Victoria Pearl's Daily Adventures

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T11:24:00.001-05:00

School Halloween Party

2011-10-28T12:13:00.001-05:00

2011 Jack-o-Lantern

2011-10-25T11:26:00.002-05:00

Simple, but perfect

Welcome Home Daddy

2011-10-23T11:29:00.003-05:00

Daddy just got back from a week in Cabo with my big brothers, Chris and Jay. He had a great time playing golf, etc..., but we sure missed him. We surprised him at the airport to welcome him home.

Biscuit Coma

2011-10-22T11:25:00.001-05:00

When I go to my BaBa's house, she ALWAYS make me biscuits for breakfast. I eat so many I can't function afterwards!

Capitol School Fall Fest

2011-10-21T11:27:00.001-05:00

Revielle

2011-10-15T11:20:00.008-05:00

Revielle's handlers broke the rules just for me (well, for Daddy, since he was once in E-2, Reveille's "outfit"). They were on a strict schedule and given orders not to stop for photos, but here I am! She usually visits the suites at Kyle Field during at least one game during the season, but always run out of time (maybe because little girls stop them to take photos??) before they get to ours. It's a good thing I was running in the hall!

Ski Shores

2011-10-10T11:28:00.011-05:00

Just down the road from us, we have this little restaurant right on Lake Austin, complete with a playground. Daddy was out of town, the weather was starting to cool down a bit, and Mommy didn't know what she would feed me for dinner, so she and I spent the evening playing, watching boats...

First Milkshake

2011-10-07T10:53:00.004-05:00

I had my first milkshake today. Once I got the delicious goodness coming up through the straw, I never took my lips off until it was empty. In addition, my eyes glazed over and I was in a daze. I approve!

Double Take

2011-10-05T10:57:00.008-05:00

Picture Day was scheduled at my school. The evening before, Mommy tried to decide what I should wear when she all of a sudden got really excited. She ran to her room and pulled out this dress that she had worn for her first school picture. I decided rather quickly that I didn't like it nor would I wear it for my pictures. I did appease her by putting it on and letting her take a few shots.

Tate's Princess Party

2011-10-02T10:56:00.001-05:00

Disturbing

2011-10-02T09:33:00.001-05:00

Long Overdue Cousin Time

2011-09-25T10:07:00.004-05:00

My cousins have been in Ukraine for several months spending time with what will be my next cousin - Alex (his adoption should happen early 2012). Now they are back, and I got to visit and play with them...and their new puppy!

Two Peas in a Pod

2011-09-16T09:52:00.001-05:00

I desperately want a little sister (or brother), but this is as close as I will come to getting one!

More Aggie Photos

2011-09-15T10:55:00.001-05:00

Flashback

2011-09-10T10:10:00.009-05:00

There have been some terrible wild fires spreading throughout communities in central Texas. As a cautionary action, we gathered a few things that we could throw in the car quickly if necessary. I found my baby box and look at me now!

Ballet

2011-09-08T09:56:00.001-05:00

After a successful summer session of dance, I have started the fall session with some new friends. Miss Trish and Miss Lori and my teachers again, though - yeah!

Aggie Football Season 2011

2011-09-04T09:58:00.002-05:00

Believe it or not - this is my 5th Aggie football season. I am always sad when it's over and anxious for it to start again. This year, we kicked off the season by spending the weekend in Aggieland. It's nice to be around maroon for a change!

It's HOT!

2011-08-26T09:35:00.001-05:00

What a contrast from Park City!

First Day of School 2011

2011-08-22T09:41:00.001-05:00

Pre-K...here I come!

Bye-Bye Hamsters

2011-08-21T09:48:00.001-05:00

We somehow ended up keeping the class hamsters all summer long. While I have enjoyed having them as additional pets, it will be Barbie that will especially miss them when they head back to school tomorrow. He spends his days longingly watching them as they tease him with their twitchy whiskers.

Barbie Update

2011-08-20T21:36:00.002-05:00

Do you remember that skinny kitten that showed up on our doorstep (thanks to Uncle Randy) last summer? We aren't sure what happened to him, but he's been replaced by this lumpy fellow shown above. His tummy even has a waddle when he walks. I think there's just more of him to love.

