Big Ada

Ada saw Dr. Jack a few weeks ago for her two-year visit. Here are her stats:

• Height: 37 inches (99th percentile)
• Weight: 26 pounds (40th percentile)

We never think of Ada as being big or tall, because she is so small compared with Jude, but it turns out she is very tall for a girl her age.  She was more chatty with Dr. Jack this time, telling him about her drawing and stickers.  She passed the two-year development assessment with no real areas of concern.  We did learn that she had several big molars coming in at the same time, which explains her recent sleepless nights.  Ada also had one shot, which didn't bother her much.  That is her last one until she is five years old!

Here are a few recent photos.  At Fort Vancouver with Barney Bear:


Running through the grass at Nini's house.


In the clubhouse with Barney Bear.


Ada loves the Sand Boat.


We had friends over for dinner recently, and Ada just couldn't stop laughing.

The Wedding: Day 2

The morning of the wedding, we woke up in a charming farmhouse which had been converted to a B&B associated with the winery.  After a leisurely breakfast, the preparations began.  Nails, hair, jewelry, makeup, clothing.  Here's the end result:


The bridal party arrived at the winery well before the event was scheduled to begin, to take photos and make the final preparations.  The photo below of the bride and groom was taken just after Rich saw Margaret in her wedding finery for the first time.


Bridesmaid bouquet.


E Ben read a poem about love as part of the ceremony.


Trish and Walton, in front of the cake.


Rich, The Rev, and Margaret.


She spent a lot of time laughing.


It's funny to be part of the "older generation" of married couples.  I guess it happens to everyone eventually.


Me and my bro.


Jeff.


First dance.


E Ben with the two bridesmaids.


The end of the night.  Everyone is still standing...


Motto for the weekend: "What happens in New Egypt stays in New Egypt"

The Wedding: Day One

We traveled to the wilds of Central Jersey for Sister Margaret's wedding a couple of weeks ago.  It was a whirlwind trip without the kids.  We arrived on Friday morning just in time to catch a ride with the family over to New Egypt.  Friday night was the rehearsal and associated dinner.

Margaret is pretty in pink.


A nice shot of the parents of the bride.


It was freezing at the rehearsal!  I was the only one in a parka.


The Rev was kind of kooky.  He made the whole thing fun with a lot of laughs.


Rich can barely keep a straight face.


Best man Garrett (Rich's brother) and his girlfriend Kira.  Did I mention it was cold?


The happy couple...

Ada Turns Two

My baby turned two last month, and revelled in the sweet delight of having all the attention. We threw a nice little garden party on the new patio and invited her friends from school. Jude planned it (we were trying to help him avoid any birthday envy) and it worked out pretty well. 

There was drawing, face painting, name painting, gardening, bubbles, and a short parade. The parade was the only hitch in the plan as the birthday girl didn't like the noisemakers.

Cookies over cake, and Queen Birthday was in Two-year-old heaven.

Later that week we celebrated Ada's REAL birthday with cupcakes an Nini's house, and a second party that rivalled the first. Again the center of attention, and this time there were PRESENTS. 

What can I say about my sweet little girl to mark the passing of two years?

Let me tell you a little bit about Ada and her loves.

Ada loves to draw, and paint, and draw again.
She loves to wear tails in her hair and clips.
Ada loves puzzles.
She loves to stand at the sink and play in the running water.
Ada loves her music, and sings along with all the kid songs.
She loves to dance.
Ada loves to follow Jude and play his games.
She loves to laugh, and loves a joke.
Ada loves her friends.
Ada has some silly little gestures, and she does them unconciously when she's excited, but also for a laugh.
Ada loves to do the laundry with Mom.
Ada loves to go "Ite-side" with Dad and rake up sticks.
Ada loves to wear her "glubs".
Ada loves purple and pink, but she also loves to name all the colors.
Ada loves to swim ("all by self") in her red floaty suit.
Ada loves running and races.
Ada loves to make eyes at Daddy. 

Happy Birthday, my Ada! We love you! 

Wild Thing

I'm re-posting this today in honor of Maurice Sendak.  Sitting on that couch, in front of that window, with that little boy - it seems like an eternity has passed since then.

Cousin Love

I've been meaning to post these photos from our week in Florida.  Cousin Hilary and Inga drove down to Naples to spend some time with us, and the kids had a great time playing together.  Ada and Inga were like two peas in a pod, trying on each other's shoes, swimming together, and sharing snacks.


I love this photo of the two girls on the raft in the pool.


Jude and Inga bonded over their love of iPhone games.  Jude taught Marie and Inga how to play Cookie Maker.


The Dollar Store water shooters were also popular.  Inga borrowed Jude's blue floaty suit since Jude didn't need it anymore.


We got a few shots with all three kids.  One in the pool...


... and one on the lounge chairs.


Here's Ada enjoying some ice cream poolside at the club.


And Jude lounging with Mama, pointing out an airplane in the sky.