Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Christmas 2010

Thursday 12/23 - Grandpa Shorty arrives from Michigan - after the girls are in bed.

Friday 12/24 -

Leah is super excited to see Grandpa Shorty. Amber, well, she is a different story. She gives Grandpa this look like, "I don't know you and I don't know why you are here." She looks at him frequently and lets him play with her, but she will not let him hold her!

We celebrated Christmas Eve with Joe's family (mom's side) at Uncle Lance and Aunt Fran's house. It was a large gathering with 22 people all together! It was a nice time. We saw some of Joe's cousins that we have not seen in years and that was fun. Leah had fun playing with her cousins. Amber and Leah both tore into their gifts- well, okay, Leah tore into her gifts! Amber did get into opening her presents, but she needed some help from mommy and Leah. Leah was very excited to get a Leapster from Grama Mary while Amber just enjoyed playing with her my first doll (and the bows)! Grama Mary, Aunt Fran, Aunt Karen, Aunt Pat, Cousin Chris and Cousin Tony were all very generous with gifts for the kids. Thanks to all! Leah quickly fell asleep on the way home, but little miss Amber decided to stay up until we were about 5 minutes from home - I think that is a record for her in the car without falling asleep especially at night- it was an hour drive!



Saturday 12/25

I got up early as we were going to be ambitious and go to 9am mass (this is not likely to happen again as the morning did get a little rushed)! While I was in the shower, Leah woke up...5:45 am! She was so excited that Santa came. I told her that we were going to wait until Daddy was up to open presents. She didn't argue which really did surprise me! As I got ready, Leah came in - completely dressed, she just wanted me to help with her zipper. Then, she requested that I braid her hair. She asked so nicely, that I couldn't resist. Finally, Daddy got up and we started to open presents. She was sooo excited to get her Barbie Guitar and her Unicorn Pillow Pet. Santa even brought her some silly bands, huge tootsie roll, gum balls, Ken clothes, an etch-a-sketch, and cars. Wow, was Santa nice to her.

When Amber woke up, Leah was very helpful with assisting her sister in opening her presents from Santa who brought her a little people fire truck and minivan.

After Church, we headed to my parents for the day where we were also joined by my brother and his family. The girls had a great time playing together, as they always do! We made ravioli which has become a fun Christmas tradition! I desperately tried to get a nice picture of Leah and Amber together, but, unfortunately, Amber is at an age where staying still is not an option. I have to admit, I got a little frustrated until I realized that that was also part of the memory of this Christmas - my little mover! Leah looked so grown up this year all dressed up with her hair back. She is growing up. Of course, there were tons of presents-- yes, mom, I think we need an addition to the house!;) I love that they get spoiled from their grandparents (both sides) because that means mommy and daddy don't have too! From my parents; Leah got ice skates, some games for her leapster and her click start, clothes, a scrapbook (yep, we are going to get her started on this hobby), art supplies, and some accessories for her American Girl Doll (Lorraine). Amber got clothes, some cars (which she loves), a lullaby pet, and a bitty baby. Auntie Vicky got Leah a Barbie Glam pool, Toy Story 3 for her Leapster, Cheerleader barbie clothes and a new Barbie while Amber got a baby kitchen. Dan and Tiff got Leah a raincoat and a darling sweatsuit, while Amber got an activity cube! Great gifts that I am sure they will most definitely treasure! Of course, I hope that they will also treasure the memories of these days spent with family! Both girls were fast asleep on the 15 minute trip home from Nonna and Grandpa's house!

Oh, and if you look at the upper right of the collage, that is why we did NOT put up a full size Christmas tree this year!


Sunday 12/26:
We went out to get Leah's new skates sharpened. Then Amber, Joe, Grandpa Shorty, Nonna, and Grandpa Jim all watched Leah and I as we went to open skating at the Super Rink. We really had a fun time and are going to try to do this more often!
We spent time cleaning out toys to make room for new toys - this is a huge PROJECT. I was amazed that Leah did not get upset about it, and even help sort toys into keep and give away piles. She understood that her toys would go to some child who did not have as much as she did, but she did want to make sure that the child new that the toys were from Leah!:)
Amber still will not let Grandpa Shorty hold her, but she did let us get this cute picture! Amber does take some time to warm up to new people, particularly men. Leah was the same way at this age.

