Exit Sandman

Mc has always been a superb napper. As a first child, and with an extra cautious daddy as her caregiver, she was given noise free, unadulterated naps whenever she chose. She was trained to be a napper and we fell into a routine of naps that continued up until last week.

I was one of the lucky ones. My THREE year old would snuggle up every day @ 2:00, story, smooch and she was out until 5:30 on most days. During those few hours, especially before Kingston was born, I was able to read, hit the treadmill, clean the house, take a nap myself and even...shower!

Naps started to slip once we hit preschool. She would lay in there for an hour and then decide that she was "not tired". I was the mean mom that wanted to still hold on to "quiet time" but that quickly became play time and has also gone by the wayside. There were still days when she would fall back into routine but she was becoming increasingly more ornery after naps than if she had just not taken one.

It really was nice while it lasted. Kingston still isn't a great napper- having an "active" sister really doesn't make for ample nap conditions. So, bedtime has been moved up to 8:00 pm to compensate.

With this, we said good bye to those precious, sanity-giving naps and wait for the days of comatose teenagers that sleep until noon so I can have my "few hours" of mom time while the kids sleep.

Mickey Do Times Two

Our baby girl is four! Mckinley's birthday yet again seemed to turn into somewhat of a birthday "week". We had the Williamson family party where she was spoiled beyond belief with all things Princess, Squinkie & the gift of the century, a Dream Light (thanks G & Chris).


This picture does not even do the Dream Light justice. Think Pillow Pet with a light that shines on the ceiling. All of the little girls disappeared right after to hide in the recesses of Mary Ann's guest room to sing the catchy commercial jingle ("dream light sleep tight") and watch the lights. I am sure any other gift this year will not be able to compete.

She then got to celebrate as the Birthday Helper at preschool complete with crown. Her sweet teachers sent her home with a HUGE bag of bracelets, candy and all things Oriental Trading.

 

She was spoiled by Alex with Play-Doh & a sweet Rainbow Dash shirt. She also got the royal hair treatment as Alex painstakingly hand curled her luscious locks.

 

 

 On her actual birthday, we decided to give her the present she had been asking for for months! Due to the clever advertising on all the channels she frequents, we were destined for Chucky Cheese. We pulled in to the parking lot and surprised her & she loved it! It was cheap, not crowded and we all had a surprisingly good time trying to win tickets for worthless toys the didn't even make it home. The Animatronic Band didn't disappoint and we will probably end up going back.

 

 

 





And since Mc shares a birthday month with Mimi & Uncle Brayden, we also got to celebrate with the Lawrence side of the family. More presents, more cake, more setting the bar REALLY high for future birthdays.

 

Miss Mckinley at F O U R:

-you love to play pretend and can entertain yourself for hours.

-Preschool is the highlight of your week! You love your friends, Miss Sally & Miss Jessica and that you get to color and make crafts.

- you are so excited for your part in the Primary program "I choose to follow the Prophet by paying my tithing"

- Gangum style is your new favorite song

-You still have movie star hair and mom can't bear to cut it...even though it might really need it.

- You love calamari, chicken nuggets and juice boxes

- You have graduated to showers & haven't looked back because you love to "go crazy" before we get you out.

 

We love that you are so social. That you love friends, your "sister" Kiley, your real brother Kingston,  going to church, saying prayers and playing outside. We think you are the most darling, and sassy little girl. We love you Sweetie Swirl!