The week before Christmas break, parents were invited into the classroom at Riley's dance studio to take pictures and videos. Usually, we watch on a tv monitor from the waiting room. It was so much fun to see them all up close, and it made me think that the idea of them having a "recital" this spring isn't as crazy as it seemed when they started dance lessons this past summer. Dance has been great for Riley for a number of reasons: the physical activity, listening to and following directions, an outlet for her natural rhythm and enthusiasm for music, and as an introduction to tumbling. I don't know if this is the start of something she'll carry well into the future, of if other interests will replace it, but I do know that we spend an awful lot of time dancing in this house. After dinner dance parties with the music turned up loud are the norm. And we ALL dance. Even Bauer, but that's another video for another time.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Merry and Bright
It's hard to believe that my little Brody man is almost 8 months old. Pretty soon, I'll be planning his first birthday party. But before that, I'll be baby proofing the house. He is on the verge of crawling and he can most definitely move around on his own. The other night, I put him in the hall while Riley and I were brushing her teeth and hair, and next thing I know, he's backwards inch-wormed himself into the bathroom. This evening, tucking Riley into bed, I watched in detail and I'll try to explain it...he gets from point A to point B through a series of movements that can only be described as hurling himself with one half of his body and dragging the other half to catch up. Add in a few log rolls and you've got one mobile baby. He strengthens those little legs by jumping for nonstop power sessions on his doorway jumper. He's still about the smiliest baby you'll ever meet, and he charms everyone...his usual fan base, complete strangers, everyone. We really can't go anywhere without people gushing over him. It never gets old. Love that handsome little boy.
Riley Roo, who never would sit still for a picture, discovered that mommy will show her the picture in the camera screen if she sits still and says cheese. Now, she loves to pose and then wants to see it.
She went to her first fairy princes party a few weekends ago. She had a great time playing hide and go seek and beading a necklace, coloring, and of course, her favorite, eating a cupcake. It was the first time she really got into the whole princess thing, but it stuck. Now, she'll put on a tutu over any outfit and run around saying, "Soooo pretty. Princess Riley, Princess Riley."
We walked to the party, since it was just down the street. TJ took a picture...what an adorable sight we must have been to anyone driving by.
When we got back from the party, I needed to do some baking, and my little helper decided to join me. I don't know what to tell you about her baking attire. I guess sometimes you just need better range of motion in your arms to stir the batter. Note the necklace she made at the party. She's wearing it Rambo bandana style around her head. Are all 2-year-olds this profoundly unique?
This is the cute Thanksgiving shirt a friend made for Riley and a matching turkey bow from the bow lady in town. Too bad we weren't able to show it off to family in person.
This past weekend, we went to visit Santa. Riley had no problem hopping right up on the big guy's lap. She even posed and smiled for a few photos. I wonder if she realizes that her naughty versus and nice tally is not completely in her favor this year and she's trying to turn on the charm at the source.
The Brody man was just fine with Santa too. He was pretty fascinated with the beard. Lucky for Santa he didn't go for the glasses.
This month is flying by and Christmas will be here before we know it. What a magical time of year to have small children. What a great time to reflect on how blessed I am in my life. It is the simple things that fill my heart with joy these days. Sharing a big pile of books with Riley. Marveling at how Brody seems to be an inch taller every morning. Sharing stories and laughs with other wonderful moms and friends. Hot chocolate and a toasty fireplace. I know I say it all the time, but life is good and my heart is full.
Riley Roo, who never would sit still for a picture, discovered that mommy will show her the picture in the camera screen if she sits still and says cheese. Now, she loves to pose and then wants to see it.
She went to her first fairy princes party a few weekends ago. She had a great time playing hide and go seek and beading a necklace, coloring, and of course, her favorite, eating a cupcake. It was the first time she really got into the whole princess thing, but it stuck. Now, she'll put on a tutu over any outfit and run around saying, "Soooo pretty. Princess Riley, Princess Riley."
We walked to the party, since it was just down the street. TJ took a picture...what an adorable sight we must have been to anyone driving by.
When we got back from the party, I needed to do some baking, and my little helper decided to join me. I don't know what to tell you about her baking attire. I guess sometimes you just need better range of motion in your arms to stir the batter. Note the necklace she made at the party. She's wearing it Rambo bandana style around her head. Are all 2-year-olds this profoundly unique?
This is the cute Thanksgiving shirt a friend made for Riley and a matching turkey bow from the bow lady in town. Too bad we weren't able to show it off to family in person.
This past weekend, we went to visit Santa. Riley had no problem hopping right up on the big guy's lap. She even posed and smiled for a few photos. I wonder if she realizes that her naughty versus and nice tally is not completely in her favor this year and she's trying to turn on the charm at the source.
The Brody man was just fine with Santa too. He was pretty fascinated with the beard. Lucky for Santa he didn't go for the glasses.
