As soon as Carter began describing herself as being '3 and 3 quarters' (actually, initially she said '3 and 3 coins), she and I began discussing how she'd like to celebrate her birthday. Despite my suggestions of a gymanstics or Monkey Bizness party (both of which would be NOT at home), she became set on the idea of a Garden Party (which WOULD be at our home.) I kept thinking that this would likely be the first birthday that she'll actually remember, so I decided to go ahead with her big idea.
We began by creating a guest list. Since the party would be in our backyard (fingers were crossed for good weather!), inviting her entire class wasn't an option. She did a good job of narrowing her list to five school friends and five non-school friends. I did a quick Google search of 'Garden Party Ideas' just to get my creative juices flowing, and the week before the big day included trips to Ikea, Party City, Home Depot, Sugarlicious, and Target.
I wish I could say that all the prepping and planning went off stress-free, but a house-full of sickies and a migraine attack for Mommy took away a bit of my available prep time. The party was scheduled to begin at 1:30 on Saturday, and I was a bit high-strung stressed crazy in the final hours before our guests' arrival.
A sweet girlfriend of mine checked in with me throughout the morning asking if she could do anything to help or come a bit early to help set up. I had the brilliant idea to ask her to be our event photographer.  I knew I would be too busy playing hostess to capture all the day's special moments and little details, and I'd noticed that she takes fantastic pictures of her own family events.

The Birthday Girl.

She's worn this birthday crown, for a few minutes at least, 

at every birthday she's celebrated!

The Butterfly Bounce House.

The bounce house was a last minute addition to the party,

but was perfect to keep the kids happy between activities.

The Planting Station. 

There's potting soil in the big planters 

on the ground with kid-sized shovels for digging. 

I added pinwheels to each for a whimsical decoration.

Each child had two pots with his/her name on it: 

one to plant a flower and one to plant veggie seeds.

The Dirt Bar.

The silver watering cans on the back 

corners of the table held brightly colored gum-balls.

The 'dirt' planter contained kid-sized shovels 

to use as serving spoons. 

A close up of the sign in the 'dirt'...

eight packages of hand crushed (by Daddy) Oreos.

 A few of the toppings.

Carter had a ball at the candy shop choosing the

 'things we could find in dirt.'

Cute signs courtesy of my fabulously artistic husband.

The toppings included gummy worms, snakes, night crawlers, 

butterflies, spiders, and centipedes; 

as well as sunflower seeds and colorful flowers. 

Licking her lips as she makes her selections.

Each kiddo got an oblong tin that I'd lined 

with vanilla yogurt as the base for their unique Dirt Delight.

(I decided to use yogurt instead of pudding since there'd be so many sweet toppings.)

Marin: a happy girl with her completed concoction.

Birthday Girl enjoying her Dirt Dessert

while relaxing under the umbrella of her adirondack chair.

Her cup is filled with lemonade embellished flower-shaped ice cubes.

The ice kids LOVED the fun shaped, multi-colored cubes!

The Butterfly Pinata.

The Birthday Girl takes the first swing!

Thanks to some brawny boys, 

the garden treasures were out in no time!

Garden Themed Cupcakes.

Cake and icing made my Mommy; Garden designs by Daddy.

How can my baby be four?

The Must-Have Group Shot.

All eyes may not be on the camera, 

but all kiddos (plus an extra sibling!) are accounted for!

The Party Favors. 

The favor buckets included gummy bug-kabobs,

daisy shaped lollipops, and personalized orange and green 

sixlets placed in cone shaped packages to resemble carrots.

The Family Shot.

The Presents.

My husband had sent me the beautiful spring flowers earlier in the week,

and they served as the perfect Garden Party gift table centerpiece. 

My Girls and Me.

All and all, I'd say the fourth birthday extravaganza was fun for all, and I felt only slightly guilty for sending the kids home on crazy sugar highs. As for the Birthday Girl, I know she had a ball though she did find a space of solitude towards the end of the party.

Just A Girl and Her Guitar:

Singin the blues on her special day.

(A thousand thank-you's to Kelsey for all the pics that made this party round-up possible.)

