First Visit with the Guy in the Red Suit

Don't know what to think about Santa...

Abby is 2!

Abby had a blast at her #2 birthday party and picking out her first real Christmas tree!

Dora the Explorer Goes Trick-or-Treating

Abby had a great time with best buddy Owen (the pumpkin) trick-or-treating around our neighborhood. They both said "Trick-or-Treat" and "Thank you..." with only a little prompting. So cute!

Almost 2...

Abby's having lots of fun as an almost 2 year old. She is now attending preschool for 1/2 a day once a week. Rick drops her off in the morning, and grandma picks her up at noon. She wasn't very happy about it the first day- but was playing by the time grandma picked her up. The second day, there was some crying- but she recovered quickly, according to her teachers. The third day was just a whimper- and she was a happy camper at pick up. Daddy snapped this photo just before walking in on her first day. The next photo was taken just after Abby was given her Backpack. She was thrilled! It's just like Dora's, you know.





















We had a great trip to the Museum with the Dickerson family. Abby thinks Emma and Chloe are cool. We got to ride the choo choo train with the Dickersons. Abby loved saying "All aboard!"

Doing Big Girl Things

The life of a 19-month-old is never boring. There are new discoveries to make every day. Lots of fun to be had. I am not working the month of July- so I'm really enjoying spending time with Abby every day. We're also encountering those typical toddler challenges- like making decisions. Abby is really big on making her own decisions... and standing her ground... firmly. We are very proud to say that Abby has successfully used the potty a few times. This morning, she actually asked to sit on the potty- and she went pee pee! We're taking it easy with potty training- but since she's telling us she's ready, we're going to try it out. Here are some recent pictures from Abby's adventures. Abby is changing so much, and so fast! The first 4 pictures are of Abby having soooo much fun with her 3-year-old cousin Rhony.
















Next is a sampling of the various crafts and activities mommy and Abby have been engaging in: First, jewlery making with green playdough (made by buddy Owen and his mom); second, stirring (we love to stir stir) some old spices (mint) in with some water; and finally, for more fun, stirring- but this time with flour, which gets really fun and gooey, and you can smear it between your toes if you are one year old and think that is a good idea.















Next- 4th of July Parade with buddy Owen (Wowo) and his family.





















And... a super awesome visit with Grandpa! Notice the cool jammies from Aunt Sara, and cousins Coty and Shyanne!

Quick Post with Some Pics

Our apologies for lagging behind in posts. Things have been way too busy around here. Well, to get to the point, Abby is so much fun and so amazing to watch as she changes every day. Personality wise, she is very independent. She's been that way since we first started seeing her personality emerge. Now, however, she uses words and actions to assert her independence. One of the coolest things about Abby is, she's not afraid to try anything. She jumps right in at her weekly music class, and she tries all the equipment at the playground. She'll try almost any food, as long as she sees you eating it. Strangely enough, the child does not like watermelon! Rick and I cannot understand how that could be. On the other hand, she love steamed asparagus! Huh?! It's been great to see Abby's play skills develop. Recently, we've seen her go from playing side-by-side, to engaging with other children and even initiating play. How cool. Enjoy some recent pictures- and we hope to post again very soon!

Abby and friend Sophie at the zoo. First trip for both girls. Sophie is one week older than Abby. Notice the ooo ooo aaa aaas (monkeys) in the background.



Abby and 3-year-old Maya playing in the pool in our back yard... then Abby and Maya soaking wet after putting on dry clothes. Guess they just couldn't resist another dip!

All Personality

Abby says, "I need a bigger wagon!"

We're still here!

When it's busy around here- the blog doesn't get much attention... Though that's probably not good excuse, because I happen to know someone who has a 2 year old and a new baby and still manages to keep their blog updated!

A few updates:

Abby is still a wonderful, amazing, happy, funny little girl. She makes new discoveries every day, and she's trying to talk more and more. We can understand many of the single words she utters, and we think we're starting to get a phrase here and there. I think she's saying "you/I do it," and "all done/all gone," phrases which she hears frequently.

Way back in January when we had snow- Abby absolutely loved watching Cosette tear around the yard like a crazy dog. She was interested in the snow- but did not enjoy the face-full of it she got while trying to walk in it.














Abby frequently goes to the new park at Southern Village with grandma. On weekends she goes with mom and dad. Here are some shots of her on a beautiful, warm, NC winter day. Note the contrast with the above pics!






Last weekend we tagged along with grandma and Miss Debbie to the new aquatic center in Chapel Hill. This was a hit for Abby as well. She kicked and kicked and splashed and splashed. She also drank quite a bit of pool water. Often, intentionally. Sorry, no pics of that. Too concerned about staying warm! Though you could probably imagine Abby was an adorable little slippery butterball in her froggy bikini.

Abby is now attending weekly music classes. We are so glad we signed her up for this! We know she loves music, and she really enjoys the interactive aspect of this class with the other toddlers. She gets to shake maracas, tambourines, bells, and eggs! She loves to beat drums, clap hands, stomp feet, tippie toe, and make other music using her body. Abby wasn't too thrilled with getting under the parachute at the last class- but neither was her little buddy Owen, who is about the same age. The older kids definitely liked it more.

So many discoveries to make, so little time!!!

PS- We're trying really hard to get a regular babysitter for Abby, so mom and dad can go have a little fun too!