Sept. 2, 2001    Sunday     Julia is 4 years 5 months old

You seemed pensive at church today. I asked if you were okay. You said you wanted to suck your thumb but you couldn't. That was the first I was aware you were trying to break that habit. The dentist

Wipe Me

Sept. 1, 2001   Saturday     Julia is 4 years 5 months old

"MOM -- MEE!" You shout at the top of your lungs. The word is two words, not two syllables. "I'm DONE!" This is code for me to come wipe you. I do so because if I don't, you wipe yourself on the bath towel hanging on the towel bar.

It is Lark's 9th birthday today. It's Saturday and we are still in various stages of getting dressed at a quarter til 11 because the earliest risers did so at 9. You want to wear a pink party dress because you think any birthday is your birthday too.

"I can't do a bit of work," you announce. "My arms tell me they are too tired," you explain.

When last I helped you bathe you didn't want to play the Fairy Godmother getting Cinderella ready for the Ball. You wanted to pretend you were the cartoon turtle Franklin getting ready to play soccer.

You love riding your tricycle in circles around our driveway and sidewalk.

Sleep & Food Choices a`la Four-Year-Old

August 6, 2001    Julia is 4 years 4 months old

It is 1:00 a.m. (Aug. 7, actually) and you are asleep -- early for you. Last night you were up til 2:30 a.m. and the night before that til 3:30 a.m. -- and both those nights you were still wide awake when I insisted it was time to sleep!

This morning I pulled you out of bed at 8:30 a.m. to take you to the dentist for a check-up. You were so happy to go (feeling very grown-up I'm sure). You co-operated wonderfully and I wished I'd brought a camera. Alas, you have two cavities. The dentist spoke to you about trying to stop sucking your thumb.

You went to work with me today. (I only worked four hours). You entertained yourself with coloring, playing chase with a little boy, and playing outside briefly with Laura. You were hungry (wanting candy) and used the toilet by yourself (you won't let me even open the doors for you). But you needed help turning on the water to wash your hands, getting the paper towel, and getting a drink. You always check out an armload of books and videos first thing.

I took all you girls to a movie this afternoon. It was rather a tedious movie for you, though your sisters loved it. At the end you said, "I knew she would be a princess". (The Princess Diaries)

Well, I wonder that you manage to live and grow. All you want to eat is frozen juice pops, candy, and potato chips. Today you did eat a bowl or two of cereal. Sometimes you will eat bread and honey sandwiches -- No butter and folded over. You demonstrated this to me by placing your extended fingers over your extended thumb.

Las week I ran an errand with you sisters while you remained in bed asleep. Dad was home but sleeping as well. When we came home we found you preparing "pink milk" for all your sisters and yourself. You had got out six paper cups and the pink milk powder and the jug of milk. You had already made your own. How very resourceful you are.

That week Lark had been crying about us eating desert without her. I told her to get a plate out of the cupboard. She said she couldn't reach it. You said, "Then get a chair Lark, pity sake."

My Bottom Burped

April 9, 2001     Julia is 11 1/2 months old

At this moment, 12:12 p.m., you have just changed out of your clothes into one of your swimsuits. Lark and Trina are stretching to an exercise video (home school p.e.) and you are prancing around in your suit playing with your yellow ball. Your hair is uncombed. You finished your breakfast about an hour and a half ago (a brownie smothered in milk). You did not drink your half glass of milk.

This morning you told me "the house is crying again". We had snow yesterday and today it is melting and dripping off the eves.

Much later: it is 1:08 a.m. You wanted to watch a movie with me so after all your sisters went to bed you sat on my lap and watched "The Story of Adele H" (spoken in french with english subtitles) with me. No matter. We were together. I look down at your face. You are so beautiful. You are so beautiful.

Earlier I said, "You farted". And you said, "No I didn't. My bottom burped". You are such a tease.

Traveling with a three-year-old

March 4, 2001    Sunday    Julia is 3 years 10 1/2 months old

Julia, at this moment I am sitting next to you in the back seat of the car. Laura is driving (part of her 30 practice hours with her parents). Steve is "riding shotgun". Trina is behind us in the 3rd seat. You are wearing some new clothes we got at Penny's for you yesterday.