Monday 12/27 - Grandpa Shorty leaves for home. Leah is on vacation, but Mommy goes back to reality, but it is another short week!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Santa Visit 12/18/10




We went to visit Santa last Saturday. Amber cried immediately when placed on Santa's lap. Guess her shirt is not true! I should have known this was coming. Leah cried her first 3 years! Leah, on the other hand, sat on Santa's lap this year. This is her first year she has wanted to sit on his lap. This is her 3rd Santa this year. She asked for a Barbie Guitar. I guess we will have to wait to see what Santa brings her! ;)

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Amber is 10 months!!


As usual, Amber has been a busy girl. Here is what she has been up to the last month.
  • Climbs upstairs with ease

  • Uses MaMa and Dada correctly

  • Stands briefly unsupported

  • Cruises furniture with ease

  • Pulls to stand with ease – everywhere!

  • First Thanksgiving – 11/25

  • First cookie bake – 12/4

  • Tried turkey – questionable

  • Stands on tip toes to see out the window/ get things on tables!

  • Squirmy during diaper changes and getting dressed

  • First Stomach bug :(

  • Does not like getting her face cleaned

  • Does not like getting her nose wiped

  • Ticklish

  • Working on using a sippy cup

  • First time to see Santa – 12/18, not thrilled



Thursday, December 16, 2010

Bentlyville 12/5/10

After the Polar Express, we went to Bentlyville which is a tour of lights set up for the 2nd year in Duluth. It was beautiful and really quite amazing! By this time, Leah was really done, but she wanted to see the lights, so she kept going. The girls favorite part- "skating" on the ice rink. Go figure - with all the beautiful lights! Leah was asleep within minutes of getting on the road to head home! Thea fell asleep after about 20 min. We wore those girls out!!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

The Polar Express 12/5/10

So, on Saturday night, I woke up to Leah saying "I am throwing up." This was at about 12am (so I guess it was Sunday morning). It was everywhere. We had a long night. I was disappointed because we had tickets to go on The Polar Express in Duluth. But, Leah seemed like she was doing better, so we decided it would be okay to go after all. Maybe, I thought, she got sick because of all the cookies and frosting she had eaten the day before!

We (Nonna, Leah, my niece Thea and I) headed to Duluth where we met up with Aunt Vicky. We went to eat a late lunch before the ride, and saw that Santa was there. Nonna and Aunt Vicky wanted the girls to see Santa, so the girls saw Santa! Leah went up and sat right next to Santa (one would never know that she used to fear him)! They both asked for coloring books (um, I thought Leah wanted a pillow pet and a barbie guitar). We then ate lunch/dinner. Leah was not too anxious to eat, but she hadn't eaten, so I tried to get her to eat (my mistake). About 1/2 later we were in the bathroom when the look of "I don't feel good" came across her face. We didn't make it to the toilet in time. Poor baby! So, I have to say that I did feel a little guilty bringing a sick child on the train, but we were there, so we went on The Polar Express. The girls had a fantastic time. I know Leah would have enjoyed it more had she been feeling better, but, I am glad that she was able to go. You could tell that she had a good time and there will only be a few more years (or less) where this is going to be something fun/exciting for her to do! So we took the train from Fitger's (shopping area) to the train depot (aka the North Pole) where the story was read, the kids got bells and got to meet with Santa (Santa #2). This time, Leah sat ON Santa's lap like it was something that she never questioned (they both asked for costumes this time- mommy is sooo confused)! After Santa, we head back to the train for our return trip/bonfire/hot chocolate. Leah, I think, may have fallen asleep on that ride had it been much longer.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Sugar Cookies 12/4/10

For the 3rd year now, the girls made sugar cookies with Nonna (well, it started with just Leah and Thea). This is such a fun tradition and I hope that it lasts for years to come. I can NOT believe the amount of sugar that was consumed during the day by 3 little girls between cookies and frosting, but they did have a great time. Amber even tried to get in on the fun! Next year we will have our hands full with 4 little girls.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

The Nutcracker

On 11/27, we went to see the Nutcracker. We have done this every year since Leah was 3. My mom, Leah, and I go with my good friend, Jaclyn, Leah's good friend (Jaclyn's daughter), Kaylee, and Jaclyn's mom, Deb. Leah absolutely loves the ballet. She never takes her eyes off of the stage. This year, she was asking before we went, when we were going to be going.

