Phew!

We survived!

It's 11:59 on New Year's Eve Eve. The wind has been blowing so hard for the last 45 minutes that I thought my house might actually blow over. Since moving to this frozen tundra (which is just a slightly higher elevation than the rest of the world around us), I have realized that our weather is a bit more extreme.

When everyone else has had dead ugly grass, we have still had snow on our grass. It only melted just within the last 2 days since the record 50 degree December heat wave we've had. During the last few cold weeks, we've had frost that is so frozen to our driveway in the mornings that when we get home from work, our tracks are still there.

The wind was so bad I was watching our light pole out Molly's window and it was waving back and forth. Our neighbors Christmas blow up lawn decorations must be staked in with cement because they were whipping around like those freaky blowy things you see at gas stations, shaved ice stands, and used car sales.

James and Molly are both sound asleep and I just finished watching "Midnight in Paris" by myself. James and I attempted to watch it a week ago and both fell asleep in the middle of it. It was interesting. I liked seeing the sights of Paris. It was definitely a weird artsy Woody Allen movie and I'm not sure what the point was, but at least it didn't put me to sleep this time.

. . . and at least the wind stopped blowing and now I know my house won't blow over in case of a hurricane.

Update: It's now 12:10 a.m. and I just went and checked out Molly's window again. It's sad to say, but the blow up lawn decorations at the neighbors are nowhere to be seen. It's possible that the neighbors came outside and rescued them in the last 15 minutes, but I think they may have perished. May they rest in peace. They fought a good fight.

Let's just go ahead and make this the last post of the year, shall we?

Happy New Year Everyone!!

Most Wonderful Time of the Year #5

Christmas is coming the goose is getting fat . . . . Christmas is over and we didn't eat a goose, but we do an excellent job of eating everything else and therefore are probably more fat than we were a month ago.

Anyway . . . Here are the final Christmas season highlights.

• On Monday, December 12th, we had are Petersen-Howden-Binggeli Christmas Party. We went to the new Brick Oven restaurant in North Provo (aka South Jordan) and then traveled to midtown Provo (Thanksgiving Point) to see the drive-thru lights display. The little kiddies all piled in my mom's truckster and the 4 big boring married ones piled in Annie's car. We later returned to North Provo (Annie's house) for hot chocolate and cookies. It was a fun night! (picture stolen from Annie)
• 
  
  


• On December 17th, two family parties overlapped on the same evening. Our annual
  Petersen family was at my aunt Karen's this year and our annual Huber Progressive Party was also the same night at my Aunt Jackie's and my Uncle Dee's. The Petersen Party was great! Karen fixed us french dip sandwiches, we made wooden block ornament crafts, and everyone generously handed out gifts to be opened on Christmas (since we aren't all able to make to to Christmas breakfast anymore). When that party ended, Molly was hanging in there ok (and wanted to ride in my mom's truckster) so we headed to my Uncle Dee's for the tail end of the Huber party. We tasted the remains of Chloe's authentic lasagna recipe from Italy, bruschetta, and other yummy things. It was a good night.
• On Christmas Eve we had our traditional turkey feast, nativity program, and sing along at my Grandpa Huber's house (photo stolen from Natalie). Annie and Ross added beef to this year's menu and it was delicious. It was a little sad to not have my grandma there. Ok, it was a lot sad (not the party, it was fun, but just the whole season). I've had several melt-downs during the last month (perhaps enhanced by my condition mentioned in the post prior to this). I miss her. I think I have defined Christmas by her presence (and presents, since I've helped with that end for many a years). Usually during the month of December I spend hours and hours at my Grandma's helping with Christmas preparations. My time has been shortened a bit since being married and then adding Molly, but this year I really felt left out without that extra responsibility. Christmas consumed my Grandma from August to December and as much as my Grandpa tried to keep it all the same . . . I just miss her . . . . but I'll move on because the screen is blurry and my nose is running.

