2 is NOT my favorite...

Let's just say that Lily Anne has developed a very eccentric personality since she turned 2. And now that she can express her ideas and opinions-look out! She knows exactly how she wants things done and lets you know when you aren't falling in line. 2 is definitely not my favorite, but it is still a fun age.

We're currently working on potty training. This has felt like a never ending battle! BUT, something seems to have clicked in the past two days and we're finally having some big success on the potty...yay!! Yes, there are still accidents & mishaps along the way, but she's learning to be proud of going on the potty and that's a step in the right direction. :)

She has the most amazing manners for a 2 year old. She says please & thank you for nearly everything, bless you when someone sneezes...it's the cutest thing. She cracks me up. In addition to these sweet manners, her favorite thing is telling whoever is bothering her to "hush your mouth". Don't know where that came from, and it shouldn't be funny, but it is. Lily is a trip!

She's still very much a Mommy's girl & requires me to Corduroy at bedtime each night...twice!

Our most recent adventure? We were on our daily walk just a few days ago, and Lily dropped the garage door opener. I didn't think anything of it, until we got home and couldn't open the garage door! So we were stuck outside (thankfully it was gorgeous out!) until Brandon could take a break from work to come home and let us in. Anyway, Lily kept our neighbor company as he worked in the yard for awhile and we were back inside by the time an hour had passed. As a reward for Brandon, I made him my special peanut butter cookies. So all in all it was a fun adventure. But not one we'll be repeating anytime soon!

A lot has happened in a year...

I love to color!



Playing in my sandbox!



Playing my in "waterpark"



Papa Harold showed me how to trace my hand!


Wow, an entire year has passed since I've posted. Kind of crazy. Now let's see...where to begin?!

Brandon-He's still working at Dick's Sporting Good's. He's moved up from Lodge Lead to Receiving Lead in May. Yay! :) With this new position, he no longer works nights and has every Saturday off. It's a nice change to be able to spend more time with each other!

Jessi-I completed my internship ship in May and graduated on May 13th with a Master's Degree in Human Development Counseling (emphasis on School Counseling). Finally! I started back to work at Shining Star in May and have spent the summer working with school age students. Due to lack of available job openings for school counselors in my area, in August I will continue work at Shining Star as a 2's teacher. Yes, that means I will occasionally have Lily as a student in my classroom (since her teacher has director responsibilities when needed up front). It should be interesting! In other news, I'm scheduled to have my gallbladder removed on August 12th. I am very much looking forward to enjoying food without it bothering me.

Lily-She goes to Shining Star with me every day and she absolutely loves "school"! When it's time to go home at the end of the day, she literally runs away from me. It's annoying, but I'm happy she enjoys spending time with her friends. She's growing like a weed and will be 2 (!) on August 19th. I can't get over how fast the past 2 years have gone by. She can count to 10 (with the exception of 8), knows some of her shapes (circle, heart, star & triangle) & loves to sing songs and color. She also talks about her friends at school. Two of those friends were born in August of 2008 as well, which means she'll be moving to the 2's room with kids she knows from her current room. This is always a helpful transition tool! :)

I'm currently in the process of planning her birthday party. We've decided on a 50's malt shop theme. Turns out she adores the music of that era and we just couldn't resist. So not only will be she be a poodle girl for her birthday, but for Halloween as well. I'm looking forward to seeing how cute she is in her little outfit!