Ella!

Today we had a visit from some very special friends! Megan and Brandon and Nicole and Ella came over so we could all admire brand-new baby Ella. It was a pretty easy thing to do. Ella could not be any more adorable! She is just perfect, with a beautiful little face like an angel. She is so good-natured and easy going, I don't think we heard a peep from her all afternoon. All the mommies loved holding her, but turns out there was an unexpected baby lover amongst us.....Lizzy! Lizzy held Ella on her lap for most of the time, and the two cuties watched Snow White together. Ella even fell asleep in that contented arms-thrown-up way that tiny babies do. Lizzy was so gentle and such a snuggler! Even Peter, who has a legendary jealous streak, was smitten. He sat next to the girls for a long time, pointing and saying "baby" and "b! b!" (binky). Either our theory that he loves whatever Lizzy loves is true, he knew a kindred binky-spirit when he saw one, or he recognized a true beauty. Either which way, I think it's safe to say we all loved baby Ella!

Line 'Em Up

Peter has a new love....cars! He plays with them very similarly to how he played with his first true love....blocks. He loves to put them in and out of bowls, push them around in Lizzy's old strollers, roll them down seat cushions, and line them up over and over. Here he is at Grandma's house with a whole new batch of cars to play with. Of course when we told Grandma how much Peter loves cars, she immediately dug up some old cars she had at her house and Peter got right to "work." I remember when Lizzy used to like to play with toys the same way. Still to this day she will line up all the crayons she uses to color a picture into one very long, very straight line across the table. Either we've got two very OCD kids, or there's something to be said for developmental milestones. I'll pick the latter;)

Two Girls and a Chick

Yesterday was a gorgeous day, so we decided to go for our first spring bike ride. I love riding my bike, but haven't been able to do it very much because last summer Peter was too little, and it was too hard for me to manage both kids. After seeing me in my helmet, Peter was a little wary, and it took a little coaxing to get him in the seat. But once he was in, he really enjoyed the ride, and was relaxed looking all around. He also wasn't too crazy about his helmet (perhaps because it's Lizzy's old helmet, and has little chickies all over it), but like the good sport he always is, he put up with it. Lizzy even joined in the ride, with daddy jogging along next to her for safety:) It was Lizzy's first "street" ride, and she was a champ. She's really getting the hang of riding, but is pretty unaware of all the street dangers around her, including curbs, parked cars, and traffic. Guess we'll keep practicing. Hope we have many more fun rides this spring and summer.

Reading Girl

I was reading Lizzy's magazine with her, and it came with this little put-together book at the end. We had fun cutting it out and stapling it together, then I read it to her a few times. Very quickly, Lizzy insisted upon "reading" it herself, and she felt so proud of herself and read it over and over. What a memory! It was the tiniest of glimpses into what she'll be like as a reader, but it was amazing to see her curled up on the couch with her own book, "reading" through it, and really enjoying herself. I'm excited for the future when she'll really read books to me:)

The Biggest Slide in the World

Today was a beautiful spring day, full of sun and a gorgeous blue sky. We decided to head to a small museum we haven't visited in a while that has some animal exhibits, as well as some hands-on exploratory activities. Both kids had lots of fun. Lizzy really liked the animals, and Peter liked wandering around taking it all in. We enjoyed a fun picnic outside then were ready to head out. At the entrance to the museum is this amazing park, with really unique play equipment. Look at that awesome slide! I've never seen one so big! Lizzy climbed right to the top, ready to go......then got cold feet. After a little encouragement from me, she gave it a try and loved it! Even Peter rode down it with me "train-style" and loved it too. They did the slide over and over, climbing all those steps then giggling all the way down, red-faced and full of smiles. We will have to revisit this park for sure because that is one fun slide!

Swing Tricks

Since Lizzy has become a complete "swing master," she has moved on to more exotic swinging "tricks." One of her new favorites, is the "stand-up swing" which she loves to do at school. She has proudly shown me this trick the last couple of times I've picked her up, and I'm so glad I had my camera today to capture it's magnificence! Lizzy wore her "rainbow dress" to school today because they have been learning all about colors. Today was the most darling "snail day." The kids "painted" with snails that were sitting in colored water and then they put them on their paper and let the snails go to work. They had "snail races" where they taped tiny cars behind snails and let them "race." They even baked snail shaped pretzels! What a fun day!

