Birthdays Galore

It's May, and May brings birthdays in our family. It's like a second Christmas with 5 family birthdays in the first 2 weeks, often day after the other too.  My sweet Audra turned 2 and my sweet Leandra turned 7 and my husband got a bit older too.

Here are a few photos of the celebrations:

Almost Two!

Looking over photos of Audra recently, it has become more and more obvious that my baby is gone and in her place is a strong, and determined almost 2 year old.  Never afraid to speak her mind or to be heard, though the words are not always to be found.  "No" and an indignant "Hey!" are in high use in our house.

For all her moxy, she is also sweet and sensitive, and can often be found putting herself in time out with a heavy heart over a stern word "Stop!".  She is full of hugs and pats.   Kisses are reserved for special occasions, though I have been the lucky receiver a few times.  They are soft, and slobbery and lovely because I know they are coming from the heart.  

Her favourite thing in the world is to dance and to drum.  She has amazing rhythm, and will turn anything she can into a percussion instrument.  She loves to play posting games, and has strong ball skills - her throwing is spot on, and usually to the face.

She still favours the  sensation of a towel on her face and in her fingers for when she is seeking comfort. Though a satin edged blanket is what helps her off to sleep at night.  She sings to herself, in her babble and laughs as readily today as she did at 10 weeks old.  Such a sense of humour, which is often not appreciated when she is running off with something, or throwing something directly at your face. 

Little one, I can not believe you are nearly 2.  It feels like you have been here forever.  You fit into our family as if you were always meant to be here.  I love you so much Audra Paudra.

A swing - her favourite playground thing, apart from the slides

She loves this springy bee ride, sisters in the back thanks!

My good eater!

Because you need a construction vest when you are driving a Lego style bus!

Cheeky girl!

Ball pit equals fun. Bouncy Castles equal tears

Anything you can do, I can also try to do and annoy you Leandra!

Radio Silence January

It seems like a long time since I last checked in here.  In truth, it has been.  Christmas and school holidays took over our world an I'm only just crawling back to some state of normal.  We had a relatively quiet Christmas and the holidays went by in a flash.  Despite wanting to go out of town for a bit, we never got anywhere.  Still, there is always Easter for that sort of thing.

I had a week off work recently to spend quality time with Leandra.  It was lovely, though dragging her away from the computer and gaming at the moment is quite a mission.  We still managed to get a day of swimming in, a picnic here and there.  Plus a super fun day of cake decorating at a local cupcake shop and rock climbing afterwards.

For me, spending time with her is always important.  Audra gets a lot more day-to-day attention because she demands it.  Leandra waits in the wings, and doesn't ask for attention as readily.  So it's moments like that when we can be Audra-free for the day, and get back to being us.  I know she loves hanging out with me, talking about her life and sharing a fun moment. Long may it continue!

Here are a few of our snaps from our holiday days together:

Leandra ready to decorate at Scrumptious Cupcakes. Loving the hat, Lady!

Getting her decorate on

The results of her hard work

Working Hard to earn a cupcake dessert :D

Hrm, what's the best strategy here?

And just in case you are thinking Audra completely missed out on the fun, she got the best bit.  Leandra insisted on making two cupcakes at the shop - one for her and one for Audra.  Her little sister is never far from her thoughts. 

What did you think of the cupcake Audra? nomnomnom