Library and Swim Lessons

Today, after my inservice, I picked up AC and headed for the library.

On the ride there, we talked about what we would do when we got there, and what books she would like. Of course the gorilla was on the agenda, as well as seeing the fish and pay phone. Yep, I said the pay phone. Don't see many of those anymore, do we? But we have one at our library, and since I introduced this artifact to my little girl, it is basically required that we stop and listen to the dial tone, and play with the coin return.

We were also excited that both automatic door opener buttons are working now, and that "the bathtub" is back. ;)

Disney princess, Oswald, swimming, and Angelina Ballerina were all books she requested. We ended up 3 for 4, since all the Oswald books were checked out.

Swim lessons are pretty consistent with our initial lesson. She's still wanting to look around and people watch more than listen. Her teacher reminds me she is three and that this is normal. I am proud of her, that she continues to put her head underwater, jumps in (going under), and has learned how to blow bubbles and do arms for breaststroke (pizza slices) and freestyle (ice cream scoops). Anna Claire loves telling people she goes to Austin Peay!

Top 10 Precious Moments: Just a Regular Day

I was just sitting here thinking that even though we didn't go do anything particularly exciting, and nothing major happened today, there is beauty and joy in an ordinary day. There are precious moments to be found when we reflect. Here are mine on this fine Thursday:

1. The absolute look of delight when Anna Claire spotted the string cheese and carrot stick snack I had waiting in her car seat for her when I picked her up from daycare. She thanked me several times.

2.When I told Anna Claire she needed to listen to her swim teacher she just said, "OK, Mommy," and gave me a hug.

3.  "Mommy, I want you and Daddy both to come and watch me fwim."

4. She still asks for "special, special treat." She's been calling it that since she started potty training over a year ago.

5.  Anna Claire cleaned her dinner plate: steak, tots with cheese, salad, roasted red pepper, orange. She normally does clean her dinner plate, but this made me smile because she skipped dinner last night. Had a tummy ache.

6. Anna Claire continues to insist, "I don't want to watch bad witch movies, Mommy." No problem! Fine by us! You sleep well, take good naps, and are sweet and innocent. We want to keep you that way as long as possible. Why spoil it with a movie? We can watch Curious George "instead."

7. Instead. Anna Claire's favorite word du jour. She uses it constantly. "There no pink. I can have purple instead." "We don't have any more strawberry jam. I can have peach instead."

8. Anna Claire says something mischievous and laughs, for example, running away from me after pottying and instead of washing her hands, "I escape from you Mommy!"

9.  While I wash my face in the evening, Anna Claire has special time with Daddy. She likes me to close the door while I wash my face. She comes in every night like clockwork and says, "Mommy, I close the door for you." Then she closes it.

10.  At bedtime, Anna Claire wants her stool to climb on to her big girl bed herself. She still wants her Catty and Blank. I tuck her in tight and say, "Good night."

Franklin Farmer's Market

Going to the Franklin Farmer's Market is something Larry and I have wanted to do for some time now.

My friend Kelly posted about it the other day (she lives in Franklin), which led me to ask her more detailed questions about it and if she thought it'd be worth our while to make the drive.

Based on what she told us, we went confident that we'd fine lots more produce than our local market and AC was excited because we learned the Grilled Cheeserie (grilled cheese truck) would be there. Say no more.

It did not disappoint! AC loved seeing Rusty the giant robot who stands tall in front of The Factory. We paid several visits to Rusty while there.

Checking out Rusty

Scaling Rusty

We spotted the Grilled Cheese Truck straight away, and after looking at the line and the time (11:30) we went ahead and got in line.

So, so good. AC had provolone on multigrain. I had classic cheddar on sourdough with avocado aioli and a farm fresh fried egg. Larry had smoked gouda and avocado aioli on garlic Italian. We all three swapped, which we always do. That way we get to try 3 things, versus one. We love avocado on grilled cheese. Sold. We also shared a cup of the tomato corn bisque. So yummy, lots of basil. The good news is Larry can create any of it, and left feeling inspired to do just that. Score.

We saw families walking around with their sandwiches, struggling to find a place to perch and eat the messy sandwiches (much less some soup). We lucked out and found a set of steps leading up to a train car, where we could plop down, relax, and eat. AC loved sitting on the steps together. She called it "our picnic."

