Welcome Home

Amelia came home today after spending 5 days with Grandma and Grandpa. Let's just say it is obvious there is going to be an adjustment period - for her and for us. I was getting used to saying "potty words", having free time, and watching TV that isn't animated...and I'm guessing Amelia enjoyed her time of lawless partying, pounding beers, and playing no limit poker....or whatever it is you do at your grandparents' house. That said, it sure is nice to have my little girl back.

Guests

Ev: So, how does this whole blog thing work?

Sophie: Just sit there with your big ole head and look good. I'm a veteran blogger. I'll do the work.

Ev: What? I don't have a big head. My mom said I'm beautiful.

Sophie: Aww, you're cute. Listen, kid, the first thing I'll teach you is never trust your parents. They're liars.

Ev: What about my big sister?

Sophie: Oh, Lord. She's the worst. She manipulates with her sweet face. But, believe me, she's a stone cold killer. If you know what's best for you, you'll stay away from her. I'm the only one who will be honest with you.

Ev: Gee, Sophie, I don't know. Amelia said you would say all those bad things about her because you are jealous.

Sophie: Damn. She's already gotten to you.

Ev: No, no, no. It's okay. The three of us can all be friends and play together.

Sophie: Oh yeah, that's right. I forgot. We live in a 1950's sitcom.

Ev: Ooooh, can I play the lovable family dog?

Sophie: Uhhh, noooo. It would be ridiculous for you to play the dog considering I'm an actual dog.

Ev: You're a dog?!?

Sophie: What did you think I was?!?

Ev: To be honest, I had a bet with Travis from next door. I had a rattle and two pacifiers on the line saying you were a rat-chupacabra mix.

Sophie: So, I bark and have a nubby tail and you thought it was more likely that I was a cross between a sewer rodent and a legendary creature many believe doesn't exist rather than a dog?

Ev: Well, I mean, when you say it like that , it sounds like I was a bit off base. Wow..consider me embarrassed. So, what kind of dog are you? German Shepard? Golden?

Sophie: Seriously?!?

Ev: Hey, we can't all be the E-Trade baby.

Sophie: What's that smell? Did you just poop yourself?

Ev: Sorry. I poop when I'm embarrassed.

Sophie: Okay, that's it. I can't do this anymore.

Ev: Don't judge me.

Where I stand

I mentioned I was a little worried Amelia was going to have such a good time at her grandparents' that she wasn't going to want to come home. Well, I got a very clear picture of where I stand this morning.  Not only has she let us know she is staying for "7 days" - a number that does not decrease with each subsequent day, but she wouldn't even bother to get on the phone to talk to me.  So, in case I had any delusions that she missed me and couldn't wait to see me...she helped reality bring me back to Earth.

Lonely

On Sunday, Amelia went to stay with her grandparents for a few days. There were multiple reasons for this. First of all, she is awesome so they have been begging us to let it happen. Secondly, aside from us, they have spent the most time caring for her - bath time, bed time, giving her meds, etc. so she is comfortable there. Lastly, with Everett being sick again, we are trying to separate the two of them to break the cycle of them trading illnesses. This being the first time she's been away from us, we weren't sure how we'd feel about it. With no surprise, we have had mixed emotions. It is very nice to have quite a bit more free time and even more quiet time. That said, when you take Amelia out of the house, you take 25% of the people and 75% of the energy.  On the flip side, any concerns for how Amelia would feel about it were alleviated when she was so excited to see them she essentially didn't even tell me goodbye. As a matter of fact, after speaking to her tonight, I'm pretty concerned she's never going to want to come home...and we'll have to change that because I miss my buddy.

Ballerina

As promised...

Ballerina

Amelia's recital went off without a hitch today. I will try to post video as soon as I can solve the problem I have of not having a cable that connects my video camera to my computer. For now, here are some pics from the day.

Learning the Hard Way

Ever wonder what it looks like to be a three year-old who refuses to clean your mess or stop climbing on your baby brother's jumper resulting in it tipping over on top of you in a pile of your own toys only to have your dad take a picture of your fallen* body instead of helping you up? Well, it looks like this...

I guess some lessons are just only learned the hard way.

* Disclaimer - No three-year olds were harmed in the making of this post.