Annika's first school year in a nutshell

Annika just finished up her last day of the first not quite daycare, not yet preschool school year in her hopefully very long educational career. At what age is it, by the way, kosher to start instilling your goals into the subconsciousness of your kids? Like when you say, you are going to be a doctor or a lawyer? Not that I do that or anything...
Seems like just yesterday I was an emotional wrack, writing this post about her first day.
This school year was great for so many reasons. The best part was when I would drop her off, come home, put Leo down for a nap and have me time. Every Thursday and Friday. For 2 whole hours. All the knowledge and skills Annika got come close second and I'm not even embarrassed to admit it:)
There were other moments worth mentioning too. Like the time Annika picked her nose throughout the entire Christmas performance (1 song), or when she inquired whether her teachers were wearing panties or not, or how she would refer to preschool as work for a while, or call her teachers Mrs. LaFountain and Mrs. LaDampsey all year long (it's just Mrs. Dampsey:)). I'm really going to miss hearing stories about her and having school-related conversations in the car after pick-up. It took her forever to start telling me what she did at school. For the longest time, school was, according to Annika, one big long snack break. But, oh, she would go into such detail about those snacks. Then gradually she started telling me more. First it was tattling (so-and-so pushed me!), then it was bragging (I pushed so-and-so), and then it was denying (I didn't push anybody. No one was even at school but me! We didn't read any books. We didn't sing any songs!). But the most fun part of it all was when out of the blue she would sing a song that I never heard before, or say a prayer that I didn't teach her, or tell me all about how Jonah was eaten by a big fish, or how firetrucks have a long metal ladder to help firefighters save people... It makes me so happy that my independent girl has her own little life that doesn't involve me and that she is happy. Just the best.
I can't believe how much she's grown in one year.

big little girl

Today quite possibly was a day of a new era in Annika's life. Not to sound presumptuous. But.
My little bunny is growing up.
First of all, Annika roamed a store outside of the cart and didn't even break anything. It was the very very first time I let her walk in the store. I needed to just grab a nail polish at Walgreen's and I didn't want to mess with carts. So, I had Leo in one hand and Annika in the corner of one eye. I strategically avoided the candy aisle, but we ended up however walking out with a princess lip gloss and a goldfish container. I couldn't say no, because what if she remembers that day as well as I will? :)
Then nap time didn't happen. And I know she was tired, because on top of preschool, I took the kids to the Y with me for an hour. Leo passes out for 2 hours after the Y and it's a close 2nd reason why I go there. Annika usually does too, because she is worn out. But not today. She just hung out in her room, throwing books all over the floor and singing. I was a little frustrated, because my whole sanity on any given day is proportionately related to the length of naps. But now that she is in bed before 8 (and didn't even get out once to ask for water/story/song/kiss/potty), it's very nice. Off to meet my carb quota for the day and maybe do my nails. The sky is the limit. 

Annika says...

I walk into our bedroom to Annika yelling at my husband's computer.
- What are you doing?
- Trying to wake up the computer.

- Annika, can you sing the Masha song (referring to a song from the Russian cartoon "Masha and The Bear")
- But it's not pleasant to sing the Masha song right now. 
(not sure what was up, because it sure was pleasant 10 minutes ago and about every 5 minutes before then:))

- Mom, I want some raisins.
- How about I give them to you after dinner?
- How about you give them to me now? I think that would be a good thing.

Looking at her name written on her sippy cup:
- Oh no! It's not going to be able to be my name any more. The 'I' is erased. 

One night she was refusing to eat her dinner and kept pushing the plate away.
- Annika, you will eat the dinner I made and you will be thankful.
- I will not be "spaseebah"full. 
(spaseebah is thank you in russian)

One morning as I put her shirt on...
- You messed up my eyebrows mommy!

- Mom, what am I wearing.
- You have a pull-up now, but let's go pee on the potty.
- I have no reason to pee on the potty.

- Give me a kiss.
- But I gave you a kiss yesterday. That's enough.

This next one is not so much funny, but so sweet:)

One evening we were talking about Greg's mommy and daddy (Oma and Opa). Annika asks me:
- Where is your mommy?
- She died sweetie. I hope she is with Jesus.
- Awe. Are you sad?
- I was at first, but I'm not any more. Now daddy, you and Leo are my family and I'm very happy.

