Some cuteness and fun with friends

Today has a been a bit crazy, and it's only 12:29! As I write this, my child is upstairs yelling, "Disney pictures PRESENTS!!! Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!" Too funny! Anyway, we had a playdate with Katie this morning- always a good time!

Allison is learning what the days of the week are and what we typically do on each day (Monday- play with Landen, Tuesday- maybe gymnastics, Wednesday- lunch with Daddy, Thursday- who knows, Friday- usually a MOPS meeting, Saturday- all day with Daddy, and Sunday- church). Really, our lives are quite tame! Anyway, the other day she asked me what day it was. I said "Tuesday", and she said,"What do we do on Tuesdays?" and I told her. Then she said, "What day is it called when I get to play with Katie again?" After that conversation I called Beth to see if they could come over today. :)

Enjoy the video today. We're working on counting to 20, but you can see that she leaves out a couple along the way. Her thirteen, because of not being able to say the "th" sound, sounds like 14 to her, so then she skips over 14 and 15 for good measure I guess, and goes right to 16. :) I love capturing these things on tape. How fun for her to watch when she's older. And the first picture of her in bed this morning was just thrown in for fun.How DO they sleep like that? :)

A Look Back

Sometimes it's fun to look back at "a year ago today". I went back and found a picture of Allison working on Valentine's Day cards last year at this time. What a baby face! :)

Getting ready for Valentine's Day!

The process has begun! I've learned through experience that Allison needs several days to complete a major project, so we got started today on our Valentine's. WHAT FUN! Yesterday I bought all the materials (probably enough for the next 3 years), and today she started making them for her buddies.

It's so much fun to see how she decides to put these together. I have to hold my tongue when I see her putting little white hearts on the big white heart. I want to yell, "Choose a red one, a pink one, a purple one- anything but white, you silly!" White doesn't show up. White blends right in. But she's 2, and I want them to be HERS and all HERS, so I shut my mouth. Yes, I know, that is difficult for me to do! :) Her favorite part was signing her name to each one. Right now her "signature" is a big huge A. She can write her name up to the S, then she gets stuck. I mean, really, writing an S is tough! Anyway, if you happen to be one of the "lucky" ones receiving one of Allison's cards, you'll no doubt enjoy the authenticity of the valentine. :)

Wish me luck getting Allison to finish all the valentine's by the mailing due date. :)

Oops, I forgot Saturday night!

I just looked through the last few pages of the blog and realized that I forgot to post pictures from Saturday, the day we really had some fun! So, here goes! It was our turn to babysit Katie for the date night/babysitting swap we do monthly with our friends, and boy did we have fun. I told Beth, Katie's mommy, that I planned enough activity for the whole day, not just an evening, so we didn't end up doing all I had planned, but we still had fun!

The first task was to make dinner. The girls do such a great job helping in the kitchen, so I decided we'd make our own pizzas again. They really did it all with very little help from me. Scott played camera man so I could make sure no one fell from the chairs. Okay, Katie fell once just cause she got so excited she started hopping around on the chair. :) Guess I didn't do my job very well. Anyway, the pizzas were yummy! Oh, and Katie was just fine. :)

Then it was bath time. They are really cute in the tub together! I think they could hang out in there, playing with toys, for a long time. Allison is a big sissy when it comes to having her hair washed, however. "My eyes! My eyes! It's in my ear! AHhhh!" Katie, on the other hand, actually tilts her head back like you're supposed to and calmly lets you wash her hair. I took care of Katie's hair first, commenting the whole time about what a great job she was doing, how she wasn't crying, etc. Then I washed Allison's, and lo and behold, Katie's good example did the trick. "I'm putting my head back like Katie. I'm not not crying at all- just like Katie!" YEAH!! God bless you, Katie! I gave Allison a bath this morning and she did the routine perfectly- a 10 on the head tilt. She credited Katie the whole time, too! It's amazing how kids often learn best when shown by a peer. I need to remember that!

