I could probably make up a million excuses. I wouldn't even bother with the amateur ones involving dogs and homework. No, I would jump straight to the hard core excuses. Excuses involving convoluted details with me doing things like saving lives or learning the forgotten art of churning my own butter. But in all honesty excuses require more energy than 95 degree weather in Atlanta will allow. So, I'll stick with the truth. I'm the mom of a busy 2 year old.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. It's been more than a little while since I last posted. I even debated not doing this blog anymore. But when it got down to it, I just wasn't ready to give this up. Posting actually reminds me of my time in Kazakhstan. So, with all that unnecessary preamble, let me get to what we have been doing.

Back in June we went to Naples, Florida with our friends Julia and her daughter Katy, and Dawn and her son Alec. It was a really fun week and one I will long remember. Abby did great on the plane down to Naples (the flight home was a different story but hey, the plane did eventually land). She had not flown since last August but she got on that plane like a little pro. We stayed in a nice condo about 2 blocks from the beach. This year we had 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and it definitely made bed and nap time so much easier. The kids all had a blast. We went to the beach, swam in the cool condo pool, took a dolphin cruise, did some shopping, did some good eating, and even found a nice playground. While we there, Abby got bit by something (still not sure just what it was) and it got infected so we also got to spend one morning at Urgent Care. After a week on antibiotics the infection was completely better! Traveling with medication which must be refrigerated though proved to be an interesting feat. We also got to see my brother, sister-in-law, nephews, and niece several times while were down there. They were wonderful hosts and Abby had so much fun playing with her cousins.

We continue to make (mostly) montly visits to Rome to see my mom, grandmother, and Bryan. Abby loves going up there and of course, gets spoiled each time we go. :-) Our last trip in June, we arrived to find the Green Beach. My mom had a pool, sand area, beach toys, chairs, and, well you name it. Short of a pool boy named Coco to fetch me drinks, I think the pool had all the makings of a Carribbean visit. It was a really fun day. Abby now "talks" on the phone to Gigi too. For a long time, she really had very little interest in the phone but now she likes to get her time in and is pretty good at repeating whatever I say to Gigi.

For the Fourth of July holiday, we went with the Brashers to Tybee Island. Tybee Island is on the Georgia coast. I had not been there in years. We really had a great time. The motel where we stayed was, how do I say, memorable. In that it reminded me of the motels where we stayed for spring break in college (with 7 of your closest friends in one room that cost $39.99 a night). But since we weren't even in the room that much (except for naps and night), it was really fine. And the people were so very nice. My favorite night was July 3 (the night they have fireworks on Tybee). We ate dinner at a little beach shack kind of place (appropriately right on the beach). We got to listen to a jazz band and Abby LOVED them. They even let her and Sam play with them in the band. Sam was quite the member of the band but Abby realized after about 20 seconds that she was in front of a lot of people she didn't know and she bolted. But not before she made her musical debut. :-) After dinner, we went to the beach to watch the fireworks. It just doesn't get any better than that.

For the last few weeks, Abby has been taking swimming lessons at Emory University. They do things like put their face under water, blow bubbles, jump in to mommy or daddy from the side, crawl along the side (alone!), and lots of kicking water. I'm really proud of how well Abby has done. She really has not been afraid at all - even putting her face under water. I may look into swimming lessons for the winter too - inside of course.

Abby has learned so many new things that I am quite certain I will leave something out. The big thing right now is potty training!! She has had several days when she stayed dry all day (not all in a row) and I do believe she is well on the way to leaving the diaper behind for good. Her teachers at school have been so wonderful working with all the kids and their patience truly shows.

Speaking of school, Abby still loves hers. She will be moving up to a new class at the end of August and is currently in the transition mode (visiting the new class for awhile each day). They move them up around 2.5 and Abby will be 2.5 in September. I am sad Abby will be leaving Ms. Kim and Ms. Laquita though as they are fantastic teachers.

Abby's vocabulary has absolutely and completely taken off. She talks in actual sentences now and says things that just amaze me. She picks up on everything!!! Below are some of my current favorite Abby sayings and their translations:

baking suit - bathing suit
Cingella - Cinderella
I love you mommy - needs no translation and absolutely melts my heart each and every time she says it :-)
Will cookie - yes, she still calls graham crackers Will cookies
keeta - mosquita
Lucy Liu - our dog Lucy's nickname
fimming - swimming
alligator - elevator

Abby still LOVES books. There is just no other way to say it. Her first request when we get home each day is to read books. She takes 2 books with her when we go to school (and "reads" them on the way). Her first request when she gets up in the morning is to read books. I so hope this love never changes. This is just one of the many many things we share.... our love of books and reading. Last week we made her first trip to the library. We walked in the door and Abby's mouth literally dropped open in awe. She just whispered to me "Books Mommy!!" It was a one of those moments I wish I had my camera even though I will never forget the look on her face.

We still dance a lot here in the Green house. Pretty much every night after dinner. Current music choices include The Carpenters (they sing "Sing a Song" on Sesame Street and Abby loves it - especially the la la la la la part), Squirrel Nut Zippers, some new music from Kazakhstan that another mom sent us, and Van Morrison.

So, my little girl is growing and learning and I am so proud of her that mere words can not describe. She is a sweet and loving little girl who loves to dance and laugh. Life with a two year old is the best kind of life.

Until next time, good night!