Life as a big sister

Have I told you how much I love being a big sister? 

Rounding up Lucy 

It might look like a choke hold but I call it a really big hug 

See I even give my dolls big hugs 

Mom and Dad were wasting their time cutting the kernals off the cob.  I'll take the whole ear please. 

The best part about a little brother are all his sassies laying around the house.  I sneak a suck on them from time to time for old times sake. 

My first introduction into static electricity. 

Listening to the book the Hama recorded for me. 

Practicing reading on my own. 

Ms. Sara taught me how to wash the windows.  

I successfully got Tia's shoes on but I had a tough time walking in them.  

Pants aren't just for bottoms anymore. 

Aunt Mary brought me over a whole tray of watermelon because she knows how much I love it. 

The Malicki family came over to visit us when Tia and Uncle Joe were in Houston. 

Uncle Joe did a really good job of reading me my bedtime stories. 

I'm really into shoes and will try on any pair big or small. 

Ms. Kay and I had a Hawaiian luau. 

Alex and I doubled up at the doctor.  I got two shots but he was lucky and didn't get any this time. 

Another day another pair of shoes. 

Aunt Leslie came to visit and read a lot of books to me. 

I gave up the bouncy seat over a year ago but rediscovered how much fun it is to play in. 

Here is a fun picture of me and Hama when she came down to visit after Alex was born. 

Ms. Sara bought me a cape that I run around the house with and pretend I'm flying. 

This is my Chris Farley impression of Fat Guy in a Little Coat using the 3 month sized onsie that Tia sent Alex. 

Fun with Ms. Kay

Ms. Kay is my new best friend and play partner.  She is so much fun to hang out with all day. 

I thought Scout was big until I met Ms. Kay's dog Nali. She is HUGE!

Ms. Kay takes me to the pool, library and on this occasion she treated me to Monkey Joes which is a huge warehouse filled with bouncy castles and things to jump on. 

I crawled through tunnels. 

I played peek-a-boo 

I danced... 

and jumped... 

and crawled... 

and had the time of my life.  I can't wait to go back.

Swimming

Playing in the kiddie pool in our backyard. 

I'm all ready to hit the pool. 

When it the sun was too hot we would move to the bigger pool in the shade of the porch. 

Mommy and I loved to hang out in the pool

I started swim lessons to learn how to blow bubbles and put my head underwater 

Daddy would pull me along and talk me into getting my face wet 

He would pick me up and down and dunk me under from time to time 

I learned out to hang on to the floats and kick my little legs

After 4 classes I graduated at the top of my class of 4 toddlers.  It is now official...I Rock!

My baby brother Alex

Here is the last picture of me as an only child.  It was a good ride but it is time to move up to my new role as the big sister. 

My first look at Alex.

I was very curious about this new little guy. 

Mommy made sure I knew she has enough love for both of us.

Summer 2012

I need a hat and sunglasses for our walks now that it is summer

We headed up to the cottage to visit family and hang out on the river

I started trying on Daddy's shoes and could actually walk in them 

Playing in the tubes with cousin Nora before a trip down the river 

Rehydrating after a hot afternoon.  It was hotter in Michigan than it was in Houston for several weeks this summer. 

My first taste of Spanky's breadsticks on our picnic at Fremont Lake Park.  It was love at first bite.   

Our neighbor raises chickens and turkeys and the turkeys came over for a visit 

We set up indoor tents for the cousins to sleep in while they stayed for an overnight visit.  Daddy and I had to try them out to make sure there was plenty of room. 

Daddy tried to take a nap but I wasn't tired. 

Waving at tubers as they floated by. 

Walking back up to the house with Mommy.  I really improved my walking this summer, especially on uneven ground. 

Milk in one hand and water in the other.  It was a hot and dry summer in Michigan. 

Hapa came over to help us replace the old, sqeeky staircase.  The new one looks fantastic and is so quiet that Mommy and Daddy can walk upstairs without waking me up. 

Tia made several visits to see me this summer. 

Stretching out my hamstrings. 

My hair grew a lot this summer and I can wear pigtails now. 

My dexterity is improving and I can put on my own sunglasses 

I can even brush my own teeth 

Was there ever a question? 

I'm coming to get you! 

Cousin Sophia taught me that if I smile and wear pigtails I can get anything I want. 

All ready for an afternoon at the pool. 

Dressing up Scout. 

Trying on Mommy's shoes now.  I have a major love affair with shoes. 

I have learned that during meal time I have complete control over Scout. 

Hamming it up with Mommy.