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!