Mom, why do you torture me like this?

Aly the Social Eater

Lately Aly has decided that she needs to participate in polite conversation during mealtime. She eats just enough to satisfy her hunger and then it's time to chat. You can't hardly make her eat between her smiles and coos. Too cute to be too frustrating.

Aly's First Easter

Aly had a wonderful Easter. She looked so pretty in her green dress and she got lots of treats from Mom and Dad and her grandparents. However, she cried in church and Mommy had to watch the Easter program from the crying room, which Mommy is getting very used to. (I think we might have to start paying rent soon.) She actually cried so much that we had to leave the crying room because she was upsetting the other babies. And of course, Mommy forgot her pacifier on this special day, which made matters even worse. Ah, the joys of motherhood... After church, she put on her casual Easter outfit, which was a bunny jumper with a chicken head bow. We lovingly refer to her as "Chicken Head Aly".

I Made It!

I did it! My first day back was great. My kids were excellent and excited to see me and it felt really good to be back in my element. I stayed so busy that the day flew by and aside from a little break down in the parking lot, I held it together. Bonnie and Sweet Caroline (bum, bum, bum) brought me Sonic! We all know that everything is a little easier with a tater tot in hand. Aly was a good girl for Grandpa and Maw Maw and gave me lots of smiles and cuddles when I got home. I'm actually one-handed typing as she sleeps on my lap. Pure heaven. I decided to include a picture with this entry that will help you understand why I love her so much. I know that many of you have heard of this phenomenon for many months and now it is finally captured for all to see. It's the infamous Smiley Poo-Poo Face. When you see the face, you can only sit back and enjoy for a rude explosion is soon to follow.

Mommy Goes Back to School

Well, here we are. April 1st sure came quickly. I am flooded with emotion right now as I sit here at 10:28 the night before my maternity leave ends and I leave Aly for the first time. Donny's parents have graciously made the trip to Springdale to keep her for the next two weeks. Donny's mom is cooking dinner every night, which will be a huge plus. I can't wait to see my 28 other kids in the morning. I really have missed them so much and I'm looking forward to reconnecting with them. I just wish Aly could come with me! I know, I know, I will miss her much more than she will miss me and she won't even remember that I'm gone, but it's still a little sad. I'm just so lucky that I am leaving her to go back to my dream job. God has blessed me so much and I am so grateful for every second of the last 15 weeks. Pray for me as I make the transition from Mommy to teacher and back again. I really want to be 100% there for my kids at school and 100% there for Aly and Donny when I get home. Pray that I won't be too worn out for either!
This picture is of Aly's visit to Mommy's classroom to get ready for the big day back. She wasn't much help. She just slept the whole time.

Aly's Room

Here are some pictures of Aly's room for those of you who have not had the pleasure of being her guest.

Aly's Favorite Things

Aly enjoys taking walks in her stroller (as long as the sun is not in her eyes), waking up to the "Good Morning, Aly Claire" song, drinking milk, stretching, sitting in her bunny chair, and swinging in the hammock with Dad. However, Aly does not enjoy Tummy Time. Sadly, the mean ol' pediatrician said that we weren't doing enough Tummy Time, so I continue to torture my sweet baby twice a day every day per doctor's orders. I even went so far as to buy her a new Tummy Time mat that is in the shape of a surf board, thinking that she might be fooled into believing that she had taken up a new west coast summertime hobby. Not so much. Poor Aly. I guess she's just not destined to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics or weight lifting like we'd hoped. Not enough upper body strength. We'll have to keep working on it. Maybe she's called to be a track runner...