Paloma Plays Outside!

I can't believe that just a few short months ago, Paloma was enjoying the outdoors, but in her stroller, saucer, or a blanket on the grass.  A couple of weeks ago, we had our first 70 degree day, so of course I brought the girls outside, which was the first time Paloma officially "played"outside.

At first, she didn't know what to do with herself.  She just stood in one place and soaked up all of the sights and sounds.

She stared at the pavement, never having been this close to it before.

She loved walking on the grass.

And feeling the breeze blow through her hair

And then she took off

And didn't look back

And although I was so excited for her, I felt a little sad because I know one day she (they) really will take off, and barely glance back.

No, I didn't forget to take pictures of my little Milano.....in this picture she was telling me, "when I growed bigger Mommy, I drive Daddy's car".  

Yes, I know you will, baby.

Paloma played

And played

And played some more

She was in her own little world.

Oh, hi Mommy!

Milan is in such a fun stage right now.  It's been a little hard to watch my baby slowly disappear and be replaced by this little/big girl.  But, she's a wonderful big girl!

She's become obsessed with 'Dora the Explorer', and I'm still trying to figure out how it happened. For so long, I'd been diligent in avoiding the whole Dora craze, but it found us anyway.

Playing Princess

We play princess A LOT in our house.  My Sister gave Milan a trunk of dress-up clothes for Christmas, and since that time, playing princess has become a very popular activity.  At times, it's nearly impossible to keep regular clothes on Milan, she's always asking for her princess outfits.

These days, even Paloma is getting into the act.  She doesn't really tolerate anything but this little skirt and the bracelets on her arm (although occasionally we will attempt to put fairy wings on her), but it's just so fun to watch the two of them parade around together.

Milan casting a spell on her dolls

Paloma trying on a princess slipper

Milan would walk around in these shoes all day if I let her.

A very sad princess

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Nighttime Adventures

Milan has been in her toddler bed for four months now, and things have been relatively quiet...until the last few weeks.  She has taken to playing when she should be sleeping.  If I hear her, I will go in and put an end to her after-hours party, but many times, I don't hear her and when I go in to check on her before I go to bed, I discover this.....

It's pretty funny to find all of the things Milan has decided to bring into bed with her.  This particular evening her bed was FULL.  In addition to the 3 stuffed animals she always sleeps with, I found - 7 books, a pair of slippers, two baby dolls, her princess doll, a purse, and 13 items from her Little People playsets. 

As I peeled back the covers, I kept finding more and more toys.  It's a miracle she was able to fall asleep at all!  I tried to take pictures, but they really don't show just how many things she had in her bed.  The pictures are out of focus - the room was very dark and I was shaking because I was trying not to laugh. :)

Two or three times a week, this is what I find.  It's so cute, I really look forward to checking on her and discovering what she was into that night.  These are moments I treasure, and I will be really sad when one day, they come to an end.

Fourteen Months Old...

...and full of energy!  She plays hard (just look at the bruise on her forehead), dances whenever she hears music, loves to look at books and just last week began "reading" out loud.  She adores Milan and tries to follow and do everything her big sister does.  She walks around "talking" on her phone and loves to wear bracelets.  Whenever anyone in the house starts to sing, she likes to join along.  She's definitely not an even-tempered baby, but when she is happy she's a little snuggler and very affectionate.  And as you can tell by the photos, she does not like to cooperate when it comes to having her picture taken!

Random End of February/Beginning of March Photos