School Open House

2011-08-19T09:43:00.001-05:00

Before school starts on Monday, we got to visit the school to check out our new classroom and new playground equipment. This year my classmates and I are the "grasshoppers" and my teachers are Miss Hannah and Miss Alyssa - both super sweet and welcoming. The whole school gathered in the motor room to have a pizza picnic. I can't wait for Monday!

Back to School Party

2011-08-17T09:37:00.001-05:00

My classmate Jake hosted a back-to-school party at his house. All the families and even the teachers were there to swim, slide, run around...

Haircut

2011-08-16T09:51:00.006-05:00

Another sign that I am growing up - Leti is starting to give me a pre-shampoo and post-sytle haircut.

Visit to Daddy's Dance Studio

2011-08-15T09:49:00.007-05:00

When anyone asks me what Daddy does for work, I respond that he dances (?????). Before I head back to school next week, we visited him at his "dance studio" (aka office) and took him to lunch. I have a way of shutting down any productive activity while I am there - not just with Daddy, but the whole office.

The Chicken Dance

2011-08-13T09:50:00.007-05:00

Daddy's cousin and his wife celebrated their 50th anniversary with a fun party - including square dancing. We had fun watching the experienced dancers, but even more fun when the caller played the chicken dance for me. Quack, quack quack quack...flap, flap, flap, flap....

Costume Camp

2011-08-10T09:47:00.004-05:00

Abbie and I went to a day camp at JW Tumbles. The theme for the day was costumes, so it's no surprise what we chose to wear!

Swimming Fun

2011-08-06T09:48:00.005-05:00

This is where I am spending most of my summer!

Ponytail!

2011-08-05T09:44:00.003-05:00

Adventure Camp

2011-07-31T09:44:00.007-05:00

The Canyons resort is primarily a winter ski resort, but during the summer they have an adventure camp for kiddos. I attended a few days while in Park City. In addition to plenty of play time with friends, we rode the gondolas to the top of the mountain, hiked and went swimming every afternoon.

Hogle Zoo 2011

2011-07-30T09:45:00.024-05:00

During our trip to Park City, we ventured into Salt Lake City to visit the zoo. We were happy to discover they were having a dinosaur event. There were dinosaurs all over the grounds - life-sized, noise-making, eye-blinking dinosaurs! My favorite animal was the giraffe. Mom's favorites were the mom and baby elephants.

Canyons Concert

2011-07-30T09:45:00.010-05:00

One of our favorite things to do in Park City is go to the outdoor concerts at the The

Canyons. We ride the gondola to the top of the mountain, lay out our blanket, have a picnic - all while enjoying the music and atmosphere. On this night, Austin's own Alejandro Escovedo was playing there!

Market Days

2011-07-29T09:44:00.006-05:00

We love the farmer's market in Park City - the raspberries are fresh, juicy and oh so sweet (and, no, I won't eat them!). We had to leave when the "moose" for The Canyons came to say hello. He scared the bejeebers out of me!

Living Like Locals

2011-07-26T09:43:00.008-05:00

When we vacation in Park City, we really make ourselves at home. We play with friends we see every summer and always find out what's happening around town. We especially love the library and book store activities for kiddos.

Shopping Cart

2011-07-26T09:42:00.003-05:00

Why can't the Whole Foods in Austin have these perfectly sized carts??

Monkey Mountain

2011-07-25T09:43:00.004-05:00

Since our last visit to Park City, there is a new indoor play area called Monkey Mountain. Mommy and Daddy could sit and read the paper, watch t.v. while I played with new friends. It's what we like to call a win-win!

Flowers...During the Summer!

2011-07-24T09:42:00.001-05:00

You wouldn't see this in Texas!

Ahh...Park City

2011-07-23T09:42:00.004-05:00

After an easy flight, followed by a quick drive, we arrived at one of our favorite spots - Park City. It's easy to be happy in Park City with the cooler weather and beautiful scenery. We are looking forward to a great vacation!

Princess Dance Party

2011-07-18T09:48:00.004-05:00

As a finale to my summer dance class, we had a princess party and were allowed to invite a friend. I invited Abbie, and we donned our finest regalia. After the performance, Daddy presented us both with a bouquet of flowers. What a fun time!

Busy Town

2011-07-16T09:47:00.007-05:00

My current love is Richard Scarry's Busytown. Love, Love, Love it!

