Truer Than True

"Today you are you, that is truer than true.

There is no one alive who is youer than you."

- Dr. Seuss

I came across the above quote while is was perusing Pinterest this evening, and it immediately made me think of Abby. If there is anyone who knows how to be a "you" that is "truer than true", it is Abby. This is one of the greatest things about her. 

There is much about the two of us that is very alike, but there are also some very major differences. 

One of the biggest differences is that Abby has not inherited many of my insecurities. Her confidence and aplomb are things I greatly admire. Where I would hang back, she charges ahead. While I agonize about what to say, she freely shares her thoughts and feelings. When I would seek not to be noticed, she makes it a point to greet those around her and make them feel special. Now, I understand that many of these inhibitions are learned, that they are acquired with time and age, but honestly I can't ever imagine a time when Abby won't welcome friend and stranger alike. 

She is unique, she is confident, and she is happy. I hope that never changes. 

A perfect example of Abby, being Abby.

The Princess/Jester/Drummer.
Having a wonderful time!

If the above pictures didn't give you enough of a taste of her joyful spirit, check out this video Jason took as they waited for the bus. It made me smile all throughout the day.

Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, to the Doctor We Go

There was a time when it seemed that Abby had a peretual cold - a time when there was nearly always a bottle of antibiotics in our fridge. I remember telling Abby's teachers last year, "If there is something to be gotten - Abby will get it."

Amazingly enough we've passed the first marking period before we needed to head to the doctor's office. Yesterday I got a note from her teacher asking if I thought she may have Fifth disease. She has been fighting a cold for a couple of weeks, and her cheeks the last few days were looking bright red, so I was a bit nervous about the possibility of something else to think about. Therefore we made the appointment and went to the doctor today.

She looked much better this morning, but was still coughing, so as we set off for her check-up, I wasn't convinced we were all in the clear. It turns out that she has a bit of green goop in her nose and therefore is starting a round of antibiotics, but the consensus was that her red cheeks and rash-looking spots had more to do with dry skin than Fifth disease.

Even though we are starting a round of antibiotics, I'm still very thankful because she has been so healthy this year. I attribute much of that to her new diet and the strict vitamin regimen we've kept her on.

Despite the fact that as I poured her medicine she covered her mouth and said, "Ewww, that's disgusting!" she still took it like a champ. That's my girl!

Abby's doctor is a smart guy, he's got wonderful chalk boards in the
waiting room - this is always something that Abby looks forward to.
Today she drew a picture of Dr. Tim.

Daylight Savings Time

Okay, I resisted the last two days, but I can't hold it in any more, I'm going to complain - about the time change.

You know, I used to LOVE when the time to fall back came around. Getting that extra hour was like a little gift, but now, with a kid, it's terrible. Unfortunately, my ire wasn't tampered by the fact that I read an article recently that Daylight Savings Time was actually the brain child of Benjamin Franklin - in 1784 - when most people were farmers, and they could use that extra hour in the evening. Today instead of the touted "energy savings" that were thought to occur because of DST, we actually have higher energy costs, more pedestrian fatalities, and less money - due to the increase in shopping that that extra hour now affords us. Although all of this is ample reason to not support the continued practice of DST (you can read the full article here), I have but one reason that really matters to me: Abby.

You would think that an extra hour wouldn't be that big of a deal, right? Well, let's talk about that - tomorrow at 4:30 a.m. when she gets up because her internal clock is not so easily pushed back. Sure, you could argue that she is now going to bed earlier, but 6 p.m. hardly seems fair - she's barely done with her dinner, and yet she is yawning and talking about how tired she is.

So, here we go again - another round of trying to get all of us acclimated to the shift in time and daylight. I know that we are not alone in all of this, and that eventually she (and we) will adjust, but for right now it just stinks.

And here ends my rant on Daylight Savings Time - I shall discuss it no more.

On a lighter note: Abby enjoyed some ice cream tonight.
As you can see from her loving gaze - she is a great fan of
the ice cream. She even ate the "skin" - as she calls the cone.

Art Work

Seeing as though I just woke up from the impromptu two hour nap I took when I fell asleep while putting Abby to bed, I thought I might just share some artwork she did today for tonight's post. These are all original pieces that were done by her today, and with no prompting or help from anyone.

Title: Mama
Medium: Marker on paper

Title: Nana & Papa
Medium: Marker on paper

Title: Dada
Medium: Marker on paper

Title: Self Portrait 
Medium: Marker on Paper

I hope you enjoyed her small show. At this time Abby does not have any artwork for sale, but I will certainly let interested parties know if that changes.

Ragamuffin Day

Today was a Ragamuffin Day - not sure what that is? Let me explain....

Ragamuffin Days

Ragamuffin Days are days for

lopsided ponytails,

mismatched outfits,

and 

comfy slippers.

