Christmas in Ann Arbor...

We returned yesterday around 2 in the afternoon from Ann Arbor, where we spent Christmas at my mom's house. We had a great time and got to see a lot of family and friends which was wonderful.

We were so lucky with our travel, we had no issues flying there or coming back which was amazing. There were was some crazy weather and a lot of delayed and cancelled flights in the week surrounding Christmas that thank goodness didn't affect us. Audrey is true form got sick on Monday and was not feeling great until about Friday, but she was a trooper. The flight out was a little hairy before take off, but she slept almost the entire flight so it was fine.

We got to Michigan and Charlie's parents picked us and our millions of pieces of luggage up from the airport (you would have thought we went for weeks and not a couple of days). We went to my mom's house and celebrated Christmas Eve with my mom, her boyfriend Jim, my sister, my brother, Charlie's parents and good family friends, the the Freeman's.

We enjoyed Christmas and spent a pretty low key day with the family. We got up and opened presents which was an event in it's self (there were 8 adults and Audrey, just a couple of gifts to open). The rest of the day we pretty much relaxed which was nice. Audrey made 3 outfit changes which was fun. Granted I didn't get any good shots of her in her Christmas dress, she is still in the "not easy to take pictures of" stage I guess. We ended the day with a wonderful dinner and said good bye to Charlie's parents that night. They headed back to Chicago and headed to Orlando to spend some time with his sister and her husband.

Friday, we went up to Fenton and celebrated Christmas with my dad and got to see his new house which was great. We also got to spend some time with my Grandpa which was nice, I hadn't seen him for well over a year. He is 92 and looks darn good if I do say so.

One of the fun parts of the trip was getting out my brother and sister and I's old toys for Audrey to play with. My brother has a Brio Train set that my mom still has that we set up. Audrey actually thought it was cool, and enjoyed sitting in the middle of the track and saying "choo choo". I also found a copy of the Little Mermaid, VHS of course, in the basement and brought it up to play for Audrey. The movie as a whole didn't excite her, but she LOVED Under the Sea and Kiss the Girl and danced her little butt off several times to them (ok, maybe all of the Lutz women danced with her).

Overall we had a great trip! Thanks mom for everything, we really had a great time! It always goes by too quick, but hopefully we will see everyone again soon...

Audrey and Aunt Danielle...

Audrey and Dad on Christmas...Audrey, my Grandpa and I...

Audrey playing with Grandma Lutz

Santa Treated Audrey Well...

Surprise right??? Audrey got some wonderful gifts for Christmas (thank you to everyone that got her all the wonderful gifts!), and definitely enjoyed them all as you can see from the pictures. Santa came twice, as we left on Christmas Eve, so Santa brought her some stuff Christmas Eve morning and then came again in Ann Arbor on Christmas Day. Santa seemed to know that she is REALLY into baby dolls (BA-BA as she calls her baby). She got a high chair, stroller, crib and feedings set for her baby and loves them all. She was going all over my mom's house with the stroller, it was pretty funny. Btw, I had no idea that Maclaren made doll strollers until a couple of weeks ago, SO cute! She got tons of other stuff too, clothes, books, dress up clothes, an Anywhere Chair, a dump truck from Grandpa and plenty more. She enjoyed the opening for a short amount of time, but got overwhelmed pretty quickly. I guess I don't blame her. Here are tons of pictures of her with her new toys and opening her gifts...

Here is Audrey's Braintree Santa gifts. She ran straight for the high chair...
Here she is in her Anywhere Chair, too cute...

Here she is Christmas Morning with her stroller...

Opening her stocking...

The gift opening...

The Bitty Baby Feeding set, a big hit, especially the bib...

Merry Christmas...

A little early, but close enough! Can you believe Christmas is 2 days away??? We are headed to Michigan tomorrow to my mom's to spend Christmas there. Wish us luck with our flight, we have our fingers crossed we get there ok, as Michigan and Massachusetts have had their fair share of snow storms the last couple of days. We are lucky enough to be able to see most of our family this year, as Charlie's parents are driving over from Chicago to spend Christmas Eve & day with us. Audrey is lucky enough to have Santa arrive twice, he is coming tonight to drop off her big gifts here at home and will come on Christmas of course for the rest. I have a great story to go along with this, you think she will ask? Ha...

Anyways, Merry Christmas everyone! Hope everyone was a wonderful day surrounded by people that you love.

p.s. I have to send a big thanks to Lisa, my friend and Photo Shop expert that helped a ton with our Christmas cards again this year (she brought the snowflake to life from last year too:)

More Cookies...

