The joys of Terrible Twos and an Independent Toddler!

I am beginning to understand what others warned me about with the Terrible Twos and that it starts closer to age 3! Robert has been definitely testing our patience and can go from the sweet little boy we've know the past 2 1/2 years to the crabbiest and/or naughtiest of little boys with no warning. His sister, not wanting to miss out on challenging us, is on the move and can't be left alone. This week she nearly mastered climbing out of her walker, climbing to a standing position on anything, clapping her hands, and waving. The last 2 are cute traits but the first 2 have kept us quite busy. She no longer uses the walker and we have to keep a constant watch over her because leaving the living room for just a second will result on her standing at the couch and often falling over. This is one of the phases that kids go through that makes me wish for carpeted floors that would provide a softer landing.

Other than that fun we've been keeping busy with work and filling our weekends with trips to Red Wing (last weekend to reunite Vegas and my Mom!), playing with Uncle Nick, and household chores. Here's a look from the last 2 weeks...

Robert fell and bit his lip. The bleeding lasted awhile but luckily instead of having to hold ice on it he was able to treat it with a freezy pop instead!

Playing together...usually lasts about 2 minutes!
Helping me with dinner!
Tent Fun!
Climbing out of her walker...

We finally took Izzy for her first swim this weekend!
Robert only wanted to swim with Uncle Nick

Getting used to the water!Something to chew on...now this is perfect! That was FUN!!!

Izzy's New Tricks!

Climbing to standing on the couch



Clapping!

Tent Play!

Lazy Weekends

The last two weekends have been filled with NOTHING! We didn't have any place to be or anything major to do and it was a welcome break from our busy and hectic weeks and with the weather finally being nice we enjoyed lots of time outdoors. The weeks were busy with me recertifying the guards in Red Wing, teaching my summer class at St. Kate's, Eric being busier with work, Robert testing our patience, and Izzy getting two more teeth. Along with all of that my mom had her 5th major surgery in as many years. She had a full knee replacement done on Thursday, she'd had a partial done last year but there were complications and for the last 2 months she'd been having lots of pain and thus it was determined she needed to have surgery again. Because this was a surgery planned late neither Nick or I could get off work for the actual surgery but we both traveled to Red Wing after work to be with her. The surgery went well and although the recovery won't be fun she should be feeling a lot better within a month or so. While she's recovering at the hospital and nursing home (rehab unit) we have her dog...Robert loves it and we're finding some advantage to have a vacuum follow Iz around when she's eating her puffs and cheerios but are also excited to give him back. We're hoping this week goes by quick so that we can get on to the next weekend!!!

Ice Cream Cone! Can't bite the bottom first!!!

Robert prefers his breakfast on the deck!
Always keeping an eye on her brother! Izzy's a natural kicker in the tub!