Violet's Visit

2011-07-16T09:46:00.006-05:00

My cousin Violet and her mom Vanessa visited us from Portland earlier this year, and Violet returned all on her own for a week this summer. All of these photos are of us in the pool, mainly because we never got out of the pool the whole week!

My Family

2011-07-12T09:52:00.005-05:00

I have never been very interested in drawing/writing, but on this day I drew a picture of my family - Mommy, Daddy, Me and even Barbie in the bottom right corner.

Bubblemania

2011-07-06T13:42:00.000-05:00

We just got this really cool bubble machine - is there anything better than bubbles???

GiGi and Poppy

2011-07-05T09:46:00.008-05:00

We headed to Houston with Abbie and Aiden to visit their GiGi and Poppy's house. We swam, fished, and I even got to drive a boat! The favorite part was probably the slumber party the three of us had in our room!

A Nice Balance

2011-07-03T13:32:00.007-05:00

My two favorite things...dinosaurs and princesses!

First Pedicure

2011-07-02T09:46:00.011-05:00

As a special treat (and in an attempt to find an indoor activity in this oppresive Texas heat), I got a real pedicure. We went to a nail salon with small chairs in cute designs, complete with a personal DVD player. While I got my toes clipped, rubbed, polished and decorated, I got to eat chocolate ice cream. I know I'll go back to Mommy painting my nails, but this was fun while it lasted!

Reluctant Tea Party Participant

2011-07-01T09:49:00.012-05:00

Thought Bubble above Barbie's Head reads...Isn't it enough that I am a male cat named Barbie? Isn't it enough that I have to wear a purple collar? How much more humiliation do I have to endure at the hands of this little girl???

Anya's Visit

2011-06-25T09:51:00.009-05:00

One of the highlights of this summer was my cousin Anya's visit from Pittsburgh. Aunt Lucy and Uncle Van came, too. Uncle Van and Daddy both decided to have little ones "late in life" so now the two of us are adding energy (and exhaustion!) to our family.

Sleeping Beauty

2011-06-20T13:33:00.005-05:00

Being a princess is really hard work!

Shiny "Diamond"

2011-06-16T11:56:00.030-05:00

So the other morning, I woke up and turned to Daddy and said, "I want a shiny diamond and a puppy." He just shook his head, but he obviously heard me. As a special present for their 10th anniversary, Daddy had a necklace made for Mommy. He asked the jeweler if he could make one for me, too (with "diamonesque" jewels). Now, for that puppy...

Dentist Appointment

2011-06-13T11:55:00.007-05:00

My how technology has changed the visit to the dentist (mommy's words). I was able to watch a movie while they worked on cleaning and examining my teeth. I was a super good girl during the whole process and received an excellent report! Next time...X-Rays.

Ballet

2011-06-07T11:56:00.005-05:00

I finally started ballet and tap dance class today. I have been waiting for this day for a long time! The coolest part is one of my teachers is Miss Trish, who also taught my older siblings dance many years ago.

A Simple List

2011-06-06T13:33:00.004-05:00

Shopping at Target today, I pulled a piece of paper out of my purse and informed Mommy that I, too, had a list. When she inquired what I had on my list, I replied, "Glass slippers, of course!"

Evelyn's Party

2011-06-02T13:33:00.004-05:00

The best birthday parties involve backyards, animals, a pinata (and it goes without saying - CAKE). My friend Evelyn's party had the perfect combination of all that!

Hyatt Lost Pines

2011-05-30T11:55:00.037-05:00

Mommy and Me on the Slide

So tired I fell asleep at the dinner table!

Fun Times with my Friend Ali

Lunch by the Pool - COOL!

On the Playscape

Enjoying the Outdoor Movie

Roasting Marshmallows for S'Mores

An Evening Trip to the Sand

No amount of bleach is going to get these shorts white again!

I had a week off between the spring and summer sessions, so we headed to one of our favorite spots - The Hyatt Lost Pines. We started out with a plan to go to the beach in Florida...then decided South Padre would be closer and has a really nice beach (for Texas)...then we decided it's not THAT much better than Port Aransas, which is so much closer, so we would go there...then we finally ended up talking ourselves into going thirty miles away to the "beach" next to the pool at the Lost Pines. It's so close to home, and there's so much for a family to do. We spent hours and hours each day at the pool, followed by leisurely evenings of roaming and enjoying the grounds. We had a special treat when my friends Ali and Sam showed up at the same time.