The past 2 years we have gone to a professional performance at the O'Shaughnessy at St. Catherine's. This year we went for a community performance (cheaper tickets) by the St. Croix Ballet Company at Stillwater High School. They did a fantastic job. It was different in that they narrated as the ballet was in progress. I have never seen this done before, but I think that the girls understood the story better with the narration. Again, Leah sat as still as I think I have ever seen her, and her eyes never left the stage. Her favorite part- when the Nutcracker becomes a Prince. Leah was already asking the next day when we get to go see it again!


Playing with my camera

This set of pictures was taken on 11/27. I used the burst setting on my camera. Love that I can capture each movement. Thought it was a fun collage to share! Amber sure has made a lot of progress in her mobility in the last 2 weeks. I love this age!


Stay tuned, more to come (hopefully today)...The Nutcracker, sugar cookies, The Polar Express, and Bentleville.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thanksgiving

We had a nice Thanksgiving spent with family! We went to my parents house. My brother and family were also there. Of course, the girls had a great time playing together...even Amber tried to get involved!

As we were leaving Aunt Tiffanie asked Leah what she was thankful for...her response "swimming." Well, I am thankful for my wonderful family!




Saturday, November 20, 2010

Leah looses first tooth


For weeks now, Leah has been wiggling her loose tooth. She was so excited to have her first loose tooth, but has been anxious to know when it would finally come out. Well, ironically, this morning, we had to play "tooth fairy" where one of use would be sleeping with a ring under the pillow and the other would be the tooth fairy. Later in the morning, I was talking to Aunt Vicky on the phone, when Leah states "Mommy, it's getting looser." So, I said "should we have Daddy pull it out." To which she sort of laughed giving me the look, and wondering if I was kidding. She replied "No" just to be sure. Then a few minutes later I heard a scream/squeal and Leah came running to me with tooth in hand and fear on her face. I got off of the phone, gave her a cold water paper towel. As soon as the bleeding stopped, she was as happy as could be to show off her new smile. She is also excited to be able to write on the paper at school which, apparently, is for those who have lost a tooth.
So, now it is official- I have one baby loosing her teeth while one baby is getting her teeth!!

Amber is 9 months!

Our baby is growing up! She is such a delightful baby. Almost always happy. Loves to be entertained by big sister. As we found out last week- DOES NOT like to be left out of play when it involves Daddy and big sister (she screamed until she was included). Since Leah has already claimed the Drama Queen title, I have decided that Amber gets the Drama Princess title! I am so lucky to have two beautiful, fun, and spirited girls. Here is what Amber has been up to in the last month....

  • Sleeps on tummy, back and side
  • Typically 2 naps a day, sometimes 1
  • Sleeps 11 to 12 hours at night
  • Outgrew Cranio Cap – stopped wearing it 10/21/ 10, her head looks great! So glad we did this.
  • Teeth: 10/21, 10/28, 10/30, 11/5
  • Rolling with ease
  • Moves to sitting from lying down
  • Crawling
  • Pulls to tall kneel
  • Pulls to stand at a low object
  • Climb up the stairs (about 2-3 steps)
  • Zoo Boo – 10/24/10
  • First Halloween
  • Plays peek-a-boo A LOT
  • Claps for herself when she does something exciting/new!
  • Some new foods – yogurt, banana crackers, graham crackers, cheerios. Oh, and let's not forget the small piece of garlic cheese toast she gobbled up the other night!
  • Dances
  • Gives open mouth kisses
  • Loves to take baths
  • Holds bottle

Monday, November 1, 2010

Happy Halloween!

We had a great Halloween "season."

