"Just like you, Mommy"

When days get challenging, I think I'm just going to get on the computer (or pick up the "blog book" once I finally sit down and arrange to get this printed) and go to August 27, 2010.

Today, Kristina was running a fever so I had to stay home with her.  She was a cuddle-bunny, a sure indication that she's not feeling well.  Later in the afternoon, I had to take her out to my hair appointment ~ a challenge that actually went much better than I ever thought could.  It was also a chance for Kristina to show Shushan the modifications she made to last weeks' haircut.  Like everyone said, looks like it's a right of passage -- something most parents go through in one form or another.  Thank you, everyone, for your comments of support!

Anyways, Kristina sat in a chair watching Shushan trim my hair and then apply the root color (ok, there you have it -- the truth comes out).  Kristina thought it looked funny and had no problem telling me that I "smell funny, too."  Some day you may know, kiddo....

Kristina showed off to all the hairdressers her hairstyling talents and how she can wrap a hairband in her hair in record-breaking time not allowing any stray hairs to go awry.  She folded up the capes (tucking the cape under her chin while using both hands to fold the ends together) and moved things out of the way while the stylists swept the floor.  She also entertained everyone with a few YouTube videos (ABC songs) on my iPhone -- over and over and over again.  I really was proud of how well-behaved she was.

On the way home, I began to whistle and this is how our conversation went:

Kristina:  Mommy, I no can do that.
Me:  You can't whistle yet, Kristina - but someday, when you're bigger.
Kristina:  When I'm bigger, I want to be a mommy.
Me:  A mommy?  That's wonderful, honey.
Kristina:  A mommy just like you, Mommy.

**sigh**  :)

This was just one of those heartwarming moments that made me get a lump in my throat and reminds me how blessed we are.  And this conversation is on the heels of 3 days of "I love you so much, Mommy" -- just out of the blue.  We certainly have our day-to-day challenges but moments like these make life so wonderful.

The photo quality isn't great (iPhone in a poorly lit hallway) but just reflective of a little girl who just wasn't feeling at the top of her game today.  "I no feel good, Mommy.  I no feel good, Daddy."

The Latest "Buzz"

For Kristina's faithful followers who have waited patiently for photos of her self-styled haircut, finally -- here they are!

Kristina sporting her newly cut bangs...and Jumbles her kitty!

Hard to tell, but a chunk of hair (3" in length) was cut across along the bottom of the ear line...

Oh, if looks could kill!

OK, so did mommy over-react?  Yes, I'll admit it but I was working on about 2 hours of sleep from the previous night and all I could think of when I saw all this hair on the floor was "oh my God -- the wedding is only 2 weeks away!"

This has been a learning experience for me.  A month ago, Cruise Director Barbie got a haircut and I took away the kiddie scissors after initially thinking it was her own hair on the floor.  Apparently, for her self-buzz, she found another pair...

Barbie's hair can be found next to Kristina's right foot....  Oye....

Hair Cut Excitement

Yesterday, Kristina went to get her hair cut because in two weeks, she will be the Flower Girl at my first Goddaughter, Kendra's, wedding!  The dress is ready, shoes bought, and I figured it was time to start thinking about the fancy hairdo she'll be sporting that day.
Kristina sat very well in the seat while Shushan cut her hair.  Kristina said it was like "snowing" when she saw her cut hair fall to the surface of the black cape she was wearing.  (How does a 3 y.o. So. CA girl know much about snow?  Not sure she remembers much from the motherland...!)

When I asked Shushan if she thought Kristina's hair would hold a curl, she said "Let's see!"  So she curled it.  And oh, my....she looked so adorable!  It lasted several hours until Kristina started putting hairbands in her hair (she LOVES to wear her hair in a pony tail).

