Once Upon a Time...

Once upon a time in the kingdom of Whisler lived two beautiful young Princesses...

One older...

One younger...

One brunette...

One blond...

They, of course, lived happily ever after. You know, more or less...

J Walker

The weird perspective in the first is because I'm scooting backwards on a chair. Yes, I am wearing old pajama pants from high school. Yes, Gabriella is convinced that she has to take all of her regular clothes off to dress up like a "chef."

Oh the places she'll go!

I posted about Juliana's steps after Christmas, but since then she has been hesistant to do more than a couple steps here or there. Tonight she decided to go for it. She was walking all over the living room! I wish I had my little digital camera that does video, but its batteries were looted for Gabriella's new digital camera. I could've found the right screwdriver and stolen them back... but I decided to just enjoy the moment. You'll have to wait for a video clip.

I-La-Yooouuu

I could blog about the history making moment that we watched as a family this morning (Gabriella was impressed by Sasha and Malia's new house), but I think that will get enough coverage in its own right so I'll stick to other exciting developments...

Juliana said "I love you" unprompted for the first time today. Granted, It was all smushed together and sounded more like "I-La-Yooouuu," but still, what a special Mommy heart melting moment. Juliana started saying a few words very early, but she isn't as verbal as Gabriella was at this age. Gabriella chattered and Juliana is more one to be quiet for a long time and then pop out with something that totally shocks you (like saying "Thank You" clear as day completely out of the blue a few days ago.) Over Christmas Grandma Barb was working with Juliana on saying "I Love You" and Juliana was kinda sorta able to repeat something that sounded a bit like it... The kind of sounds you could only construe as an actual phrase if you are a Grandma or a Mom. Today Jonathan was giving Juliana goodbye kisses and after she was done kissing him and giggling she turned to me, gave me a big kiss and said "I-La-Yooouu." These girls learn how to work us early.

ps- Yep, that is a big 'ol bruise on her head. When we were in Iowa my Dad predicted that she would be getting a few of those in the near future. This is her first big head bonk... and I don't even know exactly how she got it!

Christmas Eve

*Click for a larger view

What it means to be grateful

The girls and I stayed home from church today. They are still having a hard time shaking the bug they picked up right before we left Iowa. Gabriella has been requesting an early bedtime each night so I know she isn't feeling up to par.

This morning I made pancakes.
Gabriella ate her first, gave me a coy smile and said: "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Me: "That depends on what you are thinking."
Gabriella: "I'm thinking I want another pancake please!"
Me: "Of course"
Gabriella: "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Me: "Maybe. What are you thinking?"
Gabriella: "I love you!"
Me: "Yep, I'm thinking exactly what you're thinking"

Today while we were eating lunch Gabriella looked at Juliana and said: "She is SO wonderful!"
Me: "You are pretty wonderful too."
Gabriella: "Yes, we are wonderful, and we are both so grateful."
Me: "Oh? what does it mean to be grateful?"
Gabriella: "It means you are GREAT! Like when you have two daughters and they are so great you are great-ful."

I have to say, I'm pretty darn great-ful... and very very grateful.

I haven't forgotten the rest of the Christmas pictures. They will come soon.

Santa Baby

Our trip to see Santa 12.23.08

Grandpa got one of the mall's firetruck stroller for the girls. Juliana LOVED it.

Only in small town Iowa will Santa give you a book and actually read all of it to you.

Juliana wasn't so sure about the Santa thing, but she did OK.

Grandpa is better than Santa anyway.