Bigger Girl Bed!

When it comes to beds we take baby steps here. Some go from the crib to a "big" bed - whether it is a twin or in some cases even bigger. Brooke went from the crib to a toddler bed. She was always such a peanut, plus she had to move from the crib at 19 months, so we liked the toddler bed. And she still fits perfect in it.

But then, Kevin had a co-worker ask him if he was interested in some nice wooded bunk beds - with mattresses (that are in very good shape), for a very reasonable price. And luckily, the co-worker could wait until we got our tax return! So, we acquired these beds. For now, we are keeping only one of the "big beds" in Brooke's room, along with the toddler bed for some day down the road when it will be Lorelei's turn to occupy.

Anyhow, the new bed is a hit. Brooke talked about it all week and how she would help daddy make it! And both girls love jumping on it! (Not that we would ever allow that!) And I think it fits perfect in the room.

As the mommy, it is both exciting and sad to see my oldest little girl growing up and graduating up to the next size bed. And don't even get me started on how I feel while just reading about the registration procedures for pre-school in September!!!

Fashionista!

Growing Fast...

The girls had a well child check a couple of weeks ago. I know they grow fast, but man, it sure is almost unbelievable!

And I can't get over how Brooke & Lorelei don't really look alike, but in terms of physical growth, they are identical! They both weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces when they were born. At each stage Lorelei has been within a few ounces of where her big sister was at that point. And her 18 month check up was no exception. It will be interesting to see if the trend continues, as between 18 months and 2 years, Brooke had a big growth spurt.

The statistical info from the doctor's visit...Lorelei is 22 pounds, 8 ounces & 31 inches long. Her weight is at the 20th percentile and height about the 23rd. Our little peanut #2! Brooke, who sprouted into the 40th percentiles at age 2...grew beyond my expectations. She is 33 1/2 pounds, and 38 inches, both right about the 70th percentile! What happened to our first peanut!! I knew she was getting tall...but wow! So, again, it will be interested to see if Lorelei starts taking off now too!

April 2008 & Now

The pediatrician says they are perfectly healthy both physically & developmentally. Brooke even knew she was girl when they asked...not that she shouldn't but I know I never specifically talked about it with her. And Lorelei talks so much it blows me away since Brooke only ever said the minimum amount of words until she turned 2.

September 2008 & Now

All is well...and I can't be more thrilled.

As for the rest our lives, we can't complain. Nothing really new here. We got our tax return in only 6 days, so that was awesome! (And we sure needed it!).

Today is Valentine's day - so Happy Day to all! My valentine made the awesomest (most awesome?) tomatillo mango salsa & is making up a heart shaped pizza as I type this! Lorelei is helping and Brooke is taking a nap (which is nearly a small miracle lately!). So, for now I will go, an share more news with you as it comes!

2010 - A new year

To those who used to read my blog - Welcome back! To those that my be stopping here for the first time -Welcome!!

As can be seen, I have been majorly slacking as a blogger. So many reasons...but really just excuses!

But today is day 2 of this new year - 2010. And I was thinking about New Year's resolutions. Now, really I don't believe in or make New Year's resolutions, because let's face it - how many people really & truly keep those "resolutions". It's not that you don't want to...and you have good intentions when you make them - it just too easy to put them on the back burner when we get busy, tired, stressed, etc. And that is life!

Anyhow, so while I don't want to make resolutions, I do have hopes & goals for 2010 in general. I admit, at first my attitude was "I hope 2010 is better than 2009". But when I thought some more, I realize that although certain areas of my life are not ideal and sometimes downright depressing and stressful, overall, I am really grateful. I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful daughters. We are all healthy (well, Lorelei & I are starting 2010 with a cold - but you know what I mean!!), and we have a nice home to live. And overall, I am quite happy. However, there are things I hope are different by the time 2011 rolls in.

My first goal is this blog. I want to be MUCH better at keeping it up. I need to make an effort. It is so easy and faster to upload pictures just to Facebook - but not everyone is a "FB" person. Plus, this blog is meant to capture more of our lives than just a FB status!

Then, there are things in general, like I hope to find a new job this year with no potential for travel. (Anyone want to help me with my resume)?! I hope to get our finances in better order. I want to be healthier and lose weight (as many do). It is hard, because for me, when I am down, food sure makes me feel better! But, as I learned from all that watching of the Biggest Loser - I should want to be healthier for myself and my family. And I do. It is tough and I may not do well, but I want to try.

