Sugar plumbs and fairies

Christmas came and went in a blur this year, and it's obvious that Christmas will never be the same again. As with most family-gathering-inducing-holidays, Christmas was repeated in quadruplet to make sure time was enjoyed with each limb of the family tree. Ambree took it all in stride, (better than I expected) and by Christmas #2 it was apparent she had figured out that there was good reason to dig into the boxes! It's fun to see Ambree's interest in all of her new toys and clothes - the hardest part was getting them out of the box fast enough. Patience is an ongoing lesson. Most of her excitement was focused on her new potty (that she insisted be thrown in to the trunk as we made our Christmas rounds, just in case), her tea set, and the first part of what will surely be an ever-growing collection of little people (of the Fisher Price variety, not the TLC version). On top of that, tonight involved reading two babies good night stories, as she insists that her new baby doll go through her same night time routine. Fortunately, Ambree could handle putting the doll to bed in its own crib on her own, and it came sleep trained.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

New Words

Ambree is learning new words literally every day. You tell her something and she just thinks about it for a second and then gives it her best effort. On Sunday she said 'piggy tail' after I did her hair, and even though she was so impressed by it, the 'piggy tail' was pulled out before we made it to church.
Then today I asked her if she loves Mommy. She hugged my leg and said 'Me love!' It was adorable, but I think I was more moved to tears later when she said 'Nap' as soon as she was finished eating her lunch!

I'm a big girl

Daddy's turn to share some little milestones - nothing huge, but big enough to realize that there really are new steps every day.

For some time now, Ambree has known when she has done something wrong - but suddenly now as soon as the offense has been committed, she will turn to either of us to both sign & say "I'm sorry...". The jury is out as to whether or not she actually means it ;)

During bath time, I've been trying to teach her to blow bubbles in the water. Part fun, and part to teach her that when her face is in the water, inhaling is not the thing to do! She gets quite a kick out of my demonstrations, but hasn't quite got it down just yet. During these bath time games she spends a lot of time on her tummy in the water, and likes to glide around the bath tub. Tell her "lets swim!", and she will give you a big silly grin, and then flip on to her tummy and give little froggy kicks around her tiny pool.

Going to sleep has been harder then normal this week, as she is trying to get over her sickness and still has a lot of congestion. I've discovered that when she wakes up, 99% of the time its not that she wants her nose wiped, or her diaper changed, or a new stuffed animal, its simply that she wants one more hug and kiss before going to sleep. My last trip in to her room tonight ended with a tight squeeze around my neck, a kiss on my cheek, and her informing me that she is now a "big girl" who is ready for "sleepy".

Sweet dreams.

Reading and the Best Poodle Ever

Ambree has started remembering the words for each page in some of her favorite books. She searches the pages to find the pictures that she knows. The clock says "tick, tick, tick," and the clock shouts "ring, ring, ring." Today, though, she put together two pages of words, the longest amount together at once so far: "Now I am awake. I need a drink of water." Granted some of the words were jumbled in there, but they were in order and understandable to Mommy :)

Another first for the day was Ambree being mean to Chloe! Chloe was laying on her back letting Ambree and me rub our feet on her belly like we do often, but then Ambree reached down and with two hands, pinched as much of Chloe's skin as she could. Chloe flipped out, trying to turn herself over quickly and put her mouth on Ambree's hands in case she kept pinching. When Ambree looked up, I was afraid she would be crying if Chloe bit her, but no, she was laughing hysterically. With a strern face, I told her not to be mean to Chloe, but she kept laughing, looking me straight in the eyes. Then she told Chloe, "Again, lay down!" Of course, I stepped in, but Ambree just kept laughing.

Skinned Knees

Ambree spent the morning on her usual long walk, except Daddy got to join us today and then we all went to the park. She has turned into a fearless little girl, going down slides by herself and trying to climb up everything. But on the way home, she tripped over her toes and skinned her right knee. She was shaking it hurt so bad! When we got home, she was a trooper while I rinsed it with saline and gauze, but man! when I put that band aid and neosporin on, you would have thought she was dying! Screams, tears, "owie, owie, HURT! [which, by the way, was a new word for today]." We covered her up with PJ pants and within a few seconds she was okay. Throughout the day, she would kneel on her wound and sign "hurt" and make her little wrinkled face to remind me that she was suffering, and bath time was a no go. We lasted about 1 minute, just long enough to wash her face down. Not one of our favorite firsts.

H-A-double L-O-W-double E-N

This year was Ambree's first year to dress up for Halloween. Last year seemed a little vain since she could barely sit up on her own. But this year did it up right. She went dressed as her "lovey," a pink poodle, and she was adorable! At first she didn't like wearing her costume, mostly because it was itchy and hot, but by Halloween it had cooled off enough to wear clothes underneath without getting overheated.
In the morning, we went to a play date for pictures. Ambree cooperated for most of the shots, except the group pic at the end, but by then it was time for lunch and a nap, so we were impressed.

That night, we walked over to Aunt Linda's house to show off her costume. One neighbor even had a bag of pretzels for her, which she loved. But we did have to try to avoid some scary decorations, which now as a mom, I totally don't understand. How are dead bodies all over your house suppose to be considered festive? I could get off on a long tangent, but I won't... Overall it was a successful Halloween.

