Baby Swimmer

We had a very warm Sunday this past weekend, and Audrey is loving her backyard more and more. The first word out of her month when wakes in the morning is "outside". So too help keep her cool, we started letting her play with the water hose.

She really enjoys this, and loves to squirt her daddy. I have a great video of her soaking him.

We decided it was time for her to have a swimming pool. At first she didn't quite know what to do, so I stepped in to show her the ropes. In no time at all, she was loving it. She didn't understand that a pool is different than the bathtub, and a swimsuit is required. She immediately started taking off her swimsuit. I guess my child would prefer to skinny-dip. Hopefully, this will keep her entertained as we approach summer.

That's Amore'

Last night we went to the Olive Garden for what was supposed to be a small get together with family. My Great Uncle is in town, and we wanted to visit with him. This dinner turned out to be 30 plus...all family. For such short notice, this night will go down in my book as one of my favorites. Uncle Johnny Sanfratello is my Grandmother's brother, and lives in Arkansas. He is my "Italian Uncle" as I like to tell him. He was once the mayor of his small town. Now he is retired and living great. My daddy thought the world of this man, as do all of us. Audrey was on her best behavior. She was wonderful. Maybe we can take her off "Restaurant Restriction".

Last night we sat at a long line of tables all pushed together. We all ate our share of salad and bread sticks. Some of us had wine, others just iced tea. In the middle of us catching up with everyone, all of us talking at the same time, I couldn't help but feel a little sadness. I found myself really missing my daddy. When I look at Uncle Johnny, I can really see my dad. Daddy looked so much like him. So in my own silence and in my own private moment I drank a toast to my daddy. It is hard to believe that it has been 11 years since our lord called him home. There hasn't been a day that I haven't thought about him. I feel sad for my Audrey and all she is missing. He would be so in love with this little girl. I can imagine her calling for her "Papa Tom". I know my grandmother must be feeling the same way. Both her son (Uncle Tony) and her daughter (Aunt Renee) were there, and all that was missing was my daddy. Time does heal the pain, but the void is and will always be there.

She's Back...
Audrey is back to being a Mama's Girl. Although she still loves the attention she gets from her daddy, she is back to wanting me as well. I love it! We had a wonderful weekend. We played in the backyard mostly. Audrey has gotten so good at swinging by herself. Her daddy has taught her how to climb up the slide the wrong way. This is a No-No, and she knows that I don't allow her to do this so she only does it with her daddy standing nearby. Bubbles, Bubbles, and more Bubbles...something Audrey never gets tired of. Yesterday, after our signature Pancake Breakfast, we took our Sunday drive to Dauphin Island. We visited with my mother, and took Audrey to look at boats and more boats. This was her word for the day: "BOATS".

I love spending my weekends with Ward and Audrey. Watching this little girl grow and develope is wonderful. Her daddy and I are amazed everyday with the things she says, the way her vocabulary is growing, and especially all the little things that she does to entertain herself. She knows how to keep us smiling.

"Daddy's Girl"
Audrey has gotten to the point that all she wants is to be with her daddy. He had to go out of town last week, for only one night, and since he has been back he is all that matters. Only daddy, can play with her, dress her, fix her snacks, you name it...only him. So what am I, Chopped Liver? Audrey did let me bathe her last night but that was all she would let me do. She wouldn't even let me brush her hair.

Ward had already left for work this morning when she woke up and this did not make her happy at all! Her first word was "DaDa?" Within minutes of listening to Audrey cry for her daddy, I was already worn out. I promised her that he would pick her up from daycare today, and that they have a special date planned. Seems she enjoys going to McDonald's alot. Mama isn't allowed, this is only for Audrey and her daddy. This seemed too make her a little bit happier. I love that she is so close with her daddy, but good grief! She has done this before, only wanting her "Dada", so I'm sure she will want me again sometime soon. (I hope).

Last night before she went too sleep, or should I say made Ward go to bed so that she could, the two of them were in the recliner sharing a PopTart and watching Sponge Bob. It was really sweet. She would take a bite, and then hold it for him to take a bite. When the PopTart was all gone, she looked up at him and said "Night-Night Dada Night-Night". She is a cutie, and melts my heart a little more each and every day.

My Mother's Day 2008

This is my 3rd, but by far the best Mother's Day ever. Ward and Audrey dedicated this day just to me. This morning I made us our usual "Pancake Sunday" breakfast with eggs and bacon. I'm actually getting pretty darn good at flipping a fried egg without breaking the yolk. Ward offered, but I like doing it myself. After breakfast we played in the backyard. Audrey blew bubbles for me, and showed me how good she is getting on her swing-set. Just look at her bright smile.

We then took a drive around town. I love to drive around on Sunday's. The smell of freshly mowed lawns is one of my favorites. We took Audrey to a local playground, and boy did she have a good time. This was her first time to play at a public playground. She really had a blast, so I know that we will go back. A really good friend of mine from high school has a playground that she and her husband raised money to build and dedicated it to their beloved baby girl. I now understand what she means when she mentions the feelings she gets when she sees children enjoying her little girl's playground. While this park wasn't dedicated to any one person, all the children there certainly were enjoying themselves. Ward and I found ourselves bribing Audrey to leave. Hard to believe we were trying to "wheel and deal" with a two year old.

After the playground it was time for lunch. I wish I had a picture of Ward's face when he asked me where I would like to have lunch. I made my request and it was granted. I chose of all things "Popeyes Chicken". How funny is that? We decided to get it to go, and the three of us chowed down when we got home. We then adjourned to the backyard again where we munched on fresh watermelon. You can see how much Audrey loves watermelon by looking at her shirt.

Ward and I relaxed in our hammock while Audrey showed off her new talents on her swing set. The weather was absolutely beautiful. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect Mother's Day. Just me, my husband, and our little girl...our family. That's all this mom needs.