BJ's war wounds

It has been a bang up week at the Workman household.  I slipped down the stairs and jammed my little toe to the black and blue, semi limping stage.

Anika fell backwards off a chair (after being reminded repeatedly to sit down).

As I was reveling with an acquaintance about how great it was to have just one child with me at the library, Anika pulled a large computer monitor over onto her thumb.  I was panicked on the bill of the monitor (which was fine), Anika walked away with a stamp and an ice pack (way to reward my negligence).

But BJ wins the prize for the most significant "owie" in the house.  We attended an au pair party (think 75 or so families plus au pairs) at a local splash pad park.  BJ (I think) was really showing off for Brandon since he hasn't gone with us to this particular park.  He decided to climb a 6' tall rock tower and wave at his mom from the top.  Brandon warned him that he needed to be careful, he might hurt himself, but he reassured his father- 'I got this, Dad' and then proceeded to fall off, slamming his face into the rock on the way down. Brandon was right next to him, but couldn't grab him. Luckily he landed on his feet, but was spitting blood everywhere when he landed.  Sweet boy was in a ton of pain and very scared, but has been brave ever since.  His face looks really bad, but the worst is a cut inside his lip- all the way up.  No stitches, but lots of ice, soup, and Popsicles.  He has really struggled with eating ever since- only soft, small foods- and nothing acidic- he's definitely missing eating our wonderful cherry tomatoes this week. But after driving home from the incident, he did decide to visit the neighbors for some extra sympathy- so I think he'll be okay.

Day 0

 Day 1 (you can tell, he's still not happy with it).

Anika "2"

Nicknames: Sister, Baby Girl, Little Miss

Weight & Height: 24 lb 8 oz, (I'll have to check, I've forgotten)

Hair: Blonde

Favorite foods: hummus fingers, fruit, muffins, bread, desserts, (but she really isn't picky)

Favorite toys: BJ's toys (including his cars), her babies, stroller, phone, purse, bracelet, necklace

Favorite stuffed animal: her baby

Favorite animal: doggies

Bedtime: 7:00 p.m.

Wake-up time: 6:30 a.m. or 7ish

Naps: one nap a day for 2-3 hours, pretty much every day

Favorite person: BJ, Daddy, Papa, Grammy, Mommy, Angie, Paola

Latest Accomplishment: potty training (she does really well with Mom 95% of the time, less with others), working on putting up "2" on her fingers
Likes: playing with BJ, playing outside, spending time with Daddy, coloring, swimming, doing ANYTHING BJ does

Dislikes: sharing, finding self control, being left at home when Daddy or BJ goes somewhere else

What she is saying: alot! Baby, potty, Daddy, night night, Mommy, all done, look at that, read the book

What gets said about Anika most often: how much she looks like Mommy, how pretty her eyes are, how fearless she is

Fears: not much!!  being left, not a big fan of the vacuum  but she will jump in the pool, down the stairs without someone catching her

Health: she has been very healthy

How she's like Daddy: likes her cars, likes to go fast (and encourages Daddy with a "whee" from the backseat), her laid back, enjoy the ride attitude
How she's like Mommy: she likes to work out with Mommy (2 year old push ups are pretty cute), likes her veggies, how quickly her emotions can change :)

Funny things she's done lately: her constant dialogue, I can't tell you how many times with BJ's recent injury she has related "Brother, owie, fell down, hurt lip",her laughs, grabbing any phone and saying "Hi, hello, hi, hello"

Baby doll scooter from BJ

 Birthday dessert at restaurant 

 Pretty pink toes on her birthday

 Monster truck with BJ

 Anika's party decorations

 In the crib with her new baby

 She loves to smell the flowers :) 

The World According to Anika. . .

We have had major changes in our house in the last few weeks.  Angie, our amazing au pair for the last year and 9 months left to return home to Mexico and continue her studies.  So, last Friday, Paola, a great new au pair from Colombia, moved in with us.  I was worried about the transition for the kids, especially Anika since she really hasn't had anyone but Angie watch her.  The kids have done great and accepted Paola quickly.  I keep reminding myself that they are 4 1/2 and almost 2 and that having them be excited about someone new does nothing to negate their love for Angie.  In essence, celebrating the new chapter is not dishonoring to the last.  Tonight while snuggling before bed was the first time I heard Anika talk about the change.  (Mister Josh was Angie's boyfriend here in the states)

A: "Paola, bye-bye"
Me: "No, Anika, Paola isn't going bye-bye, she's just downstairs.  Do you love Paola?"
A: "Yes"
A:  "Angie, bye-bye"
Me: "Yes, Angie went bye-bye.  Do you love Angie?"
A: "Angie, bye-bye"
Me: "Yes, Angie went bye-bye, but she will always love you.  Do you love Angie?"
A: "Yes"
A:  "Mister Josh bye-bye too"
Me: "Yes, Mister Josh went bye-bye too"

It was said with all the tenderness a little girl of almost 2 can muster, but proof that there is love in her heart for both the old and the new, Angie and Paola.  Angie, we miss you, things are not the same without you, and we will never forget you.   Paola, welcome to your new home, we are excited about your addition to our family and can't wait to see what the next year has in store.

Angie and the kids

 The kids attacking Mister Josh

Paola and the girls today