Big Beautiful Day

Well, it was beautiful for obvious reasons when you look at the pictures. This was last Thursday, Feb. 17.  I could not believe how much snow melted, but on the same hand it was weird to be walking around in near 60 degree weather and still have so much snow… it realize you don't see much of it here but believe me, it was there. We were at North Park and in the areas that do not get as much sun, the ground was still white. 

During our walk around the lake, Aurora got to play on various play grounds on 3 separate occasions.  Even this was not enough for her.  

At 2pm, not previously having napped in the stroller at all like we intended, she still did not want to leave.  And she still did not fall asleep in the car!  I was shocked.  Only after a promise to play outside when she got up did she calm down to take a nap.  

It was a big day because Aurora went on the potty on her own.  I have been letting her run around without a diaper on for a 5-10 minutes once or twice a day.  I always remind her to tell me if she has to pee or poop.  Back in September she seemed very interested in going on the potty and we had a few successful moments.  For whatever reason, her interest wained and in the process of moving I let it go.  Over the past week while I let her "air out" for the most part, there are no accidents.  Once or twice floor has gotten we, and she immediately tells me.  Last Thursday in the middle of playing she calmly got up, stated she had to go potty, went into the bathroom, sat down on the pot and peed.  It was a great moment!  All of us, yes all of us, even Jacob, were excited. I thought maybe this meant there was a renewed interest and we would start again. 

Since then I have cleaned up a turd from the floor and her stockings…. I guess that is about as close as spring (in light of the 8 inches of snow last night).  But to her credit, tonight she announced she had to poop, sit down on the pot and make some special music about 5 minutes before I had to clean up her stockings.  I guess we should have made her sit longer. 

Valentine's Day: Cookies Please, No Lobster

Valentines day brought more cookie fun for Aurora.  Mom had to bake cookies too.  I don't think Aurora minded doing this twice in one week.  I was not even going to take pictures but she just kept being so darn cute.  

I did not think it was possible but I think she was getting tired of making cookies.

Note the flour ALL OVER her face.  

My wonderful husband made dinner. Lobster, bacon wrapped fillet mignon, pasta with creamy tuna bacon mushroom sauce and asparagus.  At first Aurora would not go close to the lobster unless we were holding her but as the night progressed she got closer.  She even got the point where she would touch it, kind of…. only the rubber band holding it's claws. Absolutely no where else.

Aurora is a great eater. Normally, she will try anything, especially if we are eating it.  But she would not eat the lobster, and she likes fish.  Jacob denies it but I think it had to do with seeing the lobster alive before dinner.  

Oh, and here she is eating the cookies she made with grandma… this time cookie and frosting at the same time.

Valentine's Week Activities

We were up north a few days the week before Valentine's Day.  Aurora enjoyed seeing grandparents.  We gained appreciation for the little amount of snow Pittsburgh had compared to Conneautville and Erie.  

Aurora's perch for bird watching

Aurora enjoyed making cookies with grandma.  This is a fun task regardless but probably more fun because she got away with eating more cookies and licking frosting than she would have with mom.  

I think she is trying to shove sprinkles in her mouth.  Obviously she was successful eating icing.  

Aurora also greatly appreciated mother natures gracious gift of beautiful weather.  Every time she has seen her tricycle in the basement she has asked to go outside. Up until Sunday it has been below freezing for a long time.  

The day could not have gotten much better for Aurora, but then Aunt Sarah made a surprise visit.  

Aunt Sarah, what is that? 

Tree bark.

Can we put it back on the tree? 

Yes, the Winter Can Be Fun

This picture was from shoveling which Aurora does happen to love.  And to be honest, I don't mind it that much either.  This might have something to do with the fact that we don't have that much that "needs" shoveled. Also it might have to do with there has only been 1 time thus far when I had to shovel because Jacob was not home… 

and I only did the walk to the house.

 

Ice Skating!

The skate options for Aurora were very poor. I am convinced she would have been skating on her own if we would have been better prepared with skates.  

Not only were the skates awful, the straps were not close to tight enough. 

Uncle Andrew!  

Shoveling Again!

Aurora shovels in style!  She may not be in heels but a tutu and panda gloves really add some class to shoveling!

Are you seeing a pattern yet?  At least Aurora likes it:)

Here is our humble abode…