Growing Like Weeds

Sometimes I have to take a step back and make sure I am enjoying every moment with my girls because before I know it, my little Rose will be 5!  That just doesn't seem possible!  But truth be told, she is needing Paul and I less and less and is becoming more and more of a help to me.  A couple of weeks ago, we were running late, like usual, and I asked her if she could try to get Madeline dressed for me and she did!  If you give her a task, she is pretty determined to show us that she can do it by herself.  Just recently she learned to ride a two-wheeler and in a matter of two days has become quite the little pro.  She can start, stop, and turn around without any assistance.  All we have to do now is watch and hope she and Ava don't run into each other:)  She can now do cartwheels, handstands, write Mommy and Daddy and many other words, etc.

View a video of Rose's bike riding skills here:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/17286448/MVI_1170.AVI.wmv

Rose's determination and fearlessness are good examples for Ava.  The naturally more shy and unsure Ava quickly gains confidence when she sees Rose do something, because she wants to be like her big sister.  The girls are taking private swimming lessons together and although Ava had a rough first lesson, she calmed down with the comfort of big sister.  Now she will try to doggie-paddle by herself, go under the water, and whatever else the swim instructor asks of her.  We are so proud...that is a big step for her!  It is amazing to see how comfortable she is in the water after getting over her fears the first lesson.  Hopefully these lessons will make visits to the pool a little less stressful!

Blowing bubbles with Ms. BJ

Many times even my little Madeline acts more like a 3 year old than a 20 month old because she tries to mimic her sisters.  She insists on being included in everything they do.  I especially love when she plays pretend with the big girls.  The other day she had dress-up shoes on, a purse on her shoulder, turned to wave and say, "Bye!"  I asked her if she was going to the store and she said yeah and walked off.  She will also crawl around the floor pretending to be a baby or sometimes an animal.  It cracks me up:)  

Madeline helping ice Easter cookies

I feel very blessed to have 3 wonderful little girls.  I just wish I could freeze some moments with them and make them last forever!

Hugs!