Around the house II

Apparently I already titled one post "around the house", thus you get "Around the house II" today. Not a whole lot of updates of which to speak, so pardon me if I ramble a bit. The kids are doing well, Gemma has been battling a bit of chronic-grumpiness lately (not all the time, but on and off). I think part of it may be those pesky two-year molars, part of it may be just plain being two, and I know a part of it is just me, trying to find my way as a parent. I often joke, now that we have Kolbe, that Gemma was/is my "practice kid". I know that sounds horrible, and I don't really mean it that way, but those of you with kids I think will understand from where I'm coming. I've learned so much in my 2 1/2 short years of parenthood, and I'm already finding things I'm doing differently with Kolbe simply due to trial and error the first time around. It's weird. I'm sure I'll still be finding my way ten years from now, but as long as I'm making positive progress... But back to Gemma, she has a very strong will (for which I'm thankful, but frustrated none-the-less) and at times I just don't always know the best way to deal with her. I'm learning and growing though, as is she, and as is our relationship (which I think is paramount when it comes to "discipline") so I guess we'll just keep on keepin' on. I could ramble more but I think I'll stop. My thoughts aren't feeling horribly organized at the moment, so I'll amble in a different direction for now.

On to some pictures. Did I mention she's obsessed with straws?
We are up to four at a time now. One for mommy, one for daddy, one for Kolbe, and of course one for herself. I'm usually able to salvage at least two each go around and put them back in the box for the next time around. She also is very particular about always having two ice cubes in her milk sippy. Even if she wakes up for a drink of milk in the middle of the night. I've learned to just drop a few cubes in before I bring it to her room...saves me time and saves her tears and frustration (which just aren't productive in the middle of the night). I think daddy started this "habit" and I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree when it comes to my daughter being a tad bit OCD like her mama. Oh well, you pick your battles. I'm not going to fight her over ice cubes at 3am. Although if you'd asked me a week or two ago... I constantly have to remind myself when it comes to parenting to look at things as biggies and smallies. Ice cubes are definitely a smallie. Have I mentioned I'm a work in progress?

Very fascinated with the snow-globe from their great grandma.
Gemma has shown a great liking for music boxes for a long time now, so this was a fun treat. We did put it up until Christmas time however.

She loves to get in Kolbe's crib with him. He, on the other hand (as you can see by his facial expression) is not always equally as excited. I can't imagine why...
Playing on their blankies shortly after getting up one morning, with the corners very carefully spread just so, of course.
The beloved blocks. This is one of the toys that makes its way out every day without fail. She's started getting very creative with them, too. It's fun hearing her talk about the things she is building.
Okay, that's all for now I suppose. Thanks for checking in with us!