Splish, Splash....

Luke is no longer in the baby bath!  Now that he is able to sit up all by himself, we have moved him to the "big bathtub" where he and Ally can, at times, take a bath together.  Let's be honest, he was too big for the baby bath for some time, but he wasn't able to sit very well and it was hard to balance him in the big tub.  I am not a fan of the baby bath seat (tried one with Ally and it sucked, so didn't even bother this time around!)... so we just soaked the kitchen counter and floor every time we bathed him for a while, until he could sit up!

And, now... he loves the bath!  He loves all the toys and splashing around.  Most of all, he loves being in there with Ally.  Frankly, he loves doing anything with Ally!  He thinks she is the funniest/coolest/bestest person in the whole world!  No one makes his face light up like she does.  No one makes him laugh that deep belly laugh like she does.  She is his idol.

What's not to love man.... big sisters rock! And, someday, she can make him her little slave.... it's like a right of passage.  (I love ya Dave!!!!)  (*** for those of you wondering, Dave is MY little brother, who I forced into slavery at a very young age)

So, here's the little guy in the tub.... splashing around.  I had to take him out not long after this, and he screamed his head off!  He was having far too much fun.  Ally of course wasn't so pleased either as she has just come to barely stand taking a bath again now that Luke has joined her!

I did get one of those little inflatable tubs yesterday.  On my day home alone with both the kids, I could no longer stand being home.... so after afternoon naps (I took one too!), we ventured out into the world.... TARGET!  Target rocks.  Honestly. It's truly one of the best places on earth.   You can quench your shopping thirst because there is just SO MUCH to look at and choose from.  You can get pretty much everything there.  Honestly.  I needed formula, diapers, and bottle liners.  While I was there, I also saw and grabbed.... some blanket sleepers for Luke for the fall/winter... an adorable little sweater dress for Ally.... some more baby spoons... and a birthday card!  It's your one-stop shopping destination.  You can throw your kids in a cart and shop away.... walk around/wander.  You see other moms doing the same thing too.

I struck up multiple conversations with perfect strangers in the aisles.  I am a social girl. Obviously, being home alone most of the day, I hadn't talked enough... so I struck up conversations with random people... mostly moms, who seemed happy to strike up conversations with me.   Or, so I like to think.

Oh, I know many of you are waiting on the edge of your seat.. wondering what happened with Ally all day!  She was really, a very good girl, overall.  It was a great day!  Until, the dreaded BEDTIME!  Then, we had to have the meltdown that she had been holding back all day. Bedtime is NEVER a peaceful time at our house.  Always a battle to be had.  That's Ally's battle time of choice.  It's usually when Scott and I are most exhausted too.. which doesn't help any of us!  

But, we got through the battle and all was well.  I always go into her bedroom, after she's asleep and give her a kiss.  Take a good look at the sleeping, angelic girl that she CAN be... and try to forget the battle that just took place.  I hate going to bed after having a battle like that with her.  I hate having that image of her the last one in my mind.  So... I have been trying to look at her in a more peaceful state.  It works..... but it also makes me wonder if I could have been more patient, done something different with the bedtime routine? Could I have read to her a little longer?  Given in a bit on the volume of her lullaby CD?  Not totally freaked out when she came out of her room for the 10th time to ask for something?

Ah... water under the bridge now... I can just try again another night.  With different results? Maybe... maybe NOT!!!!  :-)

Today, we are off to visit my Dad, Step-Mom Geri, and my little brothers and sister in Plainwell.  Today is Geri's birthday... so we are going to for a visit and to help her celebrate. They have a pool, so Ally is anxious to show them her new swimming skills.  We are looking forward to the day!!!!!

Happy Sunday to you all...