We went to Zoo Boo at Como Zoo on 10/24. We went with Leah's buddy, Michael and his parents (our friends), Sara and Mike. The kids had a great time. Leah had no difficulty with the people in costume. She even gave out hi-fives to a few of them. She did not once try to get away or start to cry because of a costume. Progress made!

Leah and Amber both had Halloween parties. Leah at school and Amber at daycare. Amber brought home cookies- and, yes, I did let her have one. She seemed to enjoy it! Leah had a great time at her party. She brought home a bag of loot as well as a few Halloween projects. They had a parade through the school and sang songs. Sounded like fun.

Saturday, 10/30, we went to my parent's house for a Halloween "party." It was my brother's family and ours. My mom wanted to have the girls over to trick-or-treat in their costumes. It was a fun time. Leah was a lucky girl and got to spend the night at Nonna and Grandpa's house.

I picked Leah up on Sunday and we went to the pumpkin patch to get our pumpkins (just a little last minute). We carved them Sunday afternoon. Leah wanted a kitty. We had a pattern, so I did my best to help her. She cleaned the pumpkin out herself. I just needed to help with the finishing touches. She also helped me carve the kitty in the less delicate areas. She was much more into carving this year than she has been in past years. Joe, of course, did much better and more elaborate pumpkin- he is far more talented than I am!

Leah and I headed out trick-or-treating with Sara and Michael. Joe and Amber stayed back to pass out candy. Leah and Michael were out for about 1.5 hours trick-or-treating from door to door through the neighborhood, and they walked the entire way. I was shocked at the number of people who were driving their kids. It was really a nice evening (for MN anyway). By the end of trick-or-treating both little ones were tired and ready to be done. This was okay because I know Leah can't eat that much candy, and I don't really want to be helping her!

Leah: Pretty as a princess
Amber: Cute as can BEE

Friday, October 22, 2010

Amber is 8 months

A little late with this post, but better late than never. As of Tuesday, Amber was 8 months old!! I know I say this every month, but I just can't believe how big she is getting. This last month was a big one for her. She is doing more and trying more things. She is such a happy baby. She loves to smile, laugh and babble. She loves bath time, being outside, and putting anything she can get her hands on into her mouth. She loves spending time with Leah. She is a bit of a mommy's girl - but that is only fair since Leah was a daddy's girl!

Here is what she has been up to this last month...

*20lbs, wearing 12month clothing
*outgrew her infant seat and now is in a rear facing car seat
*Holds her bottle independently (when she wants to)
*Starting to eat finger foods (puffs, crackers)
*2nd tooth (9/23)
*Taking a bath in the regular tub
*Scoots on her bottom (moves from a sitting to a half crawl position and then moves one leg forward then sits down and starts the process again)
*Recognizes her name
*Consistently rolling both directions
*Eating 3 meals a day, and about 5 bottles
*Tries hard to move from sit to stand, but not quite there yet
*Loves to be standing
*Played in leaves for the first time- was a little unsure at first, then tried to eat the leaves! Of course...everything goes into her mouth
*Goes to bed awake, typically asleep within 15 minutes!! Sleeps typically 10-11 hours at night, but the last few nights has decided to get up for a refuel around 3am (growth spurt?)
*Has started to take more predictable naps during the day
*First sinus infection - diagnosis 10/12, amoxicillin for 2 weeks.
*Started clapping
*Babbles mamama, dadada, and even may be saying them in an appropriate manner - hard to tell just yet!


Monday, October 18, 2010

Congrats MOM

My mom received an award last night - MNA Health and Safety 2010 award. Congrats. The banquet was last night in Duluth, myself, my dad, Aunt Vicky, Uncle Jim, Aunt Linda, and Uncle Steve were all in attendance. She did a great job accepting the award which sounds like it was well deserved. Congrats and way to go MOM! We love you.

The girls are doing great. Leah is still adjusting to kindergarten. Doing well in school. Seems to be learning a lot. Still working on figuring out the balance at home as she is very tired which leads to break downs at home. This to shall pass! She really is a delightful and bright child, which is what I constantly have to remind myself which she is in a whiny moment!!

