Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Winter time is seriously here- it is so cold outside!

Ivy was perched by the window a lot of this weekend "oo-ing and aw-ing" over the snow.

Then she stopped to smile for a picture :)

Did I mention that I love this little girl so much.... more than I knew my heart would ever allow!

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for my friend, Allie, this Thursday!! She made the header on my blog. I am so appreciative of people who share their artistic abilities.
Allie, I love it- Thanks so much!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Christmas time is here and one of my favorite parts is pulling out all of the decorations. It is the ONLY time of year that my house is in "season"- if you will. Other times of year I just can't get in the spirit to clutter my house- haha. So a week prior to Thanksgiving I couldn't wait another moment.... so at the Smorstad home the decorations went up early!


Ivy loved the beads! We had to wait until she went to bed to actually decorate the tree because with each attempt to put the beads on she ripped them off and draped them on like jewelry... what a girly girl I have!

Kaya has a very safe hiding place for the next month. Christmas time has always been Kitty Girl's favorite time of year. She has even been known to try to climb the tree.

Nana saved the day and let Ivy decorate a mini-tree with baby safe ornaments. Ivy was so excited and each time we go to visit we "un-decorate" and "re-decorate!"



Ivy showing Mommy the pretty pink ball on her very own tree.
(I will have to get a picture of the finished product... It is so pretty!)

At home we still have daily temptations to steal ornaments or pull the beads but I guess that is okay since Christmas is all about having JOY... so who needs a grumpy mama saying "No Touch" for an entire month??!!

Ivy's 15 Month Check Up

< Ivy at 16 months!!
Yes, we are a month late for the 15 month check up but insurance issues are completely to blame. I would never be a month late for anything- that is just not my style.... maybe a minute or three but a month (definitely not)!

Height: 31inches (52%)
Weight: 22 lb (28%)
Head: 46cm (45%)

The doc was really excited about Ivy and her growth! We haven't seen this doctor for a while bc she has been on maternity leave... but she remembers the days of weekly weigh ins and being too small. Those days are no longer! She is on track :) She was really excited about Ivy's speech articulation and we even had the paci talk. I really liked her encouraging words as I have been really torn over this.

Her suggestion~ at about 22 months create a special box or cup personalized for Ivy and put it on her dresser. Create a paci routine at bed and nap time. Getting the paci in and out of her special place will make leaving it in her room okay. She won't be worrying about some other baby stealing it!!! (Allie- you had good advice, this all sounded familiar!!) As far as taking it away right now, she said this is not necessary. They have so much change around their first birthday with giving up the bottle and having more independence and a paci is their source of comfort. She didn't recommend walking around with it all the time but letting her have it at times when she wants it is ok! SHoooo- what a relief! It doesn't seem like she has it too often but at the those times of day when she needs it I am happily going to offer the beloved paci.

High Pockets like Unc

This is a special video just for Unc. Unc, your style has definitely rubbed off on Ivy girl! We had a great time with you all this weekend and wish we could have come to your church today. Love you and Chelsea both and we'll see you at Christmas.

Please ignore the spaghetti-o's all over Ivy's shirt and the craziness of the videographer.(Hopefully Santa will bring a real video cam for Christmas)!

Thanksgiving: The Grand Finale

Our Family- Thanksgiving 2008

Today we had our last feast with my mom's side of the family. I particularly love this the most because it is in Lexington and we only have to ride about 3 miles to get there! YAY :) It was a lot of fun to see everyone (except Sherri and we missed her lots). Ivy was shy for a while but then warmed up to the fam. She was especially impressed with Aunt Donna's piano playing and the fact the Natalie has a belly button just like hers! (For those of you that don't know, belly buttons are Ivy's latest obsession.) Here are some pics to capture our day.

Ivy and Natalie trying to escape.

Ivy and Nana (the cook)- a great cook I might add!

Natalie showing Ivy her belly button~ from that point on Ivy was sold on their friendship.

Uncle Larry finally getting to snuggle Ivy.

Aunt Chesie (this is her new name) and Ivy looking in the mirror.

Now, Thanksgiving is complete and we are on to the next stop-- Christmas!

26 DAYS IN COUNTING!

Thanksgiving: Numero Dos

On Thursday, it is our family tradition to go to Louisville to celebrate with my dad's side of the family. My aunt Dee hosts it at her house and she invites around 25 people. This year we enjoyed the gorgeous weather and got to play outside before the feast. Ivy had so much fun playing with my cousins, Harper and Shea. She was very shy around the not so familiar adults but the second she saw another little person she warmed up right away!

This was the prettiest Turkey day that I can remember! We all enjoyed the sunshine.

Greg, Anthony, and Chelsea gave it a try on the kiddie toys! I was very impressed but to scared to try my coordination out :)

Ivy gave basketball a try!

Shortly after this, Ivy and I had a girl to girl chat about basketball uniforms and the not-so-cute factor! I told her until mommy had some part in a new design that is more flattering to the female frame there would be no b-ball for her! She agrees :)

Ivy loves her cousins! They spoiled her rotten :)

Shea and Ivy reading a book.

Harper and Ivy playing on the swing set.

At the end of the night, we got one (very sleepy) Mommy and Ivy shot.

Ivy' s flexibility impressed us all. She was in such a great mood even after the road trip, being toted all over the place, taking a very short nap, and enduring lots of commotion. I am noticing that this is a bonus of her getting a little bit older- she can adjust to our plans. By the end of the evening she was exhausted but Daddy wanted to sneak in one Mommy picture before changing into her jammies and hitting the roads back to Lexington.

We have one more Thanksgiving meal tomorrow! The grand finale Turkey day post will be coming soon. Then we will be fully into the Christmas spirit!