This has been the summer of baby dolls. The girls can't get enough of their babies and strollers. I had the bright idea to bring the girls out on the trail and let them push their strollers while Zach rode his bike. Needless to say it was before nap time. Kate was a little mom and did wonderful...my munchin on the other hand is definately not ready to be a big sister. She would push the stroller off the side of the trail as she ran to look at something else or tip over the stroller and laugh. We are in for it I think.

Memorial Day Weekend

Dustin had a 3 day weekend this past weekend so we thought we'd make the best of it and enjoy some much needed outdoor family time. We spent the weekend at the park, pool, graduation parties, parades, and just being outside. I think Jules really enjoyed herself. Monday was really rainy so after the parade we all took long much needed naps. It was a great way to start the summer!!

Things are once again going to start to get crazy. I start summer school on Thursday (yuck) and Jules starts swimming lessons next week. That should be interesting to watch. I'll add more pictures later but enjoy these.

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Pool time!

Julia spent the hot Sunday playing in her new pool, water table, and flower power sprinkler. And when I say she played IN the water table, I mean she climbed in it. Julia is going to be a mountain climber I think. She loves to climb on everything regardless of how high it is or what it is. She climbs in and out of her bed, the window, the pool, her picnic bench, and now the water table. She has no fear.

Grandpa Peggy and Tom came over for BBQ and to help Julia break out the pool. I think she thinks its a giant bath tub. Swim lessons start in 2 weeks and I was afraid she wouldn't do well with the cold water. Sadly, I have been mistaken. Dustin filled the entire pool up with cold hose water and while he was getting buckets of warm water to be nice, she jumped right in and lasted about an hour. She is my water baby!

First Zoo Trip of the Summer

This weekend, Dustin and I took Jules to the Miller Park Zoo after having a picnic in the park. It was the perfect afternoon for it! It is amazing how much Julia has changed from interacting with us at the zoo last summer to this summer. Her favorite animals were the sea lions (she threw them kisses) and then chasing the pink flamingo. We plan to visit the Peoria Zoo, St. Louis Zoo, and the Brookfield Zoo as long as it isn't too hot!

After the zoo, we took Julia to Target and let her pick out a new pool. I think it may have been more for me but whatever makes her happy :)

An update...finally!

Cheese! Look's like it's time for an update!

I figured that since our last post was when Julia was 11 months and she is a growing 16 month old, it was time to make a post. It's amazing how life gets so busy. Here goes...an update!!

Happy Birthday! Julia turned one in December. She celebrated with family and friends at the YMCA in Bloomington. We had a ladybug theme since it seems everyone calls her ladybug. I of course made the awesome decision to get her a red smash cake. Thank God for Tide because those were some stains!! Julia really seemed to enjoy herself except for the flu that suddenly came on - at her party! I guess it makes for a memorable occasion.

Milestones She started walking shortly after her 13 month birthday and has since started running. She has quite a large vocabulary and know exactly when to use it when she wants something. Her favorite words are "bye", "Bailey" and my favorite "tummy". We swear she has an imaginary friend named Bobby because she walks around the house yelling for him.

Hip Update We got the awesome news that she no longer needs to wear her hip brace. The dysplasia isn't completly corrected but the doctor is confident that with her walking, it will help the hips gets stronger. We go back in October for another check. Hopefully she doesn't go backwards. The doctor did point out another problem however. Her left foot slightly turns in. He had a really big name which I can't even begin to remember. All in all, he thinks she will grow out of it. Again, we will know more in October.

Kindermusik, Swimming and more Julia starts swim lessons in the summer. I signed her up for the Normal Parks and Rec program and Normal West. We'll see how she does. I am hoping she views it like a big bath tub and jumps right in!! She is still attending Kindermusik regularly and loves it!! We are debating whether or not to enroll her in the summer program. One more semester though and she's done...can't have two in class.

Big news!! Dustin and I found out New Year's that we are expecting baby #2. I am currently 19 weeks along and feeling bigger than ever. Good news though is this pregnancy is much different than with Jules. I haven't gained as much weight but I was really sick for the first 13 weeks. Jeans no longer fit - darn! The babies heartrate is much lower than what Jules was - boy maybe??? We have the option to find out next week to sex of the baby but we are determined to be surprised.

19 weeks and only 5 pounds gained!! I think I was already at like 15 with Julia!

Garage Update (afterall, it has only been a year) Dustin has finally finished the garage and my car can finally have a home. It look great. The hard work really paid off. Next task- the baby's room. After doing Julia's though, he should be a pro.

There, I did it. The update has been completed. I will try and post more often. Julia loves spending time outside so I am sure that we will have lots of things to talk about. Enjoy some pictures!!Easter 2010

Egg hunt at Jen's with Kate

Hanging with mom and dad! She's getting big!!

An electricifying playdate

I couldn't but stick these in her. You can obviously tell that these girls belong to Jen and I simply by looking at the magazines they get excited over. This one was Kohl's and by the look on her face, Kate obviously found a good deal!Julia likes to help Kate turn the pages

The girls have gone crazy!! We couldn't resist but getting some pictures of the newest hair do. They crack me up!!!

Family Holiday Activities

Technically last Christmas was Julia's first but honestly, the kid was only 2 days old!! This year has been a lot more eventful for her. Dustin and I let her help us decorate the Christmas tree. It actually went more like Julia pulled (threw) every ornament out of the bin onto the ground and then went and continously tried to climb up the tree. That day she learned how to climb up the stairs so apparently she thinks she is a monkey now. We had a lot of fun and it was nice having time for the 3 of us to enjoy a new family tradition. It is going to be really exciting watching her open her Christmas gifts this year!!

After decorating the tree, Julia and I sat down for her first "art project". Our school asked us to create and decorate a family Christmas tree for a bulletin board project. We decided it would be fun to use Julia's handprints and finger prints to decorate it. It was a blast. She giggled everytime the brush went across her hand and even more when I kept pulling her hand away when she wanted to lick the paint. Good thing it was nontoxic!! It will definately be a keepsake.