Emma can roll over!

Because I don't seem to document nearly as much of this stuff as I did with Madison, I wanted to get this in writing before I forget! Emma can ROLL OVER! It's one of her first big milestones and it happened yesterday at daycare when no one was looking. They laid her down on her belly, turned around, then looked back and she was on her back. Then last night, eager to catch her in the act, Adam put her down on her belly and almost instantly she flipped right over. Like, duh, of course I can roll over mom. No. Big. Deal.

She also started eating solid food about three weeks ago and has tried cereal, green beans, bananas and peaches. These last five months have flown by, so I want to make sure I remember all of the little stuff. My little turkey's getting big so fast... tear.

some videos for grandma

Emma can talk too :)

This girl will talk your ear off...

And I totally love it. Every day I watch her and listen to her and am in awe at her cuteness and complete sweetness.

Last night was her first night in her new big girl bed, and she proved me wrong once again. I thought she would get up several times and would get herself into all kinds of trouble all over our house. Nope. She slept all night and woke up with a big grin on her face, still excited about her status as a big girl and just reveling in the coolness of her new bed. It's been a big week for her. She got a note in her cubby Tuesday from Miss Emily saying she had stayed dry at school for several consecutive days and had graduated to their potty training program. So, out we went to get big girl panties and she's been in them ever since. We've had a few accidents, but again, she has totally surprised me and has stepped up to the challenge. I think we officially have a big girl on our hands. I'm happy for her and a little sad for me.

While Madison has been busy growing into a big girl, Emma has been keeping pace. She can hold her head up really well now and has started reaching for and grabbing toys. She coos constantly and throws big grins out all over the place. She's also literally been growing like crazy. This kid is going to be tall. Last week we switched from size 3 month jammies straight to 9 month jammies. Just. Like. That.

I love these guys. SO. MUCH.

Madison can ride a bike

Tonight all the pieces clicked and Madison can now officially ride her tricycle. She was pretty proud of herself.

Emma videos

Seriously, one day I will actually blog with commentary... but for now, videos it is.

Happy Birthday Grandma Kate

It's a day late, but I was having technical difficulties posting videos from my youtube account. Grandma Kate, we hope your day was as amazing as you are!

Feeding the chickens

My friend Karla invited us over for dinner and to meet the newest additions to their family—12 chickens! At first Madison was scared of them, but after I told her they don't bite, she quickly warmed up and had a blast feeding them with her buddy Gavyn.

Karla sent us home with a couple of dozen eggs and we didn't waste any time putting them to good use. I LOVE farm fresh eggs, and these couldn't get fresher. Awesome.

Madison swinging

Welp, she's onto me. A couple of seconds into the video you can hear her saying "I don't want my picture taken." Sorry kiddo, you and Emma are going to be two of the most photographed kids on the planet. You will thank me when you are older :)

Emma video for grandma

stinky toes

Madison's initial reaction to Emma? She's got stinky toes of course.

Welcome to the world Baby Nash!

The very first Ahlers (technically a Moser, but still) boy was born today! Jen, my sister-in-law, gave birth to baby Nash this afternoon and we are all over the moon. After 6 girls, I think we all just figured it would be a girl. Ahlers' girls are a handful, so I we're in for it with this one ;)

Welcome to the world Baby Nash, we love you to pieces!

Jazzercise

This video is kind of old, but I just found it again and wanted to post it so I don't forget. We were at the gym for swim class and Madison ran off. We found her at the door to the jazzercise class, rockin' out. I think some dance classes are in her future.

The birthday week celebrations begin

Holy cow, time flies. I can't believe Madison is almost two. And it's like her little body and brain just know it, because I swear she's popped up a size and has started forming more mature thoughts and comments recently.

Today was the kick off to her birthday celebrations (the real day is this Saturday) when two packages arrived in the mail—one from Grandma Kate and Grandpa Melvin, and the other from her Aunt Jen and Uncle Ryan (and Rylie and Brady). She immediately knew they were for her—exclaiming "MY NEW STUFF!!!" when Adam brought the boxes in the door. Here she is opening her first presents as an almost two year old!

Doing "oga"

We're not really sure where she picked this up, but Madison has been doing yoga (aka "oga") a lot lately. Here's a demo of her skills.

Happy Cupcake Day Grandpa

Grandpa Ahlers, this one is for you. Madison thinks that everyone's birthdays are called Happy Cupcake Days, mostly because her favorite thing, cupcakes, are involved. So, we attempted to sing grandpa happy cupcake day... but clearly she was too distracted by the actual cupcake. Grandpa, she had the best of intentions :). We love you, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!