The Non-Things, Q1

On the day that I celebrated my fourth year of being a Mommy, I'm already feeling particularly blessed.  My precious Carter Lilly brings more joy to my life than I can even begin to describe and invigorates me in a way that causes an ordinary day to feel anything but. It only seems appropriate to continue in this reflection of blessings by taking note of the Non-Thing Things that created full lives for us in the early months of this year.

Here are my tippity top Non-Thing Things of 2012, Q1, (a bit behind, but who really notices)

1. Visiting Family Far and Wide... I've often noted  how grateful we are to have so many visitors come to our home in Denver. In the early months of this year, though, we became the visitors. It began with a trip to Pittsburgh over MLK weekend in January. Lindsay's Our cousin, Kyndal, and her family of fellas live there, and after they visited us last May, we knew that we would be returning the favor. It was so refreshing to be the guests of folks who are in our same stage of life... who understand crazy kids and schedules and quirks and are able to adapt and roll with the punches. We had a couple of adults only date nights at some fun Pittsburgh eateries and even took in some bowling. We also had plenty of time to love on each others' kiddos. Then, just a few weeks later over President's Day weekend, Carter and I took a long overdue trip to Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, to visit my Aunt Holley and Uncle Terry, their grown up kids, and their granddaughter Gigi . I had been telling Holley I would come for the past few years and finally just booked the ticket. I loved traveling with just my big girl; she is quite a fun little airplane companion. Our trip was full of trips down memory lane, delicious home-cooked meals, rousing games of Catch Phrase, and simple reconnecting. Over spring break, we made it back to North Carolina. The trip was planned around my cousin, Amanda's, wedding, but we managed log a ton of quality family time all around. Meeting my cousin, Christene's, sweet baby girl was a big highlight for me as was spending an evening just chatting with my Grandma. Carter loved fishing with her Pa, and Murphy, of course, was happy on whatever hip she happened to be stationed. 
2. Taking Our First Ever Family Vacation... as is obvious by the above, our kids have done a lot of traveling in their young lives. We have visited family in Oklahoma, Texas, North Carolina, Arkansas, and, now, Pennsylvania over the past four years. We had not, however, ever taken a vacation with the kiddos (except a night or two to the mountains.) Lindsay and I fell in deep like with Arizona when we were there for less than 24 hours for a bowl game in early January. We decided then that it would be a fun place to bring the kids since it's such an easy flight from Denver yet miles away from the Colorado winters. When a work trip landed Lindsay in Phoenix for a Thursday meeting, we took advantage of the time and the girls and I met him at the Arizona Biltmore for the weekend. As many horror stories as I'd heard about 'vacations' with small children, we had a ball! The girls slept great, despite all being in one room, and were pleasantly occupied by the resort's beautiful grounds and the many swimming pool options. It was so lovely to take in some serious sunshine while our own backyard was still covered in snow. We also discovered on this trip that Murphy Girl is quite the natural in the pool, and I'm interested to see if this skill continues into the summer. (I should note: I'm by no means implying that we're ready to take on Disney World, but our first experience of getting our toes in the water of the family vacation was a success.) 
3. Creative Carter... as I documented back in January, Carter has quite the creative side, and I've really loved watching it evolve over the past few months. She seems to have inherited both my childhood imagination and Lindsay's artistic skill (not that he's not imaginative, too, because he is; far more than I am as an adult) and watching it all unfold has been fun. She is a lover of all things nature and enjoys going on nature walks to collect things to use for a project or an idea. She and Lindsay have spent Saturday afternoons making birds' nests and dinosaur habitats from pine-cones, leaves,  and glitter glue (she IS a girl, after all.) I try not to curb her creativity, but I have had to lay down the law on the amount of nature that's allowed in the house... I can only roll over in bed to feel a twig in my back so many times... 
4. My Hubby's New Job... after nearly five years working for the company that moved us to Denver, Lindsay took a bold and wise risk and accepted a new position (as CEO, but who's bragging?) at a new company. This new position is ideal in many ways, but it does require him to be out of town at least two nights a week but often three or even four. Now, before you start wondering what I'm getting at by listing something that takes my husband away from us 1/3 of the time as a Favorite Non-Thing, let me explain... I am happy because he is happy! In fact, I'd dare say I've never seen him in a happier place, career-wise. He is mentally stimulated; he is passionate about what he's doing; his creative juices are allowed to flow; he's excited about both the present and the future. AND, when he's not at work he's with us, really truly present. There is something so exhilarating about watching the successes of those we love, and I would gladly take a few nights of sleeping alone (likely in bed by 8:30 with a box of cookies watching Toddlers and Tiaras or Dance Moms) to share in that success.
5. The Adorableness of the Murph.... now, I'm not going to sugarcoat things and act like my Murphy doesn't with a somewhat regularity still have days like these. She certainly has many opinions about how she does and does not like things to be done and is not at all shy about expressing those, whether through verbal or physical expression. She continues to enjoy being front and center in my space, so to speak, and I often carry her around while I go about my daily tasks. The older she gets, though, the goofier she gets. Her little 'throw her head back and shriek with glee' expression is down right darling. She has a clever thought process and can thwart most any obstacle to get her hands on her beloved Mousey for some mid-day thumb-sucking. When caught doing something of the naughty variety, she is quick to run away often saying, 'Hide! Hide! Hide!' as she goes. Her love for both the I-Pad and my wallet (shrieking the word 'MONEY!' whenever she spots it) has me a tad alarmed, but I'm sure she'll just grow up to be a financial analyst. Or an account hacker. 

