Snow Day

It snowed a lot while we were in Spokane.  We built our first snowman as a family... well, basically Jimmy made it while I was getting the kids dressed, but we'll just say it was our first snowman, ha ha.  Amelia has been obsessed with snowmen lately, so she was very excited to see one up close.  She called him "snowman friend."  Amelia and Alex also enjoyed being pulled on the sled!

Thankfully, Jimmy's parents have a huge backyard.  There was plently of room to play in the snow.

"Snowman Friend"

Nana and Mimi

Gadingan Family Pictures

For Christmas, my siblings and I decided to schedule a family picture session as a gift for my parents.  I'm really glad we did it because the last time we had professional family pictures was at my wedding! 

We were a big group and had a good time trying to get the kids to smile.  It was cold and snowy outside, so we didn't plan on taking outdoor pictures.  However, at the last minute, we decided to brave the cold and take some shots outside.  I'm so glad we did because few we took outside turned out the best! 

Here are a few of my favorites: 

The Whole Family

 

Gadingan Kids

Proud Grandparents

 

 

The Gadingan Gang

Ben and Jessica

Santa, Cousins, and Crying... oh my!

 

Colton (2), Alex (10 months), Amelia (2), and Hunter (5)

Pre-Vacay Fun

Heels, Pokey Sticks, and a mean mug... I love this girl

 

Beauty Shop

Ummm... Alex and cucumbers

Construction Worker

Alex Walks! (video)

BACH Children's Christmas Party

Santa and a not so happy Alex

Amelia showing off her snowman tattoo

 

She was obsessed with her tattoo.  She kept showing it off to all the kids she saw at the party.

Back at home...

Amelia is napping and Alex is enjoying big sister's Christmas present.  We opened gifts early since we would be traveling during Christmas.

Independent, Sensitive, and Funny

What is Amelia like at 27 months?

 

Independent

 

Amelia's independence is amazing to me. Now that she's much older and more aware of right and wrong, my trust in her has increased significantly. 

 

Amelia has always been able to play on her own for extended periods of time.  It's a trait she's had since she was a baby.  As a toddler, she is pretty much free to roam about the house and play as she pleases.   

 

She can do lots of things on her own or with very little assistance.  She helps me make simple meals, sets the table, clears her dishes, and puts them in the dishwasher.  She also attempts of wipe down her chair and table, and sweep up the kitchen floor.  She doesn't really end up cleaning anything, but I really want her to know that clean up is also a part of meal time.  

 

I showed her how to fold a few items of clothing and now she helps me with laundry.  She also loves putting the laundry in and out of the washer and pushing all the buttons.  She picks out her outfits (within reason!) and I allow her to take off and put on her clothes.  She needs some assistance, but gets better every day.  She also helps me get Alex dressed and puts all the dirty laundry away. 

 

With anything she is able to do, or do with little assistance, I do my best to encourage her independence.  This includes even simple things like climbing in the stroller, getting up and down from her chair, getting into her car seat, etc.   

 

I know her independence is especially important with having become a big sister at such a young age.  I always make sure she gets some privacy and alone time from Alex.  Alex was born when she was just 16 months old. He loves to be around her but often times keeps her from doing certain things. It's hard for her to color, read, or build things, without Alex intervening and making things complicated. I know she needs a break to do her own thing without intrusion. Don't we all just want some privacy and alone time?

 

Sensitive

 

Amelia is a very sensitive toddler. Most times, it takes her a while to warm up to new places and people. In new situations, she usually hangs back and observes for a period of time. However, once she gains your trust, she will never forget your name and love you forever. 

 

She recognizes some of her emotions and tells me how she feels.  She tells me when she's scared, frustrated, sad, happy, and mad.  She also knows when she is tired and asks for naps.  She is very aware of her emotions and others'. Amelia especially gets concerned when other kids are sad.  

 

Funny

 

Amelia tells jokes!  Her sense of humor is quite interesting.  I know she's trying to be funny because she always says "That's silly" after she tries to be funny.  It's hilarious. 

 

-While we are driving, she'll say, "I see zero cows." Then she just starts cracking up because she thinks it's silly to see something that's not there.  She'll do that with different things she doesn't see like semi's, tractors, and various animals. 

 

- She changes words to songs:  Instead of singing "Baaa baaa black sheep," she'll say "baaa baaa black beans."  Then, she just laughs and laughs.  She will look around and change the song to what she sees around her. 

 

There are so many more examples of her jokes, but I can't think of any right now.  I should start writing them down!

 

I know she's only two, but she is growing up into such a lovely, complex young lady.  It's such a pleasure and privilege to see her personality blossoming before my eyes.

  

 

"Mommy, Mimi reads the books downstairs, okay?"  Amelia walks downstairs and asks, "Mimi's blankets on top of the sofa?"  After I tell her it's okay, she runs to her room and gets blankets from her bed and sets up her reading area on the couch.  She stayed there reading for almost an hour!

Cart Fight

So it begins...

Alex, 10.5 Months

Nicknames: Ahhh-kicks, Ackeee, Little Man, Tinker II

 

Still no teeth

 

Able to take 5+ steps!!

 

Loves to do whatever his sister is doing

 

Obsessed with the Christmas tree and Christmas lights

 

Can open the baby gate... we now have to put furniture in front of the stairs until we can find an Alex-proof gate

 

Self-feeding his solid foods

 

Loves to open doors and cabinets, then slams them shut

 

Stacks rings, does simple puzzles

 

Attempts to destroy any tower (lego or block) he sees

 

Eating all sorts of solid food- His favs are pizza, spaghetti, mac n cheese, peas, strawberries, and crunchies  

 

Loves baths, especially splashing

 

A skilled climber

 

Likes to stick his fingers into things: vents, noses, ears

 

 Outfit from Auntie Jessica

Visiting COL Wade (a full bird)- He's the lab mascot.

Milk coma

Car nap

 

Rock wall fun while big sis is at gymnastics

 

Shirt from Lola

"I don't cry, I ball"

 

Drool monster