Family Fun Day

2011-05-27T14:18:00.007-05:00

The end of the year at Capitol School is always topped off with a Family Fun Day. The day is filled with games, booths and activities. We ended with a pep rally during which I was awarded second place for my dinosaur cake! I even got a trophy, which I am carrying with me all the time.

Daddy/Daughter Cake - Round 2

2011-05-26T14:16:00.028-05:00

Counting the Eggs

Hey! Licking the bowl is MY job!

The Dynamic Duo

Two Heads are Better than One

Serious Concentration

The Finished (Prize-Winning) Project

Each year my school has a Daddy/Daughter (or son) cake decorating contest. Last year, we made a princess crown cake, which was Daddy's first endevour (in his whole life) of baking. This year, with all that experience under his belt, he came up with an even bigger plan - a dinosaur cake. It had a pond, rocks, a vocano, vegetation and various dinosaurs. It was quite impressive - not only in my opinion. The judges also thought so, awarding us second prize!!

Swim Lessons - Round Two

2011-05-23T13:32:00.004-05:00

Since I really seemed to be interested in getting back my groove in the pool, I did some more swimming lessons. I am now completely comfortable in the water and can swim the length of the pool on my back. Given that it's already been 100 degrees here, I know I will be in the pool all summer, so having strong swimming skills is very important.

70th Anniversary Party

2011-05-21T14:17:00.004-05:00

After knowing one another for three weeks, my granny and granddaddy tied the knot - 70 YEARS AGO! We had a party to celebrate their many years and memories. Congratulations!

Tea Party

2011-05-13T14:20:00.006-05:00

Helping Clean Up

My friends Allie and Sam invited my over for a playdate. They had the most lovely tea party set up for us - complete with real china, scones, cupcakes, fruit with cream...VERY FANCY!

Aiden's Party

2011-05-02T14:19:00.008-05:00

My best buddy Aiden had his party at JW Tumbles. Thirty kids in a space with all kinds of fun equipment is my idea of a good time! I was able to practice all my hard OT work, too! I am so much more adventurous than I used to be.

Princesses on Ice

2011-04-30T14:18:00.005-05:00

There couldn't be a more perfect show for a little girl who loves princesses. Mommy and Daddy took me to see Disney's Princesses on Ice. Micky and Minnie narrated, and I was riveted to the action....Daddy, not so much, but he never once complained.

Bean Bag

2011-04-29T09:33:00.000-05:00

I recently went somewhere where they had this really great pink bean bag. I was devastated that I couldn't take it home with me. Lo and behold, Mommy found one and couldn't resist surprising me with it. I was so excited that I insisted holding it on my lap in the car.

First Swim Lesson

2011-04-28T21:00:00.000-05:00

I have been chomping at the bit to go to swim lessons. When I was a baby, and my schedule was less busy, I took weekly swimming lessons. Last summer, I went from jumping off the side and swimming across the pool to not wanting to even be in the pool (???)...so we are starting again with the basics. This year, I am really motivated and can't wait to learn how to really swim.

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T21:33:00.000-05:00

Easter weekend was spent with BaBa in Victoria, but luckily the Easter Bunny knew where I was and filled my basket with lots of goodies. Easter afternoon, we went to my friend Chloe's house where they have an annual get-together for friends and family. I was having a great time until I ran in front of someone swinging and was knocked for a loop. I recovered and was doing fine again until HE showed up...the Easter Bunny that is. I am quite frightened by him, so we left shortly thereafter. We ended up having a nice egg hunt at home in our backyard. We'll be eating Easter candy for a long while...shucks!

First Wedding

2011-04-23T10:14:00.001-05:00

Today I attended my first wedding (or ball as I continued to call it throughout the afternoon). Given my affinity for all things princess, I thought the bride/bridesmaids were simply lovely. I quickly forgot about them; however, when I saw the ring bearer. He was in a tuxedo and was just my size. His name was Logan (or king as I continued to call him throughout the afternoon).

Dollie and Me Tea Party

2011-04-16T10:19:00.002-05:00

My doll and I got dressed in matching outfits, I strapped her in the backpack, and we headed to the mall for a "Dollie and Me Tea Party". Unfortunately, the Easter Bunny was making an appearance there, and I am not a fan! We ended up walking around the mall and having an alternate tea party at Chic-fil-a in the food court. Even though we didn't attend the tea party, it was a super fun afternoon.

