Growing up

Lilly

I'm not too fond of this getting older stufff. I mean Mommy and Daddy seem to really be pushing for me to "grow up." I had an accident in the bumbo chair so now I have to sit in the high chair. I really don't like it and I let them know about it. One thing I do like about growing up and getting bigger -- I finally get to turn my seat around in the car too. Now I can see all the things that Belle sees when we travel in the car. I was happy as a jaybird on the way home from Granny and Pawpaw's Saturday.

Belle

Lilly and I are both growing up -- too fast Mommy says. I'll turn 2 on Thursday. They keep telling me I'm going to have a birthday party. I'm not sure what that means but we're working on saying "Happy Birthday" and "I'm two." One other task Mommy and Daddy are trying to train me in is going to the potty. They say I understand just fine how it works I just need to go. I know you go "pee-pee and poo-poo" or "wee-wee and woo-woo" on the potty. I'll even sit and read a book on the potty, but I just don't feel like using the potty yet.

One area that Lilly and I are both struggling is in sharing toys. She wants to play with all of my toys now. And I don't like her to play with them. I often get in trouble for taking them away. Yesterday, though, we did share a bit and colored in my new Dora coloring book together.

First surgery

It isn't the most flattering picture, but we wanted everyone to see the results of my first surgery today. Mommy said I was a brave girl. It sure was a long wait to see the doctor. I waited for nearly 4 hours. I couldn't eat or drink and I was getting upset about it. Then Mommy took me back to a bright room with a bunch of nurses. They had already asked me if I like bubblegum, cherry or strawberry for the scent of my mask. I chose strawberry because I really like them. Even that wasn't enough to keep me calm though. I cried and it took longer for the medicine to put me under. Dr. Taraji said I had "pimple" on all four lids. He had to clean them all out. They water a lot now. He also told Mommy and Daddy that I have to go back to the dermatologist to figure out what's causing these pimples so they don't come back or I could have to have this surgery again. We definitely don't want to do that!

High Maintenance

We're not spoiled. We're just high maintenance. That's us -- HMGs (high maintenance girls). Granny found us these matching cute onesies. We're doing pretty well. My eyes (Belle) are still giving me trouble. I have to have surgery on Tuesday to alleviate the swelling on my eyelid. Mommy said she's upset that they will have to put me to sleep, but she wants my eyes to get better. This has gone on for too long, she says.

Lilly sits up well now and laughs a lot. She likes to grab at me. I don't like her to touch me. I only give her a kiss goodnight and say, "night, night, lilly." We're looking forward to playing this weekend -- since Mommy and Daddy both have the day off on Monday now. Yeah!

First movie

Belle

Today was an exciting day. I saw my first movie in a theater. Mommy and Daddy took a chance and let me go see Shrek the Third. We ate popcorn and Raisinettes and drank some Icee, which I got on my shirt. I was so excited when the kitty came on the screen that I yelled Meoow for the whole audience to hear. It was pretty neat, but after about an hour I wanted to run up to the front of the theater. So we didn't get to see the ending. Daddy says we'll have to wait for it to come out on video.

Sitting on my own!

Finally! I can sit on my own for a good 30 seconds at a time. I do better, however, when I'm distracted by a toy or watching Belle get into trouble. I still would prefer to be cuddled or just hang out on the floor where I can roll around easily or learn how to crawl.

We had such a nice visit with Grandma Bott last weekend. It was pretty outside so she took us for a wagon ride. Since it was so sunny, Mommy made me wear this hat so I wouldn't get sunburned. I didn't care to wear it, but every time I took it off she just put it right back on my head.

Meow!

Well, we have to share this tragic story with you. A neighborhood cat (read: stray) came to our house last Friday. So we decided to befriend it (read: feed and pet it). Belle, of course, loved this since she doesn't have any of her own pets. Everything was going along just fine... until I go to get the camera. I'm trying to take pictures of Belle with the cat and it gets annoyed with her and attacks her right arm. Needless to say, I was upset. Belle cried and ran to me. Andrew was inside, but was ready to track down the animal and end its life. The cat scratched and bit her a few times on the arm. It bled a little. We called the Humane Society and her pediatrician's office to confirm we were handling the situation correctly, including trapping the animal to be quarrantined. Belle wasn't happy when we had to clean her wounds with alcohol. The sad thing is she was more upset that the kitty she loved so much decided to be mean to her and then left. She kept going to the door and saying, "Kitty, where are you?" And now, she goes around the house saying, "Meeooow" in the most adorable voice. We're just happy she wasn't hurt more seriously and that it didn't scar her for life.