Despite a season that has been full of change, asthma, babysitter departures, stomach bugs, a dreaded doggie diagnosis, ear infections, and so on and so on, it feels great to reflect on the Non-Thing Things that have been just splendid throughout all the yuckies. These are the Things that keep us keepin' on!

Favorite Things, Q1

I MISS BLOGGING! Phew, it feels good just to get that out. The thing is, life's been a tad crazy as of late, and I just haven't devoted any time to my blog. Even though this one is a bit late, I couldn't skip out on one of my my only regular feature.
While I can't say that I did much shopping in the few months following the Christmas season, I did manage to come across several things that are worth a mention.
Here goes, My Favorite Things of 2012, Q1,

1. Milk Delivery... prior to October of last year, with Murphy Girl still drinking baby formula, I could pretty easily keep up with our family's milk needs with weekly trips to Costco for the 3, 1/2 gallon cartons of 1.5% organic milk. This is what Carter drinks and what I use for cooking. Well, when Murphy made the switch to whole milk at her first birthday, I found myself constantly running to the market. Because Costco doesn't sell the whole organic milk, I had to pick it up elsewhere and in smaller amounts. Not only did this become tedious, it was also quite expensive to keep both girls stocked with their own type of milk. When the Royal Crest delivery man showed up on my porch offering up a free sample,  he didn't have to twist my arm! I basically opened the front door with my credit card ready. Now every Monday morning, I open my front door to find a gallon of whole and gallon of 1% waiting in the cooler on the front porch. And, if I find that we are going through one or the other quicker during the week, I can just give them a call for an extra Thursday delivery. I can also add other products like eggs, yogurt, butter, even cookie dough to my weekly order. This thing has made my life so. much. easier. Royal Crest Milk Delivery
2. Sperry Topsiders, Baby-Sized... being the second girl in our family, Murphy Girl's wardrobe consists almost solely of hand-me-downs. We were so blessed when Carter was our tiniest to be gifted beau-coups of darling girlie clothes, and most of them have easily transferred to Murphy.  Shoes, though, do tend to look worn out once they are actually used for running and walking. That coupled with Murphy being off-season from where Carter was at the same size meant she was in need of some new kicks early this year. We still had some Christmas money in the Murphy fund from Pops and Misha, so we headed to Nordstom to take a look at our options. There were some cute mary janes, some Tom's that were a bit too wide, and a few basic sneakers. However, when I spotted these in all their metallic pink adorableness, I knew my little one needed them! Murphy gets compliments on these all the time, and I love them because they look just as cute with leggings as with a fun sun dress. Metallic Pink Sperry Topsiders, Baby-Sized
3. Dustbuster... I know; the vast majority of homes have Dustbusters (or similar handheld vacuums) as a staple of the cleaning arsenal.  I, too, have owned several over the years. For one reason or another, though, I hadn't had one in well over a year. Then, when we paid a visit to our cousins in Pittsburgh and saw theirs in action, I remembered just how handy these guys are. So, just a couple days after we got home, I grabbed a Bed, Bath, and Beyond coupon and went on a quick mission. There were only a few to choose from, but I do think I got a great one. I love how the nozzle pivots, makes cleaning all the car seat yuckies so easy. I also use it for getting crumbs off the high chair tray and even the stove top. This is really a product that I've used almost daily since its purchase. Again, not a novel idea, but a thing that has sure made my life easier! Dustbuster
