Like Mother, Like Daughter

So for as much as K. looks like her dad, I think that N. looks quite a bit like me as a baby—especially when we share a facial expression.  We’re about the same age in these pictures, but you can see I was a little more advanced in the hair-growing category.

Too-Cute Tuesday

On Monday night, I got a bee in my bonnet to make the girls some outfits—a romper for N., a sundress for K.—so I did. I won’t bother you with the details of construction (though I’ll eventually post it on my crafty blog), but I’ll stop blabbering and show you pictures of the girls. None of them are perfect, but all of them are wonderful:I think I’m finally starting to see some resemblance. I don’t think they look wildly alike, but more related than I thought they would. Unrelated: K. picked out her bracelet, unprompted, and decided to wear it—and kept it on all day, even through playgroup.

I think the next one might be my favorite? This was hilarious when it happened—I’ve never seen K. be quite so affectionate!K. and her dress. (Sorry it’s wrinkled—I should have photographed before it got that “lived in” look).N. and her new friend Sophie (oh, that’s “S.”)

Sweet Sunday

Just a random Sunday—some playing around after church, four nappers napping in the afternoon, then having dinner, playing outside, taking baths, and going to bed (well, everyone to bed except Mom, who had to blog about the others being in bed before she herself could get to bed). (Sorry about the blurry teeth—a little strange)

K. and N. playing after church.  When K. is in the right mood, which is more frequently than not, she and N. will chase each other around and play.  It’s pretty cute.Then Mom snaps some more pictures of K… …while N. looks on disapprovingly.   

After dinner, Dad and K. went out to feed some ducks in our backyard.  There are four ducks that have mysteriously appeared, and usually live on the other side of the pond, but wandered over to our side today.

“Heloooo?  Anybody remember you stuck me in this swing?  A little attention around here, please.”

Rub-a-Dub-Dub

Two girls in the tub.  Who do you think they be?  The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker…and K. and N.!

Let it Ride

Catching up on some blogging—my mom got me a trailer for my bicycle so I can take the girls for rides.  This was our first ride—just a little jaunt (4 miles) to see if they would attack each other or ride politely.  K. had a higher tolerance for N. leaning on her than I thought she would, and they both seemed to like the trailer.  Of course, the next several days were prohibitively hot—I could tough out hot weather (maybe), but didn’t want to subject the girls to it.  I look forward to more riding!

Polka Dotted Pair

 

You Say It’s Your Birthday

For the first year, K. had an idea of the significance of her birthday (not that she understands the concept of age, but that she knew that cake and presents and friends coming over were imminent).  She’s been singing, “Hap- birf-day K. dear!” all week long.  This first picture is her requesting cake—shortly after she woke up in the morning. “What?  You would ask for cake for breakfast too.”

Here is the cake I made.  She had a polka-dot birthday party and I got a fun recipe for marshmallow fondant from three of my friends who are more well-versed in cake decorating than me.  I used it for the decorations but used my Grandma’s amazing buttercream recipe for the bulk of the frosting.

“Ooh, cut me a piece of that!” Candles are lit, and the friends that have noticed the presence of food have gathered at the table (the younger ones are still playing). Dad pulls the cake toward K.  She started blowing the moment the candles were lit and puffed through the entire song.“Haaay, I did it!” Gifts were opened and oohed and aahed over. “Open the big one next!” “ ’Scuse me, boys, coming through with another one!” The chaos that is a three-year-old’s birthday party.  We didn’t have any organized games this year—it was essentially a huge playdate with decorations and cake. And K’s cousin (right) and K’s friend S. (left) had matching shirts and coordinating shorts, so we took a picture.  It doesn’t hurt that they’re both super-cute! And a picture of me from the day.

Cool in the Pool

My friend has an in-ground pool in her backyard (sooo jealous!), and she invited us over for a swim one morning.  K. has really started to embrace the water, and went in gladly.  She loves sitting in her little floaty ring, and is a little obsessed with her paintbrush and cup (you see her clutching these along with a toy turtle in the second picture).

Free Parking

During the weekend of the Fourth, we spent some time visiting Grandma and Grandpa L.  One evening, we took a walk to their neighborhood’s park (which you can see from their house).  We took several pictures as per usual.

Kate and Mom at the top of the slide:Kate digging in the sand.  The scoops were a little difficult for her, so Daddy helped quite a bit.  She also liked the springy-teeter-totter.And N. got to hang out in the shade of her stroller. Fine, then.  Don’t let me run and play. Cheeeeese! Grandpa and N. looking on as K. and Mom go down the slide.

N. with Grandma. And my friend K. stopped by to see my parents’ new house and to meet N.  N. was showing her how to chew on bristle blocks.