Happy Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving, we went to Aunt Sue's in IN for a traditional turkey dinner. Uncle Tom and Katie made turkey hats with Lydia, then John wore one too. All the other relatives were apparently too cool. But don't they look CUTE?!

The next day we went to Sheboygan and caught most of the relatives there including 3 month Nora and 6 wk Carly. Here Great Grandma's holding Abigail. We put up Grandma Linda's Christmas tree, and then that evening Uncle Steve and Aunt Pat took us all out for their 35th wedding anniversary! Congrats to them!

Holiday Parade

 Milwaukee Holiday Parade 2012

 Went out to meet Sarah & Matt. It was a warm (50s) and sunny morning.

 Thick crowds, but not on the bridge. We found first row access and Lydia had the best view of all on Daddy's shoulders. She was excited for the parade, but then wouldn't show it.

 Abigail was good throughout, but gives Sarah

 

and Uncle Tom the skeptical look for not being Mommy. 

Surprise!

My Uncle Tom amazingly spotted us in the crowd not knowing we were there. He was out to see John marching with his trumpet.

 

The bands were out with their garland covered trombones

 

and energetic dance moves. I tell ya, my high school band certainly never moved like that!

 The next exciting thing happened when we all thought the street sign was going to pop Rudolf!

 But then he gracefully rounded it

 and continued to glide through the air as he does so well every Christmas Eve.

Then, of course, I spotted my cousin John marching just in time to see the back of his head, so no picture. Tom ran off to get a picture, so we said, "See you at Thanksgiving," and then Santa came 

 as this elf announced and whistled as he did tricks.

Santa. How disappointing he was. He had the deepest, most dismal sounding voice. 

Lydia didn't even get excited.

 

 Here's my turkey coming to get you.

 

And my favorite gummy smile in the world.

Abigail's 9 Months

 

This sweet baby

 has big blue eyes,

 a wide smile,

and a pretty dress.

9 Month Stats: 18 lb, 15 oz, 27.5 inches. 50th percentiles in weight and height and off the charts in adorableness! I don't want to forget what it feels like to hold her sleeping in my arms or to receive a goofy gummy drool covered smile from her. 

Our Play Place Stages

 The first stage, Abigail, involves sitting in restaurant-provided high chair and banging and mouthing meal toy. Babies in Abigail stage may also grab cups of ketchup that you never thought were within reach.

 In the second stage, Aaliyah, climbing into a slide is the main activity. Turning around to flash a big charming smile may also occur.

"Come with me. Shoo, shoo. Let's play. He he." During the third and final stage, Lydia, toddlers must combine complex gross motor skills such and running and jumping with making friends fast. This is a time for intense social development.

Abby the Adorable Explorer

Abigail loves to explore her world, as she should. And I, as her mom, need to keep dangerous items out of her reach, her long and wide reach. Helping me out are the lovely french doors to our study. They keep Abigail out of tacks and paperclips (because the study's not organized yet--need to get a desk!!) and also serves as a fun screen for peek-a-boo. :)