After our yummy lunch, we checked out the local offerings. No room in our tummies for the touted cinnamon sugar doughnuts. Maybe next time. Took AC to potty and she declared she needed as special, special treat for that. I told her she could pick out a piece of fruit. She had so much fun looking and choosing. There were lots to choose from! We found a peach vendor and picked out the biggest, most perfect looking peach we could find.

Now THAT'S a peach.

Peach close-up.

Our final goal was to locate some heirloom tomatoes, since the heat has taken it's toll on the ones we're growing here at the house. We found some really great looking ones! And I had so much fun talking to the vendor. She had lots of tips for me on companion planning, which I love talking about. And felt like we would see a late harvest in the fall when we have cooler temps. It was reassuring to me to hear that their tomato plants don't have any blooms either right now.

Still working on peach whilst at tomato stand

Swim Lessons: Now this is more like it!

I wrote a post a few weeks back about our unfortunate first experience with swim lessons. Shortly thereafter, several friends encouraged me to try out lessons at APSU. We did and were not disappointed!

Anna Claire loves swim lessons and her teacher, Miss Whitney. AC listened, she had fun, and was up for anything Whitney asked her to do. By the end of the first 30 minute lesson (which ended up being a 45 minute lesson) she was jumping in the pool and putting her head underwater. Whitney even managed to get AC to straighten her legs when she kicks.

I love that her teacher had realistic expectations for her, but also challenged her. I am just happy with the experience all the way around. Can't wait to go back Tuesday! Daddy's going too!

Posing for Mommy in front of Foy Building

AC and Miss Whitney

Loves the water!

Loves her teacher! Yay!

I need to try this. Let her rest her head on my shoulder to float.

I love learning new ways to use the pool noodle. I was taking mental notes!

AC can't wait to go back to swim lessons next week. She didn't want to leave!

Dixon Park and Johnny's

Last night I sat and thought about a logical sequence of fun things to do with Anna Claire for today. Back to School is just around the corner, and when I get that, "oh no, hurry up and have fun" feeling, watch out.

The plan was a success. I am tired!

We started off at Dixon Park and revisited the site of her 2 year old birthday party. Haven't been since her birthday. I let her play in the sprinklers built into the sidewalk. I thought to bring her swimsuit and a towel with me and thank goodness I remembered how to turn the sprinklers on. Afterward she wanted to play on the playground. The slides were too hot for her to go down, and it was only 9:30 in the morning!

After the playground, we walked down to the little farmer's market at the old train station. Bought some heirloom tomatoes and peaches. A vendor there gave Anna Claire a free apple which made her day.

Next was a visit to the Aquatics dept. at APSU to sign her up for swim lessons. It was easy. We start this Thursday. Five 30-minute lessons. You only get four, but I signed up during a special they are running and got the fifth free. :)

Then Johnny's! We did all you'd expect: played some Dave Matthews on the jukebox and played a game of Ms. Pacman. Got each of us a cheeseburger, fries, and then split a honey bun with ice cream. She was mainly into the ice cream. I was sort of bummeded that she barely touched her burger. I ate mine up, and took hers home to Larry. Her loss, his gain.

We stopped off at the library to turn in some overdues. Picked up Polly's Pink Pajamas and Wow Said the Owl that were shared during the library program. AC was excited to find these. We also try to pick up books related to whatever we're currently into, so found a few on swim lessons and going swimming. They are really cute.

Then we went to go see Meme since we didn't see her Sunday like we normally do. Anna Claire loved playing Meme's piano, coloring, and playing with all the toys. She had fun making a "hole" on the floor with all of Meme's pillows and playing with some stuffed bears that Meme has.

Then off to Walgreens. We've been searching for Anna Claire's Hello Kitty fruit snacks at the Walgreens on our side of town, but no luck. I knew the one by Meme's had them because that's where we found them last time.

Anna Claire took a nap on the way home, and I wished I could do the same ;)

Going to Grandma's

Anna Claire is so excited about going to Grandma's and spending the night. It took her an hour to fall asleep at nap, she is so worked up. It's funny because she keeps saying, "Mommy, you not going," or, "Daddy not going. Just ME," then gets an impish smile, then does a little clap and runs off with a hop in her step.