Anyhow, here I am going on and on...I think I will end for now. I hope and wish everyone a happy, healthy, & satisfying 2010!

And now, a few pics (of course!!):

Brooke turned 3 on 12/22/09...her two birthday cakes!

Snow Play!



Cookie Making



The Girls!

Apple

I was trying out the settings on my new camera. Just thought these were cute!

Update - August '09

Again, I have been blog MIA! Sorry! You know, work, family, summertime = Busy!

And from here at my work computer, sadly, I have no pictures to include in this post...but I know you'd like an update anyway!

Let's see what have we been up to? Mostly the usual suspects....the zoo, the pool, talking walks, local festivals, etc. We have taken up a couple of Chicago Fire soccer games...we always have to leave early before the girls get too crabby & out of control (!) - but it is still fun for a while!

Lorelei is walking all over now! And she is getting smarter by the minute! Learning and saying more words every day. She talks more than Brooke did at this age, but I imagine it is because she is learning from her sister. She knows what she wants and doesn't like if she doesn't get it, but overall, still the calm and happy little one she's always been!

Brooke has been potty training & is doing great. Only a few accidents here and there now. She is very independent as always. She "over" loves her sister with full body bear hugs & thinks that pushing Lorelei down is just fine! But overall, they get along and laugh together...they just also like there "alone" times when one is sleeping and the other is up!

Kevin & I just celebrated our 5 year anniversary...can't believe it has been 5 years already. It sure has gone by fast!

Nothing much else really to report on. We are blessed & lucky to have a happy and healthy family!

ONE YEAR OLD!

I just can't believe my littlest one is ONE YEAR OLD! An entire year has come and gone. So fast!

Here is the latest on the recent Birthday Girl!

She went to the doctor for her 1 year old well check...she is 18 pounds, 5 ounces & 28 1/2 inches tall. Almost exactly the same as her big sister at that age. Weight is about 10th percentile and the height is about 30th. Doc says she is perfect in every way!

Also, since it is the popular question at this age...Lorelei just took her first steps yesterday! A 4th of July to remember for her! I even made sure she did it again today to make sure it wasn't a fluke! But it wasn't! So, the real walking will be coming in no time I am sure! Look out world, here she comes!!!

It's all about the cake!!!

Five Things...

Five things about the girls right now...

Brooke Madeleine 2 years, 5 months & approximately 29 1/4 pounds

1. Loves to go outside! One of the first things she asks to do after she wakes up!

2. Becoming a little parrot! Better watch what you say!

3. Got her hair braided for the very first time...by DADDY!



4. Got her toe nails painted for the first time this summer!



5. Learned that she can use her rocking horse as a step stool!





Lorelei Grace 11 months & approximately 17 pounds



1. Starting to talk. If you ask me, she says Dada & Uh Oh!...and maybe just maybe starting on mama!

2. Just had her 6th tooth come through.

3. Is standing all on her own with great balance! I think those first steps are coming soon!

4. Is starting to eat lots of table food!



5. Climbs the stairs like a champ!

Spring Happenings

I didn't mean to take a blog hiatus in May...but you know how it goes. Life, in general, is busy. Many times I say tonight is the night I am going to update...but then, a child wakes up, or the dishes need to get done, or I am just plain tired! So, I did give myself the goal on this long holiday weekend, to find some time to update. And, here it is...

What has been going on this spring? Mostly, just regular old life. But there are always a few cute moments to share!

The girl's cousin, Kathen. Could she be any cuter?! She is 6 weeks older than Lorelei. They are both happy little cuties!


The girls are just mesmerized when watching Daddy mowing the lawn! They do this every time!


Brooke looking adorable! I am so glad she is back into getting her picture taken. Now she loves saying "Cheese!"


On the blog, it is harder to tell, but this is not only a sweet picture of Lorelei, it also shows her one fang that came in!


What kind of mother allows here kid to go outside on a rather too brisk May evening like this? Well, what can I say? She has a jacket on doesn't she?!!

St. Louis - the rest!

The last installment of pictures of our St. Louis trip. From the Anheuser Busch tour and the St. Louis Blues vs. Columbus Blue Jackets hockey game we attended.

King of Beers


The Famous Clydesdales

One of 2 Dalmatians that live among the Clydesdales.
So sweet!





Lorelei enjoying the bar. I mean the "hospitality room"!


Daddy enjoying hockey with his girls. Both girls loved the game. Daddy is so proud!!!!!!