Play time

It's been so nice lately, that we've been able to get out in the backyard and play. I (Lilly) simply roll around on the blanket. Belle, as you know, can't sit still so she roams the entire yard -- just looking for trouble. Mommy and Daddy are pushing hard on this sitting up business. Today, I sat up for them for a little bit. I guess you have to grow up sometime. I'd rather just skip the sitting and move on to crawling. I'm trying to figure out how to get my legs to work so I can try to keep up with Belle. She sure is fun. We laugh and play together now. Sometimes, she comes up and tries to tickle me. Daddy is pretty good at letting us have a good time. Like today, we played with coffee filters. They make great hats!

Duo bath

Belle

Lilly still isn't sitting up, but Mommy is doing everything she can to encourage her to become a little independent (like making her sit up in the bathtub). I don't understand why she doesn't want to sit up, or crawl -- or just try to get anywhere. I'm always on the go. In fact, Daddy says I can't sit still for five seconds. I had to visit Dr. Jeff (Whittington) from church again today. My left eye is still infected and swollen. Lucky me! I get to have Mommy and Daddy put their finger in my eye while I sleep to get the medicine down under the flap. I'm also now on oral antibiotics to try to kill the infection. Dr. Jeff -- a whats-a-mologist -- someone who looks at eyes -- says if this doesn't work, then we'll have to have the infection surgically removed. I sure hope it goes away because that doesn't sound like fun. Daddy said I gave him and the doctors a work out today. Even three grown-ups couldn't get me to open my eye for the exam.

Lilly

Boy, Mommy just won't let up. She keeps telling me I'm going to be 7 months old next week and I'm still not sitting up. I mean, what's the big deal? What's the rush to grow up? I like being carried around and cuddled. In fact, I like it so much that I'm demanding extra attention at night now. Belle would be mad if she found out, so don't tell her. But I was up hanging out with Mommy and Daddy at midnight last night. And they gave me a bottle to boot! Woo-hoo! I just laughed and played on the bed. They finally gave up and put me in the swing to get me to go to sleep. I sure like hanging out with Belle. She is funny. We had a good time in the bath together. I suppose Mommy does have a point. I have grown too long to lie down in the infant tub. It was more comfortable to have my feet hanging out of the seat. I really liked playing with the rubber ducky. Belle is funny and I like her, but she sure doesn't like to share her toys with me.

A special note from Mommy: If you haven't yet seen this video, take a minute to watch it. While I sometimes moan about getting up in the middle of the night with one or the other girl, or dealing with one illness or symptom of another, this video made me realize we should celebrate the girls' lives and be thankful for what we have.

"Are you okay?"

That's my new catchphrase -- "Are you okay?" I often ask Puppy (my stuffed dog), or lamb, Mommy or Daddy, "Are you okay," even though they haven't fallen. Then sometimes I decide to throw myself down and ask myself, "Are you okay?" I also say "scuse me" when I burp, cough or make a noise.

You can't tell from this mugshot photo that I've been spending time behind bars, can you? When I say bars, I mean Mommy and Daddy keep sticking me in time out and I get put in my crib. I mean, what's a nearly 2-year-old girl supposed to do to have fun around here? They keep torturing me with different medicines. I'm on my third round of medicine for the sty on my left eye. Can you see the puffiness in the photo?

We've been pretty busy working around the house. We had a nice visit from Grandpa this weekend. I really like it when he comes because he takes me outside to play. I've been pretty unhappy since the weather has turned cold again. But we bundled up this weekend and Grandpa took me out. We went to the neighbor's house where I slid down the slide on my own. Then when we visited Rippling Waters to see Grandma and Sara during their retreat, I played on the big kid gym set outside. I think I've conned Grandpa Bott into getting my own set!! Happy birthday to me! Grandma and Sara attended a spiritual retreat this weekend so we prayed a lot for them. I have my prayers down now. Sometimes, I have to remind Mommy, Daddy and even Grandpa to pray -- like when we had dinner at Wendy's Saturday night. I placed my hands together and say, "I pray. Jesus, I pray. Amen." Then we all applaud!

