"Terrible 2s"...not so terrible

Before Adeline turned 2, people would warn us about the "terrible 2s."  But I have to say, we are loving this stage.  Like any stage, there are challenging moments, but we are enjoying watching our little girl grow up.  She amazes us with her memory, her ability to understand and carry on conversation, her spunkiness and wit cracks us up, and her sweet sensitivity warms our hearts.

Addie and Riley playing in the kitchen 

Recently, I was trying to give Addie a frame of reference for when her baby brother will arrive.  So I told her, "When it gets warmer outside, and we start using the patio door out to the deck, your brother will be here..."   Then a couple of mornings later, I found her with the pantry stool at the patio door.  I asked her, "What are you doing Adeline?"   She said, "Open door and baby brother coming..."  Pretty cute....

Flipping through the Pottery Barn Kids catalog to which Patrick says, "She IS her mother's daughter!"

"Daddy, let's get this!"

I couldn't resist...she looked so cozy and comfy taking a nap.  She's got about 5 blankets in there...

Burlington, Iowa

Since we didn't make it down to Iowa to see Patrick's dad's side of the family over Christmas, we spent this past weekend down there.  Driving long distances in January is unpredictable, but we had great roads, Addie did really well in the car, and we just enjoyed a low key weekend with our extended family.

 

proudly showing great-grandpa her lego creation...

Addie's trying to get in on a ladies' card game over at great-grandpa's senior home...

Edinborough Park

 Today, Addie and I went to this great indoor park not too far from our house.  The Jensens joined us too!  Because of the Martin Luther King holiday and many kids having the day off from school, the park was particularly full, but still, fun was had by all.

 The climbing area

 They also have a large gym-like area with lots of push/pull things, all sorts of balls, and an inflatable structure...lots of fun for kids!

Sledding...and a little cooking

A little winter fun...

Our little chef

We're having a...

Baby BOY!  We had a great doctor's appointment this past week.  Our baby is growing well and an added bonus was learning that we will be having a boy!   We continue to be thankful for this gift of life and the continued healthy growth and development of this little one.

Adeline's great-grandpa made this cradle for her before she was born.  Recently, we added a blue sheet for the mattress....it's certainly a change from all the pink around here!!

Christmas

Here are some highlights from our Christmas...

After going to the Christmas Eve service at our church, we headed over to grandpa's house for dinner.

Adeline loved spending time with so much extended family over Christmas!

Grandpa & Addie singing together

After we left grandpa's, we stopped by our good friends' house and visited with them for a little bit.

Addie and Riley being goofy with silly glasses

We have a tradition that Adeline gets to open 1 gift (new pjs) on Christmas Eve from us before she goes to bed.  

Christmas morning...

Addie is enjoying opening her stocking stuffers...

Addie's checking to make sure that her favorite song (Holy, Holy, Holy) is on this CD...:)

 "Oh, wait...what's this thing over here?!"

Addie got the last piece of her kitchen set for Christmas.  She got the other 2 pieces for her birthday in October.  Now it's complete!

Go Bears!

We had grandpa over for brunch late morning on Christmas Day.

Patrick is loving Addie's new legos...can you tell?!

Happy Birthday Jesus!!

We drove to Chicago to be with Patrick's family late day on Christmas.  We enjoyed our time with Patrick's parents, sisters, and brother's family.  Addie's cousins Kyra & Ella gave so much attention to Addie, and she loved every minute of it!

Addie with Auntie Kay

Addie helping Grandma open a present

Addie with Auntie Kamiah

Addie & Grandpa

Playing with her new doll house with Ella