Washburn World

Falling and Jumping

2012-02-08T20:35:00.001-07:00

Just some more fun from our snow day. Have I told you how funny these girls are?

Surprise!

2012-02-03T19:58:00.001-07:00

When we woke up this morning, we were all very excited to find lots and lots of “deep, deep snow” to play in. (Well, except for Johnny who had to drive home from work in it and then in again tonight.) We had a great snow day, a little unexpected time off to have some fun. So, in between the time we shoveled, played with Haley dog outside, shoveled again, watched a movie, and shoveled one more time, we did this…

Kinsley worked on her new found legs. She’s all of a sudden decided that these get-away sticks (as Johnny calls them) are actually pretty cool. She pushed that baby doll stroller across the basement a lot tonight.

Myla worked on her hula hoop skills in between taking her turn with the stroller, running around like a crazy girl and tackling her daddy. She’s actually got the technique down, maybe with a smaller hoop she might actually do it.

Sock Show

2012-01-22T21:05:00.001-07:00

On Friday, we heard a commercial for the stock show on the radio, and Myla said “mommy, we haven’t been to the sock show yet today!” And so yesterday, we went with my mom to see the stock show. (Its funny, my parents didn’t take us growing up, but Myla’s been two years in a row!) We saw all the stock show animals you could see – horses up close and even in the shower, cows getting a blow dry, sheep, buffalo, yak – even a fuzzy foot chicken. Kinsley hung out in the backpack, but did focus in on the horses doing the agility track. Myla went into the petting zoo part and feed the animals grass. I think that was her favorite part. She had a really great time and I’m sure it will become a tradition.

Kinsley passed 11 months old today. Its crazy how fast this (almost) year has flown. I swear to you, yesterday the light bulb went off and she can pull herself up to standing just about anywhere – even Myla’s sleeve. She even will get her feet moving around enough to walk around the furniture. She’s pointing at things and babbling away. Still only those two little teeth on the bottom, but my guess is we are on the verge of some more. I switched out her clothes today to 12 month clothes. Kinsley helped so much by throwing around the too small clothes all over from my separated piles. She’s so much fun and yesterday she was having such a great time with her little feet just kicking away.

Today, Myla was so excited to get out “valentimes” day stuff and put it up around the house, chattering away about each thing. And Kinsley scooted around after her saying “ba ba ba.” It was the best soundtrack to the day.

On the Move!

2012-01-16T17:48:00.003-07:00

She’s figured it out – Kinsley is mobile! She decided that you didn’t need to put your feet behind you to crawl, how else do you get back on your bum when you want to sit? No, no, this is the way.

She's pretty fast too. When I came home the other day, she peeked around the corner and said, "eee!" (which I translated to "mommy!") and she came scooting around the corner to me. It was very sweet.

For Christmas, my brother and sister got us a family pass to the zoo. So on Saturday, because it was 60 and we could, we packed up the wagon and went to see half of the zoo. (Because we can come back anytime to see the other half.) Myla had a lot of fun splashing in the puddles and every time we would see an animal, she would say, "okay mom, lets go find some more animals." She really wanted to see the elephants, but they have moved them to a new spot on the zoo and it isn't open yet. But we had a great time visiting the other animals - except the lion, which was pacing in front of the window and scared the girls.

Tonight we have a fire going and have enjoyed the day off to be together. And here comes my scooter to see me.

Only here

2011-12-29T21:03:00.001-07:00

Christmas Day was everything we hoped it would be. Myla couldn’t wait for us to come downstairs, and came herself. She climbed up on the chair arm and glanced in her stocking. Her eyes got wide and she said “Santa did come!” Both the girls got bean bag chairs, which in the past few days have been everything from a train to a boat. They got all sorts of wonderful toys that they haven’t stopped playing with. In fact, I bet you didn’t know, Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem on Santa’s train. Well, they traveled to the kitchen tonight anyway.

Today, I got off work early so that I could spend some more time with the girls while Johnny slept. Last Thursday, we got, oh, eight inches of snow. And today, we did this.

The park was still pretty covered in snow on the ground, but the slide, swings and climbing places were clear and dry. And since it was almost 60 outside, we took full advantage before the wind drove us inside. It was a nice change of scenery, and – I don’t know if you can tell from the pictures – a pretty good time.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T05:00:00.001-07:00

May your day be merry and bright!

Ten months old!

2011-12-23T11:16:00.001-07:00

This crazy girl is now ten months old. And she is crazy! Kinsley has become a master scooter on her bum and still occasionally finds herself on her stomach – a position that she does not enjoy. She’ll go backwards in the position for awhile until you look at her and then she remembers that she isn’t supposed to like it and fusses. She is very ticklish and smiley. Sometimes it sounds like she is saying real words or asking us questions about what she’s found. We did an official weigh-in on the home scale and she’s about 20 pounds of craziness!

Myla had been fighting another – or the same? – cold again and has found herself kind of tired. She was much better yesterday and had a great time at Witulski Christmas dinner. Myla loves to count things and read our Christmas books. Yesterday, she got to play in the “deep, deep, DEEP” snow we got overnight. We’ve been counting down the days to Christmas and every day she tells me that its almost time. I almost dread the day after Christmas when we don’t have a star to move or an elf to search for. I’ve been racking my brains trying to come up with something to keep the Christmas spirit within her for longer.

Myla has also been… imaginating. Here’s what I found after putting Kinsley down for a nap this morning (yes dad, she does nap, sometimes…)

All the drawers and cupboards in my kitchen – and bathroom open. And do you know what was in them?

Ducks. 18 of them, actually. All in the “whale’s belly.” I couldn’t help but laugh.

Lights and more lights

2011-12-08T20:45:00.001-07:00

Myla has been so much fun this Christmas season. She loves all the lights up on people’s houses and we will be driving down the street and she’ll say “look mama, more lights!” She tries her hardest to get Kinsley to look out the window at them too, but Kinsley just looks at her when she tells her to look and see. We got to go with A2 to zoo lights on a special night and she had a great time. She’s still talking about all the lights we saw and the merry-go-round we rode and “remember mama, when we went to the lights at the zoo last day?”

We finally got our tree up and decorated and that was a lot of fun too. Myla was going through her ornaments and saying “ohhh!” or “ah-ha-ha!” She has a few that she takes on and off to play with but her favorite thing by far is to turn on the lights. Kinsley likes to sit and look at the tree. She’s not quite mobile yet, but is quickly becoming a master at backwards. In time, she’ll figure out that its not so bad to go backwards if you can control where you’re going. Right now, she just gets backed up into something and gets frustrated.

We’re having a lot of fun seeing Christmas through our little one’s eyes. Everything is almost done – except for Kinsley’s stocking, which was destroyed by our obviously unloved dog. So, I am starting from scratch with the goal that it will be done in time for Santa to fill it. I will get back to that now – leaving you with a couple more pictures of tree decorating…

November come and gone

2011-11-27T09:30:00.001-07:00

Sorry I’ve been bad about updating you this month. You see, I’ve procrastinated big time and have spend every night I can finishing a project and therefore neglecting other things, like the blog… or dishes… or folding laundry… Anyway, here is an update of our month.

Kinsley is now nine months old and right on the verge of becoming mobile. She just has to get that other leg out from under her and figure out how to move forward and she’s a goner. She is really good at eating just about anything that we put on her tray and loves apples and cheese. She visited the doctor and checks in this month at 21 1/2 pounds and 27 inches long. She’s a big talker and loves to tell you all about it. She’s also got a bit of a mischievous side and goes for Myla’s hair when she isn’t paying attention and pull it. She thinks its so funny and laughs! Myla is not such a fan.

Speaking of Myla, she has been busy too. She’s had a couple of fun days in preschool – a feast and a field trip – and continues to bring home lots of interesting facts. She’s discovered the space under her bed is a great place to hide, or to hide things, and sometimes will dive under there right before you walk in the room – the only indication is the skirt blowing in the breeze. She’s been fighting a cold for about a week now, but I think she’s finally getting better.

Other than that, our days have been filled with…

Picnics by the fire and

Making peppernuts – a Witulski family Christmas tradition

In other words – making memories.

Trick or treat!

2011-11-02T19:41:00.001-06:00

Myla had the best time with Halloween this year. She’s been saying all month that she wanted to be a pink flamingo and when she woke up on Halloween, there was no fussing about putting on her costume – finally! She spent the whole day leaving little pink feathers everywhere she went. But she loved it. We hit a few houses for trick-or-treating too. Every door we went to, she would hold out her bucket but never said trick-or-treat. And then we would walk away and she would tell me “lets go to another house for trick-or-treats!” I think her favorite time though was helping to hand out the candy to other kids. Every time the doorbell would ring she would run to give out candy.

Kinsley got the cutest little witch socks from my mom and so she went as a good witch. Of which, I have no pictures. (Bad mom!) But, it was a simple tutu type skirt and of course the socks. She didn’t really get what was going on, but she liked to watch the pink flamingo go. I think next year she will have a great time. Especially if she still thinks Myla is that much fun to watch.

We all enjoyed the warm Halloween and then prepared to hunker down for the latest snow. And then, we did this…

Is there anything better than warming your feet by the fire after playing in the snow? Nay, I say. Man, I missed having a fireplace.

4 years old!

2011-10-30T07:59:00.001-06:00

There she is – our four year old! Its amazing how much she has grown. Her arm now is as long as her whole body was when she was born! She had a great day – we went swimming at an indoor pool for a good hour. She loved floating on her back in the water – which had a definite current – and then pulling herself back along the wall. We went for a wagon ride and then had pizza for dinner.

We had a party for her the night before with all the fixin’s – balloons, cake with frosting, candles, party hats and, oh yeah, presents. She chose white cake with pink frosting. She won’t tell me what she wished for when she blew out the candles. She got lots of cards and phone calls and felt very special all day.

The next day, it snowed! It was the perfect way (to Myla) to wrap up a birthday weekend. She got to make footprints, a snow penguin and a snow ball. She really had fun this year in the first snow. Then we had to go to the doctor. Official stats for 4 years old – 35 1/2 inches tall (almost three feet) and 26 pounds 10 ounces. (I tell you what, some days I think Kinsley is already at 26 pounds.)

I admit, I got emotional on her birthday. She is so smart and sweet and fun. Its hard to imagine that just one fraction the other way… But here she is. Four years old. And very excited to be so. I can’t wait to see what this year will bring for her.

Eight months

2011-10-23T20:46:00.001-06:00

Kinsley has passed the eight month mark and there is no shortage of smiles and joy from this girl. She’s very happy – most of the time – and loves to sit and talk to you. She’s very into bouncing up and down right now and has discovered the “b” sound. Or maybe it’s the “p” sound. She also throws around the “m” sound and sometimes gets pretty close to mama even though I don’t think that’s really what she’s saying. Kinsley also loves to have round toys set on her head so she can grab them off; she loves to look at pictures and sometimes talk to them; she loves to scream and screech when you’re not paying enough attention to her. More than anything though, this girl loves to be with the action – in the kitchen while we’re making dinner, in the family room with Myla dancing, even going out to the mailbox – she wants to be there. She's also sprouted two teeth in that little mouth and has a great time running her tongue over them. I think she's even getting some more in there, judging by the fussiness we've encountered sometimes.

We are so smitten with these girls. They make our days so much brighter. We’ve been spoiled!

Buried

2011-10-17T20:52:00.001-06:00

Where’s Myla?

Oh, there she is! And Kinsley too! Of course, Myla had a big hand in the pillow fortress since Kinsley mostly just sits there, unless she gets gutsy and throws a toy behind her and then tries to retrieve it but ends up on her tummy or her back and that’s no good. She seems more interested in trying to stand by herself than crawling. She can almost get up right if her legs push and her arms pull in unison. Sometimes she gets really ambitious and spreads her legs really wide to get a toy that’s just that a touch too far away. She’ll conquer that.

I don’t think there is anything Myla can’t do. She loves to help with everything which requires a lot of creative thinking on our part to include her as much as we can. She helped me take the back panel off an old LCD TV I’m fixing even though her job was mostly pretending to take out the machine bolts and then put them back in….She has an amazing imagination. I love hanging out with my girls during the week for a couple days! We go to the pet store, a.k.a mini-zoo, and the play park and other stores sometimes. But we also play at home. Myla helped me plant an acorn in a pot so we can grow a tree someday, if it takes.

Kinsley and Myla giggle and talk together everywhere we are. It’s so sweet, they seem to love each other a lot.

My New Favorite Halloween Decoration

2011-10-12T20:14:00.001-06:00

Glenwood Springs

2011-10-07T19:40:00.001-06:00

Last weekend, we took a couple of days off and took the girls on a little family vacation to Glenwood Springs.

Myla didn’t really understand what was going on until we got there, she just knew that we were in the car for a long time. Of course, duck had to come with us. Kinsley… well, lets just say Kinsley didn’t notice.

