Kaylee decided that she wanted to have her picture taken many times over the weekend or in her words "I say cheese mommy." At times, she does the funniest (phoniest) smiles but when she smiles with real joy... her face could light up a room.

However, Miss Kaylee is not one for the faint of heart. She may look sweet and innocent but her moods are totally unpredictable and often leave Mommy and Daddy very perplexed, wondering what in the world happened? She is such a delightful mixture of sweet, loving, goofy, sassy, and drama-full. But, make her mad and the whole world will know it. I guess that is just part of the Terrible 2's. It drives me insane at times but I also have to admire her spunk.
She loves to dress up, play dolls, and act grown up. She often comes walking by with a shopping cart complete with her baby in the front, a purse full of fake money and credit cards, and of course her cell phone. She loves to cook meals for the family in her kitchen and invent new games to play with her "sissy." Her favorite phrase is "That's so silly" or "You're so silly." And her new favorite game is to see how far she can push the limits. She will look at you so seriously and put her hands out and you know the
negotiation has begun. "I eat just one more cookie mommy, okay... okay?" If you say yes, all is well. If you say no, the world shatters and the wrath of Kaylee begins. :-)
Alyssa, on the other hand, is truly our gentle, sweet girl. She loves to cuddle, give hugs and kisses, and make sure everyone is doing okay. In fact, she not only likes to give kisses but they have to be big wet sloppy lip kisses. If you try to give her your cheek she will try to turn your face until she can "kiss your
wips."

But like her sister, there are a few contrasts to her personality as well. Alyssa is sweet but she takes the title for drama queen of the year. She is such a
girly-girl at times and the
littlest boo-boo requires endless kisses and attention. She also loves to throw little diva temper tantrums when things don't go her way. Her fake cry could win an award!
The funniest thing she is doing lately is telling long elaborate stories. I can only understand half of what she is saying but she is super animated and sure of what she is talking about. We have heard stories about a monster, bear, crocodile, and my newest favorite, an octopus with a big head and long arms that lives in a garbage can. We are not really sure where she came up with this story but she loves to tell it while making lots of interesting faces and hand movements to add to the story.
Overall, we have our good times and bad but mostly just lots of fun. I honestly think I am learning just as much as they are as we navigate and learn our roles. We are constantly setting and shifting boundaries and learning how much to give and take. My newest goal is to work on patience. I sure do need it with these two and a new baby on the way. Prayers are always welcome! :-)