Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Just Daddy and Arden

Arden has always loved the movie Shrek.  We aren't sure what sparked her interest, but for several months it was the only movie she asked to watch.  When we found out Shrek: The Musical was coming to the local Broadway Theatre League we knew we had found the perfect birthday gift for her.  

Instead of making this a family event, we decided this would be the perfect Daddy/daughter date.  They had a great time and we are so proud of Arden for making it through the whole performance (they went to the 2pm show---which is usually her nap time!)  I know Geoff is looking forward to many more daddy/daughter dates--what a blessing those are for both of them :)




Dear Daddy, 
Thank you for taking me to Shrek.  I had lots of fun.  I love you!  
-Arden

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

3 Years Old and All Grown Up




I just don't believe it has been 3 years since this little girl graced us with her presence!  
Our lives were forever changed on that November afternoon and we cannot imagine our lives without her.
God has blessed us with a spunky, big-hearted, strong-willed, super-smart little girl and we are so thankful He chose us to be her parents!

Sadly, I think it has probably been a year since I did a little "Arden Update" so hopefully I won't leave anything out!

She continues to be a great sleeper---usually sleeps 10-12 hours a night
Still walks on her tippy toes :)
First things she asks for each morning: brekstast (breakfast) and daddy
She is so curious and is always listening to everything we say (hmmm.....this sounds a little more like nosey instead of curious!)
Has been fully potty-trained since May (2 1/2 yrs)
Can recite her ABC's and can identify many of them when written
Is learning letter sounds
Can count to 15...almost 20
Knows her full name as well as our first and last names
Is often shy when she first meets someone, but will soon talk your ear off if you let her :)
Has an imaginary friend named Carmeniques (sounds like Dominique) who has been around for almost a year
Loves her friend Molly---talks about her NON-STOP!
Apparently has a boyfriend @ school named Jackson :)
Is extremely strong-willed
Loves music
Has an excellent vocabulary
Asks LOTS of questions
Loves books.  She is starting to "read" and it is so cute!
Is becoming a better eater.
Loves to help make decisions---from what she is going to wear to what car we drive or what we will have for dinner.  She is very opinionated :)
Can buckle and unbuckle herself in the carseat---this is a HUGE help!
Her favorite color is blue
Is the best big sister Tucker could ask for!

Arden Leigh, we are so blessed to call you our daughter.  You are the light of our lives and you bring us so much joy each day.  We are proud of the little girl you are and can't wait to watch you grow this year.  
WE LOVE YOU!

This is getting dangerous!


Our photo sessions have now moved to the floor...Tucker is just too mobile for the couch!  

Wow...8 months already!  
We have such a happy guy on our hands.
He smiles so big every time he sees the camera...his whole face lights up with each smile :)
He is crawling EVERYWHERE! (started just before turning 7 months)
Can stand unassisted for several seconds
FINALLY cut his first tooth on 11/7/11
Is sleeping 5-6 hour stretches at night
Pretty much loves any food I feed him
Loves drinking from a straw
Is still extremely clingy to mommy...especially when I'm in the room but not holding him
Wears size 4 diapers
Has a little temper when we have to take things away from him 
Is the sweetest little boy in the world...and we are so blessed to call him our son!