You have band-aids on both knees. You skinned one knee in your enthusiasm helping us load the van on Friday in preparation to come to Mesquite, NV with dad for the weekend. The other knee you scratched while playing at Arctic Circle yesterday.

You managed to spill your snack cereal all over the hotel room, put your hand in your lemonade slushy, wet the hotel bed, and be thoroughly bored after playing very briefly with the huge bagful of toys we brought for you.

You loved swimming in the pool -- especially iny your new swimming suit. Daddy was teaching you how to float and I was teaching you how to kick.

Pack Pack, Panties, Cinderella Dress, and a Plea

Feb. 15, 2001   Thursday    Julia is 3 years 9 1/2 months old

At this moment you are wearing your "Cinderella" dress watching a movie. I'm getting ready for work but pausing to jot down a few things about you (and me).  A little bit ago you had nothing on and Daddy told you to get dressed. You said you didn't have any panties. You said there might be some in your "pack pack". You've recently adopted an overnight bag as your "pack pack" and you keep a lot of stuff in there -- mostly clothes and toys. (I think this is because you and Lark got to spend the weekend with G'pa & G'ma Wms last month). Sure enough, you had some panties in there. I told you you have a beautiful body (which you do). Then you found your lavender "Cinderella" dress and asked me to help you put it on, which I did. On your way out of the room you paused and told me "you are the best, mom."  "Thank you," I replied, "we make a great team don't we?"

The day before yesterday you implored me "Say you won't go, Mom. Say you won't go." When I came home for lunch you said brightly, "Hi Mom! It's me, Julia!"

Just now I went downstairs, pausing to watch a few minutes of your movie. You told me to go back upstairs to bed because I am sick. You told me not to watch this movie because it is boring to me. I asked what made you think I was sick. Then I noticed a little mesh bag in your hand filled with chocolate gold foil wrapped "coins". I asked where you found that and you wouldn't say. I told you those are a gift for someone and that if you'd give them to me I'd get you a treat (which you did and then I did.)

You had so much fun last night at G'pa & G'ma Milius's 50th wedding anniversary. You met your second cousin Jaymes Bunce who is a little younger than you and ran around and around with him. You told someone that he was your "sort-of-brother". Of course you delighted everyone.

You are my delight and my treasure. I often tell you you are precious to me and call you my sweet pea.

What Angels Don't Do / Are You Going to Leave Me?

Jan. 9, 2001  Saturday   Julia is 3 years 8ish months old

I cleaned my room yesterday and you played in there while I was at work. When I got home I remarked to you, "Isn't it nice to have Mommy's room clean?" You said, "It isn't clean Mama." I asked what you meant and you indicated your mess. I said, "Be an angel and pick that up." You said, "No, Mom. Angels don't do that." Later on Daddy helped you clean it up.

This morning while you were just waking up you asked if I was going to leave you. I said I was just going down to breakfast. Then you said, "After that are you going to leave me?" I said, "Yes, I have to go to work." You are tugging on my heart strings little one.

X Marks the Spots and Bath-time Magic

Jan. 6, 2001  Saturday   Julia is 3 years 8ish months old     Dear Julia,

You've had quite a week. You threw up on Tuesday several times. I told you it was all the chocolate you've been eating. Trina and Lark were sick too.

Wednesday night while I was helping Margret with the story she's submitting to the New Era contest you kept busy with markers. You colored on paper at first. But then you began making black expo-marker X's everywhere. They were all over my cedar chest and lots of papers. You took an orange marker to yourself. Your arms and hands were completely streaked orange. You fell asleep before I noticed so I decided to wait til morning to scrub you.

But Thursday morning we had to be at the orthodontist with Margret, Trina, and Lark early. You came along still marked up. By the time I got you in the bath the ink had set.

This is how I bathe you. I put some magic in your hair. (shampoo). Then I take some magic from your hair either on a washcloth, sponge, or scrubbie. I am your fairy godmother and you are Cinderella and we proceed to dress you for the ball in magic. I ask if you'd like to wear a necklace. Earrings? We put on long gloves. We put on a bra, a slip and nylons. Then we put on your gown. After all that we fix your hair. After a rinse you can play all you want. When you want out I wrap you in a special hooded towel and we snuggle. When there is time we q-tip your ears and massage you with oil.

