Sun and smiles

A walk and some park time were so perfect with this sweetie today. 

We set out around the block and then finished with lots of playing at the neighborhood playground. Over and over she went down the slide. Each time she squealed with happiness like it was the first time ever. 

Heading on our way...

And, one more little bit of cute.

Makenah has started to like to help me set the table at supper time. It's really quite precious to hear her ask for the napkins and then she talks about who things are for while putting the silverware at each place. I had to document this little milestone of helpfulness. 

Little helpful hands that melt my heart. 

Make believe morning

I love the world of pretend play and make believe that we are enjoying around here. Animals do more than just sit here or sit there, cups and pitchers are used for tea parties, and any small toy can represent something else. It's so much fun to play that way. 

Makenah had out her little mini Tupeprware set yesterday morning and was feeding us cake and ice cream. (Her words and choice. I'm sure we were both wishing for real cake and ice cream!) She was pouring me water from the pitcher, giving me spits from cups, and putting animals from the fridge on the plates the represent cake. 

Then we had to stop and take a break to do several rounds of "Ring Around the Rosy." This, of course, is the best part, and her favorite to shout out.

"We all fall DOWN!"

A little more love

I had a few more pictures from the Valentine's collection to share. 

Some cute ones of our ladybug in her ladybug outfit. 

Just running around in the front yard.

I hope everyone had a good weekend. 

Can't believe how fast February has gone! 

Hello to a new week!

Our *Love* Day

It was a busy Valentine's Day around here on Tuesday. Makenah and I had our Mom's Carelink group at church in the morning, so were were up and around, eating quick and getting ready to go. We did have time to make sure that our cereal had a side of heart shaped toast. Toast is waaay better when it's not in a square. 

Good morning to my Valentine. 

After a morning at church we were home for lunch and had a red/heart lunch. Heart grilled cheese, strawberries and red jello jigglers. 

When she woke up from her nap, she opened a little Valentine from us with a love bear and some M&M's. Wow, were those popular. A few M&M's last a long time for her, as she walks around so proudly with them. 

 Between all the coloring and playing that afternoon, she had to make time to "walk" Little Casey. He's got a make-shift leash, but she loves it. She pulls him around the center island in the kitchen. 

When Daddy got home from work, we had a family Valentine's pasta supper and Bryan gave both of us super sweet cards with flowers for me and a new Elmo and water bottle for Makenah. She loves drinking from water bottles right now, so he got her a neat new one like he has. She is big stuff. Ok, ok, yes, I had to have one too!

It was a super sweet day around here. I have two very special Valentine's.

Cupcakes

On Monday, Makenah and I made cupcakes together for Valentine's Day. She is such a good little helper and we had fun mixing, stirring, and making a mess. Besides stirring, which is her favorite part, standing on the stool was pretty great. 

These cupcakes got stirred for a long time...

I stepped back to take a picture, and in went the little finger. Straight to her mouth for a taste test. I said "oh, no no, pooey. Let's not eat the batter!" So while she washed it down with a drink of water she kept saying "pooey, pooey, pooey, pooey." 

 Later that evening when they were all cool, she frosted her own.

 It took her a minute to figure out how to go about it. 

 There were lots of breaks in the eating so she could wipe her hands. She likes to use napkins, and any time her hands get dirty she wants them wiped off. (It's hard to keep hands clean with frosting...) She'd say, "uh oh, messy hands, napkin." 

More Valentine's pictures to come!

A double Happy Birthday

I'm here to send two very special people some birthday love. Although both of these birthday's have passed (I need to get back on track with my pre-birthday preparedness!), I wanted to send a special message to my parents who both recently celebrated birthdays. 

They are just so great. I am so thankful to have grown up with such loving and supportive parents. The kind who loved me unconditionally, who supported everything I tried out, who provided, encouraged, laughed and taught. While all these things continue, I am also thankful for their guidance and love as I have a family of my own now. 

As grandparents, they couldn't be more awesome. They love Makenah dearly, shower her with attention, support our family, help out all the time, and always know how to have fun. They are always there when we need them. 

Happy Birthday Mom and Dad! We love you so much!!

I love love love them. 

Happy (late) birthdays! 

Quiet

It's been quiet on the blog, but not quiet around here. 

Don't let this picture fool you. 

This girl is busy. 

Always moving from one thing to the next. 

(I snapped this picture and then it was on to the next toy.)

Growing more and more independent each day.

Telling us what she wants or needs. She's a chatterbox. 

Trying things on her own. 

Forming opinions.

She has such a fun and sweet personality. 

I can't believe she will be 2 years old in one month. Whoa.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

We're also busy with baby preparations. 

There is it...the 34 week bump. 

Doctor's appointments, getting out the gear, figuring out what we still need, preparing our house, and washing teeny tiny baby boy clothes. 

It's keeping me busy. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Bryan's working like crazy lately, too. He's on Pediatrics this month taking care of the kids at St. Francis. Long, full days, but what special work he is doing.

He's a busy guy.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We are looking to spring and the start of preparations for Bryan's completion of residency. We'll be putting our house on the market not too long after the baby comes. We've started some cleaning and organizing already.

That makes me feel busy.

But, thankfully, I would rather have things going on, keeping me busy more than not. Per the doctor's orders (2 doctors...one who sees me in this house everyday...) I am making sure to take lots of time to rest. And, we're having fun around here too. A happy, energetic girl to chase, we've enjoyed the warmth outside this past week, traveling together as a family, setting up baby things, and seeing family and friends. 

Have a great weekend!