First cast

Joe took Leah to get her cast on this morning. I was told that she did great. She was disappointed that they did not have purple, so she "settled" for pink.

Christmas in Review

Wow! What a Christmas season. I can't believe how fast it went.

On Tuesday 12/22/09, My mom, nieces Thea and Delila, Leah and I made sugar cookies. Thea was the only one really interested in the mixing of the dough portion, but they all got into the rolling of the dough, cutting of cookies, and of course- the best part- decoration. Well, Delila was mostly into just eating the frosting. I was amazed at how precise Leah has become with her decorating skills!

On Wednesday 12/23/09, Joe's Dad, Shorty, came to visit from Michigan. Leah was just too excited to see him. It is nice that she no longer needs time to warm up to him as she did when she was a baby/toddler. She remembers him now!

On Thursday 12/24/09, we spent the day with my family at my parent's house. We spent the day hanging out, making and eating Ravioli (yum), opening LOTS of presents, and going to church to remember why we celebrate this season! Leah was so tired, that she asked me to put out the cookies and oatmeal (for the Reindeer) when we got home because she was too tired!

On Friday 12/25/09, Santa came last night!! Leah was so excited when she woke up (not until 7am!). She came into our room- Santa came, and he ate the cookies, and he brought back the bowl after the reindeer ate the oatmeal, but I don't see a scooter under the tree. Then when we got up to open presents, she pointed to one and said, maybe that one is my scooter (she was right). She was most excited about that scooter- it has wheels that sparkle, and a place for her barbie to ride with her!

Later on Christmas Day, we went to Joe's Aunt's house to celebrate with his family. Leah had fun playing with Emily, Maggie and Molly. She also got to open even more presents. Wow.

When asked her favorite presents that she got- Handy Manny Repair Shop, Puppy in a purse, Scooter, and Sparkly shoes.

Yesterday we went back to my parent's house to help make more Ravioli as we were not our usual speedy selves on Christmas Eve. My mom and I took Leah to the neighbor's house who have an ice rink to try out her new skates. She was having a great time...until a nasty fall. She immediatly started screaming, but I wasn't sure how much was fear and how much was hurt. After many attempts to settle her down, we brought her back to my parent's house. She did not really calm down all night.

Today- Shorty had to leave to return home to Michigan. We noticed that Leah's wrist was swollen, but decided to wait to see how she did at school. When I called the school around 11am, I was told she had beem complaining about her wrist hurting. This concerned me- she is a drama queen at home, but NOT at school. So, Joe brought her into the clinic this afternoon to learn that she had a radius fracture near her wrist (greenstick fracture). It is on her right arm this time (remember, it was only last March she had one on her left arm/wrist) which causes more difficulty as it is her dominant hand. This one is also a little more severe, and will require a cast. Currently she has a splint with an ace wrap on to get the swelling down, and her cast will be put on Thursday. Leah is supposed to start Ice Skating Lessons on Jan 16, Doctor said she could still participate!

Hope you all had a very MERRY CHRISTMAS. Have a safe and Happy NEW YEAR!

Girls weekend

Saturday, mom, Leah and I headed up to Duluth for Samantha's Bridal Shower (marrying my cousin Jim in July). Leah is going to be the flower girl in the wedding. So, when I told her where we were going as I was putting a dress with flowers on it in a bag,

I said "to duluth, for Sam's wedding shower."
Leah asked "do I get to wear my flower dress?'
I said (thinking we were talking about the dress that was in the bag) "Yes"
Leah asked (as I carried the bag to the door) "Why are you bringing that dress, what about the white one?"
After some thought, I realized that she was talking about her flower girl dress, so I had to explain that that dress would have to wait until the wedding, this is just a party for the girls before the wedding. Oops!

Sam's friend, Chelsea, did a fantastic job hosting the wedding shower. We had a very nice time.


Sam and Leah


Sunday-
My mom, Leah, and I along with my friend Jaci, her daughter Kaylee, her mom, Deb, her sister Jana, and her niece Adaline all went to see "The Nutcracker" at the O'Shaughnessy theater at St. Kate's. It was a nice day. When asked what her favorite part was...Leah responded "the dancing."

Finally...A SUCCESSFUL Santa Visit

Joe and I took Leah to visit Santa today. For the FIRST time in 5 years, she actually sat with Santa by herself. It didn't have to be the usual family with Santa, or the refusal to go near him, or the crying "I don't want to" while sitting on Santa's lap photo. Nope, this year she sat next to Santa and let Santa put his arm around her. She still did not want to sit on his lap, but she was very happy to sit next to him. She even shared with Santa what her wish list was--Handy Manny Repair Shop, Puppy in a purse, and a scooter. She is growing up!