• 
  
• On Christmas Day we woke Molly up to play with all the cool things Santa Claus brought her, then we headed to 9:00 a.m. church with my mom, dad, and Willie. Molly wore a pretty Christmas dress with black shiny shoes. Next, we went to my parent's house for gifts and breakfast/brunch. Annie and her family came. James spent much of the time we were there Skyping with all of his family. Technology is pretty cool! He can talk to Germany, Kuwait, North Carolina, Idaho, Garland, and West Valley all at the same time (and with video). We at way too much! It was a great morning.

We then made a quick pit stop home to get out some rolls to thaw for our dinner later and to let Molly have a little bit longer nap in the car.

Next, we headed back to Grandpa Huber's for a brief visit. He had cards for everyone, socks, Sam's Club items, and gifts for the smallest kids (Molly included). Molly and I ate a few chips and dip while James loaded our car and then we went back home.

The Binggeli's were waiting for us when we got there. We visited, opened gifts, and then I fixed dinner. We topped it off with hot chocolate and a fruit cake type thing that Jason had sent from Germany to be eaten on Christmas. We had a great evening and Molly was an angel. Grandma and Grandpa Binggeli gave her a baby doll with a baby stroller and she pushed it all over the house all night long.

All in all we had a very nice Christmas. I think we were able to visit with just about everyone this holiday season. We love having our families around. It's a fun time of year. I'm always a little bummed when Christmas is over, but it really is my favorite time of year.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Cat's Out of the Bag

I don't particularly care for cats. Actually, I don't like cats at all. They make me sneeze. They are sneaky and always look guilty.

Anyway (to continue with the metaphor) I wasn't intentionally keeping the cat in the bag. I was just avoiding conversation about the cat and the bag all together. Why? Because I'm Haley and there are just certain topics I would rather not talk about . . . cats in bags being one of them.

We only needed to let a few people know about the cat in the bag and then they were free to tell whomever else they'd like. The news just pretty much took care of itself. I think most of my family knows now and James' as well, but after receiving a text from my friend Emily tonight (after she read a particular line in my mom's blog) I decided to make an official post on this here blog (for the 2.78 of you who read this and aren't related to me and don't already know).

So to finally release the dreaded feline and let it out of it's paper or plastic compartment . . . .

James and I are having a baby in June. The due date is June 8th. We won't have an ultrasound for a couple of weeks still and so we don't know details about heart, lungs, gender, etc. As far as the preliminary doctor visits go, everything looks fine and dandy. My bets are on another girl if either of my Grandma's have anything to do with it, but James' family, I'm sure, would like to add another boy to the grandchild lineup. Molly has been told about the arrival of a sibling, but I don't think she has any idea what she's in for. Our office is still a mess and seems to be the catch-all room in our new house for everything that hasn't found a better home. I like the idea of having an "office" though, and don't have any intentions of turning it into a bedroom. I think Molly can share. James and I both shared rooms with siblings for parts of our lives and I think we survived ok. There isn't much else to say at this point.

That's the news from here and I don't think I will post again about cats anytime soon.

Basketball Update

For whatever reason, the Hunter team keeps getting in the paper this year. There was an article about last night's Northridge loss (Salt Lake Tribune article) and then an article and pictures of last week's Skyline loss (Salt Lake Tribune articles and pictures). Here is a picture from the Skyline game.

The report: Hunter is now 5-3, which I think is pretty respectable considering their last year's season.

• They lost to Juan Diego - off game, terrible officiating, short and ugly opponents, and mega coaching errors.
• They lost to Skyline - good solid team who didn't miss a basket, cut a huge defecit to within 2, would have been a huge upset, but couldn't quite finish.
• They lost to Northridge - totally cold, leading scorers not playing well, dark and stinky gym, several players out hurt and sick

Willie plays all of the JV game and gets substantial minutes in the varsity games. He is a very strong defensive player, a good rebounder, and has even hit a couple of 3's this season. He averages around 4 points per game in the varsity game, but you'll have to ask my dad what his rebounding average is. Willie's best game was 25 points in a JV against Cyprus.

The highlight of the season however, may have been tonight's halftime show. Mamma Judy got called down to shoot a free throw for a prize! She um . . . threw the ball . . . at the basket . . . about 3 feet short of the rim . . . . Good try mom! Unfortunately Annie had to leave early and didn't get the excitement on video. Oh well. Maybe it will happen again some time.

