Darby 27/52 v2

Dear Dee-Dee,

1.5 going on 15! They say that at this age real personality starts coming through and while you have always had a lot we are definitely seeing more and more of you everyday as you become more communicative.

Lady, you keep us on our toes! You are opinionated, fearless, excited, smart, and fun regularly. You have occasional bouts of anger ALWAYS due to being hungry or tired... both at the same time is a real treat. You have more words all the time and shout "HI" the second you see us no matter the circumstances. If we ask you a question, like do you want water, you shout "YEAH" like a crazy baby, but if the answer is no we get a quieter, while more aggressive, grunt of a "NO!" You have a truly amazing side-eye and will cover your face like you can't see us when we want to annoy you with things like hair brushing. Speaking of, your curls are getting tighter and tighter and we pledge to keep them as long as we possibly can!

When you went to see your pediatrician he was excited that you use 2-word phrases, like "I poo" and promised us it is completely normal that you are showing interest (and frustration at your inability) in peeing standing up like you watch your brother do. You continue to be in the 90th percentile on everything and measured 33.5 inches tall and weighed just shy of 28 pounds. He was also happy that you are feeding yourself with a spoon and a fork, and expressed his condolences that we are no longer allowed to feed you.

You are a phenomenal girl and the world better watch out. I am calling it now... come election day 2064 Darby Moira for President!

High-Five,
Mama

Darby Moira - 1.5 Years!

52 : 34 (part 4)

This week at school the kids celebrated Halloween with an Imagination Day Parade. For the festivities each class picked a story to be and made the applicable costumes. Ewan's class did "Beekle The Unimaginary Friend." He was just the cutest Beekle ever, and so proud of the costume he made!

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This week Darby moved classes so that she could join the same family house as her brother, their new school has 4 houses. Having the kids in different houses was not all that inconvenient, but it sure is nice having them across the hall from each other and being able to really be a part of the community the house creates.

In this week's picture Darby is checking out the new classroom and we imagine she is staking out her new territory. She fit in immediately and had no difficulty transitioning to this classroom at all. We feel truly thankful to have such amazing caretakers and facilities that our children LOVE!

52 : 33 (part 4)

The last two weeks I have been traveling for work (mostly, but I made time for play), first to Spain and then to Half Moon Bay. Ewan was very excited to have me home and he sweetly crawled in to bed with me multiple nights in a row to make up for missed cuddles.

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Darby seems to think she is on Ewan's soccer team... Who are we to burst her bubble.

52 : 32 (part 4)

Mama is traveling for work and Ewan is acting out... and his Daddy is very good at making Mama laugh when she is homesick.

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This year the pumpkin patch was a lot more fun for Darby, and this trip was special because her Grammie McD came along! Darby stomped through the hay, enjoyed the sun, and picked out many many pumpkins... she seemed disappointed that we only brought home 5!

52 : 31 (part 4)

This week Ewan's Grammie McD came for a visit after her annual conference brought her to the Bay Area. Grammie enjoyed participating in Ewan's normal weekend activities and spent a day with us in Napa, where we visited a pumpkin patch and enjoyed a long and yummy lunch. Ewan especially liked the Sauv Blanc.

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This trip to Disneyland with Darby was much easier, no more nursing! She enjoyed it all a bit more as she was that much more aware and mobile! Darby loved wandering around and exploring all the different rides. We think her favorite was the teacups, she laughed hysterically as her daddy and brother spun our pink cup.

52 : 30 (part 4)

Ewan definitely agrees with the "happiest place on earth" nickname that Disneyland has. He loves all of the rides and treats, but still isn't too sure about the characters. This time we went on Splash Mountain for the first time, and while he looks terrified he loved it and wanted to go again immediately.