So Happy Together: Walk!

Spend much time with Ainsley and you will likely hear this command, "Walk!" Ainsley is all about walking. She is enjoying this mode of transportation lately, even experimenting with some running. Most often she will call out walk when you are holding her and she wants down. This usually leads to a bit of a tantrum if she is not allowed to walk at that exact moment. She will also ask to walk when she is in her high chair or car seat and ready to get out. It has been really fun to watch her grow in this area and gain confidence in her abilities.

We have had a fun last month. Some of our adventures include:

Chilly walks in the winter sun

Whenever we get a break from the rain we try to make it outside.

Superbowl party at the Olson's

Thanks for the Olsons for hosting a fun little party this year. Ainsley adored playing with Madelyn. She especially loved going down the slide and playing with Troy's video game machine. Brandon enjoyed watching the game with the guys and I enjoyed chatting with Tricia and Becky while Madelyn & Ainsley played.

Flower girl (Ainsley) & Bridesmaid (Heather) in Joylyn & Josh's wedding

What an absolute honor to be a part of Joylyn & Josh's special day. When Joylyn had first started dating Josh, I had teased Joylyn about Ainsley being her flower girl in their wedding. A year and a half later it was a reality.

I was of course nervous about how Ainsley would do with walking down the aisle. She did fantastic. And I owe a huge thank you to several people on that part, number one the ring bearers! Our friends, the Lush's, sons did a wonderful job of being patient and holding Ainsley's hand as she walked (a big job for a six year old and a four year old). Second, a thank you to my mom for basically walking Ainsley down the aisle. Ainsley really enjoyed her walk down the aisle, she wanted to stop and say "hi" to everyone and at one point thought about sitting down. Brandon was waiting at the end of the aisle to pick her up.

Thanks to Deb for the pictures she snapped during the rehearsal and the wedding!

Rehearsal

Rehearsal Dinner for the wedding

Dressed and ready to go - waiting for her flower girl duties

Pictures with the ring bearers

With the bride & groom

Stopping to chat on the way down the aisle

Valentine's Day

Ainsley enjoyed her first peanut butter chocolate chip cookie for Valentine's Day - yummy!!

Swimming Lessons

We began Ainsley's second session of swimming lessons this month. This time we are taking lessons at the Kroc Community Center. The lessons our very similar to those we took at the YMCA last spring, which is great. An added bonus is that we are free to play after the lessons end, which is very fun. The Kroc Center has a great area called the beach, that is shallow and fun for Ainsley to walk and crawl in. So far she has protested each day when it is time to leave, saying "Water, water, water."

Playing at the park

Just like our walks, we enjoy the opportunity to head to the park on sunny days. We especially love it when Daddy can join us! On one of our recent trips to the park, Ainsley found a ball and had a blast throwing it and kicking it. Now every time we mention going to the park she responds with "Ball?"

Playing with Auntie April at the park

Walking at the park with Daddy

Ball!

Rocking the slide

Father - Daughter time at the park

Brunch at Grammy & Grandpopz's house

We have family brunch at my parents house about once a month. Ainsley enjoys playing with Grammy & Grandpopz and Uncle Scott & Aunt April.

Reading with Grammy after brunch

Tricycle

The Brewsters were kind enough to give us a tricycle that their kids have outgrown and Ainsley is loving it! Thanks, Brewsters!

Playdate at the Brewsters

Riding her new tricycle

Potty

At Ainsley's 18 month well baby visit our pediatrician asked if we had done anything in the area of potty training. I said we hadn't and she suggested getting a potty chair and having Ainsley sit on it before bath time. We decided to try it and Ainsley loves that potty! She is super excited about it. And to our surprise has even had a few successes before bath time. We are by no means in full potty training mode, but it is fun to have her be so excited about it.