Grandma Jan came up to visit us at the end of June! We had a lot of fun with her, as usual. We went to a concert for children put on by a band called the Recess Monkeys. They are a group of teachers and were very entertaining. It was at the Tigard Library and Scott was able to meet us there after work, which was really fun for everyone.
We also went to the zoo, a couple of walk/runs at Salmon Creek Trail followed by picnic lunches, play dates with friends, and of course the park.
Here are some pictures from Grandma Jan's visit:
The Leigh boys met us at the concert:
We got videos of the concert but no still pictures of the kids or the Recess Monkeys
The Portland Zoo:
Grandma Jan bought the kids a toddler scooter. I knew they'd love it but didn't think they could actually use it correctly for a while. These kiddos catch on fast because by the second day playing with it, they were both scooting along by themselves! We're so proud of them :)
Their new helmets:
New discoveries/events this past month:
Tycen:
Tyce is talking a lot more these days. He can say most words and has really picked up an interest talking over the last few weeks. It's so fun to watch him grow and communicate more with us. He also has a million different facial expressions he uses to communicate his thoughts/feelings, which is so funny to see. He's actually been doing this since he was in the NICU, they've just developed and he now incorporates words with his expressions :)
He can now jump by taking off and landing on two feet without holding on to anything. He has been jumping for a while, but used to only be able to do a one-footed take off or two-footed if he was holding onto support.
Tycen can now swing on a big-kid swing (with small pushes and close guidance).
Tyce is really into 'tractors' ever since we went to Gramps' house and played with his tractor. He calls all big trucks and kiddie cars 'tractors.'
Tyce is really into 'tractors' ever since we went to Gramps' house and played with his tractor. He calls all big trucks and kiddie cars 'tractors.'
He loves to wear his new helmet. He also doesn't quite understand why Shaylie gets to wear tutu's, bracelets, purses, hairclips, etc, and often wants to join in on the fun.
Tyce loves babies these days. He is really into dolls and always points out babies in the community and makes sure he says 'hi' to the baby.
Tyce also continues to love dancing and has started singing songs, too. He doesn't really sing the right words to songs, but makes up his own words/sounds and sings, it's very cute :)
He got his first bad skinned knee this past month. I know there will probably be many more of these to come, but I really felt so so bad for him. He actually skinned it the first time when we were in S. Oregon at the animal farm, but he re-opened the scab about a week later and it got a lot worse. We even took him in to urgent care over the weekend a couple days after he re-opened his scab because he wouldn't put any pressure on his leg and the on-call doctor was concerned about possible infection or fracture. Luckily he pretty much instantly healed when we were at urgent care and the doctor wanted to observe him walking. Doesn't that always seem to happen? :)
Tyce right after his latest haircut
Our little monkey:
I'm not sure how he managed to climb on the window sill... once he was up there, he wasn't quite sure how he was going to get down :)
Shaylie
Shaylie
Shaylie's vocabulary continues to expand. She is really starting to put a few words together to form phrases or commands. She continues to say, 'bless you' when someone sneezes, which is so sweet. The other day when we were listening to Grandma Jan's voicemail on speaker phone, Shaylie looked at me and said, 'I love grandma' :).
She can also sing most of the ABC's song! This started when we stayed at Aunt Kolleen's house and Tyce and Shay loved playing with one of Aralia's toys that sang the ABC's over and over. I couldn't believe it when she starting singing along. She is such a smart little cookie!
Shaylie can now swing on a big-kid swing (with small pushes and close guidance).
Shay loves to mimic people. When someone kneels down to make eye contact with her she will kneel down on the floor just like they are doing. She also likes to fold her arms across her chest, which is really cute and so grown-up looking.
She is getting more in to dressing up lately. She likes to hold purses and wear bracelets, although she will take them off or drop them anywhere when I'm not looking. She loves to put on and walk in mine and Scott's shoes as well as help others put on/off their shoes. She also has been putting her own shoes back on after she takes them off (taking shoes off she's been doing for as long as I can remember).
Shaylie got her 12th tooth (bottom left incisor)! Now she has all her teeth except her canines and 2nd molars! :)
The many faces of Shay Shay:
Our first summer concert:
The whole Haij Family went! (except Papa)
Shaylie and Uncle 'Mikey':
We've also been going to the farmer's market for fresh berries every weekend, which is also at Esther Short Park. Both our kids love berries and eat them almost as fast as their mommy, which is hard to do :)
Fun with the Leigh boys in our backyard:
We always joke that James is Shaylie's little boyfriend. Afterall, 'Shay' was one of his first words!
Our kids are officially done with nursing (as of July 1st). I am so blessed that I was able to breastfeed them as long as I did. While it was a very special experience, I think we were all ready to be done. Tyce had a slightly harder time weaning, but overall they both did great.
Tyce still LOVES to 'drive'. He always is quick to find the steering wheel at every playground!
Shaylie takes her turn behind the wheel:
Our little toddlers' Heaven on Earth:
Shaylie and I went to my cousin Stacey's bridal shower while Tyce and Daddy went to the gym to play basketball.
Shaylie helped pick out this nightgown:
My Grandma and Shaylie's Oma were there too:
They continue to grow up so fast and amaze us everyday. We are so incredibly proud of them. I thank the Lord for choosing Scott and I to parent these two little sweethearts. We love them with all of our hearts and are so blessed to be on this journey with them.
