Twenty-Four Months (Oliver's Monthly Photo)

He's TWO!!



Oliver woke up this morning with no idea that it was his second birthday, but I bet he has the idea by now.  We've had lots of phone calls with happy birthday singing... mostly met with smiling silence.  Although, I have to say -- Oliver has made progress in the last few weeks!



He can kind of say more and juice and thank you (day-doo) and Papa (said in a whisper) and definitely Nah-nah (Nonnie) and a very high-pitched ch! (cheese!).  He still signs a lot.




Trains are Oliver's first love.  He got a brand new train set and some add-on pieces to a wooden one we already had.  He got some "choo-choo shirts," and even a new train book!  He's a pretty big fan of the Doc Mcstuffins pull-ups Lucy picked out for him, and he loves the rocket ship that Elliot picked for him.



He's also super pleased with his new toddler bed.  He's been able to crawl out of his crib for a while now, but this will be so much easier for him.  He's good about staying in bed when he's supposed to.

The fountain was a big hit.  We're going back tomorrow.





A couple times in the past few weeks, I've come around the corner to see Oliver holding Charlie and walking.  It is unsettling.  Charlie sports a huge toothless grin, without a care in the world of being dropped.




Oliver's favorite foods are sausage, chicken, scrambled eggs, and cinnamon rolls.  He likes cheese and pizza, too.  He's so-so on veggies and fruits but hasn't just flat refused much.  We don't make a big deal about it.

Oliver's favorite songs are "Choo-choo Train, Coming Down the Track" (a speech therapy song) and "Wheels on the Bus."  His favorite activities include being tickled, going out to get the mail, and watching for construction vehicles and/or trains when riding in the car.  He is going to absolutely adore gymnastics, and although it's going to complicate our morning having three in gymnastics classes--I can't wait :).



Oliver, our sweet two-year-old.  We love you so much and are so happy to be your parents and your family.  You are a joy and a delight, and so stinking fun.  You are a wonderful snuggler, kiss-giver, play-mate, and adventurer.  We are looking forward to another year of getting to know you and love you better!



Sleep well, dear one.

Kimie's Birthday

This is just a very quick post to say thank you for all the warm birthday wishes yesterday!  We had a really nice day.

We went out to breakfast, cleaned up Christmas decorations around the house, toasted marshmallows, and played outside in the freezing cold puddles.   Daniel and I went out on our first date night since Charlie was born.



Well... actually we took Charlie with us, but his manners at the table were close to perfect, so we had a nice time. 

...and then the next day -- fondue with friends!  So fun.

Elliot's 3rd Birthday Party

We celebrated Elliot's third birthday this past weekend. 



Although his actual birthday isn't for another week, we knew Charlie would probably arrive too close to it.  So we celebrated Elliot's birthday on Charlie's due date. 



It was so, so fun!  We had it at a big gym in Allen, and it was just perfect.  Pizza and construction cake for the first thirty minutes, and then an hour of free play in the gym downstairs. 



The kids loved playing on all the different equipment, but the zip line was a huge hit with those brave enough to try it. 



Lucy initially had some reservations (above, right) but she and Elliot both did it twice and really enjoyed it. 





Elliot held on tight the whole way and then dropped into the foam pit at the end.  He felt like such a big boy, using the handle bars like the big kids.




Oliver pal'ed around with Nonnie for the first bit but also got in some quality time with Daniel.



One thing I love about this gym is all the available trampolines! 



There is always a free one open, and they're just the perfect size for little kids.







Happy 3rd birthday, Elliot!!!  We sure do love you and are so proud of the little boy you are growing up to be! 

Lucy's 4th Birthday

Lucy turned four this past weekend.  We had a packed but pleasant day.  

 

It started with donuts!  

 And then we did lunch at Babe's with lots of friends, and they had Lucy wear a special chicken hat while they sang her a birthday song.  

Lucy came with me to a good friend's baby shower next, and then we did bowling!  

Lucy was given the option to go swimming or to go bowling, and she did not hesitate.  

 

Bowling it was.  

We invited a little friend of hers, Bailey--so she and her little brother and mommy were there, too. 

Lucy and Elliot had a marvelous time bowling.  They weren't ready to leave, even after an hour of it.  Except when we reminded them that frozen yogurt was next.  

That got them out the door and into the car.  They love this new place we've just discovered--Monster Yogurt.  It's a typical frozen yogurt place, but with a little indoor playground for the kids.  They love it and ask daily to go back.  

Happy birthday, sweet Lucy.  We are so proud of you and delighted by you (and challenged by you) every single day.  We love you.