Trip to Cincinnati

Isn't she cute making Daddy push her around in her DOLL stroller?

Where does her dress end and his shirt begin?

You can't see his cowboy boots here but between the hat, boots, and guitar, he's definitely a native Texan!

Wheeeeeeee! She loves the roller coaster as much as Alex does!

Because we needed more big toys in our house! This should provide some entertainment this winter indoors then it will move outdoors in the summer.

We spent Christmas in Cincinnati with family this year and had a blast visiting with friends and family during our trip. We celebrated Christmas Eve, again Christmas Day, Lauren's 30th birthday on the 26th, and an early 1st birthday party for Abby on the 28th. The kids were real troopers and seemed to enjoy being so busy. They are, however, enjoying staying close to home so far this week (and staying out of the car!).

Abby has been walking all over the house ever since we got home and as long as she has a launching point, seems to walk everywhere now! Alex was excited to get home and see what Santa had brought to the house while we were in OH and has been using the new roller coaster non-stop.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas...

Alex's school held their annual Holiday Musical Performance on Friday. They sang songs both together as a group and as a class. Alex's class performed after all the others and they were by far the most fabulous group of little carolers! They had lots of props for their songs including reindeer antlers, jingle bells, a Santa hat, and a toy reindeer. Alex's friend, Vanessa, came along to cheer for Alex and he was thrilled to see us sitting in the front row when it was his turn.

Around the Corner...

Alex: "Mom, why is the mall so crowded today?"

Mom: "Because people know Christmas is right around the corner."

Alex: "Well, then lets go right around corner and get to Christmas! I'm ready to open presents!"

Next few minutes were spent trying to explain that this is just an expression :)

Children's Christmas Party

This morning was the Children's Christmas party sponsored by Brad's company. The kids love going--Santa, games, cookies, gifts, what's not to love?? It is a very well-attended event, however, so we get there right when it starts and leave an hour later :) Abby was so zonked when we got home that I just laid her down in her fleece jacket to sleep. She doesn't mind sleeping all bundled up like this, I think because her room is mighty chilly! Later this afternoon, we started the process of switching up some of the bedrooms in an effort to keep her warmer at night. Pix to follow...

Frosty the Snowman

Yesterday Alex and I built this snowman while Abby took a nap. We didn't really have that much snow, but it was just the right consistency to all stick together. I just looked out the window today though, during our crazy wind storm, and it appears as if Frosty has crumbled and all the cool pieces have blown everywhere. Hopefully when it settles down outside we can go on a search for the hat, buttons, eyes, nose and corncob pipe! The Christmas decorations are in disarray out front too, what a crazy windy day!

Once Abby woke up, we put on her snow pants (because it wasn't THAT cold outside yet) and let her try out her boots. She did not really enjoy this because I think it was hard for her to move in all those layers! She tolerated being pushed around on the sled with Alex. I think through the winter, the best time to play in the snow will be while she's sleeping :)

11 Months Old

Climbing up to her launching point.

Thinking about it...

A few steps on her own. More and more each day. Look out world, here she comes!

Abby turned 11 months old last Friday and is quickly on her way to chasing Alex all over this house! She took a few steps on her own at Thanksgiving and has been taking two-three here and there between the ottoman and the couch.

She still has 2 teeth and her absolute favorite thing to do is play with Alex. Luckily, he loves the attention she gives him and it works out well for both of them. He takes good care of her and is always quick to spot when she's getting into something she shouldn't. She's loving finger foods and likes to try whatever we are having at mealtime. She has learned how to turn on the animated Christmas decorations (the dancing Hallmark types) and likes to dance along with them.

Abby does not like the cold weather and vocalizes her displeasure as we bundle her up and carry her from the car to our destination du jour. She finally is interested in some shows such as Sesame Street or the Baby Einstein DVDs, which did come in handy on our drive to OH for Thanksgiving! 15-20 minutes is her attention span at this point :)

She does not have much stranger anxiety anymore and does well with sitters, relatives, and in the gym nursery. She loves to follow Alex and his friends around! This time last year we were joking about how we'd have a little one getting into the Christmas tree and all the decorations this holiday season, how true!

Obligatory First Snowfall Photo

It always looks so pretty...as long as you don't have to drive in it!

Shoveling the deck, such the fashionista!

