Vicky. Denese. And now Rylie. We have been fortunate and blessed to have met these wonderful, loving women who have been willing to share their talent and daily lives with us as they help us care for Nellie during our working day. Each has arrived at the right time in Nellie's life. Vicky shared her experience and expertise in infant care. Denese taught us all how to sign and provided "toddler phrases" we use everyday. Rylie's enthusiasm for art and her energy for capturing Nellie's imagination is the most recent of gifts. What follows is the best example....
Friday I returned from work to a very excited Nellie who ran towards me shouting, "Mommy, camping! Camping!" During Nellie's lengthy afternoon nap, Rylie transformed a corner of the room into a camp site.
The background includes a moonlit sky with stars, mountains, and trees. There is a fire for roasting marshmallows, a picnic table set for two, and a bamboo fishing pole. A scene ready for camping play!
Nellie knew exactly what to do with the marshmallow as we have read this in stories about Rocky's camping fun for his birthday and Curious George's big camping adventure. On DVD, Clifford even gets in on marshmallow fun during a camping trip with Emily Elizabeth and her friends. Nellie was a bit less enthusiastic when I asked her to pose.
Among her favorite camping activities is to insist that Daddy and Mommy each have a turn inside of the tent. I am pleased to report both of us are able to successfully achieve this maneuver without injury or breaking the tent. The picture at left is a cry/smile Nellie managed as she realized Daddy in the tent is a crowded tent. Most often Jerry and I end up half in the tent so we can read books with Nellie - cozy, but not crowded.
For our last weekend adventure, we left our campsite for a playdate with Olivia. Olivia has a play structure just like Lucy's! Olivia was very eager to show Nellie the new house and how things work - doorbell, phone, mailbox, doors, windows, sink. A very nice respite from camping!
Phew! At first I thought you had actually taken Nellie camping. Like outside or something. I'm so happy that Jerry's asphalt man image remains unsullied.
Posted by: Sheri | July 18, 2008 at 10:27 PM
But what a clever idea your nanny had!
Posted by: Sheri | July 18, 2008 at 10:28 PM