Time With Peter

Sometimes when Lizzy is at school, I get to spend some fun alone time with Peter. Don't get me wrong, one of my favorite things is when we're all together, playing and having fun, but it's also really special to focus on just one child, and let them shine under your undivided attention. Today we hit up the "little zoo" by Lizzy's school. Peter had a great time playing on the cement frogs, and worked really hard to climb up them. He also, of course, loved getting in some park time. He amazes me lately at how capable he has become on the play structure. He loves to climb and slide, and is getting really good at doing both independently. I love spending time with you, Peter, and watching you run and play with your big smile and contagious giggle. You are such a fun boy:)

The Purple Princess Bike

In case we already didn't know it, it's official: Lizzy is a really big girl now! A "binkie fairy" has mysteriously been visiting our house the last couple of weeks. Each night she takes a little bit out of a binkie tip to make new binkies for babies. After a couple of weeks of this, all of Lizzy's binkies have been reduced to nubs. She still likes to hold them and rub them against her nose at night, but she's pretty much binkie free (and with relatively little drama about it too!). We told Lizzy that for being such a great sport, and being a really big girl now, she could have a new bike since she's been wanting one to go riding with her friends. We went to the store and Lizzy picked out the most beautiful lavender princess bike, complete with streamers and a purse. Today we took it out on the driveway and she was a champ at going around in circles. She had a great time, and really started to get the hang of it. I think we'll be ready for a longer ride very soon. What was Peter doing during the big ride? Well he went and got both his strollers and pushed them around the driveway, of course. Not only was Lizzy great at riding in the driveway, she even managed to do it with stroller obstacles and a little brother in the way. Way to go, Lizzy!

A Real Zoo

Lizzy has a wonderful imagination, and she often likes to play with all of her stuffed animals and make up different games with them. This morning before school, Lizzy layed out all of these blankets. She then took all of her animals and put them around the "farm." Believe it or not, the animals are even sorted into different groups: sheep together, bears together, etc. She even took the time to give bring them "food" (even asking, "do animals like applesauce?") and "water." What a thoughtful "animal-keeper" (as she called herself).

Boys Like Cars

Turns out....boys like cars! Poor Peter, he doesn't have too may "boy" toys, which up until this point hasn't seemed to bother him. His true love of Lizzy's stroller, babies, and kitchen have been great substitutes. But guess what, he does like boy stuff too! Peter really likes cars, and this little mat kept him busy for a long time. It was darling to watch him line up his cars, and "drive" them around, even making an occasional "beep-beep!" Here's to many more "boy" adventures!

He's In!

And now he's in! Last time we were at Grandma's, Peter was just playing around on the ladder of the tree house while Caroline and Lizzy were up high in the house. Now.....he's made it all the way in by himself (well, with just a little help from mommy). It was only a matter of time, we all knew he would be up there sooner or later, and now he's really proud of himself and feels like a big guy! Way to go, Peter!

Art Imitating Life

This is Lizzy painting a self-portrait of herself at school. Notice how she's adding the polka-dots on her skirt. She even mixed white and brown paint to make the hazel color of her eyes. Lizzy always pays such attention to detail, and is a really thoughtful and careful worker. While she has a really funny and silly side, she is also quite a serious little student who really tries hard to create her best work.

Spring Cuties

There are certain images that just resonate in my mind, and forever pull at my heart. Those little flashes of adorableness that stick with you and seem like the essence of "childhood." This afternoon Lizzy wore her hair in two adorable braided buns to a neighborhood party. With all her bows and those two tiny buns sticking out of her head, she looked just precious- the epitome of a darling "girly-girl." Today it was so warm, really feeling like summer, and Peter wore shorts out for the first time. What a cutie, looking like a big boy with his shorts (almost all the way to his ankles).

