Best First Friend

Last week, McKenzie's best friend moved to Michigan, taking her incredible family along with her.  Just typing that makes me sad.  I don't know if or when McKenzie will actually miss Brinley.  She doesn't really grasp the concept of moving.  Most certainly, I miss her enough for the both of us.  Though at times they fought like sisters, they had many great moments of playing, learning, talking, plotting, planning and sharing together.  Thankfully, we still have some great friends here, as well as a couple of great cousins, but Brinley will be missed.  Every day.

An all too infrequent night out for the parents!

Tutu Hugs!

Walking in for the last day of school.

School's out for summer!

Chatting over a popsicle.

Skip to my Lou!

Loving the water!

Another school day.

Baseball Night

Dandy recently had tickets to a Travelers game for the whole family.  Since the game didn't start til 7:00, I opted to stay home and get Annie in bed at her normal bedtime.  I'm glad McKenzie got to have a little daddy/daughter time, but I do wish I had seen all of her dance moves.  Apparently, any song that came on for any reason was dance time for McKenzie.  To all of you wondering, yes.  I did finally give in and sign her up for dance.  How could I not?

If there were any pictures of the dancing, I haven't seen them.  But here's a cute one of Brant and BenBen the Pooperman!

Bridge Picnic

A couple of weeks ago, we were feeling the need to just get out of the house for a while.  Brant suggested we pack a picnic and head over to the Big Dam Bridge to walk across.  Well, the picnic turned into Chipotle to-go, but that was just fine.  Maybe even better.  It turned out to be a bit warmer than we expected so the stay was short, but sweet.  And now it's fun to cross the I-430 bridge because McKenzie looks over and points out the bench we sat on.

Playing with the Tinkerbell ball.

Annie refused to ride in the stroller on the way back.  Also refused to smile for this picture. Rude baby.

McKenzie wanted Brant to have a hat!

Milestone!

Annie is officially mobile!  Last Sunday evening, she finally got herself rolled over from her back to her stomach.  And now, she's pretty much a pro at it.  This morning I put her on the floor on her back, turned to get my phone, and she was already on her stomach when I turned back around.  So fast!  It's exciting for her to reach this milestone, but I don't know that I'm quite ready to have both of my children moving around!

Did you hear the news?

I can roll!

Yard Work

What? You were expecting something besides purple?

Helping Daddy water the newly planted flowers.

Helping Dandy plant.

She's seriously into this!

Another day, another yard project.

Spreading mulch is a cinch!

Well with Spring and Summer comes lots of yard work.  Brant takes his yard pretty seriously and he's teaching McKenzie to take pride in it as well. She's always eager to help, even with mulching!

First and Last

I sit here today having already been to the grocery store and run a few errands.  The laundry is going, the house is somewhat clean and Annie is napping.  But this calm feeling can only last so long and after today, it may be awhile before it returns.  At 11:30 I will pick McKenzie up from her last day of Mother's Day Out.  Since September, she has gone every Tuesday and Thursday morning and I have enjoyed having a little bit of time to myself and then a little bit of time bonding with Annie.  

I looked back this morning for a picture from her first day and there's quite a bit of change from the picture today.  I still remember the first day of dropping off when she cried quite dramatically.  Now, Ms. Maria has to remind her to even say goodbye to us when we drop her off!  Overall, a few hours away from mommy every week has done her (and me!) good.  I'm excited for the extra time to do some fun things these next few weeks.  But, truth be told, I'm also excited that there is a summer program for Mother's Day Out that will give me a few breaks in June and July!!!

Last Day - May 2012

First Day - September 2011

Annie Stats

Well, the second child curse is already upon Annie.  I remember finding my baby book when I was probably a teenager, and I was pretty upset that it wasn't filled out.  My brother's "firsts" were all complete, yet only my birth weight made it into my baby book.  When I asked my mom about it, she apologized and said, "Just wait and see."  Well, now it's pretty clear.  I wasn't even that great about writing stuff down for McKenzie and with Annie, just forget it.  Here it is already four months along for her and I've yet to even mark down her two month stats.  Sorry Annie Bean!!  All I can say is just wait and see.

Two Month Measurements
Weight: 10lbs 6oz  (36th percentile)
Length: 22 3/4 inches  (64th percentile)
Head:  14 1/2 inches  (7th percentile)

Four Month Measurements
Weight: 13lbs 3oz  (41st percentile)
Length: 25 inches  (78th percentile)
Head: 15 1/2 inches  (11th percentile)

Overall, she's fairly long with about average weight and a little, bitty head.  I also asked the doctor about the small red mark that is on her left eye.  She explained that it's a type of birthmark and will eventually go away.  However, until it does (which could be as late as her teenage years), it will make itself more prominent whenever she's mad or embarrassed or anything else that makes her flush.  So her eye, at least for a while, will give her emotions away!!