I talked to you about not writing on yourself and I thought you understood. I left you coloring contentedly in your coloring book. It wasn't long before you joined us downstairs with orange mime stripes on your face!  "Julia!" I said. We washed your face and luckily it came right off. Oh, by the way -- the X's washed right off my cedar chest, thank goodness.

Of Baptisms, Elmer's Glue, Rubber Stamps that Light Up, Chocolate, and Getting Tucked In

Jan. 1, 2001    Julia is 3 years 8ish months old        Dear Julia,

You are so wonderful!

We watched a movie last night about two missionaries finding a family to teach. The family chose to be baptized. After the movie was over we talked about Uncle Bill being baptized on Friday, Dec. 29. Julia, you joined in the conversation saying Dad baptized Lark (in Sept.) the same way. You noticed, understood, and made these connections on your own!

We've been busy cleaning house. We began upstairs with your bedroom. I was cleaning your room -- the one you share with Lark. Your sisters were cleaning their bedrooms. While we were doing that you were downstairs attempting to squeeze all the Elmer's glue into a dish. Lark saw you and intervened.

You also rubber-stamped your arm with a red-ink Christmas tree stamp. Since the stamp lights up when it's used you also stamped your bedroom wall.

You will hardly eat anything but candy and chocolate. You are very adept at finding anyone's chocolate. I had a gift wrapped for a friend which I had put some chocolates in. You unwrapped it to get to the chocolates. The only other things you seem to enjoy eating is meat and juice. Currently "carrot juice".

Daddy ran a bath for you tonight. (You insisted). He was so proud of you for washing yourself all over with the pretty scrubbie you got for Christmas.

While Dad was helping you bathe I was putting away your's and Lark's laundry. You got ready for bed right after your bath. I told you it was time to go to bed. You said you didn't want to. I said if you went to bed right now I would tuck you in. You got right under the covers for that.

Then you said we need to read the scriptures. So we all gathered in your room, chatted about the upcoming week, read a chapter in the Book of Mormon, and had a family prayer. By then you were asleep.

Blankies

Dec. 7, 2000    Julia is 3 years 7ish months old

The other night we were all together at a library program. An author was sharing some of her family's favorite stories. You were fidgety to the point where I'd had to take you out once. You had chosen to come back in and sit still on my lap. But you are one child who finds it very difficult to sit still. So you were wiggling and seemed not to be paying any attention. Then the author held up a book about a "blankie" and asked if anyone had a special blankie. You instantly said quite loudly, "I do!" She asked you about your blankie and you told her it is your "rag blankie". You were listening all along!

Last night I was feeling bad and had refused to let you sit on my lap. So you felt bad and found a little spot to tuck yourself into. Then I said you could sit on my lap but then you wouldn't. So we ignored each other for a little while. Then you gathered a stack of picture books and put them in the big chair and climbed into the chair and snuggled in with the books. When I got off the couch you said, "read to me". So we went up to my bed and I read you a story about a blankie.

Stickers, Scissors, Shopping, and Sandals

August 27, 2000    Sunday     Julia is 3 years and 4 months old      Dear Julia,

You just woke up from a nap. You have joined your sisters who are creating a decorated portfolio folder. You and Margret made yours on Friday while I was at my photo crop. I was so impressed with both yours and Margret's work.

Speaking of being impressed with your work... last Sunday you out shown all the other 10 nursery children with the craft. You each received a drawing of a house with the caption "I am thankful for my home" (the topic of the lesson). You each received stickers to place on the drawing -- including "grass" stickers, "butterfly" stickers, a "wagon" sticker, and a "child silhouette" sticker. You were able to peel and place all your stickers and you placed them in logical positions: the butterflies in the sky, the child in the doorway, the grass and wagon on the ground horizontally. I wouldn't have thought anything of this if I had not seen how very advanced it was compared with the other children. You also carefully colored in the window and door with a yellow crayon. And most amazing of all -- you were able to cut out two "helping hand" shapes! (with your left hand, even). Most of the children could not even use the scissors.

