I'm happy to report that potty training is underway (today was day three) and going well.
Yesterday, we has two poops in the potty (one not) and lots of pee-pee in the potty (3-4 not). Not too bad for day two. But today we were accident free!! Hoping this trend continues...wish us luck as we venture out of the house tomorrow.
P.s. stay tuned for updates on our recent trip to FL, Christmas happenings and more!
December 28, 2011
December 25, 2011
Christmas 2011
Merry Christmas! Santa, his elves and his reindeer were VERY busy last night (guess it was a good thing that Abby made some cookies for all of them), but I'm happy to report that he didn't miss the Johnson house! Here is some video of the morning and a few photos too:
I am working on part two so be sure to stay tuned. In the mean time check out some of our other fun from this Christmas Season:
Annual trip to Bronner's
(it was a little late this year due to Mommy getting sick the day after Thanksgiving...)
A visit with Grandma Kat and Great Grandma Betty
We were so happy to be able to spend some more time with both Grandma Kat and Great Grandma this Christmas! Usually Grandma Kat is here for Thanksgiving or Christmas, but this year we got both! It is so much fun to see Abby visit with family, it truly makes my heart smile! Miss you already!
I went to Abby's school expecting to pick her up but found a little reindeer instead. She was excited to get her picture taken and see what she looked like all dressed up.
Our Little Rudolph:
December 24, 2011
Getting Ready for Santa
Our Christmas Eve started out at the Johnson's house and boy was that house full of kids!! It is always fun to see them get together. I'm impressed with this year's photo of the kids--we actually got them to sit still!
Starting on the left: Brendan, Julia, Connor, Abby, Gracie and Annabelle
Abby and Gracie:
After an afternoon at Nana and Papa's and a six o'clock mass we came home and started prepping for Santa! So far our evening has been filled with some cleaning, pajamas, baking cookies and songs.
Abby is now tucked into bed and I am wrapping presents. I hope to be sleeping before 2....
Update...No such luck! This little elf finally hit the hay at 4:30 am. Next year I will do better!
December 23, 2011
Going to the Big D
And I don't mean Dallas (nor the other "D" you country music fans!!!)...I mean Disney World!!!!! We took a quick trip to Florida this week to visit some of MJ's family and managed to squeeze in a day at Disney too!
This trip started with 3 plane seats instead of 2...it is so much cheaper to fly when they are under two!! But she looked so cute in her seat and not having to hold a squirming two year old was probably worth it. Abby did really well on both flights. She enjoyed her apple juice, all the snacks Mommy packed, time to color and some Little Einsteins on Mommy's phone too.
After a few days with family we headed over to the wonderful world of Disney. MJ and I debated on making the trip this time or not, but I am so glad that we got to share the magic with Abby this year. I can honestly say that A) it was worth EVERY penny, B) it was the most MAGICAL day of my life and C) I can't wait to go back again!!! I wish I could fully share the joy, wonder and awe that I witnessed, but sadly the camera can not fully capture it all. But here is what I have:
Here is some video of Abby in the car on the way there:
I think she got the fact that we were going to see Mickey and friends, but she had no idea what it would be like...neither did her Mommy. The second we got into the Magic Kingdom Abby was in heaven and Mommy was in tears. From the giant Christmas tree to the castle, she was in awe. "Look Mommy" quickly became the start of every sentence. The joy on her face and wonder in her voice was the biggest gift I could ever ask for. I am so blessed to have witnessed my child experience so much excitement and joy.
After a few quick pictures
and a trip to the bathroom to change a diaper (without the diaper bag...ugggh) the first parade came through. She was so excited to see Woody (which was a surprise to me that she knew who he was) and Goofy, she was waving and yelling out to them.
After the parade passed, it stopped for a little dance party in the street. She wanted to give Goofy a hug so bad. Here is a little video, listen close to the last part of the clip...too cute!
We got to Conga dance with Goofy ("conga just like Dora...."). Abby was just overjoyed to be a part of the dancing.
