God only gives you what you can handle, right?

I see differences between boys of Carleigh's age and girls.  Most often, the boys are very active, into destruction, moving things, and love to play rough.  Girls tend to be more nurturing, can focus longer, and play nicer.

That summation is a generality of course, but I find it so funny that, while perhaps not as rough as her "boy" friends, Carleigh is not your typical "girl."

Case in point: we are playing outside yesterday with the puppies and Carleigh's being a sweet girl saying "cheese" for me and the camera...

... and Maddie, in typical weiner-dog fashion, begins digging!  Ugh!!!  So what does Carleigh do, she helps Maddie by using her hands to dig, too!  Oooh gross!  "Yucky" I tell her!!!

Five minutes later, as I'm putting rocks over the hole, I look over and this is what I see!  Scared the poo out of me!

Tyson was trying to warn me with his howls ... I should have listened.

In my head I was thinking, "how could a boy be any different?" (and then I remembered that boys don't like babies, picnics and kitchens as much).  But regardless, I was sure of one thing: I have my hands full!

Getting in the mood for Easter

Carleigh wore her bunny shirt and tutu Saturday and was so pleased with her outfit, she had to go show "Cat-Cat" (Catherine, next door).  She was so excited to see Cat-Cat but the girls were at a softball game, so Carleigh had to settle for the next best thing ...

Snickers!!!  Too bad Snickers couldn't come out to get a better look!

Once we got home, I put Carleigh in some pants so she'd be more comfy.

Much more conducive to playing!  And I even got a "pose" out of her!  Can't wait for Easter!!!



Just to see you smile

On days like last Friday, it puts into perspective why I love my SAHM job.  (don't get me wrong, there are days like last Tuesday, when I really miss working, too :)  But, I think, we are all meant to do what makes us, as individuals, fulfilled.

There was no better way to sum up that fulfillment than by the smiles and affection I received from Carleigh.  Our routine is pretty mundane ... daily we go to the gym and often we have another "outing" to do in the afternoon.  You would think she'd dread the gym, but I've gotten in the habit of spoiling her with a little pre-workout play time on the playground.  I love to see her excitement!

Following our gym time, we went to Chik-Fil-A, a favorite of Carleigh's.  We are recognized by the workers there and often run into the same kiddos.

Happy to have me watching.

The happiness she gets from our little mommy-Carleigh time is what I live for.  I have to remember this on days where the tantrums are overriding the smiles and stop and consider what I can do to get her and me back to our "fulfilling" time.  I love you, C!

Easter Bunny Pics

Courtney and I met Wednesday at Stone Oak Park to take photos of the kids with two live bunnies she borrowed from a friend!  It was a site to see, I'm sure, with the two of us, 4 kids, and 2 bunnies running around, one of whom played Houdini the whole time!

This poor little guy didn't stand a chance with the 8 little hands constantly grabbing for him.  And his wingman was smartly hiding out amongst the rocky terrain.

Cousins Aubrey, Stella and Caroline were just as excited about the bunnies as Carleigh.  They, unlike Carleigh, had patience.

The three sisters were so cute together and Carleigh was all about showing the bunny some love.

Now that's excitement!!!  Caroline couldn't get enough.

Carleigh didn't want to "sit" but I made her and I caught this little glimpse of a smile.

She was much happier on the run, like bunny #2!  Thank you so much for the invite, Court!  It was a hot, humid, challenging morning but we did it and I'm so glad.

Loving the Little Gym

Now that swim class is over, we've started Little Gym classes.  Carleigh has picked up the word "class" and says it over and over on our way.  Since it's just me with her, I couldn't take photos of her "in action" but promise to do that (with Dustin's help) before the session is over.

She is the youngest in her class and just borders on the edge of taking the younger kids class that meets before hers.  As you can see, she's eager to get started.

Patience is not her virtue.  Hopefully, she learns some with the structure of this class.   So far, she really hasn't gotten the hang of "mat time" unless it's of interest to her and waiting her turn is by far her biggest "needs improvement" skill.

Taken through the window, this photo shows how ready she is to shake it up and play at the Little Gym!  The funniest thing that happened at this class (our second) is that when the teacher asked all the kids' to say their names in the circle, which most could, Carleigh said "me" (instead of "Carleigh") and pointsedto herself and then gave herself a round of applause.  Oh, brother!

The many faces of Carleigh

 Sweet

Delighted

Excited                                                                                     Confused

Happy

Amazed

Posed (I really asked her to pose and this is what she gave me)

Fed up

There is one face missing ... sad.  That face was given to me (and then some) when I made Carleigh come inside.

EDIT:  She delivered a sad face minutes later when she came inside.

What up, dawg?

It's a rare picture to see Carleigh in a hat, but Daddy's hat proved to be quite fun to wear!

She was feeling extra sassy this morning!  C-dawg in the house!

McKenna Children's Museum Playdate

Yesterday, we met Robyn and Bryson at the New Braunfels McKenna Children's Museum.  It was our first time there with them and it was a great time!  Because of Spring Break, the place was buzzing with kids!!!  Next time we hope to go when it's a little less busy.  Nevertheless, Bryson and Carleigh had a blast exploring and playing!

 

Bryson had a blast driving Carleigh in the play ambulance.  Such a gentleman!

He also had fun playing with the trainset!

Carleigh didn't want to get out of the rocketship!  There was alot of climbing opportunities inside.

Hanging out in the bubble window was a highlight!

There was so much to do it was almost overstimulating!  The fitness area had a dance pad and the campout area had magnetic fishing and tents to play picnic in.

There was a western area with sawhorse ponies and Bryson didn't waste anytime giddying-up!  Carleigh was nearby in a playhouse playing peek-a-boo.

The outdoor water area was definitely a favorite for both of them!  Something about getting wet that kids think is so much fun!

It was so cute to hear Carleigh ask for Bryson.  It sounded more like "Byson" but we understood.  She kept wanting him to join her!

And often, he did!  The date ended with me asking Carleigh to give Bryson a hug.  He got a pat.  Hey, they're still new, ya know?  A girl can't move too fast.  Thanks for hanging out with us, Bryson and Robyn!!!