her from that and moved on to the other animals. It was a pretty hot day but we were able to walk all around and see the animals we really wanted to see. Some of the highlights: the rhinos, giraffes, gorillas, lions, and elephants. On the way out, Siena got to pick out a little animal of her choice. After going through a few contenders, the "red-tailed panda" won out? We certainly didn't see that animal (and still aren't convinced that there is such a thing) but that was her choice. She named him Poomba. (Can you guess what movie she had seen shortly before that?)

Siena checking out the monkeys...

Trying to feed the turtle that popped his head up to say hi.

After the zoo, we went to Spin Pizza for yummy pizza and salads. That MAY have been a decision made my us that Siena just happened to like. I suppose when they can't pick their own place yet, might as well go for something WE like! Speaking of which, we topped that off with Orange Leaf frozen yogurt...my absolute favorite these days. And that is not just me. The very first time the 3 of us went, Siena inhaled all of my yogurt and was licking the inside of the cup with her face. That was our indication that she liked it too...so we thought that would be a fun treat to end the night.

And then, just to add icing to the cake, we stopped by the pet store. Siena got a pet fish. The story starts a little earlier than her birthday, but I'll cover that in another post - this one is all about her birthday. She got to pick out the fish and the home for him. I'm proud to say we have a red and blue Beta fish named...Connie. Yep, Connie. No idea where that name came from. Siena doesn't know anyone named Connie (well enough to want to name a fish after her), I don't think she has seen anything on TV with that name...your guess is as good as mine. I laughed out loud when she said it. And we stuck with it. Siena is very happy with Connie. We have to work on the air hugs and blowing the fish kisses. She feeds her and watches over her. Connie lives in Siena's room and they are the perfect roommates.

Trying to give Connie kisses...bless her little heart.

What a wonderful day to celebrate a wonderful girl. She sure is something special. I can't imagine our life without her. She is the joy in our days and the best part of our life together. We are blessed to be her parents and God has given us a gift that we treasure dearly. Siena Grace, you are a beautiful girl! Momma and Daddy love you more than you'll ever know! God is so very good and what a special miracle you are. Happy Birthday, little love.