Once the parade was over we continued on our way. Abby wanted to go to the castle to see Tinkerbell, because that is her castle you know, but we didn't have the heart to tell her that it was Cinderella's. Next time I guess.
So, on to Fantasy Land we went. First stop, Dumbo! Abby knew he was an Elephant but didn't know his name. We chatted about him on and off during our 45 minute wait. Yes, 45 minutes. She did rather well for a 2 year old. Mommy held her a lot while we waited, playing "Round and round......UP and DOWN!!" We laughed and laughed at that little game/ride of Mommy's. Then it was our turn!
Family Photo on Dumbo
Abby and Dumbo
Next it was on to the carousel ride! Abby was excited to ride a horsey!!
All the fun made us HUNGRY, so on to lunch we went. Even lunch time is fun at Disney...Abby decided to play a little Peek-A-Boo with her chair:
After lunch was the first time we had to chase our stroller down...it never was in the same spot that we left it. Apparently, there are workers who continually consolidate the strollers and if you left your stroller in a non-stroller parking zone it was relocated...we quickly learned that! So after a few minutes of searching for our stroller, on to the Tiki Room we went. Abby enjoyed all the birds and the music but I don't think she was too excited for the dark. After that, another stroller search and then a little The Magic Carpet Ride.
You can tell that Abby is starting to get tired at this point...the paci was just about the only thing that would save us as we waited in line. We figured we would squeeze one more ride before nap time so over to It's a Small World we went. Abby loved everything about It's a Small World, from the wait in line, to the music, lights and figurines! It was so much fun to watch her clap, point and enjoy!
After that it was time to head back to the hotel for a little nap, so on the bus we went. Abby was out C-O-L-D! She slept through a 45 minute bus ride, checking in to the hotel, riding the elevator and get into our room--all without waking up. Mommy and Abby squeezed in another hour and 45 minute nap while Daddy hit Walmart for a pair of swim trunks. After nap, we all went for a little swim. It was a bit cold but Abby was having a blast. About 5 minutes into our swim MJ freaked out, jumped out of the pool to remove the room key from his pocket and back in he went. Then, about 3 minutes after that he felt a little vibration in his pocket and reached in to find his iPhone had just shut off. BUMMER!!! Needless to say, that was the end of that iPhone. Oh well, what can you do?! Guess this is why they shouldn't put pockets in swimsuits! After leaving the pool it was a little bit of a fight getting her ready to go back to the park so I had to suggest that we needed to take Mickey some snacks because it was getting late and he was hungry. That seemed to work, so after a quick change and little snack of our own, back on the bus we went.
Once we got back into the park we headed straight for the mouse--Mickey Mouse that is!!! I have to say that I was really impressed with the entire experience. I was truly expecting an hour wait to see Mickey and Minnie but the line was short and moved fast too. I loved the small holding room that resembled an old mail room and the lovely lady managing those in line. Then it was our turn to go to Mickey's dressing room so down the small dark hallway we went. Then the door opened and we were once again transported into a new world! We were the next family to see Mickey and I was getting so excited, so I'm sure Abby was feeling the same. I love this next video, I can't stop watching it and tear up every time I hear Abby whisper "Bye Minnie" at the end:
Guess you can tell that all of us were having a great time!!
I love the last photo...we were headed out of Mickey's dressing room and Abby said that she wanted to go back and talk to Mickey some more. She was a little sad to leave so we had to promise her that we would come back again "someday". That made her (and Mommy) happy! Again, I think this was the BEST part of the trip because it was truly magical AND we were not rushed through but were given plenty of time to hug and chat with our friends. LOVED IT!!!
