In Riverland!

A friend asked why there are such long gaps in my blogging. I replied that it takes me so long to blog because there's been such long gaps in my blogging! It's a vicious cycle. I love to blog, but sitting down to do it is another thing. So I am going to try to do better
I am, at this moment, in Tallahassee! I arrived this afternoon without too much trouble. I woke up earlier than usual, anxious with excitement! I haven't seen River in more than 6 weeks, which is as long as I've ever gone without seeing her! I have seen this little gal once a month at least since she was born, with probably 2 exceptions when I went 6 weeks. When she was first born, I was able to be with her about half of her 1st 3 months! Hopefully my sister appreciated the help - actually I know she did because she said so. Can't wait to provide support in any way possible for the new one arriving in June!
So there was some unexpected drama on the way here today - not real drama, just the kind that I create, without which there would be no blog :-) I was really excited about driving with the windows down, anticipating the milder weather in North Florida. After I showered this morning I put sunscreen on my left arm - the driving one - so I could stick my arm out the window the whole time. I did not start with the window down, though - not sure why. Then around Ocala there was a storm, so the windows were definitely not down then. Around Gainesville I put them down and really enjoyed myself. I got a bunch of music off Hannah's iTunes onto my iPod so I was set with the jams! I rediscovered my love for Chris Rice and heard a song of his that I really really enjoyed - The Final Move. It was so good I played it twice, right in a row. He's so great. Then enjoyed Celtic Thunder the rest of the way. The only trouble I had with the windows down was trying to keep my hair out of my face. I stuck a fabric headband in the car for this specific purpose, however, and utilized my sunglasses as a tool as well, seeing as it was overcast the whole time and I didn't need them much. The hair kept coming around the sides and getting in my eyes. Very annoying. I put the windows up so I could call my mom and let her know that I got to Tally safely. It was about 15 mins before I actually arrived at my sister's, but it's close enough. I saw the nest on top of my head and that should have sounded alarm bells, but it didn't. See, I am still figuring out this long hair situation. I have no idea the extent to the trials of it. I have encountered quite a few already, but nothing like this. I ran my hand though my hair and it got stuck. Yank - OOOOOWWWW!!!!! Same thing on the other side. OUUUUUCCCCHHHH! Try 15 minutes of this, and it wasn't even a brush! The rest of the way there I was trying to get the nest turned back into twigs and straw. It. Was. Awful. Then after I'd been there awhile I decided to take the brush though it - HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL THAT HURTS!!!!! I THOUGHT I GOT ALL THE KNOTS OUT ALREADY! WAAAAAAHHHHH!!!! My niece was watching me brush my hair - I had her sitting on the counter and she was employed with her favorite activity, playing with bottles and tubes of things! - so I tried not to scream. Ugh! It was so awful, really you have no idea. I am new to this hair thing. I knew I needed something to keep my hair out of my face, but I had no idea the pain involved with after the hair had been wind-blown for 2 hours. For cryin' out loud, why am I trying to let it grow out again???? Oh yeah, I like the look of it, I am not married to short hair, and the guys notice constantly. Oh brother.
So is it even worth riding with the windows open??? Do I wear a visor or a hat? Because really I didn't even keep the hair out of my face all that well. I really don't know what I will do next time I ride with the windows down.
I was going to tell you about my niece a little while ago. When I was here around my bday, she was saying some words. She had just started doing the thing where you ask her if she can say something, and she'd do it. Sometimes it didn't sound anything like what you asked her, but it was cute because you knew she was trying. She was able to say animal sounds too, which was mega-adorable. THIS time, however, I noticed the difference before I even got here. On the phone with my sis to tell her how far away I was, we were about to say goodbye, and River's in the background going "Bye bye! Bye bye!" Last time she just said, "Bah-bah." Denise said that when she told River that Aunt Nettie was coming, she kept looking around saying, "Nettie? Net Net Nettie?" Over and over again she was looking for me. Of course when she got up from nap she was a little shy. It lasted all of 10-15 minutes. So she says pretty much everything you say now, like the last word of whatever you just said. She says "Yucky yucky," "Messy, messy," and "Stinky stinky." Also she says "cook cook" when she is helping mommy cook, and then she always adds please to everything. If she want's to help mommy add cheese to dinner when she is cooking she says, "Cheese please." And if she needs help with anything she says, "Help please." Also "Outside please", and "Down please." Such a polite little dear! I can't get over how much language she's acquired since I was here last! When I read a book to her she doesn't wait for me to ask her what the animal is and what sound it says. I was reading her Eric Carle's "The Very Busy Spider," and it was a brand new book I brought her today. She saw the picture of the horse and immediately said, "Neigh neigh." And the same with the pig, duck, and cat! I was so delighted I wanted to cry! So cute and precious!
I am really excited for Friday- I might take River all by myself to the junior museum! I told my Sis that I'd like to take her on an excursion, thinking about the park or mall, and she suggested the museum. I don't know what all they have there, but apparently during the day there are animals there, which will make River so happy! Tomorrow we are going swimming with some friends of Denise's and River's and then to lunch with some other friends. Saturday hopefully Mommy and Daddy will go on a date, so more Aunt Nettie and River time!
I just love that little girl, and that I get to have so much time with her. She is a real treasure and blesses the whole family.
Hopefully more later in the week! Check facebook for photos!