A splashin' good time

Lucas made it up to Cincinnati this past weekend for his first pool party and everyone had a blast! We brought out the "baby pool" to protect Lucas from the massive splashes and jumping his cousins enjoy, but he'll be ready to dive in by next summer!

If it fits, I sits

The girls had fun seeing if they could still fit in the bassinet that was returned after being on loan to baby Lucas ...

Big wheels

After determining she was "too big" for her tricycle, Anna moved up in the world of wheel transportation and now rides in style a la Minnie Mouse. She's got a long way to go and I have a feeling that by next summer she'll have the mix of confidence and physical strength she needs to really go places. For now she's peddling along slowly and looking pretty dang cute in the process.

Little Mommies

Stuffed fun

I'd say the girls have fun with Daddy when Mommy is away : )

Wordless Wednesday

Who needs toys when you have chairs?

This little Miss will entertain herself for minutes (the same as hours in adult time) outside with these chairs ... remind me again why I buy her toys??

Days of the week

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands

Letter to Charlotte: Month seventeen

Dear Charlotte,

How is it that you’re already seventeen month old and will celebrate your half birthday next month!? We’ve had a busy and fun month and you keep growing more and more each day, and if it’s possible, you seem to get sweeter, too. I think back to what Anna was doing at this age and wonder how I did it while I was pregnant with you; you are a mover and a shaker! I know part of the reason you’re into what seems like more is that you have more to get into and an older sister whose footsteps you’re following, literally and figuratively.

You’ve turned into a total busy-body and are into everything! I forgot how duplicative this stage is; meaning that pretty much anything I do that’s in your arms’ reach I do twice. I can’t tell you how many times you’ve emptied the bottom drawers of your or Anna’s dresser, emptied an entire box of tissues or pulled out an entire shelf of books; in less than a minute. You’re also a bit of a daredevil and seem to give us a run for our money when it comes to exactly what you think you can do physically. You love to climb up, crawl through, and maneuver toys three times your size. You love to move things, anything, and I’m not sure what to make of the obsession, but it’s hilarious to watch you wield a stool or a small chair, or a box that’s definitely too heavy for you to carry around the house. You have the typical insatiable curiosity of a toddler and although it can be exhausting, it’s amazing to watch you explore your world and see those little wheels turning in your head.

You’re obsessed with blankets and don’t care that it’s the middle of summer, you need your nigh-ney, and you need it NOW. You’re an equal opportunity nigh-ney girl and although that means we’re not worried about losing your favorite one, it also means that you want any and all blankets you see. Much to Anna’s chagrin, this often happens when she’s using one to snuggle on the couch. You’ll go mobile with a blanket once you’ve got a good grip and we seem to find them all over the house after you’re in bed.

You are still a big Mommy’s girl and perfected saying just that this month. You have a way about adding a slight whine to the word that could melt anyone’s heart. Coupled with the fact that you now walk up to me, tug on my shorts, and use your best pathetic tone to say “Mommy, up,” I pretty much get nothing done when you’re around; which isn’t a bad thing at all because I love your snuggles. You’re a Daddy’s girl too and you two have a very special bond. You love to wave to Daddy as he mows the grass and LOVE to stand at the back door and repeat “HI!!” to him as he grills on the patio. You love how Daddy is rough and tumble and can throw you high into the air and you really like going on scooter rides around the neighborhood with him now that you think you’re a “big girl.”

You are loving summer! You ask to go on a “walk” every night, are perfecting the word “outside,” and I’m pretty sure you’d live outdoors if you could. By “walk” you mean being pushed in your little red car and you’re content to take in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood while being pushed around for as long as we’ll walk. Anna loves to get in on the action and take a turn and the only thing that will get you out is a barking dog (you love puppies, but now when it appears they’re barking toward you). You also love bubbles, balls and sidewalk chalk when you’re outside and never miss a chance to pet a puppy as they walk past.

Developmentally you’re close to being done with teeth as you cut your final two this month. You’re ahead of schedule in that regard and I couldn’t be happier as you’ve had a rough go of it with teething, seeming to get 2-4 at one time and a case of the fussies. You’re a smart girl and remember everything! You’re also smart enough to start with the girly-drama and recently put on a hilarious show of fake crying when I wouldn’t let you walk down the stairs standing up. You’ve come into your own at school and are now one of the older kids in yoru class, which means you’ll move to a new room in about a month. I’m anticipating a tough transition because you love your teachers, especially Ms. Denise. And she loves you back! Most days you’re glued to her hip and she’s more than happy to oblige the extra snuggles. You do really well at daycare, sometimes better than at home when it comes to eating; and you have no problem taking killer naps while you’re there.

You’re sweet on just about everyone you come into contact with and that’s the first thing everyone notices about you, your sweet and gentle nature. There’s nothing more heart-warming than your little head resting on my shoulder, and you have a way about grabbing the back of my arm with you little hand, just so, in kind of a pat, kind of a grab, to let me know that you’re looking to be comforted. I hope that you always feel safe in my arms and although I know that you’ll cry on the shoulders of others, I feel honored that I’m the one wiping your tears and enjoying the privilege of your embraces right now.

Love,

Mom

Cousin love

The girls had a great time playing with Lucas a few weekends ago and it will be a game-changer for everyone when he's up and running, literally! Such a sweet little peanut!

Snug as two bugs in a rug

The girls always have a lot of fun when Daddy's on the clock, especially on Saturday mornings while Mommy gets her long run in. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, I love seeing the pictures while I'm away!

Snug as two bugs in a rug, watching a little Sesame Street!

Maxin' and relaxin'!

Where's Charlotte??

There she is!!

Picture pages

I spent some time last week getting our long-lost Shutterfly share site update with pictures, organized by month. Check it out if you're interested in a walk down memory lane! Any picture you like is available to order through Shutterfly and if you need the electronic file, let me know and I can send along.

I realized that I'd been on top of uploading monthly until Anna was about 16 months old, hmmmm, not sure why I got busy then, it's not like I was pregnant with a second child and waddling after a rambunctious a toddler or anything ; ) I could have posted 1,000 pictures, but here are a few of my immediate faves when I look back over 16+ months : )

Click here to view the site, and you can always find a link on the right-hand side of the blog's home page under "Want more?".