Happy Hollow

...is back! After being closed for close to two years, one of our favorite destinations is open and ready for business. Happy Hollow is just great! It has a small zoo, lots of little nooks and crannies to explore, a train, and fun rides. We always have a great time there, and we're looking forward to many Happy Hollow adventures this summer. Today, believe it or not, Lizzy went on her first roller coaster ride. She was a total champ! I thought she might chicken out, but she was excited and laughed through the whole ride. Peter loved the merry-go-round, and everyone enjoyed the puppet show. I was shocked that all the kids sat through the whole thing! Guess they're growing up....

Swingers

You can mark the passage of time by swing evolution. First it was Lizzy on the baby swing....then Lizzy on the big swing and Peter on the baby swing.....and now two big swingers! Lizzy is the swinging master, pumping herself so high and full of lots of leg tricks. Peter is a big swing novice, but being very brave and really wanting to give it a try.

My Favorite Shadow

The Dandelion Forest

The other day we were walking to the park, when we stumbled upon the most wonderful and unexpected site- a dandelion "forest"! We always look for dandelions on our walks because the kids both love to blow on them. We know a little grassy patch where we can find a few. Well on this day we found our usual dandelions, but when we turned the corner and looked to the left, there before us were hundreds of dandelions and the kids went crazy! Lizzy said, "Look! I can make so many wishes!" She promptly picked several dandelions and began wishing. I found her first three wishes totally adorable: "I wish I could visit my grandma. I wish I had a cupcake. I wish I could visit my cousins." How very telling of what's in her heart and what she loves! Now, every time I drive by the dandelions I get excited, and I can't wait to visit them again and make more wishes. Yet another example of everyday joy literally right around the corner.

A Princess and a Paramedic?

Oh, it's getting to be my favorite time of year......Spring! The sunny weather just makes me want to get out there and enjoy the day! And what better way to do it then taking my little friends on an adventure to a great museum? When it's nice, we usually get dressed, pack a lunch, and hit the road. How wonderful to have no agenda other then fun, exploring, and giggles. We went to the Children's Museum in San Jose, and it was great! Not crowded at all and the kids had a ton of fun playing and exploring everything! Lizzy always loves to paint her face right away, and today she made red lips and kept saying, "my lips are red like cherries....just like Snow White!" Both kids loved the little kids exploring area and painting in the art room. They had a blast playing with the big, soft blocks. Peter loved the ambulance and waited a LONG time to be able to be the "driver." Both kids had a ton of fun in the water area, and played for a long time will all the balls and water. So fun and a great day!

My Safeway Shadows

When I'm trying to get my shopping done, I have two little shadows that follow behind me (sometimes making the trip "adventurous" and sometimes making it fun). Lord knows it took Lizzy a good three years before she was let out of the cart and could handle walking near me in the store without running away. Peter on the other hand, that guy is a little ducking following behind his mama. He HATES being in the cart, and loves to just walk along with us. I have to give it to him, he usually stays right by me, and doesn't even grab stuff off the shelves. Thank goodness for Lizzy too, because along with her many other talents, she is great at shepherding Peter along and even holding his hand when he starts to wander.

I Can Do It!

The best thing about a spring day? Hitting the park! It was so beautiful out this afternoon, it felt like spring is in the air. And now that it's daylight savings, the park is open later, and we can enjoy this lovely weather even longer! You should see what a climber Peter is! He can scoot right up the climbing wall on the play structure and slide down all the big slides all by himself. Lizzy is a swing-master. Now she can do the whole swing all by herself- get on, rock back and forth to get started, and pump her legs until she's super high! It's quite a site to behold. Yay, here's to many, many park days in our future now that the weather is irresistible!

What Are You Looking At?

What are they so intently looking at? What could it possibly be? A sunrise, a cat on the fence, someone reading a story.......of course not! That fixed gaze, a mix of pure concentration and zoned out fuzz, could only be the result of television. That bittersweet invention both intriguing and couch-potato inducing is truly irresistible. And by the way, the closer we can sit to that obnoxiously large machine....the better!