4. Ugg Snow Boots... despite living in Denver for five winters now, I did not own a pair of snow boots. (Yes, I do realize we get snow up to eight months of each year.) I have two two pair of rain boots, leather boots in brown and black, and even cowgirl boots, but when it comes to actual snow boots, I just hadn't really thought I needed them. Now that Carter is older, we spend much more time actually in the snow... sledding, playing, tubing, etc... and none of my other boots were doing the job of keeping my feet dry and warm. Since I had a credit for use at a large department store that doesn't have an actual location here in Denver, I went cyber shopping and found the perfect stylish (mine are a light blue, which doesn't seem to be available anymore) and functional snow boot. While I've never had a pair of Uggs before, I've certainly discovered why so many people love their cozy sheepskin lining. Now, I just need to get a winter coat... Ugg Snow Boots
5. Words with Friends... if you're a regular reader of my Favorite Things blogs, you may notice a trend in that I tend to get on the bandwagon of popular items at least a year after everyone else. Such is true with Words with Friends, the popular Scrabble-esque app. I love word games, love games in general, really, so it was only natural that I would be hooked on this from the get-go. I started playing in late January, which was perfect timing as my husband began traveling for work for several days each week in early February. I love getting into bed each night and catching up on my games, and it's a perfect waiting room time-killer. I have a couple competitors who are just. too. good. but I love the challenge! It's also fun learning new words and trying different strategies. Words with Friends
6. Honest Kids Juice Pouches... despite not being the greatest role model when it comes to eating a healthy diet, I really do try to provide my girls with an array of healthy and yummy food choices. I make an effort to comprise their plates of colorful fruits and vegetables and to limit treats for times when an actual treat is deserved. I'm not always great at this in all areas, but when it comes to beverage choices, I pretty much stick to my guns. Occasionally, I'll let Carter get a 'treat drink' like a Shirley Temple if we're at a restaurant, but overall, their sippy cups contain only milk or water. Because Carter's lunchbox can't be refrigerated at school, I was hesitant to put milk in there, even the milk boxes that are ok to leave out. (Would you want to drink lukewarm milk?) Juiceboxes didn't really seem like an option to me because of all the sugar (or even high fructose corn syrup) as well as the fake coloring. (I figure she gets enough of those items from her gummy bears!) I picked up a box of these Carpi-Sun-like pouches, and they have been a huge school-day hit. They come in five tasty varieties that are low in sugar, free of anything fake, and full of organic fruit juice. Honest Kids Juice Pouches
7. MAC Lip Gloss, Russian Red... over the years, I've read in countless women's magazines that any woman can wear the right shade of red lip stick. I always felt sure that any woman did not include this woman.  I just couldn't imagine that my fair complexion and subtle make-up application could pull off such a bold lip color. When I hit up our local MAC store, armed with my six used items to trade in a for one free item, I assumed I would pick up one of my usual faves or maybe a new eye color. So, when I walked out with a brand new tube of BRIGHT RED lip gloss, my choice had even shocked myself. Now, I don't carry this gloss in my purse or wear it every day, but the times I have pulled it out (usually for a date night) I have been pleasantly surprised to learn that even I can wear red! Mac Russian Red Lip Gloss

That completes my first list of 2012 of all the things that served to make life easier, cleaner, cuter, and more fun this season.

