A day at the Museum and Aquarium. belly jiggle

This is a few weeks late. AND, I posted like 30 something photos. I took 200ish, so be grateful I narrowed it down. ha.

Back in April, I took a day off and went down to Boston. It was me, Anika, my mom, and my niece.

We parked right near my old work and walked to the Children's Museum.
I remember my mom took my niece (K) when she 3 or 4, but I had never been. I only met them for lunch when I worked down there.
I wasn't sure if ANika was still too young for it, but NOPE!
SHE certainly experienced it!  In fact, in the 1+ year, I have been her mom, this was MY Favorite day with her, I think. At least one of them. THe only thing missing was Andrew :(  He would have LOVED It. Watching her take it all in. Laugh, learn, touch, watch, etc.  She does so well in new situations and with lots of people.  I love that about her. I'm so happy she doesn't have any sort of social anxiety. I mean, sure she stays close the first 10 minutes we are in a new place...but then she is good to go. In fact ,sometimes TOO Good to GO!  She even ran away from me at the museum! I didn't think she would go far, but she did...I had to run after her.

Here she is putting her hands in the holes to see what is in there.

There was a big Bubble Room! That was fun.

K pulled her up on the little seat.

Nona on the climbing wall!

What is also special about Anika is that she looks VERY fragile and dainty. She is a petite girl...but she is actually very rough and tough! Yes, I dress her up, but she doesn't really act like a little lady. People used to say the same about me- that I could dress up to look like a nice lady, but I was still rough (and a little crude!). ha. Anika is a tough chick- mostly. I think that is one trait people point out a lot about her...how her looks are deceiving. And, then the other thing they point out ALL the livelong day is...guess! Yes, her eyes. She doesn't like her hands to be dirty- she does get disgusted by that sometimes, and comes to me saying "dirty. dirty" with a look of disgust...but normally she is not girly.
Did I tell you how she fell out of a bouncy house at a birthday party last week??  Yup, FELL RIGHT OUT on her face, but just got up, brushed herself off and wanted to get back in! lol.  IM sure others were horrified I didnt go running....to be honest, I actually didnt see it happen because I was stuffing my face! Haha. It made me realize- maybe the fact that I have actually missed Anika take falls is why there is no reaction- her mother is so god damn oblivious!

Back to the museum, We went into a portion that was ONLY for 0-3 year olds, so we went in and my mom and niece went to do soemthing else. ANika walked right over and picked up these little animals (You can kind of see them in her hands) and said "GRRR" holding the bear up.   She loves a book called Growl goes the bear. I couldn't believe she knew what the bear was and made the connection.  I know, I just forget that this age knows so much, and I'm always shocked by it. Im pretty sure from here on out, I will continue to drop my jaw when she does stuff like that.

Right after this, she ran over to a little doll Across the room, took the hat off the baby doll and ran it over to me, "Hat! HAT! HAT!"  YES, a WHOLE GOSH darn museum of fun things- and the girl wants the damn hat!

I finally pulled that hat off of her...and she decided to go on this little climby bridge thing..

See, Anika's little hand ...yes, this bigger girl was jumping up and down shaking the bridge when Anika was trying to cross it.  Anika was actually enjoying the bounce and holding on to the fence trying to walk across it, but still smiling...i wish i got a video. Then the yellow shirt girl decided jumping in the middle was boring, so she started to RUN back and forth, as if ANika was not even there. And, yes, Anika fell down, or shall I say, was pushed down.   I was there, but Anika honestly didn't seem phased, so I stood  and observed (and took photos). Now, some people definitely gave me looks like they thought I was crazy for not telling the big girl to stop or to reach in and pull Anika out, but that's me. I give Anika a chance- obviously if she looked scared or needed help, Id scoop my baby right up. I would be there if she looked at me for help. She didnt.  OTHER parents were looking at me waiting for me to freak out. They were like "WHERE is this girls parents?!" about yellow shirt girl. I just shrugged...ANika had a smile on her face and seemed to enjoy the adventure!  ALL DAMN day people were asking me how old she was because apparently her size throws people off. Also, apparently, most parents don't dress their kids in dresses for such a place of play! ha. We had other plans for our trip to Boston- not just the children's museum, so ya, we were dressed fancy :)

Then, we went over to the little "House" where she cooked and tried to stuff a HUGE plastic steak in her mouth.  I am not posting pics of other kids if I can help it, but she was playing with other kids too!  Sometimes I am SOOO awkward in these situations. My mom was off with K and the parents of other kids talked to Anika. I never talk to other kids...should I do that?   I dont know what I'm supposed to do. Or, when they give ANika compliments- AM I Supposed to respond FOR her??!  

There was a dress up corner. Anika kept bringing me this costume. I was thinking- how many other kids have worn this...but she was persistent, so I dressed her up! lol.
By the way- I AM SOOO GLAD we did not go to this place during cold or flu season. HOLY germs it would have been! Kids touching EVERYTHING.