2011 Bluebonnet Photos

2011-04-09T16:59:00.010-05:00

Rain, Rain, Come Today

2011-04-06T10:04:00.001-05:00

We are having a bit of a drought here, so when we woke up this morning to cloudy skies, Mommy mentioned that it might rain. I LOVE rain gear, so I promptly pulled it all out - the rain boots, jacket, hat, umbrella...

It did NOT rain!

Buddy Day

2011-04-01T10:07:00.002-05:00

The Communications Department at the university invited us to attend their "Buddy Day" where I was paired up with a student who is studying to be a speech-language pathologist. She and I visited the various booths/games and even made a tie-dye shirt (which I sleep in every night!).

Some Things Never Change

2011-03-20T13:21:00.000-05:00

Renaissance Festival

2011-03-19T16:58:00.005-05:00

We went to the Sherwood Forest Renaissance Festival this weekend. When you step through the gates, it's like stepping back in time. At first, I was a bit afraid, but I quickly was ready to explore the grounds. My favorite things were the petting zoo and the magic show...and my first ever FUNNEL CAKE!

Spring Break Fun

2011-03-17T16:58:00.001-05:00

We spent a quiet week, mostly at home. We did venture to San Antonio one day to visit Morgan's Wonderland where we met my friends Abbie and Evelyn. This park is simply a perfect place to spend the day. I even got to "drive" a car!

Kids Cook Field Trip

2011-03-10T16:57:00.001-06:00

Today my class took a field trip to Kid Cooks and then to the park for a picnic and kite flying. After my lessons at the kite festival, I was ready for flight. Unfortunately, kite flying seems to be quite tricky!

Jake

2011-03-06T16:59:00.002-06:00

My cousin dog Jake is always so happy to get some attention that he lets me do just about whatever I want to him. Poor Jake...

Zilker Kite Festival

2011-03-06T16:58:00.002-06:00

After a fun ride on the school bus shuttle, we met my friend Gavin at Zilker Park for the annual kite festival. The wind wasn't cooperating, but I still gave it my best effort. There were also games and rides and plenty of soaking in the sun while spread out on our blanket. Daddy couldn't come with us, but he and I later in the day made some kite-flying attempts in the back yard.

Snow Day #2

2011-03-01T16:58:00.001-06:00

Each year at Capitol School, they bring in a couple of loads of SNOW for us! The snow we got from nature a few weeks ago was very powdery and not good for building snowmen, but this snow was nice and wet. As an extra treat, we got hot cocoa and cookies after the fun.

What Happened?

2011-03-01T11:24:00.005-06:00

Life with me is sometimes challenging, but there's always been the extremely easy parts, too, especially my sleeping habits. The "Ferberizing" method worked so well and quickly that Mommy sent Dr. Ferber some candy and a t-shirt that read "Someone in Texas Loves You!". He responded with a personal note, which is tucked in my baby book (he's a BIG DEAL in the baby world!). Since then, there has always been this invisible force field around my bed - that's the most logical explanation to explain why I never, ever, ever left my bed. Even if I slept until 10:00 on a Saturday morning, I would wait for Mommy to come get me. Well, the morning of my 4th birthday, I marched into the living room and shocked the parents. The force field had been compromised!!! Every night since, I have found my way out of my bed, out of my room, and into Mommy and Daddy's bed. I am quite stealthy - sometimes they don't even know I have crawled in until they wake up to find me nestled ever-so-sweetly between them.

Reading the Newspaper

2011-02-28T11:20:00.005-06:00

The secret to doing something like this is to look just like you know what you're doing...

Blondie

2011-02-28T11:03:00.004-06:00

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T11:01:00.004-06:00

One of the great things about being little is the constant celebrations - this time for Valentine's Day. We had a party at school and got to decorate wooden hearts and exchange goodies with our friends. For now and hopefully many years to come, my sweeties are Mommy and Daddy!

Maddie's Party

2011-02-13T11:02:00.002-06:00

Having Fun

At the Little Lounge Lizards party, I was dressed in black and blended in with the club. Mommy kept losing me, even when I was right by her. For this party, she dressed me in the brightest outfit, but it was another bad choice because I again blended right in...