Ragamuffin Days are days for

naps,

rests,

and

"I'll clean that up tomorrow"'s.

Ragamuffin Days are days for

"fun snacks",

having desert first,

and

eating dinner last.

Ragamuffin Days are days when

everyone slows down,

nothing much gets done,

and

that's a-okay.

Every now and again

Ragamuffin Days are

my favorite 

kind of days.

For the one errand we had to run this was Abby's chosen outfit.
Thankfully it was one where neither she nor I had to get out of the car.
Here she is talking to Nana - because both Mom and Dad said, "No"
to pizza for dinner. She figured Nana would help out her cause.

Abby had some pudding after lunch - she apparently decided to save some for later.

Tumblin' Down

Our day started with a tumble down the stairs. Well...really it started with coloring princesses and "The Monster Mash", followed by a tumble down the stairs - let me explain.

Abby got up early. She's gotten into an exasperating habit of waking up mere minutes before my alarm goes off, thereby extinguishing any hope I might have of hitting snooze. She immediately wanted to start the day with some coloring, but continued to be frustrated when the app wouldn't do what she wanted. At this point I decided that staying in bed was no longer an option, so we got moving. Since Abby didn't have school today she would be coming to the child care at my school, but this wasn't incentive enough to light a fire under her tush. She had a pokey morning, until she requested "The Monster Mash", a new favorite of hers. Once I had that playing on my phone she was moving and grooving. She even requested getting her hair done (and some lipstick) as I got ready for school. It was when I was finishing up that she headed downstairs.

Now, I hate our stairs. Our house was built in the 30's and apparently they had smaller feet back then, because our stairs aren't very wide - and they are rather steep. We also have this crazy off-shoot that leads to Jason's and my bedroom about a third of the way up. This part is always tricky, and I've had a fear of falling at that point for years. This morning Abby, who is usually very good about navigating the stairs (because she usually goes down on her butt - smart girl), was heading downstairs from our room. She had Dora in one hand, and my "Monster Mash"-playing-phone in the other. I was finishing up my make-up when I heard some weird stomping noises. I turned to see Abby tumbling slowly to the bottom of the stairs. It took a second for it to sink in that she was actually falling down the stairs. I dropped what I was doing and ran after her. By the time I got to her she was on her knees - right side up - at the bottom. Luckily she is low to the ground, and didn't have far to fall. It still scared both of us and while she cried on my lap I tried to give her a once over. She seemed to be holding onto her hand and as I asked her to wiggle fingers, the tears continued to fall. After a tissue to wipe the tears, and some ice for the sore hand, she declared that she was all better - and thankfully she was. She did request a band-aid, and then took a few minutes to decide where she wanted it. She finally settled on her pinkie and then she really was good. Thankfully Dada aided in the cuddles and hugs and then helped us get moving and out the door.

Despite the rocky start to the day, Abby had a great one. Her day only got better - something I'm very thankful for.

Since Mom had to go back to school for a function, Abby got to spend
the evening with Dada. After her bath she decided to model Mom's night
splint. Doesn't that look comfortable for sleep? I guess it's better than heel pain, right?

Pity Party

Today was one of those days when I fell into the trap of throwing myself a perpetual pity party. I woke up this morning with that annoying tickle in the back of my throat, telling me that a sore throat was sure to follow. On my way to school I stopped off for some cough drops and tea, along with my morning cup of joe, knowing I would need them.

Round about 9 a.m. I decided enough was enough and set about trying to find a sub for the rest of the day...only there wasn't one to be had. So, I brewed some of that tea and hunkered down for the long haul.

Throughout the day I wasn't feeling any better, and so when three o'clock hit I was ready to head home. It was when I walked in the door that saw the evidence of my neglect...of the house that is, I couldn't look anywhere without seeing things that were out of place. Unfortunately, I didn't have the energy to organize, straighten, and put away.

Soon enough Abby was home and needing my attention. Then it was dinner (which thankfully Jason brought home with him - what a good guy), bath time, and bedtime. After drawing and going on a "road rally" with Mickey, I was ready to call it a night - Abby wasn't.

That's when she got mad at me. The pity party continued as I was kicked out and replaced by Dada. It was when I was walking down the stairs that the words of one of my students came back to me....and hit me in the face.

About a week ago I overheard one of my students trying to encourage another of my students. He told them, "Just think of one good thing. My mom said that we should always find at least one good thing about each day." I thought that was very good advice, and so I began listing my blessings. That's when I heard Abby through the monitor telling Jason, "No, don't wanna Dada - want Mama."

So I trotted back upstairs and within a few minutes she was cuddled close and breathing softly. She'd made sure to put her hand on the side of my face as she drifted off to sleep, and that's when I got today's happy thought. The feel of that soft little hand on my jaw was enough to lift my spirits and help me realize that even with a sore throat and messy house I am blessed beyond measure.

My little cuddle bug.