Our first significant snowfall occurred yesterday and Alex was eager to get out there and play in it in the morning. He shoveled the deck and ran around the yard in his PJs. We got more overnight last night so I think once Abby goes down for a nap, he's ready to get back out there and play some more! We can still see the tops of our grass and for that we are thankful. Eventually we'll get to where we don't see the grass for months!

EM Christmas Party

Saturday night, Brad and I jumped on the EM bus and headed downtown to the Shedd Aquarium for a fabulous night out! It was fun to see so many of his coworkers and enjoy the scenery of the aquarium. We did not, however, feel right eating crab cakes in an aquarium...

Gingerbread House Decoration

A little help from Grandma Kathy

Alex and Mommy getting to work

Alex with his finished gingerbread house!

Saturday, Alex and his friends Vanessa and Sophia decorated pre-constructed gingerbread houses at the local bakery in downtown Plainfield. He did this last year and had such a good time that we made sure to sign up again this December! It is funny what a difference a year makes as I think Alex actually paid more attention to decorating than eating up all the candy this year. Don't get me wrong, he definitely ate his weight in Skittles, but he also meticulously worked on his masterpiece at the same time.

Kris Kringle Night

Alex with his good friend, Vanessa.

Alex and Vanessa looking doubtful that this is the "real Santa"!

Thursday night was "Kris Kringle" night at Alex's school, complete with carol singing, crafts, ice cream sundaes and a visit from Santa! Super sugar high ensued just before bed. Good times!

A Little Too Friendly?

Abby is learning to give kisses and it is adorable. However, anytime she is on the floor with another baby she tries to tackle him and then eat his face! First it was my friend Jeannine's baby in his infant swing, then my cousin Amanda's son Aiden, and today, a baby in the gym nursery. While I don't mind when she tackles Alex because they love to roughhouse together, I do not want her to hurt other babies! Imagine the fear in these little babies' minds when she knocks them over then open mouth bites/kisses their faces! Let's hope this is just a phase :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving 09

Us with Fred and Jackie

Abby refused to leave my cousin's son, Aiden, alone. She continuously tried to grab him and give him kisses (or bite his nose, whatever you like to call it!). We had to keep pulling her away from him! They are about 6 weeks apart in age.

Abby and Aunt Nicci at PF Chang's for Nicci's birthday.

Thanksgiving entertainment.

This is the kind of stellar cooperation we get during photo ops.

We spent Thanksgiving weekend in Cincinnati this year and Alex had a blast exploring out at Grandpa's house! He loves to get outside there and dig or just throw sticks into the woods. He even took an obligatory ride around the property on the tractor! We split Thanksgiving Day between families and enjoyed every last bit of turkey we could manage to eat. Friday night we celebrated my sister's birthday and Saturday we spent the day with Brad's mom's family.

Saturday, Abby managed to take a few steps away from the ottoman on her own. She prefers to crawl around but is walking and cruising more and more. She is still a little wobbly. Abby enjoyed many of the Thanksgiving treats and is eating very little baby food now. Cranberry sauce, stuffing and rolls seemed to be her favorites. Alex adamantly had a peanut butter sandwich instead of turkey and was pleased that we allowed him to do so.

Today Alex and I set up the Christmas tree and will attempt to add lights and decorations after Brad gets home. Alex was excited to see so many lights on our street when we rounded the corner last night after dark. Everyone has really done a great job!

Making Great-Grandma Dot Proud!

The kids sport their handmade hats with pride! Thanks Great-Grandma!

Such a Big Girl Now!

Ready to play at Jaydon's workbench!

Eating one of her new favorites...cheese cubes.

Taking a step or two on her own.

She likes to sit up on her knees like this. It makes her look like such a big kid when she does it, I can't help but laugh! Abby has made some serious "big girl" strides over this past week. She does not want much to do with baby food and prefers finger foods from whatever we are having. She still only has the one tooth, although the one right next to it is ready to break through the gum any day now. Having only one tooth does not slow her down and she's tried lots of grown up foods lately.

Saturday, Abby started holding her own bottle (note to self, must get photo). It's as if she just flipped a switch and now she holds it herself at every feeding. Not sure exactly what took her so long, but I believe this was a learned helplessness. Abby is standing well on her own and even tries to take a step or two between 2 people when she has the chance!

