Boom!

You always hear about how fast kids go from babble to talking and that it takes you by surprise. I feel like we're hitting that boom. If you know my kid you know that she's babbled and thought she could talk since always. It's crazy to open my ears and hear all the real words that are amidst that chatter. She loves to address us at the start of her sentence. Example: "Hi Mama! Hi Dada! Oda baga eat? " When Casey got up from the table to get more pasta, I told Marigold just that. When he sat back down she said, "Hi Dada! You goda more pasta?" IT'S BLOWING MY MIND. Casey and I always joke that we underestimate her until she proves us to be the dumb ones. It really is true. She knows all of her letters (she has since 18mo) and can fill in the blanks if I sing ABC and some other children's songs. *Insert disbelief and groans at a parents bragging here. I would too if I hadn't seen it. She's now moved her attention to counting. She's a hungry sponge and self directed. I swear I don't push this stuff. I just go along with her interest. I didn't even know she knew her letters till she started spelling out the titles of her books. What's the most exciting for me is that she's started repeating. She repeats words we say and actions we do. She plays hide and seek, says"rock rock" as she rocks her baby, and makes sounds when she pushes pretend buttons in her kitchen. I melt nightly as I watch her play and show her joy for life to Casey and myself. Sorry for the gush fest but I feel like I need to write it down because I'm terrified to forget. It's going so fast. Is it just going to get faster? My Mom would always say something to the effect of, " I wish I could have you as a baby for just one day." I already feel that way. She's fast tracking to being a big girl and I'm equal parts bursting with pride and frantically searching for the brakes.

Shoes

If your shoes are in her view, she's going to put them on. It's a thing. She loves to get them on and travel as far as she can in them.

Two of Dad's shoes. Unfazed by the discomfort of two right shoes.

A few weeks ago she put on some of my heels in our room and made it all the way to the Christmas tree.

Lately she's been obsessed with her new boots. She likes to wear them all the time, even with pajamas. She also likes to accessorize. Oven mitts are the new black. Our little trendsetter.

Snow Bunny

A kid frolicking in the snow is a magical thing. Nose running and face frozen but completely unaware due to the amount of fun they're having. Marigold is no exception. She spent her time outside exploring in absolute bliss. She spent most of her time inside looking out our big window talking about snow and asking for more, her boots and her hat.

Airplanes were flying over head and she was trying to figure out why they were invisible in this weather.

We made a pint size snowman!

She shook his hand. He also got kisses and hugs.

She picked up lots of snow and tried to add on to our little man.

She went on her own adventure. She doesn't feel the need to keep us informed. We'll have to work on that.

What do you mean we're going inside? I'm not cold. My nose always runs and I can never feel my lips anyway. What? What's cocoa?

Marigold ended her day by helping her Dad with the fire. She loves to help with anything and everything. We hope that sticks around.

Christmas Day

How fun is Christmas morning with a kid? The answer is super fun. I can't wait for next year!

We were so excited for her to get her baby doll. She is baby crazy and we knew it would be a hit.
We were right.

She was also excited about the beer in Dada's stocking.

This easel has been everyday fun. We tried painting on the other side and thought we might wait a bit on that...

Aftter we had our family morning we were joined by Ken, Pauly, Jodie, Zak and Grandma.

My beautiful sister. Wouldn't you just love to see her in a wedding dress?! Coming soon.

A new outfit from Auntie Jodie. My parents came by for a relaxed Christmas dinner and more gifts for missy. The new kitchen from my parents deserves it's own post.

Exploring her new cradle and high chair among many other new things. So spoiled!

I love this face.

I really really love it.

I again tried to get a picture with my daughter. Isn't it normal for a Mom to want that?

She has her Dad's tolerance for forced pictures. I will totally bribe to get these as soon as I'm able.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Christmas Eve

The Christmas Eve tradition at Grandma Grace's (Grandma Great) is always something to look forward to. I got to join the fold many years ago and it's so fun to watch Marigold join the new generation of fun.

Smart Grammy brought a fairy princess book. Marigold loved it and insisted her Auntie wear the crown.
Now it's Alexander's turn!

It's suits you, Grammy!

Marigold loved the way she looked in the mirror.

We tried so hard to get one of the three of us. Marigold looks away every time. This was close but my camera has a smudge on the lens that landed right on Jodie's face. New camera time? I think so.

I love this picture. I think she's going to look at it when she's older and see how much her Dad adored her.

Christmas smooch. I hope I always get one.

Kim was missing at Thanksgiving. Not this time! Lady cousins.

All the lady cousins got earrings in their stocking with the suggestion that we could switch if we wanted. Nobody wanted to. Nice work.

Jodie and Zak are getting married this summer. I am so excited for this wedding. I'm also really excited for Zak to sit on the the present opening bench with us every year from now on. Welcome Zak!
Grammy reading to our tiring girl.

She took a rest right in the middle of a loud room. With teddy, blankie and binky, she can rest anywhere.

Okay, one more burst of over tired Christmas energy. Santa is coming!

All day play dates for Mama

A new and wonderful thing that we've discovered lately is called all day playdates. This means you get together with a couple other Moms and have the kids play, eat lunch and nap all at the same house. It's a chance for socialization and creative play for the kids AND the adults. I am just always blown away at how much I appreciate having awesome Mom friends in my life. Having time to catch up and share with them while our kids slumber is a true treat.

Getting ready to go visit Cash and Aimee's new house (Scott too).

You never know when it will turn into a toga party.

Our friends Camiguin and Eva were also there with their kids. This is Marigold and Camiguin's youngest, Taz, just lookin for trouble.

A couple weeks later some of the same Mama's plus Anna-Lisa got to visit Kristen, our former high school teacher. Her daughters hosted along side her and acted as pro little kid entertainers. Above, Finn, Marigold and Lucy play piano.

Lucy and Emma read each kid a book on the ipad and showed them the painting ap. Marigold showed everyone her bellybutton.

Cash waited patiently for his turn. That's good practice because he's going to have a little brother in a month and a half.

I am so thankful for this amazing supportive group of women. Sharing motherhood and life stories with them is one of my favorite things.

Pre- Christmas, Christmas Moments

Quite a title right? I just wanted to document a couple of lead up Christmas moments. I don't ever want to forget anything.

Like getting our tree! Marigold ran around the tree lot non stop. Christmas lights were her first Christmas interest this year.

Her hat fell over her eyes multiple times while running and she never tried to fix it. Danger.

It's rare that she smiles in pictures unless I'm on the other side of the camera trying to make her.

More lights!

Pre-Santa meeting. She was intrigued.

Post Santa, consoling herself with a satsuma and Dada.

Yay for Christmas jammies from Auntie Jodie!