This will be her first night staying over anywhere. She's not scared a bit. In fact, she told me this morning, "Mommy, you and Daddy going to the river or somewhere. I'm going by myself."

I asked her, "What will you do, Anna Claire? Without Mommy and Daddy around?"

She said, "I'll be sneaky and do some nice stuff."

Tiddlywinks Baby and Family Fair

We had nothing better to do on a rainy Saturday morning than to seek out some free fun. Took off for the Baby and Family Fair at APSU.

On the way there, we saw a Blues Clues inflatable at our nearby pet shop. Turned the car around and stopped off to see what was going on. Anna Claire got a red balloon, and the lady told us their event started at 11, and to come back later.

So off to APSU we went.

Anna Claire stalked this hamburger for a good five minutes before finally getting his attention, a hug, and a hi-five.

Liked playing the disc toss. She won a prize for landing one on one of the card.

One booth had free cotton candy. So thoughtful and fun.

Pinterest idea in action! Must do this at home: two colors of paint sealed in a ziploc. No mess.

"Dora got new hairstyle, Mommy!" was her comment.

Eat Mor Chikin!

Anna Claire was with me a couple weeks back when I picked up the copy of Clarksville Family Magazine with the Chick-Fil-A cow on the cover. She said, "Mommy I do want to see the cow. He's not scary. He's a girl cow! I do want to go see him!" Then later that night, I read he'd be there for a big annual event on July 13, with free meals if you dress like a cow, inflatables, and face painting. From that day on, I knew we'd attend Cow Appreciation Day.

I did not know we'd be going to TWO Chick-Fil-A's that day.

When we got to the Madison Street location, aside from the employees, there was no one there. No bouncies. No cow. Had I picked the wrong day?

I went up to the counter and asked the lady. She said, "That's over at the Wilma Rudolph location. Around 10:00. You get free breakfast here for for dressing up! What can I get you?"

She meant it. We literally ordered everything we wanted and it was all free. Then I did what all indulging mothers do. I drove to the other Chick-Fil-A. We bounced there, we met the cow, we had our handprints made. And, yeah, I confess, we had free lunch afterward. Is that bad? Does it make it better that for my lunch, I picked soup, and took it home to Larry who had a sore throat?

Back view of our "costumes"

Front view. Mooooo!

Loved the free cow hats. I think she loved seeing me in one more than wearing one herself. Hence the big smile. :)

Sweet girl eating her free breakfast: yogurt cup, fruit cup, hashbrowns and apple juice. :)

There was not face painting. They did their handprints instead.

Enjoying her free blow pop before getting on the slide bouncy.

Castle bouncy.

The slide bouncy was a favorite. She said, "I climb the mountain, just like at g'nastics!"

Loved Baby Cow.

She stalked Baby Cow for a good half hour. God bless whoever is in that costume!

Got this free toy at the Madison St. one.

I forgot to mention: Today was the first time Anna Claire climbed all the way to the top of the play area, went through the tunnel, got in the car, and went down the slide. She is not afraid to climb or slide at all! She just gets skittish around big kids screaming, and loud banging noise, and Chick-Fil-A play area typical has all three going on.

At the Wilma Rudolph location play area, there were only little kids and lots of really warm, friendly parents. The kids and parents and I ALL encouraged Anna Claire. Finally, Ireland, a two-year-old, along with her Mommy, said they would go with Anna Claire. That got her all the way to the top, but she was still unsure of that noisy, banging, screaming tunnel. I said I'd go with her. That sealed the deal and she was willing to go all over at that point.

She was so proud of herself.

We love Chick-Fil-A. Loyal customers, we are, and will continue to be!

Blackberry Pickin'

A few weeks back we took Anna Claire blueberry picking. As soon as we pulled up to Powell Farms that day, and I realized they had blueberries and blackberries, I knew we'd have to come back in a couple weeks when blackberries were in season and pick some of those too. And so we did...

Blackberry picking is particularly nostalgic for me. I picked them every July as a little girl; my grandfather had blackberry bushes bordering their vegetable garden and I remember running down each week to see if the once red berries, were finally ripe enough for picking.

Larry said he may have picked blackberries with his grandparents, but he couldn't remember. So he was excited to come too!

