On to Kindergarten!

It's official! Ellie is a kindergartener! I cannot believe how quickly time flies. Tonight we attended her final preschool graduation. The best part was that Nana and Papa drove all the way from Federal Way to be here for Ellie's special day! Ellie is beyond ready for kindergarten (even if I am not ready to let her go!) She can read, count indefinitely, print clearly, and shows a passion for science-- especially rocks, bugs, and the human body. Most importantly, she is thoughtful, empathetic and caring. Ellie girl, we are so proud of you!!!

My Favorite of the Day

Kate and Ellie are adorable but very difficult to capture on film because they never stop moving! I realized most of the pictures I have of the two girls are of them snuggled on the couch because they are then too tired to run away! Anyway, I tried to get a picture of each of them today but only got this one of Kate. It was a favorite moment of the day when she kept whispering, "I love you Mama." She was just being still, quiet, sweet, and snuggly and I loved it!  I love that she is holding Ga-Ca (her lovey) by her face because she does this all the time and I have yet to get a photo.  I think this picture is how I will remember her when I am old and she is all grown up.  She is so beautiful.

On the Bright Side

It was a rough winter for the McDonald family but today we really started to look on the bright side! Literally!  I cannot believe how gorgeous Moses Lake can be when the sun is shining!  It was a cool 80 degrees today and it's only April!  What in the world?  I had to laugh out loud when we arrived at church today and I quickly realized that I was THE whitest person there...counting the senior citizens!  :)  No worries, I made sure to lay out in the sunshine and get a start on my summer tan.  I was out there for several hours and I am only slightly brown...this may take awhile!  And how did I manage to lay in the grass for so long undisturbed?  Simple.  We broke out Kate's birthday present for the first time and let me just say it was worth every penny.  Happy girls.  Relaxed mommy.  This is going to be a GREAT summer!  Life is good!

Kate was a tiny bit overwhelmed by such a sight.  She quickly got over it!  :)

Happy Birthday Kate!

 

Today is April 10, 2012 and Kate is 2 years old!  I cannot believe how quickly that time has passed.  As one might guess, I cannot imagine life without our little sweet, charming, stubborn little bug!  Already, Kate has managed to wrap all of us around her little finger.  She is just as willful and spirited as she is sweet and snugly and I think it is the combination of these elements that makes her so hard to figure out and just so darn adorable! 

At first glance, anyone would be captured by her eyes.  Not just because they are big, brown and beautiful but because at the early age of two, she has already mastered the art of speaking without saying a word.  In fact, she does this better than anyone I know!  But spend more time with Kate and her affectionate nature, independent spirit, and tough attitude will surely capture you as well.

At two, Kate can say a lot of words but speaks in phrases and sentences most of the time.  Our favorite sentence as of late is "Mama! Kate hit Ellie for no reason."  Lovely.

To her, we are the Donald family...Dan Donald, Angela Donald, Ellie Donald, and Kate Donald.  I'm not sure why she doesn't say "Mc." 

Octopus is "Ah-Buh-Gus" and is by far my favorite mispronunciation.  Kate is VERY good at reciting songs and rhymes.  Her favorites are the ABC song (and the ABC sign language song "A a Alligator..."), Jesus Loves Me (hear this once and you are in love with her forever), Itsy Bitsy Spider, Baa Baa Black Sheep, Happy Birthday to You, and 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.

Thankfully, Kate likes to read like her big sister.  She loves books that rhyme: her favorites include Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Goodnight Moon, Mother Goose, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Who's in the Forest?, and Little Golden Books Goodnight Baby.  She also loves The Three Bears and Goodnight Gorilla but these are the only non-rhyming books she will tolerate right now.  :)

Kate developed strong gross motor skills from the start and continues to amaze us with what she can do.  Although she can draw a circle, hold a crayon correctly, and manipulate a smartphone, she is best at climbing, jumping, running, and in general mastering a playground toy.  She is FEARLESS so of course, I should be fearful but she is also VERY tough and recovers quickly from any fall, bump or bruise.

I could go on and on about our little Kate.  She brings us so much joy and laughter (when she isn't making me pull my hair out) and I am so thankful God blessed us with her two years ago today.  We love you Kate Bug! 

First try

Kate is toying with the notion of using the potty. She still won't take her diaper off but she is super excited to tell me when she needs to go and when she is done. I can't believe I am actually writing about bathroom habits! I guess I can add it to the long list of topics that since having kids, seem "normal" and not at all embarrassing!

Everywhere We Go

Everywhere we go, people remark on how different Ellie and Kate are as people.  It is totally true:  Ellie is very petite, girly, and careful.  She has the kindest heart I know, follows all the rules and takes care of her sister in every moment.  Kate seems to have more attitude.  She is willful and strong but very affectionate.  She is very particular about what she likes but is not a perfectionist at all like her big sissy.  But as a mom, I am also very aware of how similar they are.  They are fiercely independent; both light up any room with their gorgeous smiles;  both are personality plus.  They are extremely observant, smart, critical thinkers who never rush in to a situation.  They are both beautiful little ladies.

We are so proud of our girls.  They are sweethearts through and through!

Kate

Ellie

Sisters

Unconditional Love

Love these two.