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!