Anna Claire is a berry-picking pro. She is a skilled strawberry and blueberry picker. I'd put her basket up against my own for picking good ripe ones. She knows what to look for and is really discriminating for a three-year-old.

We were either brave or smart to go when we did. There were lots of scary looking storm clouds, and the whole way there it looked like the bottom could fall out. We were blessed, and it never did rain until our ride back home. The clouds and the week of on and off rain actually cooled things off a lot.

Mrs. Powell is very sweet. She really likes Anna Claire and remembered her from our visit with Grandma a few weeks back. She was worried we wouldn't find any because a family came before us, picking 12 quarts. She had us start at the furthermost row on the property, but we had NO problem at all filling our baskets. There were plenty of ripe berries to be found despite the week long drought and 100+ degree temps we had earlier this month.

Picking...

Watching Daddy look over her findings...

Sampling. :)

First Night in Big Girl Bed

Anna Claire spent her first night in a big girl bed tonight. We've had it ready for her for about a week now. We've been moving in that direction all week.

Larry and I take turns putting her to bed (every other night). We have asked her every night this week if she was ready to sleep in her big girl bed. "Not yet. Maybe tomorrow. I sleep in my crib instead," was the answer she gave.

Let's take a moment and address the big question: Why is she STILL sleeping in a crib? Isn't she three?

Short answer: Because she never tried to climb out. Our beloved Dr. Roads told as a long time ago, that we should keep her in there as long as possible if she was not trying to climb out.

Additionally, it has honestly given us wonderful peace of mind to know she was safe in her crib. Couldn't get hurt, fall out, or escape and get into mischief.

Then came back troubles. I'm having a hard time lifting her in and out of her crib. I have concluded that for the sake of my back and for helping her when she sleeps over at Grandma's, it would be in her best interest to transition now.

I have told her there are babies who don't have a crib that need her crib. She has a big girl bed and a crib. Wouldn't it be nice to help a baby and give her a crib.

I also reminded her that all of her friends sleep in big girl beds. That none of them need their Mommies to lay with them (lies). She bought it tonight, and finally said, "I want you to go now, Mommy. I ok."

Never heard a peep since. That was 2 hours ago. ;)

First night in big girl bed...with "Blanket," "Purple Blanket," and (not pictured: Catty, Baby Hugs Bear, Teddy)

Funnies

On routine.

Anna Claire loves spending some Daddy-daughter time each day, and she loves her routine.This usually ends up being after her bath each night. I spend about a half hour watering and tending to the garden, cleaning up the kitchen and washing my face. Last night, I came upstairs after cleaning the kitchen. Anna Claire gave me a little shove on my behind toward the bathroom and said, "Mommy, you can go wash your face now." Then she closed the bathroom door.

On cracking us up.

We were in the car and Anna Claire was being so silly. I was laughing so hard at her. She said, "Mommy,

I laughin' you up!" 

I said, "You mean 'cracking me up?'" 

She said, "Yeaaahhhh. I crackin' you up."

On Reading.

Anna Claire cracks me up with how she will recognize one word on a page and make up her own story or sentence to go with it. She latched on to the word "more" on one of her Brainquest cards. She pointed to the word "more" and said, "More! No more oatmeal. No more oatmeal! Ever!"

On being sneaky.
Awhile back, I broke one of the supports that goes inside Anna Claire's little tent. I have felt horrible about it ever since. Saturday we saw one at Walgreens that was perfect. It looks just like a little princess castle. Bought it. Came home and put it together. Anna Claire rubbed her hands together and said under her breath, "Ha, ha, ha, I can be sneaky now!" and went inside the tent.

On regularity.
Anna Claire was holding her poop in for the longest. She would go 5 days, sometimes longer, without going. We were really worried about it! We tried bribing her with candy and potty charts, but neither worked. Then I read an article to try this: wrap (very) small gifts and place them up high in a visible location. When your child asks you about the presents, tell them they can get one each time they poop in the potty. She has pooped just about every night ever since. We spend a whopping 25 cents per gift, on average, but it was what helped us turn to corner with her on that front. Happy Meal toys and gumball machine toys are perfect for this.

