Allison

Photo by 87 Orange Photography

Age: 2.5 years old

Height: 34 inches

Weight: 27 lb and 2 ounces

Personality Traits: caring; protective - especially of Mia; serious when you first meet her but a total goofball once she knows you; and Mother's little helper. She wants to do right (most of the time). A simple "Do you want to sit in time out?" works wonders; 75% of the time she is in time out is because she put herself there. 90% of those times I wouldn't even consider the infraction serious enough to put her in time out.

Gets in trouble for: When she does get in trouble it is usually for taking things away from Amelia; the other times it is for throwing things when she is upset.

When she gets angry: She slams the doors and pouts (a prequel to her teenage years).

BFFs: Amelia, Mom and Dad, and friends at daycare.

Likes: To do puzzles, look at her books, playdough, play with her cash register and kitchen, and likes the train-table at Barnes and Nobles.

Loves: Loves all things Dora.

Dislikes: Picking up toys and being told that she can't watch TV anymore.

Favorite Foods: Spaghetti, chicken nuggets with Ranch dressing, veggie straws, goldfish crackers, and bell peppers (she competes with Ozzie to get them when Mom is cutting them up for dinner).

Cute things she does: When Dad leaves for work in the morning and gives her a kiss, she immediately tells him to kiss Amelia and Mom too - she doesn't rest until it happens. She dances like crazy to the "We Did It" dance at the end of Dora - her arms swing back and forth like crazy (she also likes to sing & dance along to the songs in Blues Clues).

Latest accomplishments - Has been fully potty-trained for almost two months.

Outtakes

Here are a few photos that didn't make the blog or picture album but did make the bloopers reel.

This was the best we got when trying to take a picture of the girls together on Christmas Eve.

The Santa Christmas Cookie picture - This was about as easy as taking a picture of Ozzie with a plate full of bones would be. Luckily, once I separated the two I was able to get a good photo.

Allison didn't look too happy with me taking her picture.

Allison showing her "love" to Amelia.

Allison sharing a sisterly love pat.

Never interrupt an artist hard at work.

SUCKER!

This weekend I was in the kitchen washing dishes when Allison came in with one of the balls for her "Gumball Machine" toy. The balls are clear and have something in them like a teddy bear or diamond ring. She was intently looking at the ball, like she was studying it. When she handed me the ball, I knew exactly what she was up to. I asked Allison what was inside the ball, "was it a sucker?" She gave me this surprised look and held out her hand, like "A sucker? Well since you asked, sure I will take one." I told her "good try kid, this mom isn't a sucker".

Happy New Years!

For New Years Eve, we had our own little party. Brian had to work in the morning, so Allison and I passed the time by decorating the house for the festivities. She helped me by coloring the banner, making streamer wands, and shredding confetti. We kicked off the evening's celebration by going out to dinner at Famous Dave's and then "driving around" (e.g. two streets) looking at Christmas lights.

After we came back, we put on our PJs and rang in the new year at 7:37 pm, 7:38 pm, 7:42 pm, and for good measure again at 7:44 pm. What can you say, throwing newspaper all over the house is lots of fun. This year our cable provider had a Santa Tracker on one of their channels. I think they should have a Count Down/Ball Drop channel that you can activate at any point during the day. That way you can celebrate the midnight hour at anytime.

After we put the kids to bed, Brian and I somehow managed to stay up until midnight. It was tough though, we were very tempted to give up around 10 pm, but we hung in there.

The party quickly came to a conclusion when the girls began their wrestling moves.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day started off bright and early, well actually for us it started a little later than normal - the girls slept in until 8 am. Because our Christmas tree is in the basement rec room, they had no idea that Santa came and left presents under the tree. We were able to get breakfast in before opening presents. Allison was shocked to see that Santa ate all the cookies that she and Amelia left him. It must have made an impression on her because she told Nana and Papa all about it later that morning.

Amelia enjoying some scrambled egg and toast.

Allison and Amelia opening a joint present, the Little People Parking Garage. Between Santa and Mom and Dad, they were very lucky. They received lots of Melissa and Doug play food for their kitchen, puzzles, puppets, and books. Allison received dress-up clothes and shoes. Amelia received the Little People airplane.

Allison and Amelia opening their stocking stuffers.

After the girls naps we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner and gift exchanging.

Allison and Amelia thought it was funny to bang against the fireplace door and make lots of noise. This kept them entertained for a while. We had a nice night at Grandma and Grandpa's house. The girls received the Little People dollhouse from them and some books. Aunt Lynn gave Allison a mixer for her play kitchen and Dora dominoes (which she loves to play with) and Amelia received a "palm pilot." From Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Dale, Allison received Dora underwear and a magic Dora washcloth. Amelia received a stuffed bear.

The girls had fun playing with all of their toys the next few days. They were very blessed and received many wonderful presents, but most importantly they have a family that loves them very much and enjoys spending time with them.

Christmas Eve

We started off Christmas Eve day making cookies for Santa (and plenty of extras for us). Allison had a good time rolling out the dough and cutting out the cookies. She had even more fun frosting them.

After nap we headed to my parents' house, however since we weren't going to come back until later that night, we made sure we left out cookies for Santa.

Allison and Amelia had lots of fun opening up presents. Allison received a cash register, a cool princess bath towel and a lacing set from Nana and Papa. From her cousin she received a fun phone. Amelia received a bookshelf from her Nana and Papa, which is greatly appreciated as we have a ton of books. From her cousin she received a fun toy that you can hammer balls in.

Amelia loved the booster seat that Allison sat in at dinner. It was her seat while we opened presents.

Allison was fasincated by the big box that Brian and I received from my parents. She couldn't wait to see what was inside. She also likes the microwave as much as I do as she likes to press the buttons.

Every year my dad reads The Night Before Christmas. This tradition has been going on since my oldest sister was a baby. This year Allison was very into the story. She sat on her cousin's lap and listened to the whole story. Amelia....not so much.

After the story we packed up the car and prepared ourselves for a long drive. They were predicating freezing rain for that night, so we weren't sure what to expect. Luckily we didn't run into any problems. Once we came back into town you could tell that it had been freezing rain early in the evening, but we took it slow and made it back safe and sound. We put the kids to bed and prepared for another day of celebration.

A Family Chistmas Party

A few weeks ago we celebrated Christmas with my extended family. When my cousins and I were growing up we used to have a "cousin party." Several years ago my sister started up this tradition again. We have a fun time visiting and exchanging our $5 gift item, where people can steal items. We also celebrated my niece Karleigh's 18th birthday. I can't believe she is 18 already!

Mia was content sitting by her diaper bag and eating her snacks. It was nice for me because it meant that she stayed in one place and out of trouble.

The kids did their own $5 gift exchange game this year. My niece Karleigh got a kick out of Allison watching the kids play the game. She intently watched what was going on.