Last week you came to the mall with your sisters to do some school clothes shopping. We spent a lot of time in the children's clothing and shoe departments. After awhile Laura decided to read and Lark and Trina wanted to sit down with her. You came with Margret and I. We got so involved collecting clothes to try on that we didn't notice that you weren't with us. After a half hour we joined Laura and asked where you were. She said you were with us! In the meantime your dad had joined us and he was with Trina and Lark looking for you. So Margret and I went to look for you too. We found Dad who had found you. You were wearing new sandals. I said to Dad, "You didn't buy those for her did you?" He said, "no, I thought you did." So we took the sandals off you and headed for the shoe department while he headed home with you. We found a clerk. Apparently you had not been noticed by any employees. She found the sandals. They were on sale and there was a stack of six boxes. We opened each box and found your old sandals tucked neatly inside the bottom box! The lid was on the box and the boxes were in a neat tall stack.You knew exactly what you were doing. You had told us your old sandals were too little for you!

Later that day we were at another clothing store and you found lots of clothes, swimsuits, and shoes to try on. You even went into a dressing room by yourself. Me and another lady were waiting in line for our turn in one of the two rooms. I was surprised to find we were waiting for the room you were in all along! You loved the little black platform shoes. And you loved a two-piece swim suit. We ended up not buying any of them. Sigh.

You call Margret "Barget". You say "fot" istead of "spot".

Pippi, 911, Marshmallows, and Razor Blades

Feb. 28, 2000    Monday    Julia is 2 years 10 months old  

As you can well imagine you have grown a lot since last I wrote for you.  One change is that I cut your hair very short. This cut seems to better suit your spunky personality and it doesn't tangle! Another change is that now Daddy and I are your teachers at church. You are very happy about that. Another change is we were given a television so that now we can watch movies on video again.

Your favorite t.v. program to watch is "Dragon Tales". Your favorite video movie to watch is "Pippi Longstocking". You are happy to watch it over and over again -- even on the same day. You like your water bottle and you call it your "botter wattle".

Last week you were playing on the upstairs phone while your sisters were otherwise occupied down stairs. Somehow you managed to dial the emergency number 911. The police knocked on the door while neither Steve of I were home. Your sisters ran upstairs and you were still playing on the phone! (I got home from work as this drama was happening).

When I came home the other night you were alone in the kitchen busily filling your mouth and fists with miniature marshmallows which you had climbed up and got out of the cupboard. (I saw this happening as I parked the van coming home from work and walking up the sidewalk).

You came to work with me one afternoon. Jasmine and Laura were with me too. They were helping me put videos away and I had put you in a nearby book bin. You got out and went into the book processing office. Sheri found you with a single-edged razor blade in each hand trying to slice the carpet!

You are fiercely independent. You try to do everything yourself without help.

Of Purple Hearts, Wardrobe Preferences, and Pull-ups

Oct. 23, 1999   Saturday    Julia is 2 1/2 years old     Dear Julia,

As I write, you are dropping large pieces of your pancake into your glass of milk. You are wearing only a "pull-up" and a purple heart sticker adorns your chest. You often stop to brush your hair from your eyes. You don't like to have your hair pulled back. Earlier you were wearing one purple shoe and one purple boot (without socks). You have a whole drawer full of clothes and you prefer to wear a swimming suit (or less). You were making great progress in toilet training but now you decline to co-operate in any way. (I know now this is typical and I make an effort to avoid the power struggle trap).

Two Year Old Priorities and Milestones

Tuesday August 31, 1999 (nearing midnight)  Julia is 2 years and 4 months old

Dear Julia,

As I write this you are asleep. You were asleep when I went to work this morning at 9 a.m. I saw you briefly when I came home at 6:30. You were busy playing with Lark and Trina. They had devised a veritable labyrinth in the living room out of boxes, overturned chairs, and jackets and costumes draped over them.

I managed to find this month's Ensign and leaf through it to find this month's visiting teaching message so I could go visiting teaching at 7:30. And then I saw you again briefly before I went to a Primary Presidency meeting at 8:30 (during which time I disassembled the labyrinth in an effort to locate my primary materials). When I returned home at 10 p.m. you were asleep.

A few weeks ago I took all you girls to Seven Peaks Water Park.  Laura, Jasmine, and Margret were given free passes and you were free. I only had to pay for me, Trina, and Lark. At first you were very unsure about playing in the pools. But soon you warmed to it and after hours of play you still didn't want to leave!

