"Mama, Cheese!"

I was cleaning up the kitchen one night, and Colin was persistently calling my name.When I turned around, he said "Mama, Cheese!" I guess he knows when a good photo op is in the works...even though he was totally doing something he was not supposed to. Especially since he proceeded to get on top of  the table.
People, we have a climber.

Happy Veterans Day!

Did you hug a soldier today?

What do we do with you, Lou?

Our Lucy Lou. She has really taken a back seat since Colin was born. Now, don't get me wrong...she has some kinks that need to be worked out, but overall she's a good girl.
Lately it seems we don't have much time for her. I feel bad that she spends most days just laying around by herself. Sometimes I think she deserves better.
But Colin has other ideas. He really loves his Lucy. Every morning when he wakes up, he says "Lucy!" Then before we eat breakfast he helps pour her food and water into her bowls. She makes him laugh. She's so gentle with him. She loves us. And this is what makes me want to make a little extra time for her, even when I want to spend that time on housework that needs to be done, or take a few extra minutes for myself.
We love you, Lucy Lou, even if you drive me nuts sometimes.

This was totally unprompted before bedtime last night. So sweet.

You say it's your Birthday...

Happy Birthday to my Dad, better known as Papa! Colin talks about his Papa every day...so you know he's going to be super excited to see him in a couple of weeks!
Hope you have a great birthday Dad!

I'm glad it's your Birthday

Happy Birthday to you.

-The Beatles

Terrific Two's.

It's Lily's second birthday today! She's TWO! She's entering big girl status now. Our Lily is so sweet and adorable. She has the biggest smile and the cutest head of golden locks. We just love her! 

We hope you had a terrific birthday Lily, and maybe we can celebrate when we come home in a few weeks!

Here's the big girl!...picture compliments of Carrie.

Colin and Lily are only six months apart. Because of this, I wanted to post a recent picture of the two of them together. I looked through my photo archives trying to find one, and realized I don't have any! I need to be better at capturing cousin moments...but in all fairness it's been difficult lately since they are always on the move! Here are a few "oldies" that I could find...

July 2009...their first meeting!

October 2009, at the Strong Museum in Rochester.

December 2009

September 2010- "Shopping" at the mini-Wegmans in the Strong Museum. Looks like they take after their Mom's. We LOVE Weggies!!

18 Months.

Colin is 18 months old today!I know back on his first birthday I announced that I was going to make the pictures-on-the-airplane-blanket-next-to-the-bear a yearly event...but 18 months is a pretty big milestone in my book! I mean, how is our baby already a year and a half?
...And I'm pretty sure this is the last time I can squeeze him in a onesie. Haha, poor guy!

18 Months!

Just for the reminiscent at heart...

2 weeks.

6 Months.

One Year.

So here is what our 18 month old is up to:

-Likes tractors, airplanes, outside, hats, friends, animals, music, snacks.

-Dislikes most vegetables...but will eat raw bell pepper and cucumber, and whatever I can sneak into his other food.

-Can say more words and phrases than we can count. He is like a parrot.

-Has all of his teeth except his two year molars.

-Gave up bottles at 16 months with no problem , but still has Binky for sleeping...and that is going to be harder to give up!

-Goes on the potty, but not consistently.

-Is in-between taking 2 naps a day...I think we are moving to one.

-Goes to bed between 8 and 9 and wakes between 7 and 8.

-Sweet, smart, funny, and stubborn. 

-Loves life!

We have his 18 month checkup in a couple of weeks, so we will find out his stats then. He also has his first dentist appointment today. Yikes!

We love you, big boy. It's so fun to watch you grow!