Toddler Room - Here I Come!

Maya had her first official day in the toddler room at daycare yesterday. It is official, we now have a toddler in the house versus a baby girl. Where did the time go? As a mom, I was nervous about the transition and was concerned that Maya would be a little sad or nervous. Instead Maya took off and started playing with a friend. She turned to me and said "bye mommy". That was my cue to head out and drive to work. Of course we took a few pictures before heading to daycare.

Need your VOTE!

Please help Maya win the Image of the Year award by going to http://www.fargobabyphotographer.com/. You will then need to follow the instructions. Don't worry, it takes about 10 seconds from start to finish. Please help Maya win!!!!

Awesome website - check it out!

I came across this great hair website. This site actually goes step by step on how to create a style. Check it out here! To view more hair style options, go under "Styling".

Mommy and Maya time

Lately it seems that all the pictures are either just Maya or Daddy and Maya.  Well what about mommy?  Maya and I have had our special moments too.  Today we had our 3rd gymnastics parent-tot class.  Maya is just loving it.  She loves to tumble, loves to jump, and loves to see her friend Abygail.  I actually love it too as it gives us a chance to spend time together.  Dave came with us today so we were able to take some pictures. 

Maya and Abygail                              Jumping...
 
Hanging in a giant pool of foam     Practicing her hand stand

Learning to tumble                                                And...TA DA! 

Update on Kolfe Sponsorship

Last week I posted about the Kolfe orphanage in Ethiopia and our church sponsoring the boys their through a relationship with Children’s HopeChest. David posted an update earlier this week after we successfully launched the sponsorship, including a new video showcasing these amazing boys.

We feel so blessed to be able to build this relationship with these boys, to connect them with a family they do not yet know to help them attain the potential that they dream about. They truly only are limited by their opportunities, so let’s provide them those opportunities!

If you have a personal connection to Kolfe, or know someone who did we want to hear them. Share them in comments so that others can be touched by these amazing young men.

Today

What a day.  Today is history and today is the day that future generations will learn about in history class.  Today is probably one of the best days ever.   Maya will grow up with an African American as President and potentially for 8 years.  Isn't that amazing? 

 

First time on skates

Maya experienced ice skating for the first time this afternoon.  She maybe lasted 10 minutes but that's okay.  She tried and looked adorable!  We have an outdoor skating rink across the street from us so why not have some fun, right?  We bought the entire family skates this year hoping that it will be a fun activity for the whole family.  I think next year we may sign up for skating lessons.
Maya tells the dogs to be quiet before getting the rest of her skating gear on

All ready to skate!
 

Maya wasn't so sure about moving her feet on her own...
 
Maya wasn't so sure about pushing a chair around either...she really just wanted to be picked up and carried.  Again, at least she gave it a try.

More Hair

Those who read my blog know that I am obsessed with Maya's hair. I mean I really want to make sure it looks okay and that I use the right hair products. Tonight we visited Sally's. I realize Sally's isn't professional salon products but they do have a large assortment of ethnic hair stuff. I decided to buy a different shampoo/conditioner and detangler. I also bought some cute hair accessories. Now I just need a cute and functional storage container. Any recommendations for me? I am thinking seriously about just buying one in the hardware section for nuts and bolts. That should work right? Smile. Well wish me luck and I'll keep you all posted. I am bound and determine to figure this hair thing out!

Week

Sorry for the lack of posts. There hasn't been a lot going on with us this week as it is just too cold outside. We have negative temps so we usually just stay inside at night. However, we did have our second meeting at our church regarding a sponsorship of Kolfe Orphanage through Children's Hopechest. Dave has led this project and is the one to introduce it to our church. This Sunday we are introducing it to the church for the very first time so wish us luck. Kolfe is an orphanage of only boys from 12-20 years of age. I can't wait to share more with you all. Stay tuned!

The following video was produced by an adoptive family who visited Kolfe a couple of times while in country. To read their personal account of this visit go to their blog.

Introduction to the orphanages that Children's HopeChest will be working with, including Kolfe Youth Orphanage.

Hair

I think I hit a low on Maya's hair today.  I'm pretty sure I experienced a melt down while trying to do something with Maya's hair before church today.  Maya was a typical toddler and didn't want to sit still or sit at all.  I managed to get 1 pony in before church - ugh.  After church I decided to try something with her hair.  I had an idea and a picture in my head but had no idea if I could pull it off or if Maya would even let me try.  Luckily God was on my side (and Dave helped hold her) I managed to do a new style that I hope holds for a few days.  I'm thrilled that it worked out and it gave me a renewed confidence that I can indeed make Maya's hair look cute.  Here are some pictures...

Big Girl

Maya is getting to be such a big girl.  She no longer sits in a highchair but instead on a stool just like daddy and me.  We found a very inexpensive bar stool that totally does not match but works GREAT for Maya.  Isn't she cute?
 
We recently learned that Maya will be moving to the toddler room by the end of this month.  The toddler room is for 2 years to 2 1/2 years and Maya will be moving a month early.  As sad as it is, we are thrilled that Maya will be moving on to a new stage.  In this room, she will be able to be potty trained and be with her old friends.  

Maya's vocabulary has also increased.  She is now saying multiple phrases.  A few examples are "I love you (insert name)", "I miss you (insert name)", "Hold my hand mommy", "Where's (insert name)", "no brushing teeth" and so on.  Maya loves to talk and usually never stops talking or singing.  Another thing Maya has learned is the answer to "How old are you?"  Maya would normally say "One".  Well now she says "One, almost two".  Seriously, how cute is that?!

Adopted the Movie

Powerful stuff - grab a tissue.  I sure needed one.  Can't wait to see this documentary.

Another busy weekend!

 
We spent the weekend with Dave's family.  On Friday we attended his Grandmother's funeral.  It was a very sad moment but a joyous one too.  Not only did we get to celebrate her life but we also got to visit with all the cousins and their families.  Above is a group photo of all the cousins and their children.  As you can see, Dave comes from a large family (at least compared to my family).  The rest of the weekend was spent with Dave's immediate family.  We had fun swimming, playing games, eating, and of course laughing!  It is always sad to say good-bye to a love one but at least it gives everyone an excuse to take a moment and enjoy each other's company.