Just being silly & cute

This is a classic shot of Abby these days. She loves any opportunity to climb onto Mike whenever he's on the floor. Here he was trying to tape off the baseboards in the living room prior to painting, and she had to climb on.
My 2 kids!! They love each other so much its just fun to watch them interact. Abby had just finished her bath and was out drying off when she sat down to watch tv. Roxy joined her.....only because she had a snack cup of goldfish at her side. Any opportunity for a dropped snack! Cute photo opportuity nonetheless.

Play Kitchen Fun!

Here are some more birthday gift photos!

Grandma Donna & Great Aunt Arlene bought Abby a play kitchen for her 2nd birthday, and Grandma Smith bought her the cute dollie (or in this case, teddy bear) high chair!

She LOVES making pregnant mommy sit on the floor next to her kitchen so she can serve me food and drinks. And it is a requirement that I make noises of enjoyment like slurping and saying "yummy", or the playing is just not fun.

Its funny, she even uses the fake water/ice dispenser on the front of the fridge like I do on our real fridge!! Kids pick up on everything!

Frying up some eggs! The pans audibly sizzle and boil on the stovetop, the microwave and oven have buttons that beep and make appropriate cooking noises, and there is a phone that has buttons as well! She also loves washing her hands in the sink.

Kid Updates

Abby had her 2 year check-up yesterday and (aside from a mild ear infection in one ear, which really hasn't even affected her this time around) she got a clean bill of health. She is 34 1/2" tall (70th percentile), and 26.0 lbs (40th percentile). The doctor was very happy with her growth and development, and she received 2 more immunizations and a flu shot. And finally we start seeing the doctor annually for well-checks, instead of twice a year or more.

And I had my 36-week appointment for Baby Smith #2 today as well as a final growth ultrasound which showed that she is definitely head down. The doctor estimates that she is about 6lbs 14oz right now and should be just under 8lbs if I make it to my scheduled induction on the morning of November 3rd! So I got to see her in 3-D as well, and we think she looks just like Abby did, little round chubby face, and of course with her hand up in front of her nose. And the technician said she has a full head of hair....to be sure I bring a brush to the hospital with me! She pointed out the fuzzy head and it was obvious! So I'm anxious to see if her hair comes out the same color as Abby's was, and if it will stay and grow as much as Abby's has (she really never lost any hair after delivery and it only keeps growing). She is still very active and manages to keep me uncomfortable quite often, so these last 3 weeks (or less) are a true countdown!

The Dollhouse

Abby's gift from us for her birthday was this fun family dollhouse. She loves it and hasn't taken herself away from it since I put it together Sunday morning. She woke up to it and was so excited. Of course the 1" baby dolls are her favorite, but she has learned to incorporate all the pieces for hours of fun. Of course I love that it keeps her busy in her toy room!!

Birthday cards are so much fun

Abby received a few "singing" birthday cards for her birthday, which were a real hit! Here she is enjoying them.....as she has done repeatedly over the last few days! We're just wondering when the batteries will run out.

She gets a real kick out of them, and smiles and often dances everytime she opens them.

Birthday Cake

We had to get a small cake to celebrate her BIG day!

Of course it was yummy, and she devoured almost every last crumb.

Singing "Happy Birthday"

Blowing out candles.....her "blow" feature isn't very effective yet! Maybe next year!!

She started out eating the cake with the fork I provided her......

Then after several fork bites, she suddenly dropped the fork and grabbed the cake with 2 hands and ferociously continued eating it like so.....much more effective at getting the chocolate into the mouth.

She's always good for some funny expressions, so I had to post the sequence of her cake consumption.

And then, it was all over! Til next year! Then we will be celebrating our kids birthdays back to back only a few weeks apart.

Abby's 2nd Birthday....Out to dinner

We took our 2 year old to Red Robin to celebrate her big birthday! She had a great time, loved the balloon of course, and got a yummy dessert with the waitresses singing to her!

And here she is trying to feed me a bite of her sundae......she loves to share!

Day trip to Williamsburg, VA

We took a day trip up to Williamsburg on Friday. Here are some fun memories. Abby had a good time and it was a beautiful day to be outside.

Waiting outside for lunch, collecting rocks.....her new hobby

Ooooh......horsies!

And cows!!! Farm animals are her favorite, so they were a hit.

Walking with Great Grandma Paulette

Mike and I taking a rest

Abby joined in the photo with a funny face

With the great grandparents

"Peekaboo"

And finally a never missed opportunity to eat ice cream! Blue sherbet!! Yummy!!

I caught her talking to herself on the bench....always a classic

East Coast Hawkeye Ball 2009

Well, even being 8 months pregnant and 4 weeks away from delivery, we managed to attend the annual Hawkeye Ball. We haven't been to the large East Coast ball in 3+ years and missed the past 2 West Coast balls due to deployment and Abby's birth, so it was fun to see so many familiar faces that have crossed paths with us over our years in California. This small military community we are in is such a blessing, with such great friends. We didn't stay too late though, my pregnant feet were screaming at me. And the great grandparents stayed and watched Abby for the night. Everyone had a good time.

Visit with Grma & Grmpa Reiss in Virginia

Abby's Great-Grandma and Grandpa Reiss came to visit this past week and Abby has really enjoyed the extra company around the house and our daily outings.

At the beach splashing in the water....which ws amazingly warm for the first week of October!
Great Grandpa Bob showing Abby how to dig a hole and find the little crabs below

Fun walking in the water wih Great Grandma Paulette

Some at-home time with the great grandparents. Abby loves showing off her toys. The funniest thing lately is her insistence on having everyone sit in specific spots on the couch. So she grabs your hand and says "sit" and brings you over to the couch to do just that.

Bedtime reading with Great Grandpa Bob