EVB: 2 Years, 9 Months (33 Months) Old!

Ellen has had several of what we thought were tantrums in the past year ... We thought wrong. In recent weeks Ellen has had several outbursts that we now know are, without a doubt, full-fledged tantrums with a capital "T." Wow. While everyone assures me that this is normal behavior, these episodes are so unpleasant and so incredibly challenging.

On the positive side (there has to be a positive side, right?), we are learning that Ellen is an extremely determined (that's a nice work for stubborn) and INDEPENDENT little person. :) She insists on doing everything herself and constantly says, "No, I do it all by myself" or "No, that's my job." While I suppose it's a good thing that she's asserting herself and wanting to try things on her own, mom's and dad's patience is certainly being tested.

 Aside from the tantrums, Ellen has been busy continuing to work on potty training (she's getting really close!), coloring, practicing drawing shapes and writing letters, pretending, swimming and taking a greater interest in her baby sister.

Little stinker ... Hoping 34 months brings better behavior :)

Ellen's first letter "E"

Big shot

Lounging at an outdoor puppet show

First time on the rides at Como Town

JEB: 4 Months Old!

Junie B. is 4 months old! Holy moly! It seems like the past month has been filled with major changes for our little lady ... June's latest tricks & talents include:

• Grabbing objects and working on her fine motor skills
• Discovering her feet and taking hold of her little piggies!
• Laughing out loud!
• Jumping in her jumperoo
• Going to bed at a reasonable hour (aka before mom & dad turn in for the night)
• Taking a decent morning nap in her crib and working on an afternoon nap
• Blowing raspberries :)
• Drooling!

June continues to eat every three to four hours during the day and usually wakes up once (around 3 a.m.) during the night for a little snack. She now goes to bed by 8 p.m. and gets up at 7 a.m. before going back for a morning nap shortly before 9. She's still wearing size 2 diapers and has graudated to size 3-6 months clothing. I think she weighs about 13 pounds. (I'll know for sure after her 4-month well visit next week!) Overall, June is still a very sweet and extremely smiley baby. We are so lucky to have her!

Smiley girl!

Jumpin' Junie in her jumperoo!

June with Dad at her first wedding ... wearing a fun tiny hat she found!

4th of July

Despite the ridiculously HOT weather, we all had a wonderful Fourth of July! The girls (mostly Ellen) had a great day at the lake. EVB loved swimming in the water and chatting up new people. June was content to lie in her tent to try to beat the heat. :)

Junie modeling her patriotic swimsuit (with a little help from Omma)

Lounging in the (relatively) cool tent

This is the best we could do for a picture of Ellen ... she didn't stop moving all day!

All tuckered out on the way home ...

June Bug snoozing after her busy first Fourth!