We had so much fun on our stay at home vacation with my Mom, Dad, and Heidi. We tried to come up with the most exciting things Killeen and the surrounding area have to offer. I think we visited almost every pool/water park in the area. We really enjoyed just spending time together and were very sad to see them go. We can't wait for the next time we get together.
We also caught Niki's first laugh on camera. I just can't get enough of the rolling giggles.
We've gone from man-to-man coverage ...
to ZONE DEFENSE!!!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Summer Days
Here are some snippets from the last week:
July 12
"Mom, mom, mom"
"what Lily"
"It's time to take my picture!"
July 13
Killeen has a "Water Park" too. Tyler and I enjoyed the slides, although they were a literally hard to ride. Lily's favorite part, as always, was just swimming in the water.
Niki was so tired afterward that she fell asleep with her arm in the air, still clinging her toy.
July 14
Niki took her first real swim. She actually lasted about 40 mins. just content as can be, watching everything and relaxing in the water. Not even Lily's splashes bothered her. Everyone around was impressed by how she seamed to be enjoying it. After her fish sister, I just figured all babies love water. If you look closely at the last picture, you can see the pool reflected in her beautiful blue eyes.
July 12
"Mom, mom, mom"
"what Lily"
"It's time to take my picture!"
July 13
Killeen has a "Water Park" too. Tyler and I enjoyed the slides, although they were a literally hard to ride. Lily's favorite part, as always, was just swimming in the water.
Niki was so tired afterward that she fell asleep with her arm in the air, still clinging her toy.
July 14
Niki took her first real swim. She actually lasted about 40 mins. just content as can be, watching everything and relaxing in the water. Not even Lily's splashes bothered her. Everyone around was impressed by how she seamed to be enjoying it. After her fish sister, I just figured all babies love water. If you look closely at the last picture, you can see the pool reflected in her beautiful blue eyes.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
New Car!
Tyler's pround and happy to be in his new car. I guess we are an official Mazda family now. Tyler spent MANY hours researching and finding just what he wanted. Even Lily is excited and keeps asking to go for a fun ride in Daddy's car. It's a special treat for us all. Without further intro, here it is:
Splash Park Break
We went shopping at Costco (a big ordeal since we drive for an hour to Austin just to get there) after a long day of car shopping. It was hot, as usual, and we were dreading the long drive home. Then we saw it, a splash park playground at the "Taraburger" next door. We had just purchased a swim suit for Lily from Costco and that sealed the deal.
Splash Time for Everyone!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Picture Time Reposted
Niki is officially 3 months old. That means time for professional pictures. Lily actually warmed up to the photographer quickly once she learned that her name was Niki too. After that, she sat just where she was told to and said "Cheese" a lot. Niki was just cute, squirmy, and talkative. I sure had fun dressing them up. Thank you Tyler for all your help. All this and I managed to spend less than $30!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Head, Shoulders, Knees, ...
and Toes of course!
My favorite part is the fact that she only sang for the camera on condition that she would get to see it afterward. She wastes no time once the song is over getting me to show it to her.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Tyler's Day
Anyways. Lily and I had fun making Tyler a special father's day card with the Dad-Inator this year. He got quite a chuckle out of it too.
We love you Tyler Daddy!!!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Floatie Freedom
We tried a pair of arm floaties on Lily at the pool this week. Well, as good as swimming was before, it just got so much better! Lily instantly loved how she could swim all by herself and in a few seconds successfully "swam" to the edge of the pool. She went to the edge and back over and over. Splashing, kicking, and "digging" her arms. She was all smiles and so proud of herself. What a little fish.
Niki's Third month
Niki is "talking" and smiling all the time. Be it when you smile at her or her own reflection in the mirror on her swing, she particularly likes to talk when she finds a face to focus on. I think Niki just likes to be part of the conversation. She's so cute, all I want to do is hold her and talk to her all day long!
Niki really loves squawking at Lily, until Lily mauls her or squashes her with excitement. Lily's getting better at giving good attention too. She's learning that when she is soft, that means she loves Niki. Lily really loves Niki, allot.
Niki's learning to take a bottle. Even though it's the same milk, it's just not the same experience. With sucking being such a comfort for her, she really gets upset and disappointed when she signs eat and gets a bottle. She spits it out. She cries. She downright refuses 'till I give in to the real thing. The milk temperature and bottle placement have to be just perfect before she'll take it. Then, once I do get it right, it only lasts a few minutes before the milk cools or Lily interrupts or I have to move her. After that she won't take it again. Picky, picky, picky.
Niki can grab toys, blankets, burp cloths, and hair. She enjoys her play mat and "parrot" chair and is starting to hold on to toys. Playtime here we come.
