Much Needed Fresh Air

After a week or so of teething we were in need of some great VA fresh air. HVN was feeling much better today although she has the aftermath of a runny nose and cough. I do believe she has all sixteen teeth and won't get anymore until her two year molers. I could be wrong but am hopeful that I'm not. She continued to eat like a champ even with sore gums...girlfriend likes her food.
Our sweet girl makes us smile so frequently throughout the day. She is understanding more and amazes us with her wit. Today we lined up her flash cards and ask her to hand us the pig, dog, cow, etc. and she got all the animals correct. Then I emptied the Colorful Shapes Puzzle and ask her to hand me the diamond (most important of course), the square, oval etc. and she got most of them correct. She can put them in their places correctly but to know them without the board and matching color was a little more tough.We'll continue with our shapes.
The things that make her giggle continue to be hide and seek, peek a boo, putting her play make up on mommy, climbing over the pillows and wrestling with Daddy, winks to her, music and dancing, tickles in every spot but especially her neck, bath time, silly faces, umpteen books and extreme reactions really get her attention.
She is so "Our Wish Come True" !!!!
Her pretty outdoor accessories are from some very special friends who have a beautiful girl and knew that HVN would glisten in the matching hat, scarf, boots and mittens! Thank you "N" family! We love you.

Happy 18 Month Birthday Sweet Hope Victoria!

12 + 4 = 16 Teeth, Just This Week

It's been a long week with a few sleepless nights. I guess I had this coming as HVN did so well with all of her other teeth. She cut her tummy and eye teeth this week and she let us know it. The others did not cause a high fever, this however got up to 102.5 and scared me. I took her in to the Dr. and all test were negative. Praise God the others things could be ruled out. I have to say my heart broke one night as she would only sleep on me and we had to be sitting up. We made our way from the bed to the rocking chair to the couch and all over again. Her cry was pitiful and all I could do was give her pain killer and hold her, which I loved. So, if you've missed us this week you now know why. These pictures were taken over Christmas when Ellyanna had a lollipop the size of Texas. Hope followed her long enough until she shared and she did it with a smile. How Hope managed to get it all by herself I do not know. It was cute to watch. For those of you who know me know HVN wouldn't have gotten this from me, it had to come from another kid, my sweet niece.

A Fun Day at the Children's Museum

Although cold, we ventured to the Children's Museum for a day of farming, planting veggies, milking a cow, driving the tractor's, climbing the jungle gym, decorating cookies, drawing pictures, pressing endless buttons on the ambulance, sliding on the slides, feeding the horses, eating a snow cone and sharing endless hugs with Grandma and Grand Daddy. HVN didn't want Mommy, she didn't want daddy...she wanted Grandma on one hand and Grand Daddy on the other and that's what she got.

My Girl Loves to Color

Friday was another cold and snowy morning. So after eggs, bananas and toast we colored. HVN is all about having pajami days and so are we. This sweet face gives us a happy "ta da" after she's finished adorning the princesses in her coloring book.

"Is She Always This Happy?"

Yes, as long as she is fed and had her nap. The day after Christmas HVN kept us all laughing and kissing all over her. Daily she is full of smiles and energy, quite personable and very lovey!!! She is a joy to parent!!!

Family In Town for A Visit

The day after Christmas we hosted the Nicely's and the Layman's. Of course HVN presented PaPa Nicely with many books for him to read to her, Kristin (almost a teacher) shared puzzle time with HVN, Andrew was made to share his food with her as she felt no problems with asking for it and Elizabeth made it fun for Hope to share her toys with. This is a new thing for HVN..."sharing" and we are working on it. It was a full day but worth the cooking, cleaning and set up to have family around.