Friday night, during the snow storm, we had a play date of sorts, decorating sugar cookies! I invited a couple of neighbors over to decorate sugar cookies because I thought the kids (2 little girls and 1 little boy plus Audrey) would enjoy it. I originally had envisioned baking the cookies with the kids and then having them frost and decorate, but I quickly came to the realization that decorating would be more in line with their attention spans (especially Audrey's as she was the youngest).

They had a blast (as did the mom's). They all were very different in how they approached the decorating. Audrey just wanted to eat her cookie, shocker right? Izzy and Brighid were pretty meticulous with their frosting and decorating and waited til they were done to eat the cookies. Finn, the only boy, went full force and kept the girls in line. There were some awesome looking, and tasting cookies that came out of it!

Charlie and I and Audrey of course enjoyed the fruits of their labor all weekend, like we need more sweets right now... It was a lot of fun and great way to spend a snowy Friday evening.

Sleigh Ride...

We had a Neighborhood Sleigh Ride this past Thursday which was an absolute blast! Our neighbors are awesome. There are several ladies that have been very active in organizing activities for the neighborhood (they started an Annual Summer Block Party 2 years ago that is a ton of fun) and they got the idea to do a sleigh ride for the kids before Christmas. It is actually not the "neighborhood" but the houses on the couple of blocks closest to us. The best part is that there are TONS of kids just in those houses, I bet there was 30 kids there running around (and a couple bundled tightly and held that can't walk yet). There are a couple of little girls Audrey's age which is great, and there are 2 other women pregnant right now so

there is another wave coming (we have some catching up to do, most families have 3+!).

We all met at one of the families house and had pizza and hot chocolate before heading out to the cold. Then we headed out and went in groups on the sleigh ride. As you can see in the pictures, it wasn't a real sleigh, but kind of a wagon on wheels. It was drawn by 2 horses, which were absolutely gorgeous. Audrey wasn't so sure about them of course, but they were big. We went around a good loop in the neighborhood and the kids sang Christmas carols (we are in need of song booklets next year so us adults can know the words!), a ton of fun. It was fairly cold out, which didn't seem to bother the kids (or the adults who were enjoying their beverages around the fire), but I was not thrilled it about as Audrey for some reason will not wear her hat or mittens. So she ran around without them (yes, I guess I am that mom) and didn't seem to mind, though her hands were bright red by the end of the night, and yes, then it was time to go home.

Thanks to the Lannon's for hosting this event at their house and to Geralyn and Mary Ann for organizing! We can't wait for next year!

Winter Wonderland...

Well, we finally got our 1st big snow storm here in Massachusetts. We have gotten a ton of rain (and ice as you may have seen on the news), but only 1 small snow fall a couple of weeks ago. And it sure is not disappointing. I'm preaching to the choir on how much we actually have gotten, as most of you that read this have gotten the same storm, but we are well over the 1 foot mark and it continues to fall. It started on Friday at around 2 pm and basically has not stopped. I am thankful for a couple things a) that I got out of work early on Friday and avoided any snow or traffic due to snow whatsoever and b) that it is the weekend and we don't have to leave the house. Granted I had a couple last minute things that I needed to do before Christmas, but nothing that will be a big deal if I don't do. I was lucky to use my getting home early on Friday to run to the mall and finish up my main shopping while Audrey was still at day care. Anyways, Charlie has enjoyed snow blowing out the driveway and sidewalks yesterday and this morning (no I'm not kidding, he LOVES snow blowing, you really shouldn't be surprised by this). He was very sweet this morning and cleared out the old lady across the roads driveway and walkway as no one had touched it (really sad actually). You are probably wondering where the pictures are of Audrey out playing in all this snow, HA! Charlie took her out Friday and I took her out yesterday and she basically HATES the snow. No idea why, but she won't let you put her down in it. She also won't keep her hat or mittens on so that doesn't help things. I am going to try again after her nap, wish me luck... Instead here is Charlie out snow blowing...

Testing, Audrey & a Newborn...

So we had an awesome weekend (but exhausting at the same time) last weekend, but I haven't had time this week to write about it! I can't believe how this week has gotten away from me, or that Christmas is now officially a week away, ugh... I had an overwhelming list at the beginning of the week but I have knocked off a ton and am feeling a little bit better. But I digress...

We made a trip up to Marblehead to visit the LaBossiere family. They not only just had a new baby boy, Michael, but they just moved into a new house so we went up there to see both new additions. Michael slept 99% of the time we were there (and it was over 3 hours) which I still can't believe. Charlie asked if we could "order one of those" (I am kind of hoping the same). He decided to get up right before we left so I could hold him and Audrey could get to have some practice with this newborn baby thing. She actually did really well, she was very curious, but gentile with him. She also didn't freak out while I was holding him like I thought she would, I thought she would be jealous but no, barely noticed. So hopefully this is a good sign for things to come...

