21 months going on...

I feel like Katie has gone through a big growth spurt the past couple of weeks.  Her looks are changing, but more so, her personality is exploding.  It has been a domino effect since she started walking - it's as if that triggered her to become an official "big girl."  Part of me is saying - SLOW DOWN - but it brings so much joy to see her personality unfold.  One thing's for sure - my life has gotten A LOT busier lately.  Katie continues to demonstrate her strong willed demeanor.  The biggest development has been her going limp like a sack of potatoes and bending over when we try to carry her.  I mean, now that she can walk, why should she be carried anywhere?  I didn't realize how efficient it was to carry her : )  She also is talking a lot more.  She is starting to ask "why?" and uses "please" and "tank-you".  Her speech is groupings of words rather than single word sentences.  Katie's and Andy's favorite thing to do is to play the "yes/no" game.  It can go on for quite awhile - and Katie finds it quite humorous.  Andy gets frustrated that he can't outsmart his sister anymore : ) 

We headed to Golden Gardens on Saturday and it was a cold and rainy day.  Doesn't Katie look so grown up in her rain boots and hat?  In some of the pictures, it looks like she is posing.  So much more fun to dress up a little girl than a little boy!

Magnolia Coop Preschool

I guess I am in a documenting mood as I have been taking my camera with me to "capture" this stage in our kids lives.  I brought my camera to Katie's Coop class last Friday as it was "picture day."  Katie wanted nothing to do with the camera man,  but I think he finally got a picture where she isn't clinging to me for dear life. 

I also like to capture all of the kids in the class throughout the year to document how they grow - and then give the teacher a book with all of the kids over the year.  We LOVE teacher Gina and our experience at the Coop has been so great.  Here are a few of Katie.

Just 6 months ago...

Pajama Day

This week was "P" week at Andy's preschool.  Wednesday was Pajama Day and all the kids were able to bring their favorite "sleeping friend."  Andy was SO EXCITED to bring his monkey to school.  This week also was the beginning of Andy's "sticker chart."  He has continue to hit at school, so they are working on a reward chart - every day that he doesn't hit, he gets a stamp.  When he's gone a week without hitting, he gets a sticker.  Monday was the first day - and he didn't get a stamp.  Honestly, I felt like I had failed as a mom.  We talked about it over the weekend, on the way to school...and I could just tell that he was deflated when I picked him up from school as he didn't get his stamp.  Wednesday was a different day.  His teachers think it may have had to do with his little friend (monkey) joining him at school.  They said he had a GREAT day...so that equals me having a "kairos" moment.  We went for ice cream at Menchis to celebrate.  Friday - another stamp day.  Hooray for Andy.  We'll take these little moments to balance out those other moments!  This is Andy excited for school with his McQueen Jammies on!

Puddle Jumpers

Katie is going to a drop-off preschool one day a week so that I can have a little time to get some work done.  This was her first week and she did great!  She was a little upset when I left, but ended up having a great time.  I took some photos that morning to capture her first day. 

So proud of you Katie-girl!

Proud big brother

She's ready to go!

Volunteer Park

On Sunday at Volunteer Park

Park Weekend

We spent the last weekend in February heading to new parks in the area.  On Saturday, we went to the Coe Elementary playground.  We brought the balance bike and thought Andy would enjoy some practice on his bike.  He was more excited about the football and the playground, but Katie was excited to try the bike.  On Sunday, we headed to Volunteer Park.  It was really cold, but we warmed up by looking at all of the plants in the greenhouse.  Both kids are really into slides right now - and super brave.  It was fun to spend time in new play areas.

On Saturday at Coe Elementary

Sleeping Kids

We have been pretty lucky in the sleeping department.  Both of our kids love to sleep.  If they miss a nap or go to bed late, they will sleep in late or make up for lost sleep.  On the downside, if they are tired they are grumpy (I think I know who they get that from!).  Kyle decided to capture our kids sleeping after we had put them down.  Andy has slept with his arms tucked underneath him since he was little.  He still rocks himself to sleep and then either falls asleep like he is below or eventually collapses to his back or tummy.  Katie starts on her back with her lambie in one hand and her thumb in mouth.  She usually ends up cozy next to one of the sides of the crib.  Both have their self-soothing mechanisms (Andy rocking, Katie thumb) and both love their angel-dear blankies (Andy monkey, Katie lambie).  They both twist their blankie animal around until they find the tag and then slide the tag in between their fingers - it's a subconscious habit for both.  Katie sometimes requests a book and always wants to bru-tee (brush teeth) all by herself.  She always likes to sit in her rocking chair while getting her night-night song sung to her (usually by mommy - if daddy tries, she says "I want momma").  Then she happily goes to her crib.  Andy likes his daddy at night (usually tells me to "go away").  Kyle reads a book, says prayers, and tells a story.  Luckily we are able to work as a team at night!

Dinner at Canlis

Here are some pictures from Mum's birthday dinner.  We had a great time with family.  What a wonderful milestone to celebrate!