Go Hunter!

Most Wonderful Time of the Year #4

Ahhhhhh . . . so much going on . . . . so much to do still . . . . .

Actually, we are doing ok. Molly and I ran some errands today except for 1 more strange item that James is in charge of finding, we are done with our shopping. Yesterday was the last day of school for me and Molly! Phew!!

After a week of extreme temper tantrums nearly every night (over who knows what), Molly has been an extra good girl lately. Today, she did unwrap a gift that was wrapped for my dad, but I think she'll be good about it from now on. When we first put our tree up, she kept taking ornaments off for only a day or less and then she hasn't bothered it. It's just that I'm barely getting around to wrapping anything and it was a new and exciting under the tree when she woke up from her nap. Oh well.

A few more days until Christmas . . . .

I think we will make it!

Most Wonderful Time of the Year #3

Look Alike Christmas Contest

James has been sporting a new seasonal look and I can't decide which stop-motion animation Christmas character he is trying to be. What do you think? Yukon Cornelius or Kris Kringle

Most Wonderful Time of the Year #2

Molly's School Program

Didn't participate last year because she was too small. Participation this year was limited to ringing jingle bells with her buddies Cael and Jude during "Gingerbread Rock." Excellent bell jingler. Terrified Santa lap sitter. Sticky candy cane eater. Next year will sing and have 1 line part with the bigger kids. Should be fun.

Most Wonderful Time of the Year #1

Binggeli Family Christmas Party!

Hosted by Mary and LaRon this year. Food. Family. Bingo. White Elephants.

Loss tonight despite article in the paper.

The Tribune has an article in the paper this week about last Friday's Hunter game. Hunter came back from a 17 point deficit at halftime to beat Herriman. It was another heart-attack type game, but very exciting and the kids acted like they won the NCAA championship, storming the court afterwards.

Unfortunately, they tried the the same tactic tonight against Skyline and got down by 13 at the half. The second half was much better played, but it was too little too late for the Wolverines and they lost to Skyline by 4. Oh well. Anyway, my little brother's picture was in the Tribune again.

Here's the article: http://www.tribpreps.com/sltrib/tribpreps/53099730-190/hunter-togiai-game-win.html.csp

Here's the picture:

10 x 10 = 100 things

At the end of the first presidency message in December's Ensign, there is a challenge to write down 100 things you are grateful for, 10 things in 10 categories. Here it goes:

1. 1.

   Write 10 physical abilities you are grateful for (I extended this one to personal skills, since I don't necessarily have great physical ability).

• I'm thankful to breath, walk, and move around to get thing things done that I need to.
• I'm thankful that I have the stamina and energy to take care of Molly.
• I'm thankful that I can teach school and be confident speaking to a group of people.
• I'm thankful that I can play several instruments (thought they do collect quite a lot of dust).
• I'm thankful that I have learned how to work hard.
• I'm thankful that I can mow lawns and plant flowers.

1. 
   

2. 
   
3. 2.

   Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for.

• My home
• My trusty, dusty car
• My piano
• Plates, glasses, and silverware
• Showers and toilets
• Heating and air conditioning
• Computers
• Basketball
• Clothes to wear
• Diapers

1. 
   
2. 3.

   Write 10 living people you are grateful for.

• Molly
• James
• My mom
• Willie
• My dad
• My sister
• My Grandpa
• Elliott
• Wyatt
• Everybody else!

1. 
   
2. 4.

   Write 10 deceased people you are grateful for.

• Grandma Huber
• Grandma Petersen
• Great Grandpa Eccles
• Great Grandma Huber
• Great Grandma Petersen
• President Hinckley
• Abraham Lincoln - without whom our country would not be our country
• Thomas Jefferson - not because of who he was, but because of important words he wrote
• WWII Veterans- just because they're cool
• All other family members who I have never met, but shaped generations past and in turn have influence on me today

1. 
   
2. 5.

   Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for.