Another catching up post!

With Christmas fast approaching, it seems are weekends are filled with fun activities. I am getting tired out! I am sure a combination of the pace plus the pregnancy. Not that I am complaining-- I love that we are able to share this season's festivities with Leah! So, here is recap of our fun and busy weekend!

The first weekend in December:
Joe and I went to Iowa to visit friends while Leah got to spend time with Nonna and Grandpa. Then, Aunt Vicky picked her up for a couple of days of fun in Duluth.

The Second weekend in December:
Saturday: Swim Lessons, Leah's new furniture arrives, Leah's Christmas Program, Out to dinner with the grandparents. Leah was so exhausted that she did not eat dinner, but did have some appetizers) -- did I mention she got up at 4:30am!

Swim Class:

Love this picture I got of Leah at Swim Class!

Leah's New Room:

Joe hand crafted this "Leah"- I think he did an amazing job!

Joe painted Leah a White Board and attached it to the back of her desk (under the bed).

Leah loves her new bedroom! She played in her room all afternoon while Joe and I got the room all set up. This is very unusual - Leah never plays in her room!

Christmas Program:

Leah with her teachers- Miss Brandy, Miss Amanda

Leah with her Preschool 2 class

Leah even had a small part!

Sunday: After Sunday School, I attempted to bake some Spritz Cookies with Leah, however, she had no interest except to put the sprinkles on the cookies (which only lasted 3 sheets). So, I ended up making them alone. Then, Leah, Nonna, Uncle Dan, Cousin Thea, and I went to see "Disney on Ice- Princess Classics." Leah fell asleep on the way home while eating Popcorn Chicken from Arby's. Did I mention - she was up at 4:30am AGAIN!

"Disney on Ice- Princess Classics."

Finale of Disney Princesses on Ice

Leah and Thea


Intently watched the entire show!

We have also been putting up "Ralph" who is Leah's "Elf on the Shelf." While Leah spent some time with Aunt Vicky, Uncle Jim and Cousin John the beginning of December. Aunt Vicky started the story of the "Elf on the Shelf" and we are now continuing it at home. Leah wakes up and the first thing she does is fine "Ralph." Check on the story if you are interested. It is fun!

Have a great week.

Future Rock Star?

Leah loves "playing" the drums. Tuesday, she said...how about I sing and play the drums. Here is what happened...

What a weekend

So we have been very busy over the last week.

2 points of good news received 11/24...
1. My cervical US showed that my cervix in good length, still curved, and tight- hopefully that means baby will stay put for awhile. Bummer is - Baby girl is still breech. I am having a conversation with her nightly to flip!
2. Leah no longer has to wear a patch. She had a great eye appointment. In the last 9 months she has gone from 20/400 vision to 20/30 (with glasses on). Yeah for Leah. She is so happy.

To sum up Thanksgiving Weekend:

Thursday 11/26-

• Low - Key Ham Dinner with my parents. Leah spends the night

Friday 11/27

• Joe and I go shopping (arriving at Target just before 5am). The stars are on our side as we are able to get everything on our list. Lots of savings and good buys. Of note, the last air compressor, the misplaced Handy Manny Work Bench, and the scooter that we had in our hand as the rest disappeared from the shelf.
  
• Nonna brings Leah over to Dan and Tiff's to play with Thea and Delila
  
• Joe and I wrap all the presents- seriously, we do not have that many hiding places in our house.
  
• Joe and I pick up Leah to take her for a shot :(, but she gets to go back with Nonna to Dan and Tiff's for the evening
• Joe and I crash after making a return and going out to dinner!
  

Saturday 11/28

• I pick up Leah to bring her to her friend Anna's Birthday Party

• Joe puts up the outdoor Christmas lights
  
• Leah finishes her Turkey for the Star Tribune Coloring Contest

• That evening- Nonna, Grandpa, Grandma Mary, Joe, Leah and I head to Minneapolis for the Holidazzle Parade which Leah enjoyed but did not like the loud music coming from some of the floats. Her favorite part of the parade- seeing Cinderella

• We all go to dinner after the parade and Leah falls asleep as we are eating!

Sunday 11/29

• Move Leah into her new room. Now we just have to wait for the new furniture to arrive!
• Joe and Leah finish putting up the outdoor Christmas decorations.
• Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner at my parents with Dan and his family

No wonder Leah was exhausted- well, and me too! But what a fun and productive weekend!