Right before going to bed, Kristina went into her room to get her PJ's on.  After about 3 minutes and she hadn't returned for her evening snack (chocolate milk), I went looking for her.  What I found will be forever engrained in my mind.  Her door was 95% shut and the room was dark except for the nightlight we leave on.  I turned on the light and to my horror, Kristina stood there with kiddie scissors in her bangs, and hair the lengths of 1-3 inches all on the floor.  I immediately began crying "oh my God " and Jon came running in not knowing what to expect.  I was sooooo upset that I had to leave the room and Jon took over.  I think I cried for 15 minutes straight.  I was terrified to go back in and see the extent of the "damage".

Kristina and Jon eventually came out and Kristina apologized "Don't be sad, mommy.  I'm sorry."  Jon scooped up the cut hair (he wanted some of her hair as a "souvenier" ~ but not this way!) and I assessed exactly how much hair Kristina elected to trim herself.  The bangs are erratic and her left side is where she cut the length from.  The right side went unscathed.  Is it salvagable?  Yes ~ it definitely could have been so much worse.  I'm going to try and curl it myself tomorrow to see if we can "hide" our Vidal Sasson-wanna-be's talents.  I should probably take her to Shushan and have her even it all out but I'm afraid she'll walk out with some sort of shag hairdo...

Here's a few photos of our haircut outing:

Kristina sat still...like a pro!

Quite angelic...with no indication of what was in store for later!

First time this hair has EVER seen a curl!

Starting to practice the Flower Girl smile with Shushan.

So pretty!

And the evidence discovered of a toddler gone wild!

And what does she look like now?  Stay tuned....more pics to come soon (after I try and work some magic).

First "Movie Date"

Nahhhh, Jon and I didn't get a romantic night out on the town to catch a movie... On Monday, we took Kristina to see her FIRST movie in a theatre! She's been so enthralled with dogs and cats (hence, we have watched on DVD Disney's Aristocat's and Lady & the Tramp atleast 15 times each in the last few weeks) so we took her to see: Cats & Dogs!

It was quite the experience since the movie was in 3D. Kristina wouldn't wear the glasses mostly because she had her hands over her ears 100% of the time. Not sure why the theatres think they have to pump up the volume so high but our sensitive one doesn't like loud noises. She wouldn't sit in the seat alone, so I had my own personal lap-warmer for the entire movie. Actually, it was nice!

She enjoyed the movie but really, I think she enjoyed the popcorn and juice box even more. It was definitely a wonderful family date. (And exciting for me as it was my first movie in over a year and a half. Who-hoo!)

Tickets: $8.75 ea + $3.75 ea for 3D glasses (Matinee Prices)

Popcorn and 2 Beverages: $12.00

Little girl experiencing her first movie: Priceless

"Too looooouuuuud!"

After the movie, Kristina found the 3D glasses fun.

"Hey, maybe I belong in the movies!"

Tuesday, August 10th, marked Kristina's one-year for attending school. Wow - where did that time go to? I've been documenting her "growth" outside the school where she LOVES to say hi and bye to the deers. (Yes, a true "Deary" through and through.) My, our little Deary has grown!

August, 2009

February, 2010

July, 2010

August, 2010

The wave "good-bye" I get every morning when dropping Kristina off as Kristina's teacher holds her up to the window... How I wish I could go back in for one more hug!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Tuesday was a crazy day but I decided to make dinner at home to celebrate Jon's birthday vs. venturing out with a toddler to a restaurant on a school/work night. What was I thinking??? Plates are still sitting in the sink along with bowls, pots and platters (apparently Hazel, the maid, didn't show up) but it was worth the smiles & hugs Jon got as a gift from his little girl.

I cooked up a tender beef filet, corn on the cob, and roasted garlic potatoes. For dessert, Kristina and I whipped up a batch of brownies. Seriously, I'm not a Julia Childs and don't pretend to be ~ but for a special occassion, I'll try anything. I'll let the photos tell the story of daddy's birthday...

"Oops, Mommy...I somehow got chocolate on my hands, mouth, shirt...YUM!"

Writing out daddy's birthday card

Our special message to daddy sprinkled with powdered sugar

Video of Kristina singing Happy Birthday and blowing out the candles

Reading daddy's birthday card. "I did that!"

And the best gift of all!