Memorial Day Weekend... a week later

... was jam packed.  For starters, Mommy had a 4-day weekend; my regular furlow-Fridays, in addition to the Monday holiday.

Friday
Our weekly trip to Mother Goose on the Loose at the Central Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library.  I noticed a significant change in Kylie's interaction in the program this week.  Overall, she was much more engaged.  She clapped her hands spontaneously, oohed and aahhed, and generally participated in more of the activities.  (I think it helped that she had been taking later naps, so she was more awake and alert).  She happily shook the maraccas that were handed out, and even helped put them away on her own. When Kelly goes around the room and lets the kids bang the syllables of their name on a drum - Kylie did it on her own.  In weeks past, I've had to hold her hand and show her how to do it.  They also have a felt board, and sing the "Humpty Dumpty" song, and let the kids take turns knocking Humpty off the wall.  When it was our turn, I held Kylie's hands and we walked over, and she daintily brushed him off the board onto the floor.  (She's such a girl, and it seems everything she does is "dainty").  But she did it.  I am such a proud Momma.

Saturday
We noticed this weekend that Kylie is now giving hugs & kisses on demand.  She seems more willing when she first wakes up.  If you ask her, "Can I have a Hug?", she throws her arms around your neck and rests her head on your shoulder.  Sometimes, she'll pat you on the back.  If you ask her, "Can I have a Kiss?", she comes at you face-first, mouth open and plants a big sloppy one right on the mouth.  (Since this initial discovery, we have learned to use these requests sparingly. Overuse has resulted in complete request denial)

Sunday
We had a picnic dinner with our neighbors, the Noe's/Dill's. Kylie always enjoys being social, and especially likes eating - no matter what the occasion.

Monday
Monday afternoon, we invited our neighbors (specifically Hanna, 9 mos) over to our house for a swim in the new mushroom pool. (The grown-ups got to play in the sprinkler).  Seemed like the girls (everyone) had a great time! They did some splashing, (so did we) and played harmoniously side by side for a while.  Then they each got tired of the pool and climbed around in the wagon - sharing sippee cups and water bottles, and pushing each other out of the way for the better seat - so sweet, (ha, ha). Once Kylie warmed up to Hanna's excited screeching, she decided to join in and for a few seconds I noticed the girls communicating back and forth in high pitched squeals. Good times.