Niki really loves squawking at Lily, until Lily mauls her or squashes her with excitement. Lily's getting better at giving good attention too. She's learning that when she is soft, that means she loves Niki. Lily really loves Niki, allot.
Niki's learning to take a bottle. Even though it's the same milk, it's just not the same experience. With sucking being such a comfort for her, she really gets upset and disappointed when she signs eat and gets a bottle. She spits it out. She cries. She downright refuses 'till I give in to the real thing. The milk temperature and bottle placement have to be just perfect before she'll take it. Then, once I do get it right, it only lasts a few minutes before the milk cools or Lily interrupts or I have to move her. After that she won't take it again. Picky, picky, picky.
Niki can grab toys, blankets, burp cloths, and hair. She enjoys her play mat and "parrot" chair and is starting to hold on to toys. Playtime here we come.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
To good to be 2 !!!
We celebrated Lily's birthday yesterday with a day full of birthday activities.
We woke her up by singing Happy Birthday (her favorite song). We had a birthday requested breakfast of eggs and banana bread. We made a birthday crown which Lily got to decorate with flower stickers. She loved wearing it all day and hearing people tell her Happy Birthday. We listened to people call and sing her happy birthday all day, thanks everyone, she loved it! We had her favorite lunch of 'pasta' at the Olive Garden. She also liked the coloring, but not as much as the pasta. We watched an e-card birthday dancer, she loved that.
And best of all, we opened presents. Who knew $25 could buy so much fun! When she opened her pool she just stared and stared at the pictures with a huge grin as she began to realize that she would be able to swim in her own backyard anytime she wants. Lily absolutely loves to swim. "put my swimming suit on me" she said. Then we finished off the day with her fish cake (which she said she needed to have a birthday), ice cream, and neighbors for a real birthday party.
Thanks again everyone for the love and wishes. She had a great birthday!
BTW- today she said we should have her birthday again.
A funny story
On your birthday, we were getting ready to go and you were getting fussy for attention. Dad stopped to play with you and tickle you on the bed. Mom came in and found you two playing around and asked
"Lily were you distracting Dad?"
to which you quickly and accurately replied
"No. Dad is distracting me."
Our favorite phrases
"oh dear"
"yes. I would like that"
"sank-you Mom!"
"that didn't work"
"tum on tiny" (come on tiny)
"her say no" (when Dad tells you to ask Mom if it is ok)
Songs I sing completely,
over and over and over again
Wheels, wipers, babies, mamas, driver, doors, and kids on the bus
Popcorn Popping on the apricot tree
Ring around the Rosie (every FHE since we started having it)
Twinkle Twinkle little Star
Head Shoulders Knees and Toes
Half your height
We've been told that your are half your adult height at age 2. You measure 35 inches and weigh 27 lbs. This puts in in the 90th percentile for both height and weight. You are comfortably wearing size 2T except most pants are too short for your long legs, good thing it's summer shorts season. 5'10" hear you come.
Favorites
TV show - "Elmo's World on Sesame Street", "Phineas and Ferb", and "Mythbusters"
Book - "Go Dog, Go!"
Story - "The Holy Ghost" (made up by mom, but the most requested by far)
Movie - "Your Baby Can Read" and "Green Eggs and Ham"
Food - Cheese, Asparagus, Candy, Quesadillas, Hot Dogs, Grapes preceded by "I want some ..."
In the past 6 months...
You've grown 4 new teeth for a total of 12. We're still waiting on that second set of molars. You are a full fledged talker with few grammar errors, and you do it non-stop. You're initially shy, especially around guys, but you warm up to people and love them. You like to watch people and what they are doing. You know basic shapes (heart, star, circle, triangle) and are getting really good at colors. You know pink, red, black, yellow, and sometimes purple. You can count to 10 or 11 by yourself, but you usually mess it up somewhere in the middle. You watch Elmo's world everyday after breakfast and learn so many new things that come out during your play time. It's funny to hear what you come up with and wonder where you learned it.
You still like to organize and clean things. You won't play with play dough. You just ask me to do it and say "wash my hands" when I make you do it. You like to help with chores and fixing meals. You have your own cleaning bucket with supplies and apron for cooking. You're dishes from Christmas and empty containers are your favorite toys, especially when combined with your babies and animals that you feed and take care of. You like to "do a project" with Mom like stringing beads or coloring a page or sticking on stickers. You get excited when we go shopping at Hobby Lobby. Funny, all these things can be said about Mom also.
You love your sister Niki. We worry if she'll live through your loving. When you focus, you can be really soft and gentle. But usually you are too excited and playful to restrain from mauling her. You try to pick her up, change her diaper, feed her bottles and pacifiers, cover her with blankets, change her clothes, and give her toys all day long. She puts up with most of it and I think she actually likes all the attention. She surprisingly cries less when you are around, even if she can just hear you playing nearby.
