Swingin'!

Sunday was a great day in Emerson's life: she got a swing set (actually a birthday gift from Momo & Papa McNeil). Ryan, his dad, and my dad worked a good part of the day to assemble this for her (minus the 20 minutes in the basement for a tornado warning) and to say that she loves it would be an understatement. Emerson is a swinging fool. I'm sure you can envision our summer days out there, Emerson swinging, with Grant strapped to me while I push her.

*We don't typically have our kids outside naked, but it was hot, and Grant was hot and crabby. The solution was to simply sport the diaper (too bad we don't have those Huggies diapers that look like jeans - actually not too bad, they're ridiculous).

Hanging out with Papa Marcikic.

And Papa McNeil.
Outside of the swing set excitement, we've had an average week:

Swimming and enjoying popsicles (and of course offering to share with Grace)

And Grant: he's been lifting weights

Crashing in our bed - complete with cuddly, two bears, one monkey, a pacifier, water, and pillow. I believe this was our 5am wake up call on our anniversary.

And finally, the father's day photo.

Pretty girl (and handsome boy)

Emerson is getting to the point where she attempts to put sentences together - usually just the nouns and/or verbs. Every morning when I get out of the shower, it is this over and over: "Mommy!....bag!.....mirror!" She takes the makeup bag from the drawer in the bathroom and places it in front of the bedroom mirror - and then she waits. She has enough restraint to not unzip it and wait for me. And when I'm out of the shower, there is lots of dancing and then "Emmy too? .....Mommy sit." Her favorite new activity is helping with makeup and of couse, putting some on herself. She's taken some brushes and makeup as her own and does a fabulous job applying it. "Pretty" she says to herself as she checks out her work - and she actually requests that I take a picture. So I do......here are her masterpieces:

And Ms. Jackie gave Emerson a pedicure at daycare this week:

Otherwise, we've been up to the usual: (although napping topless isn't exactly usual)

'Swimming':

"Hold him" - She loves insects and wants to hold each and every one.

Awaiting an insect:

Sharing pool water with Grace:

Watering flowers (which apparently are all "Emmy's flowers")

These are Emerson's brownie cupcakes from daycare for Father's Day. They are little grills. How cute.

Watching her DVD of the Lori Berkner Band - loves this thing. Ryan & I not so much; those catchy tunes stay in your head.

And on to Grant:

He's been hanging out with his lady friend Iris (born 5 days afer him)

Enjoying his mobile

And learning some life skills: sitting

Smiling:

And this is me: the usual dinnertime scene.

Have a good weekend!

We're Back!

After months of being blog slackers, I've decided that it is time for a comeback. There has actually been quite a bit going on since our last posting spree, which is also likely the reason there hasn't been any posting since. We welcomed Grant on March 19th and juggling a two year old and newborn (and a crazy weimaraner) can be difficult work, but it has gotten much easier lately (knock on wood!) and a bit more predictable. Now that the official summer vacation (and the end of my maternity leave) has begun there will be lots to do and share. I've made a goal of updating the blog at least once a week with the ongoings of the Marcikic household. If it doesn't happen, the kids or the dog are to blame.

Here's what we've been up to:

Awaiting Grant's appearance. Yes, I know that I am huge. He was a giant at 9 lbs. 8 oz.

Fast Forward 4 weeks:

8 weeks:

And today at 12 weeks: He's so close to rolling over!