I can’t believe that it is sunny and cool right now. We planned to go to the zoo with Kelly and Leith today, but it was raining. The weather report called for more rain right around the time we were going to meet. Plan B was going to the Ager Center.

Now that Bella is almost three, I let her get a pass for play structure. She wasn’t really interested in it until the very end — right before we were ready to leave, of course. I didn’t think to get a picture because I was too busy checking in on her. I did get some pics of the two of them playing with Little People.

Kelly and I also had a nice visit. We didn’t play with Little People, though.

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new on julie-k: wardrobe refashions: pajamas, a skirt and a shirt

Last week Bella tried swimming in the bathtub. I asked her if she wanted to take swimming lessons and she said, “YES!” There just happened to be a class open that started this week so I signed her up. Every day so far has had its own milestone.

Monday: This day was a little overwhelming. Skills covered were putting her face in the water and blowing bubbles, which she did not want to do, floating on her back, she kept bending her knees, and jumping off the side of the pool, which was more like me lifting her off.

Tuesday: A much more comfortable day in the water. She floated on both her front and back with help, jumped off the edge of the pool holding my hands and put her face in the water to blow bubbles.

Wednesday: I’m amazed at her progress. She’s putting her whole head under water, floating on her back, kicking while floating on her front and today she jumped off the side of the pool into the teacher’s arms and didn’t hold hands!

I wish I could take pictures, but I’m in the water with her. I’ll post more of her progress, though. Can’t wait to see what she does next!

Ever since we moved to Lincoln, I’ve wanted my parents to visit on the 4th of July. Our neighbors set off a ton of amazing fireworks, and from the right spot in our front yard, you can also watch the ones from the developments that are east and south of us.

This year my parents finally made it out and I think they were pretty impressed. We took a blanket and some chairs and set up camp on the front lawn. Our neighbor came over with a bottle of Italian sparkling wine. I didn’t take a lot of pictures or video because I was too busy watching everyone have fun. Here are some pics I did manage to snap. You can also check out last year’s video here.

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new on julie-k: handmade student emergency kit

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.