5 on Friday

1. Jellies

I was a child of the 80s and as such I spent many years of my childhood wearing jelly shoes.  They were surprisingly comfortable (or so I thought) and I loved the girlie colors.  Since history always repeats itself, these fun children shoes have been popping up over the last few seasons.  I have been dying to get Tessa a pair, mainly for my own flashback to the past.  Unfortunately, all I have been able to find are ones made with really thick and tough rubber.  I understand the reasoning behind it, as those shoes will definitely keep their shape.  However, I have had Tessa try them on and run around the stores for a while only to see red marks left on her feet.  Needless to say they have all been a no-go. 

Then this week I discovered these!  They are extremely soft and flexible which should allow ample room for her little tootsies.  I really liked the lavender color (we do a lot of pink in our house), she will love the sparkles, and best of all they are scented!  Now the jury is still out on this characteristic as I’m not sure if that will override the smell of sweaty feet or if it will mix and make an awful scent.  Either way, they are adorable and sweet smelling for now.  Let’s hope Miss Tess loves them as much as I do.  I intended on putting these in her Easter basket, but I’m not sure if I can hold out…

 

2.  Proud Mama

I picked up the kids yesterday from school.  I always get Tessa first as she is on the third floor of the building, and then we travel down one floor together to get little bro.  As I walked into Tessa’s classroom last night, I saw the teacher sitting on the floor with a book and the children in a semi-circle around her.  They were reading the book together with the teacher engaging them by asking what the letters were and what words they formed.  They would then associate that with a picture of the object in the story.  Since it was a miracle that Tessa did not see me walk in, I stood in the back and watched the interaction.  I was so surprised to see that she was the first to shout out the letters and put them together to form words.  She is my shy child and to see this side of her was amazing.  It is reassuring to me to know that not only is she thriving without me in her own element by opening up to others, but she is also learning so much! 

 

Last night we read a new book together that we picked up at the library.  It was roughly ten pages long and seemed to take us twenty minutes to get through.  Tess was determined to say all the letters and make her words again.  To think that she is starting to associate words and read on her own is so exciting and a little heart-breaking – It makes me realize yet again that my baby is not much of a baby anymore.

 

3.  A Story of Little Man

Since I had a story about Tess for today, I wanted to share something about little bro as well.  He is my go-er.  The second this little boy rises, he runs and is into everything until he says na-night.  It was around fourteen months when Tessa took to the television and I remember it being a god-send because that gave me roughly thirty minutes to shower, clean the house, or do anything else that needed to be done.  It is completely different with Brady.  He has no desire to stop moving, nor does he have any interest in cartoons of any sort. 

In fact, this is how Mr. Brady watches television – and it last for two to three minutes at most.

 

4.  Warmth

It has been the most beautiful week here in Iowa.  The temperatures have been in the 60s and 70s.  Having that extra hour of sunlight has been awesome too so we have been able to embrace lots of outside time.  Our driveway and front porch is covered in sidewalk chalk, we have gone through nearly half a large bottle of bubbles, and the wagon and trike have been ridden each night.  

These are the days that make winter worthwhile and give me such an appreciation for these moments.  Now let’s hope that the weather continues so we have some of these amazing creatures out and about for the upcoming holiday.

5.  Facials

Who out there has had one of these?  I have yet to take the plunge but my cousin booked us appointments for this afternoon to have our first facials.  Honestly, if she wouldn’t have made the appointments, I don’t know that I would have ever had one done!  I have held off in the past because I’ve been worried that I would have a sudden reaction on my face or would walk away looking like a tomato.  Do any of you remember that episode of Sex In The City where Samantha’s face was literally peeled away?  Hahaha, now I know that won’t happen to me but it is still in the back of my mind.  Sometimes I am such a chicken about trying new things.  Wish me luck!