Wrapping up January

January has officially flown by. We've been so busy that the month sneaked right by us...

The other weekend, Elise hosted a visit from Riley and her mom Sarah from Columbus. The frigid weather kept us indoors but we had no problem passing the visit with toys, conversation and food. Riley loved riding Elise's blue Wahoo and they loved eating snacks on the couch watching an episode of Clifford the Big Red Dog.

This past weekend, Elise had her official sledding debut. While we've tooled around the yard with her little red sled, it was the first time to actually go down a 'big' hill. Elise was content to go down the hill with daddy... so much so that she didn't want to go with me. That's ok because I got to be the official photographer. Thomas, Eliza, and Anna Hebeka also gave the sledding a thumbs 'up'.

Did I mention that the daddies had a lot of fun too?

We also celebrated Brutus' 8th birthday on the 31st! Happy birthday big guy! Elise and I took the day serious- we planned a special dinner (who doesn't like quiche?!) and made a birthday cake complete with sprinkles.

A Day of Firsts

We had such a day of firsts!

Elise started a new playgroup today... We are now attending playgroups on Wednesdays and Thursdays- both of which are affiliated with Help Me Grow. The Thursday playgroup, which we have been attending for the past year, consists of gross and fine motor play, an art project, snack and music time. There are two early intervention specialists on staff and each child comes with a parent.

It was suggested by the speech therapist that we also try attending a second playgroup which focuses on gross motor play to help bring out Elise's speech. This playgroup is held down the road at Sylvania Playland- an indoor playground. It truly is a child's dream playground. While we've been to the Playland before, it was always during hours when the place is packed with kids. Today, we had the place to ourselves and five other children.

It was here that Elise first jumped.... she's been 'jumping' in the past but it's more like a gallop jump where only one foot is airborne at a time. But not today- she learned to jump. It may sound even silly to mention but this really is an achievement!

Last week, Elise first sat on the toilet. Yes, you didn't think I would go through all these blog entries without bringing up potty talk at one time or another! First, let me state it is not my intention to begin potty training but it is my intention to get Elise thinking there may be life beyond diapers and what it feels like to go on the potty. Afterall, diapers nowadays are really good-- a wet diaper feels dry!

So, today when Elise was obviously 'pooping', I asked her if she wanted to sit on the potty and she surprisingly was game. Off we went to the big potty and wouldn't you know, the little girl went 'pee' and 'poop'! It really was a novelty to see what was on the other end when she was done. After some 'hi fives' and cheers we ceremoniously flushed it down.

I'm still sticking to the fact that we are not potty training right now, but going on the potty and learning how to say 'pee' and 'poo' really does count as a first!

2-Year Check Up

Elise had her 2-year pediatrician appointment on Monday afternoon. Daddy, who makes all of Elise's doctors appointments, left work early to join us. Our petite girl is 24lb 6oz (20%), 33 1/4 inches long(30%), with a head circumference of 18 1/4 inches (20%). She is healthy with no remaining symptoms or signs from her respiratory infection over Christmas.

This was the FIRST tear-free appointment! Our peanut is getting to be big girl! There were no vaccinations due but we did get a pin prick to check our hemoglobin.

Dr. Kennedy doesn't need to see Elise for 6 months... at which time we may be beginning our potty training. Wow... that's a crazy thought.

Que Sera, Sera

What's a girl to do on a cold Saturday? Well, you can practice your knife skills by cutting wooden bread held together by velcro.....

Or, you can dance to your favorite Doris Day song. Que Sera, Sera. Whatever will be, will be.

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Finally Elise got to finish her Christmas celebration when Nana and Poppa came to town for her big 2nd birthday bonanza this past weekend. She opened the rest of her Christmas presents from family and friends whom she missed when she was ill over the holiday. One of the big hits was her plasma car which she has been riding faithfully everyday... she's getting quite good. It works by you balancing your feet on the bike and moving the steering wheel from side to side. Somehow it just moves. Everyone had a try but most have declined having their photo posted. Something about adults on a kids bike seemed a bit clown like! I will brave the ridicule by posting my photo.

During the birthday girl's nap time, the party committee decorated our dining room with a Curious George theme... transitioning a Christmas morning to a birthday party afternoon! Elise loves the little guy (so does her 'monkey man' blankie). It was a birthday wonderland when she awoke.

Everyone was in attendance except Aunt Amy.. who was home sick. We missed her! Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, Poppa and Uncle Chris all came ready to party and bearing gifts for the birthday girl. Elise took her time opening each gift- taking time to savor each book, outfit and especially the laughing monkey. She also got a play kitchen where she can cook and allow mommy a bit more time in her kitchen while Elise is whipping up souffles and an art easel with supplies. We're looking forward to a refrigerator filled with artwork!

For dinner, all the 'party animals' gathered around the table for a meal fit for a two year-old (or a two year-old at heart). The menu included homemade macaroni and cheese, 3 types of homemade pizza, salad, and a berry salad (Elise's favorite).

In case of spills when the festivities picked up in high gear, we didn't put out our antique dishes or linens...

Of course the highlight was the presentation of cupcakes. The birthday girl preferred her vanilla ice cream and kept her cupcake for the next day.

Elise's actual birthday was yesterday. Jeff and I took her out to dinner at BW3... partially because it's her favorite and mommy's too. It was nice to have dinner just the three of us and celebrate by taking home a yellow balloon!

Happy birthday to my big girl! As cliche as it sounds, time truly does go by fast but I love watching Elise grow, learn and become such a big and independent girl. We can't wait to see where your life takes you -our little Miss Elise...

Party Invitation

Cool Cupcake Orange Birthday

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This is the party invitation we sent to our family....

Happy New Year 2011!

Finally, we are all on the mend! We celebrated New Years Eve at the Hebeka family's house... a night full of yummy food and good friends.

Elise had a wonderful time running around with the 'big' kids (as in almost 3 year-olds).

Funny her favorite food for the evening was tortilla chips and cocktail sauce. Who doesn't like that?!

Even baby Ava Brujic made her first party debut at 3 weeks old. Big sister Zoe was happy to show her off.

We are hoping for a healthy New Year for our family and yours! Happy New Year!