Piper is THREE!

     If I only write posts on birthdays, that will add up to three posts per year, so that's something!

Dearest Piper,

     I was going to say I can't believe you're three, but I sort of can based on the way you behave lately... So let's just say it's an equal mix of belief and disbelief. You have always been my fiery little girl, but lately you have stepped up your game. Combine that with the fact that you are attempting to put the napping days behind you, and our afternoons can be sort of like this:

     Anyway, if I had to classify this past year, I would call it "The Year of New Fears." It has been interesting to see your little fearless self become more cautious lately.  While you used to be the most outgoing person in our house, you often become more shy around new people and places. Things that have elicited fear this year include (but are not limited to): trash trucks, bugs, one specific pillow case, and kids hitting piñatas. We also can't forget the ultimate fear of the past few months: singing waiters and whipped cream (thanks to witnessing a birthday celebration at La Casona). 
     I still have to turn my head and stifle a laugh during SO many parenting moments because of the sheer pitifulness of your face.  I can't describe it, but it's amazing.  It's one of my favorite things about you.  If your aunt Kristen witnesses the event when I am trying to discipline while containing my laughter, she always makes it worse by openly laughing at my failure.  In those moments, I just have to tell myself, "Self, you can't come back from this.  Maybe next time." 
     My other favorite thing about you is that you are a natural-born cuddler. I am not really the huggy type, so sometimes I forget to stop and squeeze you people when you get past the baby stage.  Your snuggling always helps me remember. Some of your worst toddler moments are made better by some good, old-fashioned snuggles.  (With the rest, we just have to white knuckle it pray).
     Some friends of mine helped make a list of questions to ask you for an interview.  I filmed the interview, but I decided that this video from the park today much more accurately describes your state of life right now:

     I love you so much, Piper Joy.  Hope you had a happy birthday.

Love,
Mom

P.S. You still love your belly button and your yummy thumby.  If I tell you "No thummies" in the car, you now respond with, "But I'm ty-uhd!" or, "I's just taking a wittle west."

Jon David: 6 Months

Welcome to another boring doctor's appointment post! I'm hoping posting these stats proves to my children one day that I really did love them (at least for the first year of their lives).  For the rest of the years, I'll prove my love by NOT posting their height and weight.

You're welcome, kids!

Jon David at 6 months:
     Height: 26.5 inches (33%)
     Weight: 18 pounds (54%)
     Head: 17.52 cm (77%)

Dear Jon David,

     If you never grow into your head, we'll just tell you it's because you're a genius.  You started sitting up in the last week or so, and are on the verge of true crawling (nooo!).  On the day of your checkup and shots, I put you down for a nap wearing a onesie.  When we needed to leave the house to run an errand, I told Myla to go in and talk to you for a minute.  She came out and said, "Mom, I think Jon took off his bandaid and is putting it in his mouth!" Sure enough, that happened.  Thank goodness for that errand we had to run (and that your sister came and tattled to me).  It's nice to know that the Mother-of-the-Year moments will continue to occur in full force even with baby #3.
    We have tried a few foods, and you are pretty much terrible at eating.  So much so that I'll be holding off on that for a while.  I'm sure you'll make up for it in the years to come.
     Your dad and I have been able to stop and smell the roses with you a teensy bit more than we could with the last baby (sorry, Piper).  Sometimes we hang out and snuggle together in the mornings in our big bed for the last few minutes before the sisters storm the house.  By "snuggle" I mean: get clawed in the face by your grabbers.  Semantics.
     Your thunder thighs are wonderfully squishable.  You have been a fun addition to our family.  We love you!

Love,
Mom

Here are a few things Jon has been up to:

 [Being confused by Puffs snacks and subsequently gagging on them].

 [Hanging with Sophie]

 [Lunch dates]

 [Enjoying the new quilt.  Thanks, Grandma!]

 [Managing to look manly in a pink float]

[Just being cute]