"Just like You"

I hope you get a daughter just like you. It's a common saying uttered under the breath of many parents. Maybe it's even said outloud. I think I heard this saying when I was a teenager but I can't be entirely sure. I might have just heard it on a movie or show. In any case, I know I heard it somewhere.
At the young age of two, I see many of my attributes in my daughter. Sometimes it amazes me that she does the things I used to do when I was her age. I'm sure many of things are just typical for two yeard old girls but it still surprises me to see her doing things I know I did as well.
Lane writes in our books and proudly shows her drawings to us. I don't mind because these moments won't last for long and one day I will treasure those little scribbles with fond memories.
She insists on putting on my clothing and giggles in delight. The other night, I saw these tiny bright pink fingerprints on my bathroom drawer -

Lane helped herself to my makeup. Apparently her little stash of age appropriate makeup wasn't enough and she had a blast with my red lip liner. She ruined it in the process.
After she had a bath, who could be angry at that adorable toddler face?

While I'm having fun watching her learn about being a girl and doing things I did at her age, I hope she doesn't have to learn by making the same mistakes I did. But if she does, I hope she always knows that she has a family here to support her through any decisions and choices she makes.

Lane sleeps

Lane and I went on a hunt for green and red packs of paper for Alex's class. We went to a learning store and hit the jackpot. We found deals at a consignment store the same day. These deals included .68 shorts! I grabbed a bunch for this coming summer.
While we were eating lunch, Lane curled up on the bench and fell asleep. I'm positive that was a first int parenting adventures. I had another stop to make before heading home.
I carried all heavy, sleeping 30 pounds of toddler into Babies R Us and realized she was completely asleep. I was able to lay her down in the cart while shopping! I snapped this photo and had to share - she still sleeps with her arms above her head

Lane Elizabeth is 2.5

Lane turned two and a half years old yesterday. I continue to marvel at how quickly time is going with our children. I can't believe that we are headed toward age 3 now.
She is a spunky, content, sweet, and charming child. Lane is all girl. She likes to play with my makeup and play with dolls and princesses. Even though she is all girl, she can enjoys playing with her brothers and doing anything they are participating in.
She sings and dances whenever she hears music. Her coordination impressed me Lane enjoys creating artwork and she is very proud of her creations. She is also willing to help when asked which is a wonderful thing.
On Christmas Eve we took the kids out for dinner. Afterward they played in the Celebration "snow". Lane was wild - she had a great time making snow angels and sliding in the snow. An NBA player was there and Lane had him wrapped around her little finger
When we left, Lane was filthy but happy. Her once white tights were black, her hair was matted with soap and small rocks, and her shoes were sticky from the suds. Her happiness was well worth her mess

Lane's fashion sense

The Princess thinks she should pick out her own clothing already. I realize there is a lot of developmental value to this and I should encourage her. However, I am not thrilled with her choices, as I'm sure any parent with an independent toddler will agree.

Today she picked out a Fourth of July short sleeved dress with a red long sleeve shirt. She added light blue with black dot socks. To finish the outfit, she added black winter boots that are three sizes too big. The four and five year old girls in the preschool class told me that it matches because the dress and boots both have hearts on them. See, what do I know?

Here is our Princess in the PreK room.

I'm sure many more interesting outfits will come our way in the future and I look forward to sharing them.

Crocs

Crocs have never been our thing. I tried them on one time at the recommendation of a friend. They looked like clown shoes. I went to a garage sale this last weekend and a pair of green crocs with pink straps caught my eye. They were $1 so I bought them. Laney loves shoes and lots of choices. I enjoy indulging her with hand-me-downs and inexpensive finds. I found some adorable Gymboree shoes on clearance for .99 in Kansas City. Guess who has adorable lady bug sandals for this summer?!
In any case, Lane loves her new crocs and I must admit, they are adorable. They don't resemble clown shoes on her chubby feet either.