Two

We have a two year old! Charlotte had her second birthday in Toronto, at Granny and Grandpa's house. We spent a little over a week there at the end of July. It was very relaxing for James and me and a lot of fun for Charlotte - she got tons of attention, and had a backyard and paddling pool to enjoy. We caught up with some extended "family" and friends and enjoyed the down time.

We've enjoyed a lot of outdoor time this summer, and Charlotte's become much more agile. She's really into climbing - at the park she'd far rather climb the stairs up to the top of the slide than go down it. We've also continued to swim regularly. In June and July when I was working long hours finishing my dissertation James and Charlotte frequently went swimming on their own together. Charlotte loves the pool and it's been known to cure a bad mood...

She continues to talk up a storm. Her latest words are "frustrated" and "excited" (I'm trying to help her name her emotions!). It's kind of endearing to hear her exclaim "I'm frustrated!" as she flings a toy. She's also enjoying playing imaginatively with her toys, talking to them and describing what she's doing with them.

As September begins, I can't help but think back to last September when she started daycare. She couldn't walk, could say a handful of words, and had a tough adjustment to the new routine. This fall, we're so thankful that she's settled in well and thriving. Whether it's a function of the socialization she's had at daycare, or simply part of her maturing process, she's become much more comfortable around a variety of people. When we were in Toronto in July, and in Calgary last week for my cousin's wedding, we spent a lot of time with big groups of family and friends (a change from our quiet day-to-day lives in Edmonton) and Charlotte did great with all of it. She soaked up the attention from grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and adjusted easily to new environments. It's fun to see her growing up.

Looking intent.

Cheese!

She's put miles on this thing...

Love this place

Make-belief