The month began with our family adventure in our first ever experience with 10" of snow! We made snowmen (again), sledded (again), and enjoyed our time together (again). Alex and I decided to get out and explore the world on day two (he had been out on day one and had very little trouble) but this was the most expensive adventure. One-half mile from our house we hit a patch of ice and landed in a tree. Small Tree + Ice + Highlander = $10,000 worth of damage. Thank God for collision insurance....and no, we can't blame this one on a recall.
The very next day we participated in the Great Grandparent Swap of 2010. For the first time in seven years both of our parental sets were together, the only one missing was my dad. We had 36 hours with all the grandparents in town, and Ivy was on cloud nine!
Ivy continues to amaze us, with all that she can do and with all the ways she helps us learn to be more patient, better people and parents. She has provided many laughs and many moments when Alex and I accept the fact that she will be smarter than the two of us combined in the next few years.
She is a wonderful big sister, bringing Isabella toys to make her laugh, a paci when she is fussy, and calling her "little bug-a-boo". I realized today that Ivy will turn 21 five days after Isabella turns 18. I am praying now that their friendship will be strong, and that they will be a positive influence in each others' lives!
Ivy's February adventures included some fun times with Tita, Annie, and Drina...and the big event of planting a new tree in our front yard! We hope the Japenese Maple will be a lovely addition to our yard in the fall.
Last, but certainly not least, Isabella has had a BIG, BIG month! She started sleeping through the night at 7 weeks old, and quickly went from sleeping 8 hours to sleeping 12 hours! She did well until this past week (15) when she started waking at 4 a.m. We all remembered from her big sister's babyhood that this meant she was probably ready for more sustanence, so we started her on a dinner of cereal this weekend...and voila! She's sleeping 12 hours again!
Also, Isabella turned three months old this month! She found her fingers, learned to grasp and pull at toys, and began to recognize familiar faces which she acknowledges with one of her "light up the world" smiles.
So, these are the things that have happened in our world over the last month. It's been a busy one, full of learning and growing for us all, and we are reminded that we are ever so blessed to have this life to lead.
