Remeber these cuties last year?

Caroline

Liv

More Easter Goodies!

Thanks to Grandma Karen and Great-Nanny! The girls opened the Easter package you sent tonight after their bath. Of course they went right for the treats first (smart girls) - pulled out the marshmallow bag and handed it to me saying "PEEEESSH!" After shoving a couple bunny shaped mallows in their mouths they discovered the "babies" (the stuffed-animal chicks) and the cell phones. Big Hit!!!

Liv "talking" on her phone:

Easter Preview

Since we'll be spending Easter weekend with my dad and step-mom, Auntie Kari and Grandma Diane stopped by to deliver some Easter goodies for the girls.

And oh boy, were they excited!!!

New discovery - these girls LOVE them some jelly beans.

Liv giving her new duckie a smooch.

"OH WOW!!!"

Caroline LOVES her new sun hat.

She wouldn't take it off all night.

Kisses for Grandma!

TGIF ...

... well, it's Saturday, but you know what I mean.

My office has been so incredibly busy these last few months, which is a great thing. However, this means early mornings and late nights at the office for me. I'm struggling with the feeling that I've been seriously slacking in the mommy department. There are many days that I'll see my kids for a total of about 15 minutes - all day! I started getting very emotional the other night while I was sitting in my office thinking to myself - "ok, well the girls would have already had their dinner by now, I wonder how much Caroline ate and if they've had any green veggies in the past few days, have they been practicing singing their ABC's? are they being read to enough while the nanny is there? have they been outside yet this week?" As their mom, I should know these things, right!?

I'm sure these are the worries of every working parent. And I'm sure there are a million other worries and stresses for parents who stay home. I guess I just miss my kiddos. And as my dad always reminds me to do: I'm just focusing on enjoying the heck out of them on the weekends. In fact, I should wrap this post up because I hear those little rascals waking up from their nap, laughing at each other in their cribs. I love me some mommy-daughter time!

I'll leave you with some cuteness.

Outside Time

Oh how these girls love being outside. It warmed up a bit here over the last few days, but wouldn't you know it - today it's in the 30's and snowing. Blah. Here's a few pictures from our day at the park before this nasty weather blew in.

Caroline would not let me take off her jacket, even though it was warm.

She's funny like that.

This thing spins around. They had a blast going round and round.

"Wheeeeeeee!!"

Watching all the big kids play.

Bubbles!

Videos!

Liv showing off her animal sounds skills:

These girls are busy:

Itsy Bitsy Spider:

Paci Stealer:

Let the Potty Training Begin!

So lately the girls have been very aware of their diapers, pulling on them when they are wet or dirty, and telling me "poo-poo, mama!". So we figured it might be time to introduce a Big Girl Potty. I don't at all expect them to be fully potty-trained for a long time, but wanted to at least familiarize themselves with the routine and talk about it with them every day.

We bought two potties last Sunday (yes, of course we had to buy TWO - would it be any other way??), and let them play with them for a bit in the living room so they wouldn't be scared of it. (No we're not leaving toilets in our living room - they're now located in our bathroom)

Here's some pictures, please excuse my children's hair - they had just woken up from a nap.

"Hmmmmm...."

"these must be our new toys!!!"


And after about 5 minutes, they were really only interested in the boxes. It's sure to be a long and slow process, but we'll get there!

A video:

Papa Bede's & Great Papa's Birthdays

I meant to post these last weekend, but I had a crazy busy week at work so am just getting around to it. Last Sunday we all got together to celebrate Rob's dad and grandpa's birthdays.

Papa Bede & Liners

What's with the pouty face?

Looks like Livi was having a better time.

The kids had fun going through Grandma & Grandpa's toy chest, which was full of old toys from when they were growing up. Check out this play Science lab kit!

Yeee haw!!

Cousin Katie giving the girls a driving lesson.

"Vvrrooooooom, Vvroooooooom!"

C

Ice Cream!!!

Look at Caroline's face in this one.

If that isn't RICHARD SMITH, I don't know what is.

Here's a closer up view:

Liv likes to show off her belly.

Sweet Caroline giving Auntie Kari a smooch.

And then they discovered the stairs so daddy had to stand guard.

A sweet moment of all three girl cousins playing the piano.

L to R: Katie, Caroline, Olivia

And the day wouldn't be complete without

one of Miss Caroline's temper tantrums.

The cutest part of these dresses

that Aunt Nee Nee gave them - the little Bear ears on the hoods!

Happy Birthday, Great Papa! 85 years young!