Terrible Two's - Reagan Style

Waaaaay back in the day I blogged about RC1 being a 'Terrible Two'.

Now here we are 3 years later and I'm back in Terrible Two mode again.

Here is an on my little baby girl Reagan...

We celebrated her birthday in September.  We started with the day-of celebration which included her opening her first birthday present (a new baby doll) that morning before work/school/Nana's house.

 Over the weekend we had her non-traditional birthday party.  We just had a family brunch at the Purple Cow with some of her favorite people (Shammie, Papa, Gammie, JaideNel).  Those purple shakes are a favorite with me and my girls.

She was trying to put up 2 fingers!

It was the perfect little celebration for my baby doll.

We've been trying to potty train for a while now.  It is not going well.  She is just stubborn.  Wish us luck on this endeavor because it has been a challenge.  She straight up tells me "no toyet (toilet), I wan go 'dis one" - as she walks to her dresser/changing table in her bedroom.  I downloaded an app this weekend thinking that would help me help her.

Fail.

She did not pee pee or poop on the toilet/potty at all.

The entire weekend.

Maybe she's not completely ready yet? I don't know but I need a break from diaper changing before April! (more details on that in my next post)

Dear Reagan,  

You make mommy and daddy laugh all the time.  You are so funny and SO ACTIVE.  You can never sit and just 'be'.  Daddy has always described you as rambunctious.  He is absolutely right.  You tend to bully your big sister and you can tear up a room in under 10 seconds.  I don't remember what our hour used to look like....before you or Ryan!

You love:

• pineapple - "pineup"
• grapes - "gapes'
• apples - "abble"
• Ryan - "Wyan" - in a very whiney voice!
• baby dolls - "my baby"

There aren't many things that you don't love. I guess I'll say that pizza is a hit or miss with you.  Unlike the rest of us pizza lovers you can do without it.

You are infatuated with changing your babies diapers.  I'm sure this is because we are potty training you so at least this tells me that you kind of 'get it'??

You have begun to sing and recently now love for us to read books with you which equates to you pointing at the pictures and saying, "what's 'dat".

Your language has EXPLODED over the past 2-3 months.  I was worried for a while because you didn't say much but now you are about equal with the rest of us and I can't get you to be quiet! :-)

You are a determined little girl.  It has to be your way otherwise you will fall out in the floor and cry/scream.  You are a very fast runner!  I really can't catch you most of the time.  You are sneaky and when around new people very serious.

I love when you say, "Iwuvyoumommy" (I love you mommy).  My heart melts because you say it in such a way that I know that you really know what that means.  And you always follow it up with the best little hug.  

You are my baby girl.  You have your own little personality and style.  You are definitely a 'terrible two' but I understand your desire to assert your independence...whatever!!! (I'll be glad when this phase is over)

Love and kisses,

Mommy

Vacation 2015

We spent our family vacation on the beautiful San Destin beach in Destin, Florida.  It did not disappoint.  My in-laws joined us and we spent a fabulous week away. Full of rest, relaxation, and fun.  The girls got to fly on an airplane again which was definitely an adventure - airports, connecting flights, rental vans, car seats, lots of carry ons, a stroller...with a 5 year old and an almost 2 year old was, well...you get the point.  But I wouldn't have it any other way.

The girls LOVED the beach.  They loved the condo. They loved being on "vacation".

I loved the same things except I'll add that I was overjoyed to see them having such a good time.  Simply overjoyed.

Sisters playing in the sand...my favorite picture from vacation

Birthday Trip

I had a work conference in Chicago in July which worked out for me because it was also during my birthday week.  So my work trip turned into a birthday trip getaway with my honey.

If you recall (or not because I'm not sure I ever blogged about it :( ) we visited Chicago last summer for my family reunion which also doubled as our family vacation.  We had a good time then hanging out with the family but I'll tell you, Chicago was a GREAT time as a weekend trip with my love.  Just the two of us.  It was awesome.  The conference was at a beautiful hotel in a beautiful little Chicago suburb with easy access to the train.  It was a 20-30 minute ride into downtown so for us it was not a problem.  Before my honey arrived I even had time to have lunch with an old college friend who lives in Chicago.

We went out to eat.
We rode the train.
We tasted food at the world famous "Taste of Chicago" food festival.
We ate Chicago-style deep dish pizza.
We saw Cub and White Sox fans galore.
We visited the Magnificent Mile.
We did a boat cruise on the Lake Michigan and took in the fabulous views of the Chicago skyline.  We even took a detour into some random neighborhood while riding the train back to the hotel one evening.  Just because I wanted to see what's at this stop that seemed popular with lots of 30-somethings because every time we rode the train they seem to be all getting off at that stop.

It was great to get away.  Just the two of us.  I believe that once you're married and have kids, it is important to not forget about each other.
  
I love my Russell.  For sure.  Forever.