PEE!

Our little Ryanne went pee in her potty all by herself today. We jumped for joy! Experts say don't force potty training on a moody toddler, so we just waited for her to be interested. I'm sure it will be a beginning to a long but successful process. Better stock up on carpet cleaner!

Forced Fun

This past weekend was another whirlwind as usual, with a few twists. Poor Finley has her fifth cold in her short 4 3/4 months life. She better not miss any school days in her future with this immunity building!?! She is just not her chipper self, and needs and deserves lots of TLC, aka holding at all times. This has been the worst cold thus far with a cough that doesn't allow her to sleep much. Ryanne got it a day later. I have never seen these kind of meltdowns and tantrums from her, but she just feels so icky, I cannot blame her entirely. We have to really pull from our patience reserves. But the sun was out and I thought we would go have some forced fun outside since we all need some vitamin D, and if we are gonna be covered in (lots of) snot, we might as well be outside. We decided to go hike Rattlesnake lake trail, about 20 minutes from our house. Eric and I like to joke, ...." So, what's 20 minutes from your house?" We are officially snobs about living in such natural beauty. We know its not for everyone, but we love it. The sunshine and the semi-difficult hike really lifted our spirits. (and hopefully our butts too!) We felt really good that we made it to the top...then when we got back down, our prize was splashing in the beautiful Rattlesnake Lake.

Nap on the go..

This really IS real...

We made it!

She wasn't as close to the edge as it looks...

Cheeky daddy..

Navy Seals

On Wednesday, we decided to go to the library for toddler story time that starts a 9:30 am. I decided to get ready at 8:15 am. Unfortunately we weren't out of the house until 9:20 because I decided I was going to put Ryanne in the stroller, carry Finley in the bjorn, and wrap the day pack around my waist filled with 3 blankets, a water bottle, hats, mittens, phone and my wallet. What was I thinking? It was the coldest, foggiest, mistiest day of the year and I could see my breath. Again, what was I thinking? I almost turned around and got us all in the car.... i decided to keep going all in the name of exercise. We arrived at the library 9:45, we enjoyed the rest of the story time (15 minutes left)..I decided we were going to at least make the most of the library and get some bedtime books. We got 5 large picture books. Did i really need to add another 5lbs to my load?To make the trip really count, I decided to take the girls to Starbucks. I needed a jolt, Finley needed to eat and I wanted Ryanne to have a snack to take on the ride back..this trick often keeps her awake. Not today. After we geared up, we started our way back home. Ryanne wanted to read one of her new library books. Usually I would be thrilled about this request....but the over sized book kept falling on the ground. Next, the clean blanket falls on the dirty ground. I stop, pick it up. Next the book falls again, stop, pick it up. Repeat. Repeat. Book got put away. Then I decided I would document this outing. The sun peaked out a little, but I could still see my breath. It was too quiet. Ryanne fell asleep. !@#$%^&* I try to avoid this at all costs because I rely on her taking at least an hour nap in her crib allowing me time with Finley alone. If she sleeps early, she wont nap later.... As I huff and puff my way up the hill pushing 35lbs, carrying at least 20lbs, I felt good knowing dinner was in the fridge already, until I was reminded it was Ash Wednesday....I should have been more concerned about reflecting upon the day, but all I could think about is that the dinner I prepped, was meat. Back to the drawing board..and back to the grocery later. As we arrive home, Ryanne and Finley were still sleeping. I dropped my cargo off at the garage, but continued to walk around the neighborhood (standing idle wakes babies). Finley was agreeable for the majority of the trip (as usual) but the 2yr old Ryanne woke up a grumpy toddler because of her lackluster nap. We all get inside, it was around noon. I felt like I just passed the navy seals physical test. The sun comes out completely and both my kids poo their pants. Eureka!
We have been playing alot outside since it has been so sunny and nice out. Thursday was beautiful and Ryanne picked out a perfect little outfit for herself to be photographed in. Ryanne has been entertaining Finley, who actually laughed and giggled today. It was adorable...

Off to the library..

Nature Girl..

This is when Ryanne made her sister giggle..

Ryanne is into wearing her sundresses, good thing its 60 degrees in February

34 years young...

Ryanne, Finley and I prepped for their daddy's big day on Thursday. We went to the craft store for canvas's, paint and other fun things that make up a fun afternoon activity. Eric received lots of calls, texts, and pressies too. THANK YOU! He got a painting from Ryanne (with a little help from Finley) and a masculine pink beer cozy that says "We (heart) you Dad - RAS & FWS". He actually got to sit back while Ryanne basically ripped open all of his presents, since she is so into pressies these days. I gave him an IOU gift (due to my lack of time, it didn't become a reality), a painting...someday he'll get it, hopefully before he is 35. The menu for the birthday boy was shepherd's pie and oreo ice cream cake that he'll be eating that for days.

bananas..b-a-n-a-n-a-s!

Id love to introduce you all to Ryanne the Chiquita banana girl. I love that she is wearing a dress with fruit on it too. Its funny how important a piece of fabric becomes when it turns into your child's' favorite thing. I practically want to snuggle with "pup pup" now, its become so crucial in our family. Pup Pup is Ryanne's snuggy of choice (thank goodness we have two!!) As you can see its versatile as a snuggy AND a turban. =) It will be interesting to see what Finley decides to latch onto as her favorite...cuz we all know we can't choose it for them.

If you want something really cute to get caught in your head..you can sing Ryanne's new song. It goes to the tune of "Frere Jacques". She impromptly made it up while playing with a hanger...I promise, I had no part in the song writing..we have been singing it for days =)

"hanger-upsi, hanger-upsi, doo doo doo...doo doo doo, hanger-upsi, hanger-upsi"

A fun new thing in Finley's short life are BANANAS!! That's right, solid foods! Its seems early, but she seems very interested in our food, and we got the go ahead from our Ped. Its not like she is getting any nutrients at this point, but its just about playing with textures. Its messy and fun. I think I can already tell she'll be a better eater than her older sister, who still doesn't subscribe to bananas or anything mushy really. Fin actually sucked on a piece of banana at breakfast this morning.

I'm claiming today as a success because we had a quiet car ride, minimal tantrums and peanut butter and honey sandwiches for lunch. Tomorrow is daddy's birthday so we plan to work on some "crafts" today. Can't wait to show them off!