A little bit later she gets hurt and as usual wants me to hold her.
- Hug me, mommy. Hug your family.
:)

I just love that girl!

the one with the cute naked girl

Like in "The one with the ugly naked guy", only not?
(You get it? My anti-Friends husband didn't get it, so I have to ask...)

And no, by the cute naked girl I most definitely do not mean myself. (If my jelly belly had hands it would have slapped me on the face and ordered to get over yourself, Lena!)
The other night, after putting Leo to bed, I found Greg sitting on the floor of our bathroom with a drink in his hand, keeping Annika company as she was going potty. The two were having a grand time talking all things farts, poops, and politics. When time came to get into her jammies, Annika informed us matter-of-factly that she had to run around naked for a bit. O-kay! She was totally serious and when we asked her why, she said, "Because I said I have to run around naked for a bit." Duh! And so she did for 10 minutes. 10 glorious minutes complete with little feet making circles around the house, happy squeals, and oh my gowsh, the cutest joggling buns I ever did see. Then, panting and with rosy cheeks, she was ready for her diaper and jammies. She was satisfied and ready to hit the sack. She was out in no time.
We have much to learn from that girl. She knows how to unwind for the day. All we do to unwind is watch some Netflix over an alcoholic beverage. Surely not as fun. Unless it's Jimmy Fallon that we are watching. Hashtag old farts, hashtag couch potatoes, hashtag quit spelling out hashtag...
So anyway, as soon as I finish typing this and take a shower, you know what I'll be doing. 

Annika says...

-Annika, say 'thank you' in Russian.
- Thank you in Russian!

- J, turn on the cartoon.
- Annika, ask J nicely.
- J, turn on the cartoon nicely.

Annika examines Greg's arms:
- Daddy, why do you have those wrinkles?
- Those are my veins.
- Why do you have those veins?
- Because I'm old.
Annika looks at her arms and says:
- I'm new.

- Mommy, can I have the lady bug killer? (fly swatter!)

- Why are you itching your back?
- Not my back. The neck of my back.

- Can you put some silly raisins in my oatmeal? (she meant craisins... we may have told her they mean crazy raisins:))

- Leo is a thumb sucker.
- And I'm a paci sucker. 

- Annika, how do you say 'good night' in Russian?
- Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

Family fall pictures... what?

Can you believe that we don't have ANY pictures of all 4 of us yet? It's true. Those empty IKEA frames are looking mighty lonesome hanging on the walls.
Last weekend I took some photos of our friends Lindsey and Collin and their little stud muffin, William right here in our back yard. In return, Lindsey offered to snap a few shots of our family.
We aren't known for moving too quickly in the mornings, plus ALL of us like to sleep in. But the pictures were scheduled for noon. Plenty of time to get ready. Or so I thought.

Annika says...

- Annika, what comes after 11?
- Friday.

baking with a toddler...

... is a lesson in patience, I'll tell ya. Have you ever baked with a 2-year-old? How did that go for ya? Did you have any batter left for those muffins? Were you able to find your kitchen under all the flour?

I love involving Annika when I cook. I always know it's going to be a lot of work, but it's either that or she will nag me senseless. So I choose the lesser of two evils:)

did this really just happen?

This happened yesterday. Technically, it's not preschool. They call it play-group, which is kind of like pre-preschool, but i wouldn't be myself if I didn't make a reason to psych myself up:)

Little lady is very social, so I wasn't worried about her being clingy or sad or scared. Yet, I was nervous all morning. Got up at 7:30 with an alarm clock (whoa!?) and got myself ready before waking up my big girl for her big day. Greg had to be at work at 8, so I was anxious about being on time. 

Annika was excited and in preschool spirit the moment I walked into her room. "I'm going to preksool, mama?" "I wear my backpack, mama?" I even let her eat breakfast at her little craft table.

It was a big deal and Annika made sure all the walls in our house heard that. Mr. Leo sure did and woke up ready to eat his breakfast. The moment I realized there was no way we were going to make it out the door on time, our daddy made it back home. We all got ready and even had time for pictures. We made the whole thing into a bigger deal than necessary, but it's the beginning of her (pre)school career, people! 

