For Blair's memory book

Pottied in the "big" girl potty (both. Like it was nothing.).

Some horsey love

We celebrated Christmas with Gramma Ancy and Granpa Robert today. Blair LOVES Hank (Nancy's horse) and had a blast feeding him today!!

New tricycle!

Gammy and GranDad got Blair a big girl tricycle! How big does she look????

10!

Blair counted to 10 ALL BY HERSELF tonight!!

Princess Blair

Blair received an adorable Belle doll (from Disney's Beauty and the Beast) and matching dress from Uncle Mark and Aunt Sara. Blair loved it and we couldn't open the package fast enough! She loves her babies and loves to dress up!

Santa 2012.

Despite constantly pointing out Santa (both prior and post Santa visit), Blair was not a fan. Which led to an impromptu Mom & B picture. Better luck next year!

Enjoying some cool weather

Thanksgiving and a 20 month Bug

What a wonderful Thanksgiving we had – with so much to be grateful for! Things weren’t the same this year without my Dad, but I am glad that we got to do a Thanksgiving with him before he left the States.

This year, we celebrated on Thursday with Travis’ mother and family in Hempstead.  We arrived as the Texans were going into OT (their second in about 4 days) and the last minute touches were put on the Thanksgiving lunch. Blair did awesome. She ate up the attention, didn’t throw any fits and got to meet Gramma Ancy’s new horse, Hank. Hank loved Blair and she was fearless feeding him hay. She is an animal lover – through and through – just like her Aunt Loren.  She ran and played and loved on her family. Such a sweet, sweet girl. To our surprise, she stayed awake the whole way home, then after her milk and stories – she crashed!

Friday was spent at Travis’ Dad’s house. We had a wonderful late breakfast and spent the afternoon napping (me and Blair!), swinging, watching football and visiting. It was cozy and wonderful!

To finish out the family celebrating, we had my family over on Saturday. We did a more non-traditional Thanksgiving with pizza and wings – but had a great time (and missed Conner and my Dad!). Uncle Chris got a big kick out of watching the busy girls run around and act so “big.”

We are so unbelievably thankful for all of the blessings in our life – and those to come.

So, 20 months. Life with a 20 month old is hysterical / tiring / goofy / fun. That little bear wears me out – but she is so much fun. Watching her little personality develop is so interesting. She is so feisty – but undeniably sweet. She is going through this stage where she grabs and hugs the back of your legs / knees. It is that much sweeter when she is saying, “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!” My life = complete.

We recently bought Blair a little person table. She had begun to really dislike her high chair and since she sits a little table (to eat) at school, I figured it was time. She usually has Walter or a baby sitting in the other seat. The first night we got the table, she ate her whole dinner at the table. It’s been a week and she hasn’t sat through a complete meal since. If I can just keep her off of the top of the table and from standing on chairs, I think we’ll figure the rest out.

Her favorite things to do these days are to cook in her kitchen (FOOD!), watch the Mummets, brush her teeth, receive a sticker (or multiple if you are handing them out), read books (still working books other than picture / sight words), play outside (see: swing) and go on walks, going “bye-bye” (as long as the trip isn’t too far), any kind of sensory play, playing with Raleigh and attempting to catch Kingsley.

She heavily dislikes bedtime (I think her school buds can sympathize), being redirected, her high chair, and of course being told no. This is usually meant with a mischievious grin and another attempt.

We are still struggling with eating (or there lack of). Everything is hit or miss and what may be her favorite one week – is refused the next. Her teacher says that she eats most of the school’s lunches, which I think I can solely thank her classmates. At least she still drinks whole milk. I think that helps keep a little weight on her. She does like applesauce / pureed fruit pouches, Greek yogurt, crackers, pancakes and chicken nuggets.

I have to apologize for my lack of taking pictures. It seems the only ones I get these days are of the quick, iphone variety – but I have to remind myself: I am MAKING memories – and that is important part. Being 100% present & in the moment is more important than getting that perfect shot.

I read the most HONEST blog today about a mother and her  the truth about motherhood. I have felt her pain, cried her tears, laughed and celebrated with joy - the small “wins” in life. It is the best job in the whole world and one that will bring you to your knees more than you ever expected. Now if Obama could just get Mothers on the payroll…

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Our tree is up and decorated, most of the gifts purchased (still waiting to be wrapped) and it is 80°. Ahhhh, only in Houston!