• Trees
• Autumn Leaves
• Fluffy white clouds against a pretty blue sky
• The Sun
• The Moon
• Mountains
• Cool fall days that need sweaters
• Rain
• Snow
• Spring/summer days in the 80's

1. 
   
2. 6.

   Write 10 things about today you are grateful for.

• Opportunity to hear my Grandpa speak in Sacrament meeting
• Opportunity to also hear my dad called on for impromptu testimony by in Sacrament meeting
• Got to sit with a variety of family members in sacrament meeting
• Molly ate all her breakfast
• Molly is taking a nap
• Christmas
• Family
• Christmas parties
• School is almost out for Christmas break
• Chance to record important things on this blog

1. 
   
2. 7.

   Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for.

• My house
• My mom's house
• My grandparent's house
• Disneyland
• Yellowstone
• Washington, D.C.
• School
• Places I haven't been but want to go
• All other places I have been
• The United States of America

1. 
   
2. 8.

   Write 10 modern inventions you are grateful for.

• Computers and the Internet
• Cell Phones
• Indoor plumbing
• Washing Machines
• Dish washers
• Department stores so I don't have to make my own clothes
• The cheese grater
• Fast food restaurants
• Wrinkle resistant clothes so I don't have to iron
• Antibiotics and Ibuprofen

1. 
   
2. 9.

   Write 10 foods you are grateful for.

• Potatoes
• Bread
• Cheese
• Potatoes
• Cherry Coke
• Cheesburgers
• Bacon
• Potatoes
• Bread
• Cheese

1. 
   
2. 10.

   Write 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for.

• Jesus raised people from the dead even when they "stinkethed."
• We can be reunited with our families members who have passed on as long as we live worthy.
• We can be sealed to our family for eternity
• The power of prayer
• My patriarchal blessing
• The opportunity to take the Sacrament each week
• The Church gives us opportunities to serve others
• The Church gives us opportunities to lead and work alongside others
• I'm grateful for pioneers who established our Church long ago when it was a difficult thing to do. Now days it is easier to be a member of the Church. I would never have made it as a pioneer.
• I'm grateful for living prophets who communicate with God and teach us what Thou would want us to know.

Failed Attempts for a Christmas Card Photo

Albino

Hunter basketball season opened up on Wednesday night at East. It was the most exciting Hunter basketball game I have ever seen. There are a handful of new players on the team this year and they brought some sweet skills, energy, and order to the court. It was great. Hunter was down most the game, but then pulled it out in the 4th quarter. Pretty Sweet!

East had quite the crazy cheering section with retro short gym shorts, body suits, and plenty of red to go around. They cheered very well in unison. Some of their comments were typical, "Aiiirball. Aiiirball." Some were not so sportsmanlike, "You Suck. You suck," And then this big blonde Hunter kid (who didn't start, but played substantial minutes, didn't score much, but was a huge presence on the court) got to the free throw line, "Albino. Albino. Albino." I thought it, too, was a bit unsportsmanlike . . . but nonetheless creative!

Way to go Hunter! Let's hope this was a start to a good season.

Here are some pictures courtesy of the Salt Lake Tribune.

T'is the Season . . .

... to be sick, I guess.

Molly is home sick today. She is, of course, just little, so I am home with her. James was super sick one day last week and had to miss a day of work. He was, as Ross would say, "selling the buick" in a variety of ways. Several of our family members on both sides have been sick, so I guess it is Molly's turn. I refuse to get sick myself and if I do . . . boy, is James in trouble!

Molly has had a bad cold, runny nose, and cough for the last week or so, but has been getting by okay. Yesterday when I picked her up from school she was in her extra set of clothes and on the board it said "bad bm blowout." Yikes. They said she seemed fine the rest of the day, so they didn't bother calling me. However, she had a similar experience last night and then woke up crying this morning, needing a change of clothes once again.

I raced into school this morning to get sub stuff together. James had an early appointment, so I just took Molly with me and her school was nice enough to take care of her for a half hour before my sub came. We stopped at the grocery story for some Pedialyte and fresh popsicles, but I'm having trouble getting her to eat or drink much. We'll keep trying. She gagged on some Ibuprofen and threw up once we were home, but is sleeping soundly now.

