Shout out to my blog readers in Nevada...this one is for you!
Elaine is smiling more than ever these days. Oddly, she dishes out the best smiles as soon as I lay her down on her changing table. She's really into her mobiles over her crib and the one over her swing. Here in her swing, she's looking at those butterflies flying above her.
On our walks around the neighborhood, the kids love to (literally) stop and smell the roses. Their favorite (and abundantly available in the yard of a vacant home that's been on the market forever) is the dandelion. Natalie loves to pick the bloomed white ones to 'make a wish' and Peter loves to pick any flower to give to me. Here he had rode ahead of us, picked this dandelion he's spotted, rode quickly back to me and said, "Mommy! I picked this one for you!" Yes, I know. Awwwwww.....
Natalie wins the title of my champion napper. I've worried that Natalie will drop her naps ever since Peter gave up all naps a couple months before his 3rd birthday. Well, Natalie has calmed my worries. One day last week, I had the kids downstairs set to watch one show (probably a Dora or Diego show) and prepared Natalie by telling her that after the show was over, it'd be time for her nap. I was upstairs in the kitchen when the show had ended. I finished up the dishes before I went downstairs to bring up Natalie for her nap. When I got there, I only found Peter. A little panic took over me as I asked where Natalie was. Peter said she'd gone upstairs for her nap. The gate was left open, but I wasn't convinced she'd gone up voluntarily. So, back upstairs I went and just as I got to the top of the stairs, I heard the door to the kids' room close shut. I opened the door to find this:
Natalie had quietly walked upstairs by herself, crawled into bed, got under the covers, and started to read a book...basically, put herself down for a nap! OH! I just love this girl!
If anyone wonders how three kids ages 3 and under get along in our house, here are a couple glimpses into our home to give you an idea. As good big brothers do, Peter is always ready to entertain Elaine in her walker. Both Peter and Natalie love having Elaine sitting up in her walker beause she's right at their level and they can interact with her 'one-on-one'. Peter gets Elaine's attention with a little peek-a-boo play.
I love this picture. It looks like the two sisters are already practicing their vogue poses...gotta love it! Always the snuggler, Natalie also enjoys a little snuggle time with Elaine on our bed. Natalie loves to just stare and smile at Elaine, and tell her that she's "so cute".