This month is flying by and Christmas will be here before we know it. What a magical time of year to have small children. What a great time to reflect on how blessed I am in my life. It is the simple things that fill my heart with joy these days. Sharing a big pile of books with Riley. Marveling at how Brody seems to be an inch taller every morning. Sharing stories and laughs with other wonderful moms and friends. Hot chocolate and a toasty fireplace. I know I say it all the time, but life is good and my heart is full.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Into Fall
We're well into fall and busier than ever. We had a nice Halloween trick-or-treating in our neighborhood with friends. Jessica (Mimi) and her boyfriend Allan came over to hand out candy while we took Riley around in her costume. Our little bumble bee and frog were absolutely adorable. For Riley and her sweet tooth, it was a dream come true...just knock and smile and nice people give you candy! She kept saying "more treats, more treats" and running ahead. At one point, she turned around and told TJ, "Dada hurry up!"We headed out around 5:30 with her friend Wesley, the pirate, for a little while, and then met up with Kerington (Didi) until about 8. Riley would've been happy to keep going for another hour, I'm sure. Brody was his usual easy going self, riding around in the backpack, smiling, and taking it all in.
Riley is growing and learning at an astounding pace. She tells me constantly that she's "hungy" and I try my best to keep healthy foods going into the bottomless pit, but there's no doubt she inherited her dad's sweet tooth. The good news is she just had her first visit to the pediatric dentist and no cavities. All of her teeth look nice and healthy. The dentist did warn that there's not much space in her mouth or between her teeth, so braces unfortunately are probably somewhere on the horizon. She seems to have a new developmental milestone each week. Last week was the week of "mine." Everything was MINE. "Mama, this is MY juice. This is MY toy. This is MY booger." Yes, she told me after I wiped her nose that I had taken her booger and she wanted it back. I had to draw the line at boogers. So, we're working on explaining that "MY" is not a nice word and that in this house we SHARE. This week is the week of "by self." She tells me, "Riley put shoes on BY SELF. Riley set the table BY SELF." And by self is usually followed up by "I got it." Everything therefore takes about 10 times as long, but it's a reminder that kids really do make the best teachers. I am not a patient person and this is forcing me to slow down and make sure I'm not squelching her efforts. It's actually been really good for me. I am honestly in awe of how being a parent challenges you to take an honest look at yourself on a daily basis. It's an incredible journey getting to know my babies and myself at the same time.
Whereas Riley is my exuberant maniac, Brody is my even keel. He is pure sweetness. It makes it easy for me to pawn him off on friends when I've got a dentist appointment or need to run some other non child friendly errand. In fact, just this week, after spending the day watching Brody man one friend told me "I no longer think you're super mom now that I know how easy and happy he is!" We both laughed, but man, it's true. TJ and I love spending time just making him smile and laugh. I hold him and my heart overflows with love.
Well, it's bath time, so that's all for now. I can't believe the holidays are just around the corner and its time to get ready for all the festivities. The pace of motherhood is relentless, but I'm determined not to miss all the little moments in the midst of never ending commitments and to-do lists.
Enjoy the pictures.
Riley is growing and learning at an astounding pace. She tells me constantly that she's "hungy" and I try my best to keep healthy foods going into the bottomless pit, but there's no doubt she inherited her dad's sweet tooth. The good news is she just had her first visit to the pediatric dentist and no cavities. All of her teeth look nice and healthy. The dentist did warn that there's not much space in her mouth or between her teeth, so braces unfortunately are probably somewhere on the horizon. She seems to have a new developmental milestone each week. Last week was the week of "mine." Everything was MINE. "Mama, this is MY juice. This is MY toy. This is MY booger." Yes, she told me after I wiped her nose that I had taken her booger and she wanted it back. I had to draw the line at boogers. So, we're working on explaining that "MY" is not a nice word and that in this house we SHARE. This week is the week of "by self." She tells me, "Riley put shoes on BY SELF. Riley set the table BY SELF." And by self is usually followed up by "I got it." Everything therefore takes about 10 times as long, but it's a reminder that kids really do make the best teachers. I am not a patient person and this is forcing me to slow down and make sure I'm not squelching her efforts. It's actually been really good for me. I am honestly in awe of how being a parent challenges you to take an honest look at yourself on a daily basis. It's an incredible journey getting to know my babies and myself at the same time.
Whereas Riley is my exuberant maniac, Brody is my even keel. He is pure sweetness. It makes it easy for me to pawn him off on friends when I've got a dentist appointment or need to run some other non child friendly errand. In fact, just this week, after spending the day watching Brody man one friend told me "I no longer think you're super mom now that I know how easy and happy he is!" We both laughed, but man, it's true. TJ and I love spending time just making him smile and laugh. I hold him and my heart overflows with love.