After Mickey, we headed back to meet Tinkerbell. I never thought it would be a longer wait for Tinkerbell than Mickey, but sadly--it was! Much to our surprise, we got to meet Terence and see Tinkerbell's work shop too! Even though Abby was excited to meet Terence, she wasn't too sure about the whole thing. Terence really tried to get her to smile, so did Mommy by pointing out all of the "glitter" on Terence. I was quickly corrected--"That is Pixi Dust. It gets all over you when you work with it all day." How quickly I forgot that we were in Pixi Hollow, not the real world!
Next was Tink! Again, Abby was a little too shy to enjoy it all. As we walked up to Tink she hid in my shoulder, but she did get excited when she saw the fall scepter. Tink was impressed that Abby knew about the scepter and the blue moon stone. Again, we tried for a smile, but did not get one. This is as close as we got:
As usual, once we were all done with our turn Abby wanted to go back and talk some more. Next time Abby, next time.
Next the Jungle Cruise was calling our name! We had a good time on the boat and Abby was a little confused to hear that Daddy used to drive the boat. She didn't really get it so we just said that Daddy used to work with Mickey. After that we hit the popcorn stand per Abby's request. I think she had 3 bites, but now we have a cool reusable Mickey bucket. We tried to get a good spot for the fireworks but we were too late. I guess that was ok because Abby did not want to watch them. I wound up carrying her across the park, plugging one ear with my hand and the other ear with my shoulder. Then she didn't seem to mind them too much. It was getting late and we decided it was time to call it a day. As we headed up Main Street it started to SNOW on us! At first I thought it was the fake stuff but then it started to melt...Only in Disney!!!
On our way to the tram, Abby got all upset and it took us a few minutes to understand why. She realized that she did not give Mickey his snacks and she wanted to go back and give them to her. Bless her little heart. Again, we had to promise her that we would be back someday and she could share with him then. Abby approved the plan.
After a long bus ride, and a little walk back to the hotel, all of us were ready to crash--oh wait, Abby was already out for the count! Needless to say, we all had a good night's sleep. In the morning, we packed up and headed to Downtown Disney for a little shopping...hey, what is a trip to Disney without a few souvenirs??? Abby picked out a Mermaid water bottle, a Tink Christmas placemat, a Goofy coffee cup for Aunt Wizzy and a Christmas ornament for our tree (all to go with the stuffed Mickey and Tink that she got the night before...). Mommy and Daddy picked up a few other things as well.
Even though we went home with so much more than we came with, I am so sad to report that Peanut decided not to come home with us. I think he was having just too much fun in the hotel to leave. That, or he really, really wanted a job with Mickey so he decided to try his luck and stayed behind. We wish him the best of luck and just hope that on our next visit to Florida we don't see him panhandling on a corner somewhere...
Update:
Now that we have been home for a month (yes it has taken me a long time to get all this posted) Abby still talks about how Daddy used to work with Mickey, meeting Tink, Terence and seeing the scepter, riding the horsey and elephant, eating ice cream for lunch, seeing the fireworks, riding the bus, dancing with Goofy and seeing "Tinkerbell's" castle. I am surprised when she brings these things up, out of the blue. I wasn't sure she would remember all that much of the trip, but I think I am wrong at least for the time being. As for Peanut, we have not been able to find him but his twin brother moved to town and has been filling in just fine!
This trip started with 3 plane seats instead of 2...it is so much cheaper to fly when they are under two!! But she looked so cute in her seat and not having to hold a squirming two year old was probably worth it. Abby did really well on both flights. She enjoyed her apple juice, all the snacks Mommy packed, time to color and some Little Einsteins on Mommy's phone too.
After a few days with family we headed over to the wonderful world of Disney. MJ and I debated on making the trip this time or not, but I am so glad that we got to share the magic with Abby this year. I can honestly say that A) it was worth EVERY penny, B) it was the most MAGICAL day of my life and C) I can't wait to go back again!!! I wish I could fully share the joy, wonder and awe that I witnessed, but sadly the camera can not fully capture it all. But here is what I have:
Here is some video of Abby in the car on the way there:
I think she got the fact that we were going to see Mickey and friends, but she had no idea what it would be like...neither did her Mommy. The second we got into the Magic Kingdom Abby was in heaven and Mommy was in tears. From the giant Christmas tree to the castle, she was in awe. "Look Mommy" quickly became the start of every sentence. The joy on her face and wonder in her voice was the biggest gift I could ever ask for. I am so blessed to have witnessed my child experience so much excitement and joy.
