Sibling Love

This week a little lovefest developed between Milan and Paloma.  One day, Paloma turned to Milan and began hugging her and just never stopped.  It's been an almost constant thing this week.  Fortunately, most of the time Milan loves it and is all about being the recipient of Paloma's affections.  A couple of times, however, Milan lost interest in what seemed to be an endless hug and ran off.  Paloma responded by chasing after her and trying to tackle her to the ground in order to continue with the hug.  You might wonder why I've posted so many photos of the hugs...it's because I know it's not going to last!  Might as well enjoy it while I can!

Playing Outside Again

We enjoyed another nice day this past Monday.  I took the girls out after their nap, and this time we brought out our sidewalk chalk.  This is one of Milan's favorite outdoor activities, and as it turns out, Paloma loves it too.  She actually sat and colored for about 15 minutes, before deciding to come up with other ways to play with chalk...like trying to steal it all from her big sister!

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.