Hopefully she gets feeling better soon. It's tough to miss school and plan for a sub, but I guess it is kind of a blessing because at least while she is napping, I can get some schoolwork done and a few other things at home I needed to do.

And yes, if my mother or anyone else is wondering, I put a blanket back on top of her.

Thanksgiving by Molly

My mom asked me to write a post about Thanksgiving. First, I was very glad to not go to school for a few days. I like just hanging out with my mom even if i don't act like it and I get frustrated at her sometimes. On our first day off, we ran a couple of errands and ate lunch with Uncle Willie. We were going to run some more errands, but I fell asleep in the car, so we just went home. Later in the afternoon we met my Grandma Petersen at Great Grandpa's house to set up for Thanksgiving for my Grandma's family. There were going to be a lot of people there on Thursday, so we had to set a lot of places. I helped move some of the spoons off of the table after my mom set them there and I helped by eating all the swedish fish.

On Thursday of the actual Thanksgiving, we headed up to Grandma and Grandpa Binggeli's for the day. I got to play with Morriah. She didn't let me out of her sight all day. We had a lot of fun, but once I did have to tell her "No," because I didn't want to hold her hand.

We ate dinner. I ate lots of mashed potatoes and even a little bit of turkey. We all talked to Aunt Alicia on Skype and I blew her a kiss. We frosted cookies and then the big people looked at adds for the rest of the day while I played.

Around 9:00 p.m. (I was so tired) we loaded in the car to go shopping before we went home. I fell asleep before we even turned the corner from Grandma and Grandpa's house, but I can still tell you what happened.

We went to Wal-mart in Logan. I don't know why. All my parents bought was a paper shredder and something they wouldn't let me see. It was so crowded. People were yelling. Grandma said she saw a lady get stepped on. I saw a worker yell at a bunch of people to "stop stepping on the merchandise." I don't know what that word means, but they probably weren't supposed to step on it. We lost dad and aunt Annie at different points and then I lost it and made my mom take me back to the car. We drove around the parking lot and I fell back asleep. I did get to play with this Elmo drummer thing for a while when we lost my dad. That was kind of fun.

We went to the Kohls parking lot next (it felt like 5 hours later, I think, but I was still asleep). Grandma, Annie, Dad, and Aunt Ina and Jalisa all met up there, but my mom stayed in the car with me. They weren't gone very long because they said the line wrapped clear behind the K-Mart next door. We left everyone there to shop the night away and told them bye and we headed for home (except that my mom did have to stop at a gas station to go to the bathroom and buy some licorice).

I was a perfect little girl and slept the whole way home, woke up for just a minute when we got in the house, but then went right back to sleep (my mom said it was around 2 in the morning but I don't even know what that means), and stayed asleep until after 8 in the morning.

On Friday morning, we talked to Grandma Petersen and she told us Uncle Willie went with Parker and Meranda to Target at midnight. They thought about buying dog food, but then only bought a scarf and socks. They definitely don't even have a dog. Uncle Willie said later that they also kept getting the super hot items like the Wii and carrying them to different parts of the store so the people who wanted to buy them couldn't find them. My mom said that sometimes they are stinkers.

We talked to Grandma Binggeli and they stayed in Logan all night long and didn't even get home until probably lunch time the next day. I think they forgot they were supposed to sleep during the night time. I bet they got lots of cool Christmas things, though.

That is my Thanksgiving story! I can't wait until I can tell a Christmas story. I've been practicing my Ho-Ho-Ho's and today my mom bought me a singing snow globe. It is my most favorite thing at the moment, except for the stickers I am putting on a piece of paper (and my forehead) right now while I sit on my mom's lap at the computer. She is helping me type this because I have a hard time with home row. We are watching my favorite videos, too. 1-2-3-4 Monster walking cross the floor . . . .

Molly Likes the Washing Machine.

Molly seems to really like our new house. She likes the closets. She likes the big bathtub. She likes sitting on the counter and going through the silverware drawer. She likes to roll around on the carpet. She also really likes our new washing machine. It has a clear glass top and I will often sit her on it while I fold what's in the dryer. She likes it so much she puts her face right on the glass and watches it go round and round and round. She says, "Whoa." Yes, she's a little weird, but look at her parents.

