On the same day, Wednesday 12/21, our other friends, Sean and Jody also welcomed a baby boy to their family. Tucker joined big sister's Morgan and Bailey. A beautiful family!!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Joshua and Tucker 12/21/11!
Our wonderful friends, Mike and Sara, welcomed a beautiful new addition to their family on Wednesday 12/21! Along with big brother, Michael, they welcomed Joshua Thomas into this world. We are so happy to finally meet this handsome boy! At 6lbs 15 oz, he is a little peanut, but so darn cute!! Congrats to a well deserving family!!
Christmas Day 2011
Christmas Day:We spent Christmas day at Joe’s Aunt Karen’s house with many of his relatives: Karen, Chris, Cherice, Lance, Fran, Michael, Patrick, Rae, Maggie, Molly, Pat, Nikki, Cory, Emilee, Mary, Shorty and Us. It was a fun gathering with lots of chatting, eating and more presents! Leah had so much fun playing with the older girls – Maggie and Molly, as well as playing with Emilee (almost 3). Amber was tired, she spent most of the time with mommy or daddy. She did start to warm up to the puppy (she loves puppies- from afar!). She was petting her by the end, and even said “bye bye puppy” as we were leaving.
Some of Leah’s presents- clothes, movies, creative room pockets, xbox kinect games
Some of Amber’s presents – puppy guitar, pillow pet, clothes, learn through music (fisher price game), crayons
Another fun day spent with family. Joe and I also came home with some great gifts. Thanks to all who made our Christmas Day a special one!!
We had a great Christmas weekend. Both girls were (and still are) exhausted. We said goodbye to Joe’s dad on Monday morning, and he made it safely back home Monday evening. We are still organizing the house, and I think we will be for some time. Leah and I have gotten a good start on her room this week. I am off through Wednesday. Joe is back to work and working out of town again this week. The girls and I have been playing. We went to Pump It Up yesterday, swimming and haircuts today, and cookies tomorrow with my mom, Tiffanie, Thea and Delila. Fun times! I will post more on those activities later this week (I hope)!
Christmas Morning 2011
Christmas Morning:I got up Christmas morning to find Leah and Joe downstairs. Leah already opened all of her Santa gifts and stocking. I gave Joe the 3rd degree because he let her open them before I was up. But, I was put in my place when I learned that Leah had gotten up before Joe (we think it was around 5 am), and she went downstairs, by herself, and started to open her presents!! We didn’t put up a tree this year (because of the “destroyer”), so Leah had me leave a note so that Santa would know where to leave the presents! Amber got up around 8:30. She was most excited about the candy. She really could have cared less about what else she got. She opened her presents one handed because she had Reese’s pieces in the other hand!! Oh, and then we let her have a candy cane which was followed by cereal that stuck to her hands and face as she was so sticky from the candy cane!
Leah’s gifts from Santa – candy, wallet, pillow pets (small and big pink and purple lady bug), hair binder, big pen, cars
Amber’s gifts from Santa – candy, wallet, hair clips, coloring books, and cars
Santa was pretty good to Joe and I as well – dark chocolate for me, I Tunes gift card and jelly bellies for Joe!
Christmas Eve 2011
Christmas Eve:
Shorty, Joe’s dad, came to visit. He arrived from Michigan on Thursday, Dec. 22. Leah was excited to see him, but Amber had to warm up to him. It didn’t take long. She was calling him “papa” by Friday morning!
Shorty, Joe’s dad, came to visit. He arrived from Michigan on Thursday, Dec. 22. Leah was excited to see him, but Amber had to warm up to him. It didn’t take long. She was calling him “papa” by Friday morning!
We spent Christmas Eve at my parent’s house with Dan, Tiff, Thea and Delila. We spent the day opening presents, making Ravioli, going to church, eating, and opening more presents. The girls were opening presents throughout the day and made off with quite the load of gifts. They also had great time playing with each other. It was fun to watch Leah and Thea jam to the music after Leah opened her Ipod.
