Holi-dazzling, the "two's" continue

On Friday night we went to Macy's and Holidazzle with Sheri and Ashley. I have no idea why some people waited in the skyway for over two hours to watch the parade from up above. Being outside is what it's all about! It was a beautiful night and we had a great time. We liked Macy's, but I might not bring a toddler next time. Ours weren't very happy with the "look but don't touch" aspect of it, but they seemed to enjoy it overall. Of course, you can't tell from Elsa's face. She's the worst picture-taker lately! She always makes a sour face on purpose. Everything's a power struggle. So, here's the best of the photos I have. I'm sure I'll laugh about it later on, but for now i'm a little disappointed.

Elsa posing at the Macy's display. To get her to not make a face, I honestly had to say,"Don't smile for me - do it for daddy!" And then I only got this, which I guess I have to be grateful for.


She doesn't look very happy to be seen with me. I didn't expect photos like this until she was in her teens.


The Santa float at the Holidazzle. Elsa loved it and said,"Elsa wants to see more trains!" I had her on my shoulders and everyone - including complete strangers - said she was smiling from ear to ear. Of course I never saw that, but at least I know she had fun.


On my shoulders at the Holidazzle. And again with the face.


In the car with Ashley, and again the face.


Saturday we had a big snowstorm. Tim took Elsa outside after dinner and they went sledding for awhile. And again, with the face!


Little tiny baby! I want to eat her up!


Lila in her jumper. She loves that thing.


Last Monday night Elsa suddenly spiked a fever of 103. When she woke up the fever was gone, and she seemed fine except for a cough. She had obviously been pretty hot, as her hair had crusted into a giant sweaty mess of curls.


Last weekend Elsa and Lila went sledding together for the first time. Elsa doesn't acknowledge her sister that much, but you could tell she was surprised that she was sledding with her, and thought it was cool.



Wow, this photo shows how big our backyard really is!


Lila's first time sledding.


Next post: Christmas! Over and out.

Growing Pains

I'd say the terrible two's are in full swing. Elsa is starting to do things we never thought she'd do. Pouring milk all over her dinner, having a breakdown when I bring out the camera, flinging hand soap all over the mirror, slamming doors, etc. I have to keep reminding myself that it's a normal part of growing up. But it certainly does try my patience. She's still a sweet kid, but the Terribles tend to show up more than i'd like. Here she is saying, "NO!" when she sees the camera.


Tim has been taking Elsa outside after he comes home from work. They take a ride in the sled and she helps him shovel. Here's a picture of her admiring Tim's giant mittens. I decided not to show the one where she collapsed into tears because I wanted to take a picture of her all bundled up. She's not a fan of the camera lately.


Last week we started Lila on veggies. So far she's had squash, peas, and carrots. She loves 'em all! Lately she's been waking up about 4 times a night, and we've finally realized that if we ignore her the first time (hard as it is to let her cry for 20 mins!), she'll only wake up once or twice after that.


All in all, things are going well. We're out of the difficult newborn stage. Both kids can stay occupied while we get stuff done around the house. They're great in public, too. One time while Elsa was with the grandparents, we took Lila to Applebee's. She was courteous enough to wait until after dinner to fill her diaper. Good baby!


Lila's a little behind in the photos department, so here's a couple of her just looking cute.

Lila, 5 months old

The first few months were tough, but we made it. It's all smooth sailin' from here - until she turns 2. Lila smiles all the time, loves her jumper, rarely cries, takes 2-3 naps a day (still wakes a few times each night, but anyway...), and is super cuddly and sweet. She loves attention, and to get massaged. Just last weekend she added a high-pitched "dih dih dih!" to her vocabulary. She rolls a lot, and can sit for a few seconds on her own.
A few of her nicknames:
1. Minnie. We must use this one a lot, because Elsa told Santa that was her name.
2. Butterball. This one leads up to...
3. Double Dimps, because her left cheek seriously has one dimple above the other.

Lila during our Christmas photoshoot today.


Lila and daddy at dinnertime.


Here's video of Lila laughing, and later you hear her "huuuh" sound that Elsa loves to copy.


One of my favorite recent Elsa quotes:

The other week, after she'd asked for a snack, I said,"What do we say?"

She thought a second, then said, "I mean it!"