After a few quick pictures
(no idea who the two on the right are...)
"Hi, Woody!!"
After the parade passed, it stopped for a little dance party in the street. She wanted to give Goofy a hug so bad. Here is a little video, listen close to the last part of the clip...too cute!
We got to Conga dance with Goofy ("conga just like Dora...."). Abby was just overjoyed to be a part of the dancing.
We also got our first peek at Mickey and Minnie Mouse! She was super excited about that too!
Once the parade was over we continued on our way. Abby wanted to go to the castle to see Tinkerbell, because that is her castle you know, but we didn't have the heart to tell her that it was Cinderella's. Next time I guess.
So, on to Fantasy Land we went. First stop, Dumbo! Abby knew he was an Elephant but didn't know his name. We chatted about him on and off during our 45 minute wait. Yes, 45 minutes. She did rather well for a 2 year old. Mommy held her a lot while we waited, playing "Round and round......UP and DOWN!!" We laughed and laughed at that little game/ride of Mommy's. Then it was our turn!
Family Photo on Dumbo
The view:
Abby and Dumbo
Next it was on to the carousel ride! Abby was excited to ride a horsey!!
Mommy had to ride too
All the fun made us HUNGRY, so on to lunch we went. Even lunch time is fun at Disney...Abby decided to play a little Peek-A-Boo with her chair:
After lunch was the first time we had to chase our stroller down...it never was in the same spot that we left it. Apparently, there are workers who continually consolidate the strollers and if you left your stroller in a non-stroller parking zone it was relocated...we quickly learned that! So after a few minutes of searching for our stroller, on to the Tiki Room we went. Abby enjoyed all the birds and the music but I don't think she was too excited for the dark. After that, another stroller search and then a little The Magic Carpet Ride.
You can tell that Abby is starting to get tired at this point...the paci was just about the only thing that would save us as we waited in line. We figured we would squeeze one more ride before nap time so over to It's a Small World we went. Abby loved everything about It's a Small World, from the wait in line, to the music, lights and figurines! It was so much fun to watch her clap, point and enjoy!
There was so much to look at! Bet she would have loved to ride it again.
After that it was time to head back to the hotel for a little nap, so on the bus we went. Abby was out C-O-L-D! She slept through a 45 minute bus ride, checking in to the hotel, riding the elevator and get into our room--all without waking up. Mommy and Abby squeezed in another hour and 45 minute nap while Daddy hit Walmart for a pair of swim trunks. After nap, we all went for a little swim. It was a bit cold but Abby was having a blast. About 5 minutes into our swim MJ freaked out, jumped out of the pool to remove the room key from his pocket and back in he went. Then, about 3 minutes after that he felt a little vibration in his pocket and reached in to find his iPhone had just shut off. BUMMER!!! Needless to say, that was the end of that iPhone. Oh well, what can you do?! Guess this is why they shouldn't put pockets in swimsuits! After leaving the pool it was a little bit of a fight getting her ready to go back to the park so I had to suggest that we needed to take Mickey some snacks because it was getting late and he was hungry. That seemed to work, so after a quick change and little snack of our own, back on the bus we went.
Once we got back into the park we headed straight for the mouse--Mickey Mouse that is!!! I have to say that I was really impressed with the entire experience. I was truly expecting an hour wait to see Mickey and Minnie but the line was short and moved fast too. I loved the small holding room that resembled an old mail room and the lovely lady managing those in line. Then it was our turn to go to Mickey's dressing room so down the small dark hallway we went. Then the door opened and we were once again transported into a new world! We were the next family to see Mickey and I was getting so excited, so I'm sure Abby was feeling the same. I love this next video, I can't stop watching it and tear up every time I hear Abby whisper "Bye Minnie" at the end:
Guess you can tell that all of us were having a great time!!