How I'm growing...

Well, I'm still not sitting up... but Dr. Rubin assures Mommy that I'm not behind schedule. He did ask me today at my 6-month check-up if I'm "milking it." I'm not sure what that means, but yeah, I would have liked to have some milk at that point. The good news is I'm quite healthy. Everything is as it should be. And Dr. Rubin was determined to make me sit up, but I showed him how stubborn I can be and I wouldn't put my hands down for him. I'm measuring "tall and slim." I weigh 15 lbs. 4 oz. and I am 27 3/4 inches long. The bad news (at least for me) was I had two shots and one oral vaccine today. One shot in each leg. Pretty painful stuff. It's made me kind of cranky today.

Other exciting developments... my first tooth broke through the gum this weekend. A tooth is coming in on the bottom right of my mouth. It's exciting, but it adds to my crankiness.

We had a nice visit with Grandpa Bott this weekend. We visited with Aunt Sara and Grandma Bott some too, but they attended a retreat so we didn't see much of them. We did go visit them at certain points though. I enjoyed meeting new friends and helping Mommy serve breakfast to the people on the retreat. Unfortunately it rained all weekend, so we didn't get out much. In fact, the area where the retreat was held flooded a bit. So we hung out in the house with Grandpa, Mommy and Daddy and watched Mommy make Grandpa and Daddy work like slaves as they redecorated our kitchen.

Balancing act

Lilly

Life sure is a balancing act. From the looks of it, Mommy has had some trouble balancing all her duties lately. Daddy was in NY for a week to watch the Mountaineers win the NIT. So Granny watched us a lot again. Mommy spent a lot of time at work, or the grocery store. Now that Daddy is finally home, life is returning to normal a bit. I'm not sure I like all the attention, though. For some reason, the 'rents are really focused on my motor skill development. Mommy said I have three weeks to learn how to sit up. As you can see, I'm not real interested in it. I wobble and fall over onto the boppy. I chatted with Elmo about it tonight and he said I have time and not to sweat it. I turned six months old on Monday. Daddy and Granny discovered why I have been so cranky lately. I have some teeth developing and nearly break through on the top.

Belle

Hiya! Life at the Beckner house has been crazy. Daddy has been gone so much lately. I sure did miss him. When he came home last week, I couldn't wait to get downstairs to see him. I ran to him, hugged him and kissed him. Mommy celebrated a birthday recently. Unfortunately (for both of us), I had to have a serious and very unpleasant test performed on her birthday. I didn't like the test and the results showed that I still have stage two reflux in my left kidney. But because I haven't had a UTI, I don't have to continue taking antibiotics. On top of all that, I have an eye infection. Every day, Mommy and Daddy have to wrestle me to the ground to put the drops in my eyes. The good news is the weather was nice recently and I was very happy to get outdoors. Now, that Mommy and Daddy are home we'll try to write more.

I don't like my sister!

I don't know why everone is trying to make me be friends with "willwee" (Lilly). She isn't much fun. She spits up a lot. She can't play and sometimes she's fussy. Honestly, she just takes the attention away from me. I don't want to share Mommy and Daddy with her. And everyone tells me I have to be easy with her because she's so wittle and fragile. She sure likes me, though. She laughs at me -- just when I walk by her. When we're riding in the car -- like we did this weekend when we went to Morgantown -- she likes to watch me from her car seat. I, however, ignore her and keep watching my movies. Too bad she's too little to have her own DVD player!

Our recent trip to Morgantown

Lilly

Hello everyone. It's been so busy lately that we haven't had a chance to write. Daddy finally came home from NY last night. We've spent a lot of time with Granny and Pawpaw this week. Thank goodness we have such great grandparents who don't mind watching us, even on a Friday night, because Mommy and Daddy are working!

