Nothing Notable

I always dream of having a witty post, or a nostalgic or emotionally meaningful one, but my life doesn't seem to be much like that these days. We're still here, trying to hang in there through the rest of winter, which seems to be hanging on and refusing to leave.

The kids are doing well, growing and changing and learning new things as usual. I'm continually amazed by how much they learn even over short periods of time.

My Little Monkeys

I think I'm in a rut, both with writing and just in general. I'm feeling a yearning for something fun, new, and a bit routine shaking--but not really sure what. I think mostly I'm just starting to have a case of cabin fever and the winter blues all rolled into one... I just need to keep reminding myself that March is less than a week away, and to cherish each day for the unique, special time with my kids that it is. Even when I feel like my life is stalled in slow, I know they'll be different even tomorrow and I don't want to miss that!

Thirteen Months

Here are a few pictures of the kids from the past couple of weeks. Enjoy!

Yeah, I've feared this

We're on vacation this week, but had to share this anyway.
For all of you parents of two out there, you know you've worried about this when you turned your back for even just a minute...here's photographic proof your worst fear has become someone's reality. At least the parents had the sense of humor to take a photo. :)

Lydia's Latest Language Leaps

Ok, here's my updates on Lydia's new words for my own personal record. James and I have been telling each other that this has to be one of our favorite kid stages we've experienced so far. Each and every day she learns new things and daily we get to see her own little person emerge. We're trying to enjoy all of it, but she's a spirited one so it means new challenges as well.

But, onto the new words:

"Gup", cup

"Baba", bottle

"Paba", paci/pacifier

"Papa", Grandpa Slager (Papa is what Joshua has called him since he started talking. although he said Gigi first, now they're even I suppose. :)

"Ma", more

"Daa-da", Dolly

"Dog-og", Doggy

"Beek-boo-boo", Peek-a-boo

"Bnk", Blankie

"isshh" or "shishy", Fish/fishy

"shdoo", shoe

"Ki-ki", Michael (Joshua's fish)

"Du-dee", Ducky

She also 'roars' when she sees a picture of a lion and tried to make a funny blowing/trumpeting sound (like Daddy always does) when she sees pictures of elephant or stuffed elephants, etc.

Ahhhh! Much Better. :-D

Guess where we went today? If you said "the park" you'd be right. It was the muddiest its ever been when I've conceded to going, but with our very unseasonable, but well-loved 55 degrees and sunshine day came around I just couldn't resist. Both of the kids had a blast and didn't want to leave. (Lydia decided to throw a huge hissy fit to remind me of the fact I'm a very cruel mother for teasing her with a few minutes of swinging fun and then removing her...)
I'm a bit concerned that even when the temperatures inevitably plunge 20-30 degrees for the next six weeks Joshua will still hound me daily to go back. And, I'm wishing that I'd thought of going to the zoo. That would have been a fun trip, but easier to get out of doing regularly.
Anyway, in true February in Wisconsin fashion, I'm pretty sure there's a chance of snow tomorrow, but we're ignoring that fact and trying to soak up as much of the warm sun as possible to tide us through til April when it comes for good.