This girl can tumble.

One of Lucy's Easter presents from Grammy and Grampy was a Toddler Tumble class at the community center in town. 

I was really excited to get out of the house with the kids during the day, but nervous that Lu would be Miss Anti-Social.  She can be clingy in unfamiliar situations.  (Not ideal when holding a chunky man baby.)

I was silly for worrying, though.  The teacher was great; she started a new activity every 5-10 minutes to keep the kids interested.  It was a small class - about 10 kids, ages 18 - 36 months.  Lu warmed up almost immediately, and became more comfortable with each class.      

The room was covered with big foam mats and shapes, and there were a ton of toys, musical instruments, puppets, etc.  (Only a very small amount of time was actually spent tumbling.)

Crappy cell phone pic, FTW!

It was so good for us.  We will definitely be back in May.  Thanks for the wonderful gift, mom and dad! 

Parker even made a friend! 

(Warning:  Turn down the volume on your computer before watching this video-- wee ones screaming the whole time.)

Lucy's Brave Birthday Party

We celebrated our favorite girl yesterday!  We had beautiful weather and a house full of family and friends.  There was yummy food and happy kiddos playing.  We finished the party with a whispered version of "Happy Birthday", because Parker was napping.  (It's a small house, remember?)

Once again, forgot to take pictures until about halfway through the party....but here's what I got!



FREE printable invitations



Menu: BBQ Shredded Pork Sliders, Mac & Cheese Bites, Potato Salad & Chips, Ambrosia, Fruits & Veggies



Banana and Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting from Jules' Gems



(Confession:  I ate all of the leftover fondant arrows.)

 

Grammy and Grampy bought Lulu a swing-set for her birthday.  We put it to good use yesterday!



Lu and Ryan at the water table

Parker, the ladies man

Singing "Happy Birthday"

NOM.

Eating cuppies with Eliana.

Opening Auntie Fallon, Uncle Cole and Julie's present

The girls hugging "byyyyyyyyyye"

Party favors: sunglasses, bubbles and lollipops!  (Can't even believe I didn't make custom cookies for my own daughter...oy)

So sleepy after all the fun!

Lucy had so much fun with all of her friends yesterday, and she's having a blast with all of her new toys!  A BIG thank you to everyone that was apart of Lucy's special day.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Lu!

About this time two years ago, I met you for the very first time.  In that time, you have grown into a beautiful, smart, affectionate, and silly girl.  You bring so much happiness and life to our family, and you are loved by many.  Happy Birthday, my sweet girl.  I am so proud to be your momma.  I love you mucho mucho mucho.

Opening presents with Mandy ("Andy")

Hugging your new baby doll-- you haven't put her down yet!

Grampy surprised you with balloons.  You were ecstatic.

Mommy and Daddy's present to you

Curbside cuppies

 

23 Months

One more month (less than, actually!), Lu, and you'll be 2!  You are becoming a little girl.  A stunningly beautiful, brilliant little girl.  I cannot believe that you were once your brother's age (and I cannot believe that Parker will one day be your age).  It's amazing what another year and some hair can do to a girl!

You are the very definition of adorable.  You say the funniest (sometimes strangest) things.  We have so much fun with you.  You're also quite the tantrum-thrower.  You can be pretty moody sometimes; but we ignore that behavior completely-- even in public.  (It was a little embarrassing the first time you flung yourself on the floor of Target, and it felt like everyone was staring.  Doesn't phase me anymore, though!)

You are a loving, sweet big sister and momma's little helper.  If I can't get to Parker right away, I can ask you to bring him a toy or give him kisses.  You happily oblige and say, "Matter, CarCar?" (What's the matter, CarCar?)  You even inform me when he poops or wakes up from his nap.  Every morning you shout, "BABY!" and run to where he is laying and dive on him.  You and momma alternate blowing raspberries on his belly and tickling his um-pins.  And you always, always, always say, "Night night CarCar. Ove you CarCar" before naps and bedtime. 

Favorite phrases we heard this month:
Mom! (rather than whining to let me know you're ready to get out of your crib)
Baby kying/awake
Baby poop/fart
Where'd he/she/momma/daddy go?
Watch Ax (Lorax)
Carry me
Daddy shower with me
Nees (necklace) fall down drain. (after dropping your Baltic Amber down the shower drain) 
Dance CarCar, daaaance. Dance, dance, dance!
Booger... (after picking your nose, and attempting to hand your findings to Daddy)
Duck poop!  Ew.  (said while inspecting your shoes after visiting the park).

Favorite pictures...

Rinsing the soap off of Parker.

 

Sharing your milk with Daddy.

Omg, this kills my knees, but it always cracks you up.

Comparing Baltic Amber with Eliana (or as you refer to her, "Ana")