November 7, 2012
Happy 18 month birthday, beautiful Elizabeth. You are joy inside and out. Your vivacity makes us see life in a whole new way. Your laughter is infectious. Your songs are the sweetest my ears have ever heard. You have the most gorgeous face I've ever beheld. I am overcome with emotion just thinking about what a blessing you have been to us all. Thank you for being ours.
Happy 18 month birthday, beautiful Elizabeth. You are joy inside and out. Your vivacity makes us see life in a whole new way. Your laughter is infectious. Your songs are the sweetest my ears have ever heard. You have the most gorgeous face I've ever beheld. I am overcome with emotion just thinking about what a blessing you have been to us all. Thank you for being ours.
One year ago today.
She had a beautiful day, spending most of it outside, exploring the perimeter of Eb and Gee's property. She even had an encounter with a chipmunk, and had to show Gee where she had seen it. Eb and Gee took her to Lowe's to see all of the Christmas decorations. For 45 minutes, she explored all of the bright lights, and especially was taken with the giant inflatable lawn decorations.
While waiting in line for a checkout, an old man came over and gave her some change from his pocket, saying he just wanted to give her some blessings. She took the change from him. I'm sure the feeling of that soft baby hand on his wrinkled old hand felt beautiful.
Once they came home, they plugged in Gee's new Christmas peacock, and she lay on the floor, inspecting the reflections in the hardwood.
While waiting in line for a checkout, an old man came over and gave her some change from his pocket, saying he just wanted to give her some blessings. She took the change from him. I'm sure the feeling of that soft baby hand on his wrinkled old hand felt beautiful.
Once they came home, they plugged in Gee's new Christmas peacock, and she lay on the floor, inspecting the reflections in the hardwood.
She put in a BIG day, so ended up taking a very late, very long nap, from 3:30 - 5:50.
This then meant she didn't go to sleep until 10:00, so there is one tired Mama here!
November 8, 2012
Eb, Gee Gee and I were all sitting around on the floor, with Lizzy in the middle. We'd ask her to sing a song about Mama, Eb, or Gee Gee, and she'd oblige with her sweet little bird song.
Then we asked her to sing a song about Lizzy, to which she replied "Me!"
We headed back to our house, as Dada was arriving home. I went ahead and gave her a bath. During her play, I noticed she passed an enormous gas bubble, which rose out of the water with a splash. I laughed, and went back to watching her play, pouring water from one container to another. A few seconds later, I noticed she leaned forward. I didn't think anything of it, thinking she was just readjusting her position in the tub. A few seconds after that, I looked down again to notice that it hadn't been a big gas bubble after all; she had pooped in the tub :o)
Dada came home shortly after, and she was overjoyed to see him. She ran over to him and hugged his leg like I've never seen before. She was so glad to see her Dada.
November 9, 2012
Since Dada was only going to be home for 36 hours, I took the day off to stay home with Liz. Of course, he had to work, but at least we got to see him more than we would have otherwise. She finally said her name! I showed her a big canvas of a portrait of her that we had made of her, and asked her "who is this?" She said "Liddy."
We sang more songs.
http://www.viddy.com/video/573fb143-49ae-4147-aabe-345714952c24
We went to the playground across from our house, and played on the swings and slides.
http://www.viddy.com/video/9a0bf393-e38c-42ca-8e9d-3037da75ea0e
She also said a new character name from Mickey Mouse. Pete. Except it comes out "Beat."
For dinner, we went to Journey on 96th Street, and she ate a big plate of coconut shrimp, broccoli, and watermelon. She's such a good girl when we go out.
November 10, 2012
Dada left at 6:00 am for Salt Lake City, so she and I headed to Gymboree as usual for a Saturday morning. After a great session, we headed to Pendleton for the Christmas celebration.
We saw reindeer. They made her very happy.
November 8, 2012
Eb, Gee Gee and I were all sitting around on the floor, with Lizzy in the middle. We'd ask her to sing a song about Mama, Eb, or Gee Gee, and she'd oblige with her sweet little bird song.
Then we asked her to sing a song about Lizzy, to which she replied "Me!"
We headed back to our house, as Dada was arriving home. I went ahead and gave her a bath. During her play, I noticed she passed an enormous gas bubble, which rose out of the water with a splash. I laughed, and went back to watching her play, pouring water from one container to another. A few seconds later, I noticed she leaned forward. I didn't think anything of it, thinking she was just readjusting her position in the tub. A few seconds after that, I looked down again to notice that it hadn't been a big gas bubble after all; she had pooped in the tub :o)
Dada came home shortly after, and she was overjoyed to see him. She ran over to him and hugged his leg like I've never seen before. She was so glad to see her Dada.
November 9, 2012
Since Dada was only going to be home for 36 hours, I took the day off to stay home with Liz. Of course, he had to work, but at least we got to see him more than we would have otherwise. She finally said her name! I showed her a big canvas of a portrait of her that we had made of her, and asked her "who is this?" She said "Liddy."
We sang more songs.
http://www.viddy.com/video/573fb143-49ae-4147-aabe-345714952c24
We went to the playground across from our house, and played on the swings and slides.
http://www.viddy.com/video/9a0bf393-e38c-42ca-8e9d-3037da75ea0e
She also said a new character name from Mickey Mouse. Pete. Except it comes out "Beat."
For dinner, we went to Journey on 96th Street, and she ate a big plate of coconut shrimp, broccoli, and watermelon. She's such a good girl when we go out.
November 10, 2012
Dada left at 6:00 am for Salt Lake City, so she and I headed to Gymboree as usual for a Saturday morning. After a great session, we headed to Pendleton for the Christmas celebration.
We saw reindeer. They made her very happy.
Then we balanced on the parking barriers. This was tremendous fun, and she wasn't happy when we had to stop.
We then headed to Eb and Gee's, where she immediately had a nap. Then we played outside for several hours, enjoying the beautiful day. We played and played and played, finally falling asleep a little after 9:00 pm. What a fun day!
November 11, 2012
We had such a perfect day. After Lizzy woke up, she, Eb and I went to the park to feed ducks. Then we went over the falls, walked on some trails, threw rocks in the water, balanced on railroad ties, and played on the playground. We were there for nearly 2 hours. Then we went to the grocery store where she got a cart to drive. Then we stopped by the bakery for her free cookie. She soon realized that the Marsh cookie took priority over driving, so she decided to eat her cookie and "drive" with her foot.
November 11, 2012
We had such a perfect day. After Lizzy woke up, she, Eb and I went to the park to feed ducks. Then we went over the falls, walked on some trails, threw rocks in the water, balanced on railroad ties, and played on the playground. We were there for nearly 2 hours. Then we went to the grocery store where she got a cart to drive. Then we stopped by the bakery for her free cookie. She soon realized that the Marsh cookie took priority over driving, so she decided to eat her cookie and "drive" with her foot.
After returning home, having lunch, and napping, we went to the coin store to add to her collection. Then to the party store to get a new balloon and wind-up toy. Then we played outside, enjoying the last of the nice weekend weather. What a perfect day.
November 12, 2012
It snowed for the first time today. I called home to check on her, and I heard her in the background yelling "SNOW! SNOW!"
November 13, 2012
Poor little munchkin has a little cold. Time to break out the pillows so we can sleep sitting up, the vaporizer, and the baby tylenol!
She was playing with some of Eb's coins, and we caught her trying to "count" them. She can't get the numbers yet, but she does the counting rhythm, and goes "dup, dup, dup" as she counts each one out.
November 15, 2012
After 2 days, she's all better. This baby has a really resilient immune system, for which I am so thankful!
She and I were watching a video of the ABC song. After it had ended, she said "A. B."
Beautiful girl.
November 12, 2012
It snowed for the first time today. I called home to check on her, and I heard her in the background yelling "SNOW! SNOW!"
November 13, 2012
Poor little munchkin has a little cold. Time to break out the pillows so we can sleep sitting up, the vaporizer, and the baby tylenol!
She was playing with some of Eb's coins, and we caught her trying to "count" them. She can't get the numbers yet, but she does the counting rhythm, and goes "dup, dup, dup" as she counts each one out.
November 15, 2012
After 2 days, she's all better. This baby has a really resilient immune system, for which I am so thankful!
She and I were watching a video of the ABC song. After it had ended, she said "A. B."
Beautiful girl.
November 16, 2012
After I picked Lizzy up, we went to pick up dinner and as we were walking in, she heard a Salvation Army bell. She yelled "BELL!" and started moving her hand in a ringing motion.
Dada came home tonight. She, once again, ran over to him and grabbed his leg, so happy to see him.
We had Chinese take-out for dinner. As we were eating, we had Formula 1 practice on the tv in the background. We were making her laugh by making the noise a race car makes as it goes past. After several times, she started doing it too. She just says "NERM" and moves her head from side to side. So funny!
November 17, 2012
After Gymboree, we were driving to Hamilton Town Center. She had a Mickey Mouse book that has buttons to push to make sounds. She was pushing the buttons and absolutely cracking up after each button press.
http://www.viddy.com/video/32d892b8-455f-4655-899e-f24b48038f0d
Any remaining 18 - 24 month clothes that had still fit needed to be retired. She has gotten so big. So, we went shopping to buy more 2T clothes. We found several cute new outfits. We also grabbed lunch, and went home to eat. We then all had a lovely afternoon nap together.
After waking, we had Mexican for dinner. As always, she loves chips and guacamole and ate lots of rice. This girl LOVES to eat!
Then we headed to the grocery. She put some change in the Salvation Army can, and the man let her ring the bell. What a fun day!!
November 18, 2012
We got up early to go to Costco, and she (again) spotted the giant Mickey and Minnie Mouse dolls. She doesn't remember she already has 2 at home for her Christmas gift!
While we were standing in line at Costco to check out, I was giving her butterfly kisses on her cheeks. She was giggling so hard. After a few times of this, she then tried to give me some on my cheeks. So sweet.
Once we came home, she immediately lay down and took a 3 hour nap. Then her and Dada went over the playground a few times while I did laundry and other housework.