Healthy, Happy, and Humbled

Recently, for the third time since becoming a Mommy nearly four years ago, I found myself walking through the doors of The Children's Hospital. As the mother of two healthy children, I cannot think of a more harrowing and humbling experience. Each time I was at the hospital for routine tests for my children. I was aware that the simple nature of my appointment was likely the exception to the purpose of the other parents' visits.
The hospital is a cheerful place with some of the friendliest staff I've ever encountered. The gentlemen who parked our car in the valet lot greeted Murphy and me with a big smile... and asked if we'd be needing a wheelchair or a wagon. Those little red wagons... just thinking about them can bring a tear to my eyes. Classic Radio Flyer wagons have IV poles attached to them and are used to pull kiddos all around the campus. I felt a tinge of guilt in saying that we'd need neither.
The atrium of the hospital is colorful and lively both in decor and atmosphere; there's even a little ice cream shop and a kids' library. Children can be seen being pulled around in their little wagons licking from chocolate or vanilla scoops. This sight may resemble a playground on a spring day, if not for the child wearing a hospital gown and having a head bald from treatments.

I especially take notice of all the parents and caregivers who are accompanying the children. How many days of work has that mother had to miss? Does that father risk losing his job by spending so much time at the hospital? Does their insurance cover the bulk of the financial burden? Are there siblings at home who are sacrificing time with their parents because of their sick brother or sister? Does the sick child have any awareness or feel any guilt for how his or her illness affects the family? Are the parents ridden with fear and holding back tears? How does it feel to see your child in constant pain?
I have never made it as far as the radiology waiting room (that's where I've needed to take my girls on each of my trips) without my eyes welling up with tears. During my first visit when Carter was only about six weeks old, I remember holding her so close to me as if I thought some of these seriously ill children may be contagious.

Across this waiting room, I've met the eyes of other parents 

with an enormous sense of guilt for the health of my children. 

Following this most recent visit, Murphy and I waited outside the hospital for our car to be brought around. I noticed another mom who was also leaving the hospital with her son. She had a 'personal belongings' bag in her hand indicating to me that the little fella may have been in the hospital for a night or two. As I nuzzled my Murphy, still feeling quite emotional after our visit, I watched this mom talk loudly on her cell phone. Every minute or so, she'd look up to spot her son and then to yell at him to stop playing in the dirt. After about five minutes, a taxi pulled up; without ending her phone call, she prodded her little boy towards the car. Though he was probably no older than two, she pushed him up in the backseat of the cab with no car seat - or seatbelt for that matter. She climbed in beside him, and off they went.
The scene was so interesting to me because I was amazed at how another mom, with what seemed to be a relatively healthy child, could leave this place and not be impacted as I was. I would not describe her behavior as abusive in any way, just unaffected. I had a strong urge to stop her; to shake her; tell her to look around; tell her to hold that little boy so tightly; remind her of the reality of the lives of so many of the families who were surrounding us.
During the days that followed our visit, I found myself thinking about The Children's Hospital, the families who are in desperate need of its services, and the children who fortunately have a joyful place to be in spite of their physical calamities. I also thought about that mom with the little boy and the cell phone and the taxi.
As difficult as spending even one moment in that environment is, I feel grateful that it has impacted me so deeply during each visit. I am thankful for a tangible reminder that each of my girls is a perfect creation, and their health is an additional blessing that is too often taken for granted. During moments of frustration derived from petty sicknesses like ear infections and asthma attacks, I will try to pause and remember that every single day parents are faced with the reality that their children may not have another year, another month, another day. And with that reality, I'll strive to make the most of each of ours.

Healthy, happy girls.

Immensely loved by this humbled Mommy. 

Daughters Will Love Like You Do

In these Salad Days I often write about my life as a mommy. Despite its ups and downs and highs and lows, being a full time mommy to two fabulous little girlies is a job I wouldn't trade for anything. I realize that I am molding little girls into what will become big girls and young ladies and eventually women. Lots of websites and groups and blogs exist offering mommy-tips and tricks of the mommy-ing trade. But, oftentimes society neglects to take much note of the important role of the modern day daddy.