Th following weekend we went to Roosevelt to visit your cousins. Some of your sisters went a day early with Grandpa Williams. They packed their bags so of course you packed a bag too. When they got into Grandpa's car you and I and the sisters who stayed got into our car. We all buckled in and I tossed your bag in the back seat. We made one errand stop before going to visit the "Precious Child" store. You became very concerned. Finally we figured out you were saying "book bag" which is what you had packed as your suitcase. Once you had that in your lap you were fine -- and even asleep before we got to the store.

The next morning the rest of us were on our way to Roosevelt bright (actually dark) and early. After all, we had a three hour drive before we got to their church at 9 a.m. After church we met for a meal to wish Emily and Cory well on their missions. We all had a great visit. You managed to get your dress very dirty. So we looked in your bag (that you had packed) to find something else for you to wear. All that was in the bag was a swimming suit for me (your mom), for you, and for Trina. We know what you think is important!

You loved attending church with your cousin Sariah. You went right into her class (she is a CTR 5) with Lark (a CTR 7). This was a surprise to us as you will never go into your nursery class in our ward without your Mom or Dad. During Sharing Time you noticed a picture of Jesus and announced, "Jesus!". You also held your sheet music and sang your own words and tune at the top of your voice. You often do this -- prompting people from rows all around to turn and smile at you.

We ran out of diapers last week so we have been encouraging you to use the toilet. At first you wanted to wear a sanitary napkin in your panties but you soon tired of that. For the most part you are doing very well and are so proud of yourself. (Your "staying dry" reward is that you get to wear your swimming suit all day).

We moved the furniture around in your bedroom. Now that the crib is between Trina and Lark's beds you are happy to sleep in it. You also weened yourself from nursing in the past month. Such milestones you are making!

Biting, Bathing, Dressing, and Grooming a'la 2-year-old

Mon. June 7, 1999  Julia is 2 years and 6 weeks old.

You are so delightful these days. You are usually asleep when I leave for work so there are many times when I come home and find you in need of some grooming. (Your sisters love to dress you but sometimes you won't let them.)

We spent the weekend before last with some business friends at Kolob Mountain Ranch. You had your hair fixed in cute little braids and cute little pigtails. I think we got a picture of you riding a pony with Margret. I'm glad of that.

Because when I wanted to fix you hair one afternoon last week you just didn't want me to. (This is usual). Much as I loved your cute hair I dreaded daily struggles to comb your hair. And you usually pulled out whatever we put in your hair. So I gave you your first hair trim. (We got you on video just the night before eating).

You are so darling with your new haircut. We think it almost shows your personality more than ever.

Last night you were in the bath with Lark. (You LOVE taking baths). Then you started wrestling Lark and I must say, despite the difference in size and age you got the better of her! So I can't leave you two alone together in the tub!

After your bath I made an effort to get you dressed. You are entering the "I want to dress myself, I WILL dress myself" stage. I let you put on your pants. But you didn't want the shoes and socks. So you tried to bite me! (You learned this from Joey Brown when Jasmine tended him at our house). You do try to bite all your sisters now and especially Lark. I've tried snapping your mouth with my thumb and finger with no success. So I gave you two firm back slaps. You decided to stop.

I Want That One - Julia's 1st full sentence

Sat. May 22, 1999  (2 years + 1 month)  Dear Julia,

You are such a happy girl. You love running everywhere you go. You almost seem to gallop much of the time. You love being outside and being pushed around the block in your stroller. You are VERY strong willed. You refuse to be buckled into the infant seat belts -- preferring to sit in the center of the third (and last) seat back. And if I'm not driving you try your level best to get out of a seat belt (or never go in one) and sit on my lap. This is not good. So we avoid taking you with us in the car -- it is such a fight or big production or risky.

You said an entire sentence last week for the first time. Jasmine was tending Joey Brown who is just older than you. You both wanted cereal so I got out several boxes and you said, "I want that one." You tell us when you want a drink by saying, "Thirsty."

Lucky 2-year-old Julia

Wed. April 28, 1999  Dear Julia,

I was thinking today how lucky you are to have all those big sisters. Life is certainly never dull for you.  You've never had a t.v. to watch so you don't even know about Barney and the Teletubbies. You join in with your sisters' play and think of yourself as one of them. Today you learned to play "choo choo train" with them. So we got out the video camera.

You had your second birthday on Monday. I let you come to work with me for a few hours. We had a family celebration with you when I got home from work.