Philippine Culture Appreciation Day

AmeriKids, the toddler school that Addie attends had a Philippine culture celebration on Friday where the kids showed off some of their artwork, traditional Philippine songs and dances they've learned, as well as some traditional games. Then we got to eat yummy Filipino food. Addie wasn't too pleased about all the adults watching so she just stood there for the songs and dances. She participated in the game "pabaiet" (hanging candy), I'm sure because she got a bag of candy out of the deal. One of the Moms made awesome cookies decorated as the Philippine flag. Only she used local food coloring and, well...you can see the result of that. When we left her shirt wasn't white any longer. It was really fun to see all the kids. Justin and I were so proud of Addie, it also reminded us just how young she still is and how glad we are about that.

dinner

If you come to our place for dinner when we get back to the States I will be making what Cora made for dinner tonight. It's chicken curry in roasted summer squash. Isn't it pretty? It's super yummy too!

princess bed

I'm not sure how it came about but Addie has named Mommy and Daddy's bed as the princess bed. She likes to crawl in, get cozy, and pretend to sleep. Today I convinced her to let Bella snuggle up next to her. Bella grinned at her sister the whole time. She's already looking up to her. The responsibility of being the eldest child will be a good role for Adelaide.

Nemo and Marlin

Addie and I went to the pool yesterday afternoon. She pretended to be Nemo and I was Marlin searching the pool for her. We rode the E.A.C. and every time I finally found Nemo she'd hug me tight for at least a minute. I was pleased with all the hugs even if we were playing make-believe.

Bella my jelly bean

I adore my new daughter. When she gazes at me and coos it melts my heart. She can be a source of anxiety for me too though. The past week or so she's been extreemly difficult to soothe, so much so that we took her to her pediatrician to see if she had an ear infection or was teething early. She has a clean bill of health with the exception of some gas (what baby doesn't have gas that makes them uncomfortable though). When it comes down to it Bella has just plain exhausted. Over-tired, over-stimulated and fussy. She goes to bed about 6 or 6:30 PM and sleeps until 6AM with a feeding or two in the night but during the day, nap times are a struggle. Anyway, I focused on getting her naps today before she was over-tired and she fell asleep easier and took more naps today. She was a joy all day. Her play time was very focused. She's been rolling herself over by grabbing something and pulling herself over. She now focuses on toys, grabs them with her hands and puts them to her mouth (this is way earlier than Addie for both milestones-or at least it seems that way). She smiles and coos and loves to kick and move around. Amazing how she's growing so fast.

Happy Wednesday

Pretty happy with myself today. Got Addie off to school with a healthy snack (score 1). Got myself a healthy breakfast while Bella napped (score 1). Was showered before 10AM (score 1). Both girls napped at the same time after lunch (score 1). Made oatmeal flax cranberry chocolate cookies (score 1). Screaming, overtired baby between 2 and 6 PM (score -3). Applied my new discovery of soothing the baby with the exhaust fan above the stove and Bella fell right asleep (score 2-and ordered a white noise machine for her bedroom). Both girls in bed and asleep by 7:45PM (score 1). Final score for Mom: 5. Not bad really.

Lucy with a crazy face! (mid yawn). Addie singing.

How come my bed isn't made? Just kidding beds getting made is a low priority these days!

Pretty Bella

Singing girl

Cookie Monster

My princesses

feet discovery

Arabella has discovered her feet and they are her favorite new thing to grab and play with. I also made her laugh multiple times this weekend. I love hearing the first really belly laughs that aren't while they are dreaming.