Watch Me Grow!

Sydnee is two months old already! Where did the time go? We went for her checkup yesterday and here's the results: she is 20 1/2 inches long, and weighs only 9 lbs. 8 oz. She is only in the third percentile for her height and weight (Hallie was always in the 80th and above percentile for her height and weight), so she is quite the petite baby.

Here are some of her accomplishments this month: In the last week, Sydnee has started trying to smile. She opens her mouth really big and smiles for a second, but it doesn’t happen all the time yet although she’s getting there! She also follows the sound of our voices, and is very alert and LOVES to be outside. She loves to watch the leaves on the trees and when she cries, sitting outside is the only thing that calms her down. Sydnee has also started to “coo” once in a while and she bats at toys too. Sydnee cooed for the first time while Hallie was playing with her and she screamed, “Mommy, Sydnee’s talking to me!” Sydnee is progressively becoming a better sleeper. She sleeps for about 6-7 hours the first stretch of sleep, then she’s up every two hours. We’ve learned though, after having Hallie, that being a “good” sleeper can change rather quickly, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed that it continues. Oh and just for the record... Sydnee is a mommy's girl.

Sydnee loves: getting her diaper changed
Sydnee hates: Being left alone

Farewell Elder Drake, ETTE!

We were so fortunate to see my brother, Ryan, leave for his mission. He was able to meet Sydnee for the first time before leaving for the MTC which was so fun for him. Good luck Elder Drake, we'll see ya in two years! Endure to the End! I know the people in Colorado will love having him serve there. We'll miss you tons.

Pretty, Pretty, Grandpa!?

While we visited my parents, Grandpa was good enough to entertain Hallie with one of her favorite games... Pretty, Pretty, Princess. Yes, dad, this is proof... but not to embarass you, only to show what a good grandpa you are!! I know Hallie loved every minute of it.

Packin' Up the Kids!

Today we're going to Grandma and Grandpa Drake's house for Uncle Ryan's mission farewell. Looks like we have everything...the girls are ready to go don't you think? Hallie is especially excited. Sydnee is looking at her like Hallie is psychotic.

Happy Anniversary Rejc's!

A year ago on July 20th, my best friend Carly and her now hubby, John, tied the knot! Happy anniversary you guys, and thanks for all the wonderful memories I have with you two in them since high school!! Where has the time gone? I hope you have a great anniversary!

From left: Nikki, Kelly, Carly, and me

Potty-Training Success!

For the last three months, we have tried a couple times to potty-train Hallie, and it's been a flop every time. Last Wednesday, I decided I'd had enough. Her "big girl" bum was just too big to be wiping after changing her diaper, so I threw out the rest of the diapers we had left and I never turned back. A day and half, four accidents, and 30 potty dances later , she was potty-trained!! (Editor's note: Cameron DOES NOT do the potty dance, he only gives her high-fives; so thank goodness mommy was home to potty-train her or peeing in the potty wouldn't have been something to get that excited about!) She has even pooped in the potty already. Yes, believe it or not, Hallie was more than ready, it was just mommy and daddy who weren't ready for their big girl to grow up... okay, okay, we were just really lazy. We're so shocked how quick potty-training was... unfortunately we now expect the same from Sydnee. She has some big shoes to fill when it comes time for her to get potty-trained. Way to go Hallie!!!!

Some Baby Loves

My favorite thing in the whole world: kissing my baby girl's soft, chubby cheeks. Every mom needs a little baby love everyday.

Three Rivers Festival

We have learned that Fort Wayne is the "city of festivals." Who knew? When we found this out, we had to attend at least one festival, so we picked the rainiest and muggiest day of the summer to attend the Three Rivers Festival in downtown Fort Wayne. The festival started with a parade that Hallie wasn't too entertained with... but I guess that comes with old age!? So we left the parade early and bought some tickets so Hallie could ride some kiddie rides. Being the "smart" parents that we thought we were, we figured Hallie would love the rides, and that we'd be able to squeeze a few rides in before it rained, so we bought $20 worth of tickets. Then we put her on a ride... she loved it and wanted to ride another and unfortunately, it started to rain!? Needless to say, we have now $17 worth of unused ride tickets. After a few sprinkles hit, we figured it was time to tour "junk food alley" which is a road full of fried food vendors. After a few gyros (pita sandwhiches which are delicious!) and hot dogs, we headed home.

Hallie Plays with Sydnee

Hallie was playing so good with Sydnee yesterday by running up to her and saying, "Boo!" really loud. Sydnee's eyes would just get wider every time she did it, probably wondering what that weird noise was!? Hallie eventually stopped playing with her and Sydnee started to get fussy so Hallie started singing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" to her and I just had to record it! In case you don't understand "Hallie Lingo," after I catch her singing to Sydnee, she tells me to "stop singing" (which she does quite often when I sing!?) and then after she takes Sydnee's socks off to give her feet kisses, she says, "They stink! PU!" Now you'll appreciate the humor in the video a little more!

My Little Girl Has Pigtails That Curl!

If any of you know Hallie, you know that she has a little problem with growing her hair. Since she was a baby, she has had the same amount of hair as Grandpa Drake (sorry, dad, but it's true!). And even then, Grandpa Drake has had more hair than Hallie at times! But lately, Hallie's hair has really started growing; and the other day, I PUT IT IN PIGTAILS!!!!! I know it looks a little silly, but you all know I've waited for this day for a very long time (2 years, 5 months, and twenty-three days to be exact). I'm so proud of Hallie's cute little pigtails!

The Zoo Crew...

During this Fourth of July weekend, we took the girl's to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo (voted one of the nation's best Children's Zoo's). Since we have a pass, we go almost on a weekly basis but this time it was a special treat to go with Daddy.
Most children look forward to seeing the animals at the zoo, but our girls are not "most children." When we tell Hallie that we're going to the zoo, she asks, "To play in the water?" The zoo has a few little "splash" areas for the kids to cool off in and apparently that's the only attraction Hallie thinks is at the zoo. Maybe I should educate her more!?

Sydnee's favorite attraction is the comfy stroller because it's the best place to sleep (what else do you expect from a one-month-old!?). All in all, it was a fun day together as a family.

The New Hot Dog Eating Contest Champ!?

Cameron and his co-workers are always thinking of new things to do while at work (instead of actually working), so for lunch yesterday, Cameron and his co-worker Aaron went to Coney Island to see who could eat five hot dogs the fastest in three minutes. (A few other co-workers went along for pure entertainment.) Three minutes later, they named Cameron the new champion. Cam ate all five hot dogs and only had 1 1/2 buns left to eat while Aaron had 2 hot dogs plus the buns left to eat. After the competition they asked the new champ to comment on the competition, but Cam was too busy ordering desert!?!?!? I would say I'm proud of my husband, but I don't know if being able to eat 3 1/2 hot dogs in three minutes is a good or bad thing!?!?!? But congrats anyway! I'm so proud that you could shove that much (questionable) beef and soggy bread in your mouth at one time. :) Go Cam!