You fall asleep eating lunch most days. Food is still your biggest comfort, next is your lovey. You won't go to sleep at night until everyone else is asleep, no mater how tired you are. Once the lights are off and we are in bed, you'll wander into your own bed and fall asleep. Lately you like to sleep on the floor.
From Mom
Lily I love you. You make messes and demand attention and it is so much work to take care of you, but I love it. I love playing with you. I love that you talk to me all day. I love hearing you explain things that you learn about the gospel. I love to tickle and play with you. Thank you for being my friend.
From Dad
Lily you are such an amazing daughter. I love your little personality and being able to spend time playing with you. We have so much fun together having tickle time, tossing you on the bed, reading, and playing games. I can't get enough of your smile and enthusiasm for life...seeing you happy means the world to me and makes me happy. You are so smart and you say things that amaze me every day. I can't wait for all the fun time we will get to spend together as you continue to grow.
-------
but wait there's more... keep reading for more posts from today.
We woke her up by singing Happy Birthday (her favorite song). We had a birthday requested breakfast of eggs and banana bread. We made a birthday crown which Lily got to decorate with flower stickers. She loved wearing it all day and hearing people tell her Happy Birthday. We listened to people call and sing her happy birthday all day, thanks everyone, she loved it! We had her favorite lunch of 'pasta' at the Olive Garden. She also liked the coloring, but not as much as the pasta. We watched an e-card birthday dancer, she loved that.
And best of all, we opened presents. Who knew $25 could buy so much fun! When she opened her pool she just stared and stared at the pictures with a huge grin as she began to realize that she would be able to swim in her own backyard anytime she wants. Lily absolutely loves to swim. "put my swimming suit on me" she said. Then we finished off the day with her fish cake (which she said she needed to have a birthday), ice cream, and neighbors for a real birthday party.
Thanks again everyone for the love and wishes. She had a great birthday!
BTW- today she said we should have her birthday again.
Now Your Two ...
A funny story
On your birthday, we were getting ready to go and you were getting fussy for attention. Dad stopped to play with you and tickle you on the bed. Mom came in and found you two playing around and asked
"Lily were you distracting Dad?"
to which you quickly and accurately replied
"No. Dad is distracting me."
Our favorite phrases
"oh dear"
"yes. I would like that"
"sank-you Mom!"
"that didn't work"
"tum on tiny" (come on tiny)
"her say no" (when Dad tells you to ask Mom if it is ok)
Songs I sing completely,
over and over and over again
Wheels, wipers, babies, mamas, driver, doors, and kids on the bus
Popcorn Popping on the apricot tree
Ring around the Rosie (every FHE since we started having it)
Twinkle Twinkle little Star
Head Shoulders Knees and Toes
Half your height
We've been told that your are half your adult height at age 2. You measure 35 inches and weigh 27 lbs. This puts in in the 90th percentile for both height and weight. You are comfortably wearing size 2T except most pants are too short for your long legs, good thing it's summer shorts season. 5'10" hear you come.
Favorites
TV show - "Elmo's World on Sesame Street", "Phineas and Ferb", and "Mythbusters"
Book - "Go Dog, Go!"
Story - "The Holy Ghost" (made up by mom, but the most requested by far)
Movie - "Your Baby Can Read" and "Green Eggs and Ham"
Food - Cheese, Asparagus, Candy, Quesadillas, Hot Dogs, Grapes preceded by "I want some ..."
In the past 6 months...
You've grown 4 new teeth for a total of 12. We're still waiting on that second set of molars. You are a full fledged talker with few grammar errors, and you do it non-stop. You're initially shy, especially around guys, but you warm up to people and love them. You like to watch people and what they are doing. You know basic shapes (heart, star, circle, triangle) and are getting really good at colors. You know pink, red, black, yellow, and sometimes purple. You can count to 10 or 11 by yourself, but you usually mess it up somewhere in the middle. You watch Elmo's world everyday after breakfast and learn so many new things that come out during your play time. It's funny to hear what you come up with and wonder where you learned it.
You still like to organize and clean things. You won't play with play dough. You just ask me to do it and say "wash my hands" when I make you do it. You like to help with chores and fixing meals. You have your own cleaning bucket with supplies and apron for cooking. You're dishes from Christmas and empty containers are your favorite toys, especially when combined with your babies and animals that you feed and take care of. You like to "do a project" with Mom like stringing beads or coloring a page or sticking on stickers. You get excited when we go shopping at Hobby Lobby. Funny, all these things can be said about Mom also.
You love your sister Niki. We worry if she'll live through your loving. When you focus, you can be really soft and gentle. But usually you are too excited and playful to restrain from mauling her. You try to pick her up, change her diaper, feed her bottles and pacifiers, cover her with blankets, change her clothes, and give her toys all day long. She puts up with most of it and I think she actually likes all the attention. She surprisingly cries less when you are around, even if she can just hear you playing nearby.
