Once upon a time...

I had a blog.  The Lilli Pad.  Remember it?  Apparently I don't - because when I went to update it today I could not even remember how to even ACCESS the site!  Wow, that is bad.  I am the worst blogger ever.  Do you think there is an award for that? :o)

I wanted to come in and finally update about Lillian Brooke, who is now TWO.  TWO!  Seriously, I have no idea how that happened!

Here are some stats and milestones -
*She is 35 inches tall (90-95%ile) and if you take the old equation to double their 2 yr old height she will be around 5'10"!  Tall like her Daddy!
*She weighs about 26.5 oz (45%ile) which is where she has consistently been on the charts.  Thin - also like her Daddy, haha.
*She wears 2T clothing, size 6 or 7 shoe, size 5 diaper
*Sleeps through the night, about 11.5 hours.  Goes to bed around 8:30
*Naps once a day for 1.5-2 hours
*Has all teeth but 2 year molars (from what I can see!)
*Her eyes are almost brown - but with a little green/hazel in them.  I think they are still changing, even at 2 years old.  Her hair is getting long enough to go in pigtails/ponytail but is very thin at the top, just like mine.  We still have not cut it.  I think it will get lots lighter this summer.
*Favorite foods - anything good for her, she loves fruits (grapes and strawberries especially) and veggies (corn and green beans, avacadoes/guacamole) and she loves hot dogs lately.  She doesn't eat much meat at all so I try to get her to eat peanut butter and other protein.  She is not picky and will eat off our plate at a restaurant.  She doesn't like things with breading (nuggets, etc)
*Uses a sippy but can carry a cup with a straw easily.  Drinks whole milk, has chocolate or strawberry milk once a day for a treat, and one sippy of diluted juice a day.  Enjoys and asks for water, especially mine
*I couldn't even list her vocabulary here, but I'm sure she knows over a hundred words.  My favorite phrases - "Mommy, hold you?" "Pooker" (Cooper the dog)" "Nana, come back here!" "Daddy moanin?" (Daddy mowing?) and so many others.  She says most things correctly but when she gets consonants switched it makes for a really cute phrase!  She knows all the words in her picture books and also knows her shapes and colors.  She does get confused every now and then, but not enough that makes me think she doesn't know them.
*She can count to 15 - although I've only heard her do it a few times because she doesn't like to do it when I ask!  She counts when she is playing alone alot.
*She knows all her family members and has said a prayer for them, both when I was watching and once when I overheard her.  She asks for a prayer every time she goes to sleep and also when we eat.  She also holds her hands in prayer.  She loves church and Tick Tock (class) and has recently started going to Sunday night class where they often make adorable crafts
*Favorite toys - her "B" (lovey bunny), Melmo, button (pacifier), blankie, pillow, as well as her blocks, BABIES and all that goes with them, and stuffed animals.  She is only attached to the things she sleeps in her crib with.
*Just recently started singing songs - her favorites are Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and she knows some of Jesus Loves Me.  I have tried to get her on camera but she is shy about it! 
*Loves to watch cartoons - Curious George, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Carebears, and a DVD of songs are her favorites
*Draws with chalk outside - typically uses her left hand - and plays with her water table.  She loves being outside
*Can run, jump with both feet, climb stairs and crawl into her highchair by herself. 
*She adores Cooper and Brady and they are both good with her.
*She shows concern when a baby cries.  She will usually say, "Baby crying? Mommy hold her and give her bottle?" Talking about the baby's own mother, not me. 
*Loves to Skype with her Auntie Ashley and will ask to "Talk to Auntie?"
*Has an excellent memory - she will often talk about things we have long since forgotten
*She loved the Easter Bunny and gave him hugs and kisses and still talks about him
*We have started venturing into potty training - she went once in her potty but then was sick so I backed off.  I plan to do a Potty Bootcamp this summer when I am off. I think she will respond well, she has been flexible up to this point with other transitions
*Had a wonderful 2nd birthday party - which she also still talks about.

Here are some recent pictures from her "Happy Bee Day" party

I put the last one because Jason wants her to be a Vet someday - and she is well on her way.  She likes to "give medicine to make it all better" to all of us, including the pets!

Overall she is a loving, happy child.  She is so easy to take out and about - we are still shocked that we can do things we thought we wouldn't be able to do.  However, I am pretty strict about her napping and we plan accordingly.  So that helps, I think.  We are beyond blessed to have her and are having more fun each and every day!

Lillian at 21 months

I am a little late, but wanted to upload some info about Lilli's growth, development, and milestones at 21 months!