First stop when we got there – the swimming park. Inside the hotel. There was a big and small waterslide, a rain tree and a water basketball hoop. Myla was in heaven. We went swimming all three days. On the last day, she went down the big waterslide with her daddy and loved it so much, they did it again, and again, and again, and…

Kinsley got in on the waterslide action too but had a better time just sitting and watching and babysitting the duck while Myla swam. She kicked some and we swam around the pool for a bit chasing Johnny.

The next day we went up the gondola to Iron Mountain and visited the sights. Myla and Johnny went on the alpine slide and even went pretty fast, I’m told.

Kinsley and I made record time in the human maze – 8 minutes! – and we had lunch with an amazing view of the valley.

We did a little hike that afternoon up to Doc Holliday’s grave marker. Myla did a good job keeping our pockets full of “secret buried treasure” on the way up.

We had a really great time, but the girls were glad to be back in their own beds. We made lots of great memories and enjoyed being able to just play. Thanks Glenwood Springs!

7 months now

2011-09-25T20:33:00.001-06:00

Kinsley changes so much every day, its good that I’m (trying) to capture these month-iversaries. Seven months old now and all of a sudden she has a neck. And its very ticklish. She does this funny breathless laugh when she’s happy, or excited – especially if it’s a bottle headed toward that eternally hungry mouth. She loves to do action songs – like patty cake, or head/shoulders/knees and toes, or the itsty bitsy spider. Her favorite thing is still to watch Myla and I think that sometimes she tries to get her attention in the car so that she can see her. Just in the past few days, she’s started to lunge off to the side, another hint that she’s going to be off and running, okay, crawling soon.

Myla and I went to see a children’s production of Alice in Wonderland on Saturday. There were a few parts right in the middle when she said she wanted to leave, but I’m glad we didn’t, because when we left, she thought it was so great, “mommy, I loved seeing Alice with you.” Ahh, it could melt the hardest heart. Today, she was the white rabbit, running around the house saying, I’m late, I’m late! But tonight, we were pirates matey, sailing on the seventies (seven seas) and looking for treasure. The rest of the time, she spends jumping and stomping so she can become taller in time for Halloween.

Oh how these two melt our hearts!

Ambition

2011-09-20T19:53:00.001-06:00

The weather can’t decide what its doing – 80, 60, 80, 60 – but we don’t mind. It gives us a chance to explore and learn new things. Who has more ambition - Johnny to try and teach Myla checkers, or her to want to learn? Myla’s little sponge has grown since she started school, even though she takes a while to tell us what she learned. They have been focusing on shapes and colors this month and she’s had a lot of fun going. She’s also wasted no time in getting a cold which forced her to miss a day or two, but she’s loving it. She’s also been going to gymnastics every week and today she was so excited to tell me what she did, I couldn’t believe it. I think the whole month has made her grow so much.

Kinsley has been using her own ambition in lunging forward after a toy or a Myla or a kitty. Still not rolling over, and she can’t quite figure out how she got on her tummy once she gets what she wants. This little action makes me think she’s not going to bother with the whole rolling thing – let’s get straight to crawling! She’s not yet, but will in no time I’m afraid. She too caught Myla’s cold but she’s been doing better a little every day. No teeth, but she’s not letting that stop her – the basic baby food, or a little bit of biscuit, or cheese, or puffs. She watches the spoon go to our mouths and sometimes smacks her lips. She’s ready!

We celebrated Johnny’s birthday this week with some cherry cheesecake and time with his girls. They think he’s pretty awesome – and he’s a little smitten too!

A Ducky Day

2011-09-05T07:45:00.001-06:00

Anyone who knows Myla – even maybe in passing – knows that she is a lover of ducks. I’m not sure how she became such a collector, but she has ducks of every kind and sometimes they like to come with us as we travel. So when my sister told me that there is a rubber duck race in Breckenridge, it was a no brainer – Myla had to see it. The treck up the mountain took a little longer than expected due to traffic (holiday weekend, who knew?) but once we got there, she was in duck heaven.

We met my parents and watched a smaller race first. They threw out some ducks of which Myla got three new ones – they came to dinner with us – and then we moved a little up river. When the big race (like 5,000 ducks) got to where we were, she could not believe how many ducks there were. “A waterfall of ducks!” “So many ducks, I don’t know how they will catch them all!” “There were five ducks mommy!” She even got in on the action to throw some of them back into the main stream after they got stuck. She played in the water and with ducks and was soaked and happy.

Preemie Reunion 2011

2011-09-01T21:00:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday was the annual preemie reunion at the hospital. They had a cowboy and cowgirl theme this year with face painting and games and a stick horse race. Myla won – what else – the duck you see in the picture by catching ducks in the pond. She had a good time I think. There weren’t as many of the nurses there as we have seen in the past, but the few that we did see thought she looked beautiful in her blue jean dress and asked if she was having fun being a big sister. She was mostly shy, but gave her little smiles that let them know she was good. Unless you asked about the ice cream face paint she got – now that was a big deal.

Kinsley has moved on from just milk and cereal to scarfing down vegetables. She didn’t flinch when she first tried green beans or make the slightest face with peas like Myla did. Some of the time, she gets very upset when she eats it all gone, like she wants more. Tonight, she worked on the whole hand-eye thing with some cheerios from her tray. Most of them got fed to the dog, but there were a few that made it into her mouth.

We are excited for the long weekend ahead. Its always nice when I get to turn off my alarm and get up at 6:30 instead of 5:00. Man, I remember when I used to be able to go till 8:00. Maybe I’ll ask for that for my birthday…

First day of preschool (!?)

2011-08-22T20:30:00.001-06:00

Myla went to her first day of preschool today. She has two very nice teachers who sang songs with her and read her books (I hear “The Flying School Bus” was her favorite) and lots of friends for her to meet. There was a little boy there who came as Spiderman and she asked what he was doing. I said that maybe he was scared of going to preschool and she said “but preschool isn’t scary.” She did very well and liked it enough that she wants to go back on Wednesday.

Mommy, on the other hand, did not do so well. I had heard that you will cry the first day you send your kid to school, but I didn’t know that it would also feel like someone had kicked you in the gut. Even if she is only there for only two hours. I just can’t believe that she’s old enough to be there. I can’t believe that my little, tiny baby is so big. So yes, I cried all the way home and my heart leaped when she came running to me when I picked her up. I told Kinsley it was a good thing that Myla was going to school so she could teach her little sister everything and I wouldn’t have to go through the whole thing again.

6 months old

2011-08-22T20:18:00.001-06:00

Today, Ms. Kinsley is six months old – a very fun age to be I assume. She’s loving all the new found “freedom” she has with the whole sitting up stuff and is getting really good at her hand-eye-mouth coordination. Pretty much if you hand it to her, its in her mouth. And slobbered on because this girl does not stop drooling! She’s very happy and smiley and loves to play with her big sister – they play catch (with a little help), they play chase around the house (again, with help) and Kinsley will laugh and laugh because its so much fun. She is a big fan of oatmeal and mixed grain is not so bad, but no rice, thank you very much. Next on the menu, veggies. Kinsley also got a big girl car seat this weekend that is taking a little getting used to but it gives her more room.

We went to the doctor today and he thought she was a pretty funny baby. She isn’t rolling over, but she is sitting up – “a little backwards kiddo.” She weighed in at 17 pounds 8.25 ounces and measured 26 1/4 inches long – definitely has her daddy’s genes. She’ll catch Myla in no time. The doctor thought she looked great and was doing fine and that’s always nice to hear.

A fiesta!

2011-08-21T20:45:00.001-06:00

This weekend was the annual fiesta with my family and another that have been friends forever. The girls put on their best fiesta dresses and spent the evening swinging in the hammock and playing with new friends. Myla made a killing when the piñata broke and carried around her bubbles, rubber frog, bracelet and necklace all morning today. Kinsley had a fun playing and smiling right at the center of it all.

Today, we had some fun playing at A2’s in the pool. Myla got an intertube and is truly fearless in the water now. She was having the best time kicking and jumping off the ledge. Kinsley had fun chasing her every once-in-a-while and did her own fair share of kicking. Tonight, Myla pushed her little sister in the swing at my parents house and they both gave good smiles and giggles. I think they are good friends.

We also had fun this week when our framily the Tessems came out en route to Utah. It was nice to see the whole family this time and Myla had a great time with the other two girls. Of course, it was such a whirlwind when the three girls came running through the house that I didn’t get any pictures of it, but trust me, they had a blast!

A Ballet

2011-08-04T20:12:00.002-06:00

Kinsley is not a really good napper. She sometimes takes a really long one in the morning, but usually during the day, she takes half hour power naps. Occasionally we can sneak in 45 minutes. My mom tells me that my sister was the same way – too much to do and too much big sister to watch. And so, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you a ballet called “If you do or if you don’t” featuring big sister Myla.

I know that its a little long, but my favorite part is at about 1:40. Its pure magic and music to my ears.

Five months gone!?

2011-07-27T20:59:00.001-06:00

We were talking the other night at how amazing it is that a little over five months ago, this sweet, talkative, smiley girl was still inside of mommy. The months have flown by! These days, Kinsley is working on sitting up and getting stronger everyday. She’s also discovered her toes and find they make a fun popping sound when you suck on them and then pull them out of your mouth. And she loves to talk to Myla and watch her do just about anything. She’d really love to go running around with her you can tell by the way she gets her legs going in the bouncer. Myla calls it “dancing.” She just loves to be where she can see everyone and everything. And we are totally in love with her smile and little giggle – she’s a joy.

A couple of mornings lately, I will come downstairs to find Myla asleep on the couch. She’s in her bed when Johnny gets home from work, but somewhere between there and the time that I get up with Kinsley, she moves down and falls asleep. She never really tells me what makes her do this – if she has a bad dream or comes downstairs looking for us and decides to wait and just falls asleep – I’m not sure. She’s pretty cute though. We’ve been having lots of fun at a new fountain/spray park I was recommended to and in her pool. She’s also been singing a lot and telling us all sorts of stories – mostly along the lines of Alice in Wonderland, her new favorite movie. She could watch it over and over if we let her. Tonight, I think I heard her saying the lines along with it. But the first time she curtsies and says “your maaajesty” to me….

A Tale of Two Days

2011-07-13T20:19:00.001-06:00

On Saturday, the girls and I ran a couple of errands in the morning and because Myla was so good for me in the store, we went to a “playpark.” It’s a nice one that’s a little drive from our house, but I like that the equipment isn’t run down and the sand isn’t like rock. Myla likes it because it has this awesome slide that is rollers and she giggles all the way down. She could run in a circle up to the slide and down it more times than you can count.

In the afternoon, the crazy rain storms came again and Myla was bummed because she couldn’t play in the pool. So, she put on her raincoat instead and splashed in the puddles. She had a great time running through the puddles, splashing the water off the table and catching rain drops on her tongue. In fact, the raincoat didn’t really help all that much since her clothes were still wet when she came in.

And Kinsley thought, “what a silly big sister I have. Mom, when can I go play with her?”

Happy Fourth!

2011-07-04T10:04:00.001-06:00

Four months old

2011-06-26T08:22:00.001-06:00

Kinsley at four months old is so much fun. She’s so attentive and loves to see what’s going on. She prefers facing forward, whether you’re carrying her, in the back pack or in the stroller. She’d rather face forward in the car too, but we all know that isn’t going to happen for awhile yet. Speaking of car seats… we went to the doctor on Wednesday and our little one is not so little! She’s 13 pounds 7.5 ounces and 24 inches long! (42nd percentile for height and 48th percentile for weight. I include these because I was never on “the charts” growing up and Myla was in the negative 3rd percentile at her last check. Amazing!) Kinsley’s almost out of the car seat we have! She’s a happy girl most of the time and wakes up talking and chattering in her crib in the mornings. She is a talker and I told her today that no one will say “she doesn’t have to talk, her sister does it all for her” because, let me tell you, this girl makes sure her opinion is known! The doctor said she looks great.

Myla has adjusted well to being a big sister and only has a few moments when she really wants you to pay attention to her. She’s amazing in her own right and has started to really want to do crafts and cut and paste – more than your usual coloring. I’ve got out my fun scissors and she will sit and cut construction paper with them for 10 minutes. I think we’re going to put her in a preschool program this fall so that she can learn even more fun things. She loves to do just that and I think it will be good for her. But until then, we’re going to bug her daddy to get that swimming pool up. July is almost here and we want to play!

Growing too fast

2011-06-18T19:53:00.002-06:00

Today, the girls and I just hung around the house and had fun together. We didn’t do anything really special except to show off how fast we are growing. Kinsley, even though she can’t really even sit up yet, decided that she was tired of kicking on her mat and pulled the little arch down with her feet. So, I put her in the activity center/bouncer we have and she loved it. She couldn’t spin the seat, but she had her feet on the floor and her hands up playing with the frog. Every once in a while she would hit the keys that make it play a song and watch the flashing lights out of the corner of her eye. I can’t believe how big she is – four months on Wednesday! Check in with the doctor coming – he’s going to be amazed I think.

