Santa Baby

Gracie got to meet Santa for the 1st time.  She did surprisingly well!  She fussed for just a few seconds when I first put her on Santa's lap but was easily distracted by one of Santa's books.

Then she just froze.  We think she was trying to be on her best behavior to prove to Santa that she has been a very good girl this year.  

Precious moment with Santa!

L.L. Bean

On our way to the L.L. Bean Flagship Store in Freeport!

How adorable is this hat?

The Boot

Beanie Baby

Let's go inside and start shopping Daddy!

The Family

Mommy's shopping buddy.

Packed and Ready to Go

We went to Portland & Freeport, Maine for our 2nd Annual Black Friday/Weekend Christmas Shopping Trip.  We left on Thanksgiving Day - the normal 5 hour trip was more like a 7 hour trip .... traveling with baby equals more frequent, longer stops but we wouldn't have it any other way!   We had a good time (despite Gracie's lack of naps/sleeping) and spent way too much money - we certainly did our part to "stimulate" the U.S. economy!  

Motor Boating

Waving Bye Bye

We have been attempting to teach Gracie some sign language over the last few months using the signs for eat, more, milk, all done, water, and book.   She has figured out how to open and close her hands for bye bye.  Hopefully, with this new found control of her hands, she'll start using some of the signs we've been working on to tell us what she needs.

Sleigh Ride

SNOW!!!

We had our first snowfall of this winter.  It snowed small flakes all day and we got about 2-4 inches.  Its probably going to be another long, cold, snowy winter and believe it or not - we've adjusted and are okay with that!  In fact, we're really looking forward to seeing the river behind our house freeze over because it will be so fun to see everyone cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing....maybe we'll even join in the winter fun this year.

We put Gracie into her Patagonia Snowsuit for the first time and went to Rothesay's Town Holiday Parade!  (We live in such a cute town).  Santa was in the last float of the parade but Gracie didn't get to see him!   She was all bundled up in her stroller under 3 big blankets - all we could see of her was her little blue eyes and red button nose.  Not to worry though, she'll get to see Santa when we go to Portland/Freeport, Maine over Thanksgiving weekend when we go to do our Christmas Shopping. (Sorry I don't have any pictures from the parade - I took our camera but forgot the memory card - oops!)

So we took these pictures when we got home.  

How cute is she all bundled up?!?!

First Sleigh Ride

She loved riding in her sleigh.  She was making the cutest little excited noises as we were pulling her around.  I think we're going to have lots of fun this winter. 

I'm so happy Todd got a picture of her "O" face.  

She is so funny and I love this picture!

She stayed nice and toasty in her snowsuit and layers and layers and layers of  clothing but look at her cute little red nose and cheeks!  

Happy Birthday Pop!

We wanted to wish Gracie's GreatGrand Pop (Todd's grandfather) a very Happy 94th Birthday!  We wish we could be in North Carolina celebrating with Pop!   

We love you Pop!!!!

Huumm...what's in here?

Definitely interested in checking out all the cabinets in the kitchen.

Look how grown up she is.

Sweet smile.  

Big Girl Dinner

Trying chicken for the first time.  She loved it!

Hair Club Vice President

Yay!!!  Gracie is growing some hair...soon she'll be wearing cute little bows!

While it might not seem like a lot of hair, but it IS a lot of hair for G.

Playing in the Kitchen

Whatcha doin'?

What to wear?

This occurs at least 3 times a day at our house.  If anyone would like to come help me refold clothes and pick up Gracie's messes - our door is always open! 

Private Paci Collection

This cabinet was stocked full of our favorite wines from California but when we moved to Canada we decided we didn't want to pay taxes on all of our bottles.  Todd's parents are saving our collection in our wine cellar until we return to the States (thank you Lee & Richard).  

Gracie has discovered a new use for all the cabinet cubby holes...she can display her pacifier collection.  Here she is deciding which "Reserve" would pair best with bedtime.

Such an exquisite collection of fine pacifiers.

Perhaps this one will be best - 

Aw yes, the pink blush paci Summer 2008.  A fine choice!

Daddy's Helper?

Gracie was busy in the kitchen while Todd was making his YUMMY Taco Soup in the Crock Pot.  She loves opening the drawers and pulling things out. 

Taco Soup Recipe
2 lbs. extra lean ground beef      

1 large onion, diced
½ cup chopped celery                 

1 or 2 pkgs Taco seasoning (we use 2)
1 pkg dried Ranch dressing mix 

1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
1 (15 oz) can Pinto beans with juice
1 (15 oz) can black beans with juice
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans with juice
1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn with juice
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce           

1 can water
Green chili peppers (optional)
Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning (optional)

Brown ground beef and drain. Add ingredients to Crock Pot and stir.  Cook on low 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.

Serve with: Sour cream, Grated cheese, Sliced Ripe Olives, Fritos or corn chip

Fun with aluminum baking pans.

Done with this one...TOSS!

"Should I take more out or close the drawer?"

Standing up, of course!

"Shopping" in our pantry.

Whatcha got G?

Bath

Miss Trouble

She's into everything!  Crawling away after playing in the pantry because she wanted the camera! 

Standing Room Only

A few minutes after laying Gracie down for her mid-morning nap, we peeked into her room from the doorway - Guess who was standing in her crib looking at herself and us in the mirror over her changing table!!!


Such a big girl!


Full of personality and herself!


A video of her standing, babbling, and fussing...

Finally laying down and sleeping.

Isn't the elephant too cute? And she's holding the elephant's hoof.

Look at me...Mum