What in the World?

The other day, 2 of my students were laughing hysterically in my class. They were looking at something on the computer (definitely not working on their math homework). I went over to see what was up and they were looking at this. I have to admit. I laughed a little, too. I'm not quite sure what it is.

18 Months Report

Yesterday Molly had her 18 month check up with Dr. Havlik. She cried. It was sad. As soon as she realized that we were there for more than just looking at the fish in the waiting room fish tank, she didn't want anything to do with it.

As soon as we entered the exam room, she started crying. She cried on the scale. She cried at the doctor. She cried at the nurse. She cried at her flu shot. She cried through her marshmallows that we took to try and make things better . . . . sigh.

The good news was that all of the tears and sniffles were actually relaxed enough that the doctor was able to do his exam and she sort of cooperated. She was not near as fiesty or "violent" as the ear doctor said she was a few weeks ago.

Here is the report:
Age: 18 months
Height: 32.5 inches (75th percentile)
Weight: 24 pounds 3 ounces (49th percentile)
Head size: 17.9 inches (22nd percentile)

Overall she is healthy and doing well. If you notice her numbers, she is shrinking. Perhaps she is going to end up being less giant like her mom's family and more average like her dad's family. Either way we love her and will keep her.

The only interesting Dr. Havlik comment of note was, "Does she say any words?"
"Yes."
"How many?"
"Maybe 10."
"Well I was looking for 6, so tell her to slow down."
"Um . . . ok."

Since then, I've been trying to count the number of words that she can say. Here is the current list:
1-Mom, 2-Dad, 3-Molly, 4-Please, 5-Stuck, 6-Keys, 7-Shoes, 8-Yes, 9-No, 10-Bye-Bye, 11-Cheese, 12-More, 13-Hi . . . maybe a couple of others.

Now she doesn't have to go to the doctor until her 2 year old visit. Hopefully by then she will get over her paranoia of the doctor's office and realize it's not that bad. Although, I really can't stand going to the doctor's either. Maybe it is all my fault. Oh well.

Our House is a Very Fine House . . .

We've been in our house for a whole month now and today I finally hung more than just clocks and 1 or 2 pictures on the walls. I even spent some money and purchased 1 new print to go above the stairs. I bought it at that fancy art store called Kohls.

The greatest feat of the day was not only hanging the pictures, but then moving all the boxes (tons) of extra frames and pictures downstairs. Their previous home had been in front of this railing. This is the first time we've actually seen the space in front of this railing and been able to vacuum the carpet there since we moved in. I might eventually decide to put a small table or something here (or maybe a Christmas tree) in the future, but right now I just like the fact that we got some of our floor back!

Additionally, we had our first house catasrophe yesterday (not really a catasrophe, but the first thing to break). One of the drawers/shelves on the inside of the refrigerator door just fell off. Luckily, none of the bottles inside it broke when they hit the ground, but the shelf thing cracked and it's plastic trim fell off. It's really not that big a deal, but the fridge is covered under warranty, so I called Lowe's today and they are going to send us a new part.

That last post was depressing . . .

Life is good! I just looked at my last post and I need to write something new. Molly must have read it and has actually been a really good girl the last few days (not that she's ever bad, just more temperamental on some days than others).

What's going on lately?

• Utah Basketball has begun! As bleak as it may seem at the moment, we are still excited. To celebrate, we went to the Rio Grande for dinner on Friday before the game. It was delicious! Molly even picked out the cheese in the middle of her "Sissy-dilla" and ate quite a few chips.
• Hunter basketball is beginning soon, too!
• On Thursday night, my mom is tending Molly while James and I go to "Hello Dolly" at my school. I have to admit that I've never seen this particular musical (it must have slipped past my mother somehow during my childhood) and I'm not real excited, but I have several seniors who are in it and I have not been supportive of an MHS musical yet. I need to go.
• My aunt Cindy and cousin Meranda came to visit our new house yesterday and they helped us hang a few pictures . . . just a few because I'm not capable of making decisions like that, but it was very helpful.
• On Saturday James tended Molly while I went to the UCTM Conference (Utah Council of Teachers of Mathematics). It was ok. One session I went to was really bad, but the rest was ok. In the bad one, the presenter referred to himself as an "old codger" several times. What is that? Is it like a badger?