*She weighs about 24 lbs and is about 34 inches tall. Still about 25-50th percentile in weight and 75-90th in height, which is where she always has been.
*Has all teeth except for her canines and 2 year molars, but I think something is coming in soon
*Hair is getting longer and she has 2 layers of bangs growing in.  Still dark blonde.
*Eyes are hazel, some days looking brown, others mostly green
*Wears 18-24 mo and 2T clothing, size 6 shoes
*Wears size 4 diaper - Luvs during the day, Huggies Overnights at bedtime
*Sleeps 12 hours straight - with bedtime around 9.  Sometimes she will sleep more than that, girl loves her sleep!
*Sleeps with Bunny "B" and "Melmo" and her pacifier, "Button"
*Takes a 2 hour nap, going down 3 hours after she wakes for day
*Favorite foods: cheese, apples, peanut butter, corn, peas, chips/Pringles, gummies, guacamole, chocolate milk
*Knows SO MANY WORDS.  She loves to point out pictures in books, telling me what they are.  She can say multi-syllable words (Brady, vaccuum, diaper) and 2-3 word phrases ("Mommy hold you" is precious)
*She loves for us to sing and can do the motions to "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Wheels on the Bus"
*Can repeat the alphabet, letter by letter
*Counts using 2, 4 (but thats it!) If you ask her how old she is, she will do "2" with her fingers, ha
*Enjoys playing with her babies (changing the diaper and putting them "night night") and puzzles, nesting blocks and stacking blocks.  She "cuts" her Melissa and Doug fruit (still w/left hand)
*Loves her shape sorter and knows all her shapes.  Learning colors, can sometimes get them right.
*Runs, jumps, gallops, dancing
*She gives the best hugs and kisses, knows how to give "Eskimo kisses" with her nose
*Loves going to "Tick Tock" (Sunday School) and never cries for us
*She reminds us "prayer" and says "Ah-mee" (Amen) at the end.  She will NOT say "Jesus," but instead says "Bible"
*Has bubble baths (daddy time) most nights
*Had double ear infections (first ever) a few weeks ago, as well as the stomach virus (first time to vomit)
*Doesn't like the car at night, and she thinks every time we get in we are going to see PawPaw
*Doesnt't like going out to eat (she wants down and to run around)


Recent pictures -

Jason and I both agree this is the most fun age yet!  We talk about her every night before bed, trying to remember what amazing thing she said or did that day.  There are so many things I am forgetting, but she is like a sponge soaking in each new word or action.  She is most definitely loved!

My fabulous sister, Ashley

I love Kelly's Korner.  A few months ago I linked up with her blog when I was showing off our living room.  Well, tonight I am linking up again with Show us your life: SINGLES

I am linking up to show off my older sister, Ashley. 

She is a 30 year old lawyer living in downtown Chicago. 
What else do you need to know about her?  
1. She eats, sleeps, breathes sports, but especially her C-A-T-S from the University of Kentucky (her alma mater)

2. She loves shoes, handbags, and fashion.  Hard to believe we are sisters.

3. She adores her niece, Lilli, and loves to spoil her.

4. She enjoys traveling, I am quite jealous of the places she has been (Europe for a month - no fair!)

5. She is incredibly loyal - ask any of her friends (here she is on far left)

6. She loves a great adventure, and went skydiving for her 30th birthday!

7. If you have seen Sex and the City, then you can understand the fast paced life she lives in the big city.  She focused on her career, friends, traveling, and experiencing all things Chicago.  Now, I am linking her up, thinking there might be a man out there just as fabulous as she is!

Lilli loves her, as do I. 


Leave a comment and I will pass on your info to her!

Lilli's Play Kitchen

 I cannot believe it has been over 2 months since my last post!  Well, really I can.  We have been so busy with the holidays, then busy going back to work.   No excuse, since I have been online.  I enjoy reading other blogs more than I enjoy posting on mine, but I have wanted to get on here to share with you guys what Jason and I did for Lillian's Christmas gift. 

First, I saw the idea from the genius Ana White .  Her plans are free and we were able to complete Lilli's gift for under 200 and little to no headache!  We had so much fun building it!  Lilli has had fun "cook-een" and I know she will always treasure it!

I have pictures of us building (well, Jason built, I watched.  But I did paint!) But these pictures are more fun- Lilli on Christmas morning, checking it out -

The accessories are from "Melissa and Doug" or made by my mother.  Click any picture to make it larger.

You should check out Ana White's website, even if you don't want to build a play kitchen.  She has every piece of furniture imagineable!  Santa brought Jason a new table saw and I have a long list of projects I am ready to tackle! 

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas!

