Hello?

Iris loves to talk on the phone.

The "phone" can be my phone, the camera, a chalkboard eraser, or pretty much anything the right size and shape.

("talking" on a box of .22 shells)

Sometimes she pushes enough buttons to actually call someone. 

(Sorry Auntie Jan :)  )

A New Skill

This week we took off Eli's training wheels.

It was definitely time. 

Here he is, 30 seconds later. 

Such a big boy!

Boogers

As unladylike as this is, I'm relieved. Eli still refuses to deal with his own boogers. :P

Eli's Birthday Present

It was in the yard for over an hour before he noticed it. We sent him on several errands into the yard, and he walked right by... 

He loves his trampoline!

Fork

All big girls use forks, you know. 

She's never going back.

Other People's Shoes

Iris is in love with shoes. She's not picky - she likes everyone's shoes. 

she has been trying for awhile without success to get Daddy's big man boots on her little feet. 

Finally, after many

many

many

many, many, MANY tries,

success!

she was so proud of herself!

Then she realized that Daddy's other big man boot is way over there!

Curses!

Later that same evening...

Practice For Baby

Such a good little mama...

going good

umm....

Eli told Iris he's the only one that is big enough to hold the baby. 

He's probably right.

Happy 1st Birthday, Iris!

Today our lovely Iris turns one.

She is such a happy girl, and we have grown to love her oh so much in the year she's been with us. 

She loves her big brother,

kisses,

walking, (just like a BIG GIRL!)

her handsome daddy,

bananas,

Rosie,

her baby doll,

and Mommy, most of all. 

Big Girl, Rockin'

Iris is so proud that she can climb into my rocking chair. 

She hasn't *quite* gotten the hang of rocking though...

Eli's Big Boy Bed

So our ginormous four-year-old has been in a toddler bed for a few years now... and he's growing so fast, it was time to upgrade him. 

Of course Jeremy can't just go out and BUY a bed...

Iris loved getting in the way helping Daddy assemble it. 

We tried putting her "in jail", but she quickly escaped. 

She held his tools for him! (So helpful)

Eli took advantage of Iris' interest to get in some quality time with her baby doll (she doesn't like to share with him...)

Here is the finished bed

Big enough to lay in bed with Eli and read stories!

He loves it. 

He couldn't wait to go to sleep in it, so he practiced. 

(Yes, he DID pick out the sheets himself... how'd you guess?)

Walking

Iris is walking sooo well! 

And my camera battery charger is lost. I have a new one in the mail, so I'll post some pics soon!

A Pony

She finally has enough hair for this!

Iris' Latest Skill

Big Girl Car Seat

Because she HATES the baby carrier. 

(Yes, we have it rear facing)

After I washed the cover and Jeremy re-assembled it, we put her in it to test it out.

One minute later...

Any Day Now...

She'll climb those stairs

and get her drivers' license

Mobility

Only a few weeks ago Iris started crawling. 

Suddenly she is sitting on her own, pulling herself up on furniture, and trying to crawl upstairs. 

We had to resort to this!