As Christmas Comes to an End

One of the last few days that our Christmas decorations were up, Katie decided to spend some quality time with the advent calendar again. When she saw that there weren't any more treats in the drawers, she ran and got her Craisins and dry Chinese noodles. (Those were typically the treats in the drawers.)

She began putting her goodies in the drawers herself, and then she gave them to me to finish. Since she doesn't get the idea of opening one drawer a day until Christmas yet, I just randomly put treats in some of the drawers. I love to watch her take them out. If the drawer is empty, she just shakes her head, says "no," sets it down and moves onto the next drawer. If it has a treat, she inhales quickly like she's surprised, puts the treat in her mouth, and very dramatically says, "Yum, yum!"

After playing with the advent calendar for awhile, Katie noticed that some of the glitter from the drawers got onto her hands. Oh calamity! She tried and tried to get the glitter off, but she learned the hard lesson that glitter never comes off completely. She'll probably still find bits of glitter in a month!

I found something! 

"Mmmm…yum, yum!" 

I got glitter all over my hands! 

Maybe I should try to pick it off! 

Will this towel take it off?

Tea with Friends

Katie decided to have a tea party one afternoon after her nap. She decided to invite a few friends.

First, I need to gather everything and everyone I need. 

You should sit here, Bear. 

Are you comfortable? 

Let me just make sure I have the milk. 

You have to be careful when you pour the milk out of the carton. 

Polar Bear, meet Brown Bear. 

I like to hold my teapot up high when I pour. 

Here's your tea. 

I'll just pour your leftovers in my cup. 

I love tea parties!

Imaginary Bubbles

The other night, Katie found one of the water bottles that happens to have a straw attached to the lid. Every time she plays with that bottle, she pictures the straw as a bubble wand and starts blowing imaginary bubbles.

She was blowing bubbles at Jennifer, and Jennifer would exclaim, "Wow! Look at all of those pretty bubbles. Look at that one, Katie! That's my favorite."

Katie would respond by having a happy look of wonder on her face while she watched the bubbles that Aunt Jennifer was pointing out to her.  I love imaginary play!

Are you ready to see my bubbles? 

First, I have to dip my wand in the bottle. 

Then I blow. 

Wow! Look at my bubbles! 

Bubbles are always fun! 

Now I have to pop the bubbles on the floor. 

I'll just end my play in this position.

Teaching Bear

My mom and I took Katie down to the basement while we printed out a couple of things off the Internet. We knew Katie would be fine because she loves to play in the basement. Soon, I started to hear piano music. I listened to Katie play as I finished my work. When I got done, I went to get her, and I found a very cute scene that Katie had set up all by herself!

I can show you how to play the piano, Bear! 

You have to watch the music up there, so you know what notes to play.

Bath Time for Bear

The other night, Katie wanted her baby bath. She got all of the bath supplies she could get and gave her bear a bath.

In the tub you go! 

Let me pour water over the top of you. 

You might like water this way better. It's a fun toy! 

Or it can be a hat! 

You're all done! Now if only I could get my slippers to fit on your feet, you'd be all set!

Fun with Chloe

One night, Chloe had just a bit too much energy, so we put her on a leash for a short time to calm her down. Katie insisted on holding onto the leash and ended up having a lot of fun with Chloe. When she finished, Chloe's extra energy had been distinguished!

I'm coming behind you, Chloe! 

Let's run! 

This is so much fun! Can you tell that I put my shoes on myself? 

You tangled me up, Chloe! 

Sometimes it's fun to swing the leash up and down! 

What did you get up there for? 

Keep coming Chloe! 

I'll keep you moving one way or another. 

You're so funny! 

Do you think I'm funny, too? 

I love you!  

We're worn out now.

Happy New Year 2013!

Katie and I didn't do a whole lot to celebrate New Year's. We did watch the new year begin on east coast time. Katie loved seeing the ball drop, and she especially loved seeing the lit up clock by the ball. She also liked all the different hats and announced each one she saw to me. We hope everyone has a wonderful new year!