Luli's 4th Birthday

Allison attended Lourdes' (Luli) birthday party this morning. She had a lot of fun. She made a police man badge (that was the theme) and ate pizza (two slices) and of course birthday cake. Two LoCo sheriff's showed up to surprise Luli and show off their patrol cars, but Allison was too scared to visit. So, we hung out in the family room until everyone came back inside. Then for a few moments she became brave and we went outside, then the Sheriff's turned on the sirens briefly and we were back inside in a flash. Allison had a lot of fun and all the way home she talked about the party and blew her whistle. She was very excited to come home and show her Daddy all of the good stuff she got at the party.
By far the funniest thing for me was when she sat down to eat her cake. Please note in the picture, she has the ENTIRE piece of cake on her fork. It was too cute. I also enjoyed the fact that as she sat on the floor eating her pizza she was lady like and kept her ankles crossed.

Brent's Birthday

Brent had a good birthday -- as far as I can tell! We had originally made plans for me and Allison to go into the city to have lunch with him but with Obama's inaugration and all the madness we opted for a later date. Brent's mom, Connie, and my mom and Nick came up to our house and we all went out to dinner at Cantina d'Italia. Yummy! We hadn't been there in a long time, so we had forgotten how good the food was! After dinner everyone came over for cupcakes (of course!) and then we played with Allison's new game, Elelafun or however you spell that. Nick even got into the fun. I plan on uploading that video for the blog!

Happy Birthday Brent!

Today is a special day in the Booker's family. It's Brent's 34th birthday. We are planning on a family dinner, presents, and of course cupcakes! It's going to be a blast.
I just wanted to give Brent a little shout out on his birthday. The following is just a bunch of thoughts and attributes about Brent. I love him so!
He is a wonderful man, husband and father. He is my best friend and take the good and the bad when it comes to living with two girls.
A lot of times he is my moral compass and reminds me of the bigger picture of life and tells me when it's time to step up or step down.
He sings a lot! Oh Sheri, by far the most sung. He will be mad at me for typing that, but he is a true entertainer, when he puts his guard down. He is one of the most sensitive people that I know. He puts on a tough act, but he's gotta soft squishy center.
He thinks of others before himself and when it comes to his career and staff, he considers what is best for all instead of individual agendas.
He is a lot of fun to be around and always makes me laugh. He is amazing when it comes to landscaping and I've never seen anyone work so hard and diligent when it comes to yardwork. Most might consider that small, but it's truly Brent's passion and he is excellent at it.
He vacuums much better than I ever could.
He rarely puts things away, instead prefers to have staging areas throughout the house.
He is fierce when it comes to packing.
His closet is meticulously organized. It's a little sick. He has numerous "systems" in the house that I don't dare disrupt. Don't get me started on the dishwasher!
He is a wonderful, wonderful father. Our little girl is soo lucky to have a Dad that works so hard and loves her so much.
He spoils me--a lot!! Just look at my handbag collection....
He reminds me all the time that I deserve and am entitled to the best things and events in life. He works so hard to make sure that Allison and I get those. Some tangible some not, but his intention is always clear.

I'm so lucky to have met and married Brent. I truly love him and enjoy our life together.

Happy Birthday B!

Allison and Cheerios

All the experts and Mom's say that kids go through phases, but currently Allison is going through Cheerios. It's insane. About a box (the big mamma jamma) a week. We are up to three bowls for breakfast (adult sized). It's also not the only thing she eats, I always offer juice and fruit in the morning. She downs that too! On the mornings that I don't work, I'm all up for a big breakfast (we are both big on breakfast). I'm all ready with the homemade French toast, Blueberry / Banana Pancakes, eggs, the works. What does she want? A friggin' bowl of Cheerios. And if you have ever eaten with a toddler, you are better off just eating what they have. I decided to test that theory this AM, I made blueberry pancakes. I'm so over the Cheerios. But she was still all about cheerios.
The other thing that kind of grosses me out is the weird noise she makes when she eats them. It's somewhere between a gulp and a slurp. The only other time I ever heard it before was when I was nursing her. It alarmed me slightly then, but it's a little odd and gross now.
Allison is doing her best to pull us out the recession with her Cheerios consumption. Perhaps Brent and I should buy General Mills stock.

More on when I get older

Two more additions today to our master list:
"Mommy, when I get older I can -- wear a watch and a ring to Daddy and sit on the edge of the bathtub."

Girl's gotta have some goals! :)

When I get older, I can.......

We all now that all attempts are made to slow things down with Allison. Time is definitely my enemy! She is starting to recognize that in life there are things that I do that she can't do. You know the basics--wiping her own butt and driving a car to name a few. She has started a list of things that she can do when she gets older. When she thinks of one, she starts listing all and everything. It's too cute. Here's the list:
"When I get older, I can.....
Drive a car
Drive Mommy to see Dr. Ben (that's her pediatrician)
Get things out the oven
Hold heavy boxes
Walk walk Bailey (we either walk (short walk) or walk walk (long walk) the dog--weird Booker lingo!)
Wear a collar around my neck (ok, that one scares me)
Push the leaves ( I think that means raking)
Open the door
Use the buttons (refers to my car remote)
Go to the store
Use a credit card
Drink coffee (I don't even drink coffee)
And last but not least, Bailey gets a nod.
When Bailey gets older, Allison says that he can eat goldfish and raisins.

My toddler rocks!

Happy New Year!

I guess Brent and I are officially lame parents. Next is CNN 24/7 and NPR in the car. Obivously we don't have big plans for the new year tonight, I think we are frankly exhausted from the past four months. I am really enjoying stressing about what to make for dinner versus are we going to have a place to live come December? Oh, much better!
Allison is in the throws of the terrible two's. I saw her pediatrician and he recommended 1,2,3 Magic. It's a book about discipline for kids 2-12. I have read most of it, and what a joke. She just looks at me (after I have said 1,2,3 naughty spot) and says 7,8,9 Mommy! I guess these things take time!
There is one new behavior of Allison's that is both maddening and highly entertaining. She has little schizo episodes. Please bear in mind that I am not making light of any mental illness, but my toddler has episodes! One moment it's rock Mommy a nano second later it's no rock Mommy. Then read the book Mommy pause no, don't read the book Mommy. Milk Mommy no milk Mommy only water. Pink pajamas no pink pajamas brown ones no brown ones pink mommy pink! All day long. After awhile, I just laugh, what else is there to do?!?
I am really looking forward to the New Year and all it's promise. I hope you have a wonderful, safe, and healthy 2009! Hi Samantha and thanks for reading my blog! :)