As Ivy gets older, we continue to realize more and more how she is her own little person, with her own ideas.  She constantly surprises us and makes us smile and laugh, but at the same time, she challenges us as parents to know what to do in all kinds of situations.

 For example, we enrolled her in Tumble Tots (courtesy of Mimi and Big Bill) at the Y, and she loves it!  She enjoyed her first week so much, she screamed the whole way to the car and the entire way home.  Yes, she throws fits.  But never fear, after much deliberation and laying in bed thinking late at night, I came up with a plan.  The second week of class I was prepared. 

 Now some may not agree with my parenting choices, and that’s okay.  All I am saying is, it’s a whole different story when your kid is the one screaming bloody murder in a very large public place. 

Anyhow, after Ivy received her sticker from the instructor and it was time to leave she started to get upset.  I pulled out a mini Twix candy bar, Easter candy, and asked Ivy, “do you want a treat?”  Of course, she’s my child, so she responded with a rapid shaking of the head.  Then I said, “you have to stop crying and put your shoes and socks on in order to get this treat.”  She then proceeded to follow directions.  So instead of carrying a screaming two year old out of the Y, I held Ivy’s hand while she ate her Twix, and the three of us walked out together in peace and quiet.  Much better. 

Ivy positioning her pretzels into her sandwich

An endeavor like this takes great concentration

Should I eat it or use it?

Most of the oranges were eaten.

Hey, Dad has the camera!

Playing can really wear you out!

I need to get out of here!