Arwyn had her first day on skis this week! After the initial excitement of the new boots, she actually decided she didn't like them so much (understandable), and she really was pretty unhappy about all the other ski equipment and clothing as well. She fussed all the way up the Magic Carpet (her boot and ski having already fallen off), but as soon as we finally got up to speed skiing down the hill between my legs with the wind in her face, the apprehension completely disappeared and she was so fired up! Now she finally understood what the point of all that crappy equipment was and it was definitely worth it...little speed junky! SuperMom here tried to take both girls out all by myself. I had Arwyn between my legs, Leia out in front on a leash, and the wagon for transport. It all worked out, but I sure had my hands full, and I don't think anyone will really improve that way since I can't really teach, just survive. After two runs Leia wanted to go inside, and I complied, thinking it best to end while everyone was still happy. The other good news was that Leia did great getting on and off the Magic Carpet by herself, and she didn't even bat an eye when I indicated she would be on the leash. This made me so happy since we ended last season with her always wanting to be between my legs. Arwyn had more new words this week. She wanted her water bottle (or maybe it was mine), so she yelled out: "My water!" And she started saying "I love you!" which always feels good to hear. I think she may have picked a lovey finally. She likes to grab the turquoise knit blanket from Aunt Joanne and pull it across her face and chest while she sleeps. But she's still not too attached to it out of bed, so maybe I'm wrong about it's significance. Only time will tell. She had her first sleepover at Nana's house this week, which is a really big deal, since it means she's getting so much more independent! She had a great time all morning after having slept through the night, but she did wake Nana up at 5:30! We had a couple play dates over at Echo's this week, and Arwyn played very well with the big kids. She found her own stuff to do, but also participated in some of what they were doing as well, and loved running back and forth between the kids room and the adults room just to check on everyone. Arwyn seems to be a very quick learner. She's seen how Leia will bring stools and chairs to different locations in the house in order to reach things she wants, and now Arwyn, at only 17 months, is also dragging her little red chair from the table into the kitchen in order to climb up and reach the counters. It's very resourceful! Unlike Leia, she mostly just likes to climb and to participate in what's going on, rather then trying reach something that's been put out of reach on purpose! Arwyn has also started grabbing our hands to drag us where she wants us to go in other parts of the house. She's very insistent about it, and quite strong. I think she's figured out that brute force is more successful than signing to be picked up, then pointing and whining to signal where she wants to go. She's so dang smart! Plus, she's figured out a few of her animal sounds; she can "woof" like the "dog" and click her tongue like the dolphins. So cute.
Leia and Echo both seem to have made a huge break through in their relationship and maturity. They played together so well all weekend. They successfully shared toys, did a lot of imaginary play, and were very independent, not needing an adult around to referee or entertain. It was great. And I finally had an uninterrupted glass of wine with Julie and Brad! Leia also has figured out (sometime in the last few weeks) how to hold her sleeves down with her fingers when she slides her arms into a jacket to prevent the sleeves from riding up. I feel like this must be huge milestone of some sort because it's such a vital skill that they don't get right away. She's also started to be able to properly pronounce some of her friends more difficult names. She now says McKenzie instead of Kenzie, and Giselle (or something very close to it) instead of Shell. So cool to see the transition. Leia is also getting better at getting herself to calm down and get her emotions under control when she starts to get upset. We aren't seeing those epic tantrums, just getting upset, maybe attempting a hit, but then calming down and working with me a bit more. What a relief, I hope this stays like this! One of the cutest things that happened this week was when I was picking the girls up from school on Friday. Arwyn had colored a picture at school that day, so they sent it home with us for the fridge. Leia saw the picture, and after I told her what it was, she exclaimed: "Wow, Arwyn, I love your picture. It is so beautiful. This is my favorite picture. I love the greens and blues that you used." It was such a sweet compliment coming from a big sister to her little sister, and she was totally sincere and super excited about it. Such a great moment.
Leia and Echo both seem to have made a huge break through in their relationship and maturity. They played together so well all weekend. They successfully shared toys, did a lot of imaginary play, and were very independent, not needing an adult around to referee or entertain. It was great. And I finally had an uninterrupted glass of wine with Julie and Brad! Leia also has figured out (sometime in the last few weeks) how to hold her sleeves down with her fingers when she slides her arms into a jacket to prevent the sleeves from riding up. I feel like this must be huge milestone of some sort because it's such a vital skill that they don't get right away. She's also started to be able to properly pronounce some of her friends more difficult names. She now says McKenzie instead of Kenzie, and Giselle (or something very close to it) instead of Shell. So cool to see the transition. Leia is also getting better at getting herself to calm down and get her emotions under control when she starts to get upset. We aren't seeing those epic tantrums, just getting upset, maybe attempting a hit, but then calming down and working with me a bit more. What a relief, I hope this stays like this! One of the cutest things that happened this week was when I was picking the girls up from school on Friday. Arwyn had colored a picture at school that day, so they sent it home with us for the fridge. Leia saw the picture, and after I told her what it was, she exclaimed: "Wow, Arwyn, I love your picture. It is so beautiful. This is my favorite picture. I love the greens and blues that you used." It was such a sweet compliment coming from a big sister to her little sister, and she was totally sincere and super excited about it. Such a great moment.
Arwyn brought Nana her shoes and helped her change into them...shoes are serious business around here!
Love this little face!
Playing well together...well, as long as Arwyn doesn't touch Leia's stuff that is!
Game of choice today was going up and down these steep, treacherous stairs...ahhhh!
Preparing for the first big ski day requires the proper base layers...warmth and cuteness!
Oh no, a unicorn just puked on my baby!
Smartest thing I did all day was bring the wagon...I had a hard enough time getting back and forth to the car last year when it was just me and Leia!
Helmet, boots, goggles, gloves...check, check, check...lets go skiing!
This cool cat is acting like an old pro now!
First of many great ski days to come with these awesome girls!
Jumped right on all by herself!
Boot and ski having already fallen off, Arwyn is not too sure about all this!
My little helper, she loves picking up, cleaning up, and closing drawers!
Sometimes Leia likes cleaning up...
...but today she preferred to use the swiffer as a pogo stick!
Password = Leia
The fresh snow is deep, but Leia is determined to get next door to play all by herself!
Demonstrating the proper way to keep your hands warm when you are a princess, as learned from Princess Amber on one of her favorite TV shows Sofia the First.
Leia has been inventing (or defying?) fashion since the moment she learned how to dress herself, and that's ok.
What's not ok is that now she's dictating Arwyn's fashion as well...hands off, she's still supposed to be mine to dress!
Play days are becoming somewhat easier now that they can play together and are entertained by the same things, albeit in slightly different ways.
It's looking like she's going to be musically talented as well!
Ice cream was promised for participation. She's standing with the group and not screaming, but definitely not participating...
Ok, pulled it together in the final stretch and earned herself a nice frozen treat!
Planting seeds, watering, and growing flowers...don't try to tell this girl that winter isn't for gardening!
Leia's doing it, so it must be a good idea, right Arwyn?
Normally they call it having a green thumb, but I think it's a blue thumb this time of year...hopefully it doesn't fall off!
Always digging through the closet to find some sort of new dress-up item!
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