Happy New Year!!!!

I just got word that our bid has been accepted and the house is officially ours!!! Words cannot explain how excited Craig and I are. We will close the end of January and hopefully move in soon after.

What an exciting New Year's Eve!

Last Disney Day of the Year

Last Sunday we headed to Orlando for our last Disney day for a year. We knew it would be crowded but decided we had to get one more trip in to Magic Kingdom before our passes ran out. Of course it was so crowded we didn't go on a single ride and really just let Michaela have fun running wild. My mom was able to join us and we all had a great day. Mom wanted to take Michaela to build a Mr. Potato Head from the "parts bar" in one of the gift shops. We didn't realize how much fun this would be! They had a small box and for a set price of $19 you could fill it as much as possible with as many parts as you could squeeze in. At first we made sure that the top closed neatly, but the guy working there said to keep filling. As long as they could tape the top shut we were good to go! Michaela had so much fun standing on the counter and picking out parts for her Potato Head.

She just kept digging through the bins and throwing parts into her box.

"Here Nana. Do I have these yet?"

The cast member who was there let me build a Potato Head of the Day to be displayed for all to see. She wasn't very good, but I got a chuckle out of building her. Her ears kept falling off, but I liked that her earrings matched mine with more on the left than the right.

This picture just gives a glimpse of how crowded the park was. It was hard to walk through all the crowds, especially when Michaela had little interest in holding hands. I just love this picture of her and her daddy though.

Next we headed over to Mickey's playground outside of his house. It was so full of kids running wildly, but Michaela had a blast! She loved climbing up the stairs all by herself.

Michaela loved the slides there too! Once she went down them she tried to walk back up the slides, so we had to make sure to show her to go around and go up the stairs.

Then we headed to Winnie the Pooh's playground. I love this picture Mom took of the three of us.

At first Michaela wasn't too sure about the water area because she accidentally walked over one of the sprinklers just when it went off. Once she realized that it wasn't so scary she was very excited to see them shoot water into the air.

My little princess looked so pretty in her sparkly tutu.

Michaela LOVED the slide in Pooh Bear's yard. She went down it about 30 times. She would get to the bottom then run around to the stairs over and over and over again!

Before leaving we caught the Christmas parade. It was lots of fun and we managed to get front row seats. Michaela clapped and danced along with the performers. I love watching her get such pleasure out of life.

Toys!

Today Michaela woke up all ready to play with the toys Santa brought her. While I finished clearing the breakfast dishes I could hear her playing down the hall with her Ariel tricycle. I could hear her squeal with delight as she yelled "BUBBLES!". She was so excited to see the bubbles come out of the front of her trike!

Next I set up the very cool tunnel set Santa brought. It actually has a dinosaur body and the tunnels are the legs and neck. However the body is huge and takes some time to set up so we will have to wait until we move to appreciate the full amount of fun this toy can bring. In the mean time Michaela is very happy crawling through the tunnels.

She actually sat down in the middle to read her book. So cute!

Quincy thought the tunnels were fun too, but the camera flash scared him and he went flying. Poor Michaela wanted to play with him in the tunnels and started crying when he ran away. Maybe he'll go in there again someday.

Merry Christmas!

We had such a great Christmas this year! It was so much fun to experience Christmas with a little girl who, although didn't really understand everything, had a blast! I had to work the morning of Christmas Eve, but Michaela came along and entertained all my co-workers and clients. She was so well behaved and didn't make a sound while I saw a few rooms. When we got home it was time to wrap the presents (I know, I was a huge slacker and got really behind this year). While I pulled all the wrapping paper and supplies out of the closet Michaela decided to climb onto the coffee table. I found her sitting up there playing with a toy and observing everything. Although it's not the best seat for her to choose, she looked so cute I couldn't get upset.

Michaela had lots of fun decorating the gifts with stickers. She would point to the one she wanted then very carefully place it on the gift.


She climbed onto the coffee table again to help Craig finish putting stickers on all the gifts.

She would ask "More?" and we would pick out another sticker. Over and over and over again.....

Here are just some of Michaela's finished products. It made for some interesting gift exchanges. Nobody knew who the were for or from because she kept covering the name tags.

