Thursday, March 31, 2011

Book Worm

Abi has always love to read and been quite good at it but I was completely surprised yesterday; when after we got home from a trip to the library, she started reading some of the library books to Brady. And to think after all this time, I just thought that she had memorized the books from hearing each one read to her about 100 times! :)


Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Tangled

Yesterday was an exciting day in the Doehne household - Tangled was released on DVD! Despite the fact that Abi saw it twice in the movie theater, this day could not come soon enough for her. We waited all day for the UPS man and of course, he didn't drop off our package until about 7 p.m. Abi was on the verge of tears with the thought that she would have to wait another night but then the doorbell rang...

"Look Mom!"

B was excited too! :)

Abi couldn't wait a minute longer so she helped Brady get into his pajamas so we could start the movie!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Warning: Do not try this at home!

I wonder if this is what the makers of the Butterfly Net had in mind when they wrote the warning tag: "Not suitable for children under the age of 3".

Friday, March 25, 2011

Nap Time

Today I sneaked in Brady's room during what was supposed to be his nap time and this is what I found:



Apparently he is working on perfecting the headstand!

I only wish I had the video camera a few seconds earlier because when I initially opened his bedroom door, he was busy piling up all of his stuffed animals and blankets onto one side of the crib. Then he ran from the opposite side and did a head-first dive into the pile. He is definitely a boy!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Fashion Bug


This picture was taken on the morning of Abi's birthday celebration at school. She was line leader for the day, which is a big deal in the preschool world! For each of her birthday celebrations this year, she carefully selected a different birthday outfit and this one was hand-picked just for her school party!

Monday, March 21, 2011

FIVE!

After months of countdown, Abi's 5th birthday finally arrived. Apparently this is a big one as far as kids birthdays go. For weeks leading up to the big day, she talked non-stop about her birthday and her party. Unbeknownst to me, she extended invitations to her entire preschool class and even some of the kids she met in the daycare at the YMCA. Needless to say, we had to cut down the guest list since we had a limited number that could attend the gymnastics class. In addition to talking about her party, we also had multiple conversations (often at great length) about what it means to turn 5 years old. For Abi, it's simple - being 5 means being able to go to Kindergarten and more importantly, taking the school bus.

For me, 5 represents so much more. This year, more than any other, I am struggling with the realization that my sweet baby has turned into a little girl. Perhaps this is life's way of reminding me to live in the moment and truly enjoy and appreciate each and every day. In what seems like a blink of an eye, Abi has become an independent, smart, friendly and inquisitive little girl. Five years ago, I could not have imagined how much she would change our world.

At 5, Abi loves to color and sing to the princess songs and nursery rhymes on her iPod. She is always willing to try anything at least once. Her favorite meal is orange chicken and her favorite dessert is anything chocolate. She hates eggs, getting shots and having her hair combed. She enjoys school, likes playing with her friends and making her little brother laugh. She is a great big sister and a wonderful daughter. Josh and I could not be prouder of our sweet little angel.

On Abi's birthday, she decided that she wanted to go to the zoo so we spent the day with the animals.

Arizona Grandma, Abi and Brady

Trying to stand like flamingos

One of Abi's favorite things about going to the zoo is reading all the information/facts about the animals.

In all my visits to the zoo, I don't think I have ever seen the lions awake and active.


After the zoo and some quiet time, we opened presents and enjoyed some orange chicken for dinner.


The Rapunzel wig and tower was a big hit!


We ended the night with the season premiere of "Dancing with the Stars".

Finally, a big thank you to Arizona Grandma who flew into town to celebrate Abi's 5th birthday. Thanks Mom!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Pretty Toes

As a birthday treat, Abi, my Mom and I spent our Sunday afternoon getting pedicures. Needless to say, Abi had a great time and I have a feeling this is just one in a series of many more in her future!

Soaking her feet in her own little pink and purple chair

Abi walked in the door, walked over to the wall of colors and immediately selected the perfect purple color (glad to see that she hasn't inherited her Mom's indecisiveness!)



Apparently getting a pedicure can be exhausting!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Abi's Birthday Party!

For Abi's 5th birthday, we celebrated with a Rapunzel-themed gymnastics party. Abi had a great time running, jumping and playing with family, friends and even a few of her preschool pals.

Getting some last minute instructions before the party begins

Swinging

Jumping


Sliding



B had a great time and didn't stop for one moment while trying to keep up with the older kids. A special thanks to Ferryboat Grandma for keeping an eye on him!

All Smiles

A little snack before cupcakes and presents

Chatting with one of her preschool friends

Rapunzel Cupcakes

"Happy Birthday to You..."


Abi's method for eating a cupcake: Lick off all the frosting and throw away the cake...that's my girl :)

I'm not sure if there is a way to describe B's method!

Time for presents (her favorite part of the day)!


Thursday, March 10, 2011

Overheard

As I was helping Abi wash her hands in the restroom of the YMCA, Brady was playing behind the door of the entrance. I told Brady to step away from behind the door and explained that if someone opened the door while he was behind it, he could get really hurt. Abi finished washing her hands, pondered my words for a minute and as we were walking out, I heard her say, "Well, if that happens then maybe I can get a sister."

The workings of a 5 year old's mind never ceases to amaze!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Happy 2nd Birthday Brady!

Two years ago today, at 7:25 p.m., my little baby boy was born. Although he wasn't exactly little and decided not to arrive as I had planned (perhaps he was giving us a glimpse of just how stubborn he can be!); when he finally did, I couldn't wait to meet him. He was a good, healthy and happy baby and we were proud parents, albeit a bit tentative of how our new addition would fit into our family of 3. Looking back at the moment today, I could not have imagined or predicted how much happiness, joy and laughter he would bring to our lives.

Although I feel like a say this at every birthday or milestone (and I am sure I will continue until the kids are walking out the door on their way to college), it is hard for me to believe that my baby boy has grown up so quickly. It seems as though I just blinked and overnight my baby has become a happy, loving, sensitive, funny, individualistic, rambunctious and sometimes crazy toddler.

At two years old, Brady likes trucks, cars, trains (as he refers to as "choo-choo's") and playing catch with balls. He absolutely loves his big sister, reading books and bath time (however bath time usually brings out Brady's rambunctious personality so we often have to cut them short before someone get hurt!)

Similar to last year
, I decided to document Brady's day in pictures. Unfortunately Brady was feeling a bit under the weather yesterday and this morning so our plans to go to the aquarium were postponed. We ended up hanging out at home and had a little birthday celebration when Josh got home from work. Poor little guy had his heart set on going to the aquarium today and kept following me around the house, with his boots in hand, repeating the words "animal" and "turtle".

Brady was still feeling a bit under the weather when he woke up this morning...

Trying to escape

I can always tell when B isn't feeling well because cuddling is not part of our normal morning routine.

After the medicine started to kick in, we ventured downstairs for some breakfast and play time.




This is a picture of B trying to use a thermometer to take the temperature of the spider on his shirt.

We headed out to Starbucks for a birthday chocolate milk (with lots of whipped cream, of course!)

He was a happy camper until Mom took it away (for fear he would spill it all over the floor)...
And then it was time for a nap...
After some sleep, we took a trip on the tricycle to pick up the mail.

Based on his expression, I am not sure how he feels about his birthday dinner.

...and then it was time for dessert!

As you can see, his manners have not gotten any better with time.

...and then it was time for presents!




After playing with his new toys, it was time for bed...

Every night before I turn out the lights and close the door, B runs to the end of his crib for one last hug and kiss.

Happy 2nd Birthday, my sweet boy!