Well, it's bath time, so that's all for now. I can't believe the holidays are just around the corner and its time to get ready for all the festivities. The pace of motherhood is relentless, but I'm determined not to miss all the little moments in the midst of never ending commitments and to-do lists.
Enjoy the pictures.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The koala and the dinosaur
Just a few of the shots from Brody's first photo shoot. Could he be any cuter??? Of course, Miss Riley got her mug in a few of the photos too!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Colorbutter
"Colorbutter"
That's what Riley asks for when she wants to read The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I love the little word variations she comes up with. Today, she opened up the kitchen drawer by the stove, took out some tongs and told me she was "cooking engs." Yes, engs = eggs. Hilarious. Her transition to a "big girl bed" (crib without a front) has been interesting. At night, we go through our ritual...bath, jammies, teeth, books. By the time she gets in bed, she's so tired that she settles right in. Nap time; however, is a little more interesting. Today, I put her in bed for a nap, and then listened to her run around for about an hour and a half...the kitchen is right below her room. She gathers most of the toys and books and animals in her room and puts them in her bed. Oh well, I guess as long as she's not a crab, mommy still gets some quiet time, which is the most important thing, right?!?!
She had her 2 year checkup on Wednesday and weighs 27lbs, is 33 1/4" and has a 19" noggin. All in all, fairly average. So yup, she's a healthy, spirited toddler.
The new house is just wonderful. It already feels so much more like home than our previous rental. We spend lots of time outside each day in the large yard, on the swing set, and getting to know the neighbors, especially the family behind us who have a dog friend for Bauer and 3 kids, one a little younger than Riley.
Getting the house set up is taking forever, but that's par for the course. I have so much respect for fellow stay at home moms and am realizing that it's much harder than any job I've ever held. I find myself wishing there were more hours in the day. I guess if I can tackle one little project a day, then eventually, the mess in the garage and storage rooms will disappear. Hopefully before we move again.
Brody man continues to be a wonderful baby. Just sweetness and smiles so long as he's fed. He seems to drool a lot more than Riley ever did. Not sure if that's a boy thing, or if he's gong to start teething earlier than she did. He spits up quite a bit, I guess from the formula, so he ends up smelling like cheese much of the time. But I don't mind. The top of his head always smells great and the big toothless grin is about the greatest thing on earth.
That's what Riley asks for when she wants to read The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I love the little word variations she comes up with. Today, she opened up the kitchen drawer by the stove, took out some tongs and told me she was "cooking engs." Yes, engs = eggs. Hilarious. Her transition to a "big girl bed" (crib without a front) has been interesting. At night, we go through our ritual...bath, jammies, teeth, books. By the time she gets in bed, she's so tired that she settles right in. Nap time; however, is a little more interesting. Today, I put her in bed for a nap, and then listened to her run around for about an hour and a half...the kitchen is right below her room. She gathers most of the toys and books and animals in her room and puts them in her bed. Oh well, I guess as long as she's not a crab, mommy still gets some quiet time, which is the most important thing, right?!?!
She had her 2 year checkup on Wednesday and weighs 27lbs, is 33 1/4" and has a 19" noggin. All in all, fairly average. So yup, she's a healthy, spirited toddler.
The new house is just wonderful. It already feels so much more like home than our previous rental. We spend lots of time outside each day in the large yard, on the swing set, and getting to know the neighbors, especially the family behind us who have a dog friend for Bauer and 3 kids, one a little younger than Riley.
Getting the house set up is taking forever, but that's par for the course. I have so much respect for fellow stay at home moms and am realizing that it's much harder than any job I've ever held. I find myself wishing there were more hours in the day. I guess if I can tackle one little project a day, then eventually, the mess in the garage and storage rooms will disappear. Hopefully before we move again.
Brody man continues to be a wonderful baby. Just sweetness and smiles so long as he's fed. He seems to drool a lot more than Riley ever did. Not sure if that's a boy thing, or if he's gong to start teething earlier than she did. He spits up quite a bit, I guess from the formula, so he ends up smelling like cheese much of the time. But I don't mind. The top of his head always smells great and the big toothless grin is about the greatest thing on earth.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Riley Turns Two
Riley had a great birthday weekend. It started with a visit from Rari and Bobbel who arrived on Friday afternoon. The next morning we held her birthday party at the Splash Pad. There were about 18 kids and their parents and some family friends. The weather was nice and everyone had a great time playing in the water. Later that afternoon, we headed to Riley's best friend's birthday party...the girls are only two days apart. We played in the park for a while and came home completely worn out from the day's activities. It's hard to believe that my little girl is 2 years old. She has a huge personality and loves to entertain. I love watching her learn a little more each day and discover new things. She has a great sense of humor and is creative in the most unique ways. I can't wait to see what the next year has in store.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
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