The play doh station. The lady was all "Dont worry, all the ingredients are edible"  OH, ya- IM not worried about the INGREDIENTS- I'm more worried with ALL 500 other grubby hands who played with this first...and as I said it (or thought it), a piece went into Anika's mouth and I POUNCED ON That and had my finger deep throating her trying to scoop out the piece of play doh.  Ya- my logic is off- I get that..."Oh, its ok, big kids can knock you down Anika, but Germy play doh in your mouth? Absolutely NOT!"

HA. I did get the recipe though...and the chunk of germ filled play doh out of her mouth....with MY finger that was also probably disgusting from touching everything.

This is when she was picking her piece for her mouth...she figured "Mom's got that camera in her face, she wont be quick enough to stop me..."

And, back to climbing and running around in there. At one point she was off in there and i was getting nervous I would have to get my fat ass in there...she doesn't always like to come when I call her (Ya, I have a dog named Piri who plays the same "game" with me)...IM pretty sure I'm over the weight limit to get in there, so I'm glad she came to my rustle of the treat bag. JK.

Bathroom break...

There was a room dedicated to sand (no pics) and then a room of water.

A fake air plane (no pics) and a fake School bus, above.

Pointing to Daddy's Country, NZ.

Playing with Magnets!! The people who worked there were SOO great!  They would engage with Anika even though she looks like a baby and I really loved that.

Different poops.

And, there was so much more, but you get the point.  It was awesome and I cant wait to go back and bring Andrew so he can experience the joy of watching our little girl take it all in.

After that, we walked down to my old work and had lunch with my old boss and work mate.  By then, you can probably imagine Anika was a bit tired. So, ya...THANK GOD for My mom. She kept Anika busy at her end of the table so I was able to socialize and catch up with my work people at our end of the table.  Then, my mom took K and Anika out after lunch and walked around while I finished up.

Us in front of One of my old work buildings. NOt my last job before moving to the sticks, but the one before that.  Nona got Anika to fall asleep in her stroller,  Where she napped while we walked down to the Aquarium.
My mom and niece went into the IMAX for a movie and Anika and I walked through the financial district...which was bitter sweet for me...walking the same streets I used to walk to work passing all the business people while I pushed my baby in a carriage.
We went through Faneuil Hall and Anika got a little bow...for her to wear when she gets hair!

THEN, we went to meet Nona and K back at the aquarium.
AS soon as we walked in,  there were penguins and Anika said "Hoo Hoo"
WhICH is the sound she makes for owls!! She thought the penguins were owls.

She also pulled a girl's pony tail in the aquarium.

This was outside while we were waiting. She was running around like a wild child.
 Actually, she made a friend out there...the dad was a hippie dad and we chatted.

look at her- smiling at the sea lions (above)

 My mom couldn't believe how interested she was in everything- so engaged. I remember going to the aquarium as a kid and being bored out of my mind! lol.

Touching a stingray.

After that, my niece wanted to go on the swan boats, but it was getting late in the day so we settled on walking down to the North End and going to Mike's Pastry for some treats.  We walked in and I started to order and the Italian lady behind the counter handed Anika an Italian cookie....ugh...I froze...and Anika took it out of her hand and put it right into her mouth- all while I was frozen....and then, I just smiled and I let it be.  These are the situations, I have to let be!  I didn't want Anika having a sugar cookie, but you know what? It was a special day and a special occasion...and, I Let It Be. And just so you know..I remember thinking about that later in the day when I told Andrew how I didn't want to be rude to the little Italian lady, and how I stressed for a few minutes, but then, I LET IT BE. ...and Ive thought about that phrase a few times since- "Let It Be".  Oddly enough, I just found out my Uncle's favorite song is Let It Be and my cousin's wife sang it at the funeral....so, ya, that's my new motto when I start to get uptight.

Not to mention, while I was all "I Dont want Anika to have a cookie"  people were probably looking at me like, "GET a jacket on that baby!"  I SWEAR Anika runs warm just like me! lol. She would tell me if she was cold! Thinking back, she should have had a jacket. It was quite windy that day.

SO, that my friends, was a GREAT DAY!

Oh, actually, when we finally got back to the car, my mom asked me if she could take a right out of the lot and I said yes (Used to be able to) but she started going and it was a ONE WAY STREET! She started freaking out and even said some Swear words and as she said the swear words, Anika's little voice in the back seat said "No. No" and I mean obviously her timing was ironic.   I think I might have told this story. Sorry if I have.
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And, to end this HAPPY post with some sad.
Miss B told me this morning that she is going back to her professional career...meaning I need to find new child care for Anika. If I think about it, I will cry.   I am really upset.  I have a couple months. I'm scared to death to put her in a regular daycare and Its hard to find someone I trust!  This is really bothering me.  I am going to go look at a Montessori school later this week, but we really wanted to wait until she was older for that. boo.

ANd, do you know HOW Many people find this blog by googling things like "post partum belly" or post baby flabby belly.
UM, ya. from that before pic I posted a while ago I guess. how embarrassing!