She has still been playing with one of those plastic jack-o-lanterns from Halloween. She's taken to putting it on her arm, like a handbag, and walking around saying "Mama, Mama, Mama." She's pretending to be me.
This was, yet again, one of those weekends where I felt physical, painful sadness when she fell asleep on Sunday night. I didn't want it to end.
November 19, 2012
As she was waking up, we were rocking in her rocking chair. Projected on her ceiling in her room is a moon. This moon happens to be reading a book. I said "what's that?"
"Moon."
"Good! And what is the moon reading?"
"Book."
Another new word! I love it.
In the afternoon, she had another new word, "please." She learned this so quickly, as we'd only starting asking her to say it the day before. Now, she says it when she wants something. Quick study.
Also, we've been practicing identifying some words. I can now write MOON, DADA, and DUCK on the chalkboard, and she can identify the word. She has to start reading somehow, right?
She helped me sort Dada's socks today too. I'd hold one up, and ask her to find me the one that was the same. She'd grab the right one and bring it over to me. What a great little helper!
My, she is beautiful.
After I picked Lizzy up, we went to pick up dinner and as we were walking in, she heard a Salvation Army bell. She yelled "BELL!" and started moving her hand in a ringing motion.
Dada came home tonight. She, once again, ran over to him and grabbed his leg, so happy to see him.
We had Chinese take-out for dinner. As we were eating, we had Formula 1 practice on the tv in the background. We were making her laugh by making the noise a race car makes as it goes past. After several times, she started doing it too. She just says "NERM" and moves her head from side to side. So funny!
November 17, 2012
After Gymboree, we were driving to Hamilton Town Center. She had a Mickey Mouse book that has buttons to push to make sounds. She was pushing the buttons and absolutely cracking up after each button press.
http://www.viddy.com/video/32d892b8-455f-4655-899e-f24b48038f0d
Any remaining 18 - 24 month clothes that had still fit needed to be retired. She has gotten so big. So, we went shopping to buy more 2T clothes. We found several cute new outfits. We also grabbed lunch, and went home to eat. We then all had a lovely afternoon nap together.
After waking, we had Mexican for dinner. As always, she loves chips and guacamole and ate lots of rice. This girl LOVES to eat!
Then we headed to the grocery. She put some change in the Salvation Army can, and the man let her ring the bell. What a fun day!!
November 18, 2012
We got up early to go to Costco, and she (again) spotted the giant Mickey and Minnie Mouse dolls. She doesn't remember she already has 2 at home for her Christmas gift!
While we were standing in line at Costco to check out, I was giving her butterfly kisses on her cheeks. She was giggling so hard. After a few times of this, she then tried to give me some on my cheeks. So sweet.
Once we came home, she immediately lay down and took a 3 hour nap. Then her and Dada went over the playground a few times while I did laundry and other housework.
She has still been playing with one of those plastic jack-o-lanterns from Halloween. She's taken to putting it on her arm, like a handbag, and walking around saying "Mama, Mama, Mama." She's pretending to be me.
This was, yet again, one of those weekends where I felt physical, painful sadness when she fell asleep on Sunday night. I didn't want it to end.
November 19, 2012
As she was waking up, we were rocking in her rocking chair. Projected on her ceiling in her room is a moon. This moon happens to be reading a book. I said "what's that?"
"Moon."
"Good! And what is the moon reading?"
"Book."
Another new word! I love it.
In the afternoon, she had another new word, "please." She learned this so quickly, as we'd only starting asking her to say it the day before. Now, she says it when she wants something. Quick study.
Also, we've been practicing identifying some words. I can now write MOON, DADA, and DUCK on the chalkboard, and she can identify the word. She has to start reading somehow, right?
She helped me sort Dada's socks today too. I'd hold one up, and ask her to find me the one that was the same. She'd grab the right one and bring it over to me. What a great little helper!
My, she is beautiful.
November 21, 2012
Elizabeth had her 18-month doctor appointment this morning. She's in perfect health. The doctor was impressed with her verbal skills, and the fact that she knows her colors. She said she's "very smart." She was happy that we're still nursing, and that obviously has to do with the fact that she hasn't ever been seriously ill, other than a cold. She also said it sounds like Lizzy is a good eater when we described her diet. Her stats are as follows:
Weight: 26.9 pounds (78 percentile)
Height: 34 inches (95 percentile) - although I think they misread this, since she was very squirmy and I think her neck was crooked when they made this reading. I think she's a little taller than this
Head circumference: 47 cm (61 percentile)
This is a happy, smart, tall, healthy girl. I'm so grateful she is ours.
Elizabeth had her 18-month doctor appointment this morning. She's in perfect health. The doctor was impressed with her verbal skills, and the fact that she knows her colors. She said she's "very smart." She was happy that we're still nursing, and that obviously has to do with the fact that she hasn't ever been seriously ill, other than a cold. She also said it sounds like Lizzy is a good eater when we described her diet. Her stats are as follows:
Weight: 26.9 pounds (78 percentile)
Height: 34 inches (95 percentile) - although I think they misread this, since she was very squirmy and I think her neck was crooked when they made this reading. I think she's a little taller than this
Head circumference: 47 cm (61 percentile)
This is a happy, smart, tall, healthy girl. I'm so grateful she is ours.
Height and weight charts updated with today's visit information. The red dots indicate the child is above the 97th percentile for that age group. Nothing to be alarmed about!
November 22, 2012
We had a beautiful Thanksgiving. Of all things in this world, this beautiful girl is the single thing for which we are most thankful.
As it was a beautiful, sunny, warm-ish day, we went over to the playground to play. She saw Eb and Gee arrive and bellowed for them so loudly they could hear her yelling as they got out of their car. We played, saw ducks, and came in to visit while Dada cooked a beautiful meal.
She initially didn't like the turkey, but later on ate it with vigor. She ate green beans, roasted potatoes, and had a fantastic day.
After our post-meal nap, she and I trimmed the tree. She helped by showing me where the ornaments go. She kept yelling "BALL BALL BALL" at the ornaments. Once the lights came on, that was a hugely exciting occasion.
I am thankful for her health. I am thankful for her intelligence. I'm thankful for her sense of humor. I'm thankful for her smile. I'm thankful for her songs. I'm thankful for her love for us.
November 23, 2012
No way were we going out for Black Friday! We stayed home, cuddled, napped, wrapped presents, and played. She especially liked playing Grand Turismo 3 with Dada's steering wheel. I wish every Friday could be like this.
November 24, 2012
We skipped Gymboree today, since she didn't go to sleep until 11:15 and got up at 7:30, so I knew she'd be sleepy in the morning. Sure enough, she fell asleep at 9:45, which would have been precisely when class started. After waking, we went to Menard's for some outdoor decorations and other things. She got to drive the car cart. I wish every place had those! She loves them so much. Then we came home, played some more, and she had another nap in the afternoon. This means she'll be up late again. I'm hoping to get her back to a normal sleep schedule on Sunday, or it's going to be a rough Monday morning for Mama!
November 26, 2012
Eb got some bacon out of their deep freezer. When Elizabeth saw the packages of bacon, she said "Mama eat!" That's right baby, Mama likes bacon :o)
November 27, 2012
We were getting ready to take a shower together, and she suddenly reached up for me, "grabbed" my nose, and pretended to eat it. Very much playing "got your nose." However, no one has been playing this with her or otherwise demonstrating this game - she came up with it on her own.
November 28, 2012
Elizabeth is very verbal for an 18-month old, with an expansive vocabulary and she has been making 2 and 3 word sentences for awhile.
However, we're noticing that she's really on the cusp of breaking into the next level of speech development. She's trying very hard to say many new words, will mimic back anything you say (she even mimicked me saying "rectangle" the other day), and is trying so hard to communicate. Any day now she's going to say something that is going to amaze us all. Stay tuned for whatever that might be!
She's so close!
November 29, 2012
Frosty the Snowman has been a really big deal since she first watched it last Friday night. Now, she likes to point out the snowmen throughout the house.
I thought I'd coax her to say "snowman", since she can say both "snow" and "man." I had her say snow. Then I had her say man. Then I had her say snowman. It came out so perfectly. I think she was sort of surprised she said it.
There are many benefits to co-sleeping with her, but perhaps my favorite is that when she talks or laughs in her sleep, I'm right there to hear it. For some reason, she was full of giggles in her sleep tonight.
November 30, 2012
The fun day we'd all been waiting on had finally arrived! Lizzy woke up around 7:30, so we got her dressed, got some bites in her, and headed out to Cincinnati. Our first stop was to be Cincinnati Airport, where Dada was flying in from the west coast to meet us. The ride to Cincinnati Airport was very good, with only a few minutes of crying from her around Greenfield. After a quick stop to let her out of her seat and cuddle, she got back in and rode happily the rest of the way.
When we arrived at CVG, we had a short wait before her Dada got off the plane. They have a nice waiting area, where you can see through a glass enclosure as the passengers come down the terminal exit. As soon as she spotted Dada, she yelled excitedly. We hurried around to the exit to greet him, and Eb tried to keep her behind the orange security line. She wasn't having it - she wanted her Dada! She breached the orange security line to run to Dada, and the TSA Agent just smiled and laughed - I think the sweet scene made his day.
After greeting Dada, we went to Smokey Bones for lunch, where she promptly fell asleep. She napped only about 30 minutes, when she woke up as we were putting her back into her seat. The ride to the Lodge, from there, was only about 20 minutes. She did so well for the entirety of our travels!
We arrived at the lodge about 1:00 pm. Wow! She loved the lights and all of the animals everywhere.
We had a beautiful Thanksgiving. Of all things in this world, this beautiful girl is the single thing for which we are most thankful.
As it was a beautiful, sunny, warm-ish day, we went over to the playground to play. She saw Eb and Gee arrive and bellowed for them so loudly they could hear her yelling as they got out of their car. We played, saw ducks, and came in to visit while Dada cooked a beautiful meal.
She initially didn't like the turkey, but later on ate it with vigor. She ate green beans, roasted potatoes, and had a fantastic day.
After our post-meal nap, she and I trimmed the tree. She helped by showing me where the ornaments go. She kept yelling "BALL BALL BALL" at the ornaments. Once the lights came on, that was a hugely exciting occasion.