Amber is a blast. She is so darn adorable with her cute little chubby cheeks. She is such a happy baby. I really love this age where you can tell that they are taking so much in. She is recovering from a sinus infection. She really has not been too crabby due to the infection, as a matter of fact, the only reason I brought her in was that I thought it was too long for her to be coughing and snotty! Can you believe she will be 8 months tomorrow? I will post an update soon. For now, I have to get ready to go to work (I took a half day off as my dad and I came back from Duluth this morning).

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Amber is 7 months

Seriously, this year needs to slow down. I can't believe it, but it is true, Amber is 7 months. Her smile lights up a room. She greets you with such excitement that you can't help but be in a good mood. Here is what she is up to...

*eating cereal, veggies and fruit
*very interested in table food
*First TOOTH! 9/5/10
*Attempted sippy cup - 8/31/10, not quite ready
*likes to stick her tongue out
*sleep 10 hours at night, naps are still a work in progress!
*mastered supported standing
*working on unsupported standing
*scooting on bottom
*moving from sitting into a crawl like position
*Lots of new sounds- purses lips together and blows out, sticks tongue out and blows out, sounds like hi, yeah, dada, mama
*First time at: Bunker Beach, Chuck- E -Cheese's, Como Zoo, MN Zoo
*LOVES her big sister, taking baths, being outside, hanging out with mommy and daddy, getting attention!



Sunday, September 12, 2010

Leah's First Day of School

Dear Leah,

I watched you get on the bus this morning as you headed off for you first day of Kindergarten. You are so excited. As I watched, I couldn't help but think about that 4lb 14oz baby that was born 5 years ago too early. Look what you have become - you are intelligent, caring, loveable, compassionate and empathetic. Yes, you are also stubborn, but this is part of what makes you special, what makes you YOU! I am so excited for you to begin this new chapter of you life. I am confident that you will do well even that you will enjoy it! I am not sure what will become your favorite subject, but I am so excited to be a part of the journey that will lead you to find your likes and dislikes as well as your strengths and weakness. Your dad and I will be there for you every step of the way, and I hope that we will provide you the right amount of guidance and support. Good luck Honey, I am so proud of you.

I love you lots!
Mommy


Leah chose her backpack, lunch bag and first day of school outfit. I am starting to wonder if she has a new favorite color!?!?!!


Conversation before the bus comes
Mommy: Will you look back when you get on the bus
Leah: Okay....
A little while later, Leah:
No, mommy, I don't want to do that!

And, Nope, she did not look back.

My baby is growing up!

Addendum: Leah's favorite part of the day: recess and coloring!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

More fun stuff from the summer that went too fast!!

Labor day weekend in MN...marks the end of summer!:( If the weather today is any indication...so long to summer. We had a fun, busy, fast and crazy summer. Can't believe how fast it went, but we did get in many fun activities. Here is what we have been up to the last couple weeks:

8/24: Bunker Beach with Leah's friend Michael and Mom, Sara. We had a fun day. The weather was a little cool, but the kids didn't seem to mind. Amber joined us in the middle of our afternoon. Amber enjoyed sitting in the pool and splashing. This year...Leah had no problem with the water slides...in fact, that was where she headed first.



9/2: HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!

9/4: A conversation today with Leah.
Leah: Daddy did you know that we can't see real dinosaurs because they are all gone?
Daddy: That's correct.
Leah: Were they around when I was a baby?
Daddy: No, they have been gone for a very, very long time....
Leah: So were they around when you were a baby?
Daddy: (While laughing) No honey, daddy isn't quite that old.

9/5: The girls and I spent the day at Como Zoo. Leah had fun showing Amber the ropes, and introducing her to her fav- Sparky the sea lion! At the park at Como Town, Leah did the Monkey Bars completely unassisted! Go Leah.
9/5: AMBER cuts her first tooth!