Myla keeps throwing out these sentences that amaze me. She’s always telling me stories in the most age 6 type of way. But she also says things that make me giggle – like, “when I was a mommy, I used to sleep in a big bed too.” Or, my favorite, “when I was a deer, I would kick letters too.” (A deer is kicking a word in one of her books.) She’s been busy doing a couple of gymnastics classes and today we went swimming at A2’s pool. But most of all, she loves to imaginate, and today we took “bunnies” to the “farm” to see the giraffe. You should come sometime.

Day at the Fountain

2011-06-08T19:19:00.003-06:00

Summer made a house call this week – as we heard happened with most of the nation. Not one to sit home or still for that matter, Myla has very much wanted to be out doing something. Johnny decided to pack a picnic dinner and we headed out to a fountain after work. It was busy with kids having fun in the water and after a while, Myla got into it too, running around under the arches laughing. She did her best to splash Johnny too but ended up just getting lots of water in the face. Kinsley enjoyed it too - Too hot for a baby? Just enough white noise from the fountain? Who knows. She did wake up for a little bit and kick on the blanket until Myla got too cold from the water and it was time to go home. On the way home (with Kinsley screaming because “hey-wait a minute, I’m hungry!”) Myla asked to go to another fountain, one that was more “kid sized.” Guess I’ll have to be on the lookout for that!

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T20:52:00.001-06:00

We were very busy this weekend celebrating Memorial Day. On Saturday, Myla, Kinsley and I joined A2 and my parents for the parade downtown. Myla had a great time waving to all the cars that went by, but she kind of lost interest when she got a sucker. On Sunday we had a BBQ with the family over at our house to celebrate Memorial Day and to spend time together. Myla had the best time playing hide and go seek with Mam-mam and taking “walks” around the back yard.

Today we took advantage of the warm weather and the day off together and headed out to do some hiking. We’ve talked about taking Myla out for a while and when I found this hike/trail that was deemed easy, we decided that we could totally do that. It was an easy drive and once we loaded up, we were off to explore Castlewood Canyon. Myla did awesome and picked up rocks the whole time we were on the trail for her pockets, only to drop them back on the path when we were going back for lunch. I think her favorite part was the “rock steps” but she will tell you it was the puppies that we saw on the trail.

Kinsley did pretty well too, once we figured out that she did not want to face me in the backpack, but forwards so she could see. She chatted a lot and sucked on her fingers but did not like the wind that blew in her face. (But really, do any of us?) I was pleasantly surprised that she was so easy about it, makes me easier about doing another one.

Three months old!

2011-05-24T20:28:00.003-06:00

I just can’t believe how fast time flies as a parent. I’m sure my mom thought the same thing. Kinsley is now three months old (and a few days) and is so much fun. She loves to talk and coo and kick any time she can. I took her in the backpack/snuggli to walk the dog the other day and she was good right up until the end and then she wanted to be put down to kick. She’s been sleeping really well and is eating and eating. She lights up when I’m talking to her too, which makes me feel all sorts of special.

Myla has become very passionate about what we HAVE to do. If you say that you’re thinking about, oh, washing the dog, she says, “we HAVE to wash Haley-dog now.” And if you try to convince her otherwise, she will just keep saying it over and over. It can be frustrating but sometimes it’s a good exercise for us to come up with a way to do it anyway. (A baby wipe bath for the dog in this case.) She’s been a sweetheart too, hardly leaving our sides sometimes or snuggling with our hands at bedtime.

My best friend from North Carolina breezed through Denver last week and we got to spend some time together. It was so much fun to see her and it was like she was across the street again. Myla loved having her here too and had her reading books in no time. She was sad when she woke up in the morning and found “my friend” had left. So, it looks like you’ll just have to come back soon Kathleen!

Its getting warmer…

2011-05-09T20:24:00.002-06:00

As the days get warmer, we find ourselves with the constant begging “can we go outside?” So on Saturday, when it was so warm outside, we stopped after some errands and ventured out to the closest fountain. Myla was soaked. We didn’t have a towel or a change of clothes, but that’s okay. She had no problems walking around to dry off, or with leaving little Myla footprints showing where she’d been. But I think I will be stashing a towel in my car for the summer, just in case.

Our little ham is growing and changing every day. She’s really discovered her smile and sometimes I swear she is on the verge of giggling. She loves to lay on her mat and kick and talk, especially when Myla comes to talk. Today, when I got home, I asked Myla how her day was and she said, “mommy, did you say hello to my baby yet?” “Yes I did. How was your day?” “What are you doing little one? Mommy, I’m talking to Kinsley right now.” I never did find out what she did today…

Johnny has worked every day straight for over two weeks. He’s finally home tonight which means that Myla is back to fighting going to bed and Kinsley will probably wake up in the middle of the night. These girls sure love their daddy!

March for Babies

2011-05-05T12:24:00.004-06:00

Saturday, my sister, mom, Myla and I participated in our fourth March for Babies. It was a cold start with all of us bundled up, but by the end, the sun was out in full force and our coats were off. Last year it was a little rainy so the sun was a nice change for us. On the way to the walk, Myla wondered if Kinsley was going to walk with us and I said that it was a little cold for little babies. And she said "Kinsley is going to stay with Pop-pop because its too cold for little babies, ESPECIALLY my baby." Looking out for her little sister already.

Again this year, Myla walked across the finish line and got a sticker to replace her's from last year. (She wouldn't take the old one off - that was her baby walk sticker!) I think this year, she loved the cheerleaders and the yelling for her. She even gave some high-fives. And then we bounced in the bouncy castle. It was the perfect end for her. I was loving her smile and how much fun she was having. And then when we got home, I loved on Kinsley and again felt so thankful that we have two healthy girls that have heart-warming smiles and happy faces. On some of the shirts people had put pictures of their babies or had that they were walking for an angel and I was reminded of all we have and are thankful for. (We posted this in the thick of hospital things, but I think its still true, with, oh, about a million additions!)

Doctors and Dentists

2011-04-28T19:51:00.002-06:00

Kinsley had her two month check up on Friday and passed with flying colors. The doctor got to see her when she was really active and thought she looked really great. He was impressed with how strong she was and told us she was ready to flip over at any time! She weighed in at a whopping 9 1/2 pounds and 22 inches long! (I couldn’t help but check, and Myla was those measurements at her six month – three months adjusted - check-up. Which means Kinsley has a month lead, but they are pretty close!)

Myla had her first check in with the dentist today and got rave reviews. Johnny said she sat really still for the x-rays but once they went to put the chair down, she was having nothing of it. (She does that in the bath with us too, hates to lay down for some reason.) He said that with premature babies, the teeth get soft spots where the enamel didn’t harden and she has a few, but not too many. All in all, he thought her smile looked fantastic.

We are gearing up for our fourth March for Babies this weekend. Myla loves to “walk for babies” and she has been asking me, “but where ARE the babies mommy-zebra?” Last year, I was all emotional when we were there because it touches me so deeply. In fact, tonight I’m debating whether I want to watch Grey’s Anatomy or not (a guilty pleasure) because the previews are almost too much for me. Who knew after all this time and all that we have that it would still be so raw? I look at the Easter picture of these girls, my girls and am touched by the light in their eyes and their sweet faces. Amazing thing, this motherhood stuff. Crazy, amazing, overwhelming love.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T18:16:00.001-06:00

Thanks for the adorable outfits Nonnie!

Another chapter

2011-04-19T18:39:00.002-06:00

I can't believe that Kinsley is almost two months! Where has the time gone... (I saw this sign today "Time flies like arrows, fruit flies like bananas. He, he!) I started back to work on Monday and it sucked because I wanted to be home with my girls. I know they are fine and loved and blah, blah, blah but I still wanted to be home with them. Kinsley has been having some tummy troubles and I wanted to help her. But alas, twas not to be at this time. So, instead, we make the most of our evenings! Kinsley lays on her mat and talks up a storm. She loves to watch Myla and when she is fussy, she calms right down when her big sister is talking to her. Kinsley also knows when Myla is gone and it gets quiet - she'll start right back up with the fussing. A special sister bond I guess.

Myla has been (now, this is all from her mouth, I'm just the fingers) fishing in our backyard with her daddy and playing the guitar with her dad and planting seeds inside and watching them grow and having tea parties. She's very active and has a great imagination. Sometimes its hard to keep up with her and her imaginating! She loves to line up her stuffed animals too and make it hard to get in her room - sneaky little girl...

Spring has sprung!

2011-04-03T07:48:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was 80 degrees and Myla spent a lot of the day outside playing in the dirt - which isn't hard to do since most of our backyard is dirt. And sand. She was pretty much a mess but loved every minute. She chased the dog, threw balls, poured sand in and out of her bucket and occasionally came inside because her hands were dirty and she needed to wash them. Which I thought was funny because she went right back out and got them dirty again. Its the thought that counts I guess. (Just for the record, she did NOT play in the dirt in the pretty dress you see in the picture. That would have been a stupid-mom move!)

Kinsley is definitely growing. I was holding her yesterday and was keenly aware of how long she is. She fluctuates between newborn and 0-3 months clothes - okay, so she's still tiny compared to some. She spent some time outside yesterday too and loved to look up. At the clouds, the airplanes or just the contrast in the light, I'm not sure. She's found her voice though, and has started talking a lot when she's awake.

Myla thinks Kinsley is pretty cool and has been a big helper. Her favorite thing to do this week is hold the bottle for Kinsley or give her the pacifier. And she's always saying "hello little sister" or "that's Kinsley." Sometimes she calls her honey or sweetie or sweetheart. It makes me smile every time.

What do you think?

2011-03-26T20:23:00.003-06:00

Are they sisters or what?

Kinsley, 1 month old

Myla, 4 months (ok, 1 month adjusted)

One month!?

2011-03-24T12:53:00.005-06:00

I can't believe that one whole month has passed us by! Kinsley is doing just great, growing and getting bigger every day. She's even on a sort of schedule that includes a little longer sleep over night. One night she went six hours for me! She loves watching Myla and Myla loves watching her and together they have a pretty good time. Although, to be honest, nothing rivals the red pillows. They are an eye catcher for Kinsley and she loves to stare at them when she can.

Myla has been all about the back yard. She loves to be outside. It doesn't matter if we have 40 mph winds to her, as long as the sun is shining. Ok, even if its not. The other night, my brother came over to help out with an electrical problem and Myla wanted to show him and his girl her flower bulbs in the back yard. In the dark. If its a little chilly, out come the "fancy hat and glove-mittens." Whenever Myla comes home, she has to go "check on my baby" and likes to give her the pacifier, even if she doesn't need it.

I have been taking full advantage of nap times and the opportunity to be home to get some things done - like Myla and Kinsley's rooms and some things in the family room. Johnny has been having a great time with his drill and hammer - at least I think he is. We are all doing pretty good I think.

Is it possible?

2011-03-14T20:43:00.002-06:00

To be the best of friends two weeks in? That Kinsley is already half of Myla? To take a nap on the floor? That pink monkeys are the best animal to nap with? That pajama days really are the best? That sometimes, no matter what you're doing, laying down under a blanket with your family by your side is the best way to spend the day?

Finding the groove

2011-03-08T08:22:00.002-07:00

Things around the house have been slowly settling into a loose rhythm. We've been home a lot which is nice and stifling all at the same time. Since we've been home, Myla has been perfecting her skills on the computer. You should see her work that mouse... she loves to play Curious George games and has an ABC game she's pretty good at too. She continues to dote on her baby sister and loves to watch her, sometimes even distracting her long enough while we change a diaper. Every once in a while, she'll put her hand on Kinsley's head and say how cute she is. I think though that we have hit a period of adjustment for her too - she's a little more feisty than usual. But maybe that's good too. Myla also got one of the finishing touches in her room - a nice twin bed that makes her look so tiny. And yet so big at the same time.

Kinsley has been doing what two week old babies do and not letting the rest affect her much. She had a check in with the doctor yesterday and he thought she looked good. She's had a couple of rough nights but overall is a good little baby. She's becoming more alert and makes all sorts of funny faces when she is awake. And she looks just like Myla. I'm trying to find a good comparison picture so you can see for yourself.

Mom and dad are tired and hanging in there - exactly as you'd expect parents of a newborn to be. I have found myself overwhelmed at having two and then something happens and I think how right it is. I know we'll get used to it and it will be like we've always had two. Right?

Welcome to the World!

2011-02-26T20:27:00.003-07:00

Tuesday morning, 2-22 at 8:02, we became parents of another beautiful baby girl. Kinsley was exactly as "they" say she should be at just over 7.5 pounds and almost 20 inches. She has a face that looks just like Myla some times and a head full of dark-ish hair. She did really well all our days (days?!) at the hospital with eating and maintaining her temperature and we came home on Friday to our first night without any nurses to help. And I think we did okay.