The 2 hours went by much too fast to get anything accomplished. I just sat there at home twiddling my thumbs until it was time to get back in the car and go pick her up. I'm sure I'll get some sort of a productive routine going, but I was just so excited for her to tell me how her day went. 

She ate cheewios and cwackers and just wore her backpack and no hit anybody and play with pretend cheese and see new fwiends, that's how:)

And a couple of pictures from my iPhone

conversations with my two-year-old

The other afternoon, I decided that Leo had spit up on himself enough times to warrant a mid-day bath. Annika loves to be involved with everything concerning Leo (including asking to see his poop, when I change his diaper... sorry for that!). So I let her "help me".
We sit down by the bath tub and I start washing Mr. Leo, who loves baths very much and doesn't make a peep. So it's me and Annika having this lovely conversation.

- What are you doing, mama?
- I'm giving your baby brother a bath.
- Why?
- Because he isn't very clean, baby. You saw how much he spit up on himself.
- Why?
- Well, babies always spit up a little bit when they eat.
- Why?
- Because if they spit up too much, then there won't be anything left if their tummy.
- Why?

Then she got distracted by bubbles in the little tub and I had a minute of quiet. Enough time to think that, man, the girl's got the "5 whys" technique down...

And then...

- What are you doing, mama?
- I'm giving Leo a bath, baby.
- Why?

oy...

Annika says...

Here is another, smaller, installment of Annikaisms. There are so many these days that I can’t keep track any more:)

Talks to self:

Where is Annika? There me is!

-Annika, if you have a baby brother, what should his name be?

-Sister.

-What are you doing, huh, mama?

-I’m drinking coffee. What are you doing?

-Not drinking coffee.

Starts (fake)crying and I don’t respond. Comes up to me and in the most pitiful way whines:

-      -Ask what’s my matter.

Greg gets out of the shower and Annika walks in right after.  All I heard was:

-Daddy’s tail!

… and then everyone died. Laughing!

a two-week-old, a two-year-old, and two exhausted parents in love

In case anybody missed the news - a brand new Winn joined our family (almost)2 weeks ago. Meet Leo Thomas Winn. A sweet, sleepy, cuddly bundle of cuteness who is an exact replica of his big sister, which makes him an exact replica of his dad. I've been robbed of any sort of resemblance with my child yet again. I guess it's all right, all I did was carry these offsprings in me for 40 long, not-so-pleasant weeks and have undergone 2 major abdominal surgeries to get them into this world. No biggie, children, thankyouverymuch!

So far, Leo has been very easy. Sleeps, poops, eats, sleeps, repeats... 3-4 hours stretches of sleep at night. Very happy and content when awake. Unlike his sister, who was very "vocal", especially in the rare moments someone dared to not hold her. She was a good sleeper, gotta give her that!

Speaking of the big sister... This has a been a bit of a challenging time with her. On top of her terrible twos (which alone would have been enough!), the parentals made her move houses and brought someone else to love on into the family. I mean, the guts! My little girlie has been nothing short of traumatized. Once a happy-happy sleeper, she now cries and cries and wants to hold my hand until she falls asleep. Once a sweet little baby girl, she now acts out like a teenager. The ''NO, MOMMY!" is oh-so-prevalent in our house these days. 

Just in the last 3 days things have gotten better with her sleeping. She is getting used to her new room and is once again happy to talk to her toys and animals before falling asleep. (We had switched her to a toddler bed, but quickly realized she wasn't ready, so back to the crib she went!). But the behavior is still a bit off and this is something she'll have to outgrow. 

Annika does love her brother though. First thing I hear in the morning is "I want to go see my baby Leo!". She wants to hold and kiss him all the time. If only she would understand that she doesn't necessarily have to hit him first, before kissing him.

And us... Well, we are adjusting. There've been tears, tiredness, but overall we are managing. Even though we both can't wait when the littles start playing with each other, we are trying to enjoy this stage of life. We know it's all going to go really fast, so we want to cherish these moments.

*** Gee, I really need to break out my real camera again... If only I could find it in this mess...***

Mommy life so far...