Having two little princesses, I have come to realize the great importance of my husband's role in our home. A (good) daddy will be the first male to ever make a little girl feel special, to make her feel loved, to make her feel pretty. A daddy will be her vision of a superhero and her refuge when boys are cruel or when she and mommy don't see eye to eye. And, as daddies go, my girls have the best of the best. He realizes his irreplaceable value in our home, and takes advantages of opportunities to create special memories with our girls. 

Though he's taken Carter on many 'dates' (Chili's is a favorite spot) the Father Daughter Dance at Carter's school provided the first opportunity for my sweet little Pookie to primp, put on her fanciest dress, and enjoy a night on the town with her favorite suitor. This evening, just before Valentine's Day, was incredibly sweet and heart-melting for this mommy.

Every princess must 

engage in pre-dance pampering!

Her fancy schmancy 

dress from the back.

One day, won't we revel at a time

when she stood this small?

Squeezing Daddy's lips 

as he requests a kiss.

Enough pictures, Mommy! 

I caught this tender moment 

as they headed out the door.

Little angel proudly displaying her

first corsage from the dance.

Wow. Just posting these pictures stirs a little emotion in me. I could burst with pride at the wonderful father my husband is. We may not always see eye to eye on Southpark or science fiction or the use of business terms in common conversation; and we may bicker about my silly neuroses; and I may laugh at his jokes less frequently than he would prefer. But, I will forever be in awe and feel the slightest twinge of envy for the daddy he is to our girls. 

Fathers be good to your daughters, 

Daughters will love like you do...

(Thank you, John Mayer, for that beautiful sentiment.)

Virtual Reality

After really enjoying Brad Paisley's most recent album over the past several months, I was excited to dust off my cowboy boots and head downtown to see him in real life! Two of my mommy friends and I left the kiddos with the daddies and had a fabulous (and rare!) girls' night out. The night begin with a delicioso dinner and disturbing lively conversation at Vesta Dipping Grill. We missed the majority of the first opening act (Scotty McCreery... gag), but we did see all of The Band Perry's (I'm now a big fan!) opening performance.
We used the downtime before the big act to snap a couple pics...

Katie, a fellow displaced Southerner! 

Photography courtesy of the sweet, 

yet highly intoxicated girls behind us.

While waiting, we killed some time people watching... we were quite intrigued by some outfit choices, but my fave was a Santa Claus-like fellow who wore ginormous binoculars around his neck which he used for watching people in the crowd as if they were rare birds. We also got acquainted with the four drunk coeds who were sitting behind us/falling on top of us. (We got to know them a lot better as the night progressed.)
Once Brad took the stage, we had a ball singing along to the songs we knew, hearing some new faves, and texting during the songs that weren't quite our cup of tea can of PBR (seems like a more appropriate expression given the setting.) The energy really exploded when Brad began singing I'm Still a Guy. As he sang the first verse, the opening acts and their bands began lining the sides of the stage and in unison dropped to a 'Tebowing' position.  The Denver crowd immediately knew what this likely meant and went bananas as Tim Tebow took the stage and sang a line or two with Brad.

Tebow. 

Cool as a cucumber in his hoodie.

Brad had promised more than one surprise would be in-store for the night, so we he began singing the opening lines of Remind Me, his popular duet with Carrie Underwood, we all began wondering if Carrie could possibly be another surprise guest. As he sang the first verse, we saw the shadow of a woman walking across the back of the stage; I assumed it was a backup dancer or maybe even the female singer from The Band Perry. When the time for Carrie's verse came, a spotlight shined on the back of the stage. 

There. She. Was. 

The flowing blonde hair. 

The perfectly tanned and toned legs.

The VOICE.

Isn't she simply glowing?!?!?

When I noticed that I wasn't getting a great shot with my camera, I assumed it was because she was standing towards the back of the stage or because so many cameras were flashing at one time or because I had messed up the camera settings. So, I tried again...

Strange. 

No matter how she was looking on my camera, Carrie looked phenomenal on stage and sounded amazing. I decided to capture a bit of the duet on video.