I love the last photo...we were headed out of Mickey's dressing room and Abby said that she wanted to go back and talk to Mickey some more. She was a little sad to leave so we had to promise her that we would come back again "someday". That made her (and Mommy) happy! Again, I think this was the BEST part of the trip because it was truly magical AND we were not rushed through but were given plenty of time to hug and chat with our friends. LOVED IT!!!
After Mickey, we headed back to meet Tinkerbell. I never thought it would be a longer wait for Tinkerbell than Mickey, but sadly--it was! Much to our surprise, we got to meet Terence and see Tinkerbell's work shop too! Even though Abby was excited to meet Terence, she wasn't too sure about the whole thing. Terence really tried to get her to smile, so did Mommy by pointing out all of the "glitter" on Terence. I was quickly corrected--"That is Pixi Dust. It gets all over you when you work with it all day." How quickly I forgot that we were in Pixi Hollow, not the real world!
Next was Tink! Again, Abby was a little too shy to enjoy it all. As we walked up to Tink she hid in my shoulder, but she did get excited when she saw the fall scepter. Tink was impressed that Abby knew about the scepter and the blue moon stone. Again, we tried for a smile, but did not get one. This is as close as we got:
As usual, once we were all done with our turn Abby wanted to go back and talk some more. Next time Abby, next time.
Next the Jungle Cruise was calling our name! We had a good time on the boat and Abby was a little confused to hear that Daddy used to drive the boat. She didn't really get it so we just said that Daddy used to work with Mickey. After that we hit the popcorn stand per Abby's request. I think she had 3 bites, but now we have a cool reusable Mickey bucket. We tried to get a good spot for the fireworks but we were too late. I guess that was ok because Abby did not want to watch them. I wound up carrying her across the park, plugging one ear with my hand and the other ear with my shoulder. Then she didn't seem to mind them too much. It was getting late and we decided it was time to call it a day. As we headed up Main Street it started to SNOW on us! At first I thought it was the fake stuff but then it started to melt...Only in Disney!!!
On our way to the tram, Abby got all upset and it took us a few minutes to understand why. She realized that she did not give Mickey his snacks and she wanted to go back and give them to her. Bless her little heart. Again, we had to promise her that we would be back someday and she could share with him then. Abby approved the plan.
After a long bus ride, and a little walk back to the hotel, all of us were ready to crash--oh wait, Abby was already out for the count! Needless to say, we all had a good night's sleep. In the morning, we packed up and headed to Downtown Disney for a little shopping...hey, what is a trip to Disney without a few souvenirs??? Abby picked out a Mermaid water bottle, a Tink Christmas placemat, a Goofy coffee cup for Aunt Wizzy and a Christmas ornament for our tree (all to go with the stuffed Mickey and Tink that she got the night before...). Mommy and Daddy picked up a few other things as well.
Even though we went home with so much more than we came with, I am so sad to report that Peanut decided not to come home with us. I think he was having just too much fun in the hotel to leave. That, or he really, really wanted a job with Mickey so he decided to try his luck and stayed behind. We wish him the best of luck and just hope that on our next visit to Florida we don't see him panhandling on a corner somewhere...
Update:
Now that we have been home for a month (yes it has taken me a long time to get all this posted) Abby still talks about how Daddy used to work with Mickey, meeting Tink, Terence and seeing the scepter, riding the horsey and elephant, eating ice cream for lunch, seeing the fireworks, riding the bus, dancing with Goofy and seeing "Tinkerbell's" castle. I am surprised when she brings these things up, out of the blue. I wasn't sure she would remember all that much of the trip, but I think I am wrong at least for the time being. As for Peanut, we have not been able to find him but his twin brother moved to town and has been filling in just fine!