Myla came to the hospital every day and was very excited to see her baby sister. It took a couple of days before she really wanted to get close to her, but now she loves to stand over her chair and stroke her gently on the head. Today in fact, she gave Kinsley her first kiss from big sister. She told us "Daddy, how about you and mommy go upstairs and sleep in your bed and I will take care of baby Kinsley, how 'bout that?" Tempting...

We had a check in with the doctor and she's lost just a little bit of weight, but we hear all babies do that. He thought she looked great and kept remarking what a different baby she must be compared to the first. Well sure, aren't all babies different? And even though we try not to think about the differences or compare, we know they are there. But we also know that Kinsley has an awesome big sister who is going to look out for her. We can tell by the way she stops mid run to look at her and how this morning after just getting out of bed, she wanted to know where the baby was. Yep, Myla loves being a big sister. And as far as we can tell, Kinsley loves being a little sister.

The final countdown

2011-02-13T20:54:00.002-07:00

When Myla and I came home on Friday, Johnny had just gotten out of bed and was sporting a bathrobe and slippers. She immediately took off her shoes and went upstairs to find her bathrobe and slippers and has been a fan of them every since. First thing in the morning, bathrobe on. It doesn't really matter if she's dressed for the day or in her pj's, she loves to have her bathrobe on. Its funny, I pulled it out weeks ago when we were in sub-zero weather to keep her a little warmer and she wanted nothing to do with it. In fact, that Friday, Johnny had to take the tags off. But now she wants to be like daddy. Pretty cute.

Things have been coming along over here. I think we are almost ready for baby to come. Myla keeps saying "your baby is coming out of your tummy soon mommy." (Yep, for some reason, its still "my" baby.) She's pretty excited. We had a little scare last week thinking that she might have to come on Friday because the fluid was low again and they were concerned she was under stress. In fact, we had my hospital bag in the car just in case they had to admit me. But after another ultrasound, everything turned out to be fine and we are still cooking. We are scheduled for next Tuesday unless nature says differently.

Its kind of strange to be this big and this far with my stomach moving independently. Just for fun, we looked back in Myla's book and two days before her due date, she weighed 6 pounds 3/4 ounces. On Thursday, they estimated this baby at about 6 pounds 9 ounces. I know I shouldn't compare, but its all so different. We're excited though, freaked out, but excited.

Ride 'em cowgirl!

2011-01-23T20:33:00.003-07:00

Yesterday, as I was feeling nesty and making Johnny do all sorts of hard work, Myla spent the afternoon with her Mam-mam at the stock show. They saw all sorts of animals and Myla came home with a "fancy hat from the cowboy store." This morning, before we could even sit down for breakfast, she had her hat on. She had it on for most of the day actually, except for that pesky nap her mom made her take...

Myla has been full of cute sayings lately. She told Johnny the other night at bedtime that she "will tell baby not to be scared of Santa Claus" Or today when she tried on this super cute hat and gloves I found and she begged for 5 minutes to go outside. Every time I said not right now (it was 7:00, a little early since the sun wasn't up!), she would say "but I don't want to wait, I'm ready now!" After a banana before bed she always says, "my hands are sticky. No, not my hands. This finger is sticky." She's a funny girl.

Check in for baby on Tuesday - the last one before we head into the appointment-every-week time. This one should be quick, no ultrasound, but I'm sure that the doctor will be honed in on my blood pressure. She was doing some crazy moves yesterday, I swear a foot was about to punch through my side. It was kind of fun actually...

Baby its cold outside!

2011-01-12T19:11:00.003-07:00

We got another blast of snow and cold and on Sunday we were able to just stay home and lounge in our jammies all day. Myla didn't mind, she was happy to play with her toys, watch a little Mary Poppins and take a nice nap. She's been pretty funny lately - usually she quacks for yes. Or, okay turns into o-quack. For a while we were all animals - mommy-duck, daddy-pony, Myla-penguin. Now we quack. Its actually pretty cute. She's also into lunches and tea parties with the sandwich and cookie sets she got for Christmas. We got her some little plates with the gift card she got from Omaha and now its the best thing to do! If she's not downstairs playing train with her daddy.

We had a check in for baby yesterday and were surprised to find out that they are measuring her to be about 4 pounds 12 ounces! That's more than Myla was when she came home! Everything checked out great and I think the doctor even bounced into the room, we were all doing so well. Its kind of unfamiliar territory, but we're liking it.

Johnny and my dad and brother Jeff and family friend Mr. Bill painted Myla's room yesterday - after us having the paint since, oh, October! It looks really good and I'm excited to put some finishing touches on it that I've been collecting for about a year now. It looks finally like a little girl's room. Next up, baby's room...

Christmas & New Years

2011-01-01T21:05:00.003-07:00

So, December passed us by pretty quickly. With all the fun stuff to do - and multiple trips to the doctor - we just spent as much time together as we could. But when Christmas came, we stopped. It was an awesome day.

Johnny and I woke up first and kept saying, why isn't she awake yet!? When she did come into our room, we could hardly contain ourselves! We finally made it downstairs where we found Santa had come and filled our stockings. He also made a special trip down to our basement and left Myla a HUGE chalkboard that she immediately started coloring on. She made out like a bandit with lots of games and toys, new clothes and a tent to play in. She got a new baby doll that she has snuggled with most nights and puzzles and coloring pages. Johnny and I were spoiled too. I got a bread-maker, which is not as easy as I thought it would be. The first loaf of bread I made for our special New Year's Eve dinner before Johnny went to work... lets just say, it will be nice when the ice melts to feed the ducks at the pond.

The new year brought lots of snow and a frozen pipe for us. Myla woke up early and after being very distract-able yesterday with her wooden cookies and sandwiches set, she was insistent on going outside to play in the snow. It was still bitter cold, but that didn't matter when you have on your snowsuit and mittens! She didn't get to stay out for very long and when she came in, her little nose was pretty red. But she loved every minute of making tracks and brushing the snow off of our deck. Tomorrow, when Mr. Sun makes a stronger appearance, we'll stay outside a little longer.

Last check-in for baby went well and her heartbeat was strong. This week there will be no doctors appointment (scheduled) which will be kind of strange to have a week off. We got new windows installed in the girl's rooms and Johnny will be painting in short order. We don't have much time left!

Happenings

2010-12-23T19:21:00.002-07:00

What have we been up to lately? Oh, you know, the usual...

Myla had her BFF over for a day. Johnny made them a tent. They wore him out.

We made Christmas cookies that swelled up into pretty much one big pan of cookie and not the cute little shapes we cut them into.

We went with the family to see lights at Hudson Gardens and ice cream afterward. It was awesome.

So you know, a little bit of this, little bit of that... just been having fun and enjoying the season. Myla is having the best time looking for Bentley every morning and having a special countdown Christmas chocolate at night. She's very excited for Santa to come, even though if we were to take her to see him she would cry and run away. Its going to be a lot of fun to watch her this year. I'm really looking forward to it too!

Baby update... we had a check in with the doctor two weeks ago where she measured exactly where she should be and was even making noticeable breathing motions on the ultrasound, which is apparently hard to see at that stage. Then we found out that the fluid around baby was a little low, so we went back this week for another test to make sure everything else was good. Baby passed the test beautifully and the fluid was up a couple of points. I'm on a "rest period" every night when I get home and drinking more water than any normal person should, but its helping so that's what we'll continue to do. That's what the doctor says, and I'm sticking with my doctor. Johnny and Myla have been amazing in helping out when I'm down and we've played a lot of the Elmo memory game, but its been good. Another check-in comes on Tuesday, although no ultrasound this time. They will probably want more blood from me. Drat!

Christmas Time!

2010-11-29T19:37:00.002-07:00

Tonight, in keeping with family tradition we started when Johnny and I were married, we decorated our Christmas tree. It was awesome, a little Christmas music in the background, Myla running back and forth between the ornaments and the tree, her getting frustrated when they wouldn't stay on the tree and saying "I can't do it" with her little lip out. It was fun to watch her get into the spirit and so what if the lower front part of our tree is top heavy? She loved it.

We also added a new part to our tradition - the reading of the Elf on the Shelf. Myla was mesmerized by the book and immediately found a place for Bentley (our elf) to sit for the night. If you don't know about these guys, they are little elves that report to Santa every night after you go to bed, and of course they don't return to the spot they left. So you have to be good so he has something good to report. It will be fun in the morning to remind Myla to look for Bentley and see if he's moved - that means he left to report! I think she'll catch on pretty quick.

To top off the evening, Johnny and Myla put the angel bear on top of our tree. Craziness ensued and memories were made. Allow us a moment to share...

I seriously laughed so hard I dropped the camera, Myla and Johnny watched it over and over and laughed hard each time, and it was truly the best way to end a perfect night.

Too good to be true?

2010-11-29T09:16:00.003-07:00

Shutterfly is having a deal for bloggers - 50 free holiday cards just for posting about it on their blog. I have used them for a lot of things in the past, but the best is probably a photo book I made for Father's Day for Johnny one year. He says he can't read it because its got "dust" in it that makes his eyes tear up. Myla loves to ready it though, conveniently when he's not around. I've already got my Christmas cards picked out... Maybe this one .... or this one.... or....

My family has always sent out Christmas cards, and the photo ones are the best. My mom has a book of all the ones she's sent out with the family and its kind of fun to see us grow up from year to year. I think this year is the first year she'll send one out with Myla on it too - just talking about her in the letter doesn't count. It will be fun to add to the book and see not only us "grow up" but the family grow too.

My mother always comments that I can find anything online - and good deals especially. This one I have to credit to my fellow blogger Stephanie (who has one super cute little boy!) for turning me on to. I feel kind of bad about posting this, since my mom just bought her Christmas cards, but she doesn't have a blog, so that makes me feel a little better...

Thankful-ness

2010-11-23T19:32:00.002-07:00

And so it is, the week of being thankful and the time when we start thinking about all the wonderful things we have - the holidays! Myla is so excited for Thanksgiving because after that its A2's birthday and then its CHRISTMAS! She is going to be so much fun to put up all the Christmas decorations that I finally get to pull out of storage. I have a feeling this year, she is really going to get into it. Johnny and Myla came downtown last week to watch Santa repel down the giant "D" at the Pavilions. She kept waving to him "hi Santa!" Maybe this weekend we'll help him light the Christmas tree in downtown Littleton...

Myla had a lot of fun last week playing with her cousins Tank and Kaidy from Omaha. Of course, did I pull out my camera, um, no. It took her a little while at first to warm up to having more kids around but she was talking about them for days after they left. She loved to come home and see them and one night they got to eat at her little table before all three hopped in the bath. She thought it was so cool. I know how much she loves to play with cousins. She has been saying all sorts of random things and laughing at nothing in particular. Tonight, she was running around the house (gotta love those circular layouts) singing horsey, horsey on your way. And truly having the best time. John and his brothers were able to move my mom's old piano over while they were out last week so she has been having a good time playing that as well when she needs to sit for a minute.

We had a check-in with the doctor last week and baby is measuring right where she should be, which was good to hear. I'm feeling fine, although I have to admit, I'm a little freaked out right now. "D-day" is next week and I'm just hoping that everything continues to go smoothly. So far so good, lets just keep it that way!

Its Pumpkin Time!

2010-10-31T20:19:00.003-06:00

Our little ballerina/princess had a great Halloween day. She was so excited to take out her monster bucket and go trick or treat she could hardly stand it. Luckily for us, we were able to distract her with her pretty skirt and other activities during the day before we really had to deal with it. Myla has been singing in a children choir with her BFF and they did a little song today. It was cute with all the kids in costume. Myla didn't really sing, but she got up there which, frankly, was more than I expected. After they sang their song, Myla stood up and her pretty skirt fell right off her waist and on to the floor. She just laughed - it was classic.

Myla had her three year check up with the doctor this week. She's looking great he said, measuring in at 32.5 inches tall and a whopping 23 pounds. We can finally turn her carseat around! (Just kidding, she's been forward facing for awhile, but if she's supposed to be 20 pounds before you do it...) Really, she passed with flying colors on all the little parts of the exam.

Check in for baby coming on Tuesday, just really to make sure that my blood pressure is where its supposed to be. When we were in the doctor with Myla, he was pushing on her tummy and he said "what do you have in that tummy?" And Myla responded with "a baby." And yesterday after breakfast she had me say hi to the baby in her tummy before she said hi to the baby in mine. I think she understands a little more than I thought...

How old!?

2010-10-24T19:35:00.003-06:00

Three today! Holy moly, how did that happen!? We had a little family birthday party for her yesterday and she was so excited for it. When we went for the plates and such in the morning, she kept telling me, "and I need balloons and presents too." In fact, when A2 came in with both the balloons and presents, Myla said "may I have one of those presents?" She made out like a bandit again this year, books and clothes and games and stuffed animals. She loved seeing all the family - and great grandparents too! But perhaps, in out little bug's mind, the best part was...

