Siblings version 2

As Josie gets older, she and Oli have been interacting and playing together more. One of their favorite things to do is to copy each other. Usually this involves lots of squealing or sweet dance moves. Love watching their relationship grow!

And Siblings (version 1) from almost a year ago.

Josie's 1st Birthday Part 2

And one more post to remember Josie's first birthday. Although her birthday is October 17, she was born so late on the 17th that the 18th sort of feels like her birthday so it made sense that we ended up celebrating on the 18th this year (since I worked on her birthday). We had a low-key celebration filled with balloons, streamers, presents, singing, and a cupcake.

So far we have been choosing a color theme for each birthday. Oliver's first birthday was red. (Incidentally he says red is his favorite color now so I think red may make a comeback for yet another birthday.) For Jo's birthday we chose teal. We hung balloons from streamers so the balloons would be at her level. She (and Oli) loved them but they didn't last long. I think they were all down in about a day. 

Josie's 1st Birthday Part 1

1 year old! Happy birthday Josie! The year went by quickly and yet it feels like Jo has always been part of our family too. She's a ray of sunshine, almost always smiling or laughing. Everywhere we go she makes people smile (as did Oli at this age - who doesn't love a cute, smiley baby?). 

Chris took her to her 12-month doctors appointment a few days after her birthday and she now weighs 21 lb 5 oz (72th %) and is 2' 5 1/2" (65th %). She looks great and even showed off by pointing at a book Chris was holding and saying "book". 

She's walking almost exclusively now. I still carry her in the Ergo sometimes, but if we put her down and let her walk, she doesn't want to stop. When she falls, she just gets right back up and keeps going. 

Other than that, no major changes from last month. She's still easygoing,  eats well, loves books, sleeps pretty well, and plays well by herself and with Oli (although they have been known to fight over the same toy on occasion). Love you so much little one!

And a few photos from her first cupcake. She spent about 20-30 minutes first eating the frosting, then the strawberry, trying a little cake, and then just playing with it. It was so cute and fun to watch. 

cupcake from Cafe Latte for the birthday girl

before

during

after

I'll try and post more photos soon of her on her birthday, as well as birthday decorations and present opening, but life is busy these days so I wanted to at least get this post up for now.

Apple Picking in October

Last weekend we decided to venture out for one last apple picking adventure. We drove over to Maple Leaf Orchard in Spring Valley, WI, and admired the fall colors on our way.  It was a breezy and cool morning but we had a great time. The kids took their first hay ride, ate and picked some delicious Haralson apples, and explored the beautiful orchard. Of course we also picked up a few apple donuts and an apple pie (they make the best!). Fall, you have my heart.

A fall day in October

Oliver and I went out for a little walk this morning in the beautiful fall weather. The colors are gorgeous right now so I snapped a few photos.