Kickin' It Toddler

When Ainsley hasn't been suffering from an upper respiratory infection or toddler trots this winter, she has been in an absolutely joyful mood. She is gaining words and gestures by the day and has an incredible sense of humor, and sense of the dramatic (AKA manipulation of adults and even her peers at times).

She's been enjoying dress up and imaginary play, loves getting in daddy's clothes and shoes, and often mimics mommy and daddy going to the store, going upstairs, doing a chore, or leaving for the day.

We spent Valentine's Day with Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Farah, cousin Ellie, and Grandma. It was a blast watching the girls interact with each other -- inside jokes at the dinner table, rough and tumble hugs and kisses, dancing, singing, watching snippets of childrens' movies, or "moo-ees" as Ainsley calls them. She loved having grandma sleep in her same room on Sunday night when we were at the Residence Inn -- kept checking on her, "Ga Ga, Ga Ga" lots of laughing. The girls took like fish to water in the pool, and Uncle Jimmy gave them a show while blowing water through noodles and surprising them from under the water.

Earlier this month we went bowling with Grandpa Van Howe. And I admit, I was skeptical that we would make it to shoe rental. But Grandpa was right. She soaked up the environment, started clapping for other players, and eventually got into trying to push the ball down the lane (bumpers included, of course). She reminisces about the bowling experience every time my dad calls -- in toddler code -- granpa, bawal, push, (pushing and clapping motions). And Grandpa and I had fun too -- has been a while since we took in the lanes.

We've enjoyed seeing Alex Criminger more these days. While his mom and sister are at girls' club, Ainsley and I hang out with Alex, ("Akah" per Ainsley). This 11 year old is amazing with her, very patient, and willing to play various games and get beat upon. And like clock work, she knows which days she is to see Alex and she expects him -- eerie and cool all at once.

One of my New Year's resolutions was to get to know the MacBook better, figure out how to do more with videos, and get the videos loading again on the blog....now that I've officially stated this to all of you, I have to actually make an effort (thanks, accountability of Blogger land). We've got some good clips of this 19-monther.

It is amazing to watch her personality unfold; we are so grateful. And we look forward to the spring -- when we can get out more, and when we will welcome some new babies and adopted toddlers into the family. And we keep praying for all the wonderful prospective adoptive parents we know and love....