Happy birthday, Kristen!

It is Kristen's ninth birthday today - her third to celebrate with us. :) This is the first year that I knew what I was going to get her, knew that she would like it and have fun PLAYING with it, and she could tell us what she wanted to take to school for treats. I just can't explain how happy that makes me. We got her the Rose Petal Cottage to play with her dollies with. I just know Daniel will invade, but hopefully they can play together somewhat nicely. ;) Yes, it is much below what a typical nine year old would get, but it is where she is at right now. I am growing more comfortable taking her where she is and enjoying it with her. And we are at least moving into preschool type play, which is encouraging. She needs to experience each stage, and we are seeing progress.

Last night we were frosting her cupcakes - with PINK frosting and sprinkles, of course - and she was singing, "Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday to Kristen, happy birthday to me!" It was a hoot. And she knew to use "me" instead of "you" in this case...and I think most people could have understood what she was singing. :) She was able to communicate that she didn't want Daniel to help make the cupcakes, which was really big because she had to say no. Then, when Katie asked if she could help frost, Kristen said, "Sure, Katie! You may help me!" Just putting that many words together in a normal kind of way makes me so happy each time I hear her! This morning Katie told her happy birthday, and she said "Thank you, Katie!" It is close to sounding normal...does that make sense? :D She knows we are celebrating her and it is her special day.

Happy birthday, Kristen! We love you!

We love wrapping!

One of the cool things we have "discovered" with Drew is all the different baby carriers there are out there! Let me tell you, with our other three running around, I am so thankful for carriers! Plus, both Forrest and I love all the Drew snuggles we get with them.

One of my favorite things to babywear with is a wrap. Basically a long piece of cloth, these are so versatile! They can be used for front, back and hip carries with babies and toddlers. This is a Girasol wrap and is so soft! Daniel calls them "blankie carriers" and they are that cozy! This design or colorway is named Cabo. We love it!

My favorite Drew toy!

Infantino makes a baby mailbox toy I am loving! I saw this in a magazine this fall and was so happy to find it for Drew for Christmas. I love all the details on each item. The letter has a stamp that velcros on and off , it is crinkly and has the cutest little sunshine that rattles inside. The really great thing is that all these pieces are attached! There is a little box with a cupcake that comes out, but only so far so it doesn't get lost or fall. All the pieces go back inside the mailbox which will be lots of fun when Drew can reach in! It is rare that I enjoy baby toys, but I love this one!

Action picture coming when I find the camera. ;)