The Backyardigans!

So we bought our first home in August 2004 and ever since then we've been talking about fencing in the backyard. It was one of those things on the "would like to have list" when we moved to our second home, but unfortunately, it just wasn't part of the deal. Anyway, we did it! We finally fenced in the backyard! Hooray! Now the kiddos and the dogs have a place to roam free. It is especially helpful at this house because we are on a corner lot and three of the four sides of our property are roads. I feel so in touch with "The Backyardigans" now. I can't wait to spend the rest of the summer watching Julia run around and play!

Construction in progess.

Ahh, fence.

More fence.

Julia's favorite part is the dirt left behind from digging for the posts!

A big boo-boo. Julia bumped her face and now has a nasty bruise and swelling on her cheek.

34 weeks. I feel like I'm carrying a giant lead watermelon in my belly!

Busy, Busy, Busy

We were so busy this weekend that our days were just crammed with activity. Check it out.

We started off the day with the most important meal. This was Julia's first donut.

Angie came to visit us. We had so much fun!

After a LONG day of mulching, there was still much to do. Grammy and Julia were pulling weeds.

What a big helper!

Julia got to play with her friend, Olivia, while we were babysitting.

Some day they will be great Mommies.

Mmmmmm, messy spaghetti. Messketti.

What do you mean I have to finish my dinner before dessert?!

A Special Treat

Julia had her very first ice cream cone yesterday. Her favorite part was when she got down to the cone and could hold it and eat it all by herself.

Big Girl Bed

Julia went to the doctor for her 15 month check up and is right on track. She is up to 31.8 inches and 22.6 lbs. She is meeting or exceeding all of her milestones. She has also progressed into her "big girl bed". We've got the girls room set up and nearly ready for Keira's arrival, and Julia is enjoying the freedom of leaving the crib behind for her little sister. She is also now completely and totally obsessed with Dora the Explorer. We purchased a small flip open couch for her (which will become her bed at the shore) and it's the first thing she runs to when she wakes up. As for Keira, the pregnancy is progressing normally with no complications, and I'm counting the days until I can have my body back!

Tubby Time

New bath toys. Note the "Boots" on the wall.

New set up for the girls' room.

Julia in her big girl bed.

Playing with Dora

She prefers to nap on her "Dora Bed"

A moment of rest

Two favorites...Dora and her blanket (nah-nah)

29 weeks

Warm Weather

Warm weather means finally getting outside and soaking up some much needed sunshine and Vitamin D. We also managed to find time to take Julia to the park for the first time. She was a little shy at first, but by the time we were ready to leave she was really having fun.

The flowers are blooming.

This crocodile at the park was in need of hugs.

Climbing the stairs with Daddy.

Little Miss Independent marching off on her own.

Time for Spring Chores.

Let me help, Daddy.

Taking her baby out for a walk.

Apparently her maternal instincts are still in development phase.

She saw some "tweet tweets".

Sidewalk art with Daddy.

Doing "Big Kid" Things

When the weather cooperates, we like to go outside for walks and play in the neighborhood with the other kids. Julia is really getting into doing "Big Kid" things. We check out the grass, bushes, birds, and airplanes. She likes to play with the camera and look for the "baby" on the screen. She was playing with the kids across the street the other day and had her first experience with sidewalk chalk. We got some for home too. Check out her masterpiece below. Also, we're having moderate success on the potty. She's gone several times but seems to waver between wanting to use it and hating it. As for the baby, our follow-up ultrasound went well and she seems to be growing normally. Less than three months now until we are a family of four.

Here is Miss Jules trying to reach for the camera.

She finally has enough hair for barrettes!

Our budding Picaso.

She needed to have EVERY color of chalk opened for her art!

Talk about talent!

Keira, face front at 26 weeks.

Profile. This kid is all legs.

How Quickly They Grow

Julia is growing so quickly that I'm almost in awe. She is now so fast that we have to remind her to slow down when she is taking off to destroy another part of the house. She has figured out how to drink from a straw, and is learning how to use the computer. It seems like everyday she is picking up a new word. Her favorite is still Dada, she refuses to say Mama. Julia can point to her ears, nose, hair, mouth, belly button and toes when you ask her. She can also tell you what sounds ducks, dogs, cows, and birdies make...although her duck is certainly original. It sounds more like a bear. She has also started letting us know when she is "going" by pointing to her pants and saying "doodie". We will begin working on potty training this week. My mom tells me that I was trained at 16 months so with any luck we can have her at least on her way by the time the baby gets here.

As for the baby, she is growing nicely. She should be around a foot long and close to a pound by now. She is a very different child from Julia, much more calm. Her kicks are getting stronger, and Jason can even feel them sometimes.

Daddy, Julia, and best friend Pooh

She LOVES Dora!

Wherever Julia goes, a mess follows.

Handbags are a new obsession, shopping is a growing one.

Look who we found, it's Eeyore!

She loves to read and be read to.

Mommy kisses!