Gymboree and First Haircut

Abby is now SIXTEEN months old!  I can't believe it.. Where has the time gone?

Anyways, I adore this age.  She is toddling and chatting and climbing and singing and playing in the toilet. Unfortunately, she really likes the toilet. Actually, I adore this age except for the whole toilet deal.  This morning she had the toilet brush.  Ewwww....

To satisfy her exploring and climbing gene, she attends Gymboree weekly.  Grandma and Pa thoughtfully signed her up for this class for her birthday knowing full well that climbing is in her blood.  After all, she is related to Uncle Brett!

However, Gymboree is a bit intimidating, especially with the new apparatus they are piloting.  So, Abby played it safe on her first day of class (three weeks ago).

She did a little climbing. 

Abby did A LOT of rocking. 

And she did a little jumping. 

In real time today Abby had her first hair cut.  She needed it, desperately.  I was hoping to grow out her bangs and hair for a cute little chin-length bob, but I caved.  Her hair was turning moppy and her bangs were constantly in her eyes. 

Before: shaggy, not cute hair. 

Abby was quite the trooper.  No tears and no fits. 

 Ella came for moral support. 

Viola! Pretty girl and now we can see her eyes. 

Abby Update

It seems like my most recent posts have been about Ella, and so it is time for an Abby update.  She is toddling along happy as can be reaching many milestones and waving happily to everyone and anything.

Abby is on a drinking strike and has been for about a month, hence the VERY runny oatmeal for dinner. Ryan was not home for dinner, we stayed too late at the gym and I needed to hydrate Abby.  Oatmeal solved the problem.  

Abby not drinking is quite stressful so I am always chasing after her trying to shove some sort of liquid down her throat.  I am the mom who routinely purchases $3.50 smoothies for her daughters at the gym.  Abby has no problem drinking them.  Also, she'll drink some chocolate milk (don't judge), it was a last ditch attempt on poor drinking day.  I'm lucky if she drinks 10 ounces in a day.  No joke.  

Her drinking strike began on our way out to New York.  Until then she would happily drink bottle after bottle or cup after cup of milk or water.  No juice, chocolate milk, or smoothie was needed as a bribe.  Then she developed a double ear infection and things have not been the same since.  Three doctors visits later the double ear infection is gone and she is STILL not drinking.  I've tried different cups, straws, and beverages.  She is one determined little girl.  

For now, oatmeal it is!

Coming Soon: New York Wrap Up, Abby's 15 month check up, Gymboree

Pre-School

It is hard to believe that Ella is old enough to attend pre-school. Soon she will be four and then FIVE and its off to Kindergarten.  It is beyond my comprehension how fast life has flown since having kids.

It is amazing how much she has changed in the last year.  She was such a baby on her first day.  HERE IS THE PROOF  and she made quite an IMPRESSION.

Anyways, my little pre-schooler was somewhat cooperative (a rarity) for the obligatory photos this morning.

See for yourself:

An awesome shot once I cropped out her Dora Big Girls

Hence, mommy taught her to sit like a lady with a dress on, but now we have a cheesy grin. 

My tall girl

Awww... Sisters

What?! All four eyes looking at the camera? Must be my lucky day!