9/6: First visit to Target field- MN vs KC. Twins win!! We went with our friends- Sara, Mike and Michael. Had a nice day...but I could have done without the rain! The field is very nice and there doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the place...now, how can they add a retractable roof?? Okay, maybe I need to settle down about the rain. It really was a fun time. Glad we were able to go and enjoy the baseball game under the sun (well, at least for part of the game). :)


This week Leah has kindergarten entrance week with her visit with the teacher on Thursday. She begins her school year on Monday 9/13. Wow!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Amber is 6 months

Yesterday, Amber was 6 months! Amber is growing so fast and we are just trying to remember as much of this stage as we can! So, this is Amber at 6months...
  • 18.9 lbs, 26.25 inches
  • she laughs, babbles, and smiles a lot
  • she has mastered the skill of unsupported sitting
  • she can stand for brief periods at furniture
  • she still doesn't have much interest in rolling, however, she did roll stomach to back today and Leah captured that great shot of her in mid roll!
  • she tries to scoot/crawl during tummy time
  • she likes to play with her feet and suck on her big toe
  • she is sporting a new style with her cranio cap which she wears about 22 hours each day
  • she is starting to eat veggies along with her rice cereal- on the menu so far- green beans and peas...she doesn't seem to have any trouble with new foods!
  • she loves to take her bath
  • she is still a fantastic night time sleeper, however, naps still are not established...usually cat naps, but starting to note a morning and afternoon routine
  • she loves her big sister!
  • she has experienced her first time: going to the movies ($1 kids show), weekend away from mommy and daddy which was spent with Nonna and Grandpa (along with big sister), sitting in the stroller without her car seat, sitting in a restaurant high chair, sitting in a shopping cart, sitting in her high chair at home, swinging in her swing


I took this video on 8/15/10. Love how Leah tries to get Amber's attention...

A conversation with Leah

So, last night I was talking to Leah on the phone as she is up at the cabin. Here is a portion of that conversation which I just found adorable and funny! She is talking about the CMT Crossroads DVD of Taylor Swift and Def Leppard

Leah: "Mommy, I really like that Taylor CD (she means DVD). I like how she is talking about the song and then she sings it. But, Mommy, Taylor doesn't need help singing, does she?"

Mommy (unaware of where this was headed): "No, honey, she doesn't need help"

Leah: "Well, Mommy, then why is that boy helping her sing. Taylor doesn't need help singing!"

Oh, too cute

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Just the highlights

  • 7/28 - I chaperoned Leah's field trip to Como Zoo. It was so much fun. Glad I was able to take the day off to do this! Fun to see Leah with her school friends.

  • 7/28-7/31 - Leah spends time with Nonna and Grandpa at the cabin and just can't stop taking about it when she comes home. When asked if she missed mommy, she said no, but that she wished that Amber was there!

  • 7/31 - we celebrated my beautiful goddaughter, Kaysee's first birthday

  • 8/2-8/6 - Leah gets to go to Day Camp at Jam Hops (gymnastics) and just loves it. They did gymnastics, crafts, had a field trip to a pool, bike day, water day, movie day and Mexican day

  • 8/10 - Amber gets her Cranio Cap. After a lot of thought, we decided that we would get her one to shape her head as it is an easy fix now, and not fixable later if her head doesn't grow correctly. She was born with a flat spot on the back of her head due to position in utero which also caused a mild torticollis. Her flat spot was not filling out and this should help it grow correctly. She did very well weaning into wearing it, and now will wear it 22 hours/day for about 2-4 months.

  • 8/14- My mom, Leah, Amber and I go to Stillwater primarily to take Leah to Teddy Bear Park- which she loved. Leah also enjoyed spending time by the river and seeing the big boats

  • 8/15- Amber's 6month pictures were taken (WOW!)

  • 8/17-8/20 Leah to the cabin with Nonna, Grandpa, and their friend, Karen. LUCKY GIRL...mommy wants to go to the cabin instead of working!!

Como Zoo...Leah, Abby, Emilia


Leah still loves to help with Amber which includes feeding her, "watching" her, bathing her, playing with her...how I hope this lasts!


Just love this picture!!




Amber getting her cranio cap

Mommy had some fun decorating her cranio cap - gotta give it some personality!


having some more fun


STILLWATER...






Hanging out in our backyard...



I got in trouble for this one...apparently the hubby doesn't think it is safe...but they were having so much fun, just look at their faces!


underdog!