I am thankful for her health. I am thankful for her intelligence. I'm thankful for her sense of humor. I'm thankful for her smile. I'm thankful for her songs. I'm thankful for her love for us.
November 23, 2012
No way were we going out for Black Friday! We stayed home, cuddled, napped, wrapped presents, and played. She especially liked playing Grand Turismo 3 with Dada's steering wheel. I wish every Friday could be like this.
November 24, 2012
We skipped Gymboree today, since she didn't go to sleep until 11:15 and got up at 7:30, so I knew she'd be sleepy in the morning. Sure enough, she fell asleep at 9:45, which would have been precisely when class started. After waking, we went to Menard's for some outdoor decorations and other things. She got to drive the car cart. I wish every place had those! She loves them so much. Then we came home, played some more, and she had another nap in the afternoon. This means she'll be up late again. I'm hoping to get her back to a normal sleep schedule on Sunday, or it's going to be a rough Monday morning for Mama!
November 26, 2012
Eb got some bacon out of their deep freezer. When Elizabeth saw the packages of bacon, she said "Mama eat!" That's right baby, Mama likes bacon :o)
November 27, 2012
We were getting ready to take a shower together, and she suddenly reached up for me, "grabbed" my nose, and pretended to eat it. Very much playing "got your nose." However, no one has been playing this with her or otherwise demonstrating this game - she came up with it on her own.
November 28, 2012
Elizabeth is very verbal for an 18-month old, with an expansive vocabulary and she has been making 2 and 3 word sentences for awhile.
However, we're noticing that she's really on the cusp of breaking into the next level of speech development. She's trying very hard to say many new words, will mimic back anything you say (she even mimicked me saying "rectangle" the other day), and is trying so hard to communicate. Any day now she's going to say something that is going to amaze us all. Stay tuned for whatever that might be!
She's so close!
November 29, 2012
Frosty the Snowman has been a really big deal since she first watched it last Friday night. Now, she likes to point out the snowmen throughout the house.
I thought I'd coax her to say "snowman", since she can say both "snow" and "man." I had her say snow. Then I had her say man. Then I had her say snowman. It came out so perfectly. I think she was sort of surprised she said it.
There are many benefits to co-sleeping with her, but perhaps my favorite is that when she talks or laughs in her sleep, I'm right there to hear it. For some reason, she was full of giggles in her sleep tonight.
November 30, 2012
The fun day we'd all been waiting on had finally arrived! Lizzy woke up around 7:30, so we got her dressed, got some bites in her, and headed out to Cincinnati. Our first stop was to be Cincinnati Airport, where Dada was flying in from the west coast to meet us. The ride to Cincinnati Airport was very good, with only a few minutes of crying from her around Greenfield. After a quick stop to let her out of her seat and cuddle, she got back in and rode happily the rest of the way.
When we arrived at CVG, we had a short wait before her Dada got off the plane. They have a nice waiting area, where you can see through a glass enclosure as the passengers come down the terminal exit. As soon as she spotted Dada, she yelled excitedly. We hurried around to the exit to greet him, and Eb tried to keep her behind the orange security line. She wasn't having it - she wanted her Dada! She breached the orange security line to run to Dada, and the TSA Agent just smiled and laughed - I think the sweet scene made his day.
After greeting Dada, we went to Smokey Bones for lunch, where she promptly fell asleep. She napped only about 30 minutes, when she woke up as we were putting her back into her seat. The ride to the Lodge, from there, was only about 20 minutes. She did so well for the entirety of our travels!
We arrived at the lodge about 1:00 pm. Wow! She loved the lights and all of the animals everywhere.
We headed up to our fantastic room to get changed. Poor Dada had taken the red eye in from L.A. and was exhausted, so he stayed to nap. Eb, Lizzy and I went swimming. She went down the waterslide with Eb catching her. So brave!
Inevitably, this much playing in the water will wear a little one out. We went upstairs around 4:30, and she took a BIG nap, until about 6:30. This gave Mama and Dada a chance to have dinner and go to the waterpark ourselves.
After she woke up, they came to look for us. We went back to the room to get dried off so we could take her to get some ice cream and to the arcade. She drove the bus:
After she woke up, they came to look for us. We went back to the room to get dried off so we could take her to get some ice cream and to the arcade. She drove the bus:
She also did a crane game with her Dada and got 2 toy dinosaurs. Then, with all the tickets we won, she got to pick out two bracelets which she LOVES.
Earlier in the day, one of the costumed characters got on the elevator with us as we were moving through the resort. Her only previous encounter with a costumed character, a truly frightening Easter Bunny back in April, did not end well. However, she was quite intrigued with this character, and when we debarked the elevator, he stopped so she could shake his hand. She also told him bye bye. This was very good!
December 1, 2012
We got up and dressed so we could go down and have breakfast. As the buffet didn't open until 8:00, we killed a few minutes with picture time. As you can see, she's holding one of her toy dinosaurs and wearing a bracelet from the night before.
Earlier in the day, one of the costumed characters got on the elevator with us as we were moving through the resort. Her only previous encounter with a costumed character, a truly frightening Easter Bunny back in April, did not end well. However, she was quite intrigued with this character, and when we debarked the elevator, he stopped so she could shake his hand. She also told him bye bye. This was very good!
December 1, 2012
We got up and dressed so we could go down and have breakfast. As the buffet didn't open until 8:00, we killed a few minutes with picture time. As you can see, she's holding one of her toy dinosaurs and wearing a bracelet from the night before.
As we were eating breakfast, she spotted Oliver the Raccoon enter from across the room. She spotted him and started waving at him before any of us realized what she had seen. We waited a few minutes for him to work his way over to our table. She kept staring and waving at him. She was so excited!
Hurry up, Oliver!
Once he got to our table, she didn't hesitate to give him a big hug. So big, in fact, that she lay her head on his arm.
Then a posed picture.
Then she wanted to touch his glasses.
After touching his glasses, she touched his nose, petted his arm, blew him a kiss and told him bye bye. She then started intently at him the rest of the time he was in the restaurant. She LOVED him!
After breakfast, we went back upstairs to get changed to swim some more. Dada FINALLY was able to play with Lizzy in the pool. She went down the waterslides more, and he got to catch her. She had a blast.
After breakfast, we went back upstairs to get changed to swim some more. Dada FINALLY was able to play with Lizzy in the pool. She went down the waterslides more, and he got to catch her. She had a blast.
Eventually, it was time to head home. We got changed and loaded back in the car for the drive home. She fell asleep about 15 minutes after we left, and slept the whole way home. What a perfect trip!
Once home, we took it easy that evening. Dada was down in the theater room setting up the Google TV box. Lizzy grabbed the remote keyboard and said "A B C." She's really wanting to learn about letters right now. It's exciting!
December 2, 2012
I guess the weekend had worn her out, because she slept 13.5 hours on Saturday night, and then had a nearly 3 hour nap on Sunday. We stayed home all day and just played. She helped me with the laundry, bringing me clothes from the pile to put into the washer, and helping me move clothes from the washer to the dryer. She saw Santa Claus on TV, got excited, and asked for "more!"
The fact she did so well with the costumed characters over the weekend, and that she's very interested in Santa Claus right now makes me think we might be ready to try to take her to visit Santa. How exciting!
December 4, 2012
After the great success of the costumed characters over the weekend, and the fact we've been talking a LOT about Santa, we thought we'd give a visit a try. We went in and Santa wasn't in his chair, he was taking a quick break. We were the only ones there, so we had a chance to show her the decorations, the bears, etc. When he came out, his helpers told him Elizabeth was here to see him. From across the room he said "Hello Elizabeth!"
She looked up at him, and started waving. Then she told Dada to take her closer to Santa. He took her closer, but she didn't want to get too close. It was clear she wasn't ready to sit on his lap (and we're not going to force her just for the sake of getting a picture), so we just showed her his beard, his clothes, etc. for a few minutes. We tried again a while later, and she was still a little wary. No problem, we'll try again next week!
Afterwards, we went to dinner at Red Robin and headed home. At least she got to see Santa and wasn't too terrified.
December 5, 2012
The last two mornings have been a little rough at leaving time, with Elizabeth crying when I leave her with Eb and Gee Gee. Yesterday morning was so bad she ended up throwing up because she cried so hard. This morning, she said "Mama no bye-bye" as I was doing my hair. Heartbreaking :o(
However, once we head our separate ways, she's fine. That doesn't make it any easier, though.
She LOVES Frosty and Santa. As you can tell from the smile below.
Once home, we took it easy that evening. Dada was down in the theater room setting up the Google TV box. Lizzy grabbed the remote keyboard and said "A B C." She's really wanting to learn about letters right now. It's exciting!
December 2, 2012
I guess the weekend had worn her out, because she slept 13.5 hours on Saturday night, and then had a nearly 3 hour nap on Sunday. We stayed home all day and just played. She helped me with the laundry, bringing me clothes from the pile to put into the washer, and helping me move clothes from the washer to the dryer. She saw Santa Claus on TV, got excited, and asked for "more!"
The fact she did so well with the costumed characters over the weekend, and that she's very interested in Santa Claus right now makes me think we might be ready to try to take her to visit Santa. How exciting!
December 4, 2012
After the great success of the costumed characters over the weekend, and the fact we've been talking a LOT about Santa, we thought we'd give a visit a try. We went in and Santa wasn't in his chair, he was taking a quick break. We were the only ones there, so we had a chance to show her the decorations, the bears, etc. When he came out, his helpers told him Elizabeth was here to see him. From across the room he said "Hello Elizabeth!"
She looked up at him, and started waving. Then she told Dada to take her closer to Santa. He took her closer, but she didn't want to get too close. It was clear she wasn't ready to sit on his lap (and we're not going to force her just for the sake of getting a picture), so we just showed her his beard, his clothes, etc. for a few minutes. We tried again a while later, and she was still a little wary. No problem, we'll try again next week!
Afterwards, we went to dinner at Red Robin and headed home. At least she got to see Santa and wasn't too terrified.