Opposite Day

Remember when you were little and you would say "opposite day!" and do silly stuff like say "hello" for "goodbye" and walk backwards. Well rest easy, those traditions are still in full swing in our house. While on a little walk at the mall, it suddenly became "opposite day" and Lizzy began walking backwards. Here's Lizzy walking to the car backwards......but the funniest part of this picture, what really cracks me up, is of course Peter starts walking backwards too, laughing hysterically, following along. He can't know it's "opposite day" (or can he? it does seem to be somehow in the DNA?), but he so loves being a part of the crowd, following what his favorite person does, always with the biggest of smiles. I think I love "opposite day."

Busy Bee

Elizabeth's school is the very definition of "small moments." Every time I get the chance to spend any time there at all, whether it's for a few moments at drop-off or pick-up, or it's my volunteer day, I am amazed by the wonderfully creative and darling projects and activities that are going on. In the most gentle, loving, and inviting way, she is surrounded by interesting projects. Learning is happening everywhere, and it's so beautiful to see. Today at pick-up, the class was engaged in singing time. I loved seeing Lizzy, with her face lit up, following along with the songs and having a great time. She was sitting next to her friend Bennett, and the two were sneaking in lots of laughs between songs. Afterwards, the two ran off hand-in-hand to play "tag" and run around the yard. Oh, how I love the seemingly effortless joy and energy of children!

Let's Take a Walk

Today when Lizzy was at school, I had to run an errand at the mall, so Peter was able to sneak in some fountain time. It's always wonderful to be able to play with both kids and watch them interact, but it's a treasure to spend some one-on-one time with each child, give them a little personal snuggle, and really get the chance to listen to them. Peter loves to watch the water pour out of the fountains. He's full of "oohs" and "wa-wa" (water), and loves to climb up the sides of the fountain and then jump down. Today he really loved the flowers, and even managed to pick a few before I realized his flower savagery. Peter loves to run and explore and be outside.

Candlelight and Kids

Every night, we have a candlelight dinner! Oh, the romance, the ambiance... the highchairs and sippy cups?! It's really important to us to have dinner together as a family to have a chance to unwind, talk about our days, and share a few moments together away from the chaos of the day. This may sound very logical and pleasant, but it's no small feat getting dinner together, the table set, and everyone actually sitting in their chairs long enough for us all to shovel it in before we hear, "I'm all done!" Enter the candles. They have evolved to become the magic cue that dinner is ready. They're exciting, enticing, and a welcoming reason to come to the table. Their magical little flames are mysterious and alluring, and seem to draw people to the table. When Lizzy finishes her dinner (the inevitable first one done every meal), it is her "job" to blow them out, and Peter always loves watching the smoke float up and away. It is these very simple joys that children marvel at that always warm my heart because children always have it right: if you take the time to notice, the very simplest of things around us are magical and special- like children and families sitting together in the warmth of candlelight, even if only for a few minutes, cheers-ing our glasses with sippy cups and toasting to the delights of our days.

Bathtime Buddies

A nightly tradition in our home is the dual bath. While it originated as a crucial time saver, it has evolved into a much loved evening ritual that not only gets grubby kids clean, it ends the day on a happy high note. Of course, bubbles are our favorite! The kids love to play around in the sudsy water, often with cups, washcloths, or our favorite horsie and princess friends.

Cute Cousins

Usually on Mondays we go and visit our Grandma. Lizzy is a stickler for traditions, and has her usual routine at Grandma's house that she loves: eating vanilla pudding, painting her nails, watching Busytown Mysteries, playing in the treehouse and sandbox, and having "picnics" on the stairs. Today, Caroline was able to visit Grandma too, which made the visit all the more special. The girls held hands and ran around the house playing. They had fun coloring in the treehouse and playing in the "kitchen." It is completely adorable

to watch these cutie cousins being friends and playing together. They always look forward to seeing each other, and it is so fun now that they are older, they really enjoy playing together. It's fun to watch Peter joining them as well. He follows them around, looking for chances to join in their games, and they are very sweet with him. Peter's favorite traditions at Grandma's house include: playing the piano, running in the backyard, playing in the sandbox, and recently, enjoying the bird bath and ladder to the treehouse. It's always very exciting to get to visit Grandma's house!

