Experienced traveler

Little Miss Lauren is becoming quite the experienced airplane traveler. She likes the window seat so she can point out all the airplanes on the runways, she loves to take down the tray table to eat, can open and close the seat belt all day long, and tell you what movie she wants to watch. No more strollers, and don't try to carry her on the plane or on an airport escalator...she wants to walk. After all, she's the boss.

Cookin'

We got Lauren a play kitchen for her 2nd birthday. The set said 3 yrs+, but we thought Lauren would still love it. Turns out that the box should have said "don't even think about waiting until she's three, buy as soon as possible!" Lauren LOVES her kitchen. She mixes, she cooks us "dinner, " she could play with it all day long.

On a completely unrelated note, somehow Lauren has picked up the phrase, "Oh! Cool!" She uses it whenever she sees something that she thinks is neat....her context is correct. Where do they pick these things up?

TWO.

Lauren turned two on Friday, November 5th.

She's two.

She's a full-on kid.

Unbelievable.

Here's what two means in Lauren's world:

• She can sing her ABC's (even the ending...next time won't you sing with me...), Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, the Dora theme song, several verses of Old McDonald, and a few other songs completely by herself and wants to do so frequently.
• She counts up to 20, no sweat (and to ten in Spanish)
• There isn't a word she isn't saying. Full sentences now. She repeats everything you say--watch out.
• She knows most of her shapes (circle, triangle, square...) and several of her colors without prompting
• Her favorite shows are Dora The Explorer and the Mickey Mouse Club
• She jumps, and has the cutest little skip
• She's 100% fearless. She will eat anything, she will pet any animal, she will run, jump, and climb without hesitation. She's going to keep her momma frazzled.

We spent Lauren's birthday this year in Florida. Her grandma and grandpa weren't feeling so well, so we decided that we need to shower them with a little extra love and go and visit them. Sadly, Lauren's grandpa (Scott's dad) passed away on Lauren's birthday. However, we found some peace by celebrating life--both his life, and her little life--on that day. We'll miss you, grandpa.