December 5, 2012
The last two mornings have been a little rough at leaving time, with Elizabeth crying when I leave her with Eb and Gee Gee. Yesterday morning was so bad she ended up throwing up because she cried so hard. This morning, she said "Mama no bye-bye" as I was doing my hair. Heartbreaking :o(
However, once we head our separate ways, she's fine. That doesn't make it any easier, though.
She LOVES Frosty and Santa. As you can tell from the smile below.
December 7, 2012
After a pretty rough week, miss 19-month old surprised us all with a perfect morning. No crying, no separation anxiety. Hooray! Seems it was just a phase.
Her newest word is "nuh-ning," which is how she's asking for nursing. "Mama, nuh-ning beez (please)." So cute!
December 8, 2012
After morning Gymboree, we headed home for lunch and our afternoon naps. Once up, we went to Penney's for some shopping and then to the grocery store. As usual, she was a perfect angel.
Afterwards, we headed to a friend's housewarming/Christmas party. They had a dancing Frosty the Snowman. She played with this toy for the better part of an hour before she was getting sleepy and we headed home. She LOVES Frosty.
December 9, 2012
After waking up, she wanted me to get up in the rocking chair to cuddle with her. She told me "Mama, get up please." That was her first 4-word sentence! She's been saying 3 word sentences for a long time, but this was her first 4-word string. So proud!
She has gotten very good at identifying some of her letters and numbers.
Here is Elizabeth recognizing the number 8 (which she's been able to do for about a week now).
And here she is recognizing the letter "O."
We went over to our friend's house for their son's 2nd birthday party. After a few minutes to warm up, Lizzy happily played in the playroom with all the new toys. She ate a lot of grapes and bread with dip (she loves dip!) and then a few bites of cake. We had a fun time! Then home for a nice afternoon nap.
Again, we had a fantastic weekend. I'm so looking forward to this Christmas, because this weekend I caught her unwrapping one of my gifts under the Christmas tree. This means she will finally be able to open her own presents this year. What fun it will be!
December 10, 2012
I had the most terrible dream that, in order to help Lizzy with her separation anxiety issues, we decided it would be best to send her, by herself, on a flight to and from Dallas. She somehow made it to Texas okay, but didn't manage to get on the return flight back. I managed to track her down. An American Airlines flight attendant was watching her until we could come and get her. I was sobbing down the phone that she likes Mickey, apples and bananas, and that she needs to nurse, and that we'd be there just as soon as we could. I woke up sobbing in my sleep. It was awful. I would never send my poor baby away like that - babies need their Mamas!
December 11, 2012
Out of nowhere, she started getting a stuffy nose. Obviously, this makes sleeping a challenge. She went to sleep at 8:30, but woke up at 9:30 and wouldn't/couldn't go back to sleep until after 1:00 am. I hate when she gets a cold :o(
December 13, 2012
Thank goodness for her good healthy immune system. She kicked this cold in 36 hours!
December 14, 2012
Look at this painting she did at Eb and Gee's. It's a tree (on top) and a bird (on the bottom). Quite good!
After a pretty rough week, miss 19-month old surprised us all with a perfect morning. No crying, no separation anxiety. Hooray! Seems it was just a phase.
Her newest word is "nuh-ning," which is how she's asking for nursing. "Mama, nuh-ning beez (please)." So cute!
December 8, 2012
After morning Gymboree, we headed home for lunch and our afternoon naps. Once up, we went to Penney's for some shopping and then to the grocery store. As usual, she was a perfect angel.
Afterwards, we headed to a friend's housewarming/Christmas party. They had a dancing Frosty the Snowman. She played with this toy for the better part of an hour before she was getting sleepy and we headed home. She LOVES Frosty.
December 9, 2012
After waking up, she wanted me to get up in the rocking chair to cuddle with her. She told me "Mama, get up please." That was her first 4-word sentence! She's been saying 3 word sentences for a long time, but this was her first 4-word string. So proud!
She has gotten very good at identifying some of her letters and numbers.
Here is Elizabeth recognizing the number 8 (which she's been able to do for about a week now).
And here she is recognizing the letter "O."
We went over to our friend's house for their son's 2nd birthday party. After a few minutes to warm up, Lizzy happily played in the playroom with all the new toys. She ate a lot of grapes and bread with dip (she loves dip!) and then a few bites of cake. We had a fun time! Then home for a nice afternoon nap.
Again, we had a fantastic weekend. I'm so looking forward to this Christmas, because this weekend I caught her unwrapping one of my gifts under the Christmas tree. This means she will finally be able to open her own presents this year. What fun it will be!
December 10, 2012
I had the most terrible dream that, in order to help Lizzy with her separation anxiety issues, we decided it would be best to send her, by herself, on a flight to and from Dallas. She somehow made it to Texas okay, but didn't manage to get on the return flight back. I managed to track her down. An American Airlines flight attendant was watching her until we could come and get her. I was sobbing down the phone that she likes Mickey, apples and bananas, and that she needs to nurse, and that we'd be there just as soon as we could. I woke up sobbing in my sleep. It was awful. I would never send my poor baby away like that - babies need their Mamas!
December 11, 2012
Out of nowhere, she started getting a stuffy nose. Obviously, this makes sleeping a challenge. She went to sleep at 8:30, but woke up at 9:30 and wouldn't/couldn't go back to sleep until after 1:00 am. I hate when she gets a cold :o(
December 13, 2012
Thank goodness for her good healthy immune system. She kicked this cold in 36 hours!
December 14, 2012
Look at this painting she did at Eb and Gee's. It's a tree (on top) and a bird (on the bottom). Quite good!
Eb and Gee came to watch Lizzy while we went to my Christmas party. They played, watched Frosty, and she was still up when I got home so I got to love her before bed time. She's such a good girl.
December 15, 2012
We had another great Saturday morning at Gymboree (she loves her Gymbo stamps!), and after lunch, had our usual Saturday noon time nap. Then Great Gooy came to visit, and Lizzy gave her kisses when it was time for her to leave. Dada went to bring us Thai food for dinner, and Lizzy loved the chicken satay and peanut sauce, and then proceeded to eat a bunch of my glass noodles and shrimp.
December 16, 2012
What a fun day we had. She and I got up and went to the grocery store in the morning. She's such a good grocery buddy. Of course, she likes to drive the car cart, but she also likes to help me name items and colors, and even try to count things too.
After afternoon naps (3 hours for her), we went swimming at the Y. She is becoming so confident in the water, and really likes the swimming vest we've gotten her. She loves to jump in from the side, and likes to float on her tummy and kick her legs. We swam for nearly an hour before Dada had finished his workout and it was time to go home.
December 17, 2012
All that swimming the day before must have really worn her out. Not only did she have a 3.5 hour nap at Eb and Gee Gee's, but then she came home and at 5:30 told me she wanted up in the bed for night night. I thought she was just playing. She was not. She proceeded to nap from 5:30 until 7:15. She was a tired little munchkin! Once she woke up, I snapped this picture. She has such a long tongue!
December 15, 2012
We had another great Saturday morning at Gymboree (she loves her Gymbo stamps!), and after lunch, had our usual Saturday noon time nap. Then Great Gooy came to visit, and Lizzy gave her kisses when it was time for her to leave. Dada went to bring us Thai food for dinner, and Lizzy loved the chicken satay and peanut sauce, and then proceeded to eat a bunch of my glass noodles and shrimp.
December 16, 2012
What a fun day we had. She and I got up and went to the grocery store in the morning. She's such a good grocery buddy. Of course, she likes to drive the car cart, but she also likes to help me name items and colors, and even try to count things too.
After afternoon naps (3 hours for her), we went swimming at the Y. She is becoming so confident in the water, and really likes the swimming vest we've gotten her. She loves to jump in from the side, and likes to float on her tummy and kick her legs. We swam for nearly an hour before Dada had finished his workout and it was time to go home.
December 17, 2012
All that swimming the day before must have really worn her out. Not only did she have a 3.5 hour nap at Eb and Gee Gee's, but then she came home and at 5:30 told me she wanted up in the bed for night night. I thought she was just playing. She was not. She proceeded to nap from 5:30 until 7:15. She was a tired little munchkin! Once she woke up, I snapped this picture. She has such a long tongue!
December 18, 2012
When Lizzy was smaller, and I needed to brush my teeth and had to sit her down on the floor, I'd stomp my feet comedically to keep her entertained while I was brushing.
Now, when she brushes her teeth, she too stomps. She thinks stomping her feet is part of the tooth brushing process.
December 19, 2012
We tried to visit Santa again, and it didn't go as well as the first time. She didn't want to get close to him, and hid her face as soon as we walked in the door. I'm not going to force her to do something just for the sake of a screaming child with Santa picture; that seems somewhat cruel. We will try again next year!
December 21, 2012
Today marked the start of 12 days home with Lizzy. Blissful! We had bought her a wonderful snowsuit, and since it had snowed some overnight, I was quite eager to put her in it so we could go play. So, we got all bundled up:
When Lizzy was smaller, and I needed to brush my teeth and had to sit her down on the floor, I'd stomp my feet comedically to keep her entertained while I was brushing.
Now, when she brushes her teeth, she too stomps. She thinks stomping her feet is part of the tooth brushing process.
December 19, 2012
We tried to visit Santa again, and it didn't go as well as the first time. She didn't want to get close to him, and hid her face as soon as we walked in the door. I'm not going to force her to do something just for the sake of a screaming child with Santa picture; that seems somewhat cruel. We will try again next year!
December 21, 2012
Today marked the start of 12 days home with Lizzy. Blissful! We had bought her a wonderful snowsuit, and since it had snowed some overnight, I was quite eager to put her in it so we could go play. So, we got all bundled up:
We took one step outside, and she said "Snow bye bye" and demanded to be taken back inside. Snow 1, Lizzy 0.
She loved looking at it from inside, but wanted no part of being out in it.
In the evening, we went to visit our good friend Dan who was in town from Florida. She loved sitting on the pool table and playing with the pool balls in the rack, taking them all back out and in again. By the end, she was naming all of the colored balls successfully. Proud!
Next up was going up the stairs over and over and over. Mama got to chase her up the stairs over and over and over. Not as fun for me as it was for her, but she was enjoying herself, smiling broadly each time she reached the summit. How can I say no to a beautiful Lizzy smile?