Audrey and Maddie got to play while us adults caught up and got tours of the house. It is always fun to see them interact with each other. They are 3 weeks apart and are doing the same things, but they are different in their personalities (and in looks, Audrey is a good amount bigger then Maddie, but she doesn't seem to have a complex yet) but they always play pretty well together. They enjoyed chasing each other around in circles through the house (the little things in life right?) and playing with Maddie's toys.

Their house brought back major memories for Charlie and I. They bought an old house that is a fixer upper and have been working on it for a couple of months before moving in. What they have done already looks great and it was nice to finally see the house after hearing about it since September! Of course being there sparked Charlie's need to do a project on our house, so he started talking about finishing the basement as soon as we got home. There is always something...

Cookie Swap '08...

This past Sunday I hosted a Cookie Swap at my house, my 4th year doing it so far. It is always a ton of fun and this year was no exception. I had 22 ladies attend this year, which meant 22 different types of cookies, yummy! I was a big dork and took pictures once all the cookies were set up, I couldn't resist, it looked awesome.

For those of you that are looking for something to host for the holidays that isn't your typical Christmas Party this is really fun and easy. Its also nice to have all ladies, sip some cocktails (I make Pomegranate sparklers, Pomegranate juice with sparkling wine & pomegranate seeds in the bottom, yummy!), eat some cookies and enjoy some time on a Sunday afternoon. I feel like I am pretty laid back with it (though some may beg to differ:) and I realized that with having Audrey things were even more laid back this year. Everyone brings 2 - 3 dozen cookies, some to sample during the party and then everyone gets to take at least 1 of each cookie home with them. I will probably make a slight adjustment next year and cut up some of the cookies so that they are easier to sample (it's hard to taste 20 cookies no matter how hard you try). I also have everyone send their recipes ahead of time so that I can print them all together so people can make the ones they like whenever they want.

Thanks to everyone that came, I had a blast and hopefully you all did too!

18 Months...

Audrey turned 18 months this past weekend (unbelievable right?) and we went in for her 18 month check up yesterday. You will all be happy to hear that my little chunker is following her weight and height curves almost exactly. She weighed in at 29 lbs 10 oz (97th percentile) and measured 33 inches(95th percentile). I'm happy that she is growing and is healthy, but not so happy to think that I am carrying around almost 30 lbs on my hip with her and soon to be 30 lbs up front with the baby. Oh well, it will build my arm muscles right?

No huge developments from the appointment, though we did have a discussion about Audrey's milk drinking. We have kidded for awhile that we should get a cow out back with the amount of milk the girl drinks, it really is unreal. I was told that she should only be having 16 oz a day (which is 2 full sippy cups) when she is currently drinking 4 + cups a day. Apparently she can get anemia from all of the milk, which seemed so weird to be but I googled it and confirmed the doctors concern (I guess milk can actually block iron absorption and is very low in iron itself). So we need to work on that. I also got the ok to switch her from whole to 2% milk. The funniest part about her weighing so much is she doesn't eat much at all, so I think most of her fat is from the milk right now and I am hoping with the drop to 2% that will help things. I was also asked if she knows 10 words and I kind of said "oh sure" because I really have no idea. I got home and told Charlie that and he laughed and said there is no way she says that many words. Low and behold we counted (and kept counting thru out the evening) and she knows at least that many, so I guess that is good right?

Here's to a healthy kid...

Let It Snow...

We got our 1st snow fall of the season yesterday, which was perfect because it was Sunday and we didn't have to go anywhere. It was very pretty sitting in our house and watching it fall all day. Audrey has seen snow before, but she certainly doesn't remember it, so it was fun to watch her reaction to it. She loved to stand in the window and watch it fall (though she loves to stand in the window and watch just about anything, dogs go by, the garbage trucks, whatever). At one point I decided it would be fun to take her out in it, you know, some good ol' Kodak moments. Well what a production that was. She didn't get that she couldn't just go outside like she is used to in the summer/fall. Charlie and I had to tag team her, but we convinced her to put her brand new snow pants on so she could play in the snow. Well of course we get them on and they don't fit (too small of course). So we have to take them off her which went well. Then I tell her she has to wear her boots. She has brand new winter boats that again she hasn't worn. So somehow we got them on her, she fought it the entire time, and here is the proof. I made her go outside in them and she literally wouldn't take a step in them! Fine, so I brought her in to put her sneakers on and we go back out. We take a walk around the block and I realize very quickly that she doesn't like snow. She will only walk on the road where there is no snow, and the couple of times snow got stuck to her shoe she stopped and pointed and made me wipe it off. She never ceases to amaze me, or make me laugh for that matter. I am hoping that a) I can exchange her snow pants for the right size with no issue (ie. that they still have them) and b) that she will actually wear her boots at some point. It took her at least a week to wear her winter coat, but now she wears it every day. Usually she does things for Nancy she doesn't do for me, so that is my other angle, bringing them to day care tomorrow. Bring on the winter...

