We're having a Boy!!

We just found out and we're really excited to have a little brother for Abby!! It was so cute, he was pretty active, and at one point during the ultrasound he was grabbing at his knees and toes! I'm feeling him move more everyday, and we can't wait to meet him in December!

Our Sassy Little Lady

I figure at 2 years now, I should update what Abby is doing and learning so that when she asks later on what she was doing then, we can look this up.
At 26 months she weighs 30 lbs and is almost 37 inches tall, in the 95th percentile for height. It's easy to see that she takes after me for height.

Gross motor skills:  She's fast. A great runner, loves to skip around the house, and is so close to being able to jump with both legs at the same time. She's an amazing swimmer. Almost a fish. She's determined to swim on her own, won't let me try to help her and is proud of her advanced swim belt. She's currently practicing swimming underwater and plugs her own nose, and lets Nate and I toss her into the pool from a few feet up. It's so fun :)

Fine motor skills:  In the last few months she's really accelerated with building with her blocks. She loves to make tunnels though still needs help to make them functional. She loves to color, tries to trace her hand, draw little squiggles she calls "letters," and almost has her basic colors and shapes down.

Language skills: She's now putting 3 - 5 word sentences together, ie. "No Lowes. Park Now." or "No nap, Mommy. Play now." "Oh, thank you, Momma," is my favorite ;)

Thinking skills: She makes choices between places to go, and knows how to get to the routine places we visit (and often tries to navigate me to where she prefers with "that way"). She chooses what color mint or balloon she wants, and what song for Mommy to sing at nap and bedtime (though often it's Twinkle Star over and over).

Social interaction: She'd rather play along side someone than with them just yet, but likes to be around or next to others. Not big into sharing yet, but beginning to enjoy it if it's on her terms :) For some reason lately she thinks anyone younger than her is only out to take her things, and it sometimes stresses her like crazy when they head her direction - we're working on that and hope it ends soon :)
Otherwise, she's very 'lovey' when comfortable and loves to give kisses, blow kisses, and say "I Love You" Pinnock style (using hand motions) as fast as she can :)

We're so proud of you, baby girl, and love watching you learn and grow!!

Happy Father's Day!!

I want to say Happy Father's Day and thank you to the most important, inspiring, and loving men in my life:

To my husband, who is an amazing father, example, and friend. I love you and appreciate you more than words will ever express. You bring so much joy to my life and I can't imagine being so happy without you. Thanks for being the best thing that's ever happened to me, I love you more with every day!!

To my Dad for the loving, unconditional, optimistic and attentive father that he was. He's been such a great friend and example in my life and I can't wait to see him again someday!!

To my wonderful Father-in-law for his caring, supportive, educational and fun friendship, that we look forward to being around so much. He's a great father and unconditional friend and I'm so glad I get to claim him :)