Maggie gets Earrings

Maggie has been begging Andy and I for the last few weeks to get earrings.  I am not quite sure what prompted this, but I decided to take her up on her wish.  After lunch we headed to Oswego to the nearest Claires.  She marched right in and told the lady she wanted her ears pierced.  She picked out the "sparkly pink ones."  We had to wait a little bit and then it was Maggie's turn.  She gave her blanket a squeeze, two ladies helped her so their would be just one quick pinch and then it was over and boy is Maggie elated.  She is extremely excited about the new additions to her ears and thinks she looks just beautiful!

Mom's Day at Preschool

Today I took a half day to join Maggie at school for the Mother's Day celebration.  It was super fun.  We started with snack and then I got to read to Maggie.  Maggie had made a special gift and answered some questions her teacher had asked which they shared with the class, like how old is your mom and Maggie said 8.  Then we played some games and our time was done.  Chrissy and I took Maggie and Lucas out to lunch before heading back for the second half of our work day.  It was so fun to be able to spend that time with Maggie at her school!

Easter Weekend

Easter weekend was a long weekend for Andy and I because we got Friday off.  The first of many Easter weekend activities included coloring the Easter eggs.  Maggie had a plan for how each one should be decorated and colored and was pretty independent about doing the job.

On Saturday Andy had a track meet, but I wanted to take Maggie to the Naperville Jaycees Easter Egg Hunt that she has gone to since she could walk.  Its right by my parents house so I dropped Molly off there.  Maggie and I were joined by Lucas and Chrissy this year.  We dropped off our can donations and picked up a few free donuts, then Maggie and Lucas picked what they thought we be the best spot to get the most eggs.  We had to wait just a bit and then they blew the horn.  Maggie and Lucas were both successful in filling up their baskets!

Maggie left out some carrots for the Easter bunny and awaited his arrival Sunday morning.  Maggie and Molly were both excited to find baskets full of goodies and hunted for eggs the Easter Bunny had left around the house.  We made it to church and then headed to my parents for another Easter egg hunt, some relaxation and a great dinner! 

Molly's First Birthday

 Happy First Birthday Molly!

Yesterday was Molly's first birthday.  I had to work so I sent the girls as usual.  Maggie was really excited to celebrate when we got home.  First though was Molly's first year appointment.  Andy took her and she did great.  The doctor was pleased to hear that Molly was eating everything that we eat and that she was no longer taking any bottles...success...we quit cold turkey. 

First year stats:

length: 30 and 1/2 inches (90%)

weight: 19 lbs 7 oz (25%)

Molly is a tall, skinny little girl!

Molly now has eight teeth.  She babbles all the time but has yet to say "mama."  I keep waiting...it will come eventually.  She still takes two naps and sleeps through the night.  She will walk holding our hands, even holding just one hand, but hasn't gotten the hang of the balance to take any steps on her own.  She cruises around the house with any type of walker toy that can be pushed.  She can stand up all on her own too.  Molly loves her big sister and wants to have anything that she has.  Maggie has been pretty good about sharing and taking care of Molly.  We can't believe that a year ago this little lady joined our families.  Next up will be Layla's celebration.  Molly and Layla are having a joint celebration at Rosa's today, complete with mini cupcakes so they can get in on the fun with all the other kids!

Molly's Birthday Party

 Sunday was Molly's first birthday party.  We were lucky enough to celebrate with several family and friends.  Since we live pretty far away from everyone else and don't have much space for all the family all at once, we decided on an alternate location for Molly' first birthday party.  We headed to Giordano's in Oswego.  It was perfect.  We had some pizza, got to catch up with friends and family, opened presants and had some cake.  The day was beautiful too, 80 degree weather!  Molly got tons of clothes, some books, a few toys and a stool with her name on it.  Maggie of course helped with all the presant opening and has enjoyed Molly's gifts more than Molly.  Maggie as the big sister also helped Molly get her hands in the cake...we turned our heads for a second and Maggie had managed to give Molly a spoonful of frosting.  The party turned out great and Molly was awesome for the entire celebration!

Molly and Layla almost one year later!

Fun at the Park

Saturday Andy had his first outdoor track meet.  That left us girls at home.  Thankfully the day was beautiful.  Maggie and I spent most of the morning outside.  When Molly woke up from her morning nap we had lunch then headed to the park.  We spent almost two hours walking to the park, playing at the park and then walking back home.  The girls had a blast and we soaked up as much as the sun as we could!  Maggie made her way around to all the different things as usual while Molly was content just being pushed back and forth in the swing!

Baby Grace

Thursday, St. Patrick's Day,  we welcomed a new baby to the Larson family.  My sister had her first baby, a girl, Grace Vera Brown.  Baby Grace's arrival was not easy, but she made it and is a healthy 7lbs 15 oz and 20 inches long.  Shay and Derrick are doing well and should have made it home by now.  Congrats and welcome to parenthood!