Meredith has been asking to feed the ducks for days, so we finally made it to central park for a little duck feeding frenzy. It always sounds like fun to feed the ducks, but whenever we actually arrive at the duck pond I instantly remember all of the things that I don't like about feeding the ducks. For instance: poop and feathers ALL over the ground, aggressive ducks and occassionally there are super-aggressive geese, not to mention the aggressive squirrels that won't leave you alone once they know you have food and to top it off...the worry that my kids may fall into the disgustingly nasty duck pond. :) All that aside, we had a good time. It was Nora's first time feeding the ducks, so I wondered how she would react. Generally, she has been a bit shy around animals, but when we got there I was surprised that she wasn't scared at all. In fact, she was walking around chasing the ducks. It was pretty cute! Meredith, of course, has never been scared of any animal...ever. I swear, she is a little veterinarian in the making...or maybe a marine biologist. We'll see.
After we finished feeding the ducks (and geese and squirrels) TWO bags of hot dog buns...yes, they were hungry little animals, we also had a few minutes to play at this little playground next to the pond. It is cute to watch Nora growing up. Now that she is mobile, she wants to do everything Meredith does. She can't quite keep up yet, but I'm sure soon enough, she will.
After we finished feeding the ducks (and geese and squirrels) TWO bags of hot dog buns...yes, they were hungry little animals, we also had a few minutes to play at this little playground next to the pond. It is cute to watch Nora growing up. Now that she is mobile, she wants to do everything Meredith does. She can't quite keep up yet, but I'm sure soon enough, she will.
she LOVES going down the slide!
trying to keep up with meredith! 
Meredith picking up Nora...like she always does...even though it is a BIG no-no. Grrr. This girl has fabulous listening skills...like most 3 year olds. :)
Oops. That's what happens when you try to pick up a baby that weighs almost as
Oops. That's what happens when you try to pick up a baby that weighs almost as much as you do!
sweet baby!
my crazy girl! she was actually going down the slide like this...she thought it was hilarious!
happy duckies with very full tummies! :)
ahhh. just watching the ducks and relaxing as the sun set. yes, it was a good visit!
Meredith's friends all have painted toes...so she decided it was time she had pink toes, too. She is now the proud owner of this pedicure. She LOVES her toes...and I love that she loves them so much. Girls are so fun. :)
she did it...and she has a certificate to prove it! great job, Meredith!
they actually do get along sometimes...thought i should take a picture to prove it. :)
Wouldn't be the 4th without sparklers...thanks, Phillip!
.jpg)
Here are some of my favorite things about my baby girl: her big blue eyes and her long curly lashes, her cute little gap in between her two front teeth, her soft skin, the way she throws her head back and laughs, the little coy glances she likes to give, the way she says mom (not mama or mommy), the way she whispers "wasat" (what's that), how she loves to hold our hands and walk around the house like a big girl, the way her hands and feet start going around in circles when she gets excited or anxious, watching her play with her favorite toy (musical blocks), watching her bob her head up and down every time she hears music, listening to her laugh at Meredith, watching her splash like crazy every time she takes a bath, the way she points at all the pictures in books and wants me to tell her about each thing, the way she squeezes her curious george stuffed animal when she grabs him and how she snuggles with him during every nap and each night while she sleeps. Oh, how I love my baby!