I was in our kitchen making breakfast, and I realized Paige was nowhere in sight but I could hear some scuffling coming from the living room. I called out to her, and the response I got from her was, "I wud you!" (translation: I love you!) I ran around the corner and this is what I found. She had taken her clothes off, emptied our shoe basket in search of her favorite Mary Janes, and even found a hair accessory to adorn herself with. She also pulled out all the tissue paper out of a bag (among other naughtiness). What can I say, I love her, too!
Christmas morning was a bit of a blur, but it was also so fantastic! I strongly feel that as a parent it is so much more fun than when it was a kid. I think I appreciate the whole holiday on a new level. The kids were super excited, and I was surprised at how much Paige seemed to understand and anticipate what was in store for her.
I'm not really sure why Jack is making this face, but we had just gotten back from Christmas Eve Mass, so maybe that explains it. At the end of the service, Santa came marching down the aisle, and all the little ones were invited up to the front with him. There were so many children, and Jack being naturally cautious did not get a chance to give him a hug. By the time we got home, he had worked himself up and was quite devastated in the lack of affection his was able to bestow on the lovable fat man. Anyhow, he got over it.
Plating cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.
Hanging up their stockings with care
Reading, Twas the Night Before Christmas
This is Johann, Santa's helper elf that lives in our house during the weeks before Christmas to keep and eye on the kids. At night, after the kids go to bed, he magically goes to the North Pole and tells Santa all of the good and bad behaviors he has observed from the kids. When he comes back, he lands in a different spot in the house, so Jack and Paige have so much fun every morning finding him. I'm really going to miss that little guy!
Grandma Rosie gave Paige some dress up clothes, and they have been a huge hit. Paige really likes the high heels, but doesn't know how to walk in them. She insists on wearing them, but cries because she is immobile. And so it starts...
After three days of being stuck inside because of snowy weather, we broke out the Play-Doh. Now that Paige is such a big girl, she is allowed to play with it, too. It brought us about an hour of peace and happiness! She loved it, and did not try to eat it which is what Jack did the first few times we offered it to him to play with. It sure helps having a big experienced brother to show her the way!
I've been instructed to take these pictures of the dolphin and tree because Jack wanted to save them for his Grandma Rosie.
Looking fabulous as usual as she is about to attack that cupcake!
She had her friend party over the weekend. She and Jack had so much fun. Now if they would just stop fighting over the new toys!
Paigie is 2! I can't believe it has passed so quickly. Her first year was filled with mostly ups but a few downs, with her being in the hospital with RSV and then requiring Oxygen for the next three months. Inspite of that challenge, she was so happy and mellow. This year she has really come into her own. Although she is still generally a happy girl, she is much more opinionated and even quite "high maintenance". We continue to enjoy her and laugh daily at what a clown she has become. I can't wait to see what this next year will bring us!
A little help from Jack
She LOVES her "babies"!
These pictures were taken on her actual birthday with just us. There was no hesitation on what to do with her wrapped gifts: she tore into them with the greatest enthusiasm.
