Meeting Baby Beck

While Mommy got to meet Beck literally the moment he was born, I had to wait two long days. Today we visited him, and I got to hold him!

Beck Patrick Segers

Beck Patrick Segers was born at 7:08 this evening, weighing in at 6 lbs. 14 oz. Mommy had the incredible honor of being present for his birth. AWESOME!!!

It's my 1/2 Birthday!

It's our traidition to celebrate my 1/2 birthday with half a cake. Instead of receiving presents, I give away some of my toys. I really like the cake part of it, but am not too keen on letting go of any of my toys.

Time on our Hands

Working on a "V" for my name!

Today we have nothing on our calendar...no therapy, no school, no play dates, no dance, no gymnastics, no camp, no errands, NOTHING! This is the kind of day Mommy imagined we would have all the time - a leisurely day with artwork, play, reading...Life somehow got in the way of those grand plans, and it seems like we are busy all the time. For today, we are enjoying some respite from the crazy schedule.

Camp

Yesterday I went to a morning "camp" at The Little Gym. Even though Mommy and Daddy have never promoted the "you're a princess" idea, I am REALLY into the whole princess thing. I want to wear fancy dresses, choose books about them, pretend my dolls are them, etc...The theme of the camp was Castles, so it was right up my alley. We made these cool puppets...won't Mommy and Daddy be soooo happy!

Popcorn Magic

Since popcorn is something I really like, Mommy bought an air popper so we could make healthy popcorn at home. It was like magic watching the kernals fly up and become fluffy. This is a kitchen gadget that will just used often!

Picnic Play

What's better than a summer picnic with your babies? NOTHING!

Emotional Girl

Anger...

Happiness (Mommy's favorite)...

Contentment...

Sadness...

Just Unsure...

I have been having some "difficulty regulating my emotions", which is really just a nicer way of saying I have been a real pistol. Mommy's constant struggle is trying to figure out what behavior is frustration over not being able to communicate (needing compassion) and what is three-year-old angst (needing discipline). On this day, I was perfectly happy - just hamming it up for the camera.

BaBa is Here!

The other day, I was quite frustrated with Mommy. I think she wanted me to eat or something outrageous like that. I yelled, "I want my BaBa!" She wasn't there to save me then, but she did come for a visit this weekend. Although she can't do too much because of her health, we always make it to Costco (she somehow gets a burst of energy for that!) and spend lots of time reading books and playing in my room. She even got to accompany me on a playdate to watch me be super silly with my friends.

New Friends

As I mentioned, we have new next-door neighbors. We met them this evening for burgers and fun on the lake. They, of course, ate all their food, while I didn't take ONE BITE, but that's another story. There are two boys in the family - Parker (3) and Mason (7). They caught worms, and I shrieked and ran with fright when they showed them to me - It kept us entertained for a long while! I can tell already that this is going to be a great arrangement!

Not-So-Friendly Fox(es)

I posted a few days ago about an encounter I had with what I described as a cute little fox. Well, the fox has a family, and apparently they think our house is theirs (technically, I know....). They also think the sweet bunny in our yard is their food (technically, I know...). It's quite traumatic to see the fox, waltzing across the backyard with the bunny in its mouth, followed by its sibling. They are leaving us "presents" on the front and back door mats...the kind of presents that need to be handled with gloved hands and then ammonia. They quickly went from cute to pesky. Something has to be done! Mommy made lots of calls today to find someone to help. Basically, the pest control guy will come out and set up a trap. He said for every fox we get, we'll probably get four other animals such as possums or skunks (great!!!!). He will either teach us how to handle the traps and the "relocation" or he will come (for $125 each visit) to do it himself. Can you imagine Mommy or, especially, Daddy trapping animals??? It will no doubt make for very funny YouTube videos!

Gymnastics Class

This summer I am taking a break from my usual occupational therapy and trying some different activities that will also help with my motor skills. Today I did a gymnastics class that was super fun!

My Name is Victoria, and I am a Hugger

When I am in trouble for something, I immediately try to ply Mommy or Daddy with kisses and hugs. How can you put me in time out or fuss at me when I have my arms lovingly wrapped around you and I am kissing you???? Apparently, I do something similar with my speech therapist. In my yearly report, she states:

"Victoria will request hugs to change the focus of a difficult task."

Swimming Play Date

Abbie, Whitney and Zoe

Evelyn

My Favorite Float

You can't see it, but Aiden is wearing a SPEEDO!

Zoe brought her baby brother Asher. I LOVE Asher!

Just Chillin'

These were easier to carry before they were blown up!

My school friends came over today for some swimming, lunch and playing. I have been working on the concept of sharing, not always successfully, but today I did a great job as a gracious hostess. We had a blast!