Christmas morning Michaela was very excited to see what Santa left under the tree. She ran straight for her new Little Mermaid tricycle and climbed on. Her feet don't reach the pedals yet but she can push herself around pretty well. This trike even plays songs and blows bubbles! It has quickly become a favorite.

Michaela didn't want to get off of her bike to open presents. She was happy to open them right there thanks!

Sometimes opening gifts required a little help from Daddy.

Michaela LOVES her new stuffed pony that Uncle Yiger and Aunt Sarah picked out for her in Chincoteague. We are hoping to visit there in the spring so Michaela can see the wild ponies up close.

After a great breakfast we headed to Tallahassee to have Christmas with Craig's family. We were excited because Michaela was going to meet her Uncle Keith and Uncle Scott for the first time. They spent last Christmas with Scott's family so we missed them last year. Michaela got the coolest toy from her Grandpa and Mimi. It's a cow that she can ride on!!

Michaela was very spoiled by all her family this year. She had lots of fun opening all her gifts.

Grandma Troch gave her this floor pillow that is embroidered with her name on it. What a fun thing to have for the new house. I can just picture Michaela sitting on it and reading for hours.

David and Di found these maracas that sing and light up and make all kinds of noises. Michaela was shaking them so hard!

Of course we were excited to see Molly again. Michaela loves the big doggy!!

It took a while, but she finally figured out what she was supposed to do with that funny looking cow. She spent the rest of the evening riding it all over the living room.

The other big hit of the night was a van that has a shape sorter and lights up and play music. Michaela is even playing with it right now while I type.

Michaela had fun snuggling with her Grandpa.

After dinner she headed to Di's lap to keep playing with the van.

When she got tired she cuddled up with Claire.

Claire has the magic touch and always manages to get Michaela to fall asleep. I don't think I've been able to cuddle with a sleeping baby for months. I don't even remember the last time Michaela let me hold her while she slept, but lucky Claire got to enjoy it for over an hour. I guess that's what Grandmothers are for.

Although at first Michaela wasn't sure about all the new faces, she eventually warmed up to Keith. He tried so hard to become friends with her and in the end it worked out.

Then he did what any good uncle would do and dropped packing peanuts on her head! Michaela very carefully picked every one up and put it back in the bag. Very funny Uncle Keith!

The last 45 minutes of the night was spent playing with her van with Uncle Scott. Michaela didn't want to leave! She was having so much fun. We really need to see these guys more often. All in all we had a great Christmas and had a blast seeing all the family. Michaela says thank you for all her gifts as well.

Dec 22 - MGM and Animal Kingdom Lodge

The year is almost up and therefore our Disney passes are about to expire. We had so much fun using them this year, but decided the money was better spent on things for the house so we will be without Disney passes for a year. We decided to try and squeeze in a few more trips to Disney while we could still go. Unfortunately when we got to Hollywood Studios it was packed to the brim! Neither Craig or I do very well in that kind of crowd so we decided to go over and look at the animals at the Animal Kingdom Lodge then head back to the park for the evening shows. Michaela loved this idea because that meant she could look at more animals. She gets so excited when she sees any animals, but the birds are still her favorite.

She ran up to the fence and yelled "HI!" to the pelicans. She then proceeded to repeat the word "bird" over and over. She says it like a question. "Bird? Bird? Bird?" She's so cute I can hardly stand it.

Of course she was excited to see the flamingos as well.

When it started getting dark we headed back to MGM to see Fantasmic, which is a very cool laser/water/fire show with all the favorite Disney characters. We had never stuck around to watch it and all three of us really enjoyed the show. Then we headed over to see their festival of lights. By this point Michaela was sound asleep and unfortunately missed the dancing lights and fun music.

It was freezing that night, which is hard to believe since the night before it only got down to the 60's. Michaela was comfortable all bundled up in her fleece sherpa coat and wrapped in a blanket.