Some of Leah’s gifts: Ipod (fully loaded and ready to go thanks to daddy), DS with games (Leah is really getting into the DS now), American Girl doll horse, guitar/microphone, clothes/hat, craft activities, nail polish
Some of Amber’s gifts: puzzels, crayons, felt purse, legos, clothes, big stuffed puppy, bike helmet
What a crazy, fun, enjoyable day. Joe and I made out pretty good too! Thanks to all who made this day so great!!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Amber may be 22 months, but she is still my "Baby"
So, my “baby” is now 22 months! I still call her “Baby.” I guess that is my nickname for her. Although, it the last couple of months, “destroyer” seems more appropriate! She is picking up on so much and learning new words daily! She is excited about Santa. She loves her big sister. She is still a “daddy’s girl”
Here are some other highlights:
*Knows some animals and animal sounds – puppy, kitty, cow, and horse
*Very opinionated - that doesn't sound like another little girl I know :)
*Has a very specific bedtime routine- we have to read 4 books: How do dinosaurs clean up their room (dinosaur), Goodnight moon (moon), Chugga chugga choo choo (choo choo), and Mommy hugs (baby). She will usually say “again” to read the books again, but will settle for just one – usually choo choo. Then, we take a couple of rocks, she looks at me and says “nih nih.” She is laid in her crib with the following: lying on pillow pet, in the corner – 2 bears and dolly, her musical puppy, and 4 crocheted blankets over her which are laid on top of her : 1 blanket, 2 blanket… Then, without a peep, she goes to sleep! Well, I guess this is what goes on when I put her to bed, it may be different for Joe!
*Has used the potty chair successfully 1 time, but loves to practice sitting on the potty chair
*Still does not like me to fix her hair, but she will let the lovely teachers at daycare put pigtails in her hair without a fuss!
*Does not like having her nails clipped, hair combed, or teeth brushed (she can do it herself, do not try to help this independent little girl)!
*I am amazed at her vocabulary, though there is still a lot she tries to tell us that we have not a clue what she is saying!
*She takes off her pants multiple times through the day. And now she can take off her shirt and diaper too! Look out – naked baby on the loose!
*Getting better at using a fork and a spoon, but still finds it easier to just use her hands!
*Puckers her lips for kisses--“muhaw”
*Seems to love her music, just like daddy and big sister: she dances and sings along!
*Loves to help cook- wants to participate in the entire process
*Wants to pick out her cereal- wants to be placed on the counter to pull the box out by herself!
*When you get the camera out, and she is in the mood for a picture – she looks at the camera, smiles and says “cheeeeeese.”
*Still sleeps in some funny positions!
*She is pretty much independent in the stairs.
*She is working on door handles now- but she has figured out if she closes the door, then pounds on it hard enough, someone will open it for her!
*She loves attention!
*Says "pease" and "tank you"
*loves to "olor" - but also loves to eat the crayons, markers, pencils!!
Holiday Dance Recital 12/18/11
Leah had her holiday dance recital on Sunday evening. She was so excited. She enjoyed the entire process. She certainly loves to be on stage!! Her class danced to "My Favorite Things." The show lasted about 1 hour. Amber sat quietly on my lap for the first 45 min, then she was squirmy the rest of the show. We were impressed with how well she did!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Duluth 12/2-3, Holidazzle 12/4
What a fun weekend we had...
DULUTH 12/2:
**Polar Express**
The girls and I along with my mom, Tiffanie, Thea, Delila's, Aunt Vicky, Aunt Linda, and Aunt Sara went on the Polar Express in Duluth. The train brings you to the Depot where the tell the story and the kids get to sit with Santa. The girls had a great time.
