The Beloved Mr. Elephant

I came to realize (after reading a friends post here) that I have never really
talked about Palmer's Beloved Mr. Elephant.

 Growing up, I had a favorite stuffed animal, Kitty (yes, Kitty was a cat), whom I still have to this day. Kitty is a little more ratted and worn than the day I got her(?) to say the least. Same goes for #thebelovedmrelephant He's only 8 months old, and his best looking days are far behind him.

Palmer takes Mr. Elephant everywhere with her. He goes to bed with her and when she wakes up in the morning, he is the first thing she reaches for before wanting out of her crib.

They then make their way downstairs for breakfast (on the days we are home). Otherwise he's off to J's house with Palmer for the day.

They watch tv together.

Play outside together.

Nap together.

Play together.

I love this little girl and her Mr Elephant.

I have honestly thought several times that I need to track down a handful more Mr Elephants so when the original is done, she has another one to replace him.

Mother's Day Wish List

For Mother's Day this year, what I would really like is to not have to work a day shift and get to spend the whole day with my family doing something fun and making memories, but unfortunately, I do have to work and won't get home until almost 4, which gives me approximately 4 hours with Mitch and Palmer before she has to go to bed.

I obviously don't need any of these things to make Mother's Day special, but if I were to get something, these would be some of the things I have my eye on:

| EOS lip balm | contigo coffee mugs | iPhone workout armband | necklace | Cleaning lady/clean house |

A mama can never have enough lip balm! And these are my favorite.

I love these Contigo Coffee mugs (usually found at Costco) because they keep my coffee at work warm well into first break!

I'm in need of a armband for my running, because right now, I have no where to house my phone for my music when I run.

I've been eyeing necklaces like this for awhile now, I am just unsure if I want to get one now, or wait until we know if we are going to have another child so they can be matching names on the necklace.

and seriously, who doesn't want a clean house?

Like I said, spending time with my family is all I really need, and maybe a meal made for me :) And maybe, if it's nice out, a family date outside!! Then to come home to a clean, disaster-free house!!!

Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas I know!

Outdoor Fun

Now that spring is finally in full swing, for at least a couple days anyways, we have been able to enjoy a lot more time outdoors, and I love it!

On Tuesday, we were able to get out for a family bike ride. We hooked up the bike trailer to my bike, leashed up Leaf, and headed out for a ride. Palmer was so good for the first half, but I think we were cutting it close to bedtime and for the second half, she wasn't the happiest. Leaf on the other hand, loved it. He can't get enough of going for walks!

Wednesday, I got out of my course early, but hit the time when our dayhome is out picking up her kids from school, so I decided to run over to her place from ours. I leashed up the dog and ran over there with an empty stroller. I'm sure people thought I was nuts, running around with no baby in the stroller.  After we got home, Palmer played outside with leaf (well, mostly in his water dish). At one point, she was even down on all fours, drinking from his bowl!

Today, it was a gorgeous 24 degrees, so Palmer and I met some friends at the park for a play date after work. Palmer loves the park. She was following around her little buddies, climbing on the playground, enjoying her cookie (thanks Ashley!) I love seeing Palmer interact with littles her age. Little S was so shy and timid. So adorable! And she is always dressed so adorably!  And little Z is so outgoing and her little outfit today was the cutest! And she talks so much! I love it!

Here's to more summer days and play dates with friends!!  :)

Toddler Tantrums!

Ok, seriously! Either the "terrible twos" are hitting our house early or we can chalk up another win to "teething" (like we do everything else), but lately Palmer's tantrums are happening more and more.

Maybe it's her little personality showing through more or the fact that she understands better whats going on, but it seems like there is a tantrum for almost everything now!

A few days ago I caught her licking from the dog's water dish. I told her no and put the dish up on the patio table. Let me tell you. It was like her world just crashed down around her and there was nothing more to be happy about. WOW! Total meltdown.

Another day, she had a complete break down because I told her she couldn't put her books in the crack of the fire place. Legit reason to scream and flail around on the floor, right???

I know now that I need to just pick my battles.

If she wants to eat dog food, OK! I'm sure its not going to kill her. She will figure out that it probably doesn't taste good and will maybe learn to not do it again.

She wants to stand on the couch and "jump" off. Sure. She will learn when she falls and it doesn't feel good.

I came across this and this and had a good laugh. There is even a book dedicated to the hilariously silly reasons why kids cry!

Happy Weekend everyone!

My Friday Things.

Its time for another episode of 5 on Friday, so I'm linking up with Darci, April, Natasha, and Christina again...

| one |
Beautiful Weather! We have had a few wonderful days of gorgeous spring weather. I can't wait for it to be like this everyday. The forecast says rain all weekend (of course, on my weekend off!!!)

| two |
We have this 50/50 draw at work that occurs with every pay day. The proceeds go to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation. This week, I was the lucky lottery winner!!! I can't even believe it! Its great to have a few extra $$ in my pocket, that's for sure! Now I just need to think of a nice treat to buy with our winnings!

| three |
Working full time with a toddler is often times challenging, especially when it comes to having a clean house. When Palmer is awake, there is no sense in even trying to clean up behind her because 2 seconds later, it is destroyed again. I have learned my lesson in this respect. I often think that once she goes to bed is the prime time to clean up, but seriously, after working an 8 hour work shift, then coming home to a 15 month old and a dog who has been lonely all day, making supper, packing lunch for work the next day, and maybe sneaking in a shower, who has time to clean. This is precious sleeping time!!!

| four |
Palmer and teeth!
Palmer has been working on her bottom right molar for awhile now, which is causing her to throw some wicked temper tantrums. Yesterday, I told her not to drink from the dog's water dish and set it up on the patio table. Well, let me tell you, it was like I had crashed her entire world down around her. MELTDOWN! (I'm hoping this is just teething and not the "terrible twos" starting early!)

| five |
After today, I get three glorious days off (other than the fact its suppose to rain!!)

Happy Weekend everyone!