President's Day 3-Day Weekend: Off to Grandmother's House We Go!

Working in the financial industry has its perks... like getting President's Day off.
I took Evie with me to Lala and Pop-pop's house in North Carolina while leaving Rob with a rather lengthy (ambitious!) "honey-do" list.

We left on Saturday morning (3.5hr drive, typically) and rolled in around 1PM. We spent the day around the house... Evie did her best to wear out my mother. Thankfully, my mother was prepared and lapped it all up while I sought solice in the back bedroom.

On Sunday we used our Children's Museum Membership to visit the Greensboro Children's Museum. We took Lala with us. After 2 hrs (and then some) both Lala and mommy's brain's were completely over-stimulated and we dragged Evie home. Thankfully, Evie actually got a little tuckered out there so her leaving only involved me carrying her to the door while she whimpered. No tears. Phew!







Monday morning was a little boring for a preschooler while I packed and got ready to go. We stopped off for some Elizabeth's Pizza lunch before hitting the road home. A few movies in the car and one 45 minute nap later (her, not me), we were home by evening time.

Rob had completed all but 2 items on his list! The list was divided into sections. The top portion included items that needed to get done (relocating his office from what will be the baby's room to where it used to be a year ago in the front of the house). If he completed this top section of the list... I would speak to him. The middle portion of the list, if completed, would make me happy and meet my expectations. The bottom part of the list ( a bonus round, if you will...) would make me so elated that I'll deliver whatever he wanted. *wink* Ah, motivation is a wonderful thing...

I must do this...

Handprint canvas art set

Of course, I'll make my own. Would be so sweet to have one featuring Evie and baby brother's hands on the same canvas. Now, what color do I do (given the fact that harvest gold and avocado green were big colors when I was a baby... they didn't hold up very well through-out the years!)

Ginormous Bras and Big Girl Bloomers

Today was my 27 week (ok, technically 26wk 6days) check-up.
Today was my glucose tolerance test (test results by the week's end) and typical measurements were taken. I have gained about 15lbs so far, that's for my entire pregnancy... not just since my last check-up! I am measuring at 28 weeks.

So. I decided I should go out and *celebrate* my check-up with new bras and panties. Translation - BIGGER bras and panties.

I've begun retaining water in just the last week and have noticed rings around my legs where my socks were (ugh!). I also wake-up in the middle of the night with my underwear digging into my hips (ouch!). So, this trip was a necessary evil. I want to "support" everything (like the girls) so I can rebound from this pregnancy later on in the year ...with minimal lasting impact. I know the boobs will be less perky after a second pregnancy/nursing babe. I know my belly and ass will no longer bounce quarters (ok, they never did). But I do want to keep the nips from pointing southward when I'm 40, if at all possible.

So, on to... Target!
I grabbed a variety bra sizes (both cups and bust inches) and marched into the dressing room. Is it possible to leave a store with both a 26" and a 38"? Let's be clear - I wore a 36" before baby... but should technically be a 34" (I've been professionally measured). I buy a size too large to minimize that back fat appearance. Does it work, I have no idea. I also minimize the back fat appearance by having no double mirrors available anywhere in my house. What I can't see doesn't bother me.

But damned, standing in fluorescent, overhead lighting in a big-box retailer... bare boobs and belly exposed... thick elastic-waist band on pants wrapped around your girth... a girl just wants to die. I wasn't even "upset-sad" as I was "upset-mad". Ugh, its so hard to reach this point and to continue on. Pregnancy is this miracle that looks great on others (or in your own mind) but when its spotlighted like this... it really does a huge number on a girl's psyche. It actually motivates me to just go full-tilt and intentionally let myself go. Since I can't slow down this downhill decline... I might as well dress like shit and eat ice cream for breakfast, too, right? I mean, pregnancy IS when one can get away with such slovenes and label such behavior as being part of the baby-making process. Women "glow" at this time, right? I embody womanhood at this very point in time, right? I should take my womanhood and deep fry it, drizzle it with honey and cinnamon and get a big glass of chocolate milk to wash it down.
Where was I going with all this again?

