Daddy Bookends {318}

Dear Miss Dinah,

If today was a story, Daddy would be its bookends.

I woke up early to exercise, before you both were awake, and when I came back thirty minutes later, you were happily sitting at the table having a little breakfast. You are so tiny in that great big chair over there.

Then tonight, Daddy sat in the bathroom and kept you company while you took your bath.

He also sang to you, and laid you down in bed. It was sweet, sweet music.

I love you,

Mamma <3

Bubble Wrap {317}

Dear Miss Dinah,

A morning lesson:

We talked about David. A king. Who wears a crown. And plays music. And sings songs. Who is a shepherd. Of sheep. Who say baaaaaaaa...

You also pointed out the tractor. I think you know truck, tuh.
I'm sure you know car, caaaaa woooom wooooom, pronounced like you are from New Jersey and complete with engine noise.
 

Playing with bubble wrap that came in a package.

Too.much.fun.

 

Dinner at Mr. Mark and Ms. Dana's house tonight. And of course, General. Ms. Dana came by last night as you were just going to bed, and General came into your bedroom to say a quick hello. You just stood and stared at him, wide-eyed, with no expression. Perhaps you thought you were dreaming. Tonight, you had way more energy. 

Squealing, giggling, playful, chasing energy. 

 

I love you,

Mamma <3

Lunch with Michael {316}

Dear Miss Dinah,

Today we went out of town to run a few errands and visit the studio. Sabrina was thrilled to see how much you have grown, and we were excited to see how baby James has changed too! He will be one in January and has already grown quite a bit of hair and a number of teeth, just like you had. The Nutcracker performance is next week, and they are working hard to get all ready. I don't think you will get to go this year (because you would have to quietly sit still for far too long), but maybe the next time they do it (in 2 years).

Before heading home we went to lunch and laughed that your Ginni was as tall as Michael Phelps, famous Olympic swimmer... only the poster starts with his knees at ground level ;-)

When I say, "Ready to cook some din-dins?" and drag your chair into the kitchen, you hustle up.

Cuh, cuh, you say.

Tonight you used your 'kinfe' (mini spatula) to help chop onions.

No, Dinah. No touching those! But, your balls are in that pink basket :-)
 

I love you,

Mamma <3

Ball-Balls {315}

Dear Miss Dinah,

You, and Pizwit. Both hard to catch on cam.
And I think my lens is dirty?

But, I publish anyway, because you two are too cute.

Laundry and Signing Time:

This afternoon we did some shopping while Daddy and cousin Dylan saw a movie. I made sure to point out all the "ball-balls" to you ;-) No shortage of those this time of year. At home you keep yours (an eclectic collection of pink golf balls, a cat toy ball, purple bouncy ball, and 2 dryer balls) all in a little pink basket that you tote around... Ba-bas!

The movie was a little longer than I thought, so we had some time to kill at the theatre.

Hey, by the way, where did your hair bow go, young lady?

I love you,

Mamma <3

Tools of the Trade {314}

Dear Miss Dinah,

This morning we woke up early and delivered fresh-made cinnamon rolls to the family. Ginni, Gampa, Mr. Dan, and Uncle Dan were excitedly awaiting our arrival!

We also picked up the table cloth for the fireplace mantel that we finished last night. Ginni had pressed it, and it looks amazing! Our globe ornaments fit just perfectly under it after adjusting a few of the heights.

Daddy had to stay an extra day out of town, but this afternoon he arrived home!

Watching Daddy run a drill...

Not much later, you were investigating your own tools :-)

Pictured here with your hammer, and singing tool bag behind you!

I love how delicate and tiny you are right now.
I love holding you.
I love how your hands rest gently on mine when I'm reading you a book or just sitting with you.

I love you,

Mamma <3

Tree Hugger {313}

Dear Miss Dinah,

Swingin'
Tree climbin'
Sandboxin'
Trampoline-in'

There's just so much to do on a 60 degree December day.

We shared this plate of pizza for lunch. After each and every bite, you set the piece back on the plate.
How polite!

This evening we went back to visit with Ginni so she could help us with a sewing project for our fireplace. We got to listen to Gampa and Mr. Dan tell encouraging stories. They have both many interesting life experiences! Mr. Dan ministers in South America, many times in prisons, and Gampa just always seems to be present when miraculous things occur!

I love you,

Mamma <3

Little Pink Riding Hood {312}

Dear Miss Dinah,

This morning Daddy left at about 5 am for a quick trip to take care of some business and will be back late tomorrow. In a funny turn of events, he got to go to the football game tonight...the one which confirms K-State the Big 12 Champions!

And here, we went about business as usual...

Little pink riding hood:

You do all the slides at the park by yourself now. Some, are surprisingly fast, you found. (But not this one!)

It's nice to have a friend waiting when you arrive home:

Tonight we made pizza for dinner. Someone (not naming names) likes to snack on the job...

One extra for bath time tonight:

Here, have a ducky!

I love you,

Mamma <3