My Sister the Bride

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My sister is married! Hooray, the big day arrived and was a great success. Shelby was a gorgeous bride and the event was filled with love and laughter. Couldn't ask for more than that... although the amazing food and weather didn't hurt!

I was lucky enough to serve as her matron of honor and enjoyed spending the day with the girls. We gathered at Mom's house for makeup and hair. Dena, our amazing hairdresser, blew us away by gifting us with our 'dos free of charge. She is a class act as well as a gifted stylist. Be sure to visit her at Salon Demara if you're looking for a salon in the Milwaukie area.

The 3 flower girls (Sydney, Mackenzie and Kiley) were thrilled with their first limo ride to the wedding site. They spent the entire time bouncing in their seats, exclaiming over the features and waving at people outside.

Shelby completed her transformation into a model bride at the site. I'd love to share photos except that my camera battery went dead as we got into the limo. I'll be looking forward to seeing Shelby's professional photos later. Either way I have the memories in my head. All her hard work paid off and it was a beautiful event. Congratulations, Charlot Family!

P.S. My cousin Becca did a lovely post about the wedding which does include a few photos.

Meet Max

I was reading back through my Mother of Max blog and enjoying the entries about Max when he was Mya's age. I have his baby book that I filled out religiously but there is something about the everyday dialogue and memories that give you such a better sense of what he was like at that age. From what I can tell, he was insanely active compared to Mya. That doesn't really surprise me based on their personalities.

After reading through that, I thought I would give myself an occasional snapshot in time of what the kids are like at a certain age. Before I know it Mya will be two and I'll be looking back at this entry!

Meet Max:

Favorite activities: Tractors/trucks/emergency vehicles, hitting golf balls, riding on Daddy's shoulder so that he can "duck!" under trees, spotting airplanes or firetrucks, watching Caillou on Daddy's I-Phone, painting at school, and playing with Syd.

Smarty pants: Can count to 14 but likes to leave 5 out, knows the way to the gelato store as well as the park ;-) , increasing his vocab each and every day!

Favorite phrases: "Mama/Daddy, watch dis!" "I climb, I climb!" "Nooooooo!"

Recent quote: Max is crouched and grunting. "Max, are you pooping?" "No!" "Do you want to sit on the potty?" "No!" The grunting escalates and Max exclaims, "Puuuush!"

Foods he likes: waffles and bananas for breakfast, hot dogs, applesauce, yogurt, juice, ice cream, and cookies.

Things he does not like: Mommy saying goodbye, going to bed, getting in the stroller, being told what to do.

Recent accomplishments: Made the transition to daycare! Every day he does better. By the middle of the 2nd week he told me twice on the car ride there that "yes" he wants to go to school and play with his friends. I'm so incredibly proud of him!

Max is also starting to interact with Mya more and more. He tells her "Good morning, Baby!" in a sing-songy voice, pushes her in the swing, and likes it when she giggles at his jumping antics.

Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'!

Miss Mya rolled over for the very first time tonight! I came downstairs to the family room and discovered that Mya was laying on her tummy and not on her back as I had left her. Alex and Max were kneeled next to her at the train table. I asked Alex if he had put her on her tummy but no, she had done it on her own. Big girl! She then proceeded to roll over on to her back. Then, as if knowing she had an audience, she rolled back onto her tummy several more times this evening.

I'm proud of her yet admittedly a bit sentimental since my baby is getting bigger. With new abilities come independence. She'll be headed out the door to college before we know it. Yeah, yeah, it's a leap in time but still they say time flies with kids and I believe it's true.

Mya, you'll always be my sweet baby girl!

Photos of the Week

Mya gives Daddy tips on the draft pick. If only there was audio. It was the funniest thing listening to Alex ask Mya which wide receiver he should choose. He's looking up stats on his I-Phone to help them make a decision.


Mya is begining to reach and grab items that catch her eye...such as the ball below. Watch out Max, it's the beginning of the end of your private toy stash.

The staff at her daycare told me how easy Mya falls asleep. I thought maybe they were just trying to make me feel good but apparently they weren't kidding. She was out like a light in the photo below. I did finally have to move her to her bed after Max started walking within inches of her head carrying his trucks. Danger Zone!

Zzzzzzzzzz!

Transition

The Linke family has been undergoing quite a bit of transition lately. After waiting over 2 years, we finally received notice that the daycare at my work had an opening for Max. The only way he got in was because Mya also made it in, giving him sibling status, and moving him to the top of the list. Apparently the center is in such high demand that if you don't get in as an infant your chances are slim of ever getting in. Openings in toddler rooms are typically filled by children in the younger rooms. My understanding is that Max will be the first "outsider" in 2 years in his class.

It has never been my dream to put my children in daycare. In an ideal world I would stay home with them. However there are bills to be paid and we're thankful that we have a great daycare to bring them to.

Mya started up in the Ladybug Room last week. It's a very nice space with a wall full of windows, it's own courtyard area and a semi private sleeping room. Mya's favorite spot is to be perched in the bouncy seat cuddling her blankie. I proudly share that this is the same blankie that I quilted for her out of velboa fabric. For some reason it makes me feel good that the item she is so attached to is something I made for her. Anyway, she has transitioned well and Robyn and Pam, her teachers, take great care of her. I love that I can bring home her daily sheet that tells me exactly when she ate and slept as well as a summary of her day.

Max starts up in the Twig Room on Monday. This is also a very nice space, filled with great activities, a wall full of windows and access to an outdoor play area that is a kids' dream. It's going to be a tougher transition for him since he has become especially attached to me during my leave. Alex and I took him in this past Friday for a little orientation time. He had fun sitting in the circle for music time but was especially thrilled by the paints.

Today I brought him back for a 2.5 hour drop off. He had a tough time watching me go but did well after I left. Karen, the lead teacher, assures me that he will do well. I'm also fond of the kids in his class. None of them have the "just-wait-until-that-teacher-looks-away" vibe about them. 2 of the little girls kissed Mya goodbye when we left today. He has another drop off day on Friday to help ease the transition.

All in all it is going well. It seems to be toughest on me. Although I'm grateful that we have a great place to care for our kids, it's an emotional beating to transition 2 kids at once. I may take up drinking soon. ;-)

Planes!

We decided a day trip was in order and headed out to the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville. Max was excited to see planes and had a blast running all over. Mya did well and enjoyed taking in the sights. The Linke family on the road....

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Daddy's Home!

I know it's cheesy but this makes me tear up. So, so cute.

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