Carrie was a crowd pleaser, for sure, and -as you can tell- the duet sounded extraordinary. The chemistry between Carrie and Brad was evident by the way they longingly gazed at each other. I couldn't imagine the concert getting any better, but I did cross my fingers that the band Alabama would make an appearance during one of my favorite Brad songs, Old Alabama. (This didn't happen.) 

During the end of the encore, we found it odd that Carrie didn't return to the stage for a final bow. This got our wheels turning, and we asked a woman in front of us if she thought Carrie had really been there. The woman replied, 'I know she was. My daughter went to this same concert in Minnesota, and she was there, too!'

Light bulb. We knew, of course, that there was no way Carrie was appearing at every show of the tour. But, we'd just seen her with our own eyes and heard her with our own ears. Hadn't we? Before we even made it out of the colisium, I found myself googling what seemed like an absurd phrase: 

Carrie Underwood HOLOGRAM

And, there before our very eyes was website after website detailing the use of a hologram during the Brad Paisley tour. We were dumbfounded, and I took it upon myself to begin shouting the news to random concert goers. (I didn't think it was fair for them to continue in their blissful ignorance.) Who knew holograms had so greatly evolved?

Truly Outrageous.

The Murphiac and Me

Monday with my Murphy was... how to put it... awful horrible stressful challenging. To begin the day, I greeted the Murph just shy of 8 AM where I discovered that she'd removed the large canvas art piece from above her crib. 'Murphy! What did you do?' I cheerfully asked. Her response was a casual, I don't give a flying flip, 'Uh-oh. Dropped it.' I slipped it back onto the nails only to have her look me straight in the eyes and casually knock it right back down and repeat the same phrase. And so began a day which, I think, can best be viewed through the lens of Newton's Third Law of Motion. If you need a quick physics refresher, Newton concluded that 'for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction and that the forces of two bodies on each other are directed in opposite directions.'
I first made the link to physics and my (barely a) toddler when trying to keep her happy while Big Sis participated in her gymnastics class. Once I made the connection, though, I was able to retrace our entire morning and apply its events to the theory. Here goes...

Mommy: sweetly jokes with Murphiac (note that Murphy Girl's name has been appropriately changed to reflect her demeanor) about removing room decor
Murphiac: stares Mommy blatantly in the eyes and repeats naughty behavior

Mommy: gently reminds Murphiac that we do not remove glass dishes from the cabinet
Murphiac: slams the cabinet door open, hitting the refrigerator, and begins feverishly tossing lids all over the kitchen floor

Mommy: lays Murphiac down on the changing table and begins cleaning her fanny
Murphiac: vigorously begins grabbing the (used) wipes

Mommy: reminds Murphiac that we don't touch dirty wipes
Murphiac: begins spastically slapping Mommy about her torso

Mommy: sternly tells Murphiac that we don't hit
Murphiac: slaps Mommy square in the face (hard)

Mommy: removes Murphiac's little fingers from a drawer that does not contain toys
Murphiac: emits a blood curdling scream and jerks the drawer right open (causing its contents to spill to the floor)

Mommy: puts Murphiac into the bath with big sis in an effort to keep her contained for five minutes
Murphiac: covers the entire floor in water with her splashing and makes big sis cry with a quick and deliberate scratch

Mommy: takes a moment to call  (grand) Mommy on the phone
Murphiac: climbs the stairs and begins using the toilet as a wading pool (well, for her arms at least)

Mommy: hangs up on (her) Mommy and races upstairs
Murphiac: arches her back and wails when being removed from the scene of crime

Mommy: scoops up Murphiac before she stumbles onto a dangerous area of the gymnastics floor
Murphiac: falls to the ground, screams, and begins air-swatting at Mommy (in front of a bleacher full of people)

This list of actions and reactions could go on for pages, but I think these ten have gotten my point across. I should add that the events on this list all occured between the hours of 8 AM and 1 PM, and that I was forced to self-medicate by scarfing down a slice cold pizza and a chocolate toffee bar between events seven and eight. While my Murphiac did her best to provide a clear demonstration of Law #3, I'm not sure she really understood the equal part of the theory as her reactions clearly superseded my actions. Regardless, I do like to look on the bright side: we can always use new nicknames around our house...

She's a Murphiac, Murphiac on the floor...