How Do You Write "No"?

During "quiet time" (sadly, naps seem to be fading out, but that's a different topic), Lizzy came out of her room and asked me, "How do you write 'no'? I'm writing a sign for Peter to put on the door to tell him 'No, Peter! You can't go outside until Mommy says so.'" I told her how to write it, then she taped it to the front door and decided to add "Peter" to it so he would know the sign was for him. Then Lizzy said, "How do you write 'Yes." I want to write a sign to put on the door that says "Yes, Peter. Now you can go outside." We wrote that sign then she said, "Now I want to write a sign for Lizzy that says, 'Yes, Lizzy. It's time for school.'" After all that work she said, "That's enough signs now. I'll do more work later." True to her word, more signs did pop up. Now Peter and mommy and daddy have "no" signs on our doors too. The problem with "no" though, is what are you saying "no" to? Is is a mean "no," or a nice "no"? Looks like now we've got to talk about not only talking nicely, but writing nicely too. I think I'll push for more "yes" signs. They seem a little nicer;)

Papa Makes a Great Playmate

Papa and Grandma came over for lunch today, and of course, Lizzy and Peter were very glad to see them! Elizabeth has an amazing imagination, and she is an avid explorer of everything around her. She loves to look for "treasure," turn over rocks and discover what's hiding underneath, and admire beautiful flowers all around her. Often, Elizabeth will make up stories and adventures and "search" for something that is in her story. Here's why Papa is so great: he jumps right into the adventure, is captivated by the story (no matter how difficult to follow), and wants to "help" to find what you're looking for. Here Lizzy is telling Papa all about a mole that she's looking for, and good ol' Papa is right in there, looking at the clues ready to help out. Papa always takes you seriously no matter how silly you sound- a trait that he bestows upon children and adults alike- and makes you feel like what you say really matters. Thank you, Papa, for being a great listener!

Peter Has a New Trick

And it's blowing bubbles! For a long time he has been a bubble imitator, a bubble wanabe, but today, he was an official bubble blower! He had a great time holding his own bottle, dipping in his little wand, and actually managing to make a few bubbles. Then.....the inevitable: pouring out the bubbles onto his pants. This always seems to be how bubbles end when you're one. I remember Lizzy pouring out many a bubble bottle, then lamenting her loss. I guess the temptation to pour is just too great......

The Ol' Horsie Bath Routine

......or I should say, "infamous horsie bath." Lizzy often wants to give her horsies a bath in the bathroom sink. This may sound like kind of a fun idea, but you-know-who hears the water start and he's ready to be front and center in the mix. The problem.....horsie baths are really a one woman job. The foot stool is too tiny, the counter gets too wet, but everyone loves when the horsies are "dirty" and need a good scrub.

Hey Gym Rat

On Tuesdays when Lizzy is at school, I get to take Peter to his gym class. It's wonderful to have some one-on-one time with him, where we can play, wrestle, and have a fun time. Peter wasn't too sure about this class when it first started, but now he really likes it. He runs on the trampoline, climbs the ladder, swings from the bar, and plays with tons of balls and hula hoops. The only part he's still not really sold on is parachute time. I think it freaks him out to go under the parachute when they make a little house. He clings to me and asks for lots of "b's" (binkies). I love to watch Peter being such a big boy, climbing and exploring.

The Next Michael Phelps?

Maybe....but looks like we need to figure out the goggle situation first. Lizzy had her swim lesson yesterday, and she's doing really well. In typical Lizzy fashion, she loves everything that she does, and once she's in the pool, she's smiling, chatting up the teacher, ready to go. Lizzy is working on kicking her legs and putting her face in the water, both of which she is steadily improving on.

The real fun came after the lesson. While walking to the car, Lizzy and Peter began running all around the soccer field. It was a cloudy, windy, afternoon, which made it all the more fun to run around in. A spontaneous game of chase ensued, and the kids were laughing and squealing as I tried to "get" them. The thought, "I'm so thankful that I'm young, and healthy, and able to run and run" passed through my mind. It's so wonderful to be able to play with my children actively, with abandon, and to feel a tiny bit like a kid myself.