The last picture is of the girls is them playing in this little toddler bed we bought Allison a long time ago- for her to use if we were at someone's house and she needed to lay down. Shows you how much we go out and about- she's never used it. Well, Katie did great using it as her bed (yeah- no dragging the pack and play upstairs!). The girls had a ball playing in it before bedtime. After sharing it for a bit, Katie decided to play Mommy and tuck Allison in. Bless her heart, she is such the care taker, but my child wanted nothing to do with that. It was a pretty funny scene. Anyway, it was a fun night with Katie, as usual. In the morning the first thing Allison asked was, "Where's Katie?" When we told her she'd gone home in the night she had to check the playroom to make sure she was actually gone. Too cute!

On to Tuesday- I had a list of things to do and was excited to take Allison to gymnastics again. Well, she didn't do so well this time. They called me 1/2 way through and said she was sad and had been crying for me for quite awhile. I'm not sure why this time was different, but it tells me we need to do things like this more often so she gets used to being away from me. That's tough for me. My first reaction is to keep her home 24/7 so she won't be sad and cry, but I know she needs to gain some independence from me too. Any advice on how to handle this? I'll take it!

Library Play Date

Today we had a fun play date at the library. My friend Cat and her daughter Morgan met us at the library, and we just hung out, letting the girls read and look through books. Of course Allison could have stayed all day, but eventually it was lunch time so we headed over to St. Louis Bread Company. YUM!! That place is SOOOO yummy!! Allison has discovered a love for chicken noodle soup (only at that restaurant, not the Campbell's kind), so I only got to eat 1/2 my bowl of soup. Tomorrow I'm taking her to the gymnastics place again, and I can't wait. I know she'll love it, and I have a list of fun things to do while she's there, as opposed to last time, where I had a doctor's appointment. Not as much fun as what I have planned tomorrow. Yeah!

On a side note, our MOPS fundraiser (the auction) brought in over $300. I'm still not sure it was worth the hours of labor people put in to organizing it, but it sure helped our budget. :)

Just another Friday night...

Again we hit the mall on Friday night. Well, at least we went to a mall we don't usually go to- the one with the Apple store that my husband could spend all night in. This time it was more fun for me because Allison enjoyed playing with the computer games. Does she look serious or what? :)

New York, New York!!

This week Daddy traveled to New York, and of course brought Allison back a nap shirt. She now has Nashville (still her favorite), Kansas, Houston (he was there a few weeks ago) and now New York. Quite the collection. Not that I want Daddy to travel a lot, but he's awfully good at finding her cute t-shirts. :) The pictures show her anticipation of him coming around the corner with something, trying it on, and finally, modeling. I never thought of buying her gray clothing (actually I don't see gray kids clothes when I'm out shopping), but I think it looks really good on her with her black hair.

MOPS was pretty hectic today. We had our big auction, and sadly I think more people were interested in bringing us their stuff to get rid of than they were in buying stuff for themselves. We had a LOT of stuff left over that we had to pack up and take somewhere else. I got one outfit for Allison to wear next winter and a collection of kid games, so I was happy! Allison and another little girl had on matching outfits today. I'll post that picture once it's sent to me (can you believe I did NOT have my camera with me???) cause it was sooo cute! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

A Valentine Cutie!

Sorry, but when the shirts and pants are $4.99 each, how does one resist? I set her up for a little photo shoot today- I love Valentine's Day!! It's a special time in our family. First of all, Scott and I first met on Feb. 15th. In addition to that special day, we met Allison on Feb. 13th and officially adopted her on Feb. 14th, so this time of year is just special all the way around. This year we're taking a special trip to celebrate Gotcha Day (the day we met Allison). We're heading to Chicago for a few days, and I can't wait. I love traveling Scott. He always plans great trips and lines up fun things for us to do. He's already scheduled us to take in some Chinese culture when we're there. Yeah!