Some highlights:
*Train from Fitger's to the Depot, story told, got bell, sat with Santa, train to Fitgers, bonfire with hot cocoa and cookies
*It was a bit chilly and windy, but we are true Minnesotans, so we managed to still have a wonderful time
*All the girls were so EXCITED
*Leah, Thea and Delila sat on their knees and listened intently as the story was told *Amber sat on my lap...when Santa came in during the story she stood up and waved "Hi Santa" at least 3 times (the story teller did not miss a beat). Then, when Santa left, she waved "Bye Santa." *Leah, Thea and Delila all told Santa what they wanted for Christmas. Although, Amber was thrilled to see Santa from afar, she was not ready to sit on his lap - but was happy to sit next to him on my lap!
*Amber mastered "Ho, Ho, Ho"
**Bentlyville**
After the Polar Express, we all headed to "Bentlyville" - a tour of lights. It is an amazing Christmas light display.
Some highlights:
*Leah- The Master Marshmellow Roaster!
*Amber liked the lights, but was not happy being pushed around in the stroller, she wanted to walk! Oh, and she did not want to wear her mittens either!
*The girls sat with Mrs. Claus, but not Santa - the line was too long. Amber, again, was happy to sit next to her on my lap!
*Leah and Thea dancing!
*The great aunts and nonna all bundled up!
DULUTH 12/2:
**Polar Express**
The girls and I along with my mom, Tiffanie, Thea, Delila's, Aunt Vicky, Aunt Linda, and Aunt Sara went on the Polar Express in Duluth. The train brings you to the Depot where the tell the story and the kids get to sit with Santa. The girls had a great time.
Some highlights:
*Train from Fitger's to the Depot, story told, got bell, sat with Santa, train to Fitgers, bonfire with hot cocoa and cookies
*It was a bit chilly and windy, but we are true Minnesotans, so we managed to still have a wonderful time
*All the girls were so EXCITED
*Leah, Thea and Delila sat on their knees and listened intently as the story was told *Amber sat on my lap...when Santa came in during the story she stood up and waved "Hi Santa" at least 3 times (the story teller did not miss a beat). Then, when Santa left, she waved "Bye Santa." *Leah, Thea and Delila all told Santa what they wanted for Christmas. Although, Amber was thrilled to see Santa from afar, she was not ready to sit on his lap - but was happy to sit next to him on my lap!
*Amber mastered "Ho, Ho, Ho"
**Bentlyville**After the Polar Express, we all headed to "Bentlyville" - a tour of lights. It is an amazing Christmas light display.
Some highlights:
*Leah- The Master Marshmellow Roaster!
*Amber liked the lights, but was not happy being pushed around in the stroller, she wanted to walk! Oh, and she did not want to wear her mittens either!
*The girls sat with Mrs. Claus, but not Santa - the line was too long. Amber, again, was happy to sit next to her on my lap!
*Leah and Thea dancing!
*The great aunts and nonna all bundled up!
DULUTH 12/3:
**Edgewater Hotel**
My mom, Tiffanie, Thea, Delila, Leah, Amber and I spent the night at the Edgewater, so the girls could enjoy some water park time.
Some highlights
*HOT TUB - all the girls spent time in the hot tub
*Lazy river - ditto
*Kid's Zone - all the girls played here - going down the smaller slides (even Amber - with me), except the were sure to get out when the heard the bell for the water bucket splash down!
*Tube Slide - Thea and Delila loved it, Leah walked up the stairs with me, but instead of going down the slide, she freaked out and decided to go back down the steps instead of going down the slide.
*Amber loving to "jump" in the water (from a sitting position) and then to be dipped under the water - again, again, and again!
*Rope monkey bar crossing - Thea and Leah are masters...but, don't count Delila out- she so wants to keep up with those two!
