Lessons of the day

We went out to breakfast at Mount Bakery- Chloe announced it was her new favorite place- so I guess we chose well.

There were so many lessons at breakfast today.
First we saw a girl walking outside with a super short skirt- so we talked about how some girls dress revealing and how it's better to only show all your skin like that to the shower or maybe some day someone she really loves. ;) She got embarrassed and asked to change the subject- which we did, but only after poking a tiny bit at the uncomfortable-ness, and making sure she got the message.
Then the waitress came and asked us to move tables to help them accommodate another party. We gladly and cheerfully moved to help people. Lesson taught by example. In the same light, we later offered our extra seat for a table who was one short. We didn't reiterate the "be helpful and courteous" lesson, but I know she noticed.
As we were finishing up our breakfast, a woman, walking next to our table passed out and slumped to the floor next to us. Abby, immediately went to her aid and I pulled Chloe's chair out of the way. She came to pretty quickly, but not before all our adrenalin had kicked in.
Once we got back to the van we asked Chloe how she was doing. We told her feeling a bit scared in those situations is okay, and we were a little bit scared, too. We assured her that many adults, us included, have learned some things to help people in trouble like that, and that stuff like that doesn't happen very often. We talked about being sure to get an adults attention if she ever notices an emergency, etc. We talked for a while, and she seemed pretty good with it long before my adrenaline calmed down.
Now, as I'm looking back, I feel proud of what she sees and learns from us. We take pride in ourselves, take things in stride, help people out and talk about things as a family.

A night out

We went to dinner and a movie last night. As we were walking up to the restaurant Chloe was making jokes about the name: "What is a nose's favorite restaurant?"
"Bob's Booger and Brew!"
He had a fun time at dinner chatting about life. Chloe did an excellent job at ordering her food and talking with the waitress. We could tell she felt good about it. she said-"I'm actually getting pretty good at that"
Chloe pointed on the kids menu that it said her meal came with a free pop and ice cream- and I said- "Oh man! Why did we teach you to read, anyway!?" She thought that was pretty funny. She also noticed how the entire kids menu was made up of unhealthy food. We had a conversation about that, and now she understands why we sometimes order her food not from the kids menu, and why we love to go to Scotty browns- they have very good kids choices.
After dinner we stopped by Hagen for some candy! The movie was fun! We are really loving our big, new theatre! Chloe didn't bring her coat- silly girl- it's January!! So Abby snuggled her all the way back to the van. We took some fleeting pictures- nothing perfect, but a a couple captured moments.

Waking up

I woke Chloe up yesterday in my normal way. I lay down beside her and put my hand on her sweet bean and rub her arm. I never have to say anything, she immediately starts to stir. I lay there quietly with her as she comes into consciousness. At some point she grabs my hand and snuggles it for a moment and I let her break the silence. A lot of days she says "I love you, mom" in her scratchy, sleepy voice- and I melt.
Yesterday after much the same scenario she said into the dark: "What does more, the heart, the brain, or the spinal cord?" It made me wonder what she was thinking, or dreaming about. It made me proud of her science intrigued mind. It made me cherish the little random moments I get to collect as her mom.

Santa no more

She doesn't believe in Santa anymore. :(

This came as a huge shock to me.  I'd been looking forward to doing elf-on-the-shelf this year and of course all the santa traditions.  When I found out she doesn't believe anymore, I was completely crushed.  I'm just not ready.

She sais "I know Santa isn't real because there is no such thing as flying reindeer."  I tried to respark the  wonder by pointing out that Santa is magic and he can make any reindeer fly - she played along, but in the end, no luck. She did say she wants to still do "all the stuff" and pretend for the fun of it.  That sounds good to me.

I can tell she feels good now that she's "in the know".

She's growing up.

And more beautiful by the day.

She woke up

The first thing she said was "I love you, mom." In her sweet, sleepy morning voice.
Those fleeting moments of tucking her in and waking her up are so special to me.
The other night at bedtime she said:
"Sometimes when you say goodnight and walk away, I cry a little because I miss you."
I told her- "So do I..." But I don't think she understands.
There is just never enough time to compensate for all the love I have.

Monkey hugs

Chloe's been giving the best monkey hugs lately!  She gets herself completely wrapped around and squeezes oh-so hard.  I love every second of it!!  Sometimes she hugs and hugs and says "I just can't get close enough!"  Me either.