a year of talking

August marks one year that Arden has been talking. If you got into a conversation with her today, you would never know that a year ago she could only say a few words. The Lord has been so gracious to allow her to "catch up" and be where she should be as a 3 and 1/2 year old without any therapy. He taught us so much last year through all the evaluations and screenings and ultimately drew us closer to Him through the whole process of trusting His timing in everything. She is His creation, and it's amazing to see how He is drawing her to Himself and to wonder what all He has in store for her.

little barnabas

Arden has done a great job of being the encouraging big sister to Esther, especially the last couple of weeks with potty training. But I guess really in all areas...tonight at the dinner table, Esther sang the blessing by herself. Arden would whisper the next line to her if she paused and then when she finished, Arden burst out clapping and saying, "Great job, Esther, you did it!" It's so sweet to hear her cheer Esther on and she is so genuine in her love and support.
Another example of our little encourager came this last Saturday. We were running errands and had to go by a house for Woody to pick up a check. Arden had asked on the way where we were going and we told her we were going to a house where Daddy had done some work. She was pretty silent the whole way there, but as soon as we pulled into the driveway, she said in the most thrilled, proud voice, "Good job, Daddy! Wow, good job!" Sweet thing thought her Daddy had built the entire house, which was quite nice being right across from the beach...and Woody could've built it, but in reality, he'd only replaced a door. Her enthusiasm and love for her Daddy and belief that he can do anything is so sincere. When I turned around to look at her and saw the big grin on her face, I just melted.

two

It's hard to believe our little Esther is two years old! It has really flown by and our baby isn't a baby anymore...as Arden put it today, "you're a big girl like me now Esther." She is very much her own little person, wanting to do everything by herself. She's gotten good at using the phrase, "my turn" or "E-ther's help" when she doesn't want your help, but wants to help herself! We're surprised pretty much daily at her growing vocabulary and use of phrases in how she responds to us. She loves to climb, have books read to her again and again and do whatever her big sis is doing! She's still my little snuggle bunny and I don't mind getting as much love as I can right now because I know things will be different in a few weeks. And our little monkey still makes the most serious/funniest/horrible faces you've ever seen, which I love!! She really does smile a ton, but I just can't seem to get that sweet smile on camera.
Here are a few pics of the birthday girl I got yesterday on her actual birthday.




On Friday we had a small gathering at the carousel park to celebrate. We had lots of fun with friends and Esther definitely enjoyed the cupcakes! She finished hers off and before I could get to her, she grabbed Arden's (who enjoyed the lollipop on top, but could care less about the cupcake) and ate it as well! I didn't get as many shots as I wanted...I was a little preoccupied with keeping Esther out of the cupcakes!...but thankfully Lauren brought her camera along and got some great ones of everyone-thank you! Check out Lauren's blog for more pics or if you're on facebook, Woody posted a link to her album that has some more as well. Brittany also got some great shots of Esther and her Gabe, so take a look at her blog too!



Quick picture with Mommy and big sis, although you can see she's much more interested in the cupcake!


the carousel ride...



Wrapped up just long enough for a picture...Lauren made this blanket-too cute and perfect for our little snuggler! And see what I mean about that face?


and Allison made her this precious purse...can I get one? :)



Friday night after we put Esther to bed, I heard her talking/singing to her animals and baby. I peeked in on her and she had the 3 lined up against the rail and said, "happy dirfday bunny, happy dirfday phant (elephant), happy dirfday baby, happy dirfday to you. Yay!!! (clapping while she's saying this!) So cute...
Happy dirfday Esther, we love you and are so thankful to God for you!!

she definitely gets it!

It's been a week and a half since we started potty training Esther, and I am so amazed by how well she's done! She's in big girl panties all the time now except for a pull-up at night and she's even stayed dry during the night for the last 3 nights! She's even pooping in the potty! I am just floored by this whole experience...for those who don't know, our sweet Arden was just on her own time table and things didn't click with her until well after her 3rd birthday. She does great now at 3 1/2, but let me tell you, I thought the day would never come! So thank you Lord for letting it be so easy with Esther! We are REALLY enjoying being a diaper free household for now, even if it is for just another 6 weeks!

saturday

Arden and Esther got into a drawer of winter stuff...Arden said they were going "snowing!" I had to inform her that one, it's August and two, we live in Florida...probably won't be seeing any snow here ever.


Here are a few pics from the wedding we went to last night at the beach...






And although last night was a wash being an accident free day for Esther with the wedding and all, I'm happy to announce she made it all day today...including church (which we're usually at for 4 hours when I sing, like this morning), lunch out and an afternoon trip to Target to get her some "big girl panties"...woohoo!

we think she gets it

"It" being going to the potty! We decided to start potty training Esther this last week. We thought we might hold off until after Chloe's born since she's not two yet (although that's coming soon!) and didn't want to force anything...but she's been really interested in using the potty, telling us when she needs to be changed and trying to take her diaper off herself, so we thought we'd give it a try. We started on Monday and that's really been the only day we were home all day long, though I've tried not to venture out too much...each day she's gotten better, had less accidents and for a couple of days now, goes on her own before we ask her to. And I realize it's only 5 in the afternoon, the day's not over, but she's had NO accidents today!!! She even stayed dry during naptime, so we're super excited! Now I realize this may all go out the window soon b/c we're about to take the girls to a wedding and be out a little later than normal tonight, but I had to share this with you really quick! I'm also aware we still have a ways to go before she's really potty trained, but already this experience has been so much easier than potty training Miss Arden and we're VERY thankful! :)

the zoo!

I have really been wanting to take the girls up to the zoo and today we finally made it...I don't know who was more excited, them or me! We went with a group of moms and kids from church and had a great day of it. We took our time and made several stops for us pregnant ones in the bunch, which made it really nice. After a picnic lunch, we all enjoyed the splash ground, which I thought was really cool because of how different it was to others I've been to. Overall, I was really impressed with everything and we'll definitely have to go back since we didn't make it around to all the exhibits...there was just too much to do! I must say though, that when we do make it back, we'll have Chloe with us and it will be a much cooler time of year! Arden's definitely ready to go back, as she asked us to go to the zoo again at least 20 times before going to bed tonight!

part of our crew hanging out by the elephants...


checking out the baby giraffe (only two weeks old!), wish I'd had my zoom lens to get a good pic, oh well.



a capybara...I didn't take a whole lot of pics of the animals, but had never seen a capybara before and thought he was pretty interesting.



the cool splash ground...