Imaginitive Play

I love this little guy's imagination. It is vivid, pure, fun and without hesitation. He isn't shy about creating a scene. On this morning, it was fireman play in the backyard. We had to save "Ben"...a dog from one of his library books. He had a hose, a ladder, a truck and sirens.

Really all we had were his fireman boots and hat (part of halloween costume) and a stick he uncovered from our ivy.



Over the weekend we visited a playground equipped with a pretend fire engine. Bennett literally could not get out of the car fast enough to begin driving and creating a new pretend "fireman" scene. It must have been quite the site to see me, my mom, my dad and Elly Rose seated in this child-sized fire engine...responding to Bennett's orders...running to the slide to "save Ben."


We have some exciting adventures planned for this little guy over the next two weeks. Sites and sounds that I am sure will play-out in future mornings of imaginative play.

Hoot of a Day

Over the weekend we celebrated our little Elizabeth Rosemary's first birthday. I enjoy celebrating birthdays - making our babies feel special...because they are. I think Elly Rose enjoyed her day and we enjoyed having friends and family gathered together.

It was so much fun making photo frames, party hats, treat bags and owl-themed desserts. I love homemade and thankfully my mom knows how to sew. She made Elly Rose this dress and surprised us by making a coordinating dress for a cabbage patch doll from my childhood (and didn't let out of my sight as a little girl...playing "dolls" was something my sis and I did daily).


Rosie is so easy-going. Unphased by all the other children and parents moving about. She just takes it all in. That said, she is still a determined little climber. We are having to move low furniture out of her reach everyday. She can "hike" her leg over the side of the tub and tumble in within a couple seconds. It is fun to see the similarities and differences between she and Bennett as this age.

Party hats for all to wear!

How cute is this? I love her little face...as if to say, "really...a doll baby with a matching dress...for me?!?!?"

Elly Rose was not bashful when it came to tasting her big iced cupcake. As soon as it was within her reach, she began eating the icing...right through the "happy birthday" song!

It took a few "blows", but Bennett finally helped her with the candle. She didn't mind, just kept right on eating the icing off the cake. We are just really getting into table foods, but so far Elly Rose likes most things we offer her...much like her brother at that age.

Holding this baby doll like a little mama. It is fun to have a few toys around the house that before this weekend were quite unfamiliar to Bennett. A teapot now resides on Bennett's toolbench after playing pretend "tea and crumpits" this evening.

Love her many expressions. She really is a hoot.

We are looking forward to her one-year well-baby visit, but travel schedules have pushed it back to mid-November. In the meantime, we are planning to hear the fire alarm ring as we plan a 3rd birthday celebration for Bennett!

One year ago...

One year ago today (the date), we were soaking up what would be our final day as mommy and daddy to just Bennett. It was a Sunday and we spent some time at Holliday Park. Zach snapped this photo with his phone...

I remember those final days before Elly Rose joined the world like they were yesterday. A little anxiety for life with two and how would Bennett adjust, etc. I remember squeezing him tighter each night after books - trying to figure out how I might help him understand.

The same set of swings (babies facing the other direction) about 10 1/2 months later. Bennett looking less like a baby and more like the adorable big brother he is. Elly Rose growing like a little weed. On this day (3rd Monday of the month) one year ago, we were within hours of meeting this little lady. Our babies have changed our life dramatically...challenging us in ways I could not have imagined.

Over the weekend we celebrated this little girl's first birthday. Tomorrow we will celebrate becoming a family of four. Just enjoying the miracle they are. The love we have for our babies is like none other. Happy Birthday to our sweet girl!

Side note: I wrote this post quickly in the last few minutes of my work day. It would not publish, so I saved it and packed up to pick-up my babies. Brought them home to find Rosie has a new trick...she stands up in the middle of a room with no help and she walks. 6, 8 or 10 steps. Like she just planned it all along. When I turn one...I will walk.