The funny part is....tonight she was sitting on the potty and said, "Mommy, I want you to go in other room and make wrapping noises." That was her subtle way of telling me she pooped and wanted me to go wrap a present for her. :)

Anna Claire's First "Pedi"

Ok, she just got her toenails painted, but it was a big deal to Anna Claire. I have walked into the Bunnies class twice and heard the little girls talking about sitting in the butterfly chair at the nail place. And I hear about it at home. When one of the other parents told me it was just a few bucks for them to get their nails painted, I decided we would do it sometime.

Today wasn't the day I intended, but it ended up being her special butterfly chair day.

When I picked her up from the Red Barn, she was still in her swim gear, and the teacher explained it had been too hot for them to do water play today. I thought, "Perfect!" I was planning on taking her to the Y to swim anyway, so now she'd get that time in the water anyway.

Wrong. Got to the Y, and they had closed the pool due to chance of storms. They told me they'd open it in about a half hour. So we went to McD's and had a milkshake, then went back to try again. Still closed, not to reopen for a half hour. I told her I was sorry and that we'd come back in the morning.

She was SO disappointed, I felt so bad for her.

I reassured her again that we'd go in the morning and explained that I needed her to go with me to Kmart to get wrapping paper for her friend's gift. That put a smile on her face because she would get to ride this:

I remember what a big deal it was to me to get to ride these little rides outside storefronts as a little girl. This merry-go-round has been sitting outside our Kmart for a LONG time!

After her merry-go-round ride, I saw Larry's Nails glowing like an Oasis saying to me, "C'mon! Today is the day!"

I said without giving it another thought, "Hey Anna Claire, how would you like to get your nails painted in the butterfly chair today?"

"Yeah! I sit in butterfly chair just like Amelia! I want pink!!!"

She said just after this was taken, "I holdin' very still!"

The butterfly chair!

All done. He even added sparkles. Think she liked it?

So pretty!

 Afterward, we had to wait 5-10 minutes for them to dry. No problem for Anna Claire. She is always content to people watch and sit and talk to me. She did ask me, "Mommy, where my painter go?" Larry and I thought it was funny she called the man that painted her nails "her painter."

Science Center/ Big Girl Bed

Took AC to the Science Center and then a made a quick trip to the bookstore. Asked her what her favorite part of today was. Answer: "Riding escalator and hearing my voice echo in the potty at bookstore."

Before going to the Science Center, we made a brief stop at Rivergate, since I knew their Target had the little girls' bedding that I wanted in stock. HOWEVER, when we got to the bedding aisle, Anna Claire was quick to point to an adorable solid pink bedding set with ruffle appliques and say, "I don't want owl or horse on my blanket. I just want pink! I want THAT one! Put it in the basket!" I HAPPILY put the solid pink bedding in the basket. 

We will overlook the fact that I have a three-year old who is just now transitioning to a big girl bed and save that for a future post, yes?

Science Center! Why have we not come here sooner? I get in free, since I'm a teacher,  and it was fabulous. I worried that there wouldn't be enough for a little girl to do there, but she could participate in most of the exhibits. My great takeaway was that Anna Claire loves dominos and Tinker Toys, neither of which we own.

Afterward we stopped off at the Vanderbilt Borders.While in the potty at the Vandy bookstore, Anna Claire kept saying, "Echo....echo...echo..." louder and louder. There really was a good echo in there. I reminded her that we were at a bookstore, which was kinda like the library. Maybe we should "echo" a little quieter. She went, "SSSSSsssssssssssss!" and put her finger to her lips. She said, "Mommy you put your mouth to your finger. SSSSSSSssssssssss!"

I was so impressed with this child at the dominoes challenge. She was doing a great job at balancing her seesaw and recognizing when she needed to add more to one side. She would say, "It not balanced. I need more over here."

Still at it.

Loving some Tinker Toys.

Each of the black circles you see in the back, are fans. They would blow and propel her sailboat.

These were her Tinker Toy "lollipops."

Loved this piano you could actually walk on and it would play. Ah, memories of "Big."

Our view while waiting in line at the Subway at the Science Center.

We waited 10 minutes for her to ride in this ambulance.

This was a water table representing the human blood stream. The red and yellow panels represent arteries and veins. The white balls, like she's holding, represented white blood cells.

Loved opening each of these doors. Each one stood for a career in medicine.

Turn the dial left to hear healthy lung, and right to hear unhealthy.