Goodbye 2012!

I think we are all kind of ready to say good-bye to 2012.  Not really sure why, maybe it's the hope that Matt will finally be better with the new year, or maybe it's the end of the holiday season and we can finally get back into a routine (I can't believe that I actually wrote that!).  All I know is that I am really hoping Miranda does not start the new year like she ended this one...with taking off her poopy diaper in the crib in the morning.  :P  It's a good thing she's so darn cute!

Merry Christmas (kinda)



Feeding the Reindeer

 The past few days have been filled with wrapping paper, tape, bows, presents, cookies, more tape and bows (I don't recommend wrapping presents with a toddler and pre-schooler), food, drinks, family, friends and unfortunately GERMS.  Poor Matt has had an awful sinus infection-thing going on for a week now and Miranda's had a runny nose for well over a week.  While the illness did slow Matt down, Miranda could barely be stopped to have her nose wiped.  She thoroughly enjoyed ripping the wrapping paper off the present, but didn't seem to care too much what was beneath the paper.  Matilda on the other hand, acted like each and every present was the most wonderful present in the world (expect for the clothes of course).  So, overall it was a wonderful Christmas.  :)



Beach Baby

Apparently 50 degree weather in Cleveland in December is not good enough for Miranda.  She spent the majority of last Friday talking about and pretending to go the beach.  She even wore her bathing suit around the house!  Granted, I can't say I blame her, I wouldn't mind being back on the beach either (with a Jamaican Smile in hand)!

Let me 'splain...

No, there is too much. Let me sum up.

October:

• Matt and I had a fabulous time in Jamaica :)
• We got a chance to observe Tilda's ballet class.  Now I know why the classes are usually closed, as the girls had a hard time concentrating with their families watching them.
• Halloween was post-poned due to a hurricane!

November:

• We celebrated Miranda's 2nd Birthday the same day we went Trick-or-Treating!  Miranda REFUSED to wear her adorable LaLaLoopsy costume.  I have a feeling it will make an appearance next year!
• Miranda had her two year well-check.  She's doing wonderful.  Here are the stats:  Length: 33.75'', 48th%  Weight: 27 lbs., 55th%
• We ended the month with a trip on the Polar Express.  The girls LOVED it!

December (thus far):
 See Down Below :)

• Began with a trip for Tilda to see The Nutcracker.  She thoroughly enjoyed it.
• We enjoyed Story Time with Santa.  This time around, Miranda was not too crazy about sitting on Santa's lap, but did enjoy talking with Mrs. Claus.

You're Welcome

So, somewhere along the line we got Miranda confused.  She was saying "thank-you" when called for, but has recently taken to saying "you're welcome" instead.  I guess that's better than nothing or some other choice words she could use.  It also appears that green is her favorite color, as it is the answer whenever we ask her the color of something no matter the color of the object.  She still hates getting her earrings cleaned and has not abandoned her mission in life: to do everything her big sister does (which may explain the increase in fustration which leads to crying, pouting, and shouting :p ). 

There Will Be Dancing

 Matilda had her first ballet class this past Saturday.  She absolutely loved it!  I wish I could tell you what they did, but apparently classes are top-secret and can only be observed twice a year (unless you try and sneak a peak between the blinds hanging on the window).  I do know that ballet class is a great incentive for good behavior - all we have to do is tell Tilda that girls that go to ballet class make good choices and she usually stops her bad behavior. 

It's Football Season!

This past Thursday, Matilda got to enjoy her first NCAA Football game at the University of Akron.  Now, granted it was no Big House, but Matilda was still amazed by all that was happening (helps when you have 2nd row seats behind the home team).  And unfortunately, she got to see the Zips take about as bad of a beating as her other favorite team, but she still loves them both and is looking forward to fun and exciting football season.  (And no that is not Zippy the kangaroo, I'm not sure why the sock monkey was there, but Tilda seemed to like him.)

Ta-Da

As Miranda is fond of saying, "Ta-da!"  Last Wednesday, we got Miranda's ears pierced.  Of course there was crying, screaming and (most importantly) suckers.  She still doesn't like to get the earrings cleaned and she touches them waaaaay too much, but overall Miranda seems happy with her new look.

(Not So) Lazy Days of Summer

Summer has simply flown by!  We have had lots of fun with many trips to the zoo, parties, fireworks, sleepovers, swimming, and still adjusting to a puppy.  Miranda managed to get her first black and blue nose (see last picture), but surprisingly her eyes did not turn black and blue too.  Matilda has recently graduated to her booster car seat, which makes me sad and happy.  Sad that she's growing so fast, but happy cause it is A LOT easier to transfer the booster car seat from one car to another.  Miranda is so fond of her bike helmet, she likes to wear it indoors.  Matilda is quickly becoming quite the swimmer.  And Miranda is still on a mission to do everything her big sister does, including swim!  All in all, it has been a wonderful summer and I am sad that it is coming to end so quickly!

Growing Up Fast

It seems like this summer Matilda is growing up faster than ever!  She moved up to the next class room at school, can now start and pump on the swing by herself, has pretty much masterd her big girl bike (still with training wheels), enjoys 3D movies and has made amazing strides with her swimming.  She now jumps into the pool by herself and even dives to the bottom, despite having her floatation device on.  I have a feeling that by the end of summer, she may be practicing swimming without her float.  Matilda is also continuing to grow into a wonderful big sister (most of the time).  She really watches out for Miranda and tries to get her involved, even if it's an activity that Miranda is not old enough for, which can cause some problems for mom and dad.  Thus far, Matilda has had a wonderful summer, can't wait to see what the rest of it holds.