Last weekend, we visited our relatives in Morgantown. Since I was feeling better I got to meet my new second cousin, Kadence. She still has a lot of hair. I'm wearing a hat because it was pretty cold and I've lost most of my newborn hair. It's coming back in now. I'm certainly happy that Mommy and Daddy are both home this weekend. It took me awhile to recognize Daddy since he was gone so long.

Belle

I've been a little jealous because Lilly has gotten all the attention lately. I have to remind my parents sometimes that I'm in the same room. The best way to get their attention is to do something I'm not supposed to. That sure gets them running! Mommy and Daddy have been happy, though, that I've been more adventurous with food. I will eat some meat now. Occasionally, I'll eat chicken. I shared Daddy's chicken with him last weekend. And I really like French fries now, especially with salt on them!

Swing low, sweet baby!

I scream, you scream, we all scream....

Belle

As a special treat, Daddy and Mommy took us to Baskin Robbins on Sunday. Mommy and I usually share a scoop or two, but as you can see from the photograph I took over control of the spoon. Mommy wasn't giving me big enough bites. Lilly just watched from her car seat. Mommy said she was too small, yet, to have ice cream. Mommy told her when she turns one, she can have ice cream too -- unless Daddy caves before then. But he said something about what's "good for the goose... and gander." I don't know what that means. I just know it doesn't sound good for Lilly!

Easy eating!

Lilly

Belle and I are both exploring new foods. I'm finally getting the hang of this eating thing. Mommy and Daddy gave up on solid foods for awhile since I kept pushing it out with my tongue. Then I had several shots at my well-baby visit on Feb. 15 and they made me sick. I ran a fever from 101.9 to 102.6 for several days. Dr. Rubin said I couldn't start solid foods until after the reaction to the vaccines subsided. I measured 26 inches long (off the chart) and weighed about 13 pounds (which was normal percentile). Mommy was alarmed because my weight has gone down but Daddy reassured her that I was fine because I was resting my leg on the side of the scale and so it wasn't an accurate reading. I'm sleeping much better now. I occasionally wake in the middle of the night, but a pacifier and some music put me back to sleep. I fall asleep on my own now -- which is a big relief for Mommy.

Belle has been a little cranky lately. She fascinates me really. The tantrums she throws -- it's bizarre! I just sit and stare at her. Occasionally, I suffer injuries from her lashing out. She got frustrated last week and clawed my hand. I let her know it hurt, though! Then later she pointed to my hand and said, "Boo, boo!" like she didn't know that she hurt me! Can you believe it?

Bonjour!

Belle

Bonjour! It's been so cold outside that I get bored easily. Daddy sure does a good job of entertaining me though. We play silly games and he lets' me dress up in his clothes. Mommy thinks I look like a little French girl in this hat. I sure was happy to get out of the house some this weekend. We all went out to eat Friday night at Hardings. It took an hour for us to get our food, but I was pretty good while we waited. When we finally got our food, I devoured my food -- starting with French fries! I hate 3/4 of my grilled cheese and had a few bites of Daddy's salad. Ooh, and I forgot we had friend mushrooms with cocktail sauce as an appetizer. Mommy couldn't believe I was eating so well and such varieties of food. But when I mistakenly took a grape tomato from Daddy's salad thinking it was a grape, I spit it back out in Mommy's hand. She sure doesn't mind gross stuff anymore.

Our newest cousin & ailments

We have a new cousin -- Kadence Whitehair. Unfortunately, Belle and I were still feeling under the weather this weekend so we didn't get to meet her. But Mommy, Daddy and Aunt Sara did. They said she is really tiny compared to us. It will be awhile before we see her or get to play with her. She was born early and like me, she was born with a bit of jaundice. We had a good time in Morgantown this weekend visiting with relatiaves, despite our illnesses. Aunt Sara babysat us for a couple of hours while Mommy, Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa attended a church dinner and dance. Belle was up to her old tricks though, and tried to trick Aunt Sara into letting her do things she knows she isn't supposed to do.

