Boy do I miss my parents

When Shawn first told me he was going on his 10 day canoe trip this year, I freaked out. What the heck am I going to do without help for that long? Shawn suggested for my mom to come out and help. I am so grateful that my mom was able to come out for 2 weeks. I was counting down the days til she got here. Although Inara wasn't that difficult, I was sad being home alone. Plus, I'm a super big baby and hate being by myself at night.

Mom, Inara and I had a great week together. Even though we were just in CA, Inara has changed so much that my mom got spoiled watching all the new things she does. Plus, mom got Inara doing some new things too. My favorite was watching the two of them sit at the base of the stairs and play Wheels on the Bus. They pretended they got into a bus, started it up, and mom would start singing the kids' song when Inara would start bumping around with mom following suit. Mom also got her fill of playing marketplace. I swear Inara LOVES playing grocery store at least 3 times a day. It's a whole 30 minute process too, so it seems most of our playing time is dedicated to pretending we're grocery shopping. It was so wonderful to have my mom here so I could get a break from playing it for awhile.

As to be expected, my mom also taught Inara to say some new things. I think it was the first day or two and Inara said booby after my mom had said it. Before I know it, Inara was saying aye chi wawa. She loves saying it and now says it all the time. Thanks mom.

The first night mom was here was open house at Inara's preschool. I knew my mom would love going with us and would want to see the school Inara's going to. Then that Friday Inara started school. I'm SOOO glad my mom was here to go with me. It was rather tough dropping Inara off, especially since she was crying for me. Mom wanted to go in and get her after the first 30 seconds of her crying. But Inara stopped after only a couple minutes, and I was at peace. Mom and I ran a couple errands and then came back to the house. We sat and talked for 3 hours. Now I know my male readers are thinking "What? Talk for 3 hours? That's crazy." But it was great to have that time just mom and I. Plus, time went by so fast that I wasn't sitting at home worrying about Inara. Thanks mom for helping me make it through a tough day.

That night to honor Inara's first day of school we went to dinner at 3 Margaritas, Inara's favorite Mexican restaurant. Mom had fun watching Inara scarf down her cheese enchilada and rice. That night Inara decided she was going to become friends with the older Mexican lady who works there. She always comes over to our table and brings Inara a spoon and says hello. This night Inara kept turning around and looking for "nice lady" as she has so nicely named her. Inara had mom and I in stitches, and yes, the nice lady came over and talked to us as she always does.

The next day the 3 of us went to Boulder. I knew mom would love walking around Pearl Street and I was right. We had a great time shopping and walking around. We packed a sack lunch, so we found a nice shady spot and ate our lunch. There was a man playing a harp right next to us, and he was fantastic. Inara had fun teasing my mom and avoiding eating her lunch. It was beautiful weather and a perfect outing for us girls.

Shawn flew back home on Monday night. Inara was very excited to see him as was I. He ended up working from home on Tuesday so he could see Inara a bit more. Mom and I did take Inara to My Gym that day so Shawn could have some quiet to get work done. More on My Gym later.

A week after my mom was here, my dad flew in so he could be here for Inara's birthday. I'm so lucky that both my parents have been able to make it for her birthday two years in a row. I hope this will be the trend for every year to come. I can't imagine not having them here to celebrate her birthday. And she sure does love having NeeNee and Pop around. I love hearing them play with her. They can get her giggling so much. I love hearing Inara say "Come on NeeNee. Come on Pop. Come play." They are such great grandparents because they oblige her ever wish and play with her all the time. It's the best feeling knowing how much Inara loves them. And how couldn't she...they are awesome!

To back up for a sec, when we picked my mom up at the airport, as soon as she got in the car, Inara says "A Pop go?" Then when we picked my dad up at the airport, Inara sees him through the window and says "Where Toby?" She cracks me up when she does such things.

My mom thought it might take Inara a day to warm up to Pop. Not true at all. As soon as we got back to the house, she had Pop running around and playing. She did the same thing with NeeNee. Phew. It was so wonderful getting a break from being her one and only playmate.