You fall asleep eating lunch most days. Food is still your biggest comfort, next is your lovey. You won't go to sleep at night until everyone else is asleep, no mater how tired you are. Once the lights are off and we are in bed, you'll wander into your own bed and fall asleep. Lately you like to sleep on the floor.
From Mom
Lily I love you. You make messes and demand attention and it is so much work to take care of you, but I love it. I love playing with you. I love that you talk to me all day. I love hearing you explain things that you learn about the gospel. I love to tickle and play with you. Thank you for being my friend.
From Dad
Lily you are such an amazing daughter. I love your little personality and being able to spend time playing with you. We have so much fun together having tickle time, tossing you on the bed, reading, and playing games. I can't get enough of your smile and enthusiasm for life...seeing you happy means the world to me and makes me happy. You are so smart and you say things that amaze me every day. I can't wait for all the fun time we will get to spend together as you continue to grow.
-------
but wait there's more... keep reading for more posts from today.
Farewell Contour
After 4 years post-mission and 4 years of marriage (8 total), Tyler finally said farewell to the contour:
It's been good to us
as a beach car, a family car, a commute to work car, and a dating car. After all, it's ski/board rack is what sealed the deal as Tyler and I started dating. We're grateful for the memories we've made together.
We've towed it several times during the last month and decided that it's time for something newer. After a good washing and yet another last minute trip to the mechanics for unexpected repairs, we were able to sell it for $2,100. Not bad. Now Tyler is anxiously awaiting the purchase of a Mazda Speed 3. We'll keep ya posted!
It's been good to us
as a beach car, a family car, a commute to work car, and a dating car. After all, it's ski/board rack is what sealed the deal as Tyler and I started dating. We're grateful for the memories we've made together.
We've towed it several times during the last month and decided that it's time for something newer. After a good washing and yet another last minute trip to the mechanics for unexpected repairs, we were able to sell it for $2,100. Not bad. Now Tyler is anxiously awaiting the purchase of a Mazda Speed 3. We'll keep ya posted!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Pool Time!!!
Memorial Day weekend means all of the local swimming pools are now Open!
Here are some pictures from our pool trip last Saturday.
We are so EXCITED!
It is hot here and there are few things to do outside without water. Here are some pictures from our pool trip last Saturday.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Lily's Games
Here are some pictures of the games Lily plays:
Thanks for sending my old crayon dress mom. It's still so cute.
Ballet and Picnics. 100% her own ideas.
Thanks for sending my old crayon dress mom. It's still so cute.
Ballet and Picnics. 100% her own ideas.
2 Months Old
I love seeing Niki's personality beginning to come out. Emotional and expressive. I think she even likes the mauling physical attention from her big sister. Each time she is attacked instead of crying, she just looks around as if to say "Where did Lily go? We were having fun playing together." Well, whatever.
2Months Old = Shots - May 26
Is Niki really that old already? I took both the girls to the doctor for their check up (Lily's 2 in 2 weeks). Lily finally was excited and happy to go to the doctor. As upset and scared as Lily has been over the last 6 months, Niki takes the cake for displeasure during her visit. She was not happy being naked and prodded and boy did she let us know it! It took me 10 mins afterwards just to calm her down enough to be able to calm her down further by nursing her. Then we got to get her shots. I thought the first round was loud. She immediately ramped up to screaming as soon as I set her down and she had to drink one vaccine. Then with each actual shot she full out wailed. That girl has a set of lungs like no one there could believe. I just had to laugh. All the while Lily was just checking out the room and washing her hands and saying "Niki crying. She getting a shot" like it was nothing. After it was over Niki muttered a few sighing sobs to me as if to express what she had just been through and fell asleep exhausted.
.
Toys and Cooing - May 17
Niki likes looking at and reaching for her toys. Sometimes she just stares and stares with "Brinley" big eyes and other times she goes to town on the fist swinging. It's so fun to watch her. She is starting to smile and coos as if she is talking to you when you look at her. What a cute baby!
Signing "Burp" - May 15
That's right. Niki's learned another sign. Last evening I thought she was crying because she was hungry. When I picked her up, she started signing "burp" so I burped her instead. Sure enough she was right. It mostly came out the other end, but to her credit, it probably feels about the same inside.
Seeing and Signing "Eat" - May 4
Niki is becoming active and recognizing faces. She's just starting to show some expression too. After teaching Lily to sign, I figured I might as well get started with Niki so she'll get it months from now. I can't believe it, but she's already got the sign for "eat" down. At least she understands it anyways. She still has a hard time controlling her arms so she can't always sign it, but she tries to and stops crying when I say eat in return. I'm often amazed by the intelligence of my children that exists but just can't be expressed!
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