On my internet favorites, that is!  I have been busy lately, creating wishlists, searching out the best prices on gifts, and designing my Christmas cards!  I love how easy it is to make your own photo card these days.  Shutterfly makes it SO simple - and they have tons of gorgeous cards to choose from!  You could get folded greeting cards (for those of you overachievers who want to put a hand written message inside!) or my favorite, a flat stationary card.  Some might have hundreds to order, so a flat photo card is a more economical choice.

Here are some of my favorites -

No Mistletoe Necessary

Count Your Blessings

And I am always a sucker for blue and red -

Ornaments All Aglow

Not only do they have great cards, they also have other items that would make wonderful gifts.  In the past I have made this -

For our grandparents.  I got together with all the family members and added a picture of each couple and the birthdates and anniversaries.  My Granny LOVED it - as did the entire family!

Jason doesn't know it, but Santa might be bringing him a Calendar Mouse Pad - Lilli is so beautiful it is easy to use her on a photo gift!

I already have a perfect spot for these canvases , so I hope Santa doesn't forget about me!

You know what I love most, though??  Promotions!  Bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly! Learn more: http://bit.ly/sfly2010

You guys will have to wait and see what I have created on Shutterfly for our 2010 Christmas card, but I know you will not be disappointed!!


Show Us Your Life - My Living Room

I have been reading Kelly's Korner Blog for a while now and just love it!  Not only does she have an adorable little girl, but her daughter Harper and Lilli are about 2 months apart so I can really sympathize with her! 

On her website she has a section called "Show Us Your Life" where blog buddies can link up and share things.

 This week is all about living rooms.  I thought I would join in and share mine with you.  You can click on any of my pictures to make them bigger.

We have been in our house for 4 years now, and the living room is where we spend most of our time.  I love the color - Whitall Brown by Benjamin Moore.  It looks like a creamy chocolate milk!

This is our fireplace, a beautiful stacked stone.  The fireplace was nothing but pretty to me until the Ice Storm of 2009 - at that time all we had was heat from the gas logs so I learned to really appreciate the space directly in front of them (and it is also where we put our mattress and slept on the floor!)

The picture above this loveseat is a wedding gift from Jason.  It is a framed photo of the spot where he proposed, at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. 

There are several changes to our living room - we no longer have the coffee table out because of the dangerous corners.  Oh, and the space in front of the fireplace is filled with Lillian's toys.  But I wouldn't have it any other way!

I know it has been a while since I have posted - I plan to be back again very soon now that school has calmed down and I have more free time!  Until then, a photo of my sweetie enjoying her very first milkshake -



Lillian at 15 months!

Hey blog buddies!  It has been over a month since I updated my blog - my apologies!  Well, first my computer died.  After about 2 weeks and some help from the local computer repair man, we are now back in business.  Other than that, I have no real excuse, other than spending time with my loves!

On Friday we had Lilli's 15 month Well Baby Visit.  I cannot believe she is 15 months!  Here are some facts about her -
*21.7 lbs (30%ile)

*31.5 inches (80%ile!)

*Can walk, run, climb stairs and get down from couch on her own

*Waves bye bye

*Just started blowing kisses!
*Used a fork for the first time with me Friday

*Says: mama, dada, nahnah (not sure if she is saying no or Nana), yeah, da (dog), ca (cat), hi, bye, and a couple others.  Babbles ALOT in her own little language
*Likes to dance (bends her needs and sometimes shakes her hips side to side)
*Nicknamed "Hurricane Lilli" for the destruction she causes throughout the house

*Sleeps 11.5 hours straight, waking around 8:30/9 AM
*Takes 1-2 naps a day, about 3 hours of sleep total
*Loves any and all food, finally starting to love ice cream

*Goes swimming about once a week and is very subdued in the pool.  She is getting a TINY bit more adventurous each time

*Loves to get in her Cozy Coupe

*Tries to sit on Brady, our cat

*Entertains everyone behind us at church, hehe

*No real stranger anxiety

*Gets really excited when we pull in the church parking lot or our driveway, now that she is forward facing (which we did around 14 months)

*Likes going jogging with me in her jogging stroller

*Adores her Daddy.  Goes to the door and says "Daddy...DaDa?" over and over when he is away

*Loves to talk on the cell phone, saying "Bye" when she is done and puts phone down

*Enjoys being outside, running around in the yard

*Wearing size 4 diapers, 18 mo tops, 12 mo bottoms, size 4 shoes

*5 teeth, but several more coming in

*Loves books, can find these in books: ball, fish, tiger, kitty

*Enjoys bathtime - mostly because it is "Lilli and Daddy time!"

Lilli is an amazing child.  She is very easy going, sleeps and eats great, and loves her Mommy and Daddy.  We are having so much fun with her and I am LOVING being home with her this summer!  We are making memories and I am glad to be able to share them with you!