The duck cake! Uncle Scott's girlfriend has a brother that is a chef and was therefore recruited to make a duck cake. We had grand plans last year to make her one and it didn't happen, but this year, she got it. She walked in and was smitten. She was still talking about it today, in fact.

Today, Myla and I spent a little bit of time just hanging out (since, again, she didn't want to nap) and we spent some time in a furniture store looking for chairs for our sitting/play room. She was awesome in the store and took to calling me mommy-pony in homage to her little pony that came with us. And so, for the rest of the day, there was daddy-pony and Haley-dog-pony and Myla-pony. She was so much fun to be with and even though I found myself looking at her remembering and comparing, she made me laugh too. She made me thankful for the seven-millionth time for all that we have and had to come through. And excited for our third year and what it will hold!

Its fall!

2010-10-20T19:55:00.003-06:00

Although you'd never know it with the up and down of the temperatures... But that doesn't stop us from enjoying the crunchy leaves, the colors on the trees and the warm days that let us get outside. Myla is having a great time, but still ready for the snow. She asks Johnny all the time "do you want to play in the snow with me?" She's also quick to say "but first, we need to put our boots on." Lets slow down a bit kiddo, enjoy the warm days just a little bit longer...

I think Myla has been testing out this turning three thing. She's been protesting the idea of naps and has started asking the why questions. But why do you want me to lay down mommy? But why is sun going down? Her birthday party is this Saturday - its hard to believe that she's three. Tonight she told Johnny, "I'm not your baby, I'm a big girl." So, there you go.

We had a check in with the doctor on Tuesday and baby girl is growing just fine so far. She's right where she should be they tell us. We've also started going every two weeks, so if something changes, we will know quick. Which only reinforces the idea to me that we have to get painting!

2010-10-09T20:13:00.002-06:00

This is my sister. She is - in a word - awesome. When we were growing up, we were pretty different. But I remember when we moved down into the basement into separate rooms and we devised a plan with flashlights to say things after the lights had gone out. Or when we tried to learn sign language so we could talk without saying anything. And in high school, I was pretty proud to say that my sister was the best diver on our swim team. I would drive up to Minnesota when we were in college to see her in gymnastics meets and to cheer her on because she was fun to watch. In college, if anyone called me after 9:00, it was my sister. My sister gave an amazing maid of honor speech at my wedding that still makes me cry. She was there every day I was in the hospital with Myla. She's brilliant and cute and an amazing aunt. She has taken a day a week for the past two summers and taken Myla to gymnastics and swimming and they just have a great time. Myla loves to see her A2 - she knows her car and usually runs to give her a hug when she sees her. And its not because she goes on these enviable trips and brings Myla back fun presents - its because my sister is that awesome.

We found out that Myla will be having a baby sister. I am so excited for Myla to have the same kind of person in her life that I have in mine. I know there will be fights. I know the little sister will annoy her sometimes. I know that when Myla starts to drive she will say "do I have to take her?" But I also know that there will be times when she is so proud of her little sister. I know that she will love her in a way that only sisters can love each other. And I know that she will be thankful to have a sister in her life.

I'm thankful for my brother too - but that's a different post.

A good day for what?

2010-09-18T20:00:00.002-06:00

When I woke up this morning, I thought, let's get out of the house today. Johnny will be sleeping anyway. So I made a plan with myself that we were going to the zoo. After all, only one more month until Myla has to pay to go! So I went in, got her dressed and said "lets go to the zoo!" She was very excited, and then I opened the blinds. Rain. Clouds. NOT the 85 degree day I had heard about. But, once you say you're going to do it to Myla, there's no turning back. And so, to the zoo we went!

It actually turned out to be perfect. We got rock star parking, it didn't rain, the clouds cleared and we got there early enough to beat the crowds. There were animals out playing and we got first row seats to the polar bear, the kangaroos and the elephants. And Myla got to feed some birds, which she thought was so fun! We left just as the day started to get hot and the crowds started to come.

The house is coming together slowly, but some of the more major things are getting done. Which is good, because in about a month we are throwing a birthday party - for a three year old!

Preemie Reunion

2010-09-11T19:37:00.003-06:00

Today was the annual preemie reunion. Myla picked out a pretty dress - as she loves to do for big things like that - and was all decked out in pink. She even carried a little pink purse with her. It was fun to see all the nurses and few friends that we met while she was growing those first nine weeks. The nurses were saying how they remember her and exactly where she was in the NICU. This year we also got to see our primary nurse Jan and Myla even ran to give her a hug, which was very sweet to see. Surprising because she doesn't readily hand out hugs, but very sweet.

Myla also got her first face paint. I thought it was kind of funny that she picked a blue octopus. Here she is, all excited about wearing her pretty pink dress, she has a pink pig sticker, pink shoes, pink purse - and a blue octopus on her cheek. Just goes to show what an unpredictable little girl she can be. She sat really still and was very proud of it. So much so that she didn't want to take a nap before she showed a sleeping daddy. Wait, she didn't nap after that either...

So the nights are getting chillier and we've pulled out the long sleeve jammies. Its a good thing Myla has so many clothes (hand-me-downs rock!) so that we can go between the warmer than expected days and the beginning of fall days. We're going to have fun crunching in the leaves this year!

3..2..1.. We're live!

2010-09-08T19:12:00.003-06:00

Well, we did it - moved and no where near being unpacked. But - we got the computer up so we can finally update those that might be interested in the goings-on 'round here...

The move took a long time. I admit, we weren't as packed as we needed to be in order to move all of our stuff. Family was indispensable and helped us do a lot. On our first night in the new house, Myla changed over to a "big girl bed" which she promptly fell out of twice. We were loaned a great "transition" bed that luckily isn't too far off the floor. Since then, she's gotten the hang of it, and knows that you can get in and out as much as you want. (Until mom got smart, and went the old fashioned way. Yep, I bribed her to stay in her bed.)

So now, we are unpacking box by box. (Don't come look in our garage.) The house is big, but not as big as I thought it would feel like. And the floor boards squeak just enough that I can tell where Myla is - a nice little plus. The dog is enjoying the large deck and the fact that the squirrels have to go across the fence because there is no wire for them to sneak by on. The neighbors are awesome and the neighborhood is quiet. Its a good house. But no, no pictures yet. I've just started to get the painting bug, so its all going to change anyway.

Other than that, life goes on. We found out that we're going to have another baby in (hopefully) March. Myla is getting used to that idea and will even tell you what room is baby's and where baby will sit at the dinner table. We had a fun time at an annual fiesta that my family has with another where Myla got a nice little shiner from walking in front of a swing. Next up, we get to go to the preemie reunion this Saturday. Always fun to show Myla off there. Ok, anywhere - she's pretty cute!

Once upon a time

2010-08-11T08:22:00.002-06:00

I know - its been too long since we posted. We've been too busy with the cleaning and moving to a new house, the computer hasn't even come on! So, while we make you wait a little bit longer for a full update, here is Myla to tell you a story...

Moving!

2010-07-19T18:58:00.004-06:00

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go... Its official - next week we sign the papers on a new house. Myla is very excited to live in the "steps with the house." We found an amazing one, not too far away, and big enough for Johnny's five guitars. (He would correct me here and say he only has four - and one bass.) Its going to be a good house, once we can get all our stuff packed up and ready. And much bigger than the one we are in now, which will be a huge change. My mom jokes that all of our furniture will fit in one room and we will still have room to move around. Overall though, we are pretty excited. Here are a few pictures of it...

The front of the house.

The family room.

The kitchen.

The living room.

With all this packing up and moving things around, sometimes you just need a break. And since its been in the triple digits, the pool looks like the best place to do that. Dinosaurs and all.

Smokane!

2010-07-13T20:11:00.005-06:00

We had an amazing time in Spokane - or Smokane as a two year old might say it. The family was great, the memories were fun and Myla was amazing the whole time. Oh sure, she ignored her parents when she felt like it, but on the plane part of the trip, she was an angel. The lady behind us even said, "she must have been sleeping the whole time." Nope, she was being good. (Or her parents had good distractions, one of the two.) The 16 hour car ride part of the trip, she didn't cry or scream, just read books to her daddy, looked at the cows, and napped.

It was a lot of fun to watch her discover new things, like the lake, and cousin after cousin to play with. And I have to admit, it was kind of nice not to hear her say "I need to watch one more Curious George" for five whole days! Below is just a sampling of our fun time, we made so many memories its hard to put them all on a blog post!

We took Myla out on the "green boat." She kept saying she wanted to paddle, but I was so afraid she was going to lose the oar in the lake that I couldn't let her do it!

The first thing Myla did, was put her feet in the lake. Every day we had to do it. By the third day, she had a stick that she was fishing with because, as you know, you need a stick to catch fish.

Myla learned to climb up the outside of the stairs, scaring the living daylights out of me that she was going to do it when we weren't there. But she mastered it pretty quick and didn't do it without someone to show off to.

We had a campfire the first night were Myla got to enjoy singing and s'mores. The singing more than the s'mores. She laughed so hard at one of the songs that she was the highlight.

Thank you family for hanging out with us and making our little one's first Moser family reunion full of stories that we can tell at the next one!

Family Time

2010-07-05T17:56:00.003-06:00

This weekend - in addition to it being the Fourth of July - Myla's Uncle Jeff graduated from the police training academy program. And so, Grandma and Grandpa Washburn, Aunt Becky and Christina came out to celebrate. Myla had a lot of fun hanging out with her Omaha family. We went to the Botanic Gardens for Grandma's birthday and were able to enjoy it before it got too hot. Myla had the best time watching the fish until we found - you guessed it - ducks. A momma duck and three baby ducks. She watched them dive under the water and pop back up for so long, we almost didn't get lunch!

The next day we went to Tiny Town and got to ride on the train again and see all the little houses. Which, a year ago, were exactly Myla-sized, but now are a little small. Still she liked to look in all the windows and run around between them. We tried to watch the fireworks, but I think the place we were in was too loud and Myla did not like that at all. She was in my lap as soon as the first one went off. But on the way home, she said "fireworks aren't scary mommy." Figures.

Tomorrow we head out on the airplane to Spokane for the Moser Family Reunion. We've talked it up to Myla pretty good, so she is ready. I just hope the airplane ride goes smoothly enough...

When I grow up

2010-06-25T10:14:00.002-06:00

I want to make pancakes like this guy.Can't decide between pancakes and bacon and eggs? Have them all! Myla would love it.

What should we learn today?

2010-06-23T19:28:00.005-06:00

Its amazing to me how fast little ones grow. All that they must learn in such a short time - eating, drinking, crawling, walking, talking and on and on. I think about all the things that they must conquer just on a daily basis and am speechless. Myla has done so many new things lately that its hard to capture them all. One of her favorite things is to sit in her crib and snuggle with her horsey. She tucks all her other animals in, but horsey gets to snuggle. That's what she says too, "I snuggle with horsey." She also loves to blow big bubbles, destroy ant hills with sticks, and dig in the dirt. She's a multi-faceted little girl.

Last week, Myla got to take her first trip with daddy to the aquarium. She got a little spooked in some places, but she loved to watch the fish swim all around and even saw a mermaid. A2 got back this week too, so they got to go to gymnastics again. She's getting the hang of that too - have it mastered in no time. She got to play for three days with Pop-Pop and is working on pushing the peddles on her tricycle. Oh! And she tried some buffalo sauce, completely on accident and she did not like it at all.

Today, Myla and daddy discovered a new addition to our house - a mommy robin with a nest full of baby robins. They got to see the daddy robin bring back food and the baby robins peak their heads up to eat them. Can you imagine all the things a baby robin has to learn?

Ah summer

2010-06-12T20:12:00.004-06:00

Myla has become a little fish since the days have gotten so nice. (With the exception of this weekend of course. Rain, rain and more rain!) Her Nonni got a pool for the girls to swim in and they have been out there quite a bit. And then, when she comes home, she wants to get in ours! Tuesday, she went with A2 to gymnastics and thoroughly impressed the coach there when she got on the bars. She held herself up which is not something little ones usually do I guess. But she practices here at home so we weren't really surprised. They went swimming that day too.

So, I have to do a little bragging about my girl. Last week, when I posted, I told you that the potty training was going slow. Well today, she went FIVE times. We found her sweet spot - ok, Nonni found it - Myla loves to get and put stickers on a "chart." So last night, John and I got some stickers and I dressed up some poster board and today, she was so excited to put them on. In fact, one time she knocked on the door to get Johnny out of the bathroom because it was "Myla's turn."

She was especially sweet today, laughing and being very happy. She just brightened up the whole room. She ran over to Johnny and gave him a big hug and said "I love you daddy" for no reason at all. It reminded me how proud I am to be her mom, what a joy she is to have in our lives, how much fun we have with her. It made my heart swell with happiness and, yes I'll say it, pride at what a wonderful little girl she is. She is something pretty special...

