Cooped Up

Like everyone else practically around the world, we have been totally confined to the walls of our home as of late due to flipping freezing temps. We went from one of the hottest summers on record to a deep, mid-winter-style freeze that is making us all go a little batty. I try to find stuff for Genevieve to do which will drain her energy, and a new favorite activity is watching ballet on YouTube. She loves it. Loves watching it, loves copying it, loves going on her tiptoes, everything. She has recently demanded various wardrobe changes for her dancing time. Who knew her flower girl dress from Erin and Steve's wedding would see so much action? Our little Sugar Plum Fairy also will occasionally require her silver shoes, her purple sunglasses, or any combination thereof. So the other night we indoctrinated Daddy to a world with which he will soon be very familiar.

We've also been spending our ample inside time going to the library and reading tons and tons of books. Since she's had the alphabet down for almost a year I thought I might start working on spelling and sounding out words. All this concentrated letter time seems to be having an effect:

Merry Craziness

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd the holiday rush has begun. It started with a multi-family Thanksgiving weekend, when we spent Thanksgiving day with Karl & Kathy, and then my parents came for a visit from Saturday through Monday. While the boys were watching football on Thanksgiving day, Grandma took GG for a spin in Great Grandma's ride. She totally loved it.

Round and round and round: it's like the Elderly 500

The big meal was fantastic, and we enjoyed the annual holiday debate over exactly what temperature the bird should be when it comes out.

Careful consideration is taken before the first slice


We hid out upstairs during the carving craziness

On Sunday we went with my parents to visit the big man himself: Santa. Before we went I showed Genevieve pictures of herself sitting on Santa's lap last year and we talked about how fun it was to tell Santa what you want for Christmas. We were the second people in line and she was all pumped up to see him. We saw him coming down the corridor - it was the big moment! She took one look at him and turned to me with big eyes and outstretched arms and demanded, "UP PLEASE". Granted this Santa was a big dude, but she was seriously having none of it. So we watched the first family of three kids go, and they did great. Then it was G's turn and the waterworks started. I set her on my knee and scooted in close. She was gripping on to me like a fat kid with a candy bar but this wise Santa knew just what to do. He turned to her and asked, "Do you like dollies?" The tears slowed down and she turned back to him and said, ::sniff sniff:: "Yeahhh". He said, "Do you like Elmo?" She replied, "Yeahhhhhh". He said, "Do you like Dora?" She almost smiled and said, "Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh". It was hilarious. And we were able to end with a hug for Santa so we'll leave it at that for the 2-year-old visit.

I've got my list!


No way, Mama


This is when he asked if she liked dollies


Take the hug and run


Feeling super brave post-visit

The next weekend we got the tail end of what every other Midwesterner has already enjoyed this winter: the first snow. A couple of sloppy, wet inches fell overnight and gave us the chance to bust out the snowsuit the next day to help Daddy shovel.

Yo mom. Have fun drying these hats and mittens off


Perfect snowball snow


Helping dad shovel. We bought her a tiny shovel the next day which she now insists on carrying around in the house. It's especially adorable when she swings it around like a weapon.


Snow baby!


The whole snow family, including a noseless mom, an eyeball-less baby, a blobby dad, and a no legged poodle.

And in keeping up with all things holiday, we finally got our little tree up on Monday of this week. G was all about helping decorate. Unfortunately she couldn't keep herself contained while we strung the lights so it was possibly the longest amount of time ever spent on putting lights on such a small tree. Oh well, we finished just slightly past bedtime so all was right with the world.

Analyzing the angles


Can't forget the baseball ornaments (or as G says, the ordaments)


Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeze


Telling daddy to "put it wayyyyyyyy up there!"


Well, we did say it was a stocking...


Choosing just the right spot


Family '10. Like how I had to wrestle Ralphie into the picture? Pretty much sums it up.