Just Sayin' Hi

Beatin' the Heat

5 Months Old

Makayla turned five months old yesterday. Okay, seriously, she is the cutest baby I have ever seen. I know I'm her mom and everything, and pretty much every mom says that about her baby, but Makayla really is THE cutest baby...EVER! She smiles pretty much non-stop, and melts everyone's heart that she comes in contact with. She is so active these days, and probably wishes she could keep up with her big bro a little more. She refuses to stay on her back, and rolls on to her stomach every chance she gets. She eyes all of our food, so we have started to give her some sweet potatoes. We are still working on the swallowing reflex, but she does like the taste. We love this girl to pieces!

Father's Day

We had a wonderful Father's Day weekend! 

Andrew and I had date night on Friday night, and Grandma and Grandpa watched both kiddos. That's right, I said BOTH kids! Makayla had her first sleepover, and she did great. Andrew and I celebrated the night by going to Buffalo Wild Wings (mmmmmmm), and looking at minivans. Oh, how times have changed. I definitely didn't think I would be shopping for a minivan before the age of 30! 

On Saturday, we took the kids to the zoo. It actually turned out to be a nice morning despite the heat we have been experiencing around here. I love how excited Joshua gets over the animals. Our favorites are still the monkeys and polar bears.

On Father's Day, we celebrated the morning with some raspberry pancakes, and gifts from the kids. Joshua colored Andrew a beautiful drawing, and the kids gave him a new frame for his office. Later on in the day, we had a nice dinner with my parents, and Skyped Andrew's parents in California. We are so thankful for technology, and the ability to "see" Andrew's parents miles away.

Happy Father's Day, Babe! I am so blessed to parent our two wonderful children with you. I love you SO much, and am so thankful for you. You are a GREAT daddy!!!

And...shout-out to our dads. You guys are the best! Thanks for being great models of godly, loving men, and for taking such great care of our families. We treasure you guys more than words could say.

Sharing Tea

We are still working on the concept of sharing - as in, when you give something to sissy, you don't take it back right away. Joshua was working on his sharing while he and Makayla shared tea...

Mr. Tambourine Man

Today's instrument at the library music class was the tambourine:

Here's some video I shot of him playing his tambourine. He was supposed to keep it quiet at the beginning, which meant chewing on it until he heard the cue to shake it...

Toddler Love

Meet Jeslyn. Joshua and Jeslyn were born six days apart. These two love playing together. Whenever Jeslyn sees Joshua, she immediately goes in for a hug. Not to be outdone, Joshua has planted a kiss on her cheek on more than one occasion. Already a ladies' man...

Jumperoo's Back in Business

The Jumperoo is back in business! Makayla had her first experience in the Jumperoo, and she loved it! Joshua was taking a nap, so he couldn't intrude on the fun. I have a feeling he's going to be a little jealous and wonder why he can't use it anymore.

Beep Bop

I took Joshua (and Makayla) to an interactive music class for toddlers, put on by the local library. Joshua had a lot of fun at the class, and got rave reviews from the teacher for his excellent rhythm stick playing (see the pictures below). I think we'll make this a regular activity!

Roly-Poly

Guess who I found sleeping on her tummy this morning? Yep, Makayla is now rolling from back to tummy!

Love these kids!

So Loud

I have mentioned before that Makayla is REALLY loud! She and Joshua like to compete on the decibel scale. Here's a taste of her screams of joy...

Tickle Bug

Makayla encountered the tickle bug...