New Things...

Since I haven't been good at keeping the "What's Abigail Up To" list up-to-date, I decided to make a post about things she's saying and doing...

LOVES:
* Her dadie! She has a book that he's recorded for her (I'll do a whole post about it soon), and her daddy doll, plus she gives his picture kisses a lot, and she blows him kisses on Skype
* Babies. She has two that she especially loves (their small and she can easily carry them), but she has many
* Her cozy coupe. She would ride in that thing all night long, if I would let her.
* Her rocking chair. "rock rock" is something I hear a lot.
* Fridge phonics. She loves to push the button that sings the ABC's and is really good at getting the letters in.
* Busy Ball Popper. She'll push the button and watch the balls. She'll put things down the spout that don't belong (mostly other, heavier, balls, that get stuck). I hate to say it (because I really wanted her to have it), but it drives me crazy (mostly b/c the balls roll all over the floor and under the couches).
* Dancing. Dance parties are a regular occurance at our house.
* Mirrors. She loves to kiss herself in the mirror.
* The DVD player in the Tahoe & Baby Einstein movies.
* Climbing our stairs. If you ask her if she's ready for bed, wants her diaper changed, or wants to take a bath, she heads right up!
* Food.
* Sleep. Lucky me!!
* Dogs. She'll point them out in books and in real life.
* Pointing at things. She sometimes uses her thumb to point, it's really cute.

DISLIKES:
* Being told "no".
* My help. She wants to do everything herself.
* Having her diaper changed. She'll bring you a diaper, but she won't lay still for the changing part.
* Teething. She's getting her bottom left molar and isn't happy about it (the right one came in with no problems, though)

SAYS: (mostly repeats)
* "Dadie!"
* "Mama"
* "More" ~ she signs this, not says
* "Dog"
* Various animal noises
* "Apple"
* "Up"
* When you ask her if she's all done (eating) she'll say "all done" or sign more
* "Uh Oh!"
* "On"
* "Socks"
* "Shoes"
* "Juice"
* "Milk"
* There are so many more, but I can't think of them right now...

To leash, or not to leash...

Right now I'm feeling a little stressed out, and I need your help...

In March Abigail and I are going to meet Jordan in Germany, and spend his R&R there, at the beautiful Edelwisse Lodge. We might travel into Italy, too, but that debate is for a whole other post : )

Right now all I can think of is the 9+ hour flight and time spent in crowded airports. Not only that, but hauling our luggage (because I have to pack for Jordan, too!) and getting to the resort. If it wasn't stressful enough to imagine doing those things alone, throw in an energetic (but beautiful) 18-month-old.

So, the question... do I put her "on a leash" or not?? I think, honestly, the answer has to be yes. I've always been very against this, but I don't see any other way. She's going to need to burn off some of her energy, so staying in a stroller isn't going to work. She's going to need to run around.

There are some really "stylish" leashes out there for kids. Here's one I really like. But, really? almost $50?! I don't plan on using the thing too much, at all really, after we get home, so I can't see spending that much money (plus, if I had the time, and a little more sewing skills, I could probably make it myself). Here's another, that seems more practical maybe? I can't tell how long the leash is, but at least it can double as a backpack.

Okay, I need your opinions. Honestly, do I put her on a leash?? and, if I do (which I kind of think I do) which one do I choose?? Have any of you seen any that you would consider putting on your children?

Christmas #2 and a snow storm

I'm going to let this second Christmas be told by pictures. I didn't get as many of the snow as I would have liked, but there was at least a foot in Nebraska, and Kansas (and that's a lot of snow for KC!!).

Looking out the window on Christmas morning

(LOTS of snow!!)

Talking on her chatter phone

Opening more presents!

(as if this kiddo needs more toys!)

Sitting with Tim, petting Copper

"rock rock" ~ that was her favorite phrase

I really wish this picture wouldn't be sideways, it's so cute!!

Sad little girl...

(I don't know why she was crying, but I thought it was cute)

Playing with grandpa!

Ick!

Whatever she was eating, it wasn't good (I guess?)

There will be more pictures and videos at some point... I forgot my camera here in KC, so I was using my mom and dad's all weekend and can't get the videos off of their camera for some reason.

Graduation and Christmas #1

On December 18 Rhiannon graduated from Mizzou's school of Nursing!! Congrats Renie! Abigail and I made the two hour drive to Columbia for the ceremony. It snowed on our way, and I was a bit nervous, but we made it and other than a couple of Mizzou/Nebraska games, I had never been on campus. It is beautiful!! The ceremony was held in Jesse Hall, which was a beautiful old building (one of the oldest on campus, I was told). Abgiail, of course, looke adorable with her Mizzou barettes.

During the ceremony

Afterwards we ate at Murry's it was a really neat restaurant with great food.

Abigail walking with Grandma Dee

Such a big girl!

After we ate we headed to Renie's apartment and then onto Mercer for Christmas with Jordan's family. She got the job she wanted at Truman (yea!) and is moving to Kansas City (double YEA!!) and we couldn't be more happy to have her here!!

Abby and I had a great time in Mercer, and were spoiled. By all of the fantastic food and the gifts. Abigail got a power weels four wheeler and a little people house. Not to mention Mommy's favorite, her daddy doll. I knew Jordan was going to do something to make me cry, and I was right. Megan conspired with him to make the daddy doll talk. I, unfortunately, couldn't find my camera during gift time, but Meg got a couple of pictures and a video (I think) of Abigail hugging and kissing her daddy doll. When you squeeze it, it says "Merry Christmas, Abigail, I love you". Jordan also called, and I'm very thankful he did, but I couldn't keep the tears from coming after I talked to him. Here are a few pictures from our weekend in Mercer:

My cute girl with crazy hair (after piggies) she kept wanting to go out the door, though I'm not sure why ~ it was very cold!!

Playing with Kennison, Renie's fiance (wedding Sept. 25, 2010!!)

Trying on Aunt Renie's Uggs

Playing with Papa's Blackberry

Finally figuring out this "video thing" : )

After a short tutorial from my friend, Kristine, I think I have finally figured out how to get videos of my adorable daughter for all to see : )

Here are a few of Abigail telling me what noises animals make... it might be sideways, I'm not sure. And, somehow Kristine has edited her videos ~ so instead of this being three videos long it would only be one ~ I'm not quite that advanced yet, but maybe soon.

Oh yes, and Christmas pictures/post(s) to come soon... these last two weeks have been crazy!!

A cow...



A duck...


And a dog...

Just some pictures...

So, I can't believe how behind I am! Here are some pictures from, lately?!

Trying to get the perfect shot for Christmas cards...

This was almost the one!

Didn't want to cooperate at home, either.

Loves mama! lol

Abigail's first pigtails!

Cute dress :) hehe

*note, she's missing a sock!

Loves her "pal Violet"

She couldn't get the applesauce in fast enough with the spoon,

or let go of her milk, apparently!!

All done!

During our first snow of the season

(it's all melted now)

After a pony tail...

Here is Abigail's hair after a pony tail... it always looks like a mohawlk!

Here are some other pictures from the week:

The BEAUTIFUL flowers my amazing husband sent...

because Monday night was kind of rough, for Thanksgiving and because he loves me

(and is amazingly sweet!)

Abigail and I on the Plaza ~ you can see the lights behind her

Tuesday night Abby and I met my friend Juls for dinner and then went for a walk.

It was a surprisingly beautiful night - the blanket and hat really wouldn't have been necessary, but since I had them, I used them - and we had a great time!