A Winter Walk

On a few warmer winter days, the girls and I have enjoyed a stroll around the block.  Emily loves to push her Cinderella doll in her doll stroller.  Lily is content to ride in her stroller or investigate while walking beside me.  I love taking in some warm sunshine and their smiling faces.  We are missing St. George winters, but I know spring will be coming soon!

Lily 18 Months

My sweet Lily is 18 months old.  It is hard to believe that, but yet I can hardly remember life without her.  She brings so much joy, laughter, and life to our home.  Lily is spontaneous, silly, and spunky.  I love the way she smiles mischievously when she knows she is being silly.  It is exciting to see Emily and Lily's relationship blossom as they learn to play, help and interact with each other.  I love Lily's sweet snuggles and smiles.  Here are a few highlights of the month:

• Lily's language is blossoming tremendously as she seems to learn a new word every day.  Some of my favorites are: mouse, Cinderella, Ariel, pants, coat, socks, and mommy
• I love the lip smacking noises she makes to give kisses.
• Loves to be outside!!  I can't wait for warmer weather to enjoy this past-time more.
• Enjoys dressing up in shoes, "Minnie skirt," aprons, and swimsuits
• Loves to play peek-a-boo & chasing games, especially with Daddy
• Initiates naptime often by saying, "Night-night" after lunch
• Interested in books, princesses, outside fun, and dumping out things
• Loves a good adventure to the store or library
• Dislikes getting her diaper changed and dressed
• Sweet snuggler
• Love to dance and sing, especially to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse & Frozen

Singing & Dancing Lily

Lily loves to sing and dance!  We sing many primary songs a day with lots of actions and dancing from Lily.  She especially loves to sing, "If Your Happy and You Know It," "Itsy, Bitsy Spider," and "Ring Around the Rosies."  I love it when she says, "How about?" between each song suggesting for more.  Lily is great at spinning, stomping her feet, clapping her hands, and singing along.  I love her sweet voice and precious dance moves.  Emily always loves to join in the fun, especially when wearing her skirt.  Lily loves to mimic Emily by wearing her slippers or Nana's apron to dress up too.  What fun we have singing and dancing!

A Visit to the Dentist

Emily had a dentist appointment today.  This was her third time visiting the dentist.  Each time has been a little anxiety producing for her, but we have always made it through.  Emily wasn't sure about the dentist tools, so the hygienist & dentist just did a good brushing on her teeth.  They said they were princess teeth for sure with no cavities - hooray!  When we got home Emily had fun pretending to be a dentist with her teeth and Lily.  I think their teeth were the cleanest they have ever been as they brushed them for over a half an hour!

Roommates

For months I have been wondering about when to move the girls together in the same room.  With baby brother coming in a few months, I thought it might be helpful to move them together before he comes so that they were well adjusted.  I wasn't sure when, but Emily helped move things along this week.  On Monday Emily begged to sleep with Lily.  Even though Lily was already asleep I consented.  I read a few stories to Emily and left the room.  Soon enough, Lily had woken up to see her sister in her room.  Lily never cried, but the two talked for a few minutes.  After some time Lily went back to sleep while Emily continued to talk and play.  Finally around 9:45 pm I gave Emily some medicine to encourage her to go to sleep.  She finally did.  Both girls slept until just after 7 am.  Lily has typically gone to bed first and woken up first, while Emily wakes up a little later.  The two are learning to adjust as Lily is going to bed later and waking up later while Emily is going to bed earlier (sometimes) and waking up earlier.

I love hearing the girls talk and read books together each night.  Emily seems more comfortable about bedtime instead of anxious with Lily's company.  Seeing them together reminds me of my special memories growing up sharing a room with my sister Melissa.  We had fun talking and laughing together for many years, and I know these girls will too!

Each night as I tuck them in when they have fallen asleep I can't help but stop and gaze for a few moments.  I love these two more than words can say.  As I watch them sleep I think of the fun adventures we have shared that day.  I smile and giggle at the funny things they said and did, while wondering how I can be a better mom for them.  I hope they know how much a love them and want the best for them.  Every night I also strive to taken a mental forever picture to hold onto them being little for just a little longer.  Growing up seems to go by too fast! Sweet dreams little ones!

Snow Adventures

Living in St. George the past few years has spoiled us with warmer winters with just one to two snowy days a year.  As such, the girls haven't yet experienced the snow much, but have seen a lot of it this winter.  For Christmas Sissa gave them some fun snow hats, so we decided our Saturday adventure would include exploring the snow.  Emily is quite hesitant about snow.  She is anxious to step in it or have it touch her in any way, so I was curious how things would go.  After 20-30 minutes of bundling everyone up, we ventured to the backyard.  Lily loved being pulled in the sled, but Emily was not sure.  I tried to build a snowman with her, but she was so worried about the snow on her gloves and shoes that our adventure outside lasted just a few minutes.  I am hoping this Arizona born & St. George baby will soon grow into outdoor winter fun!

Snow Hats

Emily loves to wear snow hats!  She has been particular the past few times we have ventured out to have her snow hat and gloves on.  Lily has even joined in on the fun too!  I love seeing them dressed in the darling hats from Sissa.