So disappointed that there is actual FOOD being served before the CAKE!

I always manage to be right by the side of the birthday boy/girl.

Zoe's Party

2011-02-12T11:02:00.003-06:00

The Birthday Girl

A kids' entertainer did just that - we had a great time dancing!

The BEST parties are the ones at a park - look what I discovered at this one!

Working from Home

2011-02-10T22:09:00.001-06:00

When we moved to this house, one of the great things was having an office. Daddy declared that he would work from home all the time. We have been here almost a year, and he's only worked from home two days. For the life of me, I just can't figure out why working from home isn't a good option for Daddy.

Sport Ball

2011-02-08T11:00:00.008-06:00

I tried out Sport Ball today at WAYA. It's no big secret that I am not the most coordinated kid on the playground, and although my occupational therapy is working wonders, some extra activity could help - and it's FUN! I did a great job...only to find out there was a mix-up and no more spaces in the class! ARgh!! Look for me to join a class soon, though!

Sunny So Soon

2011-02-07T11:09:00.001-06:00

Just two days after the "blizzard", at the same spot as our snowball fight, we were soaking up the sun. I even decided I wanted to go swimming and got my suit. Even though the air was warm, the water was still frigid. I learned that the toe test is a good idea!

Little Longue Lizards

2011-02-05T17:06:00.007-06:00

A night club downtown hosts a monthly dance party for kids. It's a really place - the dance floor is a SHARK TANK! I met some friends from school there today and danced the afternoon away.

It Snowed!

2011-02-05T10:21:00.001-06:00

We woke up this morning to snow! It was too fine and powdery to build a snowman, but I had lots of fun playing in it. For a central Texas girl, snow is a big deal!!!

Ouch!

2011-01-31T22:16:00.001-06:00

Today was my four year well check with Dr. Dan. He checked me out thoroughly and even described me as "perfect" (42", 38 lbs.). I think he was trying to butter me up because he knew the horrible shots were on the way. Mommy had been warned by other moms that the four year shots are rough. I only screamed for a minute, but my legs looked like pin cushions! The highlight of the morning was meeting a new friend, Leila, who, like me, brought her "doctor gear" along for the appointment. We had fun playing doctor while we waited.

Berenstain Bears

2011-01-29T10:17:00.002-06:00

Mommy and Daddy took me to see a live show of the Berenstain Bears at The One World Theater. They managed to fit it lessons about stranger danger, eating healthy foods and jealousy...all in an hour!

Dino Dan

2011-01-28T20:22:00.002-06:00

As a nice balance to my obsession with all things girly, I am equally excited about DINOSAURS. My favorite t.v. show at the moment is Dino Dan on my preschool channel. It's the first non-cartoon show I have watched. There's a little boy named Dan who sees dinosaurs in his environment and teaches about them through experiments he conducts. No offense to my dear friends, but Dino Dan was #1 on my birthday party guest list. (I also ask every time the phone rings if it's Dino Dan calling) Mommy explained that he lives too far away and couldn't come to the party, but he did send me this shirt in the mail. I want to wear it every day and night!

From Daddy

2011-01-27T10:32:00.000-06:00

Little Girl, Little Girl,

You keep getting bigger and bigger. I knew you would grow fast, but this is ridiculous. No matter how much I love who you are every day, each new day brings more growth, more joy and more love. Your hugs and kisses light up my life.

Love,

Daddy

You're 4? How is that Possible?

2011-01-26T10:15:00.008-06:00

Dearest Victoria Pearl,

I wrote you letters every month for your first three years, and they became redundant with the sentiment of you are growing up way too fast. I now haven't written you an "official" letter since your third birthday. The first thing I want to say it that you are growing up too fast! Every time you want me to carry you, I jump at the opportunity because I know the occasions to do so are shrinking as your body seems to be expanding at alarming speed.

In addition to watching you grow like a weed, I have an ever-increasing ability to learn about YOU through your personality and actions. There are so many facets to you that it's difficult to describe who you are - you are sweet, compassionate, affectionate, friendly, stubborn, dramatic, tempermental, animated, funny and ornery with a fair dose of spoiled rottenness mixed in. You are just starting to want to be independent in some things. Otherwise, you prefer to have things handled/done for you and often play the damsel in distress, especially for your daddy. To help with independence and responsibility you now have chores around the house which include setting and clearing the table, feeding the cat and cleaning up your toys. You never meet a stranger - everyone is "my friend". You have a smile, a wave, a hug for everyone...unless you are mad and then WATCH OUT! When you do get upset, you have to calm down on your own and usually do so quickly. I have learned to just stay out of the way!