Superhero Party

Alex did not have school on Veteran's Day but they offered a Superhero class/party that morning so we signed him up for that. He has never seen the Batman or Spiderman shows/movies, but recognizes the characters and really enjoyed the class. He wanted to wear a "Superhero" shirt to the party but all we had were some slightly small Batman pajamas. Oh well, that worked! He got a kick out of telling his teacher that he was wearing PJs to school!

**Note, I have since purchased a legitimate shirt.

It's Rough Out There

Preschool is rough for 4 year olds. When I picked Alex up today he had a fat lip and blood down his shirt :( Teacher said they were in the gymnastics room and a little girl stood up right under Alex's face and they had a minor collision. He was a little upset but still managed to eat a large lunch so I don't think it hurts too bad. The blood probably freaked him out more than anything else!

Funny Rambling

"I wanted to be a Mom, but look, I'm getting fur on my legs so that means I'm going to be a Dad!"

--Alex, age 4

The Elf is Here!

Last week Santa answered Alex's letter requesting an elf for the holiday season. Our magical elf is quite mischievous overnight and gets into all sorts of trouble! He is here until Christmas Eve when Santa will pick him up and take him back to the North Pole. Most importantly, he is here to keep an eye on us and help Santa decide if we've been "naughty" or "nice" this year.

Each night we leave "Elfie" on the counter with some water (to remind him of melting snowflakes), crackers (sounds like the crunching snow) and magical snowflakes and once we are all asleep he comes to life! One morning he was in the freezer, another he had climbed into Alex's school bag (we think because he wanted to go to show and tell) and this morning Alex found him on his pillow! I think we are going to have lots of fun with Elfie as we prepare for Christmas!

Happy 29th Birthday Mommy!

Miss Abby was not really into the photo shoot!

Yesterday was my 29th birthday. We all went out to a nice dinner at Biaggi's in Naperville and then came home to open presents. The kids were most helpful with tearing into the paper and cards--I think Abby will have a ball at Christmas this year! We should probably just give her bags of tissue paper! Thanks to everyone for their well-wishes!

Alex with Brown Hair

Many days, I think Abby is simply Alex disguised with brown hair (and minus the dimples!). See photos above...can you tell the resemblance?

What Month Is It?

Our neighbor, Jim, suggested this would make a cool photo. He was right, it would make a great shot, if both kids were willing. Don't worry, Abby was only in the leaves for 5 seconds or so...just long enough to snap this one, sad, picture.

Brad said this portion of the staining would take about 6 hours. I think he was done in 2. Is he efficient or what? Must have been his little helper who made all the difference!

Today it was in the low 70s, wild. It is November 8. It was a beautiful day to be outside so we tried to take advantage and finished up a few things outside before it gets cold again. Brad and Alex sealed the enclosure around the bottom of the deck while I raked leaves and Abby napped. I pressed to put up the Christmas lights and just not turn them on yet, but was overruled on this one. I have a feeling that when we have highs in the 30s, no one will feel like going outside to decorate!

Dancing on the Ceiling!

"Don't you dare put me back down Daddy!"

Shake it Alex!

Bouncing to the music

It's that time of the year again--time for the after dinner dance parties! Since it is dark so early, we have to get creative to burn off the kids' end of the day bursts of energy! One of us does the dishes while the other cranks up the tunes and gets moving. We run around the downstairs and do lots of crazy dance moves with Alex.

Well, Abby has started bouncing to the music (so incredibly cute, yet so hard to photograph!) and tonight she begged to be involved! Anytime Brad tried to put her down and take a break, she fussed to get back in his arms and dance with Alex. I will say it is much more fun to do the dishes while singing along!

Let the Games Begin!

Abby's still working hard on learning to walk. She is becoming a pretty speedy crawler though whereas Alex was always a faster walker.
Playtime with Grandma!

Alex with his new "Frank" the combine (from the movie CARS). His little stash of cash was burning a hole in his pocket!

We had beautiful 70 degree weather here today and were able to get out and start a little Christmas shopping (along with the rest of the Chicago area). It was so nice to walk around outside without jackets and enjoy the fresh air! We enjoyed a visit from my Mom at the end of last week and hope she is feeling better soon! These temperature changes have also thrown Alex and Brad into a bit of chest congestion. I hope when the temps drop again next week they will all be back to their normal, healthy selves!