Ode to Spring

While I will be the first person to enjoy the change of seasons, I most appreciate the change from winter to spring and from summer to fall. What I dislike, is the extreme of temperatures. Oh, and having the children inside ALL day. That's a real bummer.

So this evening was quite enjoyable, because I promptly sent Madelynn and McKenna outside at the end of resting time. Much to their disbelief, I did not allow them back inside until it was dark. Ok, ok, before you get ready to send me a nasty email, let me explain! Resting time was delayed today and so didn't end until around 4:00 pm. It got dark around 6:30 pm. Oh, and their friends from next door were outside playing too.

In my mostly quiet house, I opened up all the windows and doors that I dared and fired up the attic fan. (Don't worry, honey, I turned the heater down before doing this. Or maybe it was after. I don't know, but the heater DID get turned down, I promise!) In all of this fresh and warm air, I became highly motivated and straightened the house. Not quite warm enough to suggest I do the dishes. That's nigh on to summer. But the house is significantly more picked up than when the day started!

After dinner and baths, both girls were tucked into bed with the promise of more excitement tomorrow. I haven't broken the news of the impending rain. I probably care more than them. As Branden and I settled back to enjoy a grown-up TV show (Alright dirty minded folks! I meant like CSI or Criminal Minds. Those shows that prompt questions I'm not prepared to answer!), the sound of McKenna coughing began to get worse and worse. Sadly, for my girls, the joy of spring is hampered by serious allergies. So, McKenna's night of romping in the grass with friends, resulted in her suffering through this before bed:

her "Fishy-Face Medicine". Poor baby. Mommy loves you!

McKenna Mae

McKenna Mae is a quirky and free-spirited child. There are many traits that identify her as such.

1. She is the loudest little girl I've ever met. We're taking her to an audiologist to make sure that she can, in fact, hear. I have a sneaking suspicion, however, that she's just making her stamp in history as middle children are wont to do.

2. She loves to snuggle. Anytime, anywhere. On the couch, at bedtime, parent-teacher conferences, or even when I'm driving. (No worries, Nana, I tell her no.)

3. She is incredibly adventurous. As long as she can see me. When she's on her own, or around people she isn't familiar with. I can't shake her off my pant leg! (But seriously, I don't mind all that much)

4. She is my sous chef. No matter the meal, McKenna comes in the kitchen, carrying the most convenient stool she can find, and pokes her little nose in everything. She will stir, chop and always taste test. When dinner is ready, she sets the table. Napkins, cutlery, glasses, plates and ketchup. Never forgets the ketchup!

5. Speaking of routine, this girl needs it! Days that are spontaneous affect her for weeks afterwards. Give her a simple Monday and she's a happy kid. This is the child that requires a full-on spreadsheet for the babysitter. I don't know who was more stressed out when Mom and Dad went on a date, McKenna or the babysitter.

6. In addition to needing routine, this girl is a priss. A princess. A neat-freak. And I love it! The fact that she has to change her shoes when the get a teeny, tiny bit of mud on them, makes my heart melt! In fact, I think she'll be the sister that tapes a line down the bedroom, clearly defining who's mess is who's. But seriously, don't try to get her muddy. It's not her thing. It's most definitely Madelynn's thing. But that's a different post.

7. We never leave the house less than fabulously dressed. As shown in the following examples:

Except for tonight. I gave up after the shoe selection. That's right, they're hot pink and sparkly!

8. Finally, she is the only person in the whole, wide world that I know that can make her eyebrows into perfect right angles. Now, without picture evidence, I'm sure many will not believe me. I've seen it. Multiple times. It always cracks me up. I will continue trying to get a photo of this. Thing is, when she does it, she's usually getting ready for a time-out!

Some McKenna-Isms For You:

~"You're the best mom in the whole life." (said at 4:00 am when tucking her back into bed)

~"I'm weally, weally hungwy." (said approximately 4 times a day, generally just after a meal)

~"You're not even my best friend anymore!"

(this usually follows a time-out)

("even" is our new favorite word)

~"Mom, I need big squeezes and lots of kisses!" (my favorite, obviously!)

And a final montage to leave you with. This was discovered recently on my memory card. I think it sums up my little girl pretty well.
Enjoy!
Amy