OK, enough of that side-tacked tantrum.
Back to the big bras.
WTF? Why do bras, that are cup-size D, look like something I'd see on a "Playtex 18 hr bra" commercial? OK, I know I just talked about support and comfort up above, but Goddamn. Does everything have to go out the window? Can't a girl get something that doesn't have 3 hinges in the back (seriously? I feel like I'm holding down a Macy's Day Parade Float with this much hardware), shoulder straps that are not only 3/4" wide but PADDED, and extra fabric in between the cups which essentially looks like a cropped tank top. Geez, why not just wear a sports bra at this point? Yes, OK, these fuglies were all comfortable and, yes, probably look great under a white tshirt in a cold office (sidenote: who the hell buys a crisp white bra? That doesn't work under anything for any ethnicity... I'm just saying). BUT, I am still mentally stuck in college with lacy materials wrapped around my rib cage, dainty shoulder straps and a tiny bow holding the cups together in the middle. I KNOW they aren't practical but, they look cute and look great when you take off your workday shirt. I feel like I'm wearing some sort of medical support with those other bras. And I already have rings around my calves from my knee-high socks, dimples in my ass that weren't there 3 months ago and flabbier arms than... oh hell,,, they flap when I reach for things! Can't I at least have a hot bra to cradle my nice, round boobs? Its really the only perk to being pregnant - swollen, round boobs. Let me celebrate just that little victory...

Speaking of big bras... ok, this is my last rant... why are all the big-girl bras on the bottom rack? And by bottom rack, I mean they hang 2" off the floor. I was losing my breath trying to bend over rummaging for my size. I nearly toppled over when I squatted for too long. I gave up and sat on the floor to finish digging and untangling the mess hidden deep within the racks. It was while I sat splayed out on the floor that I gazed up at the A's hanging freely on the top rack... practically blowing in the air conditioned breeze. They weren't in knots, they weren't tangled in a heap and they were easy to skim through... once again, tiny girls get everything. I think skinny girls with tiny boobs should be bending and the bigger gals (pregnant gals, older women... ) should get the top rack. Why make grandma bend... or fat preggos, like me, scoop to the floor*?
*This is the part of the blog where we all rise up and burn our bras in unity... but then again, it was hell finding these 2 bras so let's all just furrow our brows and chant "yes yes!" in unison.

So, panties. I bought Hanes string bikinis when I was pregnant with Evie. I then later went back and got one size larger... and bikini briefs. I actually saved these and busted them out a few months ago. Sad to say, I went to the store and bought (dear God, am I going to admit this for all to read???), *gulp*, XL bikini briefs. There. I said it. I actually bought the largest damned size they make. Well, the largest size that comes in a 6-pack and isn't hanging on a hanger, independently.
It was only after I got home that I realized these panties had a huge sticker boosting "100% Wedgie-Free Guaranteed" on the front. Sigh, eye roll. Thanks to my husband for pulling that sticker off and putting it on my pillow for a giggle. Last laugh is on him, no nookie for him as long as I feel like a sea-cow. ;-)

Well, that was my day. A day filled with reality and hopelessness in ever looking sexy again.
Ok, I do exaggerate. I know I'll bounce back, yada-yada. But I do also know I will never again be.. look... the same after baby #2 gets here. I will be OK with that. Its still hard to suck-it-up when you look back on pictures/mental images and think, "Geez, and WHY did I think I looked like hell back then? If I could look like that again... I'd wear skinny jeans!"
Ah, the mental roller-coaster that is inside every woman.
At least I have a husband who thinks I look fabulous at every stage in life... and sees me with a mind that ages along with me.
Then again, he might just want the nookie and is willing to say or do anything to get it.

24 Weeks 2 Days : Photo

I finally went back and posted the 20week photo (as previously promised). Holy schitt, what a difference a month made (ok, and that 4 lbs I gained during my 23 week check-up helped). I knew I was bigger... but I'm realizing now that I'm closer to the end than I thought just moments before comparing these! Ok, OK, ... yes, technically... I have a long way to go... but man, I'm really pregnant.
Sometimes you forget. :-/

For the Love of Shoes

Shopping at Old Navy this past Saturday AM (50% off all clearance + 25% off for card holders = WIN!)

Evie spied the jelly shoes again this year (she desperately wanted them last year and I never gave in.
I have agreed to give in IF we can find ones that are like sandals... these mary jane styles will just result in sweaty feet & possible falls.

