We are Family

This past weekend, we attempted once again, to take a family photo. Riley was none too pleased with us. If she could flip us the bird, I believe she would have done that as well. I guess she couldn't believe our audacity to:

a. Make her sit still for 2.3 seconds

b. Smile

c. Overcome her stranger danger fears

d. Request that she not run way screaming from the photo session

The photographer, who we have used at the Picture People numerous times, and who is very aware of Riley's aversions (please see list A-D) was able to quickly click seven photos.

We were pleasantly surprised that we got two decent pictures from the experience. And yes, I did make us dress in Fall colors. Dan hated Riley's outfit because he still insits that brown is not a Fall color, nor is the brown color, Fondue, that I presently have on painted on my toenails....I swear. Where does he come up with this stuff? Doesn't he know I am the coordinator of all photo ensembles? :)

Diapers & Babies

Riley has very interested as of late in two things, diapers, babies, and putting diapers on babies.

She has been increasingly aware of the "happenings" that occur in her diaper. I will ask her what she is doing, and abut 80% of the time, she will respond with the correct answer, "Poopy." Ah, the joys of parenthood. I never thought I would ever write the word poopy, let alone on a blog for all to see.

Since her new found love for diaper awareness, she will also (sometimes) get a diaper when I ask and if I'm lucky, cooperate and lay down.

This must have really sunk in to her brain because she is now diapering her baby doll. She tries her hardest, firmly pressing the tabs onto little baby's body, usually grunting the words, "Baby' or "Diaper," or her personal favorite, "No."

I tried to catch her during one of these diaper changes. Please pardon my half naked child once again. I hate that I catch her with only a diaper on but what can I say, we are home, it's hot, and she spills quite a bit.

Hair

It was almost 17 months ago that we brought Riley home from the hospital. I though for sure she was going to be bald, but alas, she had a full head of brown hair.

It has grown, with auburn and brown highlights and I can now create two pigtails with Riley's hair!

Hair also makes me think of my friend from high school, Christy. She is only 28 and is battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Through two rounds of chemo, she has lost her hair not once, but twice. I am grateful to not only have healthy child with whom I can adorn with pigtails, but for a chance to have a friend like Christy in my life. She teaches me about strength, love, compassion, and laughter. We have been friends since high school and I have always admired her long, curly locks, her spunk, and her drama skills. We were involved in many theatre productions together and she truly is a triple threat.

Hair is a big deal. Most people remark when you get a hair cut, "I like how it looks," or as one of my old boyfriend's once told his mom, "I think Jamie's hair is orange." Auburn people. auburn. But most importantly, it's not the color, length, or style, it's the people around you who are strong enough to chop off all of their own locks, as Christy's cousin did, as a sign of support, gratitude, and most importantly, love.

Elmo's Driving Me to Drink

Sweet Baby Jesus, Riley has THREE - count them, 1 - 2 - 3 molars poking through. I have been resorting to lots of time with Elmo's Pets and Bedtime videos. God bless Elmo and God bless my Mom, "Mimi" who bought said videos. I feel like a horrible mother because I also try to sneak a nap in on the couch as we ingest "Elmo's World" one - more - time.

Calgon, take me away......

Kitty with a "T"

I love how little kids say words, like dropping the L's, Y's, or changing the R's to W's. When I was younger, I would call snacks and snakes - Nacks and Nakes and Roger was Woger. I think my brother put a D in front of everything.

Well, Riley, bless her heart, loves her some kitty cats. We have a stray one - a pretty white cat with icy, blue eyes that meanders through our yard every now and then. Murphy could do without it but Riley eats it up.....and then you hear her yell.

TITTY! TITTY!

Dear Lord. Are you serious? Can we at least call her a Ditty or a Nitty...but a Titty?

It is even more fun when we are out in public and she sees a Titty.

Ms. Bossy

I really don't know where Riley gets her bossy genes from (insert sarcasm tone here). But, she insists on bossing everyone around - especially her little, furry brother, Murphy. Her favorite activity is walking Murphy on his leash around the house. The following video is a true testament to her "strong-willed" attitude and his willingness to "go along to get along." Poor Murphy.