This week is busy as we get ready to have a big event with our MOPS group. In case you're new to the site, I am our church's MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) coordinator, so I am always kept busy with fun activities. This Friday is our big auction. People brought in all kinds of great things to put up for auction, and we've been busy organizing all the stuff. This Friday is the big sale. I'll let you know how we do. All the money goes right back into our MOPS budget, so we're looking forward to a great sale!

No really funny stories, but today I bought Allison lunch at McDonalds, and once again she requested "a sad meal, please!" She really does have a funny sense of humor. We came home, had lunch, played some games, and now she's up there doing who knows what while I post sweet pictures of her. :) I hope those of you checking in today are having a FABULOUS Wednesday!

Let it Snow, PLEASE!!

I found this picture from last year- about a year ago, actually. I'd really like it to snow again soon because Allison really wants to make a snow angel! Last time she came home from her friend Katie's house and I found her making "carpet angels", she called them. They must have done that at Katie's house. I thought that was cute, but a bit sad. Then last week I walked in to find her making them in our living room. I said, "Allison, what are you doing?" and she said, "Making hardwood angels!" Seriously, folks, let it snow! This is getting pathetic! :)

I must also note that Allison is wearing the same coat again this year, but unlike the baggy look she sported last year, this year it's nice and snug! :)

Just Relaxin'

Today was a really fun day for us! I've been looking around for a place to take Allison (kind of like a Mother's Day Out) when I (okay, Scott) stumbled across a gymnastics center that provides one day a week for MDO. I was SO excited! You go on a week to week basis, so you only pay if you go. That works great for me because I might not use it every week, but at least it will be available if I need it.

When we arrived, Allison started squealing, so I had a feeling she'd enjoy it. They do gymnastics with the kids, do a craft, eat lunch, watch a video, etc. Believe me, she does LOTS of learning activities at home, so it's nice to have a place she can go and move around, play with other kids and just have fun. When I went to pick her up I observed her, and it was clear that she was having a great time. YEAH for both of us! The teacher said, "PLEASE bring her back!" and that made me feel really good. You just never know how your child behaves when you're not around, so it's nice to hear positive comments.

Tonight we sat on the couch and ate pizza and watched "Don't Forget the Lyrics". I know, not the best choice for 2 year old viewing, but it probably beats a re-run of Friends, which is what I really wanted to watch. :) Daddy is out of town, so the girls are running the show for a couple of days. It's always a little nutty around here when he's gone.

This afternoon we ran some errands and when I put her in the car she said, making her best sad face, "I missed you when I was at gymnastic." I said, "Ahhhh", and she said, "Didn't you miss ME?" I said, "Oh, of course I did", and she said, "Well then, can you make a sad face?" I am SO in love with my child. :)

P.S. And no, my child does not have a tattoo on her foot. They must have had fun with little stamps at the gym today. :)

Need a bedtime story?

Videos are just too much fun! Today I taped Allison reading a bedtime story to herself. Gotta love those Maisy books that only take two minutes to read. :) Our little "napper" now thinks it's very funny to sneak out of bed to play, dance around her room, etc. We keep catching her and reminding her of the rules, but so far it's not working. I just put her down and then came down to the computer when I heard footsteps upstairs. I quietly walk up there and she's dancing around in her playroom- not even IN her own room! When I said, "Allison, go to BED!" she turned and ran so quickly that she bumped her head into the door. Of course then she bursts out crying, so I have to help her feel better instead of act mad. I resisted saying, "SEE, that's what you get for getting out of bed!", but that's what I wanted to say. :) Ah, toddlers.

P.S. Thank you to those of you who made such nice comments about Allison's portraits. I'm still staring at them. :)

Better Late than Never

I could write a novel about how these portraits came to be and the stress involved, but I'm going to focus on the positive today and share with you the most beautiful portraits of our precious child that were hung with love in our home today. These pictures were taken of Allison at 18 months of age- thus the title- better late than never. However, we believe these portraits will still be hanging somewhere in our home 20 years from now.