There are lots of words on this post and no pictures, but at least it's a new post.
Here is a picture of a cute little curly-haired girl from the archives of 1 year ago!

Being a Mom is Hard

I never thought that it wouldn't be hard, but it is hard in different ways than I would have thought . . . and I only have 1. How do people take care of more than one? How did James' mom take care of 6 or my grandma's with 5 or 8?

This little girl is plenty!

• Some nights Molly goes to bed just fine. Other nights, like tonight, she screams hysterically forever . . . so I go get her. We sat and watched the end of Biggest Loser with James. She's fine. She's eating ice. I say, "Molly, it's time to go to bed." She says, "Bye, bye Dad" about 7 times, blows him kisses, lays her head on my shoulder and I think we're in business. NO!!!! She screams as soon as we hit her room and she screams for another 20 minutes before finally crashing. Ug. We're pretty routine. She seems to like her room. I don't get it. I hate having to just leave her in there crying, but if I go get her, it just starts all over again. Last night she went down fine and was out in about 2 minutes.
• Earlier, we were watching a few of her favorite Sesame Street Youtube videos (her latest favorite is an Elvis Costello/Elmo one with Cookie Monster. She bounces and giggles.) She's totally relaxed and enjoying the songs. Meanwhile . . . OUCH! . . . she's pinching my hand as hard as she can. "Molly stop. That hurts. Molly, No!" Ug.
• Earlier again, she got out of the bathtub and was on our bed while I was trying to get her diaper and pajamas on. She moved from one side of the bed to the other. She stayed as far away from me as she could. She would NOT cooperate. I had to call in the secret weapon, "James, can you come here?" She holds perfectly still for him and he gets her pajamas on in a few minutes. Ug.
• Like going to bed, she sometimes is fine about being dropped off at school and other times she screams. Today, she was fine and was headed to show Miss Nancy some cool rocks she had found. I quietly stepped out the door out of her sight. As soon as I leave . . . SCREAM!!! They assure me she only cries for 30 seconds after I leave and then she's fine the rest of the day, but it totally puts a bummer on everything when I have to start my school day off by leaving a screaming baby to go teach obnoxious kids who could care less about what we are doing. Sigh.

To focus on the good . . . she really is pretty good most of the time. She's a perfect angel for her grandparents. Everyone at school loves her. She is trying to talk . . . please, cheese, keys, stuck, bye-bye, Momma, Dad, Molly, more, out, two, shoes, and a few others I'm probably forgetting. She has started to figure out how to color and that it can be pretty fun. Some new crayons and a notebook kept her entertained last Sacrament Meeting for a good 20-30 minutes. She loves candy, marshmallows, yogurt, hot dogs, and cheese. She gags on apples and any fruit in the yogurt. She memorizes everything and knows exactly where to go (in anyone's house or at school) to find what she wants. She's getting better at not getting drenched by drinking fountains. She loves to fill and empty containers. She tries to put any clothes on her legs like pants. She loves to try on other peoples' shoes. She is friendly and likes to say hi to people. She has perfected the art of blowing kisses, waving, and saying bye-bye to anyone and everything. Bye-bye water in the tub. Bye-bye bubbles in the tub. Bye-bye house. Bye-bye toys. . . . . except, of course, bye-bye mom. I just always have to sneak away or get cried at. Sigh.

Oh well. I'm not complaining. I'm just venting. I can't imagine anything without her . . . . she just screams so loud!

Happy Halloween!

Night before Halloween costume practice

Bows added to liven up the costume (and to make sure it's clear she's a girl monkey).

Will little opinionated girl inside the costume hate it, not cooperate, and not wear it?

Nope. Liked it!

Not a Star Wars fan, but the monkey does look a bit like an Ewok.

Oh well. At least she's a cute Ewok.