The Terrible Twos are living up to their reputation around here. I’m not sure what is worse, the sleep deprivation from an infant or the drama of a two-year-old. There is whimpering and whining over the silliest things like, “Mom, I’m stuck to the floor and I can’t get up.” or “I can’t reach my toy (that is 12 inches away from my hand).” For a short while she would collapse in a heap on the floor because her milk was too cold.

Once it starts, it feeds on itself. It is constant. It is mind bending. It makes me wonder how I muster up even more patience when I was certain I was almost out. I keep telling myself that this is a phase, just like not sleeping through the night and temper tantrums.

I also remind myself that we have reached an amazing milestone that is not a phase. The fact that I no longer have to change a diaper really helps me get through the day. That and sneaking skittles when she’s not looking.

We’ve tried story time at the library on and off for the past two years. In the beginning, Bella loved it. Then she found all of the little playrooms scattered around the children’s area. Now she wants to play rather than sitting still and listening. A few weeks ago, the Saltdogs were reading baseball stories. She’s been talking a lot about baseball lately and I thought she’d be really excited.

Even Homer the Haymarket Hound wasn’t reason enough to hang out with the other kids. She did, however, wait patiently in line to meet him. She even got his autograph. I have to remember that if events don’t go as planned, it’s ok as long as Bella has fun. And she definitely had a lot of fun!

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new on julie-k: handmade father’s day bookmarks + handmade wedding and anniversary gifts

I’ve been so busy making gifts this month, that I forgot to post pics from the Kundhi visit. I’m also guilty of being distracted by Bella’s latest milestone. Oh, well. Better late than never, right?

We drove down to Manhattan, Kansas to visit T’s cousin, Sonu, on a Sunday afternoon. The drive was nice and the weather was perfect. Sonu made us an incredible lunch — mmmm… koftas! I wish she didn’t live so far away. More pics in the gallery.

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new on julie-k: project to do: crochet jar jacket

Hurray for going to the potty! I want to write more about this exciting event, but Mickey’s Clubhouse just ended, so computer time for me is over. Let’s just say we’re all happier around here without diapers.

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new on julie-k: project to do: rugs

Last weekend T was away at the track. It was kind of rainy and the week had been busy, so Bella and I hung out at home. We read books, played with puzzles and watched some Dr. Suess stories I picked up at the library. The only time we left the house was on Saturday for some ice cream.

By Sunday afternoon, we were both ready to be outside. The sun was finally starting to shine, but everything was still wet. I decided to turn our deck into a beach. We laid out a blanket and I filled a tub with sand. Bella got out her garden tools and asked for her hat. She spent hours shoveling and digging.

We were planning on building a sand table like Sarah’s, but whenever I try and put it up higher, Bella tells me she wants it on the floor. I like that it’s portable and easy to put away. It’s been rainy this week, so having it out on our deck has worked great. (I love my covered deck!) I’m not sure if we’ll make the table or not. In the meantime, she’s having lots of fun.

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new on julie-k: little bits, wardrobe refashion: green cardigan, and more

I don’t know how moms handle serious kid schedules. We hardly ever have anything on our calendar and always seem busy. Maybe it’s because we do a lot of things spur of the moment. I’ll be at knitting group and Lisa will say, “Let’s go to the zoo tomorrow!” I’ll realize we’re almost out of Chloe’s medicine and within an hour we’re on an “animal adventure” at the vet.

Today, I was reading my very long to-do list and checking email when I got a message from Lauren. “Want to walk to the park with us this morning?” To-do list? Park? Of course, we went to the park. Afterward, Bella and I went out to lunch. She loves eating at the Super Target coffee shop.

Life is busy and we always seem like we’re on the go. I couldn’t imagine actually having scheduled plans, too. Hmmm… maybe we’d just be less spur of the moment-y. I kind of like it this way, though. I never know what each day is going to bring.

This week Bella went on her first pony ride at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. I was bummed that I forgot my camera. Cell phone to the rescue! I was worried that she’d be nervous or scared, but she had fun. I have a feeling we’ll be spending a lot of time at the zoo this summer. We’re just loving our museum/zoo pass.

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new on julie-k: wardrobe refashion: comfy shorts

Don’t forget to enter my Sew, Mama, Sew giveaway!

I’m giving away this tote bag as part of Sew, Mama, Sew’s May Giveaway Day. Details over at julie-k.

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new on julie-k: recycling sweaters from my stash

tutorial featured on whipup.net:
how-to: sew a placemat zipper pouch with only four seams