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Saturday, March 26, 2011

Cinderella, Cinderella!

Do you remember this song from your childhood?



I find myself humming this song during the day when I am cleaning up after the little kiddos. No, I am not referring to myself as a Cinderella figure - but rather my two little munchkins. See, I have found the best way to entertain my kids - let them clean the house.

Seriously.

No, I'm not kidding.

They think this is the bomb and cheer when I let them help. They also try to knock the other one down rushing to the bedroom to help put away laundry when I'm folding it (apparently it is a big deal to be "the one" to put away the socks, I guess they have yet to realize there are  MANY pairs of socks to go in the drawer). Yes, we are working on toning down the enthusiasm just a little to prevent injury, but also recognize this gig will probably not last long so we are milking it for all it's worth.  

My girls love to help, especially when they think it is a job that only big people can do or involves an appliance. Like a vacuum cleaner, the snow shovel, or the sticky roller lint remover. They usually sing (which means they really just yell) the clean up song at the top of their lungs.  

We have three cats, so there is always hair on the couches. We vacuum the couches once or twice a week, but they love to help out on the other days by using the sticky lint rollers. I usually ask them who can get the most hair and Sylvie races to the challenge. Mary doesn't quite understand the challenge aspect yet, but happily wants to do whatever her big sister is doing.

Most of the time I don't even have to ask them to clean up, they act it out spontaneously in their play. When they are in the bath tub, I can almost guarantee that some of the time spent (after playing with toys and bottles) involves them wiping down the tile walls of the shower. I think part of it is to see who can reach further and "clean higher" than the other.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

What we've been up to lately....

It's been a very busy past couple of weeks. Here are some of the highlights of how we've been spending our time. Enjoy!

Playing together nicely most of the time.
Hmmm....I wonder if this bead can fit in my ear - it can!
I wonder if Mama will freak out again if I throw the 
beads on the floor? Insert evil adorable grin and giggle.
Good thing I'm cute and she loves me!

Celebrating birthdays with friends....
Birthday Party #1 - Robbie's Two!
Playing with friends at Robbie's party. 
Ride on toys are a big hit.
 Birthday Party #2 - Nikki (mom to our friends Sugar and Spice)
 We went out for dinner and the kids were GREAT! Here's a
cute video of the little ones while the parents settled the bill.


Celebrating St. Paddy's day with friends. We met our friends Karla,
Shea, and their daughter Victoria for lunch at Kelly O'Bryan's
What do you mean Pacho's aren't typical Irish food?

Karla brought stickers for the kids and shamrock headbands.
Did I mention how much she rocks?!
Leprechaun #1
 Leprechaun #2
Leprechaun's #3 & #4 - Daddy and Shea 

We are enjoying being outdoors again and it not being dark right
after dinner. Going for daily walks around the neighborhood....


 Discovering our backyard toys again.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Our baby girl is THREE today!

Wow, I never really believed other parents when they would mention how fast the time will go. While it is true that the days can seem endless sometimes (ok, many times!) the weeks and months tend to fly by.

Today our baby girl is three. Which means she is not our "baby" girl anymore, she is our "little" girl now, and what a beautiful little girl she is growing to be - on the inside and outside. She is a beloved daughter, an amazing Jie Jie. Her patience is extraordinary and her easy going personality and giggle are infectious.

I took this picture first thing this morning, 
I think her smile makes her glow.
What would a birthday be without a few presents? Her favorite, by far is this baby El*mo which sings and giggles. She was SO excited opening this present, El*Mo is her favorite character right now, and she asks everyday if she can watch El*mo's World on TV. And since we have been spending quite a bit of time indoors with Mary's surgery and healing, I have to admit we have seen quite a few episodes - hey, it's educational...right?!

I thought I would take a little trip down memory lane to see how our little girl has grown...

Second birthday - home with us

First birthday in China
 As always, we take time to reflect and think of Sylvie's first mother and father and hope that somehow... someway...someday... they know how loved and cherished the daughter we share is.