Around 9:30, she was getting tired so she and I left. As we were leaving the neighborhood where we had been visiting, she said "Mama? Home." She was ready to come home.
December 22, 2012
After Gymboree, we came home and napped on the couch together for a few hours. I love napping with her. We played for awhile, but I could tell she was starting to get bored. What do you do in the winter when you need a change of scenery? THE POOL!
I got her swimsuit out, and she instantly got excited, saying "Innnnnnnnnnnn pool!" It's so funny - when she sees her swimsuit, she instantly sits down so you can put it on her. No chasing after her, trying to corral her to get dressed like any other day.
We headed to the pool to swim for about an hour. She is getting so confident! It wasn't very busy, so we practiced jumping off the side (she has NO fear) and floating on her back (it makes her laugh when the water touches her ears.)
As we were leaving, she waved at the water and said "Bye bye pool." It was so cute.
December 23, 2012
Let the Holidays begin! After a 3 hour nap (her and me!) we got the car loaded up to head to Eb and Gee's. They had rented a room and some lanes at the bowling alley for the family Christmas gathering. She LOVED the arcade, and very soon had the path from the party room to the arcade memorized, so she'd take off running into there any time she was put down.
She loved looking at it from inside, but wanted no part of being out in it.
In the evening, we went to visit our good friend Dan who was in town from Florida. She loved sitting on the pool table and playing with the pool balls in the rack, taking them all back out and in again. By the end, she was naming all of the colored balls successfully. Proud!
Next up was going up the stairs over and over and over. Mama got to chase her up the stairs over and over and over. Not as fun for me as it was for her, but she was enjoying herself, smiling broadly each time she reached the summit. How can I say no to a beautiful Lizzy smile?
Around 9:30, she was getting tired so she and I left. As we were leaving the neighborhood where we had been visiting, she said "Mama? Home." She was ready to come home.
December 22, 2012
After Gymboree, we came home and napped on the couch together for a few hours. I love napping with her. We played for awhile, but I could tell she was starting to get bored. What do you do in the winter when you need a change of scenery? THE POOL!
I got her swimsuit out, and she instantly got excited, saying "Innnnnnnnnnnn pool!" It's so funny - when she sees her swimsuit, she instantly sits down so you can put it on her. No chasing after her, trying to corral her to get dressed like any other day.
We headed to the pool to swim for about an hour. She is getting so confident! It wasn't very busy, so we practiced jumping off the side (she has NO fear) and floating on her back (it makes her laugh when the water touches her ears.)
As we were leaving, she waved at the water and said "Bye bye pool." It was so cute.
December 23, 2012
Let the Holidays begin! After a 3 hour nap (her and me!) we got the car loaded up to head to Eb and Gee's. They had rented a room and some lanes at the bowling alley for the family Christmas gathering. She LOVED the arcade, and very soon had the path from the party room to the arcade memorized, so she'd take off running into there any time she was put down.
She also loved watching the bowling balls roll down the alley and go "BOOM!" at the end. She helped me roll the ball down the alley a few times, and just had a great time.
Afterwards, we spent the night at Eb and Gee's, so we could wake up there Christmas Eve morning and let Lizzy open her presents from them.
December 24, 2012
Lizzy opened her presents from Eb and Gee today. She got (not surprisingly) dozens of new gifts, including a Minnie Mouse car that will stay at their house.
Driving her new car!
Afterwards, we spent the night at Eb and Gee's, so we could wake up there Christmas Eve morning and let Lizzy open her presents from them.
December 24, 2012
Lizzy opened her presents from Eb and Gee today. She got (not surprisingly) dozens of new gifts, including a Minnie Mouse car that will stay at their house.
Driving her new car!
Her favorite gift of all, however, was a simple Minnie Mouse toothbrush set. Silly girl.
December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas! Here is our family Christmas photo, taken earlier this year in Italy at Villa Pitiana. It's for this shot that Dada brought all his camera equipment, tripod included, all the way to Italy :o)
December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas! Here is our family Christmas photo, taken earlier this year in Italy at Villa Pitiana. It's for this shot that Dada brought all his camera equipment, tripod included, all the way to Italy :o)
We got up Christmas morning and waited upstairs for Dada to get up so we could reveal her giant Mickey and Minnie to her. When she came down, she saw them by the tree and gave them big hugs. Here's a happy girl with her gifts from Santa!
Shortly after getting up, Eb and Gee arrived for more fun. We all exchanged gifts, and Lizzy opened her gifts from Mama and Dada.
Video: Opening like a pro.
Her favorite gift from Mama and Dada? Not her new laptop or Mickey and Minnie (from Santa), but hair bows and a miniature Mrs. Potato Head.
Video: Opening like a pro.
Her favorite gift from Mama and Dada? Not her new laptop or Mickey and Minnie (from Santa), but hair bows and a miniature Mrs. Potato Head.
We had a beautiful Christmas. I really couldn't ask for more than I have in her.
December 26, 2012
Ah, a post-Christmas Blizzard Warning. What a perfect day to stay home and play in the snow! We, once again, got all bundled up and went outside, but it was ever so windy, so she wanted back in immediately. Snow 2, Lizzy 0.
Video: Playing with her number puzzle. She found the number 8.
Our friend John was in town for a visit, so he braved the "blizzard" to come over and stay with us. He brought all the ingredients for homemade guacamole, which Lizzy LOVED and ate with gusto. She then proceeded to eat most of an entire chicken breast (ham and cheese stuffed and bacon wrapped) that Dada made for dinner. She kept wanting "more please!"
December 27, 2012
Finally! The third time was a charm. Now that the wind had died down, she LOVED playing in the snow.
Video: This stuff is deep!
We made snowballs and threw them in the snow.
December 26, 2012
Ah, a post-Christmas Blizzard Warning. What a perfect day to stay home and play in the snow! We, once again, got all bundled up and went outside, but it was ever so windy, so she wanted back in immediately. Snow 2, Lizzy 0.
Video: Playing with her number puzzle. She found the number 8.
Our friend John was in town for a visit, so he braved the "blizzard" to come over and stay with us. He brought all the ingredients for homemade guacamole, which Lizzy LOVED and ate with gusto. She then proceeded to eat most of an entire chicken breast (ham and cheese stuffed and bacon wrapped) that Dada made for dinner. She kept wanting "more please!"
December 27, 2012
Finally! The third time was a charm. Now that the wind had died down, she LOVED playing in the snow.
Video: This stuff is deep!
We made snowballs and threw them in the snow.
Then we made a snowman, that had a strange profile that looked like Queen Elizabeth.
Then we sat in a snowdrift and played with Dada.
Snow 2, Lizzy 1,000,000.
Lately, Lizzy has been a little rough with me while we've been nursing. Today after she hurt me, I told her "If you aren't gentle with Mommy, we will have to stop nursing." She looked at me, and let out a heart-wrenching wail and started crying inconsolably. I felt so badly for telling her that! However, she has been nothing but gentle with me since. This also tells me that she a) knows EXACTLY what I'm saying, and b) loves nursing as much as I do.
Lately, Lizzy has been a little rough with me while we've been nursing. Today after she hurt me, I told her "If you aren't gentle with Mommy, we will have to stop nursing." She looked at me, and let out a heart-wrenching wail and started crying inconsolably. I felt so badly for telling her that! However, she has been nothing but gentle with me since. This also tells me that she a) knows EXACTLY what I'm saying, and b) loves nursing as much as I do.
December 28, 2012
Lizzy went to Eb and Gee's after her afternoon nap, since they missed her terribly. This also gave Mama and Dada a chance to go have dinner with some friends. It started snowing pretty hard, and as they were driving her back home, she was in the back seat yelling "SNOW!" She REALLY likes snow now.
She drew a pretty decent picture of Dada on my phone today. She started with a pretty good circle, then added eyes, nose, and mouth before scribbling over the top of it. Not bad!
Lizzy went to Eb and Gee's after her afternoon nap, since they missed her terribly. This also gave Mama and Dada a chance to go have dinner with some friends. It started snowing pretty hard, and as they were driving her back home, she was in the back seat yelling "SNOW!" She REALLY likes snow now.
She drew a pretty decent picture of Dada on my phone today. She started with a pretty good circle, then added eyes, nose, and mouth before scribbling over the top of it. Not bad!
December 29, 2012
Gymboree bubble time!
After Gymboree, we headed to the grocery store to stock up on yogurt, since she has been on a big yogurt kick lately, eating entire tubs in one sitting (I'm so glad she has a good appetite!)
We went out to play in the snow again after our nap, and she wanted to take spatulas outside to play with the snow. Silly girl!
She loves brushing her teeth, and we often end up doing it two or three times a day because she enjoys it so much. At one point while brushing, she burped. This caused giant belly laughs, and then she kept pretend burping and laughing about it.
We spent the evening playing in the basement.
Gymboree bubble time!
After Gymboree, we headed to the grocery store to stock up on yogurt, since she has been on a big yogurt kick lately, eating entire tubs in one sitting (I'm so glad she has a good appetite!)
We went out to play in the snow again after our nap, and she wanted to take spatulas outside to play with the snow. Silly girl!
She loves brushing her teeth, and we often end up doing it two or three times a day because she enjoys it so much. At one point while brushing, she burped. This caused giant belly laughs, and then she kept pretend burping and laughing about it.
We spent the evening playing in the basement.
December 30, 2012
We went swimming in the morning and, as usual, she had a blast. She fell asleep in her seat on the way home, and then napped for almost 3 hours. After she woke, I put some snow in a big laundry tub and brought it inside, where we played with snow and food coloring, and then she took Christmas ornaments off the tree and into the snow.
Video: She's been practicing her ABC's, and can get up through "E". (Although this video is just ABC)
In the evening, Dada took some New Year's photos of Lizzy, but she was very much a moving target, so we only got a handful of useful ones. She's so gorgeous!
We went swimming in the morning and, as usual, she had a blast. She fell asleep in her seat on the way home, and then napped for almost 3 hours. After she woke, I put some snow in a big laundry tub and brought it inside, where we played with snow and food coloring, and then she took Christmas ornaments off the tree and into the snow.
