Hod Podge

I don't even know how to begin organizing this post, so I'm not really going to :)

Favorite words and phrases: ...after she is told, "No." "Come on, it will be fun!" and a favorite for many weeks, "I do it by myself."

Favorite Foods: Emerald green pluots, suckers, beef jerky

Firsts: Using her new scooter down the hall (slowly but surely) all by herself

Her interest in the potty comes in waves. Over Memorial Day weekend, over two long car rides, she asked to go potty. Papa pulled off the freeway, found a quick stop, ran in, and Juni held it until she was on the potty!!

She has an imaginary friend(?) piggy. Sometimes the piggy is nice and sleeping and she will sit next to the piggy and talk nice, other times she is truly terrified for her life and runs for us to pick her up as the piggy is trying to get her. The terror in her little body leads me to wonder if living in this historic old house has brought along some little piggy ghosts. The piggy arrived when we moved into this house, and she only sees it when we are home. Poor, girl :/ At 2 years old, a big piggy coming at you would be quite awful.

We spent Father's Day going for a 5 mile run, then went out to lunch at IHOP (worst experience EVER) and then went down to Vallejo's annual Pirate Festival. Juni had fun seeing all the people dressed up as pirates and mermaids. We got they with not much time left in the day, so we didn't have to pay to enter, but some of the attractions were already closing up.

We've had some fun little moments lately of playing just before bed with glow in the dark toys and yesterday Papa took Juni out to splash in the rain a little bit.

Juni has started asking to sleep in her bed for some nights and some naps, and it usually works out super well. (If you didn't know, yes, we are a crazy, hippie, whatever you'd like to call us family and still share a bed with Juni whenever she would like. It is not a choice made out of laziness, but rather a parenting decision we came upon with intention.)

at the Pirate Festival

Juni's painting for Papa for Father's Day

The scooter Juni won from a Father's Day photo contest because she has a family that loves her lots and lots and lots and spent the whole night trying to get everyone they know to "like" the photo on Facebook :)

Juni knew where Mama was keeping the chocolates. We heard an excited, "I got it, I got it!" from the kitchen after she had scooted the chair over, got into the cupboard and gotten the box of chocolates down.

 Playing in the rain with Papa

and last, but not certainly least, some zombie moves for your enjoyment...

Lately

Our world has been pretty busy lately. Zach and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary on the 31st of May and then we completed our long awaited half marathon yesterday, Juni in tow in the jogging stroller. She has been a little light these past few weeks, even more than usual, if that is possible. She tells us often that she loves us very much. She talks about who gave her what toy she is playing with and how it was nice of them to give it to her. She is a sweet, sweet soul and she brightens every moment of the day.

We have been playing with Play-Doh and sidewalk chalk nearly every day. She asks for donuts and chocolate and to go to the park more times a day than I can count. Her awareness of the kids around her is growing. She loves to pick out her own clothes each day and is just as particular as her mama about what shoes she wears, where the food goes on her plate, and what cup she drinks out of. Zach often says, "Juni, be thankful for your mama," meaning that she has someone on her side who understands that all of these seemingly silly things really do feel important to her, and I know just how she feels, so I try to honor her requests whenever they are reasonably possible. I know some of this is just being a toddler, but I know I felt this way all through my adolescence, and I too am happy to be here, on her side. After all, isn't that what a mama is for?!

 Splash pad fun!! I love how her movements show how unbelievably happy she is! ...and that she is so excited the strong booty bump from the older girl doesn't even phase her. Unfortunately this is over an hour away from our place :/ or we would probably go every day! :)

 Juni and Mama are both excited for the GIANT new box of sidewalk chalk

 Juni is becoming quite the little photographer and LOVES taking our old camera for strolls around the house. Juicy is her favorite subject.

 Using the booster seat my dad made when I was a little girl.

 Close your eyes if you must, but Juni wanted to wear Mama's new bra :)

 Out to brunch and Juni took her pants off all by herself :)

 She has successfully picked up Juicy a couple of times on her own. It's almost like Juicy knows how happy Juni is so she tolerates it for a minute and then runs away.

 

She is getting to be quite the professional at putting together the puzzle from Uncle Nels all by herself

 

"Mama, I read books to Juicy?" Of course!

 Juni napping at the hotel

 before

 before

after! We did it! A half marathon! No walking. No stopping. We crossed the finish line as a strong and healthy family. Juni was as patient as could be. We got up early enough that she slept for probably an hour and a half in the beginning and then was woken up by a razor scooter on the cobbley part of the path. She was a little annoyed at first, but then noticed the water and the people around her, and did okay. The people misting others and the people handing out water were always sweet to ask if Juni wanted some too. The race started and ended at a park so she was able to play some before and after getting stuck in her seat. It really couldn't have gone better!