Mother's Day...and the week before it. ha

Guess what I am signing below....

Happy....

You probably cant guess based on my smiling face....But I was actually executing My WILL! ha. I had them take pictures since it is kind of like a milestone...part of being an adult!

I had a will, but I decided to make sure it was LOCK tight...so I had it witnessed and notarized at the firm. With the passing of my uncle, my mom wanted me to make sure Andrew and I had our wills taken care of.  I guess my uncle's will was done in another state and was a Pain in the ass to work with.

Anika outside playing while I was doing dishes in the kitchen. THe girl LOVES to be outside, so I just let her go out and I watch from the window. Our back yard is big and I don't let her out of my sight.

I wanted to do an entire post for Piri's "birthday" last week, but I didnt. Poor Piri.  Anyway, Wednesday marked 3 years since we rescued her.  Here she is posing with her gifts. Homemade treats form Foxy Treats...and the stuff in the baggy is not Pot for Piri- it is doggy detox tea my friend made for her. She also sent the bottle of neem oil because it is used to help keep ticks and other bugs away.  We have so many ticks around here. yuck.

Last week, I heard Anika talking and talking in her room...I walked in and she was "reading" her books. I love to see her "reading" to herself.

This weekend, we had a funeral Saturday for my Uncle. We got to see a lot of family. It was a nice service. We went back to my Gram and Grampa's after for a while. We left and went down to MA for My friend's daughter's first Birthday party.  The party started at noon, but we didn't get there until 5.  It was 2 hours away, but I really wanted to be there for my friend and I love to see her family.  Andrew was such a sport about the jam packed day and he drove us all over. HE was obviously good during the funeral and took anika out when she got a bit restless. Probably for the best since I started crying my eyes out when people got up to talk, including my mom.
We got home at 10:30 Saturday night and I slept in Sunday (Mother's Day).

When Anika and Andrew thought I had slept in enough, they came up to get me.
I asked them what they had been up to and Andrew said they were playing outside ...and then Andrew added "and playing with dog poop" as a joke because I tell him to watch her around dog poop.

As soon as he said dog poop, Anika said clear as day, "Dog poo" so we laughed. AND, then SHE SAID it again. ANd then I said it all day so she would say it. lol. I know, bad, but It sounds so funny. My mom wasn't impressed.

Before brunch

 I thought my dad and Grampa were coming to brunch, but they didnt! So, ANdrew was the only dude!

 Yes, it was the same place we went for Easter.  We dont have a TON of choices around here. ha

 So, after brunch and out little photo shoot, we all went to leave. My mom and Gram had come in my mom's car. Andrew, ANika and I went in Andrew's truck because we went to the dump first. 
Andrew left his keys in the truck and used the key pad on the door. He put in the combo and it wouldn't work!! We tried several times and it was dead. The lights wouldn't even light up.  Where are the spare keys? At home...in OUR House. How do we get in the house? With the garage door opener...one was in Andrew's truck and the other was in my car...IN THE locked garage.  THe house was all locked- we have a spare key for the front door but the dead bolt was locked and we didn't have a key for that!  CRAP. 
We started to panic. My mom drives a 2 door bmw convertible. She did have Anika's seat in it, but it was HARD to get ANika in her car seat, ME, Andrew and Gram in the car. Andrew's knees were on the dash and Gram sat in my lap! haha

Gram kept laughing the whole way to our house. She was on my bladder. I had a martini at brunch by the way :) At 10 AM :) I dont like bloody mary's and not a huge fan of Orange juice for a mimosa, so...mom and I had antioxidant martinis. They didn't even have the stuff to make them down in the function hall where they had brunch, but we usually get them in the main restaurant. I guess they thought we were lushes.

SO, when we got home, we were trying to find a way to get in the house.
Eventually, Andrew had to move a picnic table over near the house and put a ladder ON TOP of that and got it up close to Anika's room window...and then hopped in from there. I twas the ONLY window in the House not locked...but it usually is- he had opened it that morning. Every other door aND Window in our house was locked up like fort knox!  I wish I got a photo of Andrew getting in the window. My gram said she will NEVER forget this Mother's day! ha. IT was exciting I guess...even if Andrew and I were blaming each other  a bit :)
After we got in the house, we went BACK to the restaurant with the truck keys.  On the way home, we stopped at the beach house to check it out...it was just opened this weekend (For the season) and we looked around to figure out how we are going to set it up for the party.

I was SOOO tired. Anika had fallen asleep in the car. I brought her in and put her to bed and then I laid down. I NEVER DO that. I NEVER nap.  She woke up soon after I fell asleep. Andrew was out dong the lawn so I brought her in my room...and fell back to sleep. I woke up to her Reading parenting books. Too bad she cant give me a summary since I have never read them, and probably never will! She was actually flipping the pages...and there are no pics! lol.

I made a couple videos for something else and decided to post them here for you guys. The last one is actually from a while ago...Andrew reading Anika's favorite book, but he talked over her making the owl sound. Then she was all done ...haha. Anyway, watch if you would like :)