Abby's Hair Stylist

I love that Brad is such a good Dad. He always wants the kids to go to bed with dry hair, completely dry hair. I guess I don't do it quite as well because he has taken over styling Abby's hair at night. I am not exactly sure what he does differently but it is always super dry and her curls lay just as they should when he gets done with it. He and Abby have their own little bedtime routine, including a lot of time with the blow dryer and it strikes me as adorable so I had to share.

P.S.--When she outgrows those Toy Story pajamas, it will be a sad day. I should probably pick up some spring-weight ones for her next time I am at the store!

Challenging Dad

Eager to see what all the Kindle fuss was about, Alex asked to play the word games after school and try to find some of his sight words. Finally, a viable opponent for Brad.

There Is A Lot Going On Here

Looks like Abby was playing air hockey or rocket ships while contemplating using her potty and sporting her new koala backpack (minus the "leash" portion).

Way To Go!

Saturday afternoon Alex completed the big dinosaur floor puzzle and was pretty proud of himself.

Stop Looking At Me!

Brad does not like people looking over his shoulder while he plays "Every Word" on the Kindle. Maybe one day he'll shatter my high score...maybe.

Big Girl Room

Ready to read books before bed.
Just a girl, her blankie, and Wheezie, you know, from Toy Story.

Dollhouse goes in the hallway at night. It is easier that way :)

Abby has moved up to a twin bed and a big girl bookshelf. She likes spreading out and that she gets to have a step stool next to her bed. I particularly like the wall expression that reads "Hug me tight and kiss me goodnight".

Sibling Love

Alex likes reading to Abby, especially when it means putting off bathtime "just 5 more minutes".

Warm Hands

Brad's Aunt Cindy made the kids these fun scarves for Christmas with little mouse mittens on the ends of them. Alex loves his and wears it to the bus stop each day.

January Snowfall

Granted it was probably only about 5", but we made the best of it while going outside for an after dinner sledding session last week. It was much colder than the last time we went sledding so we didn't stay outside quite as long. Even Scooter likes to get in on the fun in the snow!

4x4

Abby learning to ride her Dora 4x4. We are surprised she doesn't have whiplash yet :) Once spring arrives we can take this outside, which will be good for our walls and furniture.

Little Mommy

"But I don't want to get out!!"

A little for me, a little for her.

This Baby Alive doll tells you when it is hungry for more bananas or wants a drink. It is cute, until it burps. The kids think it is super funny though.

I do think we have her broken on this habit of climbing into the crib. I think...

Abby received a doll buggy and a new doll for Christmas along with a doll highchair/crib for her birthday. She's a good little Mommy.

Isn't this how you read a book?

They love, love, love their Dad.

Cincinnati at the Holidays

Something funny was going on here with Jackie, Scott and kids involving a lot of spinning and a lot of giggling.
Old habits die HARD. In this case, really hard. After a three day attempt to wean Abby from her milk bottles at bedtime/nap time, we couldn't take the behavioral repercussions any longer. And neither could anyone else. Will attempt again, in our own home, eventually.

Photo credit: Alex Ross

Grandma Eileen and the kiddos at EnterTrainment Junction.

Alex had no trouble opening his gifts, Abby's gifts, and everyone else's gifts. He's helpful like that.

We hit the road again after Christmas to celebrate with family and friends. The trip involved lots of present opening, yummy food, great company and a variety of temperatures. The warm temps on the 30th and 31st were a welcome relief from the cold and the kids enjoyed running off some steam outdoors those days. They really do miss being outside in the winter. Sledding is fun, but we only last 45min max before we have to come back inside and they really enjoy the outdoors. EnterTrainment Junction, just North of Cincinnati, is a great stop for those with little ones interested in trains too :) We were even able to ring in the New Year with family and friends. It was a great trip!

Happy 2nd Birthday Abby!

Abby, rockin her new dress and tights and having a little snack before her party.
Eating some ice cream cake in her new fleece hat.

We are so glad all the grandparents could attend Abby's party again this year. She's a lucky little girl.

I love this place!

We celebrated Abby's 2nd birthday while we were in Cincinnati. Graeters Ice Cream was kind enough to set up a little party for Abby and we were able to celebrate with all our family at once. The ice cream cake was a hit and Alex had a blast helping Abby open more gifts. Abby's birthday is the week after Christmas so it will forever be a challenge to keep the two holidays separate, but we are up for it! Thanks to everyone who was able to join us in Cincinnati to wish Abby a Happy Birthday! As we've mentioned before, Abby's every bit of two and her current phrases include "I do it", "I want it", and "No want it".