We've had a laid back weekend, so I have nothing exciting to report or talk about. However, the week ahead promised to be busy so I should have a few good posts coming your way soon. I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful Sunday with their families. :)

Pick a card, any card!

This post is only for those people who love my child and want to spend a few minutes of their time checking out her latest skill. If you're a casual visitor you probably don't have time to go to another site, wait a few minutes to have a video download, and then see my kiddo. It is pretty cute, though, so those of you who love her, be sure to check it out!

I took some video of Allison playing cards with me a couple days ago, but the file was too big to download on my blog. So, I decided to put it on another site we have where we're just putting videos of Allison so we can find them more easily. Anyway, if you want to see the video, go to the site, click on "Allison playing cards", under the album section, and let it download for a few minutes before pushing play. We've played about 30 games now, and she's becoming quite the Go Fish pro! Enjoy!

The site is: gallery.mac.com/theloudenbacks

Flashback video

Today Allison requested to see some old videos of herself, and she knew exactly which ones she wanted to see. It must be SO hard for a 2 year old to see a sandbox outside and not really understand why we can't go play back there. Well, I guess we could, but I for one do not want to on this 30 degree day. Anyway, she loves to watch her sandbox videos, so I thought I'd flashback today and show you how much she enjoyed playing in the sand this past summer. Enjoy! :)

Caught being cute!

I had just finished bathing Allison and getting her dressed for church when I discovered her in the playroom having fun with the hat she got from Aunt Jenny this Christmas. :) Daddy is taking Allison to church and out to lunch so Mommy can get some rest and hopefully get over this icky cold. I hope everyone has a happy Sunday!

In case you're wondering, the dress and tights were at Walmart over the Christmas season, and I thought they were kind of cute but didn't want to spend any money. Then last week I saw the dress was still there, and this time for just $9, so I grabbed it and called it a Valentine's Day dress. :) Don't you love it when tights come WITH the dress? :)

A day without our sweetheart

Today Scott and I attended a leadership conference at our church, so Allison spent the day with her buddy Katie. Thankfully, Katie's mommy sent me some sweet pictures so I could see what my kiddo was up to all day. Looks like the girls had a great time!

Sorry- no more stories today. I am still under the weather (I brought a little mini pharmacy with me to the conference!), so I'm headed to bed!

Daddy is the BEST!

Allison and I are both under the weather today, so it's been a LONG day! I moved the playroom table out to the living room so she could use it while I laid on the couch and so we could watch videos together, laying down. At about 4:00, Daddy called to say he was coming home early to take care of us. YEAH! He brought me my cough medicine and my favorite drink when I'm sick (o.j. and Diet 7-up). He also brought Allison a new game. She immediately LOVED it, and we were both excited to play a new game too! I'd never seen this one before, but it's great for sounding out words, which Allison is starting to do. I'm going to try and add a video too, but last time I failed, so at the least you'll have picture of her playing her new game. :)

My "Nashville" girl

This post is for those of you we met in Nashville this summer- Allison LOVES this shirt and wears it EVERY day at nap time. In case you're the kind of person who looks up close at pictures, it's Vick's Vapor Rub on her neck- she's a tad bit under the weather. When I looked at it I thought- it looks like she's sweating or something, so thought I'd explain. :)

Have a GREAT Wednesday, everyone!

New Fashion?

Well, it's started! Much to my sadness, Allison has now decided that she'd like a say in what she wears and how she wears it. I swear that she will NOT be going out in shorts and cowboy boots, but she is expressing an opinion, and I'm trying very hard not to be too controlling.