What are your favorite things at four? Your cat Barbie is at the top of the list. You also love princesses and dinosaurs and any little characters/people/animals that you can use for pretend play. You don't like to be alone and would prefer to have a house full of people. When you aren't at school or therapy, we are playing, reading, going full force until bedtime. Speaking of bedtime, it has changed. I used to give you your binkies and off to sleep you would go. I really thought you would NEVER give up your binky. As you often do, you surprised me with the ease of it. Now, though, you want me to stay with you until you fall asleep. At first, I thought I didn't want to start that habit, but that was just the "baby book advice" overriding my common sense. Now, we have this special time each night as I read to you and then snuggle and say prayers. Sometimes you giggle as you're falling asleep - no doubt recounting something that happened that day. Moments like that are precious to me.

Selfishly, my favorite thing about this past year is your ability to tell me you love me (sometimes even, "I love you so, so much!"). For all mothers, those words are sweet. For me, each word represents a little miracle. You work so hard to accomplish what comes so easily for others. You have so many people on your team - professionally and personally - who love you dearly. It's you and me, though, who walk through each day, side-by-side, hand-in-hand, heart-to-heart fighting to give you the voice to express all those qualities I mentioned. It's both exhausting and rewarding. It means I am sometimes the outlet for your frustration, but I'll happily be your punching bag because I know it also means I get to be your biggest cheerleader. I would love to just gather you in my lap, hold you close and make it all better for you. While I'll always do more than my fair share of comforting you, I know it's equally important that I help you reach your full potential by pushing, expecting...

I can't wait to see what this next year holds!

I love you more than you can imagine,
Mommy

Happy 4th Birthday

2011-01-26T10:02:00.002-06:00

Although I had the big celebration this past Saturday, we celebrated my actual birthday at home this evening with a cake that Mommy made, but Daddy got credit for. I had asked for a Barbie cake, but I specifically said, "I want Daddy to make me a Barbie cake." I am not sure what prompted this request, given Daddy hasn't baked or cooked one thing in all of my four years. Maybe I thought it was time! Anyway, other than the mishap in which Mommy caught the napkins on fire, the quiet evening at home was just perfect.

Birthday Party

2011-01-22T20:22:00.001-06:00

Today we celebrated my birthday with a Princess Party! My friends came in their finest royal attire - we had princes, knights, dragons and plenty of princesses...including CINDERELLA. She came and entertained us with a magic show, parachute games, face painting, bubbles and balloon twists. I was her helper for the activities - I even stopped the show so I could go get my wand to help with the magic. It was a special day. I can't stop talking about it!

Max's Pool Party

2011-01-15T10:25:00.001-06:00

How fun to have a swimming party in the middle of winter! My friend Max celebrated his 4th birthday with a party at Emler Swim School. His mom, of course, made a super cool cake complete with a blue jello pool (the photo doesn't do it justice!). I used to take lessons here - in fact, that's how I first met Max. It was good to be back in the pool and good to be able to celebrate with Max!

*#+^$%$# Cancer

2011-01-13T10:40:00.001-06:00

Well, we unfortunately found out that Daddy's radiation treaments did not work. He and Mommy visited MD Anderson to visit with the doctors there. They confirmed that although there isn't anything available that will "cure" the cancer at this point, there are medications that can prolong its progression - maybe even for several years. Also, there are a couple of treatment options on the horizon that are potential break-throughs! If anyone can beat the odds, it's Daddy...who still feels well and isn't convinced he even HAS cancer! He's really incredible, and he's MY daddy!

Aunt Pearl 1911-2011

2011-01-12T19:12:00.001-06:00

Me with Aunt Pearl - 2007

Today was a sad day. Four months shy of her 100th birthday, we said goodbye to our dear Aunt Pearl. As you can probably guess, my middle name came from her. She was strong and feisty and kind and generous and funny and so many of the things I aspire to be.

Bath Time with Barbie

2011-01-07T11:40:00.001-06:00

I have the silliest cat in the world - just the way I like him!