My Little Gift to my Kiddo's

I made this growth chart at my first MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting when Will was about 8 or 9 months old...since I'm not a crafty person, I was very impressed with it and with how simple it was to make something so cute.

And of course b/c Will had one, I was determined to make one for Molly too...It only took me 8 months longer. Will's first measure, 10 months, Molly's 18 months. To my credit, I had the very crafty help of the person at MOPS helping me with Will's, but I created Molly's completely from scratch. I spent many days looking for the same decals that are on Will's, but girly. But I decided they didn't exist anymore, so I went with other "pretty" things. I must say I'm quite impressed with how it turned out...I really wasn't sure I could pull this one off.

There isn't space in Molly's room to hang her's, so we hung it in the hallway right outside Will's room. Which I like better anyway b/c it's right next to Will's chart. Will-18 months: 34inches Molly-18 months: 31 inches...a 3 inch difference! Crazy.

Dog Days of Summer...

Except it was March 17th! Molly turned 18 months old on this day. A year and a half. Wow. When people ask me how old she is now, and I say, "A year and a half." I'm shocked every time. For some reason, a year and a half seems soooo old. :-) But she's so petite, sensitive, sweet, cuddly, kind, and fragile (or at least acts that way) that she still seems much younger to me.
I decided to surprise Will after his nap with some sprinkler time out in the backyard...he'd been asking constantly and it was finally (finally, ha! its march)  warm enough to fire up the water. He was very excited, and it turned out to be a whole lotta fun. It was Molly's first time playing in a sprinkler. I realized later it was a wonderful way to "celebrate" her 18th month birthday. She LOVED it...she giggled and sprayed and got sopping wet. I loved watching every minute of it. Her squeals mixed with Will's loud giggles and laughs made for fantastic backyard music.
Happy 18th Birthday Molly!
-weighs 22lbs 10oz
-32inches long
-loves to read books, anything flying, macaroni and cheese, Pooh Crackers from Costco, Bathtime, brushing her teeth, flowers, Gymbo the clown, climbing, sand, the ocean, copying anything her brother does, babies (real and toy), Will's preschool teachers, necklaces, going to Daddy's office with a book every morning for him to cuddle and read with her...probably the most precious thing I've ever seen.
-first word: Elmo "Elma" other words: Emily "Emma-ma-ma" ball, bird, boots, Brother "budha," banana, mama, dada, nana, papa. Makes all animal sounds, and "flying sound."
-gives the sweetest random kisses, hugs, gentle pats and snuggles. Will walk up behind Brother and gently pat his back or head, wrap her arms around him and hug, blow kisses,
-Does absolutely EVERYTHING her brother NEVER did...everything.

Happy 8th Anniversary to Us!

8 years ago today, Jeremy and I were living in San Francisco, CA and had planned a wedding in Seattle WA, and a honeymoon in the Carribean...today we have 2 wonderful and brilliant kids and are so lucky to live in the beautiful city of Carlsbad, CA. We have a happy family with lots of friends and family around us. We love you all and thank you for all your love, support, and happiness!

We look sooooo young! :-)

Oh my girls, I love them so much.

The gorgeous Dome Room, such a beautiful/classy place.

"Don't you DARE shove that in my face!"

A Forgotten Picture

I forgot to post Valentine's Day Pictures, had quite a few cute ones that illustrated how we spent our day, some of the kid's presents, etc. None of them really a big deal so I didn't want to post about Valentines Day when we're in the middle of March.
But this one, I couldn't pass up. Can't believe I forgot it. It's so darn cute, adorable. Definitely worth posting a month late.

Birch Aquarium

A couple weeks ago, Molly and I joined Will's preschool class for a field trip to the Birch Aquarium in LaJolla. The aquarium is gorgeous...it has beautiful stain glass windows and whale statues with waterfalls outside. They had a special exhibit on seahorses, never knew there were so many kinds and so many different sizes...from big to teeny tiny. :-) They have lots of aquarium's and viewing windows, interactive games and an outside wet area with a gorgeous view of the ocean, and you can feel sea cucumbers, starfish, etc.

Molly looks super tiny on the left side, compared to the statues.

Will looks super tiny underneath the statues.

Gorgeous Seahorse stain glass entrance.

Will's favorite, the Blue Moon Jellyfish.

Love this picture of Will (on the right) and his classmates watching the diver clean the glass of this huge fish tank.

This picture gives you an idea of how big the fishtank is...massive.

Will was in a "I don't want to smile for you" mood.

Then when it was his idea, he was all for it. He REALLY wanted me to take his picture right here with his "squished penny."

Molly was fascinated by this drain for some reason, couldn't keep her away from it.

Molly Sofia...

...turned 17 months old a few weeks ago and I just can't believe she is going to be one and a half soon! Molly is such a cutie, I can hardly stand it...she'll snuggle me in my neck, on my shoulder, or just walk up and shove her face in to my legs. The poor girl is already emotional and dramatic. I've actually already thought about trying to "toughen her up a bit." :-) But decided that wasn't a good idea yet, I love to hold her and baby her and cater to her every need, even if she is a little needy. ;-) She's so much fun, follows her brother around begging him to accept her and play with her, but please don't be rough and hurt her. :-) She brings his clothes to him to help him get dressed and wears his backpack around. She loves to brush her teeth. She throws fits if we take the toothbrush away. She is the most adorable thing I've ever seen in a dress and tights. Here's to my baby girl: