Vacation!

Hi everybody! I'm on vacation! We're in Florida where there is no snow at all. It is a little bit chilly today but not nearly as bad as it is at home. Let me tell you about all the fun I've had so far!
We tried to get to Florida last Friday but our airplane broke. Our flight was cancelled and we had to go home and try again on Saturday. We got to fly in the first class seats but we had to run so fast to make our connection. Mommy jogged through the big Detroit airport pushing my stroller. I yelled "Go, go!" Mom was pretty tired when she got to our gate but we made it!
We got to Great Grandpa and Grandma Abma's house and I was a little unsettled and overwhelmed. I fussed and would not go to bed. Finally I gave up and snoozed after Dad took me for a drive. We were all very tired.
On Sunday I woke up and it was bright, sunny and so warm! I wore one of my summer dresses to church. My great grandmas and grandpas had fun showing me off. I took a good nap in the afternoon and was much calmer at night.
On Monday I went to the beach with Grandma and Grandpa Algera. I saw the Atlantic Ocean! I was so excited when I saw the water. You know I love water! I could hardly wait for Mom to get my sunblock on before I dragged Grandma and Grandpa to the shore. I splashed in waves and helped Grandpa and Dad build sandcastles. I tasted some of the water and made a funny face but it didn't bother me too much. It's not fresh water like Lake Michigan. We heard later that there were a lot of sharks migrating just north of our beach. It's good they didn't come by me! When we left I fell asleep before we even got out of the parking lot and took a good nap. When I woke up all my family came over and we had a grilling party for dinner. I had so much fun running from person to person, talking and getting lots of attention. Finally I had to go to bed but I needed a walk to calm me down. Mom and Dad took me around the neighborhood and I fell asleep stretched out over the front of my stroller.
When I woke up on Tuesday I saw Mom's toes sticking out from her bed. My crib was right by the foot of the bed and I could tickle her toes! I woke her up by poking her toes and giggling. We had a good snuggle and then got up for the day. We picked up Grandma and Grandpa and drove all the way to the Miami Zoo. I had so much fun seeing the animals! I saw pelicans, flamingos, bears, tigers, camels, elephants, meerkats and so many other things! I waved and pointed until I was so tired. Mommy got me a stuffed white tiger and Grandpa got me an animal book. I had fun snuggling and reading.
On the way home there was so much traffic! The power went out in Florida and everyone was going home at the same time. There was lots of honking and it took a long time to get to the hotel. I was a little fussed. But I calmed down when Mom and I finally relaxed in our room.
On Wednesday I woke Mom and Dad up early so we could go to Everglades National Park. It was windy and chilly so we didn't get to hike as much as we wanted too. We walked the Anhinga Trail and I saw anhingas and alligators. The alligators swim around with just their noses above the water. I saw an anhinga eat a fish! Mom says she would not like to be a fish in those rivers. After that we walked the Gumbo Limbo Trail. I did not want to be pushed in the stroller, I wanted to walk it myself! So Mom let me out and I explored. I saw lots of leaves and I found a tree snail shell.
We drove all the way to the end of the road to the Flamingo ranger station and Florida Bay. The hurricanes in 2005 damaged all the buildings so it looks a little sad around there. It was getting colder and I was getting tired. So we ate our lunch while watching birds on Florida Bay and then we drove home. I took a good nap and woke up just before we got home. We played for a while before dinner and then ventured out. We went to a Cuban restaurant. The menu was all in Spanish! The food was very very good. I got to taste plantains. They taste a little like bananas. They were "yum, yum, yummy!" I think I'll sleep well.
Tomorrow we are going to visit more parts of the Everglades. I let you know how my day goes!

A snuggle for Mommy

This was me right before my bedtime...all washed, brushed, changed and snuggled. I laid my head down on Mom's shoulder and gave her kisses. I give silly kisses. Daddy got his first one today! He was afraid I only loved Mommy. Silly Dad.
I have had a happy last few days. I run around talking and playing. I get into everything! Today I found the tin foil in the drawer and ran around with it trailing behind me until Mom caught me and rolled it back up. I read my books out loud to Mom. She really likes when I read to her. I say "color" when I want Mom to get the crayons out. I made a red and blue masterpiece yesterday.
We went to visit Grandma and Grandpa this afternoon. Ally and Andrew were there too! We showed off pictures of Baby Sam. Ally and I ran around in our Elmos giggling and eating animal crackers. Andrew sat by Mom until I got a little jealous. He went to the doctor today. He is almost as big as I was when I was 1! He had a very cute outfit on because he got his six month pictures taken today. He was smiling and happy, even shots don't keep him down! He had a new tooth just like I do.
One last thing. Here are some of my new words! Color, bagel and milk. Mom has introduced me to bagels, grown up oatmeal and pancakes and I think they are great! Much better than baby cereal. I turn my nose up at that wallpaper paste now.