"Look!" Evie feverishly points to the translucent purple shoes hanging.
"Yes, I know. Jelly shoes."
"Can we eat them?!."
*pause*
"No, Evie... not gummy shoes. Besides, that would be gross, dontcha think?"

Evie sat down next to display rack and proceeded to try on one of each color.
Ah, my little Imelda Marcos.

Evie goes to the dentist

Evie's first visit was in the summer when she turned 3. Rob took her in and it was more of a "meet your dentist" type of visit where she got familiarized with the lay-out, the chair, what the light looks like shining down on her smile. There was no real cleaning or anything going on at this visit. From what I heard from Rob's reports... she wouldn't open her mouth and was rather quiet with a little bit of "frigid" mixed in.
Fast forward to 6 months later.... check up at 3.5 years old.
Evie was prepped last night when I told her what to expect at the dentist. I told her they don't have a sink to spit in but rather a magic wand that sucks the spit out of your mouth. I told her they'd brush her teeth, make her smile and it would all be pretty much the same as at home.
Rob picked her up from school early... she apparently was cheering the fact that she was "going to the dentist! I'm going to the dentist!"
(Who is this kid?)
Evie apparently had no problems opening her mouth this time and they polished her teeth with the electric brush. (Evie cupped my cheek in her hand when she got home tonight and whispered, "I got the cherry [toothpaste].")
This kid cracks me up. She marched on into the house with her goodie bag, "Wanna see what I got?" She proudly displayed a mini toothpaste, sparkly purple Snow White toothbrush, a pink bracelet and an elephant sticker. What a haul! Its almost like Halloween.
Almost. ;-)

23 Weeks

OK, well, I will be tomorrow.
Went to the doctor for my check-up this morning.
I've gained 4lbs since last visit (ack, 4 lbs in 4 weeks?!.) and I am measuring at 25 weeks.
Damned.

I did take pictures of the belly just over 20 weeks (around Christmas) that I have yet to post. I may just wait till next week's "week 24" photo and post 'em together. Stay tuned....

Tonight we learned the word "short-cut."

Calling Evie to the bathroom to brush her teeth... I hear her scattering about calling back, "I'm coming!"
I sneak through the door in her bedroom which (ah, the fun design of an old house) leads to the pantry which then opens on the other side into the kitchen. She stops in the kitchen to ask me, "What? I was giving daddy a hug!"
I reply, "That's fine... just c'mon. Go through here and follow me to the bathroom."
Evie knows this path but doesn't use it often. She looks at me temporarily confused.
"C'mon," I coax,"Its a short-cute."
"What?"
"C'mon. Short-cut, let's go!"
"Now? A short-cut?" she asks.
"Yeah, now, we gotta brush your teeth."
I push Evie into the bathroom and slide over her step-stool. Instead of getting up on it under the sink, she sits down.
"C'mon Evie!" I think she is stalling or being silly,"We are brushing teeth, get up!"
"What? Oh. I thought you were doing a short-cut."
I pause.
I think.
"A haircut?!." I ask (she's only had me trim her hair twice and she only remembers the one recent time).
"Yeah!"

Too funny.

Well, the scare tactics worked

Evie puts up a FIGHT to wear a nightgown to bed (and a dress to school, and so on and so on with everything girly).
Its freezing ass cold outside in the middle of January in the South where most places (including our home) lack proper insulation... so we argue endlessly when we have enough fight in us. Lately, we've been stressing that she wear PJs to bed at night so she doesn't get cold if she kicks off the covers.
We tell her, "You'll get cold."
"Will I get sick?" (this is a panic button for Evie 'cause all she ever thinks about with the word 'sick' is the time she threw up in the bed).
"Well, no. [I can't lie to her] But you'll get cold and you can get sick if you are cold all the time.... it doesn't help."

So, tonight Evie wants to wear a nightgown after putting up a tear-filled 20 minute meltdown last night over having to wear PJs.
I let her have this one with no fight, "Go pick one out," I say.
Evie enthusiastically grabs an ankle-length Hello Kitty nightgown (the key here is the length... she thinks prettier/Princess dresses are ankle-length).
Fast forward to completing the bedtime routine and out goes the light.
Not 5 minutes later, a panicked cry, "Mommy... Mommy! ... MOMMY!"
I walk quickly into her room, "What is it????"
Evie sits up in full sobs, "I don't wanna wear a nightgown! I don't wanna get cold. I want pajamas!"

