Colin - 3 Month Video

Colin at 3 Months

As we keep saying, time flies. Colin is three months old already! Karen has just started back at work, so both Anna and Colin are going to school together. Anna has been a little reluctant to share her morning car rides, but she seems to like having her little brother just down the hall from her in Mulberry room (all the rooms at school are named after trees, Anna is in Pine room). Her teachers occasionally bring her over for a brief visit. Colin is still adjusting to having so many other people around all day long, but he's taking it in stride.

To celebrate the last few weeks of maternity leave, we joined Grandpa and Grandma in Hawaii for a week (well, I was only there for a few days, but everyone else got to spend the week). We all got to relax in the fabulous weather, splash in the pool, and see lots of whales. Shortly after we returned, Pop-Pop came to visit and help out with the first few days back at school. Both kids had a great time visiting with everyone!

Both Anna and Colin are growing fast, seemingly while we watch. Colin can almost sit up on his own (with some careful propping) and loves to punch at his play gym. He's started smiling frequently and laughing, although he is generally a very serious looking little boy. His cooing is growing more complex. We've recently introduced him to a Jumperoo. In just the course of a week and half, he's become an expert - bouncing to make the lights and music go and reaching for the toys in front of him.  Anna is still climbing everywhere and using new phrases every day. Her latest is saying "of course" instead of simply "yes". "Anna, would you like some milk?" "Of course!" "Anna, can you help read a story to Colin?" "Of course!"

We've got lots of new pictures in the album below.

Colin at 3 months

Anna at Two and a Half!

Our baby girl is not a baby anymore! Anna turned 2.5 today in style with some cupcakes to celebrate, as well as her Pop-Pop in town to celebrate!

Anna is doing so well at so many things. Her vocabulary is simply amazing. She continues to wow us with the phrases she picks up from conversation and then uses them appropriately in her play. She never stops talking - even when she's upset or in trouble, she's trying to negotiate a better result! She still sings a lot and can often be found changing up the words to songs to fit a pretend scenario she's acting out or just to be silly. She's doing a better job of playing with other children now, rather than just around them.

Physically, Anna's getting stronger all the time. She climbs all over the playground with no fear, entertaining her father and making her mother very nervous! On our trip to Hawaii last week, Anna impressed onlookers with her strength and fearlessness in the water. She had no trouble dunking her head and was able to swim short distances underwater with no training (she kept her eyes open in the salt water pool, which led to some sore eyes!) We've got to get this girl some proper swim lessons so she can develop that talent!

In other news, Anna's made great strides in potty training and is able to wear "big girl" underwear. She is a wonderful big sister who is always happy to help her mom and dad fetch things to help Colin.

While it's a little sad to think how quickly our baby girl is growing up, we are thrilled to see her thriving. It's so much fun having real conversations with her in which she can so beautifully express herself already. We are looking forward to so many more milestones!