Earth Day 2011

We recognized Earth Day with our 2nd annual tree plantings!  Back in the woods, near the little one from last year which is still growing, we planted another sapling.  Here Brooke helps Dad dig the hole, then they proudly hold up the little tree to be planted, and in the ground it goes!

  

This year we actually had two trees to plant (plus some other seeds for a ground cover and sunflower seeds), so Brooke works on digging the second hole, with Dad pitching in because the ground's pretty hard.

  

All smiles as gardeners finish two of the four tasks!

Next up, the sunflower seeds.  (update: these never came up in the summer...they probably served as a nice meal for a bird or animal!)

 

Happy Earth Day to All!

Easter 2011

On Saturday of Easter weekend, we did an Easter Egg Hunt at the neighborhood community center (it was in the "gym" because it was a rainy weekend...well, maybe they always have it there regardless of the weather, so as to "control" the situation...we're not sure since this was our 1st time). 

At dinner the night before Scott was "coaching" Brooke to be "aggressive" during the egg hunt. 

     "Brooke, when going for an egg, if another kid gets in your way just push him/her over."

Hmm, really?  Mom countered we need to be "positively assertive."  It's an egg hunt, for preschoolers/elementary kids.  Not a wrestling match.  Here's some pictures from the egg hunt.

They also got a picture with the Easter Bunny.

Later that day we dyed Easter eggs.  Brooke thought that was really neat!

Easter morning brought gifts from the Easter Bunny.  Brooke enjoyed searching for them, for herself and on Keira's behalf.  She also enjoyed sampling the jelly beans, Peeps and lots of chocolate.  *Note to self, next year avoid sugar before going to church!

Here's Brooke reading, or wearing, some of the books Keira received.

Keira meanwhile tried to keep up with her sister, though her crawling isn't quite quick enough.

Unfortunately, we did not get a picture of the girls together in their Easter dresses.  I attempted to capture Brooke, but she'd already taken out her hair bow and wasn't too cooperative in posing for a shot.

Keira wasn't feeling very good on Sunday, we think due to teething.  In the afternoon she enjoyed some nice snuggle time with Dad, and took a nap on his shoulder.

Happy Easter!

Monkey See, Monkey Do

Being a parent makes you very cognizant of most everything you say and you do.  Why?  Because there are always little eyes watching and ears listening, even when you don't think they are.  Out of the blue, she'll repeat something I might have said months ago.  It might not have even been to her, but to Scott, and Brooke happened to be in the room next door.  It strikes you how much they take in, and how much you're influencing their development and future behavior.  An enormously powerful responsibility.

It makes you want to be a better person.  Each day to model those behaviors and words that you want your child to exhibit as they grow older.  To be a better person than you are, as we all have our faults.  You don't necessarily carry through on it everyday, but they'll remind in a subtle way by saying or doing something you do.

They say kids learn more from actions than the words...as in "Do as I Do" versus "Do as I Say".  I would agree, though you still have to watch what you say!  (subtle hint to husband when he's verbally watching hockey)

Opposite Day

Brooke seems to always want the opposite of what I'm saying/asking. 

     Mom:  "Brooke, you need to put your coat on...you'll get cold"
     Brooke:  "I want to be cold."

     M:  "Don't eat that yet, it'll burn your tongue."
     B:  "I want to burn my tongue."

     M:  "Don't push Keira, she'll cry."
     B:  "I want Keira to cry."

It goes on and on, all day long.

Therefore, I need to start exercising "Opposite Day" and hopefully that will get her wanting the things I want her to do, without her realizing it.  Ah, sophisticated parental reverse psychology!

Excuse Me, Is That a Toilet in Your Purse?

There are many many things about motherhood that you aren't told before beginning this adventure.  Your friends/family/society, really should share/advise/warn of the things you'll endure,

• whether its the perks and pitfalls of pregnancy and its many "conditions," (I won't elaborate)
• the many many nights of no sleep with an infant,
• the many many nights of interrupted sleep with a preschooler ("no sleep" doesn't end after the baby is "sleeping through the night" because surely, at nearly 3 years old they'll quietly (or not) show up at your bedside at 4am and scare the bejesus out of you),
• not showering for days -- my girlfriends all volunteered many times when #1 came along to come by so I could take a shower...one child in the house wasn't a problem, it's juggling 2 children in the house and finding time to shower when you could be doing dishes, cleaning floors/bathrooms, doing laundry, napping, checking email, so on and so forth...
• not eating, or eating odd stuff, or eating cold meals -- sometimes I'm too busy feeding others (and keeping the dog from eating the kids' food) that I don't have time nor energy to make my own, or I'll grab something odd off their plate or the refrig/pantry, or as all moms know, eating your once hot meal 20 minutes later is very normal
• carrying a toilet in your purse

Yes, potty training commenced in our house.  Brooke is doing pretty well, knock on wood.  On Day 5 we ventured out of the house to BRU and Target.  I packed up 2 extra pairs of undies and shorts and off we went.  Got through the first store with no troubles and through the 2nd store (Target).  As we were readying to leave I asked if she needed to use the toilet/potty and she said yes, so we headed into the restroom with our shopping cart (is that even allowed?) as I had Keira with me and I couldn't hold her and help Brooke onto the toilet.  Out of my purse I whip out the handy dandy fold-able trainer toilet seat my friend gave me.  I used one foot to hold the seat down (otherwise it flips up/re-folds), while balancing to help Brooke onto the toilet and "hold her" there.  Success!  (though after she was finished I took my foot down and the seat popped off the toilet onto the ground, but I'll wash it at home)  We head home without fear of accidents in the car!  Woo Wee!

Little Toes

There's nothing sweeter than baby toes.

I especially love it when they cross their ankles.  Looks so "adult".

Confiscating Maddie's Toys

Today I happened to be checking through Brooke's dresser, as occasionally I'll find little "treasures" in there.  She never fails, as today it was one of Maddie's toys.  Apparently she's trying to hord the balls from the dog.  The poor dog, she's become more neglected with a 2nd child in the house, and now she's losing her toys!

*note, the dresser is empty, because otherwise, during some naptimes, she'll pull all the clothes out to make a "nest."  It keeps her quite busy, and quite awake.

Teasing of Warm Weather

Like last year, warm weather arrived for St. Patrick's Day and the day after!  Break out the tee shirts as we get a glimpse of warmer months to come.  Our friends Erin, Jack and William (plus Boomer their dog!) came over for a bit of a play date.  Jack did a great job pulling Brooke and William in the wagon.

Keira watched on from her stroller.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I attempted to capture some shots of my two little leprechauns, but neither was interested in looking at the camera.  Rather Keira seemed to be laughing a lot.

Brooke must have been making her laugh.  Keira lights up when Brooke pays attention to her.

Brooke showing Keira how the "alphabet" train works, and Keira works on perfecting her standing skills. 

Dino - Giraffe Races

Introducing Dinosaur / Giraffe Racing!  Keira and Brooke get their respective mounts ready.

Keira seriously contemplating her next moves to pass Brooke to win the checkered flag.

Maddie watches warily.  She was "injured" (see pink bandage on front right paw) so she had to sit out.  Really, she was injured...broke a toenail pretty bad, requiring a trip to the vet.