Video: She's been practicing her ABC's, and can get up through "E". (Although this video is just ABC)
In the evening, Dada took some New Year's photos of Lizzy, but she was very much a moving target, so we only got a handful of useful ones. She's so gorgeous!
December 31, 2012
We spent the day at home, playing and enjoying our next-to-last day home together. Eb and Gee stopped by in the afternoon, and then she and I napped together. In the evening, the Lewises came over and Lizzy and Naveen played together quite nicely. She made it to about 11:00 pm, which was to be expected since she napped from 2:00 - 5:00.
Since we finally revealed all of the pro photos from last summer to everyone at Christmas, I'll go ahead and put them here too. Enjoy!
We spent the day at home, playing and enjoying our next-to-last day home together. Eb and Gee stopped by in the afternoon, and then she and I napped together. In the evening, the Lewises came over and Lizzy and Naveen played together quite nicely. She made it to about 11:00 pm, which was to be expected since she napped from 2:00 - 5:00.
Since we finally revealed all of the pro photos from last summer to everyone at Christmas, I'll go ahead and put them here too. Enjoy!
January 1, 2013
Our last day off together. These last (nearly) 2 weeks have been so delightful. I'm not sure if tomorrow is going to be harder on her or me.
No one ever told me how much fun having a toddler would be. I'm sure that in the future, I'd give anything to have this perfect 19-month old to play with again for a day. She is utter joy and I am so grateful that she is mine.
If I could go back and tell my selfish 23 or 24 year old self how fulfilling and amazing it would be to have a child, I'm not sure that version of me would have believed it or even listened. But, it wouldn't have mattered, because it took every twist and turn in my life, including the heartbreak of miscarriage, for everything to come together perfectly for us to have THIS child. It was all worth it, but I do not miss my old pre-Lizzy life at all. This is so much better in every way imaginable. After all, I get to wake up every day to this face. How does life get any better than that?
Our last day off together. These last (nearly) 2 weeks have been so delightful. I'm not sure if tomorrow is going to be harder on her or me.
No one ever told me how much fun having a toddler would be. I'm sure that in the future, I'd give anything to have this perfect 19-month old to play with again for a day. She is utter joy and I am so grateful that she is mine.
If I could go back and tell my selfish 23 or 24 year old self how fulfilling and amazing it would be to have a child, I'm not sure that version of me would have believed it or even listened. But, it wouldn't have mattered, because it took every twist and turn in my life, including the heartbreak of miscarriage, for everything to come together perfectly for us to have THIS child. It was all worth it, but I do not miss my old pre-Lizzy life at all. This is so much better in every way imaginable. After all, I get to wake up every day to this face. How does life get any better than that?
New Year's nap:
We had a wonderful last day off. We went to the pool, and Dada swam with us. She we delighted that he was in the pool, and she was splashing him and having a tremendous time.
She had 3 new words today: Milk, block, and star. She has so many new words each day, I can barely keep up. The best part is, she waits until she is certain to pronounce something right before she'll say it, so she's really easy to understand. We can nearly have complete conversations! At minimum, she can very clearly communicate with all of us what she wants, which is wonderful.
January 2, 2013
We swear she grew visibly today. When she came home, she looked so much taller. Slow down, baby!
Eb and Gee have started playing a game with her, where they'll say "Is your name Mickey? Is your name Minnie? Is your name Mama?" and every time she'll say "No" or "Uh uh." So cute!
We were nursing, and she stopped, grabbed "me", shook it, and said "Mama, juice!" Guess she wanted juice instead of milk.
She created an obstacle course in her room out of her toys, and was running through the obstacles, belly laughing as she went.
She has also, in the last week or so, started being either embarrassed or disappointed in herself if she makes a poopie in her diaper, which causes her to cry. Please don't cry, sweetheart!
January 3, 2013
As we were leaving this morning, she spotted her pool flotation device hanging on the back of the laundry room door. She pointed at it and said "Pool! Splash Dada!"
Lizzy likes to walk (carefully, and with close supervision) on Gee's treadmill. Today, she decided she would walk backwards on the treadmill.
We were watching an episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in which Donald takes over, and it's now "Donald's Clubhouse." She said "Duck no. Mickey!"
January 4, 2013
We went through the car wash on the way home, and she did NOT like this one bit. She started crying, yelling for Dada (who wasn't with us), and doing the "drive" signal to me, wondering why I wasn't driving out of the car wash. She was fine when it was over, but that was a very unhappy time for her.
For dinner, we had Korean. I had them make her an egg, which she ate, and then she wanted her Dada's bean sprouts and pickled radish. She always eats the most surprising things.
We were laying in bed, winding down for the night, when she proceeded to say the WHOLE alphabet, with the exception of "W." Dada got to hear it too.
January 5, 2013
After our normal Saturday morning Gymboree fun, we did a few things then came home. After nap time, we got up to play. First, we played with a magnetic dress-up doll she'd gotten for Christmas. After a short time, she started trying to put the magnets on herself. I snapped this photo in which she had put the tiny magnetic boots under her feet (she now says "boots" too), and was holding the glasses up to her eye and the magnetic bow in her hair.
She had 3 new words today: Milk, block, and star. She has so many new words each day, I can barely keep up. The best part is, she waits until she is certain to pronounce something right before she'll say it, so she's really easy to understand. We can nearly have complete conversations! At minimum, she can very clearly communicate with all of us what she wants, which is wonderful.
January 2, 2013
We swear she grew visibly today. When she came home, she looked so much taller. Slow down, baby!
Eb and Gee have started playing a game with her, where they'll say "Is your name Mickey? Is your name Minnie? Is your name Mama?" and every time she'll say "No" or "Uh uh." So cute!
We were nursing, and she stopped, grabbed "me", shook it, and said "Mama, juice!" Guess she wanted juice instead of milk.
She created an obstacle course in her room out of her toys, and was running through the obstacles, belly laughing as she went.
She has also, in the last week or so, started being either embarrassed or disappointed in herself if she makes a poopie in her diaper, which causes her to cry. Please don't cry, sweetheart!
January 3, 2013
As we were leaving this morning, she spotted her pool flotation device hanging on the back of the laundry room door. She pointed at it and said "Pool! Splash Dada!"
Lizzy likes to walk (carefully, and with close supervision) on Gee's treadmill. Today, she decided she would walk backwards on the treadmill.
We were watching an episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in which Donald takes over, and it's now "Donald's Clubhouse." She said "Duck no. Mickey!"
January 4, 2013
We went through the car wash on the way home, and she did NOT like this one bit. She started crying, yelling for Dada (who wasn't with us), and doing the "drive" signal to me, wondering why I wasn't driving out of the car wash. She was fine when it was over, but that was a very unhappy time for her.
For dinner, we had Korean. I had them make her an egg, which she ate, and then she wanted her Dada's bean sprouts and pickled radish. She always eats the most surprising things.
We were laying in bed, winding down for the night, when she proceeded to say the WHOLE alphabet, with the exception of "W." Dada got to hear it too.
January 5, 2013
After our normal Saturday morning Gymboree fun, we did a few things then came home. After nap time, we got up to play. First, we played with a magnetic dress-up doll she'd gotten for Christmas. After a short time, she started trying to put the magnets on herself. I snapped this photo in which she had put the tiny magnetic boots under her feet (she now says "boots" too), and was holding the glasses up to her eye and the magnetic bow in her hair.
We finally got our dining room put back in order after taking the Christmas tree down, so the dining room table setup was all new to her again. She had me get her giant Mickey and Minnie, and put them in two specific chairs at the table. I asked her "Are Mickey and Minnie hungry? What do they want to eat?" She replied, "Eggs." "What do they want to drink?" "Juice."
She then proceeded to go into the kitchen, get out HER spatula, a skillet, and pretend to make eggs for Mickey and Minnie. We put the pretend eggs on a plate, got a cup, poured some pretend juice, and served the mice.
She then proceeded to go into the kitchen, get out HER spatula, a skillet, and pretend to make eggs for Mickey and Minnie. We put the pretend eggs on a plate, got a cup, poured some pretend juice, and served the mice.
January 6, 2012
What a morning. I was in the kitchen cleaning up, and she was in the living room, playing. I turned around to check on her after maybe 15 seconds, and she was gone. I noticed her diaper on the floor right outside the bathroom floor. I went into the bathroom and there she was, sitting on her potty, going pee pee. By herself.
She has necklaces that she likes to play with. I had them all on me, and asked her "Who wants to wear these necklaces?" She said "I do!"
On our way to the pool, we played the "Is Your Name?" game: http://www.viddy.com/video/187fb29b-1910-4e3a-89f5-109c982675f4
We had more fun at the pool, and again, she was so happy Dada was there.
Again, this was one of those weekends where my heart broke a little bit when she fell asleep. I didn't want it to end.
January 7, 2013
20 months today.
She has been singing so much lately, especially songs about Mama and Dada. She has a voice like a beautiful baby bird.
I asked her if she loved Mama. She said "Dada!" with a big grin. Then I asked her again if she loved Mama. She grinned and said "Eb!" She loves to be contrary.
January 8, 2013
Lizzy can now open the refrigerator door at Eb and Gee's. She opened it, and proceeded to take bites directly out of the watermelon that was sitting on the bottom shelf.
What a morning. I was in the kitchen cleaning up, and she was in the living room, playing. I turned around to check on her after maybe 15 seconds, and she was gone. I noticed her diaper on the floor right outside the bathroom floor. I went into the bathroom and there she was, sitting on her potty, going pee pee. By herself.
She has necklaces that she likes to play with. I had them all on me, and asked her "Who wants to wear these necklaces?" She said "I do!"
On our way to the pool, we played the "Is Your Name?" game: http://www.viddy.com/video/187fb29b-1910-4e3a-89f5-109c982675f4
We had more fun at the pool, and again, she was so happy Dada was there.
Again, this was one of those weekends where my heart broke a little bit when she fell asleep. I didn't want it to end.
January 7, 2013
20 months today.
She has been singing so much lately, especially songs about Mama and Dada. She has a voice like a beautiful baby bird.