Hmmm, I don't know if this is a victory or a sign Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome.

Numerical coincidences (?)

Yes, these are the types of things I think about.

I found out I was pregnant on April 1, 2010 (and would be due at/around December 7th) but the pregnancy ended in miscarriage. My DNC was early May.
I then found out I was pregnant again on September 11th and would be due in May(will most likely have a C-Section which will be sceduled one week before my due date... ) around the 12th -or- early May.
I find it interesting that I'll be due with a baby around the same time I suffered the loss of a baby one year before....

Evie turned 3 1/2 years old the first week of January (January 2nd, really). I am in the middle of this pregnancy as of the first week of January (December 30th, really). Funny that both halfway markers are within the same week!

I was engaged in an even year but married in an odd year. I got pregnant in even years with the kids both due in odd years. Seems like we spend even years planning/working and odd years reaping the benefits. ;-)

20 Weeks 4 Days : Photo

Christmas 2010

Good morning! New easel from Aunt Natalie & Uncle Paul... Evie clutches her new Pillow Pet left behind by Santa (in her bed).


First gift opened!


A book about being a big sister from Uncle Andy.


There's MORE in my stocking! Yeah, a Hello Kitty coloring book!


Evie sits with her haul (well, most of it anyway!)


Evie and her glamorous jewelry.


Evie clutches her newest prized possession, ""Sleeping Beauty" DVD.


Great Evie one-liners while opening gifts:

• First thing Evie says to Lala on Christmas morning, "I wanted TWO Pillow Pets."
Ah, sheesh... I can't win (I can tell you Evie never even did anything with the ONE Pillow Pet a month later...)

• After opening a pink plastic jewelry box from Lala & Pop-pop, she opens the box to reveal a musical ballerina inside... *pause*, "Where's the jewelry?"
Ah, gratitude.

• A slight break in the gift opening, Evie is pawing at a new dinosaur-themed floor puzzle. I ask, "Evie, you want to put this puzzle together in the other room?"
Enthusiastic reply, "No! I wanna open more presents!"

• Opens up a new DVD and announces what it is, "Toy Story 3! .... 'cause I'm 3!"

• "Is this for me?" holding up a gift for someone else, "I want another present...."

Milestone: People and Landscapes

I must begin this post with just a few notes to consider. First off, Evie is 3.5 years old (well, "officially" she will be on Jan 2nd) and that she has ALWAYS moved through each stage of development in a stepping-block fashion. What I mean to say, whereas most kids try things a few times and fail or make mistakes before finally "getting it"... Evie has always flat-out refused to do anything she thinks she can't do ("No! I CAN'T do it!") and will not even attempt to humor me with trying. This has included everything from crawling to walking to speaking to picking up any drawing utensil or fork. She will simply not try anything until one miraculous day (and after many, many days of close observation of others) she will suddenly spring forth and do the very activity she has claimed to not be able to do. It frustrates me to no end because she will sometimes appear to be "behind" the other kids but then she amazes me with her ability to suddenly go beyond where the other kids are developmentally. I have finally learned that she's like this and no longer push her to attempt things knowing full well she will do it when she not only wants to... when she's good and ready... but she will then do it for the first time, masterfully.

So, artwork. Obviously, with an art major mother who does graphic design and a father who is a self-taught illustrator... we have been eager to see her find joy in coloring/drawing like we both did (and still do!) as kids. Evie has shown very little interest at all until attending pre-school this September (at age 3 yrs 3mos). Her after-hours program there has opened a new world for her where she fills countless pages (both blank and from coloring books) with solid colors. She colors from edge-to-edge in blue or purple (2 of her 3 favorite colors). She's learned other crafts and loves to help... but when left to her own project... its a solid-filled page for sure.

I have begun tp pick out a few and thrown out the countless many solid pages knowing that a new horizon was coming soon... one that offered a wee bit of imagination and creativity. Don't get me wrong, I love the solids, too (Rob framed one of her solid purple finger=painted pieces for me to hang and I love it) but I can't keep everything.

