Audrey is really growing up quickly. She no longer sits in her high chair, she requested a booster seat. She no longer likes using her plastic plates and bowls, she requested using real plates and bowls. She is drinking from a cup pretty well (still plastic for that one!).
AND
She decided she no longer needs a nap. (ahhhh, I hope that one is just a phase!)
She is a sweet girl. She gives the best hugs, they are so tight and so real.
She loves to play. She loves her "guys" (small figurines).
We are surviving summer with a lot of pool time and popsicles.
"Hey, I see you taking my picture!"
She is still always on the move and very strong willed which is why this video is extra amazing. I am so proud of her accomplishment this morning in swim school. She slid down the slide, her teacher helped her to her back, then she floated for at least 2 minutes unassisted. It was a record! She insists that her legs be crossed.
We had a nice Fourth of July. We went swimming, grilled hamburgers and veggies, played in the backyard, and climbed to the top of Vista View Park to watch all the surrounding fireworks shows.
If you're ever in a bad mood...try jumping on a trampoline! You can't help but have fun.
I love my Stella.
Lou Lou chewing on a coconut.
After the fireworks, I got the worst sore throat/head cold I've had in a long time. Today my whole body is sore from all the coughing. Thankfully Andrew was able to stay home this morning while I saw a doctor. Praying the medicine provides some relief. It's hard to be a sick mommy.
Last week the girls and I went on a mini vacation.
Mom and Steve watched the dogs, which was huge. Not only is it additional work for them, but they are going through a challenging time right now with my grandma's health. Of course, Mom took it as an opportunity to get more steps in! Thank you, Steve for bathing them too!
First we spent the weekend in Sanibel/Captiva with Dad and Kim! In such a short time, we were able to make such wonderful memories! Thank you for inviting us, Dad and Kim! We spent most of our time on the beach or in the pool. Vacationing with a strong willed 2 year old definitely has short stretches of insanity, but it was well worth it!
Audrey was so tired from staying up late the night before that she spent most of her beach time under the umbrella relaxing.
Addison and Grandpa created a pretty good shelling assembly line!
Bubble Room! Food was great, looking forward to returning with an older, more rested version of Audrey!
Sunday night we were able to have a family dinner with Mom, Steve, Scotty and his crew...it was "jam up" as usual. Oh and some more pool time!
On Monday and Tuesday we were able to drive up to Clearwater to visit with Chandra and Cooper! The kids played very well together! Chandra and I had a wonderful time catching up and observing them play! Can you guess who said what on their treasure map hunt? "Now get your sword and fight this zombie" ... "now let's stop to smell these flowers" ... "watch out for these huge spiders, pfff pfff pfff (bow and arrow sounds)" ... "go over this bridge and look at the snakes, they are nice snakes who won't hurt us". HAHAHA, I am still laughing at them.
Audrey is full blown into her "terrible twos". Why does it have to take so long to get the last set of molars?! Every little problem causes a melt down. I had to teach Addison to keep her distance and not pop Audrey's bubble. Audrey tends to grab, hit, and scream when Addison gets too close at just the wrong time. The sad thing is that Addison is usually getting close because she wants to help Audrey or hug/kiss her. I have to remind myself all day long that this is a normal developmental phase, to not take it personally and get emotional charged by it. I just need to guide her through this phase with love and understanding. Her frustrations will lead to knowledge and she will become more capable and confident each day. I love my girls and my time with them, even the hard moments.
We missed Andrew very much! But he did get to see and enjoy a meal with Tiffy while in NY.
I know summer is technically a few more days away, but let's face it -- it's been summer here for months already!
The dogs love their yard.
I love these cool girls!
Andrew and Addison camped in the backyard...for almost 3 hours : )
We had s'mores to kick off the adventure!
Coolest marble jar reward EVER.
The girls are back in swim lessons. This summer we decided not to do the Y and to switch back to the British Swim School (Addi started there in Chi). Having smaller class sizes and an indoor pool is so much better! They focus on survival skills before swimming. You have to learn to jump in the pool, turn and float on your back, then swim to the wall before moving up to the next level.
I turned 30 on Mother's day. We went to the Ritter's house to celebrate.
I love being mommy to these two sweet girls!
Spent a morning at the beach with Daddy!
Mom and Steve gave me a ticket to NY and stayed to watch the girls for my birthday. She came early and got to go to gymnastics with us! Andrew had the week off too, so he was able to see ballet earlier in the week and gymnastics!
Leaving for NY was really hard on me. I know the girls were not only safe, but extremely happy with Grammy and Poppy. But they are my life and it just feels odd without them. Going into the bathroom at the airport it hit me. I'm in a public bathroom by myself? I don't have to cram in with two other people? I don't have to wait to listen to two people pee (we have a youngest to oldest rule!) before I can go? I don't have to whip out the potty seat? I don't have to talk at all, let alone say "keep the door closed", "public bathrooms are dirty, don't touch the toilet seat", "give others their privacy and please don't peak under". Ha.
We had a wonderful time in NY. I am so thankful to Mom for making it happen and for Tiffany and Rob who hosted. It was a really relaxing trip. We walked a lot (25K steps in one day!), ate a lot (I gained 2lbs!), and just enjoyed each other.
Breakfast with Tiffany
We spent the morning at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.
Then we walked around Prospect Park and the surrounding neighborhood.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner.
The next day we went to the smorgasbord (food flea market) and then took the ferry to Manhattan.
We saw the 9/11 memorial and One World Trade Center.
We ate the most delicious tacos at Chelsea Market.
Then we walked the skyline and walked through Tiffany's office.
We ate pizza, pancakes, lobster rolls, truffle oil fries.....haha.
The next week was Audrey's 2nd birthday!
We chose to have a "Go, Audrey. Go!" party both because she loves the book and well...she's always on the go.
It was wonderful to have our family gathered to celebrate our baby!
We even had Aunt Donna down!
Audrey is always cold.
Music man!
it's a squirt gun, don't worry!
The next day we said good bye to Austin for a long time, as he enlisted into the Army.
We also played with these guys:
Silly face cousins
Audrey was so pooped from her party that she took a 3 hour nap and couldn't join us at Tree Tops Park to ride the ponies.
A perfect day to fly the kite!
Awesome uncle Scotty!
Addison had her first dress rehearsal and picture day!