I asked her if she loved Mama. She said "Dada!" with a big grin. Then I asked her again if she loved Mama. She grinned and said "Eb!" She loves to be contrary.
January 8, 2013
Lizzy can now open the refrigerator door at Eb and Gee's. She opened it, and proceeded to take bites directly out of the watermelon that was sitting on the bottom shelf.
Look at these gorgeous eyes. Her expression is too funny.
January 9, 2013
We went to have Mexican food for dinner and, as she was sitting in the high chair eating, she looked at me, alarmed, and said "POOP!" I grabbed her up, and went into the potty at the restaurant. Within moments of sitting down, she peed and pooped in the potty. I know she's done this before, but it just shows how good she is now at letting us know that she needs to go potty. She will be diaper-free 100% of the time soon!
January 12, 2013
She perfected jumping off the wedge with perfect form at Gymboree today [Dada has a video that I will post soon]
We went to the eye doctor to get some new sunglasses for Dada and, again, she told me she needed to go poop. Sure enough, success!
I put her hair in her first ponytail today. It's getting so long. When it's wet, it's nearly halfway down her back. When it dries, it curls up much shorter, but it's long enough for a good ponytail.
It was a beautiful afternoon so, after our naps, we went and played on the swings and slide. As we'd go down the slides, I'd say "1" and then she'd say "2, 3!"
After playing, we went on a nice bike ride. She loves the Burley Buggy, and smiled and ate animal crackers while we rode.
January 13, 2013
Lizzy loves to pretend to drive our cars. She said "Dada, vroom black car please." He took her out and she made him sit in the passenger seat. Then, she made him put his seatbelt on (you should always put your seatbelt on!), put her seatbelt on, and she sat and drove for 20 minutes.
Elizabeth told her first lies today. In the evening, she had unzipped her jammies and undid her diaper, so it was down by her ankle. Then she zipped herself back up. When I discovered the diaper down by her ankle, I asked her who did that. Her response? "Dada."
This happened twice, and both times she blamed Dada.
Then, as we were cuddled in bed, she informed me she had to go potty. We get up and prepare to potty, when she said "No poop", and then proceeded to make the tooth brushing gesture. It was all a ploy to get me up so she could brush her teeth again.
Time for a skills update! She's now 20 months, so the 31 - 36 month skill chart seems appropriate.
We went to have Mexican food for dinner and, as she was sitting in the high chair eating, she looked at me, alarmed, and said "POOP!" I grabbed her up, and went into the potty at the restaurant. Within moments of sitting down, she peed and pooped in the potty. I know she's done this before, but it just shows how good she is now at letting us know that she needs to go potty. She will be diaper-free 100% of the time soon!
January 12, 2013
She perfected jumping off the wedge with perfect form at Gymboree today [Dada has a video that I will post soon]
We went to the eye doctor to get some new sunglasses for Dada and, again, she told me she needed to go poop. Sure enough, success!
I put her hair in her first ponytail today. It's getting so long. When it's wet, it's nearly halfway down her back. When it dries, it curls up much shorter, but it's long enough for a good ponytail.
It was a beautiful afternoon so, after our naps, we went and played on the swings and slide. As we'd go down the slides, I'd say "1" and then she'd say "2, 3!"
After playing, we went on a nice bike ride. She loves the Burley Buggy, and smiled and ate animal crackers while we rode.
January 13, 2013
Lizzy loves to pretend to drive our cars. She said "Dada, vroom black car please." He took her out and she made him sit in the passenger seat. Then, she made him put his seatbelt on (you should always put your seatbelt on!), put her seatbelt on, and she sat and drove for 20 minutes.
Elizabeth told her first lies today. In the evening, she had unzipped her jammies and undid her diaper, so it was down by her ankle. Then she zipped herself back up. When I discovered the diaper down by her ankle, I asked her who did that. Her response? "Dada."
This happened twice, and both times she blamed Dada.
Then, as we were cuddled in bed, she informed me she had to go potty. We get up and prepare to potty, when she said "No poop", and then proceeded to make the tooth brushing gesture. It was all a ploy to get me up so she could brush her teeth again.
Time for a skills update! She's now 20 months, so the 31 - 36 month skill chart seems appropriate.
January 15, 2013
When Lizzy wants to nurse, she asks for "nunning."
I asked her if she wanted any nunning.
She replied "nun-no."
A combination of nunning and no. There is no limit to the funny things she says.
January 16, 2013
I woke up extra early this morning (for no good reason), and so used 2 pre-dawn hours to lay next to my sleeping baby and marvel at her. I kissed her, smelled her still-baby-smell, touched her soft skin. I listened to her breathe. I watched her dream.
I'm overcome with the need to write these words. I apologize if they're maudlin, but it's what is in my heart.
In your beautiful eyes, I see forever
Hearing your beating heart, I hear life itself
With your smile, I understand why we are here
Holding your hand, I feel tenderness
Hearing your tiny feet cross the floor
Heals my heart from what happened before you
Your voice is that of an angel
Your songs are sweeter than any other
You make us better people
You show us love like we've never known
You bring such joy to our lives
That it overflows, touching everything
Your light is so bright, you have changed our world
You are our sunshine
When Lizzy wants to nurse, she asks for "nunning."
I asked her if she wanted any nunning.
She replied "nun-no."
A combination of nunning and no. There is no limit to the funny things she says.
January 16, 2013
I woke up extra early this morning (for no good reason), and so used 2 pre-dawn hours to lay next to my sleeping baby and marvel at her. I kissed her, smelled her still-baby-smell, touched her soft skin. I listened to her breathe. I watched her dream.
I'm overcome with the need to write these words. I apologize if they're maudlin, but it's what is in my heart.
In your beautiful eyes, I see forever
Hearing your beating heart, I hear life itself
With your smile, I understand why we are here
Holding your hand, I feel tenderness
Hearing your tiny feet cross the floor
Heals my heart from what happened before you
Your voice is that of an angel
Your songs are sweeter than any other
You make us better people
You show us love like we've never known
You bring such joy to our lives
That it overflows, touching everything
Your light is so bright, you have changed our world
You are our sunshine
January 17, 2013
Elizabeth has a pair of blue sunglasses (which she calls "ha-ha's", long story as to why...) that she loves. She loves to put them on and walk around with them. This week, while we were staying with Eb and Gee Gee, I also brought along her Indianapolis Zoo hat, since she's in a phase where she's loving hats. She also has a little basket that she likes to carry around and pretend to be Mama.
She will gather all 3 of us up so we can stand by the mirror and watch the haha's go on, the hat go on, and then the basket go on her arm.
When these three items come together, something really funny happens. She puts them all on, stands in front of the mirror, and an alter ego emerges. She acts like she's a celebrity who is trying to go incognito or something. It's so amusing!
Elizabeth has a pair of blue sunglasses (which she calls "ha-ha's", long story as to why...) that she loves. She loves to put them on and walk around with them. This week, while we were staying with Eb and Gee Gee, I also brought along her Indianapolis Zoo hat, since she's in a phase where she's loving hats. She also has a little basket that she likes to carry around and pretend to be Mama.
She will gather all 3 of us up so we can stand by the mirror and watch the haha's go on, the hat go on, and then the basket go on her arm.
When these three items come together, something really funny happens. She puts them all on, stands in front of the mirror, and an alter ego emerges. She acts like she's a celebrity who is trying to go incognito or something. It's so amusing!
Since she was in such a dress-up mode, I remembered that some friends of my parents had purchased a tutu for Lizzy when she was a newborn. We pulled it out...
January 18, 2013
Before we went night night, I was talking to Elizabeth about how Dada was going to come home tomorrow.
January 19, 2013
First thing when she woke up, she sat up and started looking around for Dada. She remembered what we'd talked about the night before. How sweet! Unfortunately, Dada wasn't to come home until late afternoon.
She most certainly does understand the concept of time. We can tell her she can have or do something after her bath. Then, after she's had her bath, she'll ask for that item at that time. Or the concept of "tomorrow", as evidenced by us talking about Dada coming home tomorrow, and then her looking and asking for him. Smart little girl.
Today was a HUGE milestone: She wore big girl underpants (not Pull Ups, real cloth underpants) ALL DAY without a SINGLE ACCIDENT! It was a 100% use the potty day morning to night. We did it! I know there will be accidents in the future, and we're still not retiring diapers at night time (although she very rarely goes pee pee in her sleep), but we did it. I knew this day would come sooner rather than later.
Dada finally came home, and she was so happy to see him. She saw him and immediately wanted him to take her down to the basement so they could play their race car game.
January 20, 2013
She and I got up and ran to the grocery, where she helped me pick out fruit - she's on a huge grape kick lately. Once Dada got up, we went to the pool then came back for Sunday afternoon naps. In the evening, we played, learned more letters (she's getting so good at identifying them!) and had a wonderful night.
January 21, 2013
Eb and Gee Gee came over in the morning so Eb could do a few things in our basement. This is what happened when Lizzy saw Eb and Gee pull up:
They're here!
January 22, 2013
She has been talking so much lately, and it sounds so cute. She's been saying "Uh Oh Baby". It's simply darling. I'm so grateful we live in an age where we can document these things, rather than the memories getting lost to the haze of time.
Uh Oh Baby
January 26, 2013
I had noticed yesterday that Elizabeth was much more drooly than usual, and today I noticed her first molar is finally breaking through! Hello tooth #9. It's on the top right hand side, and I think the top left one is just days away.
We went to Gymboree as usual, and then came home for our normal Saturday naps. After we woke, we played with all of her colored balls. She'd pick up a ball, say the color, and then take them one by one over to the couch, then she'd repeat the process. She's so good at her colors - she even knows black, white, and brown.
In the evening, we went downstairs to watch Pinocchio. She was quite engrossed.
Before we went night night, I was talking to Elizabeth about how Dada was going to come home tomorrow.
January 19, 2013
First thing when she woke up, she sat up and started looking around for Dada. She remembered what we'd talked about the night before. How sweet! Unfortunately, Dada wasn't to come home until late afternoon.
