All Girl or Tomboy?

When Abigail turned two years old, I found myself baking and decorating a "Lightning McQueen" cake.  I remember calling my dad, commenting on how I found it rather entertaining that I was baking a race car cake for my little girl.  We laughed about it, but he thought it was great, especially since he loved the movie, "Cars."  Somewhere between the age of 2 and 3, Abby's interest in princesses became pretty intense.  She still played with her cars and blocks, but now the cars were simply a mode of transportation for the princesses and the blocks were used to build castles.  She also loved wearing princess dresses at home ALL day EVERY day!

Then Abby discovered some books Michael was given when he was born- board books about trucks, tractors, and emergency vehicles.  Recently, they have been THE choice for bedtime stories.  She knows all about front loaders, backhoes, dump trucks, big rigs, etc.  She can even name several parts of each.  (Do you know what a skip is?  She does!)  Now when we drive anywhere, she is on the lookout.  When she spots a truck or tractor, she calls out its name.  We've seen several front loaders, dump trucks, and backhoes this week.  Her favorite game is to look for sleeper cabs because she can usually spot several even if we are only on the freeway for a mile or two.  All I hear from the driver's seat is "Sleeper cab...... Sleeper cab...... Sleeper cab...."  I'm really glad she doesn't know about the "Slug Bug" game! 

After reading all about trucks before bed, Abby makes sure her dolly and stuffed kitty are settled for the night.  She is quite the little girl with a perfect mix of tomboy!

Our Sleeping Babies

Ahhh! Isn't it wonderful?

Good night! Sleep tight!

Spring...We know you are coming!

March is our month of crazy weather. Piles of snow melt, lilies and tulips start poking up through the soil, and the snow falls again.... Abby and I are keeping a close watch on the Magnolia bush in our front yard. It gives us hope that there are warmer days ahead. We are ready!

Joy

It has been a pretty crazy week. Coley has been working the night shift (from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.), so besides the fact that we haven't seen much of each other at all, I spend the day trying to maintain somewhat of a normal routine while keeping the house quiet enough for Coley to sleep during the day. That is no small task with a 3 1/2 year old and a 5 month old. I'm tired!

With that said, tonight was one of those special times where I felt complete joy in my role as a mother. It was bedtime. Abby was missing her dad and Michael was needing my attention. With Michael sitting in my lap on the floor, I helped Abby put on her fuzzy pajamas- the cute ones with the feet. (Yes... it is still cold enough to need them!) I told Abby to put her left foot in. When she was done, I told her to put her right foot in. That was all the prompting she needed. She stood up and continued by narrating her tasks.... "Now my right arm. Now my left arm...."

Then came the part I wish I could have taped....
"Mom, Let's sing the Hokey Pokey. Will you sing it for me?"
As I sang, she danced (and was even able to distinguish her right from her left without any help). She smiled and giggled as she turned around. I loved watching her- full of spunk and happiness. Michael loved watching her too! He squealed in delight and gave us that irresistible gummy smile.

As the three of us climbed up into the glider to read bedtime stories (Michael on one leg and Abby on the other), my heart was very full. I love these two beautiful children so much and am so grateful to be their Mommy!

Growing

On Sunday (March 6), Michael will be five months old. He is growing so fast! Here are a few recent pictures of our "little" guy....

Michael sleeping with his favorite toy.

We set up the Exersaucer a couple of weeks ago. Michael is still pretty wobbly while sitting in it, but he loves it!

Michael wants to sit at the table with us during dinner now. He is hoping that someone will feed him some good stuff. He did try a few bites of rice cereal a few days ago, but he's not quite ready. For now, he's just happy to be part of the conversation.

Fun at Disney World

We spent three days at Disney World at the beginning of February. It was wonderful to enjoy the magic of Disney, mild weather, and reasonably short lines. My schedule mainly revolved around Michael's needs, but Abby and Coley were ready for adventure from the moment we arrived until the time we left each day. I think Abby's favorite rides were "Dumbo" and "The Barnstormer" (roller coaster in Toon Town). Michael enjoyed "It's a Small World," but his favorite thing was "Turtle Talk with Crush." You should have seen him smiling, cooing, giggling, and kicking his feet! It was so cute! I know I've already posted lots of pictures from our trip, but you have to remember that all our family is far away, so here are some more!

Autographs and Photos

During our three days at Disney World, we were able to meet several characters. The parks were not very busy, so the lines were not too bad at all. Abby was able to get lots of autographs from her Disney friends.

The expression on Abby's face makes me laugh. She wanted her picture with Donald, but you can tell she is not quite sure what to think of him!

Abby informed me that Mickey is her FAVORITE character. She was very happy to see the mouse!

Pluto is always so cute around little kids. What a well-mannered puppy!

Minnie Mouse smiles with Abby.

Abigail was really excited to meet Marie from Aristocats. (In fact, the only thing she asked for as a souvenier from our trip was a "Marie" stuffed animal.) Marie was really cute with Abby, but you should have seen her when she spotted the stroller with Michael.....

She went crazy over him. The line of people waiting to meet Marie seemed nonexistent to the cat who couldn't get enough of the baby! It was really sweet.