And the girl keeps growing up . . .

Yesterday, for the first time Little Miss did PEE-PEE IN THE POTTY!! We've been very low key about the potty. We've had the potty in the bathroom, talked about the potty, sat on the potty at times (both while dressed and undressed), placed stuffed animals and baby dolls on the potty, brushed teeth while on the potty, read books about the potty, etc, but never really pushed the issue at all. I figure when it's time, it's time. Then, last night during one of our "Pee-pee are you coming?" songs (a little ditty, sung to the tune of "The bear went over the mountain", made up by Mama to encourage a little time sitting in the poised and ready position), the pee-pee surprised us both by actually arriving in the potty! Poor Little Miss was quite scared by this sudden happening, but came around to the idea after seeing the praise, shouts of excitement, and potty party dancing performed by Mama (and Auntie). It was probably a fluke, but it's certainly a start!




The proud pee-er getting a closer look to admire her work


There have been other signs of my girly's persistent maturation as well. She is slaying me with her language, her recall, and her perceptive observations.

A few recent quotes:

While in the bath tub talking to herself, "Wash your body, wash your knees, wash your elbow, wash your freckle".





While driving in the car and looking out at the buildings we pass, "That's the grocery store . . . that's the bank . . . that's Target - pictures taken (we went to the portrait studio there about 4 months ago) . . . What's that store?".


Because sharing is an important concept in our lives right now, Little Miss makes a point of having all her babies share toys, blankets, etc. She shares her food, drinks, etc. with me or anyone else who's nearby. She's all about doing things "a-gether" (translation: together) - very sweet!


Little Miss and her cousin hanging "a-gether" at the playground


And being the clever little girl that she is, she has now figured out that "need" trumps "want" in the world of communication. So Little Miss now needs quite a few things. Examples: "I need milk", "I need cal-ca-later (translation: calculator) - seriously?, "I need a go the park".




Life with a toddler is so entertaining. My brother always says, "If I lived with her, I would laugh all day" and I always tell him I do!! So while growth and maturity are snatching my little baby away, they are simultaneously revealing this crazy, amazing, wonderful little person who lights up my life!

Morning jam . . . and other pics

Not grape jam . . . but rather a musical jam! This girl loves to take care of her babies and loves to jam, making music out of just about anything! I didn't get the audio this time, but trust me it was loud.



Easter morning - checking out her loot from the Bunny.



Dressed and ready for church . . . after a few pics of course!



Enjoying a beautiful day at the park with this crazy, goofy girl!






She's a nut, and I love her to pieces!

Breakfast with the babies . . .

TWO!!!!

Little Miss turned two today!! It was an exciting day full of the usual birthday treats . . . cake, ice cream, presents, family, and fun! I couldn't be prouder, happier, or more in love with my sweetie girl. A few snapshots from the day:





Blowing out her candle all by her "self" - as every two year old must after all!




Mommy's creation in response to Little Miss's request for a "meow meow cake".




The excitement of a new set of golf clubs!!!





A big hit - a high chair for her babies! The girl knows how to care for her babes!





And here she is snuggling with the newest babies that she received today!




And what gift giving event is complete without a toy that comes in a box large enough that it makes you forget all about the toy that was in it, and becomes the most entertaining object of the day!


Happy Birthday Baby Girl! I love you soooo much!

Today's ensemble and more . . .

A few recent, self-selected outfits . . . the crown has become a daily accessory that compliments any outfit really.


We've been teased with a taste of spring over the last few days and it's been wonderful. We've hit all the local parks to enjoy the sun. Little Miss can never get enough park time.








And when the weather isn't so nice, there's always the museum.

Approaching Two

Little Miss turns 2 next month. Someone recently asked me what she is into these days and it made me think about the fact that time passes so quickly and she is changing quickly too. So in an effort to stop the clock, to take a virtual picture of this moment in time, and to preserve the memory of who Little Miss is right now, here's a snapshot.

Little Miss today:

FAVORITE FOODS: yogurt, pasta, pizza, milk

FAVORITE TOYS: baby dolls, musical toys, push toys (doll stroller, shopping cart, etc.), kitchen/wooden food

FAVORITE PASTIMES: running, reading books, writing/coloring, dancing, singing, anything physical, play dough

FAVORITE PLACES TO GO: Grammie's house, the park, the mall, the library

FAVORITE SONGS: Waterloo by ABBA, Tick Tock by Keisha (not my choice), Say Hey by Michael Franti, Happy Birthday, Wheels on the Bus, most Raffi songs, most Laurie Berkner songs, and a few made up songs by Mama (in that order)

SONGS SHE CAN SING ALL BY HERSELF: Ring around the Rosy, ABC's, I love you (Barney song), almost Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

CLOTHING SIZE: anything from 12 months to small 2T's

THINGS MAMA IS ENJOYING ABOUT LITTLE MISS EVERYDAY: the new, amazing language that pops out of her daily and cracks me up, the spontaneous and unsolicited hugs and kisses that have emerged, the eye-brow raised look of excitement or surprise when something interesting happens, the satisfaction on her face when she knows I get the point she is trying to make, the creative pretend play that often mimics our lives, the joy I see other people get from interacting with my Little Miss, the list goes on and on . . .

And while 2 (or nearly 2 at the moment) has it's dark side . . . the tantrums, the stubborn will of iron, the quiet mischief of destruction, etc., etc., . . . the joy and delight of watching your baby morph into an independent, interesting, unique little person is priceless. So I welcome 2 with open and eager arms . . . well, and maybe a hard hat too for the rough spots!




the concentration of an almost 2 year old - highly focused for writing/drawing





the self expression of an almost 2 year old - tutu worn as often as possible





the mischief of an almost 2 year old - panties double as a hat while catching the cat by his tail





the joy and laughter of an almost 2 year old - with a hint of egocentrism