The other day we were getting ready for a play date and she said, "I would like to wear a dress to Landen's house." Then she showed me what dress she wanted to wear. There was no reason to say no, so I said, "Sure!" Then the next day I laid out what I wanted her to wear and she cried out, "I don't want to wear that!!" I'm like, "Okay, well, you can wear this OR this", and I chose another outfit from the closet. I asked her which one she wanted to wear, and of course she chose the initial outfit I had picked out. It's all about control, folks, and she wants a LOT of it!

Her latest fashion statement is wanting to roll up her sleeves and roll up her pant legs. She looks ridiculous, but what can you do? We keep our house really cool, so you'd think she'd be requesting a coat. But no. If she had her way she'd run around in just panties.

One thing my travel buddies will appreciate- Allison wants to take EVERY nap in her Nashville t-shirt (we bought it at that mall where we ate). She calls it her "hotel shirt". EVERY single day when I say it's time for nap she says, "Hotel shirt and no pants?" and gets SO excited!! I swear that shirt has been washed 50 times already! Ha! :) Maybe today I'll take a picture of her in her nap attire.

Happy Valentine's Day- a little early!

Okay, I realize 3 posts in one day is a little nuts. But I got the cutest picture tonight, so I figured why not. This is my diary after all. If I feel like writing in it 3 times a day I can do that, right? :)Enjoy the picture of my little Valentine in her new Valentine jammies!

Just for you, Mom!

Allison was just being herself this morning, so I took a few pictures of her. Really, these smiles are for my mom, who lovingly checks my blog at least once a day to see new pictures of her granddaughter- I hope you enjoy these smiles, Mom! :) Oh, and I changed my settings so you should be able to leave a comment now if you'd like- try it! :)

Winter temps=visits to the mall

What I love is that summer temps can also equal visits to the mall. Ha! But really, it's a Friday night and you want to get out of the house, but it's 30 degrees outside. Where do you go?? Suggestions are welcome, although I really do enjoy our little walks int the mall. We only spent money on dinner, and of course I HAD to buy just ONE toy at the toy store. :) So really, it's a pretty cheap night out.

We spent about 30 minutes just watching Allison play in the playground area. I just love seeing how she cooperates, or doesn't cooperate, with other kiddos in this arena. Usually she's really good and will take her turn at things, but she freaks out if she gets touched, which let's face it, with 10 or so kids running around the same area, playing on the same toys, is gonna happen. "Buck up!" is something she's hearing from Daddy a lot these days. :) She really is a girly girl!

Since I have nothing exciting to report about life happenings, I'll tell a couple of stories. Yesterday after lunch I asked Allison if she was finished and she said, "Yes. I'm adopted from China." I'm like, hmmm, where did that come from? I said, "Yes, you were. What made you say that?" and she said, "I was just thinking it."

Since Christmas we've been VERY into game playing (Dora's ABC's, Candy Land, The Fishies Game, etc.). Every morning when she wakes up she says, "Will you play a game with me?" She talks about her games ALL day long! She's really good at playing them too. It took a few times to learn the rules and how to take turns, but now she's a pro. We were playing Candy Land (as we do at least twice a day) and she drew her card. She said, "I got 2 yellows AGAIN. Now that's just CRAZY!" She is SO funny! :)

Back with my friend Katie!

After a long absence due to the holidays, we finally had the opportunity to play with Katie. Both girls were so excited, talking about the visit days ahead of time. I wish everyone could see them when they greet each other at the door- it's like they haven't seen each other in years. They get all giggly and crazy- it's so cute!

Today they got to explore together all of Katie's new toys, and then we'll host them next week to share all of our new toys. What fun! Katie and Allison are both heavily into the "it's really hard to share" stage, so we're working on that. It's such a tough lesson, but so important to learn. I love our pictures from days with Katie because it's just so fun to watch our girls grow up together. After this post I'm going to try and find a picture of them when they first started playing together. They've grown up SO much! I think after this post I'll do a "Katie and Allison" post to show how they've been growing up together. :)

Have a great Thursday, everyone!