Growing up Merkel

I was so excited when I became pregnant with Lexi and even more so when she was born and we heard for the second time, "it's a girl!" I dreamed of all the fun we would have with two girls, particularly the fun they would have together. Sisters. 

I've talked about how disinterested Stasa was in the beginning. I mean, she loved her baby sister and showered her with love and attention, but it was on her time and for the most part she just wanted mommy and daddy to leave that poopy baby alone.

Over the past year Stasa has started to appreciate Lexi more and more. And now that Lexi's walking (and getting into ev.er.eee.thing) she follows Stas around and they're really starting to play together. Like really play. The other morning I was sitting in the playroom, watching them play in the tent in Stasa's room. They were giggling so much it was contagious. Giggles that turned into deep belly laughs that ended up making me smile so much my cheeks hurt. 

I have two brothers (and four cousins who I consider brothers), but I didn't really grow up with my brothers, not the way our girls are (and will). It makes my heart happy to see the way they smile at each other. Or when we hear from their teachers how they run to each other when they're both playing outside. Or when Stasa shares her snack or toy or blanket...unprompted. 

I love watching their relationship blossom. I'm sure we'll go through the "fighting years" when they're teens, but for now I just want to bask in their happiness. 

47 Weeks Old

46 Weeks Old

Windy day to play

The other day it was windy, but nice out so we took the girls for a quick walk to one of the common areas in our neighborhood so they could run around for a bit. Stas and Tom found some sort of ball like thing that fell from a tree and tossed that around and Lexi just looked on and laughed.

That little stinker still refuses to say "mama." Just "dada" and she's starting to say something that sounds like it might be her version of "Stasa." Yesterday when we picked the girls up from daycare, Lexi pushed me out of the way and ran straight to Tom, saying "dada dada dada."

Whiny girls

Why do children always become little clingy monsters at 5:00 pm? It's like, hey kids, I'm excited to see you after being at work all day, why make our few hours together a battle? AHHHHHHHH.

Whine, whine, whine


Whine, whine, whine


Oh, wait, NOW I'm happy!

45 Weeks Old

Happy girls

I love these two girls and really love watching them together. To say that Lexi lights up when she sees Stasa is an understatement. The girl simply adores her big sister. And Stasa loves her right back - she tells me to check on Lexi when we're reading bedtime stories and asks to see her first thing in the morning. Unconditional sister love - it's the absolute best.

44 Weeks Old

Sick Stasa

They say it's just an ear infection, but her fever has yet to break and it's starting to worry me. We're monitoring her overnight and if it doesn't stay down we'll be taking a trip to the ol' ER. She definitely doesn't feel great, but I think she's milking it a bit, too.

To Chicago and back

Lexi and I flew out to Chicago to spend the weekend with Anne for her birthday...and to attend the surprise party Anne's husband had been planning since before the holidays. I was a bit nervous flying with a baby, but Lexi was a really great traveler on both flights. I'm a little too tired to write out all that happened, partly from the lack of sleep we got all weekend and partly from staying home with a sick and clingy Stasa all day today (more on that later). So instead here are pictures from our trip.

Brrr...it's cold!

NEW TOYS!

Extensions

A real mullet

Ready to head home

So sleepy

HOME!

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

Good morning, sleepyhead!

Despite this ridiculous face, she's actually a big morning person and is immediately happy and wide awake. See?


Lexi's becoming such a big girl now and is starting to walk more than crawl (though sometimes she gets so excited she goes a bit too fast and face plants). She's so good about entertaining herself when we're all playing. Just last night we were all in the playroom after bath and Lexi quietly sat sorting through all of her toys. And this morning she happily played in the playroom while we got ready for the day, granted her playing was really her banging toys on the table. But still: self entertainment. I'll take it.

Some days we'll be sitting around and she'll do something - like walk around the room or clap or whatever - and it hits me how old she is now. Really, I get that feeling with both girls. I still can't believe we have a three year old now and definitely can't believe a whole year has almost gone by.

We're starting to get a glimpse of what it'll be like when the two girls play - really play - together. I mean, this is her face whenever Stasa decides to play with her.



I love these two - they make our days so much fun.

43 Weeks Old