Easter 2011

Incident

I had to sign an incident report for Emma Claire Tuesday when I picked her up. Apparently, they were all running around and her friend stopped suddenly in front of her and Emma Claire didn't put on the brakes in time -

"I runned into Mamush [the new friend at school] and bonked my lip and it was bleeding and I got a piggy ice pack" "We need a piggy ice pack".

That night, when we said her prayer, she was thankful first for Tuna and Bean. She said a special prayer for them, because "They runned into Mamush, too".

Since Tuesday, she has talked a lot about her new friend, Mamush (maybe because her lip hurts). Today, when I dropped her off, Emma Claire said "Mamush is so, so funny!"

Bunnies of Easters Past

Easter Bunny 2011

Where is our firstborn child, you ask? Emma Claire still cannot get past her fear of characters - Santa, Bunny, Chuck-E-Cheese, etc... She had psyched herself up to sit in the Easter Bunny's lap this year. So, with Arnold and Emma Claire dressed in their Easter best, we stood in line. She had a chance to look at Bunny from afar and thought he was "so cute and furry", "he has glasses!". As we inched closer - "I want Arnold to sit in the Easter Bunny's lap with me, so he can protect me". When it was our turn - all out panic attack. She couldn't even LOOK at the poor bunny. Not a chance was she even going to sit on my lap, while I sat on his lap. So - just like our most recent Santa photo, Arnold stands alone.

The Bickersons: Rudy Hearts Peggy

The Bickersons: Rudy Hearts Peggy

Worn Out

After an afternoon playdate with the cousins.

Arnold is Close to Mobility

I think Arnold will crawl (or scoot) any day now. He wants to, he just can't quite do it yet. He rolls to get where he needs to go and can sort of make the transition from sitting to his belly now (although, usually not very gracefully - usually results in carpet burn on his forehead). I have sort of forgotten what it was like when Emma Claire started getting around. I am sure I will soon be reminded.

Easter Eggs

Bedtime Reassurance

Emma Claire to Arnold at bedtime:

"It's not dark in here because you have your owl [nightlight]"
"It's OK, bud, Jesus is next by you"

First Spring Flowers

Emma Claire and her New Bike

Emma Claire has a new to her Dora bike. Our neighbor, Grace, gave it (for $5) to Emma Claire because "it is too little for me - my knees hit the handlebars now".
Not only is it a bike, it is a Dora bike. She thinks is is the best thing ever - and is pretty good at pedaling this year.

There's Nothing Like

Playing outside on those first days of Spring...

The Last of the Snow...

Run the Valley 10K 2011

Whitney and I ran the 10K Saturday. The last mile goes right by our house. Our adoring fans made us a sign.

First Park Day of the Year

Hello Lions Park - We have missed you! Hooray for spring!

Spring, at Last?

We all enjoyed some outside time yesterday. 50 degrees and sunny - a heat wave for us. Emma Claire checked two major to do's off her "I can't wait for Spring list".

1. climbed a tree

2. walked in the grass without shoes.

Arnold tried out the pink swing for the first time.

Arnold: 8 Months

Eight months old - Arnold's first year is flying by. He is getting bigger and more active and coordinated. Arnold is a happy boy. Lots of smiles and giggles. He is content most of the time. He is pretty good sleeper and a good eater. Arnold will sit in his high chair for 30-45 minutes at a time, enjoying whatever I put in front of him to eat. I love to watch him feed himself. So does Sophie...

Arnold, I think, is starting to "understand" some basic signs. He gets excited when I sign "eat" and "more". He is pretty vocal when he wants more. In the past week or so, he is waving "hi"/"bye" - so cute.

No crawling yet, but I think he is getting close. He loves to roll. Diaper changes are becoming a workout.

Arnold is enjoying his toys lately. He likes to sit with his toy basket in the den and try out all the toys. He likes the juice tops from ECFE, too (who needs real toys, right?).

There is nothing better than seeing Arnold first thing in the morning. He is all smiles and is just happy to see us. He loves the "good morning Arnold Ray" song and the "when puppies get up in the morning" song (just like Emma Claire did/does).

I have said it before - I love every stage. It just gets better and better. Couldn't imaging life without Arnold.