Deck the Halls...

Well, I think I am officially in the holiday spirit after this weekend. I have a hard time getting excited about Christmas before Thanksgiving, but now that that is over and done with it is time. The house is pretty much decorate after this weekend which is always a good feeling. I even found the Holiday Station on Sirius yesterday and had it blaring most of the day (Channel 81 - Holly, used to be on 2 last year, stupid XM merger).

We had a pretty full weekend, which started with something completely non-holiday related, but was exciting none the less. Audrey and I went to her 1st session of Tot Tumbling at the YMCA in a neighboring town at 9 am Saturday morning. She was so excited to leave the house, and had no idea what she was in for. It was kind of interesting, it was basically about 20 1 - 3 year olds with their parents and some Y employees and a ton of little stations for the kids to go and do. There was no structure to it at all. It was a free for all, and Audrey didn't stop for the 45 minutes we were there. There were things to climb and jump on, a little slide, balls, hoops to crawl thru, balance beams we never made it too, etc. There were 2 circle time type activities (1 was a parachute which was cool) that she wanted nothing to do with but oh well, maybe next week. I have to admit, I was EXHAUSTED when it was over, as was she, she conked out on the ride home and went straight for her nap.

Then there was the us getting a tree debacle. When she woke up from her nap, we bundled up, got in Charlie's truck and headed out to go cut down our Christmas Tree. We used to cut down my families Christmas Tree every year growing up and I love the memories from it (hot chocolate in the barn, smell of pine, all 5 of us never agreeing on a tree, too fun). I have been wanting to do it since we moved out here, but I finally got my way now that I could explain how much Audrey would enjoy the experience. We looked up Tree Farms in the area, and one looked familiar to Charlie (it had been recommended by a co-worker) so we decided to go there. It was kind of in the middle of no where, well not kind of, it was. We get close and I asked if we were getting cash (they of course only take cash/check). We had forgotten to stop at an ATM, and had to go about 15 minutes past the place til we found one. So we have cash and we drive up to this place. I hate to say it but it was totally a disapointment! Let me just say that it was maybe on an acre of land, and most of the trees when you drove up were like Charlie Brown trees, really small. So we drive up and ask the women what the heights are that they had left. She said we should have no trouble finding a 7 - 7 1/2 footer which was all we needed. So we get out and start walking and it really was kind of sad. They were all really small and just not nice full trees. So I am determined to at least take some pictures to prove we are there. I get the camera out and snaped 3 pictures and it wouldn't go anymore. Yeah, the battery died. We just laughed and walked back to the car. So here are 2 picture of her touching some random tree just to remember this whole experience.

Not to worry, we drove all the way home and 1/2 mile from our house to the local place that we get our tree from every year (and my wreaths). I had no camera, so I used my phone and got this less then stellar picture. But this is our actual tree in case you were wondering. Anyways, our tree is perfect, I am actually very happy with it. It is very thick and looks great in the living room. We, or should I say I, decorated it yesterday. I will put pictures up later, I'm still hoping to convince Audrey that decorating the tree is fun. I'm not holding my breath though, I think it maybe the same type of thing as my tree cutting down picture in my head...

Oh Boy...

Charlie and I found out that we are having a boy this morning! I am excited, and Charlie is REALLY excited about the news. I hadn't realized how much he was hoping for a boy, until he jumped out of his seat when the doctor told us (yes, my calm husband jumped out of his seat). He is measuring right on track for his May 10th due date. We have 4 immediate family members and 1 cousin that all fall within a week or so of his due date so we will see if anyone ends up sharing a birthday with this little one... On to naming discussions, that will be fun...

Now the important part, the nursery decorating can begin, thank goodness...

Baby LaBossiere #2

Our good friends Nicole & Robb welcomed their 2nd baby into the world early this morning and I couldn't be more happy for them. Following suite with the "Year of the Boy", they had a baby boy, Michael Robb. He decided to start off life on his mom's good side by arriving quickly and a week early, gotta love it. Nicole and I have been pregnant together for both of our pregnancies which has been a lot of fun. Her daughter Maddie is the one we had a joint birthday party with and is 3 weeks older then Audrey. She beat me by a little bit with this little, but that just means she will have many words of wisdom on parenting 2 by the time I have my 2nd... I can't wait to meet Michael, thank god he is local and hopefully we can make it up to see them soon!

Congratulations LaBossieres!

Michael Robb LaBossiere

7 lbs 9 ozs ~ 19 1/2 in