Last Monday was officially the first day of my year as a stay-at-home-mama. There are so mixed emotions about this new experience, and "nervous" is definitely the bigger part of the mix. Greg's new business ownership, new house, new BABY... To say this is a life changing year would be an understatement of the century. I won't be going to work everyday, our income will decrease (but the expenses increase), there will be 2 children to depend on me daily... Plus I'm still not over being selfish. Wish me luck, would you?
I'm so ready to put on the "mommy jeans" (not really, but metaphorically speaking) and embrace this year as a SAHM. I'm envisioning many tea parties, play dates, trips to the library, crafts, farmers markets and mommy groups.
Last week was wonderful though... On Monday I took Annika to the park for story time (for the month of June our public library moves their story time to the central park and they even provide a free lunch for the kiddos). Lots of mamas were there and I didn't even feel awkward in that atmosphere (strangely, I always do at our park, as if I don't belong in the mommy group...). Annika saw some of her friends and even shared her raisins with them (that's big, because NOBODY touches Annika's raisins).

The rest of the week the two of us ran errands all over town, mostly grocery shopping, picking out paint colors for the house, doctors' appointments and what not. There may even have been a playdate where everybody was running butt naked under the sprinklers. But I can't say for sure, there must be a crack in my memory... Hehe... I'm sorry, I had to...
I think the secret to not going crazy as a mama is to keep busy. So far so good, I must say.

What a Zoo!

Last Saturday morning I got to sleep in and later we headed to the zoo. We'd been talking about the zoo all week to get Annika enthusiastic about it and right before we got there I asked her what she was most excited to see. She said "ocean". Naturally:)

About half the universe had the same genius idea of taking their children to the zoo on a beautiful sunny Saturday morning. The place was packed. I was thisss close to considering buying one of those awful leashes you see children wearing at the airports, because the little lady had her own agenda and she didn't care that mommy and daddy wanted to go feed the giraffes. 

It would have otherwise  been a regular zoo trip, except we had Annika and that's just never regular.

First, there was the lunch that consisted of some terrible zoo food. But you know how everything tastes 100 times better when you are travelling or visiting touristy spots? Apparently, Annika even thought a PBJ with ketchup was a good idea. (Did you by the way know that an alternate spelling for the word ketchup is catsup? I'm an English teacher and I just recently found out. Whoa.)

Then there were the hopping kangaroos and of course Annika started mimicking them right away. She does that hop all the time now. And the way she says "kanga-Roo" (2 distinct syllables and a very stressed American "r") is hilarious. 

Next came farm animals and I was so excited for her to pet them.  But that girl couldn't care less about the goats, because there was GRAVEL! Go figure, you never know what strikes her fancy. 

And then there was the GOOSE. On the way out, daddy had to use the restroom and Annika and I spotted a large goose just wondering around. The fearless child of mine came up to it, first just looking... Of course I was on my knees at that point taking pictures. She got closer and closer and I though, awe, how cute. She (not the goose, mind you!) started quacking and then real fast disappeared from my viewfinder. Daddy appeared out of nowhere and gave me a reproaching look. Apparently the goose was hissing at Annika and that means it was going to attack. It seems like I should feel more guilty, but it was just kind of funny.

Mommy and daddy didn't get to feed the giraffes due to the crowds but we all had fun nonetheless. When we got home, we were so wiped out; all we wanted to do was lay motionless for hours. But no such luck, what with a monkey/kanga-Roo/little monster in the house...

Annika is Two!

Our bunny turned 2 on May 12 and yesterday we had a sweet birthday celebration for her. I tried to make it simple and didn't even choose a theme for the party. But then I ended up in the party section at Target and went a little crazy, because... hello... SPRITZ collection. LOVE!
I decided that even though there was no theme, I wanted it be bright and colorful. I even thought maybe "2 bright" should be the theme, but that was voted out by some people whose last name rhymes with Shwinn! (I'm glaring at you, Greg!!!)
I didn't start planning anything until a week or so before the party. There were no formal invitations, just a good ole text message:) I honestly didn't have time to do any more than that. I tried to keep the party small, but it ended up being 30 people or so. Toddlers and babies in tow.
It was a simple party, but I thought it was perfect. And the best part -  Annika was so happy the whole time. This girl loves attention, so she was completely in her element.

I'm so thankful to those who took time of their Saturday afternoon to come shower our girl with love!

And just to think, only 2 years ago this was the most traumatic day of my life. Gosh, I love her and I don't even need to say any more than that!

And here are just a few simple details.