A busy week

2010-06-05T21:06:00.005-06:00

It has been go-go-go around our house this past week! Now that the days are long and warm, we have been out and out some more! Let's start with last weekend where we met Mam-mam and Pop-pop downtown for the Memorial Day parade. Myla loved all the cars and waving her flag at the people driving by. When the first section went by, she said "there's the parade, should we go catch it?" I think, by far and away her favorite part was the kids that came around and gave her candy. She's not really partial to candy yet, so it was a real treat for her. She was sticky, let me tell you!

Today, we ventured downtown again for the chalk art festival. And we took the lightrail train which she loved! While we were waiting for the rest of our party, she discovered the "buffalo herd" and had to take pictures with every one. After we got going, she was excited to go the the "parade" again. She's really into sidewalk chalk and I thought she would love it and the ones that were to the point where you could see the drawing she did look at for a long time. She even got spoiled by Pop-pop a little and got to try her hand at her own little square of chalk art.

This afternoon (after no nap, but not for lack of trying on my part!), we went to a wedding for the daughter of our beloved babysitter. Myla's BFF Hailey was there and they were joined at the hip. Myla thought it was great that Hailey was wearing a pretty dress too, and so was Nonni, and Princess Susie (the bride) and Mama Jen, Hailey's mom, and Gabby. But, just for the record, boys and horses do NOT wear pretty dresses. They entertained each other during the ceremony and then went everywhere together and had a ton of fun running around during the reception and snacking on the go. They made sure to drink from "big girl cups" whenever they could.

We've also been swimming, watering flowers, taking the dog for walks, going to the playground and to the store - 'cause sometimes a girl just has to get out. We've also been trying the whole potty thing - VERY slow going on that, let me tell you. But really, we've just been having fun, and isn't that the most important thing?!

Summer is here!

2010-05-27T19:30:00.004-06:00

A few weeks ago, when it was 80 degrees, Johnny said, "we need a kiddy pool." Myla thought that was a great idea. And so, when one went on sale, we got one. As soon as we did, it rained. Yesterday, it got back up to 75 and Johnny said "I'm setting up the kiddy pool." And today, when the backyard thermometer said it was 95 (probably not), Myla and Johnny had the inaugural pool party. Let me tell you, this pool is cool. It has a slide, a waterfall (when you hook it up to the hose) and it came with inflatable toys. But what do you need all that for when you have all this water to splash daddy with!?

The water was still a little cold and she came inside shaking when she was done but she had a great time. She did eventually go down the little slide and only ended up with her face in the water once. As she gets more used to it and the water really warms up, she'll be hard to keep out of it. But she's been asking all winter to go swimming, so to have the pool at our disposal will be great. And I think it will help her get more used to the big pool at A2's house.

In other words, its shaping up to be a fun - and wet - summer!

A Wear-You-Out Day

2010-05-22T19:52:00.004-06:00

Myla has been... shall we say... adverse to sleeping all night long for the past few nights. She prefers it in shifts, five hours here, three hour break, five hours more. Well, that just will not fly. So today, after she woke up at 10:15, we did everything in our parental power to wear her out. It was a balmy 88 degrees with some good wind, but we were not going to let that deter us!

We started with a trip to the store where we got every toddler's dream - bubbles. The wind was very helpful in that respect. We watered flowers, we took the dog for a walk and looked for ducks in the canal. Myla and Daddy had some special time at the playground and the pet store. (Its like a cheap zoo, she can see puppies, kitties, fish and frogs and we don't have to pay anything. Its brilliant!) After some dinner and ice cream (thanks MamMam for the coupon for a free one!), we hit the highlight of the day - the Englewood City Center fountain.

It took her a little while to warm up to the idea, but once she did, there was no stopping her. It bubbled right up next to her, she put her hand in the stream, we played chase under the arches of water. Her sweet little laugh rang out when she splashed herself and her daddy. She was a sloppy mess when we were done, but man did she love it. Half way home, she started giggling from the thought of it.

Now, I don't know about her, but I'm tired. Here's to a good nights rest... hopefully.

A Yellow Train

2010-05-15T18:32:00.004-06:00

Today, Johnny was sleeping. Myla was not. And so, rather than run around screaming and waking up daddy (Myla screaming, not me), we headed out to explore this city we are third and fourth generations of, respectfully. We grabbed some snacks and headed down to Confluence Park. Myla loved to watch the waterfall, even if it was loud. She wouldn't get too close though, or go over the grate where you can see the water below you, but she was perfectly happy to point from afar.

We walked around a little bit and found some statues of three bears, which from that moment on became Myla's new friends. She would bring them rocks from the other sections of the walking path and give them soft touches. She wasn't even too afraid of mommy bear, which when you walked from the other direction became daddy bear. Perspective I guess.

And then, when there was only kids to keep her entertained, the Platte Valley Trolley came to whisk us away down the river. She was so excited to hold on to her ticket and to feel the wind blowing her hair. They showed us some neat things, like swallows nests that are built onto an old bridge. (Side note here, did you know that swallows come back to the same nest every year!? How do they know...) It was fun to watch her eyes light up when we got moving and her little voice say "we riding the train mommy!"

And on the way home, she fell asleep.

Myla-isms

2010-05-04T20:33:00.004-06:00

Look at those bell bottoms!! And that long hair! She's becoming such a big-little-girl anymore. She says the cutest and most grown up things, like, "it's good to see you!" "you have a good time?" "you have fun today?" A lot of things that her parents and Nonnie say to her apparenlty. It's so cute when she says it though. One of her favorite things to do is yell at the cat. "Snickers! Get down!"

Recently, her Nonnie brought home a big dishwasher box for Myla and Haley Jo to play in and even made a window and door. They love it! Her imagination is really amazing!

The other day Kara and Myla were at Target and found a cool child size patio chair for Myla. She had to sit in the chair, in the cart with her feet up on the edge of the cart while Mom pushed her around for the duration of the shopping trip like that. I can't wait for summer when we can lounge together in the kiddie pool in the backyard! that will be sweet!

So, Myla's been tentatively pottie training at home and we got her some pull up diapers. Well, they were too close to the crib, we found her with both legs through one leg hole of a pull up, up to her knees. We just had to laugh. Never knew how much fun being a parent would be.

March for Babies

2010-04-26T17:58:00.005-06:00

On Saturday, my mom, my sister, my aunt, Myla and I all put on our walking shoes and did the 2010 March for Babies. It was cold, it threatened to rain (and maybe did sprinkle a little bit) but it was all worth it. Myla was awesome and stayed snuggled in her stroller for most of the walk, but didn't fail to collect some goodies from the sponsors along the way. With a little help from Mam-Mam and A2.

We were told that the family teams from the Denver walk raised $1 million. That was a new record they said. We felt proud to be part of it too. I told my sister at the beginning of the walk that something was wrong with me because I was getting all emotional. But it was more than just walking - it was doing it for Myla. And at the end, our little miracle walked across the finish line. Fitting I thought.

Thank you to all that sponsored our little family team and that have done so much for us in the two and a half years since we started this little blog and this little family. Thank you for loving our Myla. And thank you for all you do for little babies everywhere in your own little ways!

Myla, Mommy and Mam-Mam after the crossing the finish line.

Planting time

2010-04-20T21:13:00.002-06:00

Myla loves to be outside doing anything. Every time we go outside to go to the car, she has to go see the daffodils. Or we have a ceramic cat by the front tree that she has to say hi to. And if we can't stay out front, we have to go out back. She's helped her dad transplant some grass, play in the mud and throw the ball for Haley dog. She comes in with dirty hands and dirtier shoes, but man does she sleep well at night.

Yesterday after I got off work, we went and had a picnic at Myla's favorite park. She did really well actually eating before she couldn't take it anymore and had to go swing. (That's what she said too - "I need to swing!" Well, if you NEED to, that's a whole lot different.) It was good practice for the summer when we have family dinners outside. And she had fun watching the other kids too - even if they were crazy boys playing chase that she had no interest in joining. She just kind of looked at them and got out of the way. As long as they didn't get in the way of her sliding, it was cool.

Discharged!

2010-04-13T18:30:00.003-06:00

Another one bites the dust... Myla's check-in with the speech therapist could not have gone better. She was a little shy and didn't talk as much as, say, the ride home from her Nonni's house, but what she did say was enough to make the therapist say this - and I quote - "Adjusted or unadjusted, her language skills are precocious." She also suggested we seriously check out highly gifted and talented programs in the local schools. (And not to worry about the "L" sound, you don't have to have that until you're 7.) Yeah, Myla rocks.

And so we say goodbye to the early intervention program and a jovial "Hello!" to spring and 70 degree days!

An open letter

2010-04-12T08:07:00.000-06:00

Dear Mr. Woodpecker,

Please leave our furnace pipe alone. We don't like waking up to your banging on something that is obviously not wood. Its metal. And its loud. And it wakes up the little one way to early after she's had a hard night getting the sleep she needs. We would appreciate it if you would go back to whatever grove of trees you came from. I hear there is some nice ones on the canal.

Thank you.

Dear Stephanie,

I'm sorry I laughed when you posted your experience about a woodpecker on your furnace pipe. I promise never to do it again.

Easter Recap

2010-04-10T19:42:00.001-06:00

We had a great Easter this year. The sun was shining, Johnny was able to get enough sleep so that he could enjoy it, and Myla was a blast! She loved getting dressed up in her Easter dress that Mam-mam made (and I think she couldn't have looked cuter!) and wearing her new fancy shoes. She loved looking for eggs and seeing what was inside them (so much so that today, while we were trying to keep others from getting sick with the cold that she has and hiding at my parents house, she wanted to go looking for more) and snacking on the goodies. She loved playing with her cousins and watching them so much that she almost didn't eat dinner. It was an all-around great day.

So yes, Myla caught a cold. I'll never understand how she can do that when we aren't sick. But she does, and I'm sure we'll get nailed later. She's not letting it stop her though. She still runs around and is really into going outside as much as possible. In fact, it was her - shall we say - negotiating style that forced her dad into getting a new "tool" to clean up after the dog. We found this great, big, bumble-bee bubble wand for a dollar that she is having a blast with. The Easter bunny brought her a little trike that once she learns how to work will have her on her way down the street in no time. Bubble trailing behind her if she had her way.

We have one more check in with the speech therapist this week. Kind of a last time out before they pass her on to the school district when she turns three. (Holy cow - three this year!?) I'm a little concerned that she isn't really saying the "L" sound, but not so much that I'm going to take her to a class or something. Its a hard one. And I'm sure that's what the ST will say too. But its always fun to have these therapists come over and be amazed. We like to show off for them.

Show your colors

2010-04-03T19:35:00.003-06:00

Tonight, after a long day of helping Uncle Scott paint, we showed Myla how to color eggs for Easter. (I'm ashamed to say that this was my first time hard-boiling eggs. And I was too embarrased to call my mom and ask how, so I looked it up on the internet. Gotta love modern technology!) She got right into the swing of things and didn't bother with the "dunker" but used her little fingers to do it. Now stained every color under the rainbow. She loved to put them in the color, pull them out, dunk them again in perhaps a different color and out again. John tried to show her how to let them sit in the color and it would be more vibrant and dark, but she was having too much fun doing it her way to really care.

She tried to put the little stickers from the package on the eggs, but either the eggs were too cold or her hands too warm and wet, I don't know. But they didn't stick. No worries, who needs stickers anyway! In the end, we now have nine multi-colored, many dyed eggs ready for the Easter Bunny.

And now for a Myla-ism. Today, in the grocery store, Myla told me she LOVES oranges. New to me, but okay, we got a couple. She promptly took them out of the bag and told me again how much she loved oranges, and licked one. Yuck!

Ditch Day!

2010-03-30T21:38:00.000-06:00

Today was the perfect day to ditch work and give into my spring fever. We went to the zoo! It was the first time Johnny had been to the Denver zoo in the daytime (in all 11 years of knowing me and I NEVER took him, slacker!) and the first time we had been with Myla during the day there too. It was a perfect day, the sun was shining, some of the animals were out, and the place was packed. We had a lot of fun. We were tired when we left and we didn't even get to the monkeys, but we got to see Myla's favorites and explore the new rainforest building and see fish.

Ah, the giraffes. Always a crowd pleaser.

See that speck by the polar bear's knee? That's our Myla!

The other day, Myla crawled into bed with her daddy after she had just woken up. She called it "daddy's bed." And when I asked where mommy slept, she said "outside." So funny, that kid! But really, how can you be pretend mad with a face like this -

Yep, still lovin' on the ducks. Oh to be two!

Brrrrr!

2010-03-23T20:00:00.000-06:00

If I've said it once, I'll say it again - you gotta love Colorado. Right now, as Myla is doing everything in her little power to stay awake, 7-14 inches of snow are falling outside. Or 5-10, depending on who you listen to. I'm not holding my breath that we'll get that much, but its kind of crazy when you think about it. Three days into spring and we've already gotten more snow than probably all winter.

