First Birthday Present

We have been talking about Carmen's 2nd Birthday for quite some time and she's very excited about it.

We started last weekend by getting her first gift.... her ears pierced.  She was SO brave and only cried a few seconds.   Now the challenge is continuing to clean them daily (which she's not a fan of).

Today is the first day of many days celebrating her birthday.  She brought special cupcakes to daycare to share and didn't want to let them out of her sight.

Tomorrow, Andy and I took off work and we are spending the day with her.  We will be going to the Mall of America and just celebrating Carmen!

Saturday is Carmen's big Minnie Birthday Party.  We have family coming over to help her celebrate.  She is very excited to have Minnie Balloons.

Many pictures to follow in the coming days!!!!

Daycare Pictures

On October 1st, Carmen started at a new daycare.  In anticipation of her sister's arrival we thought it was better to start her at the new place before things changed quite a bit at home.

She has absolutely loved it there.   She has only cried when I left her once (the very first day) and at the old center we went through that almost daily.   She's always very excited to see us when we get there to pick her up.

We were fortunate enough to have her teachers start a website where she uploads pictures daily/weekly so the parents can see what the kids are doing throughout the day.  (I think they are mostly from her phone so that's why the quality isn't the greatest).   But it sure does look like Carmen enjoys herself.

 (She has clearly started to take her jacket off while they are outside.... that's why its on backwards :-))

 

 

On a side note,  I can't believe we are a little over a week from Carmen turning 2.  Where has the time gone?!?!?!? Kind of bittersweet for this Momma.   I never really believed it when people said they grow up quick, but it sure is true!   

 

And then we are on the verge of welcoming her new baby sister.   This pregnancy has gone so much quicker.  Feeling great and can't wait to introduce her to everyone once she arrives.  (Andy and I are hoping 6 more weeks!)

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Minnie Mouse!

 

We had a very fun day.  Carmen started out trick or treating at daycare followed by a party and eating cupcakes and cookies.


We made a stop at Grandma and Grandpa Skala's house and got to see Auntie Laura. And finished our night at Grandpa and Grandma Benedicts. Carmen thoroughly enjoyed going to door's and saying Trick or Treat and Thank you..... a couple of times she even got a few extra pieces for being so cute.

Bubble Bath

Carmen has just recently gotten into enjoying BUBBLE baths..... here are some fun pictures of her enjoying herself.  She even got to a point of asking nightly to take a bubble bath.  (We've had a very clean girl! ;-) )

Big Girl Bed

We got Carmen a new Twin Bed... so far she's done pretty well. Nap times are a challenge and we've had quite a few instances where she's been up at night and got out of bed, but overall she's loving her new bed! :-)

My Birthday - Twins Game

We spent my birthday (A month and a half ago) at the Twins game.   It was a very warm day but Carmen was such a trooper! My sister in law Nikki and niece Brooke joined us.

Carmen's First Gopher Game

We took Carmen to her first Gopher Game and Tailgate a few weeks ago.  To say she had fun would be an understatement..... if you ask her favorite part, it would definitely be Goldy.

Had to document the occasion! :-)

State Fair

Last Monday we went to the State Fair.... although Carmen went last year she was a bit more aware of what was going on around her this year.


Carmen and Daddy went on the Giant Slide

Carmen ate some French Fries

We rode on the sky ride

Carmen rode some rides

Out cold after a long day with no nap :-)

Trip to the Zoo

Last weekend we took a trip to the zoo.... even though we are members and go quite often, Carmen still gets pretty excited to be there!