Intoducing DOTTIE!

I made it! The Turpin Family saw me at Pottery Barn Kids today and took me home with them. Out of Barton Creek Mall I went and into the arms and mouth of Miss Kate. How did I get so lucky? She is a cutie-pie and barely makes a peep! I spent the last several months waiting on the shelf for someone to adopt me and boy was I thrilled today when they marked me down...I knew it wouldn't take long. In fact, I had seen Kate's mom before in the store, she would pick me up and comment on how cute I was but had to put me back...something about being too expensive and a recession. What's that? Anyways, I am just so happy to be here. I think my main job is to watch over Miss Kate while she sleeps and to be her playmate. I hope that the big canines that are here as well don't see where I am. Jack told me what Murphy can do to stuffed animals! I certainly don't need my insides all over the backyard. I have an important job to do here...I hope Kate and I become lifelong friends.

LIttle Love Bug

The many faces of Kate

Thanks Hannah for giving us this awesome "office" as we like to call them at the Turpin house. Kate had a great time outside in it today while Jack played with sidewalk chalk. For those of you reading who don't live in Austin...it was wonderful here today...the sun was behind clouds and it was not 100 degrees! We actually played outside NOT under shade.

Just like a lizard

McD's cones are yummy! Especially when they're 50 cents!

I've got everything on the list Mom!

I would make a pretty safe bet that when I got this toy as a child, the Corn Flakes that came with it were not "organic" as they are today.

Shopping Cart Fun!

Jack's girlfriend, Hannah, gave him a shopping cart with groceries in it for his first birthday. We had been saving it on the top shelf of his closet for a special day. Today was it! Jack was fixated on the box and would not stop asking for it until I pulled it down. We put it together and played "grocery store" in his room. Kate was a fan of the boxes of cereal and I liked the plastic carrot, eggplant, green pepper and corn. Who knew grocery shopping could be so fun?

"IT'S A NEW DAYcare."

It is with much gratitude and luck that we write a follow up posting about our daycare situation! Of course, this is still very new but we have been so pleased with our new situation. We had a pretty good idea that Jack and Kate would have it pretty good when another 2 year-old that is there told us "We read stories here!" with an enthusiasm I would usually save for winning the lottery. I told our new provider that is the best advertisement she could get! She converted her garage into a wonderful play area that is decorated with art work, pictures, educational toys, et cetera. I brought a pack-n-play for Kate which I noticed was replaced by a nice wooden sleigh crib. She had also taken a picture of our family and has it in a toy that holds pictures, on the side of the crib for Kate to see. She is learning how Jack has a lot of energy and is patiently working with him to have "gentle touches" and takes him to the potty every 90 minutes. A sensory table outside has something different in it everyday for the kiddos to play and the outside playhouse with a huge chalkboard has kept Jack BUSY! There is much structure, play and education hosted by an amazing woman who has a heart for children and a deep pride in her work. We feel so lucky and hope the luck continues! When we left on Tuesday, Jack reached out for her and wanted to be held by her as she helped me to the car with Kate. Awesome!

Gymboree Birthday Party

Kate and Jack were invited to a b-day party at Gymboree. It was fantastic and I think we'll have to do it ourselves! It is a huge play room that kids from 0-7 years can play. Parents don't have to worry because everything is kid friendly. An instructor lead songs and games for a bit and the kids had free time to run around as they wished. What a great idea! Kate enjoyed the music and Jack enjoyed the freedom of running around like a wild man!

ALMOST a mover and a shaker.

Batter Up!