Christmas Cookies

For a couple of weeks now, I have planned to make cookies with Milan, but between her toddler ways and my pregnant rear moving at a snails pace, it was beginning to look like it wasn't going to happen..... until last night when James offered to help me bake them. Yes, friends and family, you read correctly, James helped me bake cookies. Milan's job was to sprinkle colored sugar on the cookies once they were frosted, she did a great job! It was a little difficult trying to bake with a two year old on the loose, but we had a good time and created a wonderful family memory.

Sitting on Santa's Lap

Friday night, we attended a Christmas party hosted by the teachers at Milan's school. Santa arrived to give each child a little gift, as you can see it didn't sit too well with Milan. She didn't want her gift, she wanted absolutely nothing to do with him. After she had calmed down, James had the bright idea that if they both sat next to Santa, she might be more inclined to take a picture with him...

Daddy was wrong!

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving week with my family on the beach of Emerald Isle, North Carolina. The weather was pretty mild, mid to high 60's, which allowed us plenty of beach time. As you can see from the photos, Milan and her cousin, Jenna, were pretty much inseparable the entire time.

Not liking the sand under her feet

Eating at a seafood restaurant the night before Thanksgiving

Story time with Grandma, Jenna, and Aunt Catherine

Waiting for a Christmas Boat Parade (Floatilla)

Birthday Celebration at School

My Baby Turns 2!

I just can't believe today Milan is two years old. It's been so fascinating, watching her grow and become a little person with likes, dislikes, and opinions. She loves: Sesame Street (specifically, Elmo), apples, bananas, crackers "cackas", collecting leaves and rocks, singing the Alphabet Song, playing Patty Cake with Daddy, playing with Mommy's pots and pans, pulling yogurt out of the refrigerator, bouncing on the bed, her lovey, reading books, taking her baby on a walk, taking a bath, going outside, slides, climbing into her highchair, taking off her clothing, mac n cheese... The list grows each day.

She has learned to count to ten, loves making animal sounds, likes to sing and dance, is beginning to recite parts of her ABCs, is saying a few phrases - How are you? Where did it go? There it is! Excuse me. She is now saying so many words, I've lost count.

There isn't a day goes by when I don't stop to think about how blessed I am to have this child in my life. She is really such a joy.

Mommy and Daddy love you Milan, Happy Birthday!

Hours old

1st Birthday

Almost Two

Just a Few Cute Pictures

Yesterday our temps were in the high 60's. Milan and I took advantage of the weather by making sure we played outside, and I was pleasantly surprised to find we didn't need our jackets. We played in the leaves and walked around the farm--two of Milan's favorite activities. Lately, I've really been trying to make an effort at "living in the moment". I can hardly believe my baby will be turning 2 next week, and will become a big sister two months after that. I really just want to spend the next couple of months enjoying my precious daughter and the time we have remaining as a family of three, before welcoming our newest family member.

Halloween Party

Milan didn't go trick-or-treating this year, (we decided to wait until she is 3), but that didn't stop her from enjoying a Halloween party at school! Initially, she wanted no part of her ladybug costume, but it didn't take long for her to warm up to it enough that she actually spent Halloween day running around the house in her costume.

Milan and her BFF, Olivia

The children dancing to Halloween tunes