Bye Bye Paci

Great news! Lauren was able to give up her paci last Wednesday! We are so very proud of her.

I knew there was no time like the present, but was so worried about how Lauren would handle the transition and how many nights of difficult sleep we might have. Well, she was an all-star. For the past few weeks Lauren would go into her room and sneak her paci during the day even though she knew it was only for nap time and night time. This was starting to turn into a habit, so that made me think it's time to get rid of paci.

So I started talking with her about how the garbage man was going to take paci away, figuring this might help her with the transition. While we were visiting Mammie and Papa she almost threw her paci in the garbage bag one night, but decided she wasn't quite ready yet.

So when we arrived back home I thought I would just cut the tip of her paci a little bit to get her used to not wanting it and then keep cutting the tip each night until she didn't want it anymore and was ok sleeping without it. Well, she noticed the difference right away and told me it was broken and she didn't want it anymore. I said ok, but left it on the floor by her bed just in case she changed her mind overnight. We also read a book called Bye Bye Paci. She cried for about 20 minutes that evening calling out for Mammie and Daddy, but then fell asleep. She then slept through the entire night without paci. The next morning she told me that she didn't need paci anymore because pacis are for babies.

What a big girl! We even did all of this while Daddy was still traveling. Needless to say, when the garbage truck came this week we didn't even have to make a big deal about saying bye bye to paci because Lauren hasn't even said anything about it since last week.

YIPPEE! Another transition taken care of!

Hanging out with Mammie and Papa

A few weeks ago my mom had surgery and Geoff was out of town for about 3 weeks, so the girls and I headed back to Michigan and invaded my parent's house! Even though our trip was filled with a blizzard, trip to urgent care for Lauren's double ear infection, and a case of the flu for me, we tried to help my parents as much as possible. I know they helped me as much as we helped them. The four members of the Hanson family are back together now, but I wouldn't be surprised if the girls and I invaded Mammie and Papa's house again once Geoff leaves for a few weeks in March.


Annie sporting her beautiful purple sweater and hat made by Great Gram.



Helping Papa shovel after the Blizzard of 2011.



A photo of the snowman family Lauren and Papa made. The Daddy snowman ended up doing a complete backbend before finally touching the ground about a week and a half later.



Aunt Stephanie was really excited to take Lauren to Robinette's for a Valentine's Day treat. Looks like it was a success!



Papa, Lauren, Annie and I tried to get out of the house for a bit on a Sunday afternoon so Mammie could rest. Lauren said driving Papa in the car was her favorite part of visiting The Grand Rapids Children's Museum.


Having a tea party with Mr. Mouse. Lauren just LOVES playing in her kitchen at Mammie and Papa's house.

Sisterly Bonding

Annie is just infatuated with Lauren! Just look at the way Annie's eyes look up at Lauren. It's crazy how quickly Lauren can get Annie's attention. I can't remember if I shared this or not already, but here goes. A few weeks ago I was trying to make dinner and Annie was really fussy. Lauren walked into the kitchen and started dancing in front of Annie and she immediately calmed down. So then I asked Lauren to keep singing and dancing for Annie and it totally worked. The girls were entertained, my stress level was lowered, and dinner was ready when Geoff walked in the door.



Both girls LOVE sitting on Papa's lap. I'm not sure what will happen when they both won't fit there anymore.



Lauren loves hanging out with Annie too. If Annie is on her tummy, then Lauren gets on hers too. This afternoon when I had Annie on her tummy, Lauren got down right next to her and started reading her a story. This evening when Annie was in her swing, all Lauren wanted to do was be right next to her.

I will treasure these loving connections and will have to remember to look back at this post when they are teenagers and fighting over the bathroom!

Peanut Butter Cookies Anyone?

Lauren sure enjoys spending time in the kitchen. This was even before I left her lick the beater! I bet she will beg me to help make cookies from now on.

Family Day at the Chicago Children's Museum

About a week ago all four of us were lucky enough to spend the morning at The Chicago Children's Museum on Navy Pier together. It was Geoff's idea and what a GREAT one it was!


We arrived before the museum was even open. Very unusual for the Hanson family to be early! Geoff and Lauren were checking out Navy Pier before we went into the museum. Going into the museum right when it opens is the way to do it though! Lauren pretty much had the place to herself for at least the first hour.


The original photo had Lauren as the dog, but then she wanted Geoff to be the dog. Great idea, Lauren! This photo is actually cuter.


Even Annie was excited to hear all of the noises and watch all of the activity at the museum! There were colorful ribbons hanging from the ceiling that fascinated her.



Driving the CTA bus. We see so many CTA and Pace buses on the way to and from Mariah's house and Lauren seems to notice most of them. Because of this, she was very excited to be able to drive this bus.



The last time we were at a museum and I told her we had to leave the grocery store section, she had a melt down. Things went much more smoothly this time!



Using the umbrella to make sure the rain doesn't fall on her!

After we left the museum we enjoyed a nice brunch and then Geoff left for Paris. What a wonderful family day we had!

Lauren and Annie

This is one of my favorite photos of Lauren when she was just about two months old. The other day Annie was wearing the same outfit, so I put her on the Boppy and took a picture of her. Just comparing the two photos, I really don't think the girls look much alike at all. We will see if that changes as they continue to grow.


Lauren at about two months


Annie at about two months

We Miss You Daddy!