Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Mostly Pictures

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We went to the Underwoods' cabin on Whidbey last weekend:

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This would be one of Austen's "fits." Little does she know that it's the cutest thing ever. ;-)
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The attempt at getting all three of them to smile. We knew we were setting ourselves up for failure :)

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Somewhere under here are two little monkeys having too much fun:
Travis and Jeff's crabbing success:

Home again, home again...

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Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Terrible Twos Got Nothin' on This

Kaitlyn is giving us a run for our money these days. :) I have heard often that the twos are nothing compared to the threes. Kaitlyn isn't three yet, but I do believe that this may be proven true in our house. We are going through a definite testing stage with her, and learning the power of deep breathing. ;-) Let me tell ya, last summer with an immobile newborn who slept all the time and a toddler was easy-peasy compared to this one. Two very mobile, very independent toddlers is...challenging to say the least. You know what, though? It's still so worth it, and despite those moments when I feel like screaming and crying right along with them, I love being their mommy, and I know that this too shall pass. And, I know for a fact that I will be laughing at this stage in no time.
Poor little Austen has her fifth ear infection in about 6 months, so it's looking like we'll be going to a specialist to discuss possible ear tubes. I certainly am not at all excited about her being put under (gives me heart palpatations just thinking about it!) for a procedure, but we obviously don't want her in constant ear pain either, not to mention constantly taking antibiotics that have to be stronger every time.
Despite all of these infections, Austen is still our sweet, funny little girl, and she is cracking us up constantly. Her personality has been blossoming in these past couple of months. One of my current favorites is when she says "Nigh-Nigh" before naps and bedtime. If you're lucky, she'll lean in for a kiss while she says it. She's saying other new words as well: Belly (while lifting her shirt - she LOVES showing her belly :)), potty (yep :)), socks, shoes (did I mention those already?), and Riley. Oh, and my very, very favorite thing right now is that if I leave the room, she walks around the house calling, "Mama? Mama?" Oh so adorable!!
Austen's other new "trick" is knowing what she's not supposed to have - Mama's phone, Kaitlyn's toys, her shoes that are supposed to be on her feet - and running in the other direction giggling. It's hilarious. If Kaitlyn is building a block tower, Austen may do a drive-by to grab a block and run in the other direction while Kaitlyn screams after her. Definitely one of those moments that make it difficult to parent instead of laugh. :)


We have been busy this summer, as usual. The day before the 4th of  July, we headed to the Underwood's for dinner. Paige and Kaitlyn make quite the little pair, and Austen is able to join in some now, too.


The girls seem to be making a tradition out of ending the night with a dance party. This time it involved Paige's many tutus:

Paige is such a crack-up and joy to be around. What a pretty girl, too! 


Austen joined in the fun, too!
Paigey booty-shakin'

We got to hang out with Baby Jackson again, and he was nice enough to share his pool with the girls.

I was able to snap a few pictures at Kaitlyn's Lil' Kickers soccer class. I'm so glad we signed up for this (thanks for the idea, Gina! That's right, you just got a blog shout-out). It's been a great experience so far for Kaitlyn for following directions, waiting her turn, and various soccer/athletic and thinking skills. We love it!

Stacking cones in a pattern, then using "big kicks" to knock them over:

Sitting on her spot and listening to Coach Dan:

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Team cheer!

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Another update coming soon. :)