Here Today, Gone Tomorrow.

Our precious two year old is nothing if not opinionated. She dances to her own drum of independence and doesn't really care if everyone else is playing the flute. It really is a cool trait to have. But...

I have been trying for months to talk Laurie into wearing Pig Tails, to no avail. I have myself worn them and waxed on how pretty momma's hair is in pig tails, with no luck (yeah, like you really think I am posting pictures of me wearing them?). Pointed out when little girls have them on TV, our friends wear them, cousin Meg has pig tails. Always with an adamant NO. I have snuck them in her hair when she was distracted only to see her pull them out immediately.

So, we were sitting at home on a Friday night, when low and behold, Laurie finds a rubber band and brings it to Daddy and requests, "Pig Tails?" After I picked my mouth off the floor, we put her hair up and she could not have been more cute. I loved to see her trot around with her two little, pixy, curly cues bouncing right along. Laurie wore them all that night and the next day.

And hasn't worn them since. Sigh. Like the wind; her preferences are here today and gone tomorrow.

These Faces

I love these faces.


















Who wouldn't?

Play-Doh Birds and G-daddy and Bebe

It's been weeks since the baby birds flew the nest, but we still like to talk about them.










G-daddy and Bebe came to visit us a few weeks ago. Laurie and Bebe are in a mutual adoration society. It looks like Anna Fair is joining that club as well.

Zoo, Zoo

Laurie has been talking about the zoo all week, it was my fault for mentioning it, those little ears remember everything. We were finally able to go on Thursday and with the pending rain, we about had the place to ourselves. Rediscovering our zoo has been great for me too, I feel like we experience something new every time we go.

The tigers were stretched out directly by the fence and it was awesome to see them so close. Those guys are BIG!


















With Laurie's growing maturity, comes a little immaturity. We have discovered she is becoming afraid of the dark, loud noises, and ants, frogs, lizards, peacocks. We add to the list daily. She hit the deck with every animal shriek. I really wanted her to climb through the tunnel so I could take a picture of her up in the bubble. Laurie told me it was too dark. I even climbed in with her, she still wanted none of it.




























We like to greet each resident with an ecstatic, "Hey! I see you!"

This little fellow was so vocal, it was a hoot hanging out with him. He even stretched his wings out to show us just how handsome he is!

Friendship Park

We love spending time with these little people, and with the end of school, we are having a lot more time for fun activities like this. I have enjoyed seeing Laurie blossom more and more and see her interact with her friends. She is really learning how to play with them and it is pretty cute.

The Stroller

I really do feel for Anna Fair. She hates the car seat and doesn't care for the stroller either. And yet, she spends a lot of time there. Poor kid, one day soon, you'll be running after Laurie like one of the big kids. Until then, I hope you enjoy your seat on the sidelines.

Sisters

Phases around here come and go like the wind. Just as we adjust to a status quo with the girls, it changes. And before you know, it may be back again. They do keep me on my toes!

Laurie goes through times of great interest and affection for Anna Fair (we won't talk about the times she's not so into AFB) and we are enjoying a season of affection.














"I hold her, I hold her" And Anna Fair loves the attention from her sister.














Mornings can be the sweetest while we all slowly wake up and start moving. I treasure the time they snuggle on the couch with me. Laurie is rarely still enough for much snuggling any more.














And an added bonus, Anna Fair is sitting prettier and prettier each day. With just a little help from a few pillows.

Happy Birthday, Harper!

Our buddy, Harper is turning FOUR! To celebrate, Wendy had everyone over for a backyard party. We all had a great time hanging out with our friends.














We learned to play baseball. Or something.














We swam in the whale.



























We don't go to Harper's house without driving her cool pink Caddy.














And when Daddy suggested it was time to go before we had eaten cake...well, needless to say, we stayed to eat cake.

First Cracker

Anna Fair eating her first cracker, she loves this new experience. If you need a minute, and she's cranky, just throw a few crackers her way.















Though we are obviously to busy staring at big sister to look at the camera.














But I can't blame her, Big Sister has always got something going on.

Spring Fun

We are so excited about the new swing set in our backyard. We are missing a few pieces, so it isn't finished, but Laurie loves her new house and slide. Don't look at how messy our yard is.






























I love this happy face. And I love that sweet little white tooth. Anna Fair is not as big a fan of the exersaucer as Laurie was. AF is really more of a people person, let her sit in your lap, and she'll be happy all day long.















Laurie is such a good momma, strolling Baby Rose and making sure she is warm and toasty. If only she would walk faster. It took 30 minutes just to make our block.

Sunday School Party

We hosted our Sunday School for a day of pony riding, fishing, hamburgers and lots of space to let the kids roam free. Laurie loved having so many friends to run around with. Will was relieved the fish were biting really well too. We are all wore out! We didn't get as many pics as I would like, to busy! So I am hoping we see some from the rest that were there.

Bye, Bye Meadowbrook!

We really enjoyed our time of Mother's Morning Out at Meadowbrook Preschool. Laurie loves Mrs. Sherry and Mrs. Pat (in spite of the look on her face), her sweet playmates, and the activities they do. And Mommy enjoyed her time to run errands and be alone with Anna Fair. We are sad to tell them goodbye, but look forward to a fun summer with lots of playing.

Six Month Check Up

I must see what I want to see. Laurie, at birth, was a bigger baby than Anna Fair in every way: pounds, inches, and head circumference. In my mind, Anna Fair is petite. Yet at every check up, she's been inching her way closer and closer to Laurie's stats. So, why was I surprised that at her six month check up, she is measuring EXACTLY the same as Laurie was at this time? 15 lbs 12 oz, 2 ft 4.5 in, and head circumference of 42 cm. Our girl is growing up! And out!







































When Will went to get Laurie up from her nap this weekend, this is what he found. So glad she reading such great material. Though it is amazing she can still fit in her crib with all the things she MUST take to bed with her.