Spring

I think spring has finally arrived! We have pretty much lived outside for the past week and the kids have been eating it up. Ofcourse along with this beautiful weather comes the yucky allergies that everyone suffers from - but man, is it ever worth it! I love being outside with the kids, getting fresh air, and feeling the sunshine. Here's a couple pics of the kids. Koen's getting his second tooth in. It's on the bottom and he loves to stick his tongue over his gums and feel that new tooth. So, for now, his tongue is usually sticking out all the time! And, Payton is finally getting a good head of hair in! I think maybe by the time she turns five her hair may have grown past her neck :) It's getting thick (and with the humidity, extra curly!) and so much easier to get in pony tails.

Payton's language is still exploding. She is full of "Can I help", "I love you", "What your name?" - it's just amazing. She is also beginning to interact with Koen more (last night they spent quite a bit of time in the sand box together and she is even asking if Koen will swing next to her now). Last Friday I had taken her to a new doctor and I told her his name before we'd gotten there because she loves to know people's names. When the nurse came in Payton asked "You Dr. Alden?" The nurse laughed and said "No, my name is Barbara". Payton said "Hi Barbara!". Soon, when the doctor came in, Payton said "Hi Dr. Alden!" Ofcourse Dr. Alden told her hi and then Payton looked at me and said "What his name?" It's her favorite question in the world - even if she knows your name, she'll still ask you. And ofcourse, as we left the office she said "He's NICE!". Seeing her do this with people and work her charm puts me in awe of her. Anywhere we go she is saying "Hi" to everyone, asking their name, and basically just making herself at home. I don't think she's going to know a stranger...the other day my mom had taken her to my nephew's ballgame and Payton walked up to a gentleman on the bleachers and asked if she could sit by him. Mom said she kept scooting closer and closer and just kept staring at him (boy, these kiddos love faces!). Anyways, my mom told the gentleman that Payton doesn't know a stranger and he said "well, that can be good but can also be bad". He is so right about that, but right now I am so thankful to see this personality coming out of her. In the past she really kept to herself and didn't pay attention to the people around her - I feel like the world was just confusing to her. And, I know I will never completely understand her world - but we sure are enjoying watching her grow, learn, and understand things better.

*****I had to come back and add to my post....a big ole 'congratulations!' to Camille for hearing her son say "Ma" today. She's waited two and a half years to hear that word and there's nothing like it in the world. I'm so happy you finally were able to hear Connor say "ma". We're celebrating with you, Camille!