Fun in the Snow

Southeast Michigan got the worst snow (about 5 inches) in nearly 2 years earlier this week. It was Rose's first experience watching it come down and stick to the ground. She kept saying "Christmas, Christmas!" All of those books about snowmen, the North Pole, and Santa's white Christmas must have really stuck. We went out in the backyard for some winter fun. Check out a few of these action shots!

Looks like Ralphie's little brother from
the Christmas Story (in pink of course)

Not sure about this stuff

Having fun on the slide

Loving these mittens

Cleaning the snow off her house

Daddy made a snowball

A ponytail!

Christmas Recap: Overall, we had a fantastic Christmas this year. Last year, Rose was only 7 months, so she was still pretty small and not yet really mobile. What a big difference a year makes! She is speaking in sentences now, starting to use verbs with her expansive vocabulary. It is unbelievable. She is also very fast, running and climbing all over the place. Her dance moves are improving as she loves all music, especially when Daddy plays the guitar.

We were able to see all sides of the family and it was great to enjoy the cousins and other kids. We surely missed Great Grandpa W this year, but he lives on in our house with many things including his cherished carousel. Rose has spent hours perched on our stairs enjoying the "merry go round" as she calls it. She loves listening to the music and watching the animals go up and down. Her favorite Christmas song is Jingle Bells, which she will sing the full chorus to as she watches it go round and round.

We attempted to visit Santa Claus this year, and everything seemed ok until she realized she was going to have to actually sit with him. As she does in any fearful situation, she called out for her bear blanket (we can never leave home without him), "bear, bear" bear", so we both sat next to Santa together for a couple minutes as she hung on for dear life trying to calm down. It wasn't worth it to try and get a picture so we'll just try again next year.

Some of her favorite things now include anything and everything animal related. She loves her wooden animal puzzle pieces and carries them all over the house. She'll recite all the noises each animal makes. She got a new Little People zoo with every animal from hippo to gorilla. She loves it! She is also enjoying her new books, new bead maze, and blow up tent with balls, baby dolls, Elmo toy and fabulous new winter wardrobe. She had to wear her new Muppet shirt the day after Christmas. Gifts from Santa and the family will keep her busy and learning every single day. We are so appreciative!

The word "no" has become a more regular part of her vocabulary. I see a sneak peak of some terrible 2's approaching. She is very headstrong and can be a bit impatient, so some of that is coming out as we approach 20 months. Overall, we are so blessed to have such a sweet, loving, silly, intelligent little girl. Every day is something new and it is amazing to think what is ahead. I can't wait for 2013!