So, Myla. Being two. Fighting sleep with everything she can find - reading, talking, singing, crying. She's become quite the pro. Johnny got some blinds to put on her windows, thinking that the sun staying up later was affecting her somehow. But tonight its pretty dark and she's doing it again. I know her parents are cool, but she's never wanted to stay up with them before. Wake up, sure, but not stay up. This is new territory.

Myla has developed a strong attachment to her rubber ducks the past few days. Takes at least four of them with her where ever she goes. Of course, her hands are really only big enough to carry two, so we end up with three or so in our pockets. Luckily they are small - baby ducks, as she calls them. They have been sleeping in the sink of her play kitchen she got for Christmas. But, as all babies do, these ducks sometimes get into trouble and are put in time out. She says, "you stay there, one minute." Oops. Well, I guess we know she's listening to us...

What's this?

2010-03-16T20:07:00.001-06:00

Myla's favorite question is "what's this?" She'll point to something she sees when we walk the dog and ask, or she'll find something and hold it up and ask. Sometimes, we answer her four or five times until she's got it. She loves to try out the word that we tell her - tonight it was styrofoam - until she says it to her satisfaction. She is also very good at recognizing letters. We'll be driving down the street and she'll see the "H" sign for hospital and she'll say "there's an H." Most of the time, if she sees a word, she'll say "look! ABCs!" Tonight, she let me read to her the whole Stinky Cheese Man book. I don't think she got most of the humor in the stories, but Johnny laughed at them. She liked to look at the pictures and she wanted me to read it again.

The other night, Myla did not want to sit still. She wanted to go anywhere, and so we took a drive around some neighborhoods to see what we could see. While we were out, we stopped at Dairy Queen to share a blizzard. Myla had more fun getting the ice cream on the spoon and feeding me than she did eating it herself. After every bite, she would say "chocolate good stuff." I would have to agree. It was very fun, and very messy, and very much a memory that I will want to hold close as she grows. It makes me wonder - again - how early you start remembering things. I hope that we are giving her lots of good memories to hold close to her heart too.

Growing so fast

2010-03-08T19:11:00.001-07:00

Our dear little Myla, in all her two-ish-ness, has decided that her parents are lazy slugs. She is constantly saying, "come on mommy" and "you comin' daddy?" or she'll try and pull us up from where ever we are to go to another room or to see another toy. Just yesterday, I was stopped in the middle of the road waiting for Johnny to follow (don't worry, it was a residential area) and Myla says "come on mommy, let's go" and when I started moving again, she said "there you go! yeah mommy!" and gave me a round of applause. I guess if she knows I'm always going to be in her corner, she's going to always be in mine too.

We had a wonderful play date on Saturday with Myla's friend Sasha and her mommy. It was fun to see two little people running around and playing together. I know that's all Myla does all week, but I'm at work and don't get to see it, so it was neat for me. And having an adult to talk to while Johnny was sleeping was also a very nice thing. Then we got to go to Uncle Scott's house and play on the stairs, which is a rarity for Myla since we don't have any. She's pretty good at those stair things. Scary for mom and dad - don't need any tumbles down even carpeted stairs - but she's really getting the hang of it.

And for those that were curious, yes, Tiny the Fish is still swimming and getting fed daily. One of the highlights of Myla's day is giving Tiny a shake of food and watching him eat it. Its amazing how much joy something so simple can bring. And we don't mind a few extra minutes of holding the whirlwind that is called Myla.

A Colorado Tradition

2010-02-27T21:01:00.001-07:00

For the past few years (man, maybe six or seven by now) my cousins and I go out to dinner in lieu of Christmas presents. The group has grown as little ones come, but it’s always a good time and fun to see every one. Tonight, as we have five kids under five, we went someplace that every Denver child goes to - Casa Bonita. For those none Denver children, it is a crazy place. Cliff divers, gun fights, mariachi band, arcades, waterfalls, and sopipillas. It was loud, it was exciting and everyone had a good time. Myla LOVED the divers and the water in general. She chomped on her chicken finger the whole time the guy was diving. Aimee used to dive there a few years ago and the manager even offered to let her do it again tonight if she'd had her suit. Myla would have been all over that. She walked around and saw the sights and had a great time. As did we all, I'm sure. And then she sat in a snow cone covered ride and the night was over. Tonight, as we left Casa Bonita, she cradled her little beanie baby lion and said, "its okay baby lion." He must have been cold from the snow cone too.

Her words and vocabulary have skyrocketed. John has taught her to say quantify and tonight Uncle Scott got her to say plethora. Not words a two year old says. But she also says normal words like mister moon and "I need the lion mommy!" She knows a few songs like twinkle, twinkle little star, the ABC's, I see the moon, the moon sees me. Today, as we were walking around the house waiting for Uncle Scott, she was singing the song my mom always sings when Myla comes in the door. "Who’s that knocking at my door..." She is also very loving, always giving us hugs or stroking our arms and backs or saying I love you. It’s very sweet when she does it unprompted - or anytime really. She's a very sweet little being.

Hot Stuff

2010-02-24T20:03:00.001-07:00

Myla has a pair of pink sunglasses that she loves. And when she puts them on, she is no longer Myla. She is "hot stuff". Ask her when she sees a picture of herself with sunglasses on who it is, she'll tell you. (Can you say Hollywood?) But its not just Myla that transforms when sunglasses are on. Anyone - or anything - really can become "hot stuff" if they are wearing them. "Hot stuff" mommy, "hot stuff" daddy, "hot stuff" horsey. That's the power of sunglasses. Bet you never knew that huh?

Just for fun, we did an unofficial weigh and measure today. Its been a long time - since her two year old check up in October - that we've gotten stats. And not much has changed between then and now. She's still under 20 pounds but she has grown half an inch to 30.5. A flyer the doctor gave us said that they don't grow much between two and four, and she runs around A LOT, so we aren't concerned. Just amazed that she's still right there. I'm sure she has a growth spurt in her future. Probably right around the time she gets an Easter dress and then won't be able to wear it for Easter. Yeah, that sounds about right.

Tonight, after her bath, Myla was very concerned about her fingers. "What happened fingers Mommy?" she would ask. When I looked to see what was wrong, I couldn't tell what she was talking about. But she kept asking, so I looked again. Her fingers had become pruny from playing so long with rubber ducky. She couldn't figure out why they looked that way. So we put a little lotion on there, we put them in front of the space heater and I told her it would be okay. After her snack, she looked at them again and said "that's better." See, mom's know a thing or two, even if it is just that pruny fingers will look normal again soon.

Introducing...

2010-02-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

Tiny the Fish! This afternoon, after being such a good girl all day, Myla was surprised with her very own gold fish. He's a little guy - hence the name Tiny - with a pretty fan tail. She was very excited to pick out her own fish and to feed him his first dinner. (She would have given him the whole can of food if we'd let her.) We put him safe in the bookshelf where the cat can't scare him, but Myla can still see him. She likes to open the door and say "Hello Tiny Fish." She also wants to hold him, but I think we've gotten it through that you can't hold fish. So she puts her little hands up there like she's holding him and says hello again and again. Its very sweet.

This morning, Myla got to go crunching in the snow with her Aunt Aimee. She was so excited that when she woke up this morning, she was already telling Aim to put on her boots. Aimee wasn't here, so it seemed a little strange, but nevertheless, Myla told her. And then tonight we went to the chili cook-off at the church. John was in heaven. Myla even tried some, although I think she liked the cornbread and chips better. Its been a very busy day for such a little girl!

Be careful what you say

2010-02-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

You know how people change the way they talk when there are little ones around? That's because they repeat things so quickly, especially when they are trying new words out. Yeah, Myla is no different there. John threw out the word "gosh!" at their daddy-daughter day on Thursday and guess who repeated it? Yep, and he hit himself on the head. There are worse things she could say of course - and some things she does say sound worse than they are - but still, we are trying to be careful...

This week, Myla was fighting a pretty nasty cold. So much so that I had to come home from work early to love and snuggle her. Believe me, my heart was not broken for that! Thankfully it was just a cold, she never really had a fever or anything, and she slept mostly okay. She's definitely getting over it, and that we can tell by the way she runs us ragged at stores. Myla loves to go places. She woke up from her nap on Wednesday and said "go store mommy daddy" and nodded her head. When I said maybe later, she said "go see mam-mam pop-pop." She is a social butterfly and will talk to people at the store, as long as she's close to one of us. I guess that's a good thing.

Myla has also become very helpful doing things around the house. She takes her clothes to the laundry, helps feed the dog, and loves to set the table. She's getting so tall to be able to even reach the top of the table! We've also discovered that she knows how to read. Ok, not really. We borrowed some Curious George books from the library and have read them so many times she knows how they start. Its fun to hear her say these sentences and know how some passages go. She's a smart cookie. Wonder where she got that from?

A quiet morning

2010-02-07T07:53:00.001-07:00

It is a rare morning that I wake up before Myla does and not have to be rushing to be off at work. Its kind of strange not to wake up to her talking and laughing. I know why she's sleeping in today (and its not because the snow is making things darker), she didn't sleep all through the night. She was up for about an hour talking to her stuffed animals and putting on quite a show. When I went in to check on her a little later she had fallen back asleep, with her socks on her hands. I guess her feet were hot.

Myla got to play with her cousins Tank and Kaidynce from Omaha this week. She thought it was fun to have them at her house to play with her toys. She still got a little nervous, but we reminded her that sharing was good. We made valentines yesterday for her daddy while he was asleep. She loved to put the heart stickers on and was very careful about the drawing she did.

And now as the snow is falling heavier (we're catching up North Carolina!), I hear a little voice "mommy, 'r you?" What does the day have in store for us?

Oh to be two

2010-01-25T19:18:00.001-07:00

If I were to die tomorrow (not planning on it though), I would want to come back as one of Myla's baby dolls. She is such a good little mommy. She makes sure she has a good grip on baby, patting their back and saying "its okay baby". Babies get lovingly tucked in under their blankets, or get to go exciting places like the car wash - "look baby, wash car" - and they get milk whenever they want it, or don't want it. Every baby has a toy, a rattle or if they are being really good a penguin, and she makes sure they are softly put down in the middle of the floor before she goes to play with something else. Sounds like a hard life huh?

Myla has been powering through a little cold she got during her week of not sleeping well. Every morning, 2:00, she was up screaming for her dad. Which of course was not fun because he was at work, so I got up. We've determined that it wasn't night terrors, or that she was thirsty or hungry, just that she wants us to rotate who puts her to bed. So simple, it was almost laughable.

We took Myla to a brass concert on Saturday with Mam-mam that was supposed to be just for kids under four. She sat through the first song, but then she was done. I thought she would want to stomp her feet or clap since she loves to do that at home, but she was having too much fun making her mom and dad chase her. Maybe when she's three she'll be more inclined to listen. I thought it was a good time... does that count?

Say Cheese - A Photo Essay

2010-01-12T19:00:00.001-07:00

"Myla, let's take a picture in your dress for Grammy. Say cheese!"

"Elephant say cheese"

"Lion say cheese"

"Monkey say cheese"

"Carebear say cheese"

"James Penguin say cheese"

"Thank you Myla for (finally!) saying cheese! I'm sure Grammy will love the pictures."

Back to Reality

2010-01-06T19:18:00.003-07:00

I took last week off so I could spend some time with Myla (and get some degree of sanity back). So this week, it was back to reality. Myla has gotten right back into the groove of things without much of a problem. The naps she wouldn't take for me, she takes for her Nonni and she's been eating really well too - again, something she wouldn't do for me. I hear its a mom and dad thing, testing her boundaries or some such. We had a good time last week though and I know I did not enjoy Monday at all having to wake up early and not getting to see her all day. I think another mental health day may be coming up shortly...

(Scott, this is for you - her best gangsta' impression.) Myla's words have taken off like nothing else. She repeats almost anything you say and sometimes whole sentences. She still has some Myla words for things, but we are getting there. The other day, she was singing the ABC's in the back seat. It was so cute! She's really good at W X Y Z but the others get pretty mashed up.

She was very excited to see the snow falling this afternoon. I see crunching in the snow in our future...

New Year's Eve

2009-12-31T19:38:00.003-07:00

Last New Year's Eve, we kind of installed a tradition for our little family of visiting lights around town (we went to Zoo Lights). This year, we decided to check out the Blossoms of Lights at the botanic gardens. Yes, it was cold, but we enjoyed all the wonderful paths that were set out for us to see the lights. It was even more fun to see them through a two-year-old's eyes. Cause let me tell you, they move much faster when you are two...

Myla had a blast! She kept saying "run, run, run" all the way through. She would say "this way!" whenever a new path popped up and "more lights" when we would stop for a minute. She made so many people that were walking around us just giggle and enjoy her too. She just loved it. One gal said she was a little pink snowball barrelling though. (I was the one who said we should bring the stroller, although all it did was tag along and keep her with us in the parking garage.)