New things

Michaela has had a huge spurt in new words and activities. In the last few days she learned how to say "More" and "Uh Oh!". She will drop things or fall to her knees on purpose just so she can say "Uh Oh!!!". She'll then giggle, stand up, and do it again. Michaela's favorite word is "Moo" which she will say over and over when we ask what Bud says or what does the cow say. When we go outside she immediately points at Bud and starts mooing. Last Saturday she was laughing and I saw two lower molars that had come in sometime the previous week. I think she's getting more in now as well, as she's had a runny nose and has been pulling at her jaw for 2 days now. Michaela's favorite activity is still dancing. At Epcot yesterday she ran up to a random woman and grabbed her hands and started dancing with her while the bagpipes played in Canada. She can now open all the doors in the house, but her favorite is the linen closet. She finds the most incredible treasures in there - things I didn't know we still had after 8 years of living here. It never fails to amaze me how quickly she picks new things up and how smart she is. Every stage is new and exciting, for both her and for us watching her.

Tonight while I was bathing Michaela I had a pile of bubbles on my hand. She looked at them and I said "these are bubbles." Imagine my surprise when she repeated "Bubble!" Craig ran and got the real bubbles, then I ran and got the camera. Who knows what she'll say next!

Early Christmas in Bradenton

This morning we celebrated Christmas early in Bradenton. Michaela slept in late since she was up until 1:00 am last night having fun at Disney. When she woke up she was happy to read her book to me. She loves to "MOOOO!!" when we see a cow on the page.

Michaela got so many great gifts this year. Her favorite is the dancing duck that quacks in tune to a song from the Nutcracker. Her Great Nana picked it out when she was down here at Thanksgiving.
She finally figured out the opening presents thing. This was a new and very fun activity.

Michaela's other favorite toy is this singing dog. Why is it always the noisy toys that make the biggest hit?

Michaela got some candy bracelets in her stocking. My mom put one on her wrist, to which she replied "More" while doing the sign for more. She wasn't content until she had all the bracelets and the necklace on her wrists.

Of course Michaela's biggest buddy is Abby. It's funny how the only dog she calls by name is one that doesn't live with us. Abby puts up with her so well and Michaela is happy to pet her and call for her from the other room.

Epcot for Nana's Birthday!

Yesterday was my mom's birthday and she chose to celebrate it at Epcot. We were excited to go and see all the holiday decorations and celebrations. We had a great dinner in Morocco where we got to hear some wonderful music and watch the belly dancer while we ate. Then we had a great view of the Candlelight Processional with readings by Abigail Breslin. Michaela loved looking at the colorful lights and clapped at the end of every song.

She really enjoyed looking at the huge Christmas tree with my dad.
My beautiful girl by the light of the tree.

I love this picture of Michaela with her Nana and Pop.

The family shot of the three of us came out cute as well.

Michaela loved the fountains at night.

She and my dad are staring intently at the dancing fountain.

This is the best picture of Michaela and my mom.

We loved going on the Nemo ride to the Living Seas.

This is something new she picked up yesterday. I ask her a question and she'll flip her hands out like "I don't know!". I said "Michaela, what's in that fish tank?" and she raised her little hands. So cute!

My dad made sure to point out all the cool fish.

Silver Springs

Last Sunday we took Michaela to Silver Springs to see the holiday stuff. She had lots of fun looking at all the animals. The otters were still her favorite.

She even flashed them! I think she was showing them her belly button. It's a big deal these days. She feels the need to show everyone her belly button. I don't think she realized it was there until last week.
So the reason Michaela is crying in this picture is not because of the alligator. She loved him and walked right up to him. The problem was that there was a puddle about an inch deep right there and Craig wouldn't let her stand in it. She was so mad!

Michaela loves to push her stroller. She actually pushes the cart at the grocery store as well. It makes for slow going, but we get lots of smiles as people pass us by.

When she got tired, she just leaned forward and went for a ride!

Best Buddies

The other day Michaela was running around like crazy and I couldn't keep track of her. She gets in these moods where all she wants to do is run and get into things that she shouldn't. So I tried something new and amazingly it worked! I attached Duncan's leash and let her hold the end of it. Duncan walked very patiently on the end of the leash and never once pulled her. In turn, Michaela enjoyed taking her favorite doggy for a walk!

Sometimes Duncan took the lead and pulled her down the hallway. Other times she led him. But both of them were very gentle with the other.

She was so proud of herself!

Then she became fascinated by the lights on the tree. Oh Michaela! What a beautiful girl you are!

The best Christmas card EVER!