December 18, 2011
A Little Christmas Fun
Abby is in love with all things Christmas, from the lights to the blow up Santas! Here is Abby at Gramps and Grandma D's with the Jolly Ole Man:
December 14, 2011
Potty Progress
Big news to report in the world of "thinking about potty training"...today at school Abby 1) asked to go potty out of the blue 2) had a clean diaper upon request and 3) pooped in the toilet for the first time ever!!! I must say that this is a pretty big day for Abby. I realize that we are a far cry from officially being potty trained, but it is getting harder and harder to deny that she is ready. The above events, along with Abby taking off her wet diaper while I was in the other room and then announcing the need for a new one pretty much seals the deal. I'm glad that we are planning on a 3 day boot camp right after Christmas, or maybe we'll even start on Christmas day. We'll see how ambitious Mommy feels when the day gets here.
Until then, the potty prep continues. I washed another 9 pair of undies tonight and Santa is bringing her 3 more pair for her stocking (My Little Pony ones because I hear they are the smallest ones out there. If you have a Peanut too and want more details, let me know and I will share...). I laugh each time I go to fold them because the are soooooo tiny. I only wish her little bum would stay that small forever. Wait, that would be weird!
Until then, the potty prep continues. I washed another 9 pair of undies tonight and Santa is bringing her 3 more pair for her stocking (My Little Pony ones because I hear they are the smallest ones out there. If you have a Peanut too and want more details, let me know and I will share...). I laugh each time I go to fold them because the are soooooo tiny. I only wish her little bum would stay that small forever. Wait, that would be weird!
School Wounds
Well, Abby came home with her first school wound: bite marks. MJ picked her up today and was told of the incident, buy the name of the biter was not released. I understand this completely--if Abby was a biter I wouldn't want the other parents judging her (or me) for such actions--but according to Abby, Noah was the culprit. And I can see that being true only because Abby loves Noah and probably pushed him to the limits by not listening or not giving him the space he needed. Not to say that it was her fault, but just that these two are together all the time and I have been waiting for something like this to happen.
I'm just glad that Abby wasn't the one biting!!
I'm just glad that Abby wasn't the one biting!!
December 12, 2011
Shopping!!
MJ and I enjoyed a little Christmas shopping for Abby tonight and I have to say that I am getting really excited for Christmas this year!! I think she is going to love what we have picked out so far and I hope to get the rest of her done tomorrow...I have the day off and plan on spending most of it shopping. With a yummy Starbucks in hand. You got to love vacation days and prepaid daycare!!
December 03, 2011
Our Little Elf
Well the time finally came to put up the Christmas tree and I must say that Abby is a great helper! MJ and I let her have first dibs and do what ever she wanted.
I love those videos! I love watching her concentrate as she hand the ornaments, I love that her pants are on backwards because she put them on herself, I love to hear her little words, I could go on all day.
Although Abby did a great job, we did have to move a few of the ornaments around (did you notice that all six snowmen ended up in the same spot?) but it was completely worth it.
Last night we went downtown to watch the tree lighting. Abby had a great time "crunching" the snow, eating cookies and looking at the tree. Here is Abby and daddy by the 50 foot tree:
Oh the joy of Christmas! It appears that we are not the only ones who enjoy the season...the cats have taken over this soot under the tree:
Christmas is the perfect season!!
I love those videos! I love watching her concentrate as she hand the ornaments, I love that her pants are on backwards because she put them on herself, I love to hear her little words, I could go on all day.
Although Abby did a great job, we did have to move a few of the ornaments around (did you notice that all six snowmen ended up in the same spot?) but it was completely worth it.
Last night we went downtown to watch the tree lighting. Abby had a great time "crunching" the snow, eating cookies and looking at the tree. Here is Abby and daddy by the 50 foot tree:
Oh the joy of Christmas! It appears that we are not the only ones who enjoy the season...the cats have taken over this soot under the tree:
Christmas is the perfect season!!
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