New Year - New Look

A few updates for 2010 and a resolution suited just for this blog.
This entire endeavor started because of Addison and our desire to keep people updated on the pregnancy and her subsequent birth. However I feel like there is so much more worth talking about that - dare I say it?! - does not revolve around our daughter. While the vast majority of information will more than likely relate to her life experiences in some way (let's face it our lives do revolve around her for the moment) there is still much more conversation to be had. And as all parents can attest to, sometimes it's nice to do something that does not involve your children.
With that said, I have to tell ya'll a really cute story about Addie!
There is a certain girl in our household who is soon turning one. She does not really grasp this fact yet and it may not be of any importance to her because every day is like her freaking birthday. Take for example the recent trip to ToysRus. The purpose of our visit was to pick out a gift for said birthday. We wanted a wagon, strangely enough the entire store did not posses such a contraption. What toy store doesn't sell a wagon? SO we moved on to a toy car idea. Similar to a Lil Tykes Cozy Coupe (of which they were ALSO sold out) we found a little Step Two series convertible car that comes with a long handle enabling us to stand up and push her so I don't have to also purchase future visits to the chiropractor along with the car.
Because we are first time parents and just can't wait to give our spoiled only child anything, we opened the box as soon as we got in the door. Since the moment the final wheel was screwed into place, Addie has not wanted to leave the driver's seat.
All of the baby websites and toddler experts report that a toddler's attention span lasts between two and five minutes at this age. Let me just say this, Addison woke up at 10:00pm last night for the sole purpose of wanting to ride the scooter. She crawled out of her bedroom, down the hallway and sat right next to the car and lifted her hands in the air as if to say "Okay chauffeur lift me up and let's get rolling". If she could figure out a way to get it in the bathtub, I am sure she would. At least we got her a present she likes.
The New Year will hopefully bring all of the same God given blessings we received in 2009. A loving family, wonderful friendships, good health, and strong faith. While it may be a challenging year, we will no doubt prevail and come out stronger as a family, as a couple, and God willing by 2011 we will still be in charge of the house and Addison will still be in a subserviant role as child.

Undeniably Awesome

Okay I am going to go on record as saying... Addie Grace is freakin' awesome. We are so blessed to have such a happy, mild mannered yet totally spunky little kid. These are the Top Five Things I love about my 10-month-old.
1. When she eats food she really likes she "umm yummm yummm" (a la When Harry Met Sally) the entire time. It does not matter if we are in a restaurant or at home, she always let's us know she's enjoying her food. And the best part, her favorites are usually veggies.
2. She kisses anything with fur... but refuses to kiss Daddy. (It is a silly game and usually she will eventually kiss him, but he is so scruffy she tries to resist. Shia and Snoopy on the other hand continuously run from her kisses)
3. Her happiness is contagious. It is a rare occurrence when someone will walk past and not comment on, or at least smile at, this little HAM! She stares people down, shouts and waves, it has even come to her arching her back and hissing at some poor old man all so they lean down and say hello to her. Aye.
4. Even when it's past her bedtime, past her meal time, or just an all around cranky day she will still suck it up and be cheery (to an extent). I am not saying she doesn't throw an occasional fit here or there, but she would NEVER be one of these babies constantly fussing.... and I only have the Lord to thank for that.
5. She has started to enjoy story time. She has to turn the pages, and we may skip 5 or 6 pages, but she will still sit and listen. I can only pray that the love of books and stories continues.

There are so many more things that I love about this little girl. But these are just my monthly favorites. Tomorrow she and I are running the Turkey Trot 8k with Daddy/Alex cheering us on from the sidelines. Along with her literary appreciation we are also hoping to keep an active lifestyle with her. With Alex leaving soon, it will be up to me to keep her busy for the next nine months!