Caged Animal

Vanessa has felt cooped up. She of course has spells of losing all control when she's bubbling over with energy. We've remained busy building obstacle courses at home but she still grows tired of being surrounded by the same walls day after day. We long for spring so we can feel free for longer periods of time. Until, we're thankful for community resources like Open Gym/Tyke Time. Vanessa gets to run long distances, jump on things made specifically for jumping (although one might argue whether or not couches, chairs and mattresses were made for that), bounce, roll and tumble.

It gets pretty busy and there is lots of chasing and helping toddlers and preschoolers develop social skills, but it always pays off for us to go. We went this morning and now she's playing calmly as I share this. Several days this week she was feeling so frustrated that she would just throw her toys around like a mad woman, so her current play is a much needed and greatly appreciated change.

Going Back

We definitely feel Hilliard is our home, but even so, we sometimes go back to where Mommy and Daddy spent a chunk of their life. Anytime we go back, we're sure to try and tag on haircuts from our favorite female barber. Here Vanessa is beginning to feel the connection:

And then of course, we HAVE to stop and see our cousins. Ben is showing Uncle Adam his really cool phone. Hannah and Zach are teaching Vanessa games. Andrew was there, but Mommy forgot to take a picture because she was too busy chasing Vanessa. (Maybe Uncle Thom and Aunt Diane have a picture filed away of him from this day . . . ? [hint])

Here the adults and girls are getting their practice for future dances and balls. The princess court is quite sweet and adorable and they demonstrated an amazing amount of patience while having their pictures taken.

A trip is never complete, though, without Lorobi's. Daddy begins drooling over the thought several days in advance of the visit. It always hits the spot and we can never have too much. Vanessa is developing a love for it as well. (For those who don't know -- Betz blood consists somewhat of Coca Cola, Lorobi's Pizza and Buckeye football. We still have a few years before Vanessa needs to develop her fondness for Coke. Yes, it'll be a milestone.)

Bunny

One morning a couple weeks ago Vanessa came up with the idea that she could play Mommy Bunny to Baby Bunny. She went on a mission to find all the necessary things. It just so happened that she had on an outfit that matched her bunny ears. She noticed. :) She went all over the house with Baby Bunny -- walking her, feeding her, etc.

Then, as she grew tired, she thought for sure stroller could take a nap with her. We talked about how hard it would be to sleep with a stroller in the bed. She was determined to try . . . so she worked and worked until she got it positioned just right. "See, Mama?! It works. Stroller can sleep with me."

Commercialism

Vanessa loves the FreeCreditReport.com commercials. She hasn't seen too many commercials in her lifetime, since we haven't been able to have the TV on much over the last year or so. It was just too disruptive to her mood and/or play. She'll now let me watch the news without going crazy. :) This morning she stopped what she was doing to watch the commercial. She said, "I have to watch this man sing his solo. See him, Mommy?"

This commercial was followed by a Hot Wheels commercial. She drooled over the race track. "Ohhhhhh . . . I have to have it, Mommy," Vanessa said excitedly.

Vanessa is learning that like in the store, we can look and talk about things, but we don't necessarily get it or buy it. It's a hard lesson for toddlers, especially since they're surrounded by tons and tons of commercialism. We never want her to be labeled commercialized!

An Excellent Notion

I don't know where you're at today, but Vanessa dressed herself and went to the beach. And she took an umbrella for the bright sun.

She's never been to a beach, but with all the snow, I like her thinking!