Can you believe that my little guy is 2 years old today. It has been a sweet journey and we have had so much fun being parents!

I have seen a few of my friends do really cute interviews with their little ones and I tried really hard with Simon but when I ask him “What’s your favorite color?” he responds with stuff like “huh?! I want juice!”. “Favorite” is a far off concept for him but for the record his favorite color is still purple.

A few things about Simon at age 2

• He talks non stop – I mean he will talk your ear off. He has put at many as 7 words together in a sentence.

• He has lots of cute little phrases like “nice and warmer” and “you come too?”

• When he counts he says “1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 10″ and he says this consistently – probably 30 times a day.

• He loves dinosaurs, diggers (excavators, backhoes, and dump ducks), and playing legos

• He is almost completely potty trained. He got really interested in it and we went with it. He has gone up to 5 days with out an accident but using the bathroom away from home is much more challenging.

• He is a really good swimmer and can kick to the surface from the bottom of the 4ft pool.

• He is very affectionate (especially when he is tired) he gives me hugs and kisses all day long.

• He has 2 stuffed dogs one golden and one black and he named them (all on his own) after my Aunt’s real live dogs Max and Molly. Right now we cannot find Molly and it is making bed time really hard.

• He will eat just about anything but he hates sitting at the table to do it. This kid is a way better eater than I was and he prefers avocado and green beans to mac and cheese. He also loves salmon and will even eat salad.

We are putting off having a party for him for a couple of weeks because we are going to be in Chicago all this week (really putting that potty training to the test). But I will update with photos form his “digger” party once it happens.

until then!

-Emily

Lyndsay Stradtner is one of the most accomplished birth photographers in the industry. Her birth photographs capture the energy and emotion surrounding the growth of families – in short she is no less than amazing.

Not only has Lyndsay laid out all the details in her written guide but she has also created a forum for birth photographers to connect and share their images and ideas. In addition The Birth Experience will also provide a Member Directory to aid expecting parents in finding a birth photographer in their area. So, if you are an expectant parent looking for a birth photographer this part is for you. Likewise, if you are a birth photographer or  interested in becoming one please check out The Birth Experience! I look forward to seeing you there.

The story is about how fathers make great story tellers.

he is almost 2 and just looks like a little boy now – where did my baby go?

yes, this is her little foot under her chin! Babies are such natural yogis.

Her fuss face was to cute to leave out!

The hiccups were seriously cute because she squeaked every time. I couldn’t help myself I had to take a video.

baby squeak toy from Emily Weaver Brown on Vimeo.

2009 in review! from Emily Weaver Brown on Vimeo.

I know that everyone thinks that Simon is the most photographed kid ever, (he’s not!) I realized that when I was making this that I need to pull out my camera lot more and take snapshots more often. I plan out my photos too much and rarely let spontaneity just grab me. So that is going to be my resolution for 2010 – take more candid photos!

2010 is already shaping up to be a pretty good year. Since Simon will be turning 2 next month we will be traveling a lot less this year but we have some fun stuff planed!

Peace Love and Happiness in 2010!
-Emily, Myles, and Simon

P.S. If you have created an end of the year sideshow please link it in the comments I would love to watch it!

On Christmas eve we give new pajamas. This year Simon was actually old enough to understand opening presents and was excited to open his first one on Christmas ever. He slowly tore off the paper and opened the pjs. He then unfolded them and looked at them (they have dogs on them which I thought he would like). I asked if he knew what they were he said “jammies” and then threw them on the floor. I guess it wasn’t quite what he expected : )

Here is our Christmas highlights video.

Christmas 2009 from Emily Weaver Brown on Vimeo.

(Simon was trying to escape)

edited to add Simon’s Santa Picture. It’s too funny not to share. He was NOT happy about sitting on Santa’s lap

It’s the 4th and final week of advent and tonight we lit the last advent candle, the one that represents love. (We will lite the center “Christ Candle” on Christmas eve. ) This weekend was busy so it was nice to sit down to dinner as a family and I have stumbled on a little secret to impressing a toddler – candlelight dinner. It’s such a simple way to make your dinner “special” I am surprised that it didn’t occur to me before.

We have been doing this the last few meals we have had together, and it sure made our sweet potato and black bean chili extra special. I hope everyone gets a chance to sit down with there family for a meal this week, and if you do give candlelight a try : )

until next time!
-Emily

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