Self Portrait

Maddy is no longer napping (sniff), it was a painful two or three weeks while this happened. It didn't happen all at once either, it happened in stages, and that was probably even more painful (for me). There was a lot of pleading, crying and frustration on both of our parts as it happened. Once again, I have learned that my job is to get out of the way and let her show me what to do. Now that we are all done with naps, I can see that Maddy's moods have smoothed out quite a bit during the day. It could be a new stage, but she has been very snuggly, a good listener (most of the time) and much less cranky and whiny. Farewell naps, you have been my friend this year, and I will miss you.

Now we can have excursions in the afternoon! Today we played with Maddy's friend and had a mighty good time. They are really playing together now, not just side by side play. After their visit we had our lunch and a little down time. Then we took off to the Kohl Childrens' Museum- a favorite of Maddy's. The art project today was a self portrait using oil pastels on tag board. They had little mirrors set up on foam board for the kids to use to study their face while drawing. I really wish I would have thought to video this, but it didn't come to me until after I saw what she drew.

This is her first official picture that looks like something, I know I wear mommy-goggles, but I think it's pretty darn good. I drew the big circle to get her started and then Maddy did the rest. I couldn't believe it when I watched her draw the neck. After looking in the mirror she decided to give it a bottom line, it must have been her shirt collar. I am just totally crazy for this picture. She is going to find it in my underwear drawer after I'm gone someday (50 years from now).