Friday morning Pop went with me to take Inara to preschool. I wanted him to see the school she's going to and see her classroom. On the way to school, Pop and I were talking when all of a sudden Inara says Colorado. Huh? I wasn't sure where this came from and if I heard her correctly. I asked Pop and he said he heard the same thing. I then noticed in front of us was a Colorado state flag. Wow! I was so impressed that she remembered that was the state flag and that she said Colorado on her own without my prompting her. She really is sooo darn smart. As we got to the school, Inara had a hard time leaving me this week. Pop pretty much stood in the hallway because he could see the chaos with all the moms and screaming kids. One mom was even practically dragging her son who was yelling so loud. It took everything in me not to cry. I hate to see my baby girl crying. Again, thank goodness one of my parents was with me to help me throught it. Although Pop did mention that was a mess in there. Yep, it's hard seeing and hearing all those kids crying. I swear preschool teachers are amazing people! I don't know if I could ever do it that's for sure.

That night we went to 3 Margaritas for dinner again as a treat for Inara for doing well in school and for my parents since they love this restaurant as much as we do. Again, Inara had to say hello to nice lady and kept looking for her throughout dinner.

The next day was Inara's birthday party. We all were busy getting things ready that morning. I had ordered sandwiches from Corner Bakery and made mac & cheese (Inara's favorite). Kristi and Barb helped by bringing dishes too. Of course the party was Curious George theme. Pop even made Inara a banner with George on it. By the way, it's still hung up in the playroom, where I plan to keep it as long as possible. It's too cute to take down. I also got the crazy idea to make a tree out of streamers in the dining room entry and hung one of her monkeys so it looked like he was hanging out of the tree. We had a great party with family and the good friends we've made since moving here. All the kids seemed to have a great time as did all the grown-ups. Inara made out with some fantastic new gifts. Thanks to everyone.

Sunday we headed to Sweet Tomatoes (our Souplantation) for their Sunday brunch. Inara was picky that day and didn't want any scrambled eggs or french toast. All was well though when Pop got her cheese. I swear that kid is gonna turn into a big block of cheese. Hey, maybe that's what she should be for Halloween? JK.

Tuesday was Inara's actual birthday. Shawn took the day off so he could spend some time with my parents before they left and celebrate our little munchkin. Mom, Pop, Shawn and I all took Inara to her weekly My Gym class. It was great getting to show Inara's new skills off to all 3 of them. I know Mom & Pop were impressed with all the new things she does since they last saw her in class in April. She does A LOT better sitting during circle time when we sing songs, do stretches, and dance. She was all over the gym this day too, showing us how she jumps on the trampoline (which is more like a gallop still), climbs all over the apparatuses, and goes down the slides all on her own now. Afterwards, we went to The Counter for lunch. I knew Mom wanted sweet potato fries before she left and my parents both really seemed to like this restaurant when we went last time. Inara, however, didn't want to sit and have lunch. Instead, she wanted to look in the pond they have at the mall and look for fish. The girl loves aquatic animals. Wonder if that's because we chose the aquatic theme for her bedroom or because she loves Nemo? Either way, she didn't want to sit and eat her birthday lunch. Oh well, at least the rest of us got to enjoy our burgers and fries.

Wednesday morning Mom & Pop flew home super early in the morning. So early that I had to get up at 4am!! Yikes! I know mom was sad to leave and I'm pretty sure Pop was too although he always tries to play it cool. I know deep down inside he was sad to leave his Pahrumpa.One of the coolest things about this trip is what Pop introduced Inara too: Fly to the Moon (when he throws her into the air and catches her). She thought it was the greatest game. It's funny to watch because she seemed a bit hesitant at first, but after a few times, she kept saying, "Again, again, Pop." This is something Pop does with all the kids, so I was so excited he finally got to introduce my baby girl to it. Like I said, Inara sure does love her NeeNee and Pop. Understandably so, they rock!!! I miss you guys and hope you can come out again soon. (Christmas time maybe? Hint, hint.)