**Fitger's**
Leah remembered that last year we saw the reindeer and met Santa at Fitger's. She so wanted to do this again. Plus, she had colored a picture that she wanted to give to Santa. So, on our way out of town, we (my mom, Amber, Leah and I) stopped at Fitger's. Amber and Leah met with Santa. Again, Amber needed to be sitting on my lap (mind you we just left the hotel swimming- so the hair was not the best). Leah told Santa that she wanted a little lady bug pillow pet. Santa gave them each a candy cane. They both enjoyed their candy cane! Then we saw the reindeer (they have 2 real reindeer outside with their owners). We decided that we should eat some lunch before we left. During lunch, Leah remember that she forgot to give Santa her picture. So, we went back to see Santa. He gave them both another candy cane. Well, Mommy decided that maybe they should wait to have their candy cane. So, I took them and put them in the diaper bag. Amber proceed to reach for the bag and started to yell "mine, mine, mine." She cried all the way to the car. Yup, I guess I am the mean mommy! So, it wasn't long and they were both asleep (Amber first - before we even got on the freeway). About halfway home, Amber woke up (briefly) to mutter "mine, mine, mine" as she reached forward with her arm. Then she went back to sleep. This caused my mom and I both the laugh - we figure she must have been dreaming of her candy cane!
Leah's picture: She did not right Santa-- an older friend at daycare did that for her, but the rest is her!
HOME: 12/4
**Holidazzle**
We knew that this really was the only weekend that we would be able to make it to the Holidazzle Parade, but we were just too exhausted on Saturday night (so we had pizza and movie night with our wonderful neighbors). We decided to go Sunday night- which turned out to be a better option: better weather and not as many people! Both girls enjoyed the parade. So fun to watch Amber as she was just amazed by it all! Leah enjoyed it as well, but she knew what to expect now that she has been to the parade now 6 times!
**Edgewater Hotel**
My mom, Tiffanie, Thea, Delila, Leah, Amber and I spent the night at the Edgewater, so the girls could enjoy some water park time.
Some highlights
*HOT TUB - all the girls spent time in the hot tub
*Lazy river - ditto
*Kid's Zone - all the girls played here - going down the smaller slides (even Amber - with me), except the were sure to get out when the heard the bell for the water bucket splash down!
*Tube Slide - Thea and Delila loved it, Leah walked up the stairs with me, but instead of going down the slide, she freaked out and decided to go back down the steps instead of going down the slide.
*Amber loving to "jump" in the water (from a sitting position) and then to be dipped under the water - again, again, and again!
*Rope monkey bar crossing - Thea and Leah are masters...but, don't count Delila out- she so wants to keep up with those two!
**Fitger's**Leah remembered that last year we saw the reindeer and met Santa at Fitger's. She so wanted to do this again. Plus, she had colored a picture that she wanted to give to Santa. So, on our way out of town, we (my mom, Amber, Leah and I) stopped at Fitger's. Amber and Leah met with Santa. Again, Amber needed to be sitting on my lap (mind you we just left the hotel swimming- so the hair was not the best). Leah told Santa that she wanted a little lady bug pillow pet. Santa gave them each a candy cane. They both enjoyed their candy cane! Then we saw the reindeer (they have 2 real reindeer outside with their owners). We decided that we should eat some lunch before we left. During lunch, Leah remember that she forgot to give Santa her picture. So, we went back to see Santa. He gave them both another candy cane. Well, Mommy decided that maybe they should wait to have their candy cane. So, I took them and put them in the diaper bag. Amber proceed to reach for the bag and started to yell "mine, mine, mine." She cried all the way to the car. Yup, I guess I am the mean mommy! So, it wasn't long and they were both asleep (Amber first - before we even got on the freeway). About halfway home, Amber woke up (briefly) to mutter "mine, mine, mine" as she reached forward with her arm. Then she went back to sleep. This caused my mom and I both the laugh - we figure she must have been dreaming of her candy cane!
Leah's picture: She did not right Santa-- an older friend at daycare did that for her, but the rest is her!HOME: 12/4
**Holidazzle**
We knew that this really was the only weekend that we would be able to make it to the Holidazzle Parade, but we were just too exhausted on Saturday night (so we had pizza and movie night with our wonderful neighbors). We decided to go Sunday night- which turned out to be a better option: better weather and not as many people! Both girls enjoyed the parade. So fun to watch Amber as she was just amazed by it all! Leah enjoyed it as well, but she knew what to expect now that she has been to the parade now 6 times!
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