Concentration

I can do it

Last week, I went to tie Leah's shoes and she told me, "I can do it, Mommy." And, she did. Leah can officially tie her own shoes. She is getting to be so independent these days. I am sure that will be helpful in about 14 weeks!:)

All is going well with my pregnancy. I am feeling good and getting HUGE! She is moving a lot and I definitely feel her more than Leah. I have another US next week as they monitor for pre-term labor.

Leah is anxious to go swimming outside of her swim class. Which is something I do with her every month or so, until I no longer fit in my swimsuit! She asked me why we hadn't been swimming. I told her because I don't have a swimsuit that fits my baby belly. After some thought, she said..."Mommy I think you should get a swim suit that fits the baby so we can go swimming." A co-worker is going to lend me her maternity suit!

We are busy making room changes in the house and preparing for the new baby. I get to have a day off tomorrow to scrapbook which will be fun. Leah gets to spend some time with Grandma this weekend!

Hope everyone has a great Turkey Day!

Happy Halloween

Leah and I went to a Halloween party at our friend's church on Friday night where I noticed that Leah's eye was a little pink--but she also had not been sleeping well this week--so, I was hoping that she was just tired.

Unfortunately that was not so. She woke up on Saturday with an eye that was still a little pink--but nothing in it, so I was still hoping that it wasn't pink eye. Guess I was just in denial. By the time we were carving pumpkins, the gunk in the eye started!:( So, off to same day clinic we went. While there, also discovered that she had a fever of 101.7. Okay, she had NOT been acting sick!

So, the carving of pumpkins was left up to Joe (okay so that is not much different from previous years). He is pretty talented when it comes to carving pumpkins. Leah still loves the outcome, but not to much into the process. She started to clean out one pumpkin, but only lasted a few minutes because she did not want her hands to get dirty!:) And, she was more interested in listening/dancing to her new Taylor Swift CD we had just bought her at Target!

Even though she was sick, she still wanted to go trick or treating- so I called the grandparents, and they said come on over. Leah was able to trick or treat at Grandma Mary's house and Nonna and Grandpa's house- then home for dinner and early to bed!

Leah also thought that "baby" needed a costume, so Leah dressed up "baby" in her Belle costume from last year!

J0e- Scary face, Leah- Elmo, Baby- Rattle, Andrea- Scull with bow!

So, Leah has now fallen asleep on the couch while watching Dancing with the Stars! We had tried to get her to lie down earlier, but she would have nothing to do with taking a nap. Glad she is finally getting some sleep!

Catching up...

It's been a busy few days of fun activities!

On Saturday- Nonna, Leah, Sara, Michael and I went to Aamodt's Apple Farm in Stillwater. The kids enjoyed 2 tractor rides (both insisted on a second ride after completing the first), a hay maze, and yummy apple treats. They both also had fun jumping around on the hay!

On Saturday- Leah helped Daddy paint her new room as we are getting ready for Leah to move into a new room! She is very excited now! At first we weren't so sure she would go along with the room change, but it only took a night to change her mind. She had fun picking out her paint colors with Daddy- a light and a dark pink.

On Sunday- Nonna, Leah, Joe, Sara, Mike, Michael, Rick, Jaclyn, Kaylee, Kurtis, Kaysee and I went to ZooBoo at Como Zoo. The kids all seemed to have a great time. Leah was a little hesitant at first due to the costumes, but it really was a break through event. Leah did not cry once nor did she run away from any costume people. She went through all the trick or treat stations, and even gave a few high fives! Okay, so there was an occasional "reach my arm out as far as I can so I don't have to get too close" moments, but it was MUCH better than previous times around costume people!

Today- Leah had a Halloween Party at dance. She decided that she would go as Belle (her costume from last year) because it would be too hard to dance in her Ariel costume!

Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show

On Sunday (10/18), My mom, Tiffanie, Thea, Leah and I went to Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show. Leah and Thea had a great time. Leah really enjoyed seeing Tigger and Cinderella..."She got to sing 2 songs." The had fun singing and dancing and bouncing (along with Tigger). What a fun show! Thanks Mom for taking us!

20 week ultrasound

We had our 20 weeks ultrasound today. Everything is looking good. Leah was even able to come in for a few minutes to see the baby (my mom was watching her in the waiting room). She really thought that was great. She was excited to learn that she was going to have a little sister. Baby looks to be about 13oz.