Our New Favorite Show

I have never been one of those mothers who believes that all television is evil and children should never be allowed to watch. While I certainly don't want Eliza to become a couch potato with the remote glued to her hand, I have let her watch shows that I think are educationally beneficial. Because Eliza loves music, Baby Mozart, Baby Beethoven and Baby Bach have been favorites at our house, as they fascinated her and held her interest. Recently these shows have lost their magic and sadly Eliza is no longer interested. However we have found something new . . . . The Backyardigans. One of my co-workers told me about the show and Eliza LOVES it. When I turn it on, Eliza squeals, claps, bounces up and down, and tries to sing along. Stephen does not have the same reaction. He rolls his eyes and refers to them in a very non PC way. I think the show is adorable and I highly recommend it to those who have small children.
From the Nick Jr Web Site

The Backyardigans is an animated musical-adventure series for children ages 2 to 5. In each episode, the show's five high-spirited preschool friends--Uniqua, Pablo, Tyrone, Tasha, and Austin--rely on their vivid imaginations to transform their backyard into a fantastical 3-D landscape, and together they embark on amazing epic journeys.

These lovable characters will inspire children to sing and dance along, and to stretch their imaginations as they climb up mountains, slide down glaciers, and sail across oceans. Each episode is driven by an exciting, age-appropriate story and enlivened by original music--including big band, reggae, rockabilly, bossa nova, and hip-hop--and by professionally choreographed dance numbers.

All Dressed Up

Eliza and I had big plans yesterday; we were going to go get her picture taken with Santa. I knew that Sunday would probably be a very popular day for picture taking, so I looked up Santa's hours online and we even got there early. Unfortunately we were not there early enough because by the time we got there the line wrapped around Santa's village twice! I decided that I just couldn't handle standing in line for two hours surrounded by screaming kids - so we left and went to the grocery store. While we were there three different women commented on how cute she looked in her red Christmas dress. We will try again later in the week to get her picture taken with Santa, but I thought everyone might enjoy seeing her all decked out in her fancy dress.

Winter Has Arrived

Believe it or not, last week we had snow flurries around town. We didn't get anything substantial at our house, but other parts of the city got a fair amount. Even though the snow was sparse, Eliza was prepared with all of the necessary accouterments. She didn't seem to mind the hat and coat, but she was bound and determined to get those blasted mittens off.

What's so Funny?

One of the things that I love the most about hearing Eliza laugh is that I know without a doubt that it is pure and genuine. She is not laughing to be polite or politically correct. She laughs simply because she is happy (or because her Dad is making goofy noises in the background.)

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Eliza and her doll, Lola, took some time to sit and enjoy our Christmas tree.

J-E-L-L-O

In an effort to help Eliza get over her stomach flu and stay hydrated, our doctor suggested jello. She really didn't care for the taste of it, but as you can see, she had a great time making it wiggle and jiggle.

A First Time for Everything

Milestones are important, and new parents always seem eager to share with everyone the latest and greatest achievements of their children. This week, Stephen and I both experienced a new parent milestone . . . the first time your child pukes on you. We are not talking about a little bit of baby spit up, but rather full throttle vomiting. Unfortunately, Eliza picked up a stomach bug from one of her buddies at day care, so it has been a rough week for all of us. The worst part for Stephen and me was not being puked on, but rather knowing that our child felt miserable and there was only so much we could do to make her feel better.

** For obvious reasons - no pics for this post!**

C is for Cookie

Grammy thought that Eliza needed Thanksgiving cookies for her dessert after her first turkey dinner. They were adorable and delicious, and since there were left overs Eliza got to bring some home to Houston to share with her cousin Jacob. I hope Jacob enjoyed the turkey cookie as much as Eliza liked her pumpkin cookie.


Yummy . . . . cookie

Thanksgiving Aftermath

A girl can only handle so much excitment until she just has to nap!

So Much to be Thankful For

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday and I am so grateful that Eliza was able to spend her first Thanksgiving with both sides of her family. She was surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents, and she loved every minute of it. She is a very lucky little girl to be loved by so many wonderful people, and we are so blessed to have her in our lives. Grammy feeds Eliza her first Thanksgiving meal. She ate everything we gave her, but her hands down favorite were the yummy sweet potatoes.

Eliza and her Great Aunt Jeane looked very chic in their black and white outfits.

Eliza is always excited to spend time with her Great Grandma Ola. They had a wonderful time playing Peek-a-boo.