Long time no see!

I realize it's been a while since I've posted something here. How are you doing? I'm doing well, and since you ask, here are some updates on our family:

I got a new phone. That is the main reason I've not updated the blog a) because the app for blogger on my phone stinks and b) it's really difficult to move the pictures I take on my phone over to the iPad or computer to write on the blog. I'm going to try to be better about that. 

This beautiful little girl is growing up faster than I can keep track of! This is the best (also only) picture I have of her teeth. She currently has three, two on the bottom and one on top. There's another one peeking through on top, but I am ok with it staying there. She did SO MUCH TEETHING during May, and it was highly unpleasant for all involved. 

Riding the horses at the mall. She was not impressed.

Meggy's top favourite five things are:

1. Shoes, preferably purple ones. She has to put on her shoes as soon as we come downstairs in the morng even if she's still in her pajamas. 

2. Kitties. We were cat-sitting for my parents for two weeks, and Margeret LOVED chasing the kitties and giving them kisses. She gives all cats kisses, no matter if they're swatting at her, far far away, or just a picture on a book. All kitties get kisses.

3. Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. A spin-off of Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood, this animated show is very sweet, using a little tiger cub to sing songs written by Mr. Rodgers for an audience that is too young to appreciate the original. We have been watching the same 20 episodes for about 5 months now, and I am happy to report that Netflix added 20 more! New songs for us to learn!!

4. Mickey and Minnie Mouse. I may admit that I had a hand in this, but now, pointing out Mickey is the highlight of Meggy's day. We have various pictures of Disney characters around the house, and if asked where Mickey is, Meggy can say "Dat!" and point to him. Recently a friend posted a video from their trip to Disney World, where they now have a talking Mickey greet you. Margaret watched the video again and again, making Thomas and myself super-excited to have her meet Mickey in January!

5. Meat. While Margaret is really good at eating all kinds of foods (except salad and super-sweet things) this kid is a carnivore. Turkey is the meat she eats the most (thanks to her Mommy who can't handle red meat) but if given a choice, she loves ground beef, especially with ketchup or some sort of tomatoes. 

Playing with confetti from poppers. She didn't mind the noise, and she loved fireworks when we watched them on the Fourth!

At the lake - Meggy stole all the noodles, but she looked so cute that nobody minded. 

Thomas is still doing the same-old vascular stuff. He is looking at different options for the future; school, management, perhaps another certification. For now he is working on paying off those student loans, and still having time for our family. He has a work-conference in two weeks, that just so happens to be in Walt Disney World. I asked to tag along (Thomas claims I demanded), and Meggy will be staying with her grandparents for four days while Mommy lives it up in Disney, and Daddy goes to meetings all day!

 

What am I up to? Nothing exciting - we have been traveling a lot this summer, and I'm finally getting some rest before Thomas and I go to Florida. I injured my back about two weeks ago, and am finally able to work on getting it healed. Meggy has been very sweet and understanding, as it's been hard for me to do things we normal enjoy together, like walks, playing on the floor, and dancing together. I'm glad that this has made her more independent however! She now knows how to do what we call her 'crazy dance' as well as dancing while holding hands, has developed a great interest in crayons and coloring (which apparently includes the kitchen floor) and she has gotten much better at walking by herself, and being obedient when we tell her to stop, or go a different direction.

The biggest thing that I am SUPER excited about is the fact that Meggy is picking up on words. In the past week, her vocabulary has almost doubled! She already knows Mama and Da, and Ba (ball), but a few days ago, she pointed to my nose and said "noo". And today as we were leaving church, Meggy was waving and saying "bah-bah". 

 I love that she is trying to say words! Margaret has always been very chatty, but recently her chatter has become very purposeful. She will use her hands to emphaze what she is saying, and she understands tone inflections for questions. She can nod her head yes when we ask her something, and 80% of the time she knows what we are asking her. I love watching her learn new things every day, but it's flying by too fast! Some days I wish time would just stop in that moment, because it's so precious.

Well, I think we've covered all the major areas. I'm going to attempt to update at least once a month, if not more. I need to record this fun and precious time that we have together as a family, especially as Meggy starts being able to express herself. I will leave you with one last picture. Margaret is learning how to use words and motion to express what she is thinking, but she's already a pro at using body language and expression. This picture is one of my favourites that I have ever taking of her. 

Love, Sarah