A Special Trip to see the Big Guy!!

So who gave me the bright idea to plan a trip to see Santa on the Saturday before Christmas? I didn't learn until this day that it's called Super Saturday - and it's called that for a reason. The mall is out of control with those last minute shoppers... kids running everywhere... packed play areas and everything but the warmth of the holiday season! I mean why can't everyone be like me and finish up all Christmas shopping by the first week of December (this was the first year ever that has happened!!)? So Grandpa Mike was in town and we packed up the car and headed the the mall... we got lucky. We got there right at 10am and there was not much of a line to see Santa. Gray doesn't like lines - she doesn't have much patience so she ran wild with Daddy & Grandpa while I waited patiently for our turn. I thought she might do ok but I really had no expectations. Even if she was screaming and crying I wanted a picture of her with Santa - I want one every year!! They had Elmo behind the camera which I just knew was the answer to my prayers - Elmo always makes her smile!! So it was our turn... Paul and I went up with her in hopes of getting her warmed up to Mr. Clause. She was interested for a few minutes and then just got a little scared - no tears, just scared. Look at that face!! I didn't have the heart to leave her there for more than one picture....but I got my picture, right??? And for all you mommies in Charlotte - the Santa at Carolina Place is just great!! He was the best Santa I've seen in awhile and so great with kids!! Happy Holidays!

20 Months & Oh How I Love You!!

Our little Graylin is 20 months old today!! To be honest with you I used to hate the fact that women counted pregnancy in weeks and parents counted age in months... but now I understand why. They go by so fast - and you don't want to make them seem any older than they really are. You don't want to lose one moment of time - and believe me sometimes if I had the chance to stop the clock, I would!! It's almost like saying Gray is 20 months old still makes her a baby. She's not 4 months away from being 2... no way!! I can't believe how much our little girl is growing... changing... every single day it is something new and we are having the time of our lives!! Gray is talking in sentences - full sentences. She wakes up talking and she doesn't stop. I love it - I love the sound of her precious little voice. I could list a million reasons why I love her but here are a few...

* she has the most beautiful blue eyes and the longest eyelashes you have ever seen

* she squeels at the top of her lungs when I tickle the inside of those chubby thighs

* she loves to stand on our furniture and jump into my arms

* she is so independent, yet very cautious about trying new things

* sharing her ice cream with Mommy & Daddy makes her so happy

* she has such a tender motherly instinct - even if it is with her babydolls and stuffed monkey

* she loves animals - jake, joey and bob are so important to her

* she wakes up talking and happy and she goes to bed saying the A,B,C's in her crib

* when I put her to bed at night she says "Mommy Scratch" and I love to scratch her back and stare at her

* she has daddys outgoing personality

* she has loved MOOSE on Noggin for the 20 months of her life!!

* she loves to watch Mommy & Daddy kiss

* she reminds us to say the blessing at night before dinner and she screams "AMEN"

* she smiles so big when you ask her to show you her teeth

* SHE IS ALL OURS!!!

Its tough to describe what makes you love your child so much - it's every thing she does (even the not so happy moments) that make us fall in love more and more everday!!

Video - Testing, Testing!!

I think I have finally figured out how to post a video onto this blog... we'll see if this works!! This a video of Gray and Paul making lion noises to each other before dinner! Oh the joys have having 2 toddlers in this house :) They do play very well together!

December.... so far

Goodness it has been awhile since i have posted on the blog... life is keeping us pretty busy these days! Everyone around here is very excited about the Christmas holidays - the tree is up, the shopping is done and Gray just loves riding around and looking at the Christmas lights!! Paul did a little decorations outside this year including a blow up penguin that Gray loves with all of her heart!! She stands at the window and just yells 'penguin... hey penguin'. She loves the tree and the lights and so far so good with not destroying the ornaments!!

I have these two nutcrackers and Gray adores them! They are just her size and she's enjoying having a few friends around to share her toys with :)

Grandpa Mike came into town over the Thanksgiving holidays and we surprised him with a visit to Monkey Joes. He could not believe this place - and he was smiling the entire time because of the way Gray just lit up with excitement when we walked in the door.

Finally I must give you an update on the potty training.... it's not going very well!! For a few weeks Gray was telling us every single time she had to go pee pee. She actually did go on the potty a few times and we thought we were well on our way to having Gray out of diapers. Well her interest in the potty went away completely - except when she just wants to sit, wipe and flush. I guess I was crazy to ever think we could be so lucky - and now we will continue to wait until she's ready. We sure are ready for no more diapers!!

Happy Holidays everyone and stay tuned for more frequent blog posts....