Paige's Two Year Professional Pictures

A couple of weeks ago, we had one of Drew's co-workers take a few pictures to mark Paige's two year milestone. Paige isn't much for posed photos right now, so I figured this would be the best option. We just received the CD with all of the shots and I think they turned out great. Here are a few of my favorites. They can all be viewed at http://www.hamfamilyphoto.shutterfly.com/.

First Attempt at the Toddler Bed

As you all know, Paige isn't the best sleeper. She still wakes up at night on a fairly regular basis and often fights going to sleep in the first place. So, because we've tried everything else, we thought we'd give the toddler bed a try. Drew and I figured it might give her some motivation to want to go to bed. Paige was excited to be able to crawl in and out of her bed by herself, maybe a little too excited. She wouldn't stay in the bed for naps or at night. It lasted about 24 hours before we decided to go back to the four crib walls that at least keep her contained! Maybe in a few more months...

By the way, now when we say "cheese" to get Paige to smile for the camera, we get a squinty eyed grin. Oh well.

Second Birthday Barnyard Bash

This year we celebrated Paige's second birthday with a barnyard bash. I figured it was appropriate given the area that we live. I'm not sure if it's the beginning of the terrible two's or just Paige exerting her independence, but she didn't want much to do with pictures at the party so the posed shots of her are few and far between. Of course, it rained that day, which put a bit of a damper on some of our plans, but we had a great time with our family and friends and are so appreciative of everyone that came to celebrate Paige being two!

See more pictures at http://www.hamfamilyphoto.shutterfly.com/

Halloween 2010

This Halloween we all donned a costume. Drew and I were invited to a neighbor's Halloween party so we went as Fred and Wilma Flintstone. We enjoyed the night out with the Iten's and Ernsberger's.

Paige enjoyed trick or treating this year as a butterfly. She quickly caught on to the concept and was excited about getting all of the candy, but she wore out after several houses. Good thing, because Mommy and Daddy are still eating the candy! Our little butterfly isn't much for posing for pictures lately, so this is the best we could get.

http://www.hamfamilyphoto.shutterfly.com/

Grandma and Grandpa Visit for My Party

Grandma and Grandpa came to visit shortly after we returned from Mexico, for Paige's birthday party. Paige loved having all the extra attention, although she was very concerned that it meant Mommy and Daddy were leaving again. During their visit, we went to a wilderness safari close by. Paige wasn't so sure about some of the animals but warmed up by the end. The baby tiger was her favorite; she treated it just like it was one of her sisters.

We were so happy to have Grandma and Grandpa here to celebrate at Paige's birthday party and they were a huge help with all of the preparation. We miss them and can't wait to see them next month!

See more pictures at http://www.hamfamilyphoto.shutterfly.com/

Mexico

Once life finally began settling down after the move, we, along with the Iten's, decided it was time for an adult only vacation. Jodee's mom was generous enough to let us use her timeshare in Riveria Maya, Mexico for a week. So, we took Paige and the dogs to Drew's parents in St. Louis and boarded a plane for some much needed relaxation. The four of us enjoyed drinks by the pool during the day and early bedtimes each evening. We even survived Hurricane Paula, which turned out to be just heavy rain. Life was great in paradise, but we missed Paige greatly.

Meanwhile, Paige was having a great time wearing out her Nana and Papa. She loved playing with Lucy and her aunts and uncles. Sleeping was a little tough for her while we were gone but she found a cozy spot right next to Nana. Thanks to everyone who helped take such good care of her that week!

http://www.hamfamilyphoto.shutterfly.com/

Paige's Second Birthday at the Pumpkin Patch

Happy 2nd Birthday Paige! We celebrated by going to the pumpkin patch with the Iten's and the Jones'. It was a beautiful fall day, perfect for finding the ideal pumpkin!

I know I say this with every post, but it is amazing how quickly time flies. When did my 5lb 5oz little baby become a walking, talking, full-fledge toddler? Speaking of talking, Paige has a lot to say. She started talking in sentences a couple of months ago, with her first being, "I want my book." It's fun to have an actual conversation with her but with all that talking also comes lots of opinions. She definitely lets us know when she doesn't like something!

Paige's favorite things right now are playing outside on her playset (she loves to go down the slide on her beebo), dressing her magnetic "Barbie" dolls, reading, and watching Seasame Street. She seems to be enjoying school and talks about the class hamster, Chip, often. She's also napping on a mat at school without any problems, which still amazes me.

We recently went to the doctor for her two year check-up and all is well. She's grown, but continues to stay pretty much in the same range as she's been.

Weight - 24lbs - 14%

Height - 34 1/2 in -62%

Head circumference - I think this was 19 1/2 in, which is 92%

See more photos at: http://www.hamfamilyphoto.shutterfly.com/ (We were having some issues with our camera so some of them are dark, some are washed out. Sorry!)