Things that Made Me Smile

For 2012, I have started a jar with the label, 

"Things that Made us Smile - 2012."  

(An idea I got from Pintrest)

Beside it is a stack of post-it notes with a pen where we can write things that made us smile throughout the year.  At the end of 2012, we get to pull out all the papers and read them and smile again.

Hopefully it will be fun and we'll remember to keep doing it.

Here are a few things so far that have made me smile:

Miriam's entourage of friends accompanying her while watching her morning cartoons.

Eliza making friends with Brooklyn.

Weekly playdates with three of my best friends from my college days, and their kids.

Playing outside.

Enjoying the Spring weather with a bike ride with the girls.

(I promise Miriam did enjoy it).

I love Eliza's face peering out the window.

My little drool monster (check out the wet shirt).

My 2 year-old fashionista (this is why toddlers shouldn't pick out their outfits all on their own).

Miriam LOVING Nursery at church.  Today they made a popcorn tree to remind them of the Spring Blossoms happening all around us right now.

Chubby babies.  Doesn't get much better than this.

Bath Time

Now that Eliza is sitting up better, we have started having her take a bath with Miriam.

Miriam really enjoys having Eliza in the tub and attempts to wash her (and dump water on her) as well.  

"Yes Mom, I'm about to dump this water all over my sister's head, even though you asked me not to."

Luckily Eliza doesn't seem to mind too much.

Life With Big Sister

Things are surely different the second time around.

With the needs of two instead of one, life is definitely more busy. 

But also, life is different for the second child than the first because of their older sibling.

You could probably say Miriam had a pretty dull life as a baby, with only two adults and some toys to entertain her.

Eliza, however, IS the toy!

Miriam loves to be in Eliza's business.  She likes to play with her like she's one of her toys.  Sometimes her play isn't very gentle so I feel like I am constantly watching out for Eliza's life.  But babies are very resilient, even from a hyper-active older sister like Miriam.

And as protective as I try to be, Eliza seems to enjoy Miriam's antics, even if she is kind of rough.

Of course I don't have pictures or video of the rough housing because I was trying to intervene. 

But here's some footage of their more mild times together.

I was taking a picture of Eliza with a hat and of course Miriam wanted to wear a hat as well.  Isn't her outfit smashing? (P.J.s & a swim hat)

Eliza's friend Brooklyn (a month older) came to play and of course Miriam couldn't be left out!

Watch this video all the way for some commentary by Miriam.

Eliza was laying on the floor playing with toys, and as usual, Miriam wanted to join in.  She was even kind enough to put Eliza's blanket on her.

Eliza loves the doorway jumper.  She is bouncing around in it quite a bit.

Miriam loves to put her friends in it when Eliza isn't taking a turn.  But sometimes she can't wait for Eliza to get out.  Like this time when Mickey and Minnie had to ride behind Eliza.

Oh my sweet girls, I hope they become best friends!