Tadoodles...we are coloring!

Today it was raining, windy, and we were just plain bored! So mommy had a great idea...time to teach Addy to color with her new Toddler Crayola Crayons called Tadoodles! She loved them and I loved watching her learn something new..on this rainy, windy boring day!

A laugh is a smile that bursts.....

A laugh is a smile that bursts and when I look at this little girl not only does my smile burst but so does my heart. As I lay in bed the monitor light flashes that the princess has risen and is ready for the day. I can usually tell what kind of day we are going to have by the sounds that awaken me. Today I was awakened by laughter and babble. Addy has found her voice and loves a morning chat with her closest stuffies. I usually roll over and turn on the screen so I can see what she is doing. As I lay there and listen I smile and usually start laughing at what she is saying....all babble but brilliant! "Good morning, good morning, good morning to you!"

I take one last snuggle into my pillow and decide its time to rise and shine and get ready for the day...oh what a day it was! We sang as we got dressed...had a full conversation while eating breakfast and drinking our coffee (Addy her juice) and then we were off! Goldfish, cookies, and fruit bars in tow we ventured out for the day! The high pitched tone of Elmo's voice which once made me cringe is now a happy sound...we sing and dance to the music in the car and again are filled with laughter. I guess Addy doesn't appreciate my dance moves or that I spent years perfecting them as a cheerleader...she thinks it is hilarious when I dance with her.

As brilliant and funny as Addy was this morning she stayed that way throughout the day!

I hope these pictures are a way to share our laughter from the day....I know they make me smile!

Over the river and through the woods....

...to grandmas house we go! We always make our way up to Grandmas house in Woodstock, NY on Thanksgiving! I finally had some extra time to put together some of the pictures we took during our stay! I can't even begin to describe the serenity my family feels as we start making our way up to the mountain to one of our favorite places...Grandmas!! The overwhelming love and comfort that fills the home is astounding and mommy has a place to breathe. Daddy starts on his projects right away and I get to watch my girls have the time of their lives.....

This picture slideshow created with Smilebox

Show me your moves....

Addy loves to dance...anytime music comes on she starts moving! I thought I would share her grooves with these videos we took when she was not looking...I am going to keep these close by so that when she is a teenager I have them to show all of her friends! (Insert evil laugh)


Please excuse the quality of the videos...they are with our camera phones so they are not very clear..but you very clearly will get the point that Addy G has some moves! Enjoy!

Addy dancing to Elmo from Christy Yamagata on Vimeo.

Untitled from Christy Yamagata on Vimeo.

Kisses

Happy Love Day....what a great day! As my baby girl leans in to kiss me good morning I take her all in, the smell of the baby lotion from her bath the night before, and the sleep in her big brown eyes. Today was the first day that she actually leaned in to kiss me...appropriate for Valentines Day. Now I think it has become her favorite thing to do...she will just walk up, look at me and kiss me. What an amazing feeling...this beautiful little girl loves her momma and wants to show me with kisses.

Here comes the sun

We saw it..here comes the sun..and it is supposed to be warming up as the days go on...Addy and I decided to take advantage of the 40 degree day and head outside. Bundled up in boots, gloves, and her pretty pink hat we headed out to take a walk. She loved being outside and taking in the fresh air. I can't wait for Spring!

Cheese Puffs and Cherries

I am lucky enough to live on a street with lots of kids and some great friends! One of my best friends lives just 4 houses down from me and it is not unusual on the spur of a moment to swoop up Addy and head to someone’s house for chicken nuggets, french fries and wine. Last night was one of those nights. The kids run in circles in the house, laughing and fighting and the moms sit at the kitchen island trying to relax and catch up. We try...oh do we try to have adult conversation amidst all of the constant interruptions of "mommy watch this" or tear filled "mommy that's mine." When we try to return to conversation the golden question is always "what were we talking about?" Last night the answer was Cheese Puffs and Cherries! REALLY!!?!?!? Our adult conversation is about cheese puffs and cherries?!? We burst into laughter at all of the ridiculous things we talk about even when we do have a moment for adult banter. I guess that is what this life is coming to...no more talk about our crazy work days, that fabulous pair of shoes we want soo badly at Nordstrom rack, or even the sweet vacation hubby and I are off to....our conversations have turned to Cheese puffs and Cherries! It makes me smile!