Unfortunately, we're both still recovering from illness. Belle visited Dr. Rubin on Monday and her ears are all clear now. He said she didn't have to take any more medicine, which is good because her albuterol made her jumpy Sunday night. I heard Mommy was pretty upset with her becuase she wouldn't go to sleep. I slept most of the car ride home, but Belle woke me up when we still had 45 minutes left in the car! She can be crazy when she gets upset. I find it fascinating, really.

Then Monday night I didn't feel well. I have been constipated since Friday and it was really hard to get it straightened out again. Luckily, I didn't have to make a trip to see Dr. Rubin because I have to see him on Thursday this week. Belle has to go to another doctor, her kidney doctor, tomorrow. I hear she has to have another test done that isn't so pleasant. Poor, Belle. She got sick tonight and threw up all over Mommy and herself while Mommy was reading her a bedtime story. Course, that's what she gets for drinking dirty bath water. Mommy keeps telling her to quit, but she doesn't listen!

Rolling over

Raspberries

not only can I roll over from my tummy to my back and my back to my tummy, but I can do this...

Let's goooo Mountaineers!

We're glad the Mountaineers won today against Seton Hall, but we're happier that Daddy was home with us -- especially since we've been sick all week. He was at the Rutgers game when we came down with our colds. Lilly and I both had fevers, snotty noses and just generally didn't feel well. I have an ear infection. Lilly just has congestion. My congestion was in my chest so Dr. Rubin put me on albuterol. I have to go back for a check up on the 12th and then on Valentine's Day I have to go visit Dr. Chiang to see if I still have reflux in my right kidney. It's a busy time visiting the doctors. I heard Grandpa Bott and Great Grandpa Bott had to visit the doctor a lot recently too. I hope they feel better. We're going to visit them in Morgantown next weekend. I have a special birthday present for Great Grandpa Bott. We can't wait to see them, Grandma, Aunt Sara and our new second cousin -- Kadence Whitehair.

First food

Lilly

Mommy was so tired of me not sleeping through the night that she decided I might be hungry. The answer? Let's try solid foods. So they gave me my first taste of rice cereal. Unfortunately, the tongue reflex is still there so I didn't eat the food easily. Most of it ended back out on my bib and chin. I haven't been feeling so great, which has affected my appetite and sleeping patterns. Belle and I both had to visit Dr. Rubin on Thursday. At first, he thought we had RSV, but a test confirmed that we didn't. I had to endure pain on behalf of Belle. The lab technician stuck a swab up my nose and left it for a minute. I was not happy about that. I don't know why Belle couldn't undergo the test, instead of me!

Belle

Well, I got sick again! Good news, I think this has finally convinced Mommy and Daddy that maybe daycare isn't the best option right now. I don't think they would mind so much that I'm sick, but I gave it to Lilly this time. It's hard not to share germs, when we have to share toys and well, I occasionally take Lilly's pacifier, or blanket or wipe my slobbery hands on her face! I have enjoyed playing with her more though. As you can see from the photo, I even occasionally hold her. I wasn't too happy about sharing bath time with her recently. Mommy held Lilly in the tub and we took a bath together. I prefer Lilly to have her own bath in her tub as to not interrupt my play time.

Play time

Lilly

Mommy keeps lying me on my stomach and telling me to "roll over." I don't know what the big deal is about it. She tried to play with me today, but at every turn, there was Belle stepping into the game. I wasn't happy with her when she tried to take over my toys. I think Belle is just jealous that I get a lot of attention right now. She keeps doing things that she shouldn't -- like crawling up the stairs, standing on the coffee table -- to get attention. I sure have given Mommy and Daddy a run for their money at night. They keep trying to get me to sleep in this crib all by myself. It's lonely and dark in there. So I wake a few times a night and call for them to come and get me! Last night, Mommy got upset and just put me in the swing. She has a determined look in her eye. I think my nights in Mommy and Daddy's bed are numbered!

Belle

I sure did keep Mommy and Daddy on their toes today. We couldn't really go anywhere because of the weather this weekend. We did go for a short wagon ride yesterday. It was really cold, though, so we didn't walk very far. Today, it snowed so we stayed in. It's too cold out for Lilly. I sure can't wait til she's big enough so we can go outside together. I love to take, er, I mean share her toys. I tried playing with her today, but she wasn't very involved. I think she may have been a little annoyed with me. Mommy and Daddy are trying to get us to play "nice" together. They even read us bedtime stories together tonight.

