Raising a Reader

The thought of raising a child who hated books is a total nightmare of mine, which is probably why we read to Elizabeth when she was in my belly. This picture warmed my heart. I guess I can endure reading the stupid puppy books over and over if it means that Elizabeth will continue to appreciate a good book.

In other news, 5 more weeks left of wrestling...we're in the homestretch!

House of Germs

Our house is contagious this week. First Josh puked at school (seriously how funny is that?!), then Elizabeth got sick, and then Sam got sick. We've slowly been trying to recover, but it's not exactly easy with Elizabeth who barely slows down with a stomach bug. We really would like to tap some of her energy! Today we decided to keep Elizabeth home instead of getting a call kicking her out of daycare. In exciting news, Josh took his third sick day as a teacher (let me remind you that the first two were because of the birth of Elizabeth...and I had to beg for those!)

Daddy and Elizabeth had a turbulent day together because it appears that Elizabeth finally likes her mother! It took 14 months but finally she was upset when I left for work today. I'm sure it's just because she's sick, but apparently my hard work is paying off!

Hope all of you are staying healthy...keep away from us!

Cutest Picture

Doesn't get any cuter than this! (Elizabeth is the short one next to Lupin the "puppy.")

Artista

Explain to me how Jackie can get Elizabeth to do glue projects without poisoning herself when I can't get her to use crayons without taking a chomp.

Like Uncle Will

Maybe I should be a little afraid of the odd things that Elizabeth does that are quite like her Uncle Will as a child.
Will was partial to the top of the popcorn popper, while Elizabeth prefers the the colander as a fashion accessory.

Will used to try to fall asleep standing up like Alf (this was always unsuccessful...and painful), but it seems like Elizabeth can sleep sitting straight up.

Should I be nervous?!

Inauguration Day

Dear Elizabeth,

Today you were part of a watershed moment in American history. As I told my students, few things are more important in our American democracy than the peaceful transition of power. Together, the nation witnessed an African-American place his hand on Lincoln's Bible and take the Presidential Oath of Office (Article II, Section I, Sub-Section 8 if you need a Constitutional refresher like Chief Justice John Roberts does).

Adventures with Potty

Elizabeth has a new obession...the potty. She says "potty" all the time, loves to sit on the potty, watch anyone on the potty, and put miscellaneous objects in the potty. After attending a potty training class this week, I decided to buy Elizabeth her own potty. (I'm not a big supporter of the baby potty, but unfortunately, we were blessed with a vertically challenged daughter.) Elizabeth was pumped to receive her own potty and spent a good portion of the evening sitting on the potty, putting the baby on the potty, and climbing in the potty. We were happy because finally she seemed to forget about putting baby in the big potty for a swim. (The real reason behind the new potty...)

Before bath time, I let her sit on the potty without her diaper. I looked at Josh as I started to run the bath water and said, "Put her on the potty." He continued to do something else, and she proceed to squat right next to the potty and pee all over the floor! Close, sweetie, but not there yet!

As I was cleaning pee off the bathroom floor (which really did need to be cleaned, so it probably was for the best), I remembered why we're waiting until Josh is home this summer to begin potty training. For now, the diaper will stay on!

A Sight We Never See...

Elizabeth has never been one of those kids who can crash anywhere. She never sleeps in our arms or allows us to carry her when sleeping. She goes to bed at night completely awake and manages to put herself to sleep. Needless to say, Josh and I were shocked to see this at 6 o'clock tonight.

Josh was home with Elizabeth, as school was closed due to the freezing temperatures. Excited to have some dad time, she refused to nap ALL DAY! By dinner she was exhausted but surprisingly not crabby. Looks like a full belly got the best of her!

14 months old!

Elizabeth has made it to 14 months. I say "made it" because of her constant death-defying tricks. As you can see, she has lost the rights to her baby stroller...

Elizabeth is becoming a little toddler. She loves anything that has to do with babies. (Even sledding if baby comes along.) She's a very curious little girl, and this keeps her (and her parents) busy. Her language is booming, and she's learning something every day. Her little legs start dancing whenever they hear a tune and giggles are abundant.

We are really enjoying the person that Elizabeth is growing into. While she has her occasional meltdowns, she really is a great little girl. We love you honey!

Trouble

As we were learning about parts of the body, I showed Elizabeth my stomach. She grabbed my stomach and said, "Ho, ho, ho." Yikes...looks like I'm going to have to up the workout routine, as my abs (which weren't stellar pre-baby) have definitely gone south.

For my Memory

Elizabeth's vocabulary is booming! At nearly 14 months, she can say 28 words! Here's a list, so Elizabeth can check this out when she's older. (Note: I gave you credit for words that you can produce in context without copying and that most people could figure out what you're saying.)

-Mommy - Minnie -cheese
-Daddy - keys -stinky
-more -Katie -poop
-baby -money -nana (for banana)
-mine -Jackie -nigh, nigh (for night, night)
-ball -tree -bear
-no - puppy -down
-cracker -potty -Jesus
-me -dirty -cookie
-teeth
-lots and lots of animal sounds

**You would be surprised at how much communication can happen with these few simple words.

Underbakke Christmas

Last Sunday, we celebrated Christmas with the Underbakke's. Here are some photos from the day...

Uncle Benjamin taught me some wrestling moves enough though he was on the injured list.

Auntie Emily and cousin Kylie...so cute!

Kylie and I loved our presents.

Happy New Year!

This is who I wish I was kissing on New Year's eve...instead I was in bed.

Happy 2009 everyone. (This is the third year that I've seen, and I'm only one!)