Merry Christmas!

Belle

Wow! I couldn't believe my eyes when I came downstairs this morning (and it wasn't because it was early. We didn't get up until 10:30 a.m.) I had this really neat tunnel to crawl through and then when I came out the other side, there before me was a smorgasbord of toys! I got a new Elmo tool bench, a TMX Elmo doll, a teddy bear and books. Later, Granny and Pawpaw brought me more toys and clothes. They gave me some Signing Times videos, an electric toothbrush, clothes, books, bibs and an old-fashioned pop roller. They seemed to really like the gifts we got them too. Mommy made Granny and Pawpaw their own calendar featuring what else, but me. Lilly's in this edition as well.

Lilly
Santa brought me a cool gift too, but as you can see (from the above picture) my big sister, Belle, is playing with it! Mommy did give me the rattle to play with, but even then Belle came and swiped it from me! There was much excitement in the house this morning. So much, that I had to nap most of the day. I heard Granny and Pawpaw gave me a lot of neat things, like a book that features me, but I didn't get to visit with them much. I was too worn out from the morning activities.

Eve of Christmas

Belle

We had a nice visit with Grandpa, Grandma and Aunt Sara on Saturday. They came to see us for the holiday and they brought presents too! Grandma and Grandpa gave me this cool wagon. I, of course, had to have Grandpa give me a test ride around the neighborhood.

Later we traveled to GG Bunny's house in Red House. I recognized the road as the same road we take to visit Tipo and Riley (Aunt KaKa's prarie dog and doggie). Mommy explained to me that we weren't visiting them though! At GG Bunny's, I received more presents, but I didn't care too much about opening them or playing with what was inside. I liked my second cousin Luke's presents better. He received cool stuff -- like cars, trucks and Thomas the train legos. I got some nice presents that I played with when we came home. We had to make an early departure because I was getting a little cranky -- but to my defense -- I didn't have a nap today and Lilly wasn't happy either! So far this Christmas, I've received some very cute outfits (Mommy liked them better than me) and lots of toys. Aunt Sara gave me a Dora toy. I received a Winnie the Pooh phone, large legos from more second cousins and Blue's Clues bath toys!

Santa made an early trip to our house tonight, but I was asleep when he got here! Mommy and Daddy said there will be lots of fun stuff for me under the tree in the morning. I can't wait. I just hope I'm feeling better tomorrow. Mommy and me can't lick this cold we caught!

Santa and Christmas trees

We visited Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Sara this weekend. Daddy had a WVU basketball game to cover so even though Mommy didn't feel well, we traveled to Morgantown anyway. We celebrated Christmas early with Mamaw and The Chase side of the family. Saturday was a fun day. We drove to Bruceton Mills to find a Christmas tree. I was more interested in walking around the property. Aunt Sara had to keep chasing after me. Lilly didn't care much for tree hunting. She wasn't feeling great on Saturday for some reason. She was a little cranky. Then Saturday night we walked through a Christmas light display at a nearby neighborhood. It was fun. I visited with Santa briefly then too. He gave me a baton! I didn't mind talking with Santa, but I didn't want Grandpa to leave me with him. I sure am looking forward to next Monday. Mommy says Santa will bring me lots of fun things. I do hope that I feel better then though. We came home last night and I had a 103 degree temperature. I'll probably have a visit to see Dr. Rubin tomorrow.

O Tannebaum

I discovered the joys of Christmas trees yesterday. Mommy said she put ornaments on the bottom of the tree that wouldn't break if I got ahold of them.

Today, I made a friend in daycare. Cody and I shared our lunches. I gave him some cheese and he shared his peaches with me. I had a good day in daycare today. I still put on a face for Mommy like I don't like daycare when she drops me off in the morning. But the gig is up, as she said. Her co-workers told her at the office Christmas Open House on Monday that I do actually play and enjoy myself in daycare. I do like my teachers, Ms. Elizabeth and Ms. Ronda. And today, I "tried" a chicken nugget -- only for dipping it in ketchup so I could suck it off of the nugget.

The Botts

Belle

We visited The Botts in Morgantown this weekend. Now that WVU basketball season has started, Daddy has to travel up north a lot. So occasionally, we'll go with him -- especially since it's the holidays! We celebrated Aunt Barb's and Morgan's birthday at Outback Saturday night. I did okay for about an hour while Aunt Jane (below) played with me. But when the food finally came, I was ready to go so we had to make a quick exit from the restaurant. I don't think Mommy was too happy with me, but hey, I'd had enough. Even though I wasn't a happy girl, Mommy drove us by house that has a lot of Christmas lights. Mommy said next weekend we'll walk through the lights and then visit with Santa.

Coo-dos to Lilly!

Belle and I visited Dr. Rubin on Friday. I had a two-month check up and Belle had her 18-month check up. It wasn't fair, though. Belle didn't have to get three shots in her legs. I was a little cranky on Friday after those shots. I now weigh 11 pounds and two ounces and I'm 24 inches tall. Dr. Rubin said I'm going to be tall like my sister.

Belle measured 34 1/2 inches tall. She's in the 95th percentile for her age. She weighs 25 1/2 pounds. I hope we don't have to go back to see Dr. Rubin for awhile. It was very busy in the waiting room. I guess a lot of kids are sick this time of year. Luckily, Belle and I both have been healthy for the last few weeks.

Lilly smiles

It's ccccoold outside!

Belle

It snowed for the first time today. Daddy took me outside briefly to let me play in the snow, but I didn't really enjoy it. The wind was too strong. The snowflakes kept blowing in my eyes, which I told Daddy by saying, "eye, eye." I'm learning new words every day. Yesterday I explained to Daddy that my knee didn't hurt by saying, "No knee hurt." I am also learning new signs every day. Today, I signed milk. I still get confused with the sign for "please' and "more." If I want something, I usually just sign "more."

Daycare is getting to be more fun as well. My teacher says I'm coming along very well. I had a great day on Tuesday. I didn't cry very long after Mommy left. When she came to pick me up nearly at 5 p.m., I was playing happily in my classroom.

Mommy and Daddy keep trying to get me to use the potty, but I'm not interested in it much anymore. I have enough change to worry about with daycare.

Lilly

I'm having more fun every day. I laugh and giggle. Belle really makes me laugh. And I slept throug the night for the first time on Tuesday night. Mommy said she couldn't believe it was 5 a.m. when I woke her to eat. I went to bed at 9 p.m. I figured one night was enough rest for her though and I had her up a few times last night. Mommy thinks it's cute to keep dressing me in Christmas outfits. I guess we have a few hand me downs she wants to make sure I wear.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

My sister, Lilly, is starting be a lot more fun. I can make her smile and laugh at me. She thinks I'm funny. Last weekend, we visited with the Gibson families at Granny and Pawpaw's. We had a belated Thanksgiving celebration because Daddy was in Florida for the holiday. I'm not sure why we had to dress up (Mommy's idea), but everyone sure liked our outfits.

Daycare is beginning to grow on me as well. I actually enjoyed myself today. I try not to let the parents know that I'm having a good time, but Mommy walked in on me playing this evening. So the gig is up. I still cry when she leave me in the morning though. Gotta work in that guilt trip!

Lilly gets to stay home all day with Granny. They hang out some, but I think she sleeps mostly still.