Michaela received the best Christmas card ever in the mail today. She loves it! Watch the video to find out what's so great about this special card. Be sure to turn the volume up.

We Bought a House!!

So Craig and I have made a huge decision in our lives and bought a new house in Jacksonville. Craig has been working there for about 6 months now and has been offered a partnership at his clinic. I am really excited for him and for our family. The neighborhood is a gated community with a nice community center, pool, and playground. It is on a creek that connects to the St. John's river and there is a kayak club in the works. I can't wait to move in and get on the water!

The purchase of the house is not final yet. It was actually in foreclosure and we had to go to auction to buy it. The house is 2 years old and has never been lived in. The people who initially bought it purchased it as an investment and got in over their heads. We got a great deal, but we are waiting for final approval from the seller on the purchase price. We will hear in 2 weeks or less, so keep your fingers crossed for us.

Here is a little photo tour of the new house. I hate the carpet, but that will be changed out in time. For now I guess I won't worry if the dogs track in dirt or Michaela spills some milk on it. The first stop on our tour is the formal dining room.

Next up, the kitchen and the breakfast nook. This picture is taken from standing in the great room.

A closer view of the breakfast nook and the lake in the back yard. There are often geese and ducks back there, which Michaela loves!

The great room, looking out from the kitchen. It is two stories and is open to the catwalk on the second floor.

This is the view from the master bedroom.

Our huge master bath. I keep joking that Michaela is going to learn how to swim in that tub! There are also two walk in closets, which is the most exciting part for me. No more clothes on the floor of the bedroom!

Another view of the master bath. There is a cute window seat in there.

Back in the great room looking up to the second floor and into the front hallway.

From the front door looking up the stairway.

The bonus room over the garage is huge! It has two distinct section and a full bath. I plan on making it Michaela's playroom/our family room. I may consider putting my desk in there as well so I can work on the computer while she plays.

This is the bonus room looking in the other direction.

Just a view of the catwalk leading to the 3 upstairs bedrooms. We love how open this house is.

This is the smallest of the upstairs bedrooms but it has the best view. Craig wants to make this his study.

All in all we're really excited about our new home. It's huge!!! We are lucky that we are in such a buyer's market right now. We are so happy that we are going to be able to provide Michaela with such a nice house in a beautiful and safe community. We really have enjoyed living in Alachua but we feel that this move will be the best for her in the coming years. I will be sure to post more pictures once we move in and get it decorated.

Marvin K Mooney

This is the video of Michaela and Craig reading Marvin K Mooney. Don't feel obligated to watch the whole thing, but I do think it's cute how she is so into the book. I swear we read it at least 5 times a day. Craig and I both have the book memorized and often find ourselves reciting the words to Michaela as we go about our day. It's hard to imagine that some day she'll be reading the book to us.

Random pictures and videos

Today I realized I haven't uploaded pictures from my little camera in a very long time. These are a few of the things I found on there. The first two are sweet pictures of Craig reading to Michaela. I actually have a video of Michaela searching out her favorite book (Marvin K Mooney, Will You Please Go NOW!) and bringing it to her Daddy. Michaela will then climb up into his lap and sit down for story time. She will bounce her little head in time to the rhythm, which is just adorable.

These pictures are from the first time I let Michaela eat yogurt all by herself. She made a huge mess, but really enjoyed herself.

After a while she gave up on the spoon and just used her hands. I can't see how that was more effective, but she seemed to think so.

Michaela also loves drinking water out of our cups. She will often prefer it over milk. This video cracks me up because of the huge smile she gives at the end. What a precious little girl we have.

Finally this last video is from the same night as the previous story time pictures. This was the first day Michaela learned to blow kisses. Make sure the volume is turned up so you can hear her cute little kiss sound.

Silly girl!!

What a silly girl Miss Michaela is. She loves going into the kitchen cabinets and dragging out the pots and pans. One evening the strainer was the big hit.

Michaela put it on her head and proceeded to run all around the house yelling at the top of her lungs. What a little ham this one is.

When we ask "Michaela, how strong are you?" this is what we get! She squeezes those fists so hard her hands shake and she always laughs when she's done as if she knows how funny she is.

I bought Michaela these little cups at Target the other day. She's getting really good at drinking out of a big girl cup without spilling.

So proud of herself!