See me swimming!

Well, I don't have a picture of me swimming, so you will just have to imagine. I went swimming at the Holland Aquatic Center today. I had so much fun!
It's been a very busy week. It has been so snowy! I haven't been able to go outside much because it was so cold. Mom did get me out on my sled when it got a little warmer. Grandma has been having snow days and Uncle Nate had a very long airplane trip because of all the storming. At least Mom got to be on call Wednesday and we didn't have to go out in the below zero wind chills. I had fun playing inside and learning to say "snow". When it got really white outside I pointed and said "wow".
On Thursday Mom went to the doctor and she got pictures of the baby! I don't say baby when I look at them because they don't really look like a baby to me yet. We are very excited.
Today we had a lazy morning and then went to church to help set stuff up for the kids. Daddy build an air hockey table! I had fun watching and bringing him tools. I made sure he had the screwdrivers he needed, and even some he didn't. When it was all together I watched a game. It made me laugh out loud.
We went home for a big lunch and a big nap. After nap, we went swimming! We met a group of friends from church. When I walked in I ran right to the window by the pool and started pointing. Then Mom got my swimmer diaper and my new red bathing suit on. I was so excited I wiggled and kicked and pointed. I love the water! I splashed in the kid pool and played on the toys. There is a tire swing I rode on and fountains I ran through. I even went all the way under the water. Mom and Dad were afraid I would be scared but I just laughed and kept splashing. When it was time to get out I was sad! I pointed and said "no, no, Mommy!" Mom said we can go back another time.
I was worn out after that! Mom gave me a bath and I didn't even splash that much. I got my pjs on without wiggling and settled in with my blanket and Baby Bear. I can't wait to go swimming again!

Playing in the snow

It has been so cold and snowy here! I watched the fluffy snow fall all day. Then after my nap we went to Meijer's to get me a sled! It's just right for someone my size. Mom bundled me up in all my snow gear and we went running through the drifts. I yelled and squealed. I even liked the puffs of snow that blew in my face! We couldn't stay out for a very long time, though. It's just too cold. My nose and cheeks was red and my lips were blue. I didn't want to go in, but Mom made me. We had lots of snow to shake off in the garage. I want to make a snow man but the snow is to cold and fluffy to shape. Dad couldn't even throw a snowball at Mom. I know he wanted to! Mom put a bunch of pictures on Flickr so you can see what a great time I had.
After all that fun it was time for a big dinner. When Dad wasn't watching I got one of my arms out of my shirt. Who needs clothes?
Now I'm playing couch monster with Daddy and waiting for Mom to get my bath started. A warm bath will be just right after a long day. I'll use up all my energy swimming and then I'll snuggle into bed. What a fun day!

Silly hat girl

See my silly hat? I got new shoes today. The box was just the right size for my head! I ran around the house laughing. I like the shoes too.
Daddy had the day off today so I got to play with him! We have lots of fun playing and reading. I like chasing balls that Dad throws and reading to Mom and Dad. I don't think they understand all my words but they seem to enjoy my stories. I impressed Daddy by getting my clean diaper when Mom asked me too. I listen very well! I was quite stinky so I knew what I needed.
After we were all up and fed and dressed we went to the mall. I got my new Sunday shoes and rode around in my stroller saying hi to people. I wore myself out and took a good sleep in the afternoon.
When I woke up I was ready to rip! I played hard. We played couch monster and box head. I chased Ozzy and threw my toys all over. Finally I was so sleepy I was rubbing my eyes and hugging my sleepytime blanket. Mom took me up to snuggle but I was too playful for her to be quiet. She has to laugh when I smile, say Mama and give her kisses. Daddy came up for some serious bedtime routine. Now I'm sleeping with my warm blankets and letting the snow fall.

Happy Saturday!

I had such a fun Saturday. Mom and Dad were home and played with me all day long! I woke up right on time at 7:00. Daddy got me up and fed me a huge breakfast. We let Mom sleep in a little. We all took it pretty easy in the morning and just watched the snow fall. It is very, very cold here! I couldn't go outside to play so Dad read me all my books. See me perched on him? It's the most comfortable seat in the house.
After my yummy lunch I took a big long nap. Mom and Dad cleaned the house and put away all the Christmas stuff. The tree was gone when I woke up! I was confused. Did Daddy chop it down? But that gave me lots more room to run and throw my balls.
At night we went out for dinner at Culver's. I ate whole fries! I didn't want the chopped up ones Mom was feeding me. I ate my applesauce and tried to drink out of a grown up cup. I only spilled a little bit.
When we got home, it was bath time! I love my bath. I splash and swim and squeal. I have bath toys that I drive around in the waves. I like when I get out and Mom cuddles me in a warm blanket and puts my nice lotion on. She combs my hair and brushes my teeth and puts my snuggly pjs on. I ran around for a while after that, but now I'm in my crib snoozing. Good night! We'll see how much snow there is in the morning!

Ha Ha! Two posts in a row!

Two days of posts in a row! That means I'm being a good napper. I need my sleep because I need my energy to run around the rest of the day. See how I get myself up on the chair to look out at the snow? It got very cold here last night. I wanted to see out, so I dragged the chair to the window and climbed up. When I look out this window I can see the birds at the feeder and wave at them. Don't worry, Mom was watching me close so I wouldn't fall.
I got up very early this morning so I cuddled in bed with Mom for a little while. Then Ozzy jumped up by me and I pounced on him. He didn't seem to mind. I was wide awake then so we went to get the day started. I played hard and ate a huge lunch. It must have settled me down because I needed to snooze after that.
Today I've read most of my books to Mom and played with my doll. I like to hug her. After Mom changed my diaper I put a diaper on the doll. I'll be an expert when Baby Suzy shows up! I like to do whatever Mom does. She wouldn't let me help load the dishwasher, though. I like to grab for knives!
Mom hears squeaking! No more nap for me! Let's play!

I'm back! I've been so busy!

I'm back to my blog! I've been so busy going to parties and flying on planes and wearing Mommy out with all my inquisitiveness. Mom is going to try to add my stories during my nap because she just can't be creative at night. You see, I am going to be a big sister in the summer and "Baby Suzy" is making Mommy grumpy at night. I'm learning to call myself the"big girl".
I'm learning all kinds of words! I say birdie, kitty, doggie, potato, milk, yummy, belly, fish, Mommy and Daddy. I have lots of babble words that Mom and Dad don't quite understand yet. I imitate the words they say to me. I laugh a lot and like to be silly!
I just finished my lunch of macaroni and cheese. I like it! I said yum, yum, YUMMY!! when Mom got out the box. I like homemade pasta too. I've tried all kinds of new foods in the last month. I have 11 teeth now so I can munch a much wider variety of treats. I got lots of "num num" over Christmas! I got lots of fun presents and I got to go to all kinds of parties. I wore my pretty Christmas dress to church. I flew on an airplane to visit Grandma and Grandpa in NJ!
Today I am taking a good nap and when I wake up Mom and I are going to go grocery shopping. Mom will take me to see the parakeets! There is a picture of a parakeet in my big word book and I like to point at it. Then we'll come home and watch the snow fall. I need to get a sled so Daddy can take me to Van Raalte Hill to slide!

Snowy day!

Guess what? When I woke up this morning there was snow on the ground. I don't really remember this from last year. Daddy says he took me out to touch snow last year but I was too little to appreciate it. Today Mommy bundled me up in my snow pants and coat, hat, mittens and boots and we went out to play in the snow! It was a long process getting me into everything and it was a little hard to walk with it all on. I fell down in the snow a few times before I figured it out. Snow is cold! Mommy showed me how to throw a snowball but all I can do is fluff the snow with my hands. I walked over to check out the reindeer in the DeWitt's yard. It was windy so I got chilly pretty soon and Mom had to take me inside and unbundle. I had fun, though! I squealed and pointed out the window once I was back inside.
My day had its ups and downs because of my teeth. But mostly I had fun. We read "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" many many times. I point to the dog and the baby. I turn the pages one by one and tell the story to Mom in my own language.
We listened to Christmas music on the radio and Mommy taught me how to dance like a Rockette. I kick my feet in the air! It made me laugh and giggle. I'm not quite as coordinated as a Rockette but I can smile just as big!
When Daddy came home I was so excited. I yelled "Daddy!" and ran to him. I made him sit down and read to me while Mom made dinner. When we sat down to eat, I folded my hands before we prayed! I'm learning to do that. I liked my applesauce and potatoes. Ozzzy wanted some too, so I dropped a bit for him. He's learning to hang out under my seat at lunch and dinner time. He got some chicken bits at lunchtime.
I got tired a little early tonight, so Daddy snuggled me under my warm blanket a little early. I had a very busy day! I think I'll sleep well until the morning.

Christmas trees and trains!

I had such a fun Saturday! I woke up and played with Daddy to start out. Then we all got ready to go away! We went to the Meijer Gardens to see the trees. Grandpa and Grandma met us there! I was so excited to see them. Grandma picked me up right out of my stroller so I could see the shiny, sparkly trees. They were much bigger than my tree at home and they were all decorated from ornaments from different countries. In the picture, Mommy and I are looking at the Korea tree. It had lots of bright colors. I liked those. I liked the big Germany tree at the entrance. Daddy found the pickle ornament so he gets the first present at Christmas time. Grandma liked the Iceland tree because it had red balls and snowflakes just like hers.
Besides all the trees, there were trains! I saw the train first and Mom and Dad had to find out what I was pointing at. The trains went round and round on their tracks. There were two tracks, one up high and one down near the ground. I had fun running along the lower one. I made train noises; "choo, whoo...." I kept making train noises even when we got home.
We went into the tropical garden where Mom and Grandma let me run around a bit. I saw little birds that chirped! How exciting! I pointed at everything and babbled. There were lights and big ornaments on the big tropical trees. Then we went to the desert garden where I pointed at cacti and meerkats. Ally told me about those! They made me laugh.
I was so worn out after all that. I cried when Grandma and Grandpa went to their car and I had to get into my seat. But I munched my lunch on the way home and made train noises. When we got home I took a very short nap. My teeth woke me up. I played around until I fell asleep on Daddy's lap. He's a good cuddler.
When I woke up from my nap, it was snowing. Brrrrr. It looks very cold, but I'm inside running around and playing by my tree. I had a very yummy dinner and now Mom can smell that it's time for a bath and new diaper. I'll get warm and snuggly in my new bigger pajamas, eat my bedtime snack, get my Tylenol and snuggle in for the night. What a fun day!

New tooth!

That's the news for the day! I have a new tooth! Daddy found it when he was feeding me my applesauce and I gave him a big grin. It's way back in my mouth on the left side. It's number five! And there are more on the way.
I had a very happy day today. I woke up chattering to Mommy and Ozzy. Mom got me all pretty and dressed up in my Christmas dress to get my pictures taken. I smiled so nice and took pretty pictures. Mom can pick them up next week.
It was very windy outside today. When Mom got my stroller out at WalMart it blew all the way to the road! A nice man chased it down for us so Mom didn't have to run carrying me. I thought it was very funny. It was too cold to play outside for very long but we did stick our heads out for a few minutes in the afternoon.
I took a good nap in the afternoon and when I woke up Grandma was at my house! I smiled and ran to her. It was a nice surprise. She had an appointment in Zeeland and was very close to our house. She helped Mom put up decorations and clean the house a little. Tired Mommy appreciated it.
After dinner I still had to be goofy. I got the Cheerios out of the pantry and threw them around. Dad took some video and Mom figured out how to blog it. So you can watch it right from here!
After all that I needed my sleep. I fussed a little and didn't want my diaper changed. But Mom and Dad won out and now I'm snoozing with my sleepytime blanket.

Cheerios!

I like Cheerios! They are just as much fun to play with as they are to eat.

Happy baby is back!

I've been keeping Mom so busy she hasn't had time to blog! We've been having so much fun. I learn new things every day and keep Mom and Dad busy and amused.
Yesterday was Thanksgiving and I had a great day! We went to church in the morning. I went to nursery and read lots of books. I read some to the other kids. Maybe I will be a librarian like Grandma.
After church we went to Uncle Vern and Aunt Mary's house for lunch. There were lots of kids there for me to play with. Allison and Andrew were there and so were Buckrey and Grady. I had fun following Buckrey around and playing with his toys. We ate a big lunch. I had ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, applesauce and chocolate milk! And for dessert I had some bites of pie. It was really good. After lunch Grandpa and Daddy took me and Allison out to see the cows. They were loud and I was a little scared. I hung on to Dad. I played through the afternoon and watched some football with Dad. Then I was so tired I had to go home and take a good nap.
Today Mom and Dad were both home with me! I got up early but Mom convinced me to snuggle in bed for a while. I rested until Ozzy came to join us. Then I got up and petted him. After we all ate and got ready we went shopping. We got a Christmas tree! I was a little skeptical at first. I would walk up to the tree and then back away and run to Mommy. But it is so pretty and sparkly! I helped Mom put the ornaments on. Then I discovered how much fun it is to take the shiny ornaments off the tree. Now the tree only has ornaments where I can't reach them. I still like to sit and look at the lights. I said "pretty" and pointed at them.
After my busy day I was very tired and Daddy tucked me into bed. I'll sleep well so I can play again tomorrow!

