Aubrey Ann, are you really two?

The sequence of photos here will definitely remind us, in years to come, of Aubrey's 2-year-old personality. This is her! Sweet, impish, and a bit of a wild child with a twinkle in her eye.

Aubrey, you talk more than either your brother or sister did at this age, and we thought Joel talked a lot! Because you've been communicating for so long, it seems like you're older than you are. It's actually hard to believe you're just now turning two. You're mostly potty trained, which is so nice. We never have to guess how you're feeling. Whatever is in your little head, comes out your mouth! You're a sensitive little thing, too. You love to do whatever Kari and Joel are doing, and while we sometimes call you our baby (you still are our baby, for now) you tell us you're a "big kid." I love that you can't say your "f's." They all come out as "s": "I can't sind [find] it." "My seet [feet] are all dirty." You love your milk and would drink it all day long if we let you. You know your colors already and enjoy telling us what color of shirt we're wearing. When we're sitting at the computer, on the couch, or on the floor, you like to come up behind us, wrap your little arms around our neck, and say,"Mommy/Daddy, der's a monkey on your back!" I love that you still like to cuddle and ask to "rock wid Mommy" in the rocking chair. You're constantly making us laugh, you teasing little clown who likes to "move it, move it." Happy Birthday, baby girl! We love you!

Aubrey's Party

Friday evening we celebrated Aubrey's 2nd birthday with a whole bunch of family (we were missing a couple of grandpas--one on a trip up to Alaska, another at home sick--but it was still a full house). This photo shows you how Aubrey felt about being the center of attention. My favorite part of the evening was when we sang "Happy Birthday." I posted the video of it below. The smile on her face was absolutely priceless. You could tell she was LOVING every second of it, and she knew exactly what you are supposed to do as the birthday girl. That's what happens when you have to wait through two sibling birthdays (not to mention all the cousin ones) before it's your turn.

Aubrey's 2nd Birthday from Andrea Moffat on Vimeo.

Just for fun

Before I posted these photos I looked up the max load/shelf for this IKEA bookcase. It's 77 lbs. We're all good.

Fickle February Weather

It rained today, and what did we choose to do? We went to the zoo. It wasn't supposed to rain until the AFTERNOON, but, of course, the forecasters were wrong, and we got rained on--a lot. We had a good time with Karyn and little Philip, though, despite the cold and rain. I've never been to the zoo when it was so empty. We had the unique experience of being face-to-face with one of the giraffes, which was fun. A giraffe's head sure is huge when you're right up close. The kids loved it, and so did I. What amazing creatures they are (the giraffes, that is--although my children can be quite amazing at times, too...). We also got up close and personal with the lions who were attempting to stay dry under under the rocks and right next to the glass.
Yesterday, though, was a different story weather-wise. Still cold but the warmth of the sun felt good. I got out the camera when I saw this. I love it!




















While Kari was engrossed in her books, this is how the other two were spending their time outside.
After a while, Kari decided to join them and play, too.

On her way to being a toothless wonder

Kari's tooth fell out at church today--pretty exciting! Actually it was pushed out by her tongue, with some extra help from a run-in with her brother's head last night. It was ready, though. I hope the other one quickly follows, so both front teeth are gone at the same time. That'd be great. Now we have to remember to play the tooth fairy role tonight. She has no fear this time around since she knows "the truth."

Happy Day

I haven't been ready to proclaim our news to the world...until today. If you've seen me in the last month, you may have already guessed (or just thought I was getting fat). We are 13 weeks pregnant! I've known since the Monday after Thanksgiving, but we didn't tell anyone until Christmas, and since then word has been slowly leaking out. After our last miscarriage, I just wasn't eager to share. We had an ultrasound at 9 weeks that confirmed that baby was alive and well, and then at today's appointment we were able to hear the heartbeat for the first time. Maybe now I'll finally be able to quit stressing and relax a little (maybe). It's been a long first trimester, and I'm so glad it's over!

The official due date is August 11th, so judging from past experiences, we'll probably have him/her the first week or so of August. We've never had a summer baby (on purpose), but obviously, God had a different plan this time. So...if any of you ladies have summer maternity clothes you want to lend me, I would be so grateful. Our plan is to be done after this one. While I'm not looking forward to being big and pregnant in the heat of summer (with no central AC), I do have to admit it will be fun to have a birthday party outside or by the pool, for a change. We've got Kari in December, Joel and me in January, Aubrey in February, and Greg in March.

We find out the sex in five weeks. Whatever we get is fine with me. It's a baby! I don't really have any predictions one way or the other. I thought Aubrey was going to be a boy, so I'm no good at it anyway. I haven't allowed myself to think about names or anything yet, but I think it's time to start making a list. We had a difficult time naming Aubrey, so we'll see what we come up with. It may be a very short list.

I'll probably start a separate blog for all things "baby" but not today. I'm just letting the good news sink in. And I really need to take a nap. :)

Joyful company

Normally our latest riser, Aubrey was up early enough today to say good-bye to Daddy, who helped get her morning hair out of her eyes before he left, and to help Mommy with make-up. This child is constantly making us laugh and lately is also constantly talking. Her endless chatter drives me crazy some days (everything in her little head comes out her mouth), but she's so cute that I can't stay irritated for long. She's growing up so fast (faster, it seems, than the others did), and I want to cherish this precious stage. I know it'll be gone before we know it and then she'll be a big preschooler. Chatting with my cheerful toddler this morning was a great way to start out the day.