If you ask me though, I think her favorite part was crunching in the snow with her new snow boots.

Happy 2010!

Homecoming anniversary

2009-12-28T19:31:00.002-07:00

Yesterday was the two year anniversary of Myla coming home from the hospital after nine really long weeks. And tonight, we celebrated with her making us a wonderful fruit salad from the kitchen she got for Christmas from Mam-mam and Pop-pop. She was so cute cutting the fruit in half and telling us what it was (pear, orange, strawberry). She was having a lot of fun until real dinner was ready and then we weren't so cool. If I'd been thinking, I would have put together a real fruit salad and maybe that would have appeased her.

Today we went swimming at Aimee's high school pool. I think Myla had more fun watching the divers that Aimee was coaching and critiquing their splashes. (I think she made it hard for Aim to coach too because she does some really cute things, but that's just me...) She did do some great kicks and gliding, worked on her scoops and almost floated on her back. I think we are making progress.

So, we were thinking about how amazing and really inspiring our girl is that in two years, she's ignored the whole born early thing and cruised through every milestone. She talks like nothing else - three and four words in a row sometimes that you can understand! - runs, plays, colors, and gets heavy if you carry her for too long. She also gets antsy and wants to walk, but that's a different story. Two years ago we brought home a tiny four pound baby on oxygen who got lost in her car seat. She's had no setbacks, no real illnesses and reservations about doing things on her own time. Maybe the nurses were right. Maybe we really will have our hands full when she is a teenager...

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T20:25:00.002-07:00

We just got home from a week of joyous Christmas celebrations. Sunday, we played with Witulski cousins and had a great dinner. One of Myla's cousins wouldn't let her down she was having so much fun coloring and playing. Then last night, we played with more cousins running around and playing with new toys. She's a little confused as to how there are so many cousins and they don't all have the same name I think, but she has fun with them just the same.

Today, Myla had the best day, opening presents and playing with her new toys and reading her new books. We had a great day watching her do it all too. She got new beds for her babies, a kitchen, and some very cute outfits. Add in all the Little People stuff and the bath crayons and she was in heaven! She got very good at saying Merry Christmas by the end of the day and it was very cute. John and I got spoiled too - web cams and Cricut cartridges and movies, oh my! - and we certainly felt like little kids again.

We are especially grateful for our families this year. It hasn't been an easy year for us but we always knew that we could count on them to rally around us. We know how important they are to us, and we know we probably don't always tell them but we hope that they know they are. We'll do our best in 2010 to tell them more.

Remember - only 364 days to go till Christmas! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Stylin'

2009-12-19T19:58:00.003-07:00

Myla completed her first round of swim lessons today. She had the best time chasing ducks and kicking. We still need to work on her scoop and the floating on your back parts, but she loved it I think. All morning she went around the house saying "simmin lemmons" and was really excited to put her suit on. I think we'll have to look into the next round once the Y releases their schedule. She even got a pretty yellow certificate to show off - if you could get past the shy part that she's all of a sudden doing with anyone. But once she flashes that smile, you know you are okay.

She's also been a busy girl learning her colors (most things are blue or green, sometimes purple) and counting to ten (even if she does miss a couple of numbers here and there). This week, Myla got to play with one of her East Coast friends, Emma, and teach her the word "no, no" and how much fun it is to run away from mom. That Myla, she's a trouble maker I guess.

We have been counting down to Christmas on our calendar and are very excited to begin the festivities tomorrow with the Witulskis. It will be the first time since she became mobile that she will really get to play with her cousins on that side of the family. They are bigger and older than her, but I think she'll have just as much fun watching them as she will trying to keep up. Or maybe they will just make her laugh cause they are so funny. We'll have to see!

Christmas time is here!!

2009-12-07T20:37:00.004-07:00

Yeah for Christmas!! Myla has already taken a liking to this holiday what with the tree and lights and all. She liked Thanksgiving too, it's just that the main mascot is a turkey and gobble gobble doesn't have the same ring to it as ho, ho, ho....Maybe we need to be more creative with T-Day activities and start celebrating them sooner. I don't know, but anyway it's Christmas time!!

Here's just an idea of the fun we had building the gingerbread house together. The dog got a lot of candy off the floor but otherwise, Myla was a big help squeezing out the icing and holding the walls together and especially taking the candy off and putting it back on again then eating it. Look at that mop-top of hair she's got! Time for another trim.

Lately Myla has been reading so many books. She got some from Boynton that she likes a lot and that teach her colors and letters and sounds etc. Recently, we've been reading the Christmas Story book for children about the greatest gift of all during Christmas that of Baby Jesus. She's so cute when she says it too!

This morning while Myla was eating breakfast I was playing a video game and I didn't know she was watching until the car I was driving got stuck and she said, "Uh, oh!" and then something like, "Go Dad-dy!" It was cute. Probly shouldn't let her watch me play GTA IV.....yet anyway. So much fun being a parent.

Magical Moment

2009-11-30T19:09:00.004-07:00

Tonight, we decorated our Christmas tree. Myla put her ornaments on by herself. My heart melted - it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

Its Turkey Day!

2009-11-27T12:45:00.003-07:00

Yeah for turkey! We had a little scare the night before Thanksgiving because Myla came home with a slight fever and she still had it in the morning. We thought we wouldn't be able to join in the giving thanks celebration, but after a good nap, she felt right as rain and we got to see everyone. It was a lot of fun to watch the cousins play together again. Myla LOVED the mashed potatoes (that's my girl!) and even had a bite or two of turkey. Today though, put that turkey in a sandwich and she was all over it - again, my girl! - and we think she had a good time.

Myla's been rebelling against her highchair at home lately, so we went on the search for a booster seat, thinking maybe she would eat more. Then we found out that our space saver high chair turns into a booster seat, and once we converted it, she loved it. And today I bought her a place mat to help keep the table kind of clean (its multiplication tables, a bit advanced, but you can't start too soon, right Aim?).

In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, we would like our friends and family to know how much we appreciate them and all they do. We've been blessed with a wonderful circle of support and we are thankful every day. We know that Myla is well loved and that, even though we are second to her, we are too. We hope everyone had a wonderful time with their families and that they are as thankful as we are for everything, big and small.

Special parent time

2009-11-18T19:46:00.002-07:00

Since Johnny has started working overnights, Myla and I have had a lot of time on the weekends together. Its been a lot of fun - we started swimming lessons last week. She clung pretty tight to me, even though she's been in the pool before. I think it was the people all around us. She did really good at the kicking part and was starting to get the hang of the scoop to paddle with. The going under was not so smooth though. We'll keep working on it. During our "shhh, daddy is sleeping" time, we've also been to a number of parks and started a new tradition of bagels. Mmmmmm, bagels.... I don't know which she likes better, the bagels or the people watching.

Today, Johnny got to spend some daddy time with his girl. The chose to check out the Wildlife Experience, which he said is not really for two-year-olds. A lot of big animals making some weird moves and noises that scared her too much to even be down from his arms. But, they did have some things that she thought were neat to see. Butterflies and trees and a place that you could make an avalanche. The butterfly had handles that you could move the wings and a mirror so you could see yourself with wings. He thinks that overall she had fun.

She's become quite the talker, spouting off two and three words together. She's also discovered the thrill of online games and we spend some time playing Curious George games on PBSkids. She's actually pretty good on some of them. She's changing every day - and taking us along for the ride!

A cause dear to us

2009-11-16T18:23:00.006-07:00

As many of you know (if not all of you, I don't know that our blog is that internationally read), Myla was born 12 weeks early. She weighed 1 pound, 5.8 ounces and was just over a foot long. She came so early because I developed HELLP syndrome - a nasty version of pre-eclampsia. I don't know how sick I really was, but ask my mom someday, she said it was pretty scary.

Because Myla came so early, her lungs did not get a chance to develop fully. We were able to wait two days for steroid shots to help her, but it wasn't a cure all. When babies are in utero (like that? that's science-speak) around 26 weeks, they start producing surfactant, which helps the lungs to open. The surfactant helps them stay open upon exhale, and babies "gulp" the fluid in the sack so when they are born, thier lungs are ready. Myla didn't get that chance. I remember looking at the x-rays they took of her lungs and seeing large dark areas where her lungs weren't open yet. She had three treatments of surfactant to open them up.

I tell you this because it was the March of Dimes research that pinpointed surfactant as necessary for babies that were born so early. November 17th is "Fight for Preemies" day. Obviously, we are BIG fans of March of Dimes. Because of their research, our daughter was given an extra push and able to grow and become the strong and feisty and amazing little one she is. Please join us in fighting for all preemies by clicking on the purple badge to your right. It will take you to the March of Dimes website where we have created a band in honor of Myla. I know it is hard these days for a lot of us, and the holidays are coming up, and things are tight in the middle of the month (at least, they always are for us) but we ask, if you are able, to please join us in giving all babies the chance they deserve. Any donation you could give would help. Thank you!

Horsey, horsey on your way

2009-11-12T19:17:00.005-07:00

Myla got this great rocking horse for her birthday from Mam-mam and Pop-pop Witulski. When she first got it, it didn't make any noise for some reason. But since then, she's loved it, rode it a lot, been bucked off and now, the horse talks back...

It came as quite a surprise when she pressed it on the first time, but she loved it. And yes, she still does. A lot.

Halloween Party

2009-10-31T21:01:00.003-06:00

Today we had Myla's birthday party. She didn't know what to think about it at first when people started showing up, but she quickly found out that she has cousins that like to run around. It was a lot of fun to see them all together. Myla made out like a bandit - thank you everyone! - and really enjoyed brunch and the singing of Happy Birthday. (I dare say it is her favorite song!) She even blew out the candle all by herself. She is a big girl now you know.

Today was a doubly fun day because, being as how its Halloween and all, Myla got to go on her first trick-or-treat excursion. We hit a few select houses and then it was off to "trunk"-or-treat at the church. She loved it, all the kids in their costumes running around and all the things to do. She colored two pictures and then it was time to go outside. She's a little shy and so she didn't really say trick-or-treat, but her parents helped out and she got enough loot to satisfy our cravings. I know, I know, its not all for us. Don't worry, she'll get a sucker or two... eventually...

And now, for your viewing pleasure, the cutest peek-a-boo this side of the rockies...

Snow day!

2009-10-29T19:34:00.005-06:00

Check out the pink snow suit... can't move in it, but she's warm. It snowed nearly 24" and we couldn't put off shovelling out any longer. We coaxed Myla out to play but she mostly stood there until we were going inside, then it was cool to play in. The wind was still sweeping snow crystals around and it's not terribly warm out either so maybe tomorrow we can build a snow fort.

The picture of her inside before we ventured out is priceless. Her face looks like, what in the name of pete....who wears this stuff? (imagine a Stewie Griffin voice)
I have today and tomorrow off and half of Saturday for Myla's Halloween/birthday party so I also get to bake the cake and try to make it look like a duck. Right. It should be fun.

Myla has always done silly things and the two bottom pictures of her say it all. She leans against one ottoman and walks her feet up the other and just leans back and relaxes, but this time she used me to help steady with one hand while she drank from her cup. We'll have to build a tree house for her to climb up to one of these days. So, yah, we can't get into the backyard easily. Haley has to squeeze through because the snow is so deep and wet, heavy stuff. Perfect for a snow fort. Have I already mentioned the possibility of a snow fort? Well, now I have.

Myla really loves the gifts from everyone for her birthday. She scatters them all throughout the house, switching at random between them all if we let her. She has quite an imagination. Saturday should be a lot of fun with costumes and trick or treating, sugar highs and crashes. Have a great Halloween everyone, until we blog again.

Myla is 2!

2009-10-24T21:34:00.003-06:00

Myla knows her age and shows us by holding up both index fingers and saying twooooo. It's so cute! Her words are becoming more clear as well. Like Peekaboo isn't peek...anymore but she does take a short pause inbetween sylables. Today we picked out pumpkins, one Myla carried by the stem and two bigger ones for mom and dad to help Myla carve. As you can tell by the picture, she was having fun picking them out too. She got a cool little apron from Auntie Tiffy that goes down to her shins but is perfect for her and Grammy and G-Daddy put together some activity packs with shapes and animals and different themes.

Tonight, Mam-Mam and Pop-Pop came over for dinner and to give Myla presents and so did Aimee, Scott and Jeff. Myla must have stood at the front door looking out for 10 minutes saying "Aimee," "Aimee." Uncle Jeff gave her a Mr. Potato Head which she played with for a long time. It was a hit. I think she enjoyed having everyone at her dinner table because she was all smiles.

For her cake, Aimee made cupcakes frosted to look like a pond and grass around it with two little ducks sitting on them since Myla loves ducks. She even has a duck halloween costume that she will have us put the hat on her so she can look at herself in the mirror as a duck. This will be a fun halloween.