Library Sing Along

On Friday Addison and I went to our local library and got the lay of the land while also enjoying a free kids music program. It was so fun! I love libraries for a bunch of reasons but mainly for the most obvious, lots of great free books to borrow. Now that I have Addison I have an even greater appreciation for all the library offers. We are lucky enough to have a local library that has a large kids section with tons of books, puzzles, dress up clothes and plenty of space to run and play. Perfect! Addison was very at home sitting at the little table pulling out books.

Addison checking out the little girl next to her.


Sharing the couch in the lounge area.

Hey, I get it now!

See, I can read too!

We actually ended up running into a couple of people I knew which was nice. I didn't get any pictures of the singing portion of the morning but it is safe to say if you imagine a room full of various young children running, jumping, clapping and singing while a man plays the guitar, you'll get the gist. Addison was her usual self, quietly observing everything closely for about the first 15 mintues and then slowly jumping and clapping in the last 10 minutes or so. She always has a little warm up time in new situations.

I would definitely say the library was a huge hit and I can't wait to go back again! (Thanks, Kara for all the great winter suggestions!)

Let It Snow

Scott finally got his big chance to bust out his latest toy...a new snowblower. Now I know he would say it's not a toy, it's work but I think we all know the real truth. I give him a ton of credit though, it was darn cold out there and very blustery especially due to the open field across from our house.

I'm cold just looking at this picture!

Addison getting some boots to go help Daddy.

How we cut a path to our mailbox in Vermont.

Please, please, let me outside to play.

Daddy!

One of the trees in our front yard.

One of our wreaths layered in snow.

So pretty and so cold and soooo grateful for a husband that snow blows the driveway!

First Visit To The Dentist

On December 7th Addison had her first visit to the dentist. At 14 1/2 months. Apparently they start them young up here. Unfortunately between my winter coat, her winter coat/hat/mittens, her diaper bag, my purse and carrying the Bugs, the camera didn't make it inside the office. Oh how I wish you could have seen her sitting in the dentist chair while we waited for Dr. Shon to arrive. So cute! And how you wish that I could have documented her methodically beginning to trash his office when he took too long to visit with us. "Oh look! A drill! A button! A lever! What does this do?!" I was exhausted.

Your consulation prize are some early morning photos of Addison brush, brush, brusing her teeth. Every day after she gets dressed she brushes her teeth while we comb her hair. It's a good way to start the day.

This is her, 'Mom? Seriously?' face. It's too early and I still have bed head.

Really getting into it now.

Hey, put that camera down, lady!

All done.

The final result after her hair was combed as well. Cutie.

I'm a snow bunny! (What's that?)

The full effect.

After she is done brushing and combing, I usually ask if she wants to see herself and I pop her up on her feet so she can check herself out in the mirror. She was particulary pleased with her new jeans and fake uggs this morning.

As for the dentist, there was some minor crying but nothing that couldn't be fixed with a few cuddles since sticker bribes don't really work on her yet.

Christmas Day - Part Two

After finishing up Christmas morning at our house and a good nap by Addison, we headed over to my aunt and uncle's for the rest of our celebration. As I mentioned last year, my uncle loves to collect toys that sing, dance, light up and generally cause a ruckous. Last year, Addison was stunned. This year, she was loving it.

Checking out some (yes, there is more) of the stash.


Learning how to activate the 'sleeping Santa'. His belly rises and falls while he snores loudly. She thought that was hilarious and was a quick mimic when her Uncle Pete taught her to put one finger over her mouth and say 'shhhh' when it was going.

Make it work again, people!

My aunt and uncle were also kind enough to pass on to Addison the family chair and rocking chair (no pictures of the rocking chair). These are items that I have pictures of me in when I was a little girl and they have been enjoyed by most all of the people in our family when they were children as well. Addison loves her new chair.

Don't worry, we have been teaching her to sit like a big girl.

Our 'just shy' of 20lbs roast. Wow.

Dinner table pre feast.

A navity set my cousin made for his mother many years ago.

Holiday centerpiece...the roses were beautiful!

Old decorations from times past. The church still plays music, my mother checked as it was her favorite holiday decoration as a young girl.

All in all, a wonderful day and the perfect reminder of why we are so grateful for all the wonderful things in our life. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Day - Part One

Christmas morning I went in to get Addison and she has never looked so cute. Her hair was like a giant birds nest and she had a big grin on her face. Little Bugs!

We had to get her prettied up for the big day so even though the rest of us (Scott, myself and my mom) were in our pj's, Addison was in her Tree Dress ready for action.

After not caring two shakes about any of the presents under the tree for the past three weeks, Addison finally found one that really caught her eye. Of course, it was not for her.

Opening some of Addison's presents from Santa.

She was only mildly interested in the tearing of the paper.

Some improvement.

One of her new Melissa & Doug puzzles.

Playing with Grammy.

Reading her new books with Daddy. (thanks, Uncle Tom & Aunt Danielle)

A fun morning filled with sticky buns (that finally came out right!) and family.

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, we headed to church for the children's mass.

The final, granddaddy of the Christmas dresses. It was so beautiful.

The sweet red bow in the back.

Worst family picture ever...but the only one we have from the entire Christmas season.

Checking out pictures on Aunt Amy's camera.

Addison was very good during mass. She had a lot to check out, the people, the music, the kids dressed up like animals, even the ceiling fans. Busy, busy.

After mass ended, my mother really wanted to take her up to see the navity scene in the front of the church. Addison was a little mystified at first.

But once she saw Baby Jesus, or perhaps the sheep in the background, she was hooked.

After church we went to my cousin Randy and Sharon's house and enjoyed a wonderful dinner and some good books.

Sweet dreams and no peaking for Santa!

15 Month Doctor Visit

Addison went to the doctor's on 12/23 for her 15 month check-up. She was once again pronounced fit as a fiddle and she kept up her recently developed habit of happily waving bye bye once the doctor was out of the room. We're working on that one.

As Scott and I suspected, she had a growth spurt in the weight department in the past three months and finally made it to the 50th percentile. We knew that belly wasn't just our imagination.

Weight: 23 lbs (50th)
Height: 30 inches (50th)

She got a few shots and a lot of love and we were on our way to celebrate the holidays!

And just to keep you interested, here is a video of the Bugs dancing. It is guaranteed to keep you laughing.

EJ's Party

Wonder what a holiday party for a bunch of 15-18mth olds looks like?

See for yourself.

Whoa. Total chaos. (and the second one of my Christmas dresses)

Hmmm, presents? This isn't so bad.

The clear 'winner' in the land of presents.

Everyone couldn't wait to get their little paws on it.

And finally, after all the boys touched and played with it (she was the only girl at the party), Addison got her moment in the sun. Pardon the diaper flash. Her dress was most definitely of the mini variety.

Waving bye-bye to Santa long after he left. I now refer to Santa in that room as 'the debacle'. There are no other words for the amount of shrieking, crying and nashing of teeth that occurred at his appearance. Including our little Bugs (who has a strong love affair with Santa in books, ornaments, just about everywhere else).

Good times!