Happy 2nd Birthday Gwen!!!!

Today Gwen turns 2 and I can hardly believe it! How has she gotten to be so big already! We have had a very busy week and will tell you all about it soon. Pictures to come later today, but for now...Happy Birthday Gwen!!!!!!

I can't believe Gwen did that!!!!!!!

These are the words I find myself saying all too often these days. Here are some of the highlights from this month alone!

1. If you have been following Gwen's blog, you may recall the video of Gwen being dragged around the floor with a cane by her Poppy. This was all great fun, especially for Gwen. However, when at a funeral dinner last week she stole Sister Martha's (her great-Aunt) cane and ran around the room laughing!

2. Gwen has proved herself as quite the counter. She has been counting to 10 without help for a couple weeks now. She skips 6 every now and then, but I never thought at 2 when would be counting past 3!

3. In preparation for Gwen's birthday, we have been ordering some things online and getting some fun packages at the door. However, since celebrating her Great-Grandmother's birthday last week...any mention of "birthday" and she starts singing "Happy Birthday to You"... So funny!

4. FYI--don't let Gwen know there are presents in the house. This morning I opened a package that contained a birthday present for her to open on her birthday from Bubba and Gammy. Silly me, but I let her help open the package and she attempted to open the present too! I put the present up on the table and when we came home, guess what she wanted to do? Open the present!!!!!! Don't worry, she only got the bow off! The rest will have to wait!

5. I have these little figurines in my bedroom on a bookshelf that are a bride and groom--given to me by Brad before our wedding. Gwen calls them "babies" because they are small and chubby I guess. Anyway, yesterday she took the "babies" and had them riding the "T" (our wedding cake topper) like a sleigh and saying "Ho Ho Babies!" (meaning Santa's babies) and then they proceeded to use it like a slide! What an imagination!

6. Just this afternoon, these are to words that came out of Gwen's mouth as we pulled in the driveway: "OH...MY...GOD! Daddy truck snow!" She noticed that Brad's truck was still covered in snow, but where the beginning came from I have no idea!

Oh, and since I had 3 snow days this week and a 2 hour delay today (it really gets crazy when 8 inches of snow hits a place that isn't used to that much!) Gwen and I have had some fun in the snow. Here are just some pictures from Mondays adventures:

Gwen's attempt at the slide

Yesterday Miss Gwen started getting a cold, and today she felt horrible. Once Brad got home she settled in for what we hoped would be a long winter nap. We hope she's feeling better soon!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Daddy's lovely ladies

Gwen preparing to go see Minnie Mouse!

After getting a nasty diaper rash, Gwen tested out her big girl panties and played on the farm

Where's Gwen?

Soup anyone???? Come and get it!!!!!

I just made a doughnut!!!!!!

Sorry Ash, but the Colts aren't #1. But we had fun watching the Super Bowl

Who wants to go out in the snow? I'm ready!!!!

Love you!!!!!!

We never know what Gwen will do next, but she always gets us in on the fun!!!!! She started it!!!!!

What a weekend!!!!!

This past weekend we made a grand journey to pay a visit the newest member of the McKenzie family--Lilly!!!! Our weekend began with a trip to Jenn and Andy's house in Indianapolis.

At Jenn and Andy's house Gwen was quite the entertainer. First she did a comedy routine of surprises...

Then she did a performance of "The Wheels on the Bus." Unfortunately, it was getting late and Gwen's energy was starting in lessen, so she never did finish the song.

After getting a good night's rest, the road trip continued on to Chicago. With a nap, a wave to Joey as we passed Purdue, and a couple of movies... we arrived at Gammy and Bubba's house. Then we were off again to see...Who? LILLY!!!!!!!!!!!

Uncle Brad took his turn at holding Lilly. Look how tiny she is!!!!!

I too took my turns holding my niece. What a good sleeper she is!!!

Miss Gwen did come with us to see Lilly, however she was in need of a nap and some Bubba time.

It was a quick visit, but well worth it. Sunday we headed home and made great time. Miss Gwen is now dealing with an ear infection, but that isn't stopping her from her usual adventures. Don't worry Lilly, Gwen will come back and see you soon!!!! We love you!!!!!!

Goofball Gwen!

Just some funnies! Gwen never fails to amaze me with what she comes up with. After going through the laundry she found a tail!!!!
Gram and Poppy recently got hardwood floors, Gwen wanted to help Poppy clean...

A new talent!

Happy Birthday Lilly!!!!!!!!

Auntie Erin and Uncle Don Don's baby arrived this afternoon at 2:46 pm...Lillian Grace McKenzie. She weighed in at 6 lbs. 6 oz., 20 1/2 inches long, and has very light strawberry blonde hair. Like Gwen, she too arrived right on schedule on her due date!!!!!!! Way to be prompt girls! We are so very excited for the McKenzies and can't wait to meet Lilly! Gwen was so excited this evening when we heard the news that she continued talking about "Baby Wuwe" until bed :-) We love you already Lilly and will be heading up to see you as soon as we can!!!!!!!!

As part of our Welcome to the World/Happy Birthday Party for Lilly, we made a sign...(It says: "Happy Birthday Lilly! We love you!!!")

"I will hold it here for all to read"

"How about I give Lilly a great big smile?!?!?!"

"This sign is getting really heavy!"

With the camera out and taking pictures, Gwen also wanted to share with you her new and improved playroom. Since the addition of the kitchen at Christmas, some things had to be moved around. Mommy's need for organization kicked in and this is the result...a clean and organized playroom...for now.

"Welcome to Gwen's house!!!!!"

"On the left you will find all my toys neatly put away in the place, and on the right is Gwen's house. For a complete tour please visit in person."

Christmas with the Caseys

Before heading off the Chicago, Gwen spent some time lounging around.

A few days after Christmas, all of us headed north. First visiting Jenn and Andy in Indianapolis and having a wonderful time playing with their dogs. Then we made the rest of the trip up to Chicago. We had a great time seeing our friends and family. We spent lots of time with Erin and Gammy and Bubba which was wonderful! Here are some of the highlights:

Gwen with her snowman friends

Gwen sledding with Daddy

Gwen's 2nd snow angel (with the help of Auntie Erin and Mommy)

Gwen and Bubba checking out the tree skirt

Gwen helped Gammy open her presents

Gwen even modeled her dress from Auntie Kelley

Christmas presents are always fun to open!

Gwen grabbed the camera and started taking pictures. Most were of her thumb, but with some help she was able to take this great pic of the parents to be.

Gwen has had some trouble sleeping (and therefore I have too). After a discussion with her pediatrician at a check up, we decided to move Gwen to her Big Girl Room!!!!! It has only been since Monday, but she is doing well with the change. Now to move all her stuff....