Project 52 - Reflections - Week 3

3/52

We went to the Children's Museum this past week and I came to the conclusion that Riley may be getting too old for this place. There were some older kids, even older than her, but I'm guessing they came along for the ride with their younger siblings. Also, lots and lots of pregnant women there which I used to feel like I saw more of. Perhaps, I am so separated from the days of pregnancy that I don't normally notice it. Not sure. Next time we head over to St. Paul we'll probably check out the Science Museum, but it will be sad when we no longer go to the Children's museum as it's entertained us for years now.

Anyhoo, we came across this box of lights and Jesse suggested I take a picture. I quickly did (there were kids everywhere) and I ended up with this reflection.

I knew Riley would have fun with this so I showed her the picture I took and let her be her. And she was... child of many silly faces. This would have been fun to play with more, but we were being overrun by other kids so we moved on to some other adventure. These pictures kind of remind me of those portraits from the '70's where there was a second faded head above the main portrait. Oh 1970's - the decade of awkward photos.

Such a little ham bone this one is. Goes to show that you can find a way to take fun pictures just about anywhere.

Random Wrap Up

The following are some random pictures I've taken in the last couple weeks that I didn't include in my last couple posts since there were all about Christmas activities. I figured I'd dump them them here.

A recent visit to the Children's Museum. We decided to purchase a family membership so I see many more visits to this place. She could have spent hours placing balls in these tubes to see them shoot out into the surrounding water.

A recent visit to the indoor park. She's a little hesitant of slides, but she boldly went down this one over and over. So proud of her for taking it on.

All bundled up and ready to go outside with Daddy's hat on. I was a little surprised that she was ok with wearing this getup. I guess it's only the snow and cold she doesn't care for.

Actually walking on the shoveled sidewalk, but getting her to walk on the snow was a little difficult. She really wanted to go to the park at the end of the block, and  was a little disappointed when we got there.

Walking in the snow and dealing with it for a few seconds. Moments later she was begging me to carry her which was a challenge since her winter attire felt like it added 10 lbs to her weight.

Helping daddy shovel. This she embraced and actually seemed to enjoy. Glad I remembered we had this shovel. Now, if I could only put her to work...

Sorry this is sideways - couldn't get it to turn. Hopefully, you can still enjoy.

Cute daddy and Riley moment. Inside. And warm.

Less than thrilled for this winter crap. I hear ya, kid.

At the park there is this super cool tree that is like a fort. Jesse refers to it as the "bear cave".

Eating an apple while playing outside.

Escaping from the bear cave.

And finally, one day Riley got into the recycling while I was cooking. I looked down to see her "chugging" back an empty bottle of beer as she walked into the living room... where I found the above scene. Guess we better make double sure that we clean items before putting them in recycling from now on.

Staycation days 4 - 5

I have to admit I was missing work a little bit on Monday. But by Tuesday that was gone. GONE. It sure is going to be hard to return to work next week.

Here's an update on my staycation...

Tuesday

Jesse took the day off so we went to the Children's Museum as a family. We were hesitant to buy the family pass because we thought "what if Riley doesn't like it?". Boy, were we silly. That place is awesome! Definitely getting the pass next time as it pays for itself in a few visits.

We went early and on no-group Tuesday to help ensure that it wasn't too crowded. We were really one of the few there to start with which was great, but by 10:30 is was pretty crowded (at least for someone who doesn't like crowds [me], especially with tons of wild kids).

Here we go!

This place rocks!

Make sure I pick up some bananas.

Trying to show Riley how I get to and from work on the bus, but all she wanted was the crackers in my bag.

The wheels on the bus go round and round... a favorite that we often sing, especially when she's fussin.

I tried getting her to dance in front of the screen, but it wasn't working so Jesse took over. He's got better moves than me anyway. She could actually see the screen with herself on it so I think she was a little awe struck. I played a Destiny's child song after this and thought  I was recording it, but I was wrong and so very sad about that, especially since she danced along with it for about 2 seconds. I did get a nice recording of the floor, though.

Where to next?

At home we often read Goodnight Moon to Riley. In the beginning I would point out the mouse on each page, but at some point I thought it would be good to teach her the dangers of fire. I'd point to the fire, make a noise, shake my finger, and talk about how hot it is. She thought it was hilarious. Here she opens the books, goes right for the fire, and says "Pssssh" with a big smile on her face. I guess that backfired (ba da dom).

Checking out Habitot.

Earthworld was a favorite!

Painting the rocks with water on the Rooftop ArtPark.

Jesse took most of the pictures which is why I am actually in a few. Actually, the number of pictures I am in on this one day may outnumber the number I am in for the rest of the year. Jesse usually doesn't care to be in photos, but he wanted me to document that he was there too.

Leaving the museum. We'll be back soon!

Wednesday

Wednesday morning I had to go into work to help facilitate a session that I have been helping to develop. While it was a bit of a damper to have to go into work on my week off I was also really excited to finally put something that I have been working so hard on, for so long, into action. And a lot of people were really excited about it. Win!

In the afternoon Jesse and I took Riley in for her 18 month wellness check appointment. As expected she is tall, but skinny:

22.4 Lbs

32.0 In

No issues of concerns. She's right on track and made sure to show the doctor that she is a pretty happy kid with only one mild breakdown when she wanted a snack.

Trying to hack into the doctor's computer.

Waiting for the Doctor... might as well play with this stuff on the wall.

Wednesday was a very verbal day for Riley. It was a lot of jibber jabber mixed in with some discernible words. I tried to capture a moment of it, but she became distracted so it cut her 'talking' short.

Getting to sleep and staying asleep has been a bit of a struggle this week. I'm sure it didn't help that she had to get a shot at the doctor (man, was it a bleeder too - poor kiddo). Normally she goes to bed around 6:30 and last night was no different. However, she woke up many times before conking out around 11:00 for the night. We tried various tactics to get her to sleep, but apparently all we needed to do was fill her up with blueberries and water. Now if she could have just slept in until 7:00 am.

[Edit: I just realized I forgot to mention something that consumed a huge chunk of time on Wednesday for us - tracking down the source of the smell in the basement. I noticed a smell about a week ago coming from the laundry room. Our basement can get a little musty in the summer so I kept cranking the dehumidifier up. That didn't seem to solve it and the smell just got worse. Jesse was having a couple buddies over to play boardgames in the basement so it became all the more important to find the source of the smell. Jesse then informed me that our cat, Lucy, found a mouse the week before so I started to envision a dead, rotting mouse under our stairs (and probably in a spot that could not be reached). While Jesse took the flashlight and peered into all the tight spots I cleaned out the laundry sink. That didn't work. We couldn't figure it out and hoped the smell wouldn't offend our guests too much. Later that night it finally occured to me to remove the garbage from the laundry room. And now the smell is gone. I seriously wonder how I earned a Master's degree when it takes me a week to realize I should just empty the garbage to get rid of a smell.]

Sitting on the step while I was at work.