Day at the park

It's me! I'm back to blogging. Mommy hasn't been feeling very well so she's been slacking. I pat her back and say "Mama, mama" That means its OK, Mommy.
I've been feeling very good and playful. Dad took good care of me on the weekend so Mom could rest a little. We watched football and read lots of books. On Sunday we went to second Sunday coffee at Grandma and Grandpa's house. I said hi to all my family. We had a birthday party for Uncle Rich. He is 28 years old! Ally told me that. I know what birthdays are now. When Mom brought out the cake and Aunt Ellen brought out the presents I clapped my hands and squealed. We sang to Uncle Rich and then we had cake. Yum!
Today was so nice and warm that I could go to the park! Mom bundled me up in my nice warm sweater that Uncle Bob and Aunt Pam gave me last Christmas. It's just right for playing outside. I rode the purple dinosaur and I slid down the curvy slide and the twirly slide. We saw Daddy drive past on his way home from work. We jumped and waved our arms but he didn't see us so we hurried home to see him.
After my dinner, Grandpa came! I was so excited I gave him a big hug. He is visiting from New Jersey for a couple days. He brought me some new books! We sat right down and read them.
I've had my bath already and I'm just playing with Grandpa. Soon it will be bedtime. I get put to bed at 8:30 even if I fuss in my crib a little. Usually I squeak a little and then I snooze until the morning. Tomorrow I will go to Aunt Ellen's house and play with Ally! I'm very excited. See you soon, Al-Bear!

Being a big girl

I'm learning to do so many big girl things! Today I ate my applesauce with a spoon all by myself. Mom bought chunky applesauce so I make a little less mess. I batted her hand away when she tried to help me. Another thing I'm learning is to put my arms into my clothes when Mom gets me dressed. I know how to "reach for the sky!"
Yesterday I had so much fun because I got to go to Ally's house and play while Mom worked. Aunt Ellen said I was pretty good. Ally and Andrew and I all took turns napping.
Today I started up early and I had fun all morning long. I was outside for just a few minutes because it is so cold! I watched birds at the feeder and shrieked at leaves falling off the tree in the backyard. I can see a lot from my window.
I took a good long nap and then snuggled Mom for a while after I woke up. When Dad came home I gave him a big hug! I polished off my dinner and then we went to Target. I got slippers to wear in the house. They are pink and fluffy. I clump around the house in them and they keep my toes warm!
When we got home I got a Skype call from Grandpa! We can see each other on the computer and talk to each other. Daddy puts the camera on the computer and the video goes through the internet. Isn't that cool? I bet Grandma will be jealous that Grandpa got to see me and talk to me.
Then it was time for bedtime snack and bedtime routine. I don't like bedtime anymore. I resist my bed! I'm squawking a little in my crib right now but Mom and Dad know I'm tired and I'll go to sleep soon. I just can't fool them. Good night!

Feeling better!

Yay! Mom's happy baby is back...mostly. I'm cutting another new tooth today and it hurts. Its my second front tooth. At least my sneezes are much improved. No more slimings!
I got up early today and hung out with Dad while he got ready for work. He handed me off to Mom and my day was ready to go! I ate my big breakfast and got out the books. We read and read. It was too cold and windy to go outside but I sat by the window and watched the birds by the feeder for a little while.
I took big long naps today. My cold wore me out. I spent a lot of the day eating or sleeping. Mom made mashed potatoes for dinner. I love those! I was mad that I had to wait for them to cool off before I could dig in. Mom tried mixing in some peas but I was on to her. I ate the potatoes and spit the peas.
After dinner I played with Dad and then I tried out the computer! See me typing? I banged at the keys and moved the mouse. If you are signed in to YouTube you can see the video. If you are not one of Mom's contacts, send her an email and she'll get you set up. It's very cute!
Soon I could not keep my eyes open. I tried to play but was sad and weepy. I got Tylenol and my bottle and headed to bed. I'm listening to the wind and sleet but I'm warm and snuggled with my blanket and baby bear. Good night!

See me typing!