We checked out the Washington County "Bunny Hop" in Cottage Grove one Friday night. You moved from room to room and there were all sorts of fun things for little ones to do....crafts, play doh, toys, large motor room (slides, trampoline, etc.), story reading, and a guy doing music. She loved it! And as a mom, I just love that stuff. I love seeing her with kids her own age and it was especially fun to have daddy be able to come with us so he could see her in that environment as well. We paid $10 and got a flimsy "free" book, but it was a great time.
She cracks me up....she doesn't get scared of Santa's or people in large bunny costumes!
Daddy took a Monday off and we were off to the Mall of America in our attempt to squeeze in some fun family activities before Rory arrives and also to celebrate Gwendolyn's birthday since we didn't have a party this year. What a GREAT day! I was bummed b/c I couldn't ride any of the rides (I'm such a thrill seeker, you guys) but I thoroughly enjoyed watching her expressions (or lack thereof) from the ground. She loved the first ride and was pretty serious the rest of the time. But it still melted my heart to see her out there with her daddy doing such "big girl" things.
We had a great gift certificate for Rain Forest Cafe (her meal was free for her birthday and then $5 off our bill of $20 or more.)
Cheers to being TWO!
They even sang Happy Birthday to her! I think she was a mix of confused and slightly embarrassed *smile.
Babies heartbeat was up in the 170's during my appointment on the March 8th, so my midwife Bridget wanted to hook me up to the monitors for 20 minutes to make sure it came back down. They have this great cozy room with a recliner, couch, pillows, magazines and a TV all set up for little ones to watch a movie if their mommy has to have monitoring. She loved it, and to be honest it was quite relaxing!
Thankfully, his heartbeat did come down and all looked great.
I've heard such great things about this open play at a place here in town called Perpetual Motion so we checked it out with some friends one Friday afternoon. There were little obstacle courses, balance beams, foam pits, trampolines and little things for them to climb over and under and through. (Can I play?!) She thought it was great. The timing bites as it was from 11:30 to 12:30 so she spent the last 10 minutes with her head on my shoulder, but all in all it was a lot of fun.
The trampoline!
She had to hold on to my hand, but I was so proud of her for going across the balance beam! Jumping into the foam pit at the end was a bit too daunting, understandably.
34 weeks...no hands!
Another big day - moving her car seat to forward facing!!
She and I went on a road trip down to my parents so I thought she'd enjoy being able to see out before the 2.5 hour drive. I was right!! She's much happier and more content and we had a great trip both ways.
It was fabulous to see some of my bf's from high school for our annual progressive dinner. Never a dull (or quiet) moment and it's amazing how having 8 hours together still isn't enough time. I think we would need a full week! Love them all so much! Also loved meeting sweet Hattie Jeanne who was born at the end of January!
She loved me, can't you tell?!
Look who just thought she had to join us for the main meal (which was so fab - go mom and dad!!)
She enjoyed bananas while we savored our creamy brown rice, asparagus, and parmesan crusted salmon caught in Lake Michigan.
Such a mama's girl...
This is her in the church nursery having snack time. It was her second to last time in the "infant" room and it was our Sunday to volunteer so I grabbed a quick pic to document her with her friends. I always love seeing all the little ones up to the tables eating their graham crackers and drinking water from sippy cups. Cracks me up. You know your child is ready to move on to the next room (despite you possibly not being ready) when she starts bossing the other "babies" around. We shouldn't laugh, but we caught her pointing her finger at one of the little girls and saying "no no".
Yup, she's ready for the 2 and 3 year old room and hanging with kids her own age! We actually transitioned her yesterday and they couldn't believe it was her first day. When we picked her up, the leader said she washed her hands and drank from a cup as if she'd done it a 100 times! So cute.
A family from daycare was selling some things so we picked up this cradle and highchair and she loooooves them both. Here she is taking care of her "triplets." She told me that they were having "pizza" for dinner. Yum!
As I was observing her, she gave each of them kisses. So thankful for her tender heart!
Tom took another day off so we could check out the Children's Museum in St. Paul the day before her birthday. I had a bad feeling as soon as we pulled up and saw school buses parked out front (key word "buses") so it was a bit crowded for our liking, but a nice little family adventure.
Doesn't take a whole lot to entertain a 2 year old (well technically, she is 1 and 364 days in this picture.) Gwendolyn ran up and down this ramp over and over and over and over again and only stopped b/c we pulled her away.
The water tables were a hit!
Craft time...she thought the glue was pretty cool.
The mini grocery store was awesome....she loved "shopping" and unloading her cart.
Tunnels are more fun with daddy!
We wrapped up the month with a date day with Grant and Brooke. They're moving back to Ohio in May....boohoohoo *very sad face. We took them to Lookout Ridge here in town, got ice cream, ate popcorn and watched a movie, and then had dinner at McDonald's. (Sounds like the perfect day to a pregnant girl!) Love them so much and will miss them like crazy. Gwendolyn adores them and it's been so.much.fun having them 30 minutes away for 2 years! We were spoiled!!
Easter....
After church, we headed to Eden Prairie for a fabulous meal and Gwendolyn's first Easter egg hunt. Finding things and putting them in a basket is totally up her alley!
The kiddos open some gifts from the Easter Bunny...
Woah, that was a busy month!! This doesn't even include her birthday pics, which I hope to get to soon. Like really soon since I'm nervous/wondering if Rory may decide to make his appearance early. I may be in the final days of my pregnancy, but really for the most part I am feeling great and am not quite ready. Although, I realize I don't get a say so I should probably be ready.
Off to get lots done!
Enjoy your Monday!
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