Big little girl

I am amazed by how much ME has changed during the past year. She has gone from toddler to little girl. Her vocabulary is very large I think (I probably biased though!). She uses words like frustrated and aggravated to describe feelings and adjectives to describe things. She told me the day it snowed recently that it was "a cold winter day". Pronoun usage is difficult but improving. She also has quite a southern drawl, which is amusing. Den has 2 syllables and her cousin Harper is pronouced "Hawpah". She likes to play pretend. Some favorites include: school, cooking and mommy and baby. Occasionally we have a pretend friend or animal that plays with us as well. She eats almost nothing. Even things kids are supposed to like such as mac and cheese and spaghettios she will have no part of. She sustains herself on fruit, peanut butter sandwiches, cereal bars and milk. I know it cannot last forever, but it sure is aggravating. I tried this past summer to keep putting the same thing out until she ate it. It would take 2 or 3 tries, then she would eat it once and refuse it the next time it was served. Truthfully it's not worth the battle to me! She loves to play outside. Playing chase or throwing a ball are favorites. She has also gotten pretty good at riding her tricycle. Her pony Tattoo also gets ridden fairly regulary. She still sleeps like a champ, about 10 hours at night and a 2 hour nap. If she misses a nap you had better watch out! Her latest measurements at the doctor had her weighing about 43 lbs and 39 inches tall. She is on the growth chart for the first time in her life! She has always been above the avrage growth for a child her age! She can throw a tantrum with the best of them but they don't last very long and either ignoring it or sending her to timeout generally works. Sometimes if I ignore a tantrum long enough she will come and tell me that she is done crying and she needs a tissue! ME can also be very shy in new situations. She holds back and scopes out a place before diving in. She does not like to be the focus of attention (ex- birthday party). It makes her very uncomfortable. For all the craziness I would not trade this adventure for anything!

Kids say the funniest things....

I've got to start writing down some things ME says because she can have you in stitches! Thought I'd record 2 of the most recent:

When we went to her 3 yr old check-up it was the first time she had been asked to tee-tee in a cup. She, of course, thought this was a terrible idea. I finally convinced her to do it so we could see if her tee-tee was purple. As we were driving home she asked me again why she had to go in the cup and I said that the doctor needed to see if her tee-tee was purple. She replied with, "Whatever you say Momma." I think she knew I was pulling a fast one on her!

Last night for the first time in more than a year ME threw up. She was really surprised and asked me what that was. I told her it was her chicken (lunch) and popcorn (we were watching a movie). She said "They don't taste good together!"

Birthday!

We celebrated ME's birthday Jan. 22nd at the Parnell Memorial Library. Overall I think the party was a success. Three of ME's school buddies and their families celebrated along with our family. The theme revolved around pink and ponies. What more could a girl want! We took all of the horse stuffed animals we could find and the centerpieces included my Breyer horses and balloons. Mr. Brad came and engaged the kids (and parents) in a sing and dance along.

Pat's birthday

My grandmother Pat recently celebrated her 83rd birthday and we had a photographer come to take photos. ME did not cooperate (surprise!) but the photographer still managed to get some sweet photos of her. These are just a few of my favorites!

Christmas 2010

We had such a nice Christmas this year even if it may be remembered as the year everyone was sick! Williams family Christmas was at Peggy's this year. The day started with Mike waking up around 3 am shivering and shaking. He was miserable. We were in charge of the turkey breast and Mike going to smoke it. That plan was out and I was in charge! Luckily LuLu and Joe took ME to Sunday school, so I could cook and wrap presents then get myself ready for church. We had fun at Peggy's and the turkey was a hit. Christmas week Mike felt better but ME and I were sick but we still shopped, visited Santa, wrapped presents and cooked! Christmas Eve Mike felt yucky again and he and ME both had a fever on Christmas Day and the day after. Christmas morning we had Santa stuff at our house and at LuLu and joe's. Santa delivers the stockings to LuLu's house in our family. We had a good breakfast and opened presents at LuLu and Joe's with the family, then went home for naptime! After nap we went to Poppy and B's for more presents and dinner. All in all a very nice day. We had a nice snowfall in Montevallo on the day after Christmas which was a welcome break from the sleet of Christmas Day. ME seemed thrilled that Santa brought all three requests (Woody, Jessie and a duck pillow pet). She really enjoyed the Christmas season this year. Christmas is so special with a little one around!

Callaway Gardens 2010

We had such a nice trip this year. We left early the morning after Thanksgving. Pat came wth LuLu and Joe which was great. ME is sucha good traveler. She enjoys the car and sleeps well in a hotel room (in her tent). We got a room as soon as we arrived and had a picnic lunch while we waited on the Iron Bowl to start. Pat, LuLu and Joe took ME to see the lights Friday night while Mike and I went to dinner which was nice for all of us! Auburn amnaged to pull out a win and ME loved the lights, so the first day was a hit. Saturday morning Mom, Dad and I went for a walk then met Mike, Pat and ME for breakfast. My girl loves waffles and bacon! After breakfast we went to the Butterfly center, Sibley Horticultural Center and the Discovery Center. Pat, LuLu and Joe left for home after we had lunch. We headed to the beach and I shopped at Christmas Village while ME and Mike played at the playground. After that Mike and ME hung out in the rom while I shopped downtown. When I returned I found Mike asleep on the bed and ME passed out in the floor! We watched some football then ordered pizza and went to see the lights. It doesn't matter how many times I go, I want the ride and lights to last longer! It is so much fun with ME! After the lights we went back to the room and settled in for the night. ME's new favorite movie is "It's a Wonderful Life" which I love! We came home after breakfast Sunday morning and got busy decorating for Christmas!

Random photos