Finally... SUDDENLY... the damned in her mind broke open on December 20th with her asking me to draw a circle in which she added eyes, nose, mouth, hair , arms and legs. I was blown away. She had crreted "smily" faces with much goading from me... but never had she added hair or limbs... and done all of it willingly. I quickly turned pages and asked for more. With each one I smiled and she beamed. We filled 5-7 pages that night. She's been going full tilt ever since and I am so excited to see where this all will lead!

Here's some highlights:

Second or Third drawing from that first night she did this (Rob's parents). Those lines at the bottom right are an "E" for Evie:

Evie made cards for all of us during Christmas Eve dinner. This is Rob and I on the inside. I'm not sure who's on the cover:.



Another card of mom and dad featuring Uncle Andy on the cover. I think its hilarious she gave him red hair (which, he is strawberry-blonde!):


A landscape drawing made on Christmas Eve. This is the first time she has ever made a sun with rays, a blue sky and a rainbow:

Little Brothers....

Today at 3:15PM we found out that I hadn't gained more weight since my last check-up (I am right in the middle of the target range, yes!), that the baby now weighs 11 oz, that the baby has a heart rate of 146BPM.... and that the baby IS A BOY!

Today is my dad's 64th birthday and I thought it would be cool to pull my parents into the sonogram room if they'd let me (my parents haven't ever had a chance to experience technology like this and its so cool/real to see the baby moving on a screen!). We went to the doctor as 4 adults and one kiddo. They seemed OK with the idea but stated the rules first, "I have to do my job FIRST and then I can let them in. Only 2 people at a time."

After we chit-chatted with the lab-tech (Rob was in the room with Evie coloring on his lap), she warmed up to us. She took, quite honestly, about 23 photos for us to keep (!!!).
It did not take long to see what we were looking for. There is zero question that this boy... is a boy, ha!

When we told Evie it was a little brother she made a gasp sound and then continued coloring. She has no idea what she is in for. Let me re-phrase that... none of us know what we are in for!

The tech went to fetch my parents and we all agreed to not say anything. She even let Rob and Evie stay in the room while she showed my folks how the baby was grabbing his toes... then waving his hands and then finally hitting himself in the face (brilliant already!). My parents seemed pretty amazed that this baby already looks and acts like such a baby... and let's be honest... it really is an amazing thing how quickly all this happens.

The tech flashed the baby's privates to my folks and my dad caught it right away. Evie was their first and only grand-daughter... and this one will be there first and only grand-son. Pretty perfect for them!

We headed off to a birthday dinner soon afterwards... and then a quick trip to The Gap after polishing off desserts. Rob and I went wild buying 6 articles of clothes for the boy while we were there. A batman shirt with velcro-attachable cape? A knitted penguins face hat? A penguins patterned onesie? Who could resist! Resistance is futile!

The day was a fun-filled and busy day...
... it was only at 5AM did Rob and I both lie awake in silence... each with our own private panic attacks. A boy? TWO KIDS? Holy shit. What are we in for!

Tacky Light Tour - 2010

Loaded up in the car and ready to go!



First house on the stop - always a famour hit, the Pfifer's (shown on TLC)

New house for us this year, pretty awesome!

Its the famous "Mr. Christmas!" also featured on TLC

Evie and dad outside Mr. Christmas's house

Tacky Light Tours are big in Richmond... and with this many crazies who love to go to tinsel-town with Christmas lights... I can see why.
Rob and I loaded up Evie in her footie jammies along with hot cocoa to tour the town this Saturday night... Evie almost made it through the 6 houses Rob wanted to see... she konked out on the 6th one. :-)

SNOW DAY!

Snow days in the South are to be celebrated to the fullest.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words... here's a couple thousands words about today:

Evie finally provoked enough to DRAW and not simply color solid colors

Evie, if given blank paper, will either try to cover the entire sheet of paper in one solid color (generally blue or purple if she hasn't already killed those two colors of markers) OR she will color solid blobs using very little of the space provided.
I'm sure this is a developmental stage but I'm also eager for her to stretch out from this point... having been here for at least 6+ months.
Its time to start creating what we see (or hell, even be abstract but please start to move away from the same solidly-coated piece of paper!).
Evie's created circles since last spring although she never creates them unless goaded to do so. We've gotten her to make an occasional face but it involves a lot of "No! No! I don't want to! I can't do it! Wahhhh!" that's so not worth it. Sheesh, this kid hates motivation and forward progress.

