February 2-9

Olivia likes to sing.  You know this.  You probably also know that she carries a tune remarkably well for a toddler.  Usually I know what she's singing even if I can't understand the words because the melody is so clear.  In fact, up until recently, I could ALWAYS figure out what she was singing from the tune alone.  About two weeks ago, though, she added a new song to her repertoire.  The tune was... indistinct.  After much careful watching (because this song had motions) and listening, Bryan and I figured out what she was singing: Little Cabin in the Woods.  Apparently she knows most of the words and actions, but has absolutely no idea what the tune is.  Since she likes the song, she sings it anyway, making up her own tune as she goes along.  :)

Gretchen is speeding through developmental milestones.  She started clapping a little bit this week, shakes her head all the time, and blows raspberries with Olivia.  Her favorite thing to do with toys is move them from one basket to another (or, in a pinch, from the floor to the basket and back again).  She crawls on hands and knees now, but only if she's not in a hurry.  She pulls herself up on furniture, much to her sister's dismay, and cruises (cautiously) along the edge.  Since the concept of walking is still difficult, she mostly wobbles along the edge of furniture and hopes her feet will follow.  Currently, her trips back to the floor are terror-filled ordeals that often end in tears, so we're hoping she masters lowering herself down next.  On Saturday I saw her go from hands and knees to sitting for the first time.  I'm not even sure she realized that she did it.

We were with Bryan's parents this week because I had symphony in Lima.  Olivia especially was excited to spend so much time with Grandma and Grandpa.  :)

Did I ever put up more of our family photos?  I know I gave a link that I am assuming worked because no one said otherwise.

Pictures:
Just before Christmas, we took some pictures with Bryan's family.  Olivia was rather displeased with this photo shoot as well, but we did manage to get a few good ones.  :)