Snuggly -cuddly -cozy -wozy and some pumpkin-doodle doo

When we moved here last month, I had more than one native tell me that it stays warm in Charleston all-year-long. In fact, one person even proclaimed that we could wear shorts and go swimming everyday. Well, I guess we could, but I'm not one to take a dive when the temperature dips to 65 degrees. Now, having lived in Central Florida and Southwestern Texas, I did have my doubts about January surfing; however, I believed everyone who told me that I wouldn't need a light sweater until at least December. Don't get me wrong, the weather here is nothing to complain about. The past few days have felt Spring-like and having a break from oppressive heat is a welcome change. I just was hoping for a little more preparation time. Zayden's covered as far as Fall gear is concerned, but Xylie, who, by choice, only wears "skorts and shirts" is having a wardrobe crisis. So I have declared this rainly, slightly cool day as "Snuggly, cuddly, cozy wozy day!" Which is just my quirky way of saying "let's stay in PJ's (she does have a few long-sleeved nighties), snuggle under a light blanket and watch some movies.

Now, that takes care of the first part of this entry's title, now to tackle the second - "Pumpkin-Doodle doo." Pumpkin-Doodle is a nickname for Xylie. When she was just a few hours old and was brought to me for a feeding, I held her in my arms and said, "Hello my little pumpkindoodle." I'm not sure why the name came out of my mouth, but it stuck. So, how do I start my Xylie update? I guess with just a few thoughts on some of this sweet little girl's strongest personality traits.

If I had to choose just one word to sum up Xylie's personality it would be the same word I used to describe her when she was just three-days-old. That word is intense. Now, please don't take that as a negative. Too often intense is a word to describe those who make others nervous. As for Xylie, I use intense as a way to describe her deeply sensitive and spirited character. In fact, I admire this little girl so much. She has an amazing ability to express herself with abandon. Now, part of this is knitted into the consciousness of every preschooler, but I think that much of it also comes from her God-given personality. Let me give you a few examples.

Imagination Station - One of Xylie's favorite past-times is the world of make-believe. She loves to dress up as a princess, ballerina, and even a pirate from time-to-time. And when she does this, she not only becomes a character, but she makes up a whole new intricate world. Yesterday we all played pirates and Xylie came up with the toilet paper holder hook hand on her own. Zayden was also the first mate and I was to be the boat's "cleaner." She, of course was the captain. Once she looked at a picture of Napp and Carleigh and I that was taken before Xylie was born. We were standing by some trees. Xylie exclaimed "Look, Mommy, Daddy and Carleigh!" Then she got very sad and said, "Oh, there I am lost in the forest!." When I told her she wasn't even there when the photo was taken she said "Mommy, I'm 'tending (pretending)."
Hurt Xylie - Boo boo's are no small deal in Xylie's eyes. When she has a boo-boo it must be treated with respect. She knows how many boo-boos she has on her body, where they are, how she got them, if they are bleeding or have ever bled and whether or not they require a band-aid, boo-boo pad or a simple kiss. More often than not, boo-boos make her more angry than hurt. I remember the first time she was able to talk after getting a round of annual vacinations. She looked at the nurse and with tears flowing from her eyes screamed "You gave me a boo-boo? Why? Uhhh, I'm bleeding! That was not very nice, boo-boos are bad!"
Loves from the heart - Not only does Xylie love her friends, but this self-proclaimed "good-sharer" knows how to be a good friend. She really enjoys starting conversations and often asks leading questions like "How did you like the zoo?" "Do you like juice or milk the best?" "Daddy, how was your day at work?" She really knows how to communicate. To the left she is pictured with two of her best buddies from Corpus, Hope and Amanda. She often talks about each girl (and her friend Avery) and misses them immensely. It is amazing that friendships can run deep at such a young and tender age. Xylie truly cares about these girls. She remembers what they like and dislike - from foods, to colors, to toys to princesses. And she also loves to recount favorite memories. It breaks my heart when she'll come to me out of the blue with tears in her eyes and say "Mommy, I just miss Hopee (or Avery/Amanda) so much my heart is sad." On the bright side, her friendliness is helping with the adjustment and she has already made some new friends. To the right, she is pictured with her new friend and neighbor, Cynthany. Cynthany turned four in April and is a wonderful playmate for Xylie. Both girls love to play dress-up, doll house, and do arts and crafts projects together.

Creative Xylie - Another fun part of Xylie's personality is her creative streak. I've touched on this above in "Imagination Station." Even her future career choice is creative. She recently told me that she wants to be a party planner when she grows up. I promise you, I did not put her up to this. We do watch a show on the discovery home channel called "Party Girl" about party planner Cathy Riva. This has sparked Xylie's passion for planning parties. Every day she plans some type of imaginary event. She even pretends to have a list. And when I come to attend the celebration, she stands on a 'stage" and makes a grand announcement. She announces the event theme, the guest of honor, the type of food and beverage choices, and then tells us all to have fun and celebrate. She's AWESOME!

...And when she is bad she is horrid - Remember the girl with the curl poem? That is so my Xylie. I don't want to spend too much time on this section, but I will say that when Xylie is angry, stay out of her way. She can throw a pretty loud temper tantrum that one would never expect from such an angelic face. In fact, there have been times when she was screaming in anger that I went to another room and had a phone conversationwith a trusted friend. Why? So in case a neighbor ever suspected child-abuse (because Xylie screams a tortured scream) and called CPS, I would have a witness to explain that I was calmly in another room praying and working through the situation so I wouldn't either snap or give in! But I know that when harnessed properly, this spirited streak that she has will someday come in handy. My girl will not be a push-over that is for sure. Hopefully, she will become a confident woman who has a strong-will to do what is right in the eyes of God. She's already well on her way.

The Big Sister - I was expecting Xylie to experience some feelings of jealousy after Zayden was born, but she is his biggest fan! She adores the boy and often tells me how I ought to meet his needs, "Mommy, Zayden wants this toy instead," "Mommy, Zayden prefers this blanket." "Mommy, it is ok to let Zayden cry for a little bit, but not too long, OK?" She's a riot. I'll tell ya though, in many ways, the fact that Xylie is such an awesome sister makes having a second child easier than having just one. She just loves playing and entertaining the little guy.

Enthusiastic Appreciation - I'll end on this note because this post is so long, but I couldn't describe such a multi-faceted and intricate little girl in just a few lines. Xylie is my cheerleader! I know that many SAHM's can feel under appreciated. Let me tell you, Xylie recognizes my efforts daily! It is wonderful!! Today when I made her lunch she ran up to me and gave me a great-big hug. She loves snack foods, so I surprised her with an array of healthy snacks for lunch (carrot sticks, whole grain crackers, cheese, peach slices and a small slice of lunch meat). While hugging me she beamed and said "Oh mommy, this is so very, very great! I just love this lunch. You did a great job mommy!" When I clean the bathrooms she runs in to help and then gushes over how good it smells! And deep-cleaning the bathrooms is something I do about twice a week. Her enthusiasm for a clean smelling toilet never dims! Another one of my favorites in when she tells me I have great ideas. Like today when I proclaimed it "Snuggly-cuddly-cozy-wozy day" she said "Wow, Mommy, that is such a great idea. I love it!!!!!!!!!" I just love you so much Mommy!" Oh....my intense little girl, I love her so!!!