She most certainly does understand the concept of time. We can tell her she can have or do something after her bath. Then, after she's had her bath, she'll ask for that item at that time. Or the concept of "tomorrow", as evidenced by us talking about Dada coming home tomorrow, and then her looking and asking for him. Smart little girl.
Today was a HUGE milestone: She wore big girl underpants (not Pull Ups, real cloth underpants) ALL DAY without a SINGLE ACCIDENT! It was a 100% use the potty day morning to night. We did it! I know there will be accidents in the future, and we're still not retiring diapers at night time (although she very rarely goes pee pee in her sleep), but we did it. I knew this day would come sooner rather than later.
Dada finally came home, and she was so happy to see him. She saw him and immediately wanted him to take her down to the basement so they could play their race car game.
January 20, 2013
She and I got up and ran to the grocery, where she helped me pick out fruit - she's on a huge grape kick lately. Once Dada got up, we went to the pool then came back for Sunday afternoon naps. In the evening, we played, learned more letters (she's getting so good at identifying them!) and had a wonderful night.
January 21, 2013
Eb and Gee Gee came over in the morning so Eb could do a few things in our basement. This is what happened when Lizzy saw Eb and Gee pull up:
They're here!
January 22, 2013
She has been talking so much lately, and it sounds so cute. She's been saying "Uh Oh Baby". It's simply darling. I'm so grateful we live in an age where we can document these things, rather than the memories getting lost to the haze of time.
Uh Oh Baby
January 26, 2013
I had noticed yesterday that Elizabeth was much more drooly than usual, and today I noticed her first molar is finally breaking through! Hello tooth #9. It's on the top right hand side, and I think the top left one is just days away.
We went to Gymboree as usual, and then came home for our normal Saturday naps. After we woke, we played with all of her colored balls. She'd pick up a ball, say the color, and then take them one by one over to the couch, then she'd repeat the process. She's so good at her colors - she even knows black, white, and brown.
In the evening, we went downstairs to watch Pinocchio. She was quite engrossed.
January 27, 2013
We worked on our numbers a little bit more today. She can now almost count 1 - 10, although sometimes she forgets 6 and 7. Cut her a break, she's only 20 months old!
A few years ago for Halloween, Dada had a top hat as part of his costume. Since she is still so in love with Frosty the Snowman, and he wears a top hat, I gave her the hat and told her it was Frosty's. I could hardly get her to take it back off.
We worked on our numbers a little bit more today. She can now almost count 1 - 10, although sometimes she forgets 6 and 7. Cut her a break, she's only 20 months old!
A few years ago for Halloween, Dada had a top hat as part of his costume. Since she is still so in love with Frosty the Snowman, and he wears a top hat, I gave her the hat and told her it was Frosty's. I could hardly get her to take it back off.
January 28, 2013
There was a bunny trapped accidentally in Eb and Gee's raccoon trap. She was walking around the front yard with Eb and she spotted the bunny. This was the first time she'd seen a live rabbit, yet she knew immediately what it was. She said, as soon as she spotted it, "Hi Bun!"
She then had to run inside and tell Gee Gee all about the brown bunny who hopped away. So cute! She was so excited about it all day, and even told me about it when I picked her up.
January 29, 2013
At about 2:00 am, I was awoken by Lizzy talking in her sleep. "Bun. Hi Bun. Hop. Brown Bun." So thankful I have the privilege to hear that.
January 31, 2013
She and I were heading home from her day at Eb and Gee's. Our original plan was to have Thai food for dinner, so I asked her if she wanted noodles for dinner. She said "No, corn." So, change of plans! We went to Famous Dave's instead, and she ate an ENTIRE ear of corn in addition to a bunch of my chicken and cornbread. She knows what she wants!
As we were laying down for the evening, she started saying "Hot Dog" to herself. Then, she started substituting other words for dog. She'd say "Hot Dada" and then say "No" to herself, because it wasn't right. Then she'd start cracking up. "Hot Dada, No. Hot Mama, No." She has such a sense of humor!
We adore this perfect little girl so much. She brings us all such tremendous, unfettered joy, that we want her to have a life as filled with the joy and happiness she brings us.
She loves Mickey Mouse and friends so much. Originally, we were going to wait until she was older to take her to a big Disney World trip, so she'd be old enough to remember it. However, I know she would enjoy going to see Mickey so much, and we can go back when she is older.
Besides, life is about making memories as a family NOW, not waiting until an arbitrary age or date to do this.
So, in celebration of 2 glorious years of this angel in our lives, we have booked a family trip in May to Florida. We will do a few days at the beach (her first beach trip!), followed by a few days at Walt Disney World. Also, she has become very intensely fascinated with planes in the last few months. She's obviously flown plenty of times before, but she doesn't remember it. Now, that she has a very astute memory, and knows about planes, she's going to love flying there! I can't wait.
February 2, 2013
She started Gymboree Level 5, which is for 22 months and up. Even though she's by far the youngest in the class, she was the 2nd tallest girl there, and taller than about half of the boys. I hope this trend continues; being short is not fun!
After naps, we went to the grocery store. She loves to name all the foods. As we were going by the milk, I asked her what it was. "Milk" she said.
"Do you like milk, Lizzy?"
"No. Nunning."
I guess she prefers Mommy Milk to cow milk :o)
She loves to climb up in her chair with her books and "read" to herself.
There was a bunny trapped accidentally in Eb and Gee's raccoon trap. She was walking around the front yard with Eb and she spotted the bunny. This was the first time she'd seen a live rabbit, yet she knew immediately what it was. She said, as soon as she spotted it, "Hi Bun!"
She then had to run inside and tell Gee Gee all about the brown bunny who hopped away. So cute! She was so excited about it all day, and even told me about it when I picked her up.
January 29, 2013
At about 2:00 am, I was awoken by Lizzy talking in her sleep. "Bun. Hi Bun. Hop. Brown Bun." So thankful I have the privilege to hear that.
January 31, 2013
She and I were heading home from her day at Eb and Gee's. Our original plan was to have Thai food for dinner, so I asked her if she wanted noodles for dinner. She said "No, corn." So, change of plans! We went to Famous Dave's instead, and she ate an ENTIRE ear of corn in addition to a bunch of my chicken and cornbread. She knows what she wants!
As we were laying down for the evening, she started saying "Hot Dog" to herself. Then, she started substituting other words for dog. She'd say "Hot Dada" and then say "No" to herself, because it wasn't right. Then she'd start cracking up. "Hot Dada, No. Hot Mama, No." She has such a sense of humor!
We adore this perfect little girl so much. She brings us all such tremendous, unfettered joy, that we want her to have a life as filled with the joy and happiness she brings us.
She loves Mickey Mouse and friends so much. Originally, we were going to wait until she was older to take her to a big Disney World trip, so she'd be old enough to remember it. However, I know she would enjoy going to see Mickey so much, and we can go back when she is older.
Besides, life is about making memories as a family NOW, not waiting until an arbitrary age or date to do this.
So, in celebration of 2 glorious years of this angel in our lives, we have booked a family trip in May to Florida. We will do a few days at the beach (her first beach trip!), followed by a few days at Walt Disney World. Also, she has become very intensely fascinated with planes in the last few months. She's obviously flown plenty of times before, but she doesn't remember it. Now, that she has a very astute memory, and knows about planes, she's going to love flying there! I can't wait.
February 2, 2013
She started Gymboree Level 5, which is for 22 months and up. Even though she's by far the youngest in the class, she was the 2nd tallest girl there, and taller than about half of the boys. I hope this trend continues; being short is not fun!
After naps, we went to the grocery store. She loves to name all the foods. As we were going by the milk, I asked her what it was. "Milk" she said.
"Do you like milk, Lizzy?"
"No. Nunning."
I guess she prefers Mommy Milk to cow milk :o)
She loves to climb up in her chair with her books and "read" to herself.
She sat through all of Cinderella tonight. I want her to get familiar with these characters, since we have gotten reservations for breakfast with Cinderella when we go to Disney in May!
February 3, 2013
We went to the pool right when they opened, and swam for over an hour. After we were done, we signed Lizzy up for a toddler dance class starting in April. As much as she loves to dance, I think she'll really enjoy it.
After the pool and lunch, she had a 3.5 hour nap. This girl sleeps so soundly. Most nights, she'll sleep 10 - 12 hours, and then another 2 - 4 nap depending on the day. This growing brain needs to recharge!
February 4, 2013
A new episode of Mickey has been on, where Mickey needs to take a Valentine's gift to Minnie. During this adventure, Pete blocks their path and demands payment to pass. Donald Duck takes offense, and says "Why, I Oughta...!"
This brought about belly laughs from Lizzy. After a few viewings of this, she started mimicking him saying that. I'll try to get it it on video soon - it's too funny!
February 3, 2013
We went to the pool right when they opened, and swam for over an hour. After we were done, we signed Lizzy up for a toddler dance class starting in April. As much as she loves to dance, I think she'll really enjoy it.
After the pool and lunch, she had a 3.5 hour nap. This girl sleeps so soundly. Most nights, she'll sleep 10 - 12 hours, and then another 2 - 4 nap depending on the day. This growing brain needs to recharge!
February 4, 2013
A new episode of Mickey has been on, where Mickey needs to take a Valentine's gift to Minnie. During this adventure, Pete blocks their path and demands payment to pass. Donald Duck takes offense, and says "Why, I Oughta...!"
This brought about belly laughs from Lizzy. After a few viewings of this, she started mimicking him saying that. I'll try to get it it on video soon - it's too funny!
February 5, 2013
As a rule, I try to get up at least 15 minutes earlier than I really need to, to make sure to leave enough time for Lizzy to wake up gently, have some Mommy Milk, and cuddle with me. I cherish this quiet time with her.
As a rule, I try to get up at least 15 minutes earlier than I really need to, to make sure to leave enough time for Lizzy to wake up gently, have some Mommy Milk, and cuddle with me. I cherish this quiet time with her.
February 6, 2013
I turned the video camera onto her, and she clearly didn't want to be recorded.
No. Uh Uh. Bye Bye.
I turned the video camera onto her, and she clearly didn't want to be recorded.
No. Uh Uh. Bye Bye.