So, while at Duncan's 4th birthday party early this December.... she suddenly busts out this on his easel. Who-hoo! AWESOME!
I have half a mind to buy this kid an easel now.... if that's what finally did it.

Kickin' Back

17weeks 4Days.

I SWEAR I have felt the baby move despite some people's disbelief. But last night, while laying on my back, in bed, watching TV, hand on my belly.... I felt both the internal and external 1-2-3 punch/kick combo really worth noting.
It's really about the most amazing sensation ever... hands down.

Also noteworthy, got back my test results for Neural Tube Defects/ Spina Bifida... all negative, phew! Up next... finding out what it is!

16 Wk Check-Up (Well, technically its 17Wks)

Photo taken at 17 weeks.
I had my 16 Week check-up today. Technically I turned 17 Weeks today. I don't think the number of weeks changes the info all that much but I want to be CLOSER TO THE END so let me point out this technicality, mmm-k?

Rob moved things around so that he could attend with me. That was nice especially since we got to hear the heartbeat for the first time. Things have changed just in the 4 years since I was last pregnant. I think we heard the heartbeat at 12 or 13 weeks. This time we had an ultrasound at that point. She told me what the heartbeat was (I already forgot) but no audio.

Whoosh! Whoosh! I freaked out since the nurse started listening on my left... then a little over to the middle... still nothing... she finally moved lower and heard it. This movement higher up then where the baby is only confirms for me that my belly is bigger than maybe where it should be for only 17 weeks. No, no, I am not claiming I am fat.... but seriously, my belly is bigger than it was last pregnancy! The doctor later felt for my "fundal height" and even he commented how it was already up around my belly button. Hmmmm, big baby? No clue.

My weight is 148lbs. Where the heck was I when this all started? I've either gained 6 or 8lbs so far. Funny how I really don't care nearly as much as I did the first time around. I think I would have if maybe I didn't suffer a miscarriage... details get cast aside for the "big picture" after you've already had a loss.

So the heartbeat was 148-150 beats per minute. Let the guesses on sex begin!

Referring to my post last pregnancy: http://makes-3.blogspot.com/2007/01/boy-or-girl.html
Here's how this pregnancy is so far:

Boy or Girl?
This online quiz says its 58% likely to be a girl.

This Baby Gender Predictor says "Boy!"

This Chinese Lunar Calendar says its a "Girl!"

According to this site (listing many old wivestales):
1. The hair on my legs is growing slow, so its a girl.
2. The heart rate was 148. So, must be a girl.
3. I had almost no morning sickness - so it must be a boy.
4. I think I am carrying high (so far), especially if the doctor commented on the fundal height. So, its a boy.
5. Strings move in a circular motion over my belly - so it must be a girl.
6. I am craving sweets! Must be a girl.Or, duh, I'm pregnant around the holidays. But man, if I had to choose salty over sweets... I might do that... which means, boy.
7. I pee bright yellow... so, it must be a boy.

So, judging by all the above... eh, its a tie?

Well, we FIND OUT in JUST 2 WEEKS!
Set your calendars, everybody. At 3:15PM on Thursday, Dec 23rd... we find out!

Christmas Tree Shopping

Normally Rob and I have zero decision-making problems. We can both agree on nearly everything ("Do you like this house? Me, too, let's buy it." "How about this car? Yep, I like it, too, let's get it." "I want pizza tonight. Yep, me too, ordering it now."). But this year's tree shopping must have taken at least 20 minutes... and it was freaking COLD!

Either Rob let me win or his brain was frozen cause he eventually said "yes" to my final selection.
At only $30, this Charlie Brown tree called to me. Maybe it was the fact that it was huge and we finally have the space to put up a huge tree in our house (new playroom space that may or may not stay once this next kid gets here). Maybe it was the pregnancy brain that made the selection. In any case, this thing is HUGE!

Nice family pic this year!

A Visit with Santa Claus: "I won't cry, mommy."