Sisterly love or rivalry?

Lilly

Daddy took Belle and me for a ride Sunday evening in our new wagon. We hadn't been outside for a while. It was nice to get out. Not too long into the ride, though, Belle got a little too "relaxed." She decided to lounge in the wagon and lay on me. So I thought I'd get her back by pulling her hair. She thinks because she's slightly bigger than me that she can pick on me. Mommy keeps telling me not to worry that one day I'll beat up on her -- just like the tide turned for Aunt Sara and Daddy when they were growing up with older siblings.

I rolled over from my back to belly for the first time last Saturday. No one really saw me though. Mommy just got me turned over on my back. Belle distracted her. I rarely get time alone on the floor because Mommy and Daddy are afraid Belle will step on me. So when I do I take full advantage of the freedom.

Nighttime is still rough. Mommy is trying to make grow up too fast. She keeps telling me I need to sleep through the night. It's not enough that she has me in the crib now and expects me to put myself to sleep, but she wants me to sleep 8 hours? I don't think so !

Belle

That Lilly sure does take advantage of being the "baby" of the family. She thinks she can get away with anything. I mean, geesh, all I was trying to do was show her a little love during our family walk Sunday. And she kept pulling my hair. I subtly tattled on her though by saying "ow, lilly." Mommy finally came and pulled her fingers out of my hair, but then she just did it again. This time I grabbed her hand. I did hold her hand briefly -- to show my love. I've come to like Lilly, a lot. I like to hold her occasionally, but only briefly. When I'm finished, I shove her away. I like to stay close to her, but Mommy doesn't let me get to close. She keeps telling me "careful," and "easy" every time Lilly is on the floor and I walk by her head. I mean, geesh, what's the big deal. I'm not intentionally trying to hurt Lilly. Or am I? Mommy says I need to watch because one day Lilly will be able to fight back.

I've been going to day care still. Some days are better than others. Tomorrow I'll be home because it's my first day of a new Kindermusik class. Daddy is going to take me before he heads up to Morgantown to watch the Mountaineers play basketball again. Go WVU!

Cheerios

I just love my cheerios! We had fruity Cheerios for breakfast this weekend. Daddy thought I was finished with them, but I grabbed the box and decided to have a few for myself!

Mommy and Daddy tried out some recipes from their new cookbooks this weekend. Mommy made her first cake. Everyone who tasted it said it was good, but I decided I had to try it for myself. I gave her my approval. The Orange Marmalade Cake is good. Daddy made scrumptious crab cakes from what I heard. I don't know though, I wasn't allowed to have any.

We went to church this morning at Agape Christian Fellowship. Everyone was happy to see us because we haven't been there since Lilly was born. Lilly did pretty good for her first time in church. I was excited to see my friend Jaiden again. We colored and played. Occasionally, I went up to visit Pastor Frank.

Wagon ride for two

Mommy and Daddy have been working a lot lately. So we've actually spent some time at Pawpaw and Granny's house. Tonight, though, we were all home together. So we played a little. Since it was raining, Mommy gave Lilly and me a ride in my new wagon around the house. Later, I pushed Lilly in the wagon. It sure was fun. I hope it's sunny tomorrow so we can take a ride outside.

Proud to be a Mountaineer!

Belle

The Mountaineers won the Gator Bowl today and we celebrated. It was a real treat having Daddy home with us this New Year's -- rather than away. I'm glad he was home a lot these holidays. I know Mommy was happy too that they could celebrate their third wedding anniversary. I couldn't say, "Happy Anniversary," but Grandma Bott taught me to say, "Happy New Year." As you can see from the video, Mommy and Daddy are teaching me to be a Mountaineer. Go 'Eeers. I'm learning new words every day. Just last week, I repeated the words "high maintenance" after Daddy told me I was being high maintenance. I heard Mommy telling Granny and Grandma to watch every word because I repeat everything I hear. Lilly is getting bigger and bigger each day. I have fun playing with her now. She likes to laugh at me. She's sleeping right now, otherwise I'm sure she would have something to say as well.

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.