scarlett turns 2

(i tried to had scarlett hold out a "2" for every picture, but it didn't work out.)

(amelia wanted to match her sister)

(she was unsure, because the blue&gold macaw was right behind her cawing at her)

(mani's for the girls!)

(AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

oh, we spoiled this girl all day long! pancakes for breakfast, aquarium, cupcakes and singing as soon as dad got home, chick fil a for dinner (with fries, frosted lemonade, and an ice cream cone), family game night, and a visit from ah ma & ah gong!

i didn't get teary at all, my heart just ached a little. i'm so happy to get to know the beautiful child she's growing in to, i just feel like it's flying by so fast! at two years old, she's in 18-24 months clothes, runs/jumps/dances/copies anything big sis does, sings the last word to so many songs, counts to 10 (with help), knows her colors, sings her ABCs, tells me when she needs to go potty about 50% for the time (no, we're not potty-training yet). on her birthday, i was especially tired and when she asked me to "carry you!" i told her that i had to carry the baby, but we could hold hands. she's been such a big girl ever since, and content being a good girl for mom. she's not a super affectionate babe, and i've had to "work with her" on giving loves (ie. i request hugs and kisses and for her to say "i love you, mom" every time she comes to sit on my lap -- jer thinks it is hilarious that i do this). she's the sweetest child, the quickest learner, has a little problem with putting things that are off limits in her mouth, LOVES the wheels on the bus song and actions, has the squishiest cheeks (face and bum!).

we love our babe so much, i can barely contain it!

13

happy new year babe!

we get to meet in just a few months and i'm excited and calm at the same time! i've been feeling a bit more teary this week thinking about my babies growing up. i came across the thought of amelia graduating preschool and starting kindergarten this year (something i've prepared for previously) and broke down thinking about how time doesn't slow down. by the time you come, we will have a 5 year old and a 2.5 year old! i think it's comfortable thinking you are a girl because it's so familiar, because i've loved little girls for all these years. i've also had dreams that you are a boy, exciting and breathtaking dreams, because it's just such unknown territory. i can't wait to find out so we can hone in on your name. my bump has popped out nicely, and i love it! i can't wait for you to get big enough that we can feel kicks-- amelia has been asking if you're kicking daily. she also sings to you, tells you she loves you, and knows exactly how many weeks you are; she can't wait to be a big sister again. scarlett knows a baby is in my belly, but i'm not sure she'll really get it until you arrive. you've got some friends coming around the same time you are, and i'm excited for you to meet them! you're so blessed, we're so blessed!

love, mom

christmas morning for the bodtchers

santa wrapped up our front room again!

(amelia's face when she unwrapped her pringles and her watch, so so perfect)

christmas morning is just magical at this age! i've wondered about how to go about our focus during the christmas season, and then i just didn't stress about it. santa wrapped up our front room and stuffed our stockings and it was great. amelia was a little confused about why santa didn't bring her presents and we just explained to her that santa brings each child whatever they need... because mom and dad already got her all her presents, santa just stuffed our stockings. lame? oh well. i've never told her that she needs to "be good so santa will bring her presents" and have really tried to focus our season on christ and following his example of service. and although i don't want santa to be the focus of christmas for our family, i also didn't want our kids to start the "santa's not real" panic on the playground. i didn't grow up believing in santa, and this is all so new and magical... i'm glad that i didn't stress about it and it ended up perfectly anyway!

love these girls and their grateful hearts!