So, Evie's been really terrible with this whole on/off shyness she has. I get it, I'm not trying to coax a shy girl into horribly uncomfortable settings... but its when she goes to place like 12 times and still place the mute-new-girl routine that I get a little annoyed. For example: our once-a-week visit to 'The Little Gym' for a class filled with fun music, fellow 3yr olds and padded gym equipment begins with her eagerly getting in the car & singing songs. Once we enter the building, she wants to be held, can't speak or will only participate if a teacher takes her hand and pulls her along. I wouldn't do it if she didn't then tell me how awesome it all was once we get in the car to go home!

Evie also prided herself on not speaking. She didn't speak to her pre-school teacher for 2 whole months. It was awful. We had talks with her and even spoke with other care givers about recommendations. We remained open& honest and tried everything to get her to talk to her. We eventually got letters home from school. She was even starting to get time-outs for refusing to ask for what she wanted (she'd just point and moan!). Ugh.
Somehow, magically, she finally "accidentally" talked to her teacher and it has continued to get better in recent weeks. I shake my head at all of this. Stage or no stage... its getting to be a bit of a problem if she can boldly talk to anyone while in line at the grocery store or anyone who comes over to our house... but can't feel comfortable in a school or in a fun activity filled with kids her age.

OK, so that's the back story.
Today we went to see Santa Claus.
I told Evie last night that we were going to see Santa... hoping the warning would help diffuse any meltdowns the next day. It seemed to work when she told me point blank, " I won't cry, mommy. *whispers in my face* I'm going to talk to Santa!" Cool, I thought.

Evie was excited to put on her dress and tights to go to the mall. So excited, in fact, that she farted while sitting in my lap.
(ah, kids).
I asked, "Do you need to go poo-poo?"
Response, "No."
Rebuttal, "You better go poo-poo now... cause if you fart on Santa's lap... you'll get nothing. Santa won't be happy. *Pause* You better go now."
Momentary contemplation at this, "O.K. [pulls her self up off my lap] I'll go." Off she heads to the bathroom grumbling.
I love how kids can just choose to perform such biological functions when/if they want.

Fast-forward to the car ride.
She told us in the car how she was going to ask for not one but TWO Pillow Pets and how she wanted a new toothbrush (I hope the wish list stays this cheap and short next year). She walked on up to the mall entrance and gasped at the trees in some windows. Then she looked down the hallway and froze up. No idea why... we were no where NEAR Santa yet. Dad carried her to the escalator... there he was down below us... next to a huge snow globe in which we would soon stand waiting in line...

I walked us around the Santaland display and rushed to get in line. The theme was "Polar Express" complete with a fake train car we could stand in (pull levers, a pull whistle and a TV screen of the scenic outdoors passing by) and a snow globe that actually snowed on our heads while we watched snippets of the cartoon movie. It was all very cool. Evie, however, was not. She literally laid in Rob's arms with her arms and legs dangling like a limp body. People in line commented how cute it was she had fallen asleep. She wasn't asleep... she was playing dead. She should know that this trick no longer phases us. Instead we propped her up against the setting as if she were a plastic doll with pose able arms and legs. She rewarded our endeavors with a pitiful sulk... ah, yes, memories!

Finally the big moment was here! We committed to a ridiculous photo package and away she was whisked!
Evie stood clutching Moo-Cow's head against her nose. No tears yet... I waited for it and held my breath.
Santa told her she could stand in front of him if she wanted... she eagerly accepted this resolution and faced the camera.
*click!*
I told her to quickly tell him what she wanted and she stared out my mouth while I spoke. "Tell Santa... that you want.... a... (feeding her the lines isn't working but you could tell she was hoping I would get this part right).... pillow pet for Christmas."
She looed at him and silently nodded.
Santa guessed, "Which one? The.... unicorn?"
Evie nodded.
I think Santa could have said 'tarantula?' and she would have nodded.
I took her hand and off we walked.

We picked up our photos, perused one store and walked to the mall exit. We were off to get lunch next.
We stopped to put on Evie's coat. She looked up at us... it was as if an invisible line had been crossed and now she could speak..., "And I didn't fart on Santa!"

Pre-school photo

Photo taken mid-to-late November (3 yrs 4mos old).

Evie hates anything "portrait studios" and tends to either shut down (quiet and blank stare), bury her face or find the nearest rock to hide under.... someone worked very hard to get this tight-lipped/bit-lipped grimmace out of her.