Lately

We pulled out Mary Laine's old play-gym. Langdon really seems to be enjoying the stimulation. He bats at all of the toys that hang over his head, and even successfully grabs them every once in awhile. He is also fascinated with the mirror and loves looking at his reflection. And it may be bringing back old memories for Mary Laine. Either that, or she is jealous of this fun toy that she can no longer call her own. Every time we pull it out, she runs over to it to claim her spot. I don't think that Langdon minds too much. As you can see in the pictures below, he can't take his eyes off of his big sister. He already seems to adore her.

Mary Laine also seems to be missing her bouncy seat.

We put our Christmas decorations up last week and Mary Laine really got into it this year. She had a great time helping us trim the tree (and has done a surprisingly good job of not touching it anymore once we were done). She also loves to point out all of the decorations to us upon entering a room "Look, look - there are the stockings! Look, look - that's a nutcracker!..." In fact, I would say that "Look, look..." is her favorite phrase right now.

I decided that the kids are at a great age to start library visits - Mary Laine is just old enough to appreciate it and Langdon is just young enough to sleep or sit quietly while we're there. This has become a highlight of our week.

Mary Laine has alot of older friends - and I don't think that she realizes that she's younger than they are. She definitely sees herself as one of the *big kids*. We got to go to her friend Isabelle's fourth birthday party last week. Mary Laine had a great time playing with all of her friends.

I couldn't resist including this picture of sweet Annie -

passed out in her carseat at the party - too cute!!

Whenever we pull up to our house after being out in the car, I help Mary Laine get unstrapped and then let her get out of the car and into the house by herself while I go around and get Langdon. Lately, she has decided that it's much more fun to climb around in the car and explore instead of going straight in the house. Her new favorite perch is the driver's seat. Anyone on the streets of Greenwood better watch out - her daddy wasn't too much older than this when he decided to take up driving...

After bath time, Mary Laine loves to run before she's gotten dressed shouting "Naked girl!" Yes, this girl loves to play in the buff. The other day, she was asking to go potty, so I let her run around the house in her underwear with nothing else on. Great playtime - unsuccessful attempt at potty training. Oh, well.

Mary Laine also loves songs and wants to learn how to clap hands while you sing them (you know, girls, like we did when we were in the third grade). She's gotten pretty good at holding her hands up so I can slap them.

And Langdon just does his thing while I'm keeping up with his big sister.