Jibber Jabber

Despite Ambree's large vocabulary, she still lacks the ability to connect words beyond two or three into a meaningful sentence. So, she has resorted back to "babbling." Whether she is holding her red plastic toy phone, riding in the back seat of the car or just walking around the house, she has tons to say. You can hear, "gebber, gabber, blah, blah, doggie" all of the time. The last word of the sentence at least clues you into what she is talking about, but she's not waiting for a response- this is a one way conversation.

18 Month-isms

Today, Ambree, Chloe and I (Mommy) spent the afternoon at our neighborhood park. We all had a great time, except Chloe, who did not appreciate being tethered to the playground. Ambree is able to climb up the playscape, but is too afraid to go down a slide by herself, soon, though. She loves the park and asks to 'play' everytime we drive by it.

She has started humming when she is being put down to sleep or if she wakes up in the night and we are swaying with her. It's so cute. Ambree also is very familiar with her bedtime routine. As soon as she is dressed for bed (in our room), she runs down the hall to her room signing and saying 'sleep,' and becomes frustrated if you don't follow her to read her a story.

She also likes to have her toes rubbed in the car. Just yesterday, she ate real green beans and corn! and then this morning she ate an egg, a banana and some cereal- I didn't have to spoon anything to her! So we are finally making some progress with 'table' food.

Her other newest 'thing' is calling Daddy 'Sean.' She calls to him from other rooms just like Mommy. It's so hard not to laugh. Most of her play time is spent trying to jump- sometimes she gets both feet off at the same time, sometimes.

Who am I, O Lord, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?

We have been trying to add to our family since the end of November 2008, but mostly because of nursing, we have been waiting. When I started nursing, I didn't feel strongly about it one way or the other, but once I got past the first 3 weeks and was able to do more research and actually enjoy it, I became more and more passionate about it. I know I was so blessed to be able to nurse Ambree most of her first year and even though it may have been part of what slowed us down in conceiving, I wouldn't give that up for anything.
But now! Eleven months later, all of our hard work (wink, wink) payed off! We are expecting another little Reilly! I just found out tonite. (I am retro-posting; I don't know that I would give this quick of an update on a pregnancy otherwise).
It's funny because with Ambree I was quite certain that I was pregnant before I even took the test. I had tested earlier in the week and received a negative result, so Sean told me to wait until the next month to waste any more money of pregnancy tests. But I just knew it, so I waited a few days, and then woke one morning with nausea. I knew it! Because I had already gone to the bathroom, I wanted to wait as long as I could before taking another test. I only had to work a half day that day, so at some point in the morning, I began "holding it." After work, I went to the grocery store to buy "baby" back ribs and "baby" carrots and broccoli, and came home to clean up the house and google how to cook baby-back ribs. At this point I still didn't even know for sure if I was pregnant with Ambree, but I was ready for my announcement either way! And then I took the test- pregnant!
Sean came home and smelling the ribs cooking, asked 'Is there a bun in the oven?' I don't know why that particular phrase came to mind, but I had to avert eye-contact as I said, um, no, can you help me set the table? We ate dinner and I'm sure Sean just thought I was ready to start trying again after our previous negative test results. Then for dessert, I pulled out ice cream I had already scooped with a pickle spear added for effect. Sean asked, "what are you expecting?"
It was hilarious and fun, and we took pictures with the pregnancy test and our dog.
That was our first pregnancy.
This time, I took the test and got a faint positive line, and continued to get ready for choir practice even though Sean was home. I had a lot to do before I left that night and I was running around the house getting everything ready for Ambree's night time routine. Practically on the way out the door, I turned to Sean, who I seem to remember was sitting on the dining room floor for some reason, and said, "oh, I think I might be pregnant. can you come look at the test with me?" It was very nonchalant. We were super excited after trying for so long, and as much as I wanted this pregnancy as much as the first one, we were both more calm. I guess this is why second children get complexes. I left soon after that for choir practice. No pictures this time.
But what an experience God created for us. What could have torn us apart, and often threatened to, grew us closer together. When I became angry at God for my waiting, He provide much grace and faith. I was so aware of God's working in my life during those 11 months, particularly the last 5 months. I wouldn't forsake that trial for what it gained me in Christ. So I ask, who am I, O Lord, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?

18 Month Check Up and Sweet Berry Farm

Day started with a quick well-check. All is well. Ambree is still off the charts for height and Dr. Getman was impressed with her vocabulary, particularly when she said 'where'd it go' when he put the stethescope under her shirt. So after lunch and naps, we began our journey to Marble Falls.

It was a beautiful drive and we enjoyed listening to Johnny Mayer (which reminds us of when we started dating), but it did require many puppet shows and other distractions for Ambree- hmmm, maybe a DVD player is a good idea...

Once we got out there, we only had about 75 minutes before they shut down, so we let Ambree out to RUN everywhere. She was quite preoccupied with the goats. Even though she let them nibble her hands and pet them, she was too afraid to give them leaves to eat. After making friends in the goat pen, she went exploring. Among her discovers were flowers, pumpkins (of course), a giant cat (photo board), haystacks, and other little toddlers.

A Late Start

Encouraged by my cousin Laura, we are beginning our adventure in blogging as a way to keepsake precious day-to-day memories that would be otherwise lost with time. We hope you enjoy reading.