Bubbles...

One lazy morning, we broke out the bubbles, the bubble mower, and the bubble octopus. Jessi LOVES bubbles (and so does my sister's dog, Bijou).

Bijou chasing bubbles!

G-O-A-L

Jessica started indoor soccer last week. She was so exited about going and would kick a fake soccer ball. However, when we got there she wasn't too sure about the new people. She couldn't resist playing with the hula hoops or kicking the ball through the hula hoops. She also enjoyed the bouncy thing they got to play in after class. I should have brought my camera because this week she attempted to do so much more. I was so proud!

Fun in the Sun

It got harder to resist pulling out the pool as the weather got warmer and warmer. This is Jessi enjoying "Jessi's pool" in our backyard a couple weeks ago.


Jessi was happy that her cousin Cameron invited her to swim at his neighborhood pool. It was a bigger pool and he brought toys. I don't think she let go of the ball the entire time we were there.

Dance Recital

Jessica had her first dance recital last week. She was so cute in her pink leotard, tutu, and slippers. She must have danced too much at home before hand because when it came time to perform she clung to me or my sister. That or she was scared of all the other parents.

Before the recital...

During the recital...

The girls with their teacher

Dinner & Desert

By chance we pulled up at one of our favorite restaurants last week at the same time as Amy and family. We enjoyed dinner and then headed to Likkity's for desert. The kids liked their frozen custard and drawing on the bus with chalk.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Jessica!

It is hard to believe that our little lady is two and that pretty soon she will be a big sister.

We celebrated an early birthday when Grandma Lipa and Grandpa Sus were in town earlier in February. They made sopa, which Jessi devoured and then we had a oreo ice cream cake which she loved. She loves the new books that they gave her.



I sent cupcakes to daycare on Jessi's actual brithday. That evening Joey made her favorite dinner (chicken & rice) and we sang happy birthday to her. I think she must have had a long day because after we removed the candles, she tossed the cupcake and then let the dogs lick the frosting off her hands. No cupcake for Jessi :(



My cousin, Amy, was nice enough to have a joint party for her son, Cameron, and Jessica. Their birthdays are four days apart. Baby Esquivel stayed put and allowed Joey & I to attend the party. It was such a nice day that almost everyone was outside. Jess and Cam both loved the Elmo cupcake cake and being the center of attention when everyone sang Happy Birthday. Jessi loved playing with her friends and enjoyed all of her gifts. Her favorite gift was a doll from Aunt Lynn and Uncle John.

Hello

On Saturday we went to get new cell phones. Jessica had a good time dancing to the music in the store and running around. The guy assisting us thought she was cute and gave her a new toy. You guessed it...her very first cell phone. Its pink, it flips open just like my old one, and there is a fake message on the display. It's one of the ones they use on display until the real phones arrive. She carries it around pretending to talk to someone or pretending to text. You would think that Joey and I are on our phones all the time by the way she plays with it, but we are not. Talk to you later!

Fun with Mama Lipa and Papa Sus

Joey's parents visited us at the end of July. She spent one whole day with just them - what fun! I'm sure they read several books together, played with toys, danced, and ran around. They always make yummy food which Jessica devours. Grandpa Sus tried something new - swinging Jessi up over his shoulder, which she seemed to enjoy. She also like getting tickled by Papa Sus and back and foot massages from Mama Lipa. Jessica loves spending time with her Mama Lipa and Grandpa Sus and can't wait to see them again!

Look what I can do

This past weekend, Jessica pulled out her rocking chair that was my mom's when she was a girl. To our surprise climbed in and out by herself. She can even rock herself. Now we have to remind her not to stand up on the chair!

Ollie's Visit

Jessica loves dogs. "Dog" was one of her first words followed closely by "woof, woof". She now uses both interchangeably. So we gladly agreed to watch Ellee's daddy, Ollie, for a couple days. She was thrilled to have two dogs by her side that were somewhat interested in her. It was cute to see her having conversations with the dogs. I think they may have been more interested in her snack cup because sometimes a cheerio or two would drop on the floor. Here is a video of Jessi loving on the dogs. You will also see an example of Ollie's daring acrobatics. It was funny and he gave us a brief scare. Thankfully he got up and was just fine.

Our Little Book Lover

As parents we think it is great how much interest Jessica has in her books. Every morning and every evening she brings us books to read with her. Of course she has her favorites, but she also grabs other ones to explore. After dinner tonight I brought in a box of books that a friend at work gave me. Jessica pulled out every single book pointing at pictures on the cover and opening a few. She gave some to Joey and some to me. She was very excited about the Mickey Mouse book! The first book she brought to me to read was "Where's Spot?" She is fascinated by dogs and loved lifting the flaps to search for Spot, the puppy dog. We read it over and over before moving on to a book on colors and a couple Thomas the Train books that made noises. These books were given to us at a perfect time because we were getting a little tired of reading Frosty the Snowman multiple times day and night. These new books will provide our little book lover hours of entertainment and opportunities to learn. Thank you, Connie, for the wonderful books!

**I'm testing out another slideshow site, so hang in there. You have to press play to start the slide show**

Big Sister (to be)

The Best Way to Beat the Heat is at the Pool

Jessica didn't like the pool at the beginning of the summer, but now LOVES it. Add bubbles and she likes it even more. Can't you tell?

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away!

The life of a toddler is full of new experiences and little challenges. In recent weeks Jessica has been weaned (and now enjoys a sippy cup), mastered going upstairs, does a fast walk (almost run), and comfortably can go down one stair by herself. She uses the same concept of going down the one stair to get off the couch or bed. Next thing you know, she will be climbing up on more things.

Most of the time Jessica has a laid-back, quiet personality. But wait awhile...she will get a mischevious look on her face and flash an adorable smile. That's when you know that she is about to try something and better watch.

Joey and I are thankful to be able to witness the new things in Jessica's life. There are so many things that we look forward to in our future.

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way!