Letting go . . .

Butterbean has been napping at daycare without a pacifier for about three months now. I had casually mentioned to her teacher, Jenni, that I was going to wean her from the "paci" before she turned two in September. Two days later, Jenni informed me that Annika no longer used it at school. I told myself that I would follow suit at home.

First it was that Annika said she "needed" it. Then it was the excuse of her staying at my mom's house and being in a different environment. Next it was Geoff and I discussing that we needed the comfort of the paci on the cross-Atlantic flight to Norway.

Today, when I picked up my precious baby girl from school. She informed me that she went tee-tee on the potty after her nap.

As I praised her, hugged her, and let her call the grandparents, I realized the true reason I haven't weaned her from her paci . . .

I wasn't ready to let go of my baby.

Tonight after our normal bedtime routine, I placed her in her crib and told her I loved her. She said, "I need my paci, Mommy."

I replied, "No you don't. We don't have any more pacis, but this cute pink moose can sleep with you!"

She whispered, "Night, night. I love you, Mommy."

And she's been asleep ever since.

Dance Party

**Please pardon the video kick, but I just recently figured out how to post them correctly. . . thus, I'm addicted.

When Geoff is out of town on business, Annika and I keep ourselves occupied with "dance parties". Today, when she asked for one, I had to oblige. She dances without inhibition, just like I always dreamed of doing myself. She hears shouts of encouragement and lots of hand-clapping from me. We've been partaking in these DPs for a few months now, and until today I simply viewed them as a fun ritual.

However, please note that my daughter places her hands up in the air, looks toward our heavenly father, and says, "Praise you!" several times. It moved me, so I had to share it with you all.

(The song is Mary Mary's "Shackles", which is an absolute favorite in our household.)

Fifteen seconds (maybe a little more) of Fame

This is for all of you long-distance Butterbean fans! Annika has become a bit of a drama queen, so I thought she needed even more encouragement in that department. Enjoy!

This is her rendition of "Simon says I must stare at the lamp."

. . . and this one is Annika mocking her daddy's dancing techniques.

How does your garden grow?

The hard work of my green-thumbed hubby and offspring has finally paid off!

2009 First Fruits of the Harvest

The joys of living ITP (Inside the Perimeter)

Today was T-shirt Sunday at Martha Brown United Methodist Church. We have attended MB since waking up late one Sunday morning four and a half years ago. (It was the only church we could make it to in just five short minutes before the 11:00 a.m. service.) We love it for lots of reasons. . .the people, the historical building, its love for the community, the special services, the best pastor in the history of churches, and of course, the convenience of it only being slightly less than a mile from our house.

This morning was t-shirt Sunday, so Annika and I got up early, dressed in our t-shirts and jeans, and walked/rode to Sunday School. We have this Jeep Stroller that totally rocks our world! Annika loves it , it's perfect for running, and it plays our iPod through its speakers! This was a purchase that I had to talk Geoff into since we already had a "perfectly good stroller". However, it has more than paid for itself since we bought it. We use it to haul Butterbean, along with toys, bags, and even our drycleaning to and from the village.

(Ours is orange.)

Anyway, this morning as Annika and I strolled to church and greeted our fellow neighborhood early risers, I was reminded of how much I love living in a community where I can enjoy a leisurely walk to church with my chatty Butterbean.

(For the record, Geoff skipped Sunday school, but he drove and joined us at church!)

Blog Edit** We just topped off the perfect EAV day by taking a family walk to Holy Taco to enjoy the yummy guacamole!

East Atlanta Village life is for me!

Travels

He's back! Geoff finally returned from his two week trip to Puerto Rico last night. Annika was thrilled to see him, even in her sleepy stupor. She was even more excited when she realized he was still here this morning! She caught up on a lot of hugs, giggles, and snuggles.

Daddy's empty suitcase provided a lot of entertainment this morning, too. As you can see, she is ready to travel!

We hope she stays this excited for the looooong plane ride we'll have in July when we travel to Norway!

Marathon Mommy

All of the time, effort, training, blisters, and Saturday mornings resulted in success!

26.2 MILES

Grace, Robin and I finished the race and lived to tell about it.

The most difficult task I've ever tackled.

(Yes, that includes giving birth. But then again, I had a C-section.)

The first part of the race was terrific, but miles 13-20 nearly killed me. In the end, during those last six (don't forget the point two) miles, it came down to Mary Mary songs playing on the iPod while I praised God for the lessons he had taught me about commitment over the past few months.

It was a very humbling experience, indeed.

His Grace abounds, even on a hot and sweaty Nashville afternoon.