Christmas Eve 2010

We always spend Christmas eve with Daniels dad at his home. We always have a great time and the kids get terribly spoiled. This year was no exception...Cindy made both of the girls rocking chairs with their names. They LOVE them, they are in each of their bedrooms. The kids received so many wonderful gifts, a lot of "learning" toys (which I love, it's a teacher thing I guess), and we made many wonderful memories.

I am not sure if I've blogged about Shelby and her climbing abilities. The girl is seriously part monkey (a cute one). Daniel and I have caught her standing in the middle of the kitchen table...twice! Once she learned to climb into the chairs, she had to keep going. If there is ever a flood the poor girl will now how to make it to higher ground =)

When Cindy brought out the chairs, Shelby climbed right up...not understanding that it was a rocking chair and would move! She feel out and the poor thing hurt her little head, so in many pictures she has a nice little "goose-egg" on the side of her head.

 The "goose-egg" 

Wheeew!

Making cookies for Santa

Not really feeling the baking cookies for a jolly old saint!

Santa!

On sunday evening we were able to, for the second year in a row, visit Daniel's Aunt's sister Mitzi's (did you get that?) home for the infamous Santa visit. The families go in together and get Santa and the Mrs. to come to Mitzi's home. It is soooo much better than the mall =)

They arrive and sing carols, read the kids a story, and then pictures and Santa's lap! Followed by gifts. "Santa" brings each child a gift to open before he leaves. The kids have a BLAST and we always leave with wonderful memories to start the holiday season.

 Ha! I love that Santa isn't so sure about Shelby!



2.5 hours...really?

I was reminded today why I really do not like getting holiday pictures taken.

It took 2.5 hours and while the outcome was wonderful...(really great pictures) I also became very hot and sweaty (I think they had the heat on and there were like 10 families in there at once), I was totally irritated (as I tend to be in crowds), I had a very unhappy one year old (what's new?), and a very hungry 2 year old.

At the end of the day though I have some preicous memories of my two favorite people in the whole world!

Party Time!

We had an absolute blast at Shelby's 1st Birthday Party, and yes I am behind on posting about this!

The girl has some serious friends, and we had a house full of friends and family who love and care for our Shelby. We are all blessed to have such wonderful people to share our lives with. I cannot say thank you enough to my mom and mother-in-law for all that they did and continue to do for my little family.

Shelby was blessed with some great new outfits, books, and toys.

Shelby was so sweet! She was not really sure about the gift opening, but climbing on top of the gifts was a priority.

 

You know that feeling you get...

when you leave for vacation and for hours after you leave you ask yourself if you've forgotten something?

That is honestly how I feel all the time now.

 And usually the answer is yes, I forgot something...again!

Diapers maybe, or I forgot to fill the wipe container (let me tell you this becomes a hot mess, when you then have to figure out how to wet down paper towels to use), I don't know how many times I've left my phone at home, or the front door unlocked...ALL day, while we're gone.

So aggravating!

ONE!

Shelby is officially a toddler!

She turned One on October 22,

where did the year go?

We went to dinner on her actual birthday and gad a birthday bash on Sunday with family and friends.

More pics to come later!

What Does an Elephant Say?

Taylor at Ballet

11 Months

Just so I don't forget =0)
What is Shelby up to at 11 months old?

• after weeks of wondering if she'd EVER take a cup...she woke up a week ago and refused the bottle!
• She says UhOh like a pro...and even if on purpose, if something is "dropped" it is classified as an UhOh!
• She's way too cool for baby food. She only wants solids.
• She LOVES to eat ANY solid food.
• What is she eating? ravioli, grilled cheese, peanut butter toast, scrambled eggs, potatoes, any and I do mean ANY vegetable, she loves biscuits, pretty much anything we're eating she tries.
• Her sleeping is crazy! I think she's close to dropping her 1st nap, even though it seems early to me.
• The sleep schedule I'd like for her to have is ... 9:30-10:30, 1:30 - 4:00, 8:00PM - 7 or 8 AM depending on the day. Most days she comes close, but not every day.
• She loves bothering, playing with Taylor.
• Very strong willed! If she wants it...she wants it. There is absolutely NO detering her.
• She is beginning to communicate verbally. Her language of choice? SCREAMING, is that an official language? If not, it should be.
• She adores her Daddy. Da-Da is what I hear most of the time. So sweet.
• She tries to "run". She isn't quite steady walking yet, but she will take off at neckbreaking speeds.
• She makes me laugh.
• She makes me cry (why do they grow up sooooo fast?)
• She makes me smile.

My Ballerina

We decided on a whim to put Taylor in ballet. And when I say we, I mean I. Daniel hasn't really wanted to go the "dancer" route. I knew I wanted her involved in something...anything.

All I could find (for her age) was gymnastics and dance.

For gymnastics, it was mommy and me. I do not have a problem doing anything with her, but I really wanted her to experience an organized sport with another adult as the disciplinarian. I want her to do something without me and socialize with others her age.

So, we have ballet.

and she loved her first lesson.

I wish I could have gotten some pictures of her actually paricipating in the dancing, but the week prior, they had A LOT of trouble with some of the kids crying and such. So they had the door closed and the blinds shut. I stood with my face buried in the window sneaking peeks through a small gap in the blinds.

I know it was for the best, taylor really hesitated before going in. If she'd seen me watching, she may not have done as well as she did.

Just a moment of the day...

I have tried to video the girls more and you never really know what you're gonna get. 

At one point I was holding my breath hoping Taylor would let go of Shelby's neck...she tends to force Shelby to do what she wants her to do. That definitely won't last very long. =0)

What a little lady!

Pretty dress, high heels, and a grocery cart!

Take my picture!

As soon as I get the camera out and Taylor sees it she begins to ask over and over....Please take my picture! then she poses and IF I'm lucky I'll snap a good shot before she's up and running to the camera to see the picture I've taken.

Sister love!