Princesses On Ice

 

 

Last night, we took the girls to Princesses on Ice.  They got their tickets for a Christmas gift and have been very excited about this night.

 

We had a little bit of a chaotic start to our afternoon which included me sending my car keys in Libby's diaper bag to their sitter...but we finally got home and quickly got ready.

 

I was just hoping for one good picture of my 3 princesses...

but this one will have to do!  :)   Libby was not happy about my photo shoot or the car ride (which was awesome because it started snowing and took us an hour and a half to get to the city...with a screaming baby.  Needless to say, I ordered wine before I even took my coat off at the restaurant!)

We were ready to hit the road with 3 princesses...2 of which were happy!  :)

We took the girls to Greektown for dinner before the show.  Believe it or not, even though for 3 years we lived within walking distance of Greektown, I had never eaten there..only gone to the awesome fest.  We knew we had to order the flaming cheese...too much fun!  And the restaurant had lots of little princesses there!  :)


I think they were saying "Gyros" here!  :) 

Then, it was time to head to the show!  The girls had a really great night.  They saw some of their favorite princesses and enjoyed a night of skating, dancing, and singing!  The highlights were Ariel-Abigail sang every single word and couldn't stop looking at Rob and I and smiling, it was sweet, Merida, and Rapunzel.  Although Caitlin told me this morning her favorite part was Minnie and Mickey because she likes them now....


These girls make me so happy!  They really love life!!!!


We had the front row of the balcony so they were able to stand the whole time...although Caitlin may have had as much fun licking the glass and making nose smudges...she's our classy one!  :)


They talked Daddy into the world's most expensive tub of popcorn...they sure have him wrapped around their fingers!  :) 

It was a great night!  And I see many, many, many more Princesses on Ice in our future!

A & C happenings

Here's some of the Abigail and Caitlin have been up to lately....

*A few weekends ago, we decided to take the girls to try out their new Christmas presents from Nana and Papa.  We headed over to Coachlite roller skating rink, where both Rob and I grew up roller skating.  It was such a blast-from-the-past...and we had a great afternoon!  After 1 spin around, the girls got the hang of it and were able to skate by themselves.  There were plenty of falls, but no tears!  By the end, Caitlin was even spinning around!  :)


We're ready!  (I made them wear helmets, much to Rob's dismay!)


Too much fun!


This was their first spin around...and then they got brave.


This peanut is a natural skater!

*Last week was pajama day at school.  It's always one of the highlights of the school year.

This was Abigail's day at school...but Caitlin had to wear pajamas to Miss Bella's too!  I forgot a picture from Caitlin's day...she decided to wear Cinderella pajamas.  Cinderells has passed Elmo...I guess my little girl isn't so little anymore!


Mommy wore pajamas to teach too!

*The girls started up ballet again. This time they are in the ballet class that has no recital at the end...Caitlin's not old enough for that class yet and Abigail wants to try new things this year (gymnastics, soccer, and maybe basketball).  They have a great class with lots of girls...and they are always together.  I work out while they dance...but every once in a while I stop in to check on them and twice I caught them holding hands while they danced or listened to their teacher.  Melt. My. Heart.


Tiny Dancers


Random picture...but my 5 year old is looking too old to me!  I can't believe that next week I have my first "kindergarten" meeting!

*Also, I have no pictures, but we had a really simple, but fun weekend that I wanted to document so I can look back and remember.  Rob went out with some friends on Saturday night, so it was just "the girls".  We decided we wanted breakfast for dinner because Daddy doesn't like it...and we decided to go out for pancakes.  Just the 4 girls went out and had chocolate chip pancakes for dinner ..and then we came home and the 4 of use cuddled on the couch and watched Wizard of Oz with popcorn.  It was such a quite, cheap (apparently the kids meals were free, it was awesome), great night with my girls...and I look forward to many more!


Lots more updates to come, including Daddy's Night and our family night out this week!

Libby is 2 Months!

Miss Libby Frances is 2 months today!!!!  These 2 months have flown by...she is such a great baby!  She eats and sleeps!  That's about all.  She's a happy, go-with-the flow type of gal!  She loves cuddles and snuggles.  She makes us so happy and we love her so much!!!!

Here are some recent pictures of Libs...


Go Hawks!  We can't wait to watch her grown into her jersey!


Rocking in her chair.


Our little giraffe headed to the sitter's house.


Caitlin is really GREAT with her sister! 


Sitting in her Bumbo.


Practicing tummy time.


Sitting with her daddy.  She really has his wrapped around her finger...she is definitely going to be Daddy's girl!


I love clock.  (Quote from Anchorman. She loves to stare at our clock.)

Libby eats great!  When she takes a bottle at the sitter's house, she's eating about 3.5-4 oz, every 3 or so hours.  She takes 1 or 2 bottles at the sitter, and I'm feeding her the rest.  She has still not had formula!  :)  I'd love to make it at least 6 months, but my goal is a year.

She's been going to bed around 9:00 in her crib.  The last few nights she has actually slept until 2:00.  She moves into our bed and eats.  Then she sleeps in our bed, gets up again around 5:00 or 6:00 and eats again.  Then she usually stays up and plays until we leave around 8:00 for the sitter.

I started back to work this week.  It's been an adjustment...but we are doing good.  The older girls are very happy that I'm back at school with them..and that they get to go back to Miss Izabella's house.  It was really hard to leave Libby, but she's only gone a few hours from me (between 2 and 5 depending on the day..I love the days it's only 2)...and she sleeps most the time she's gone.  I'm definitely looking forward to having 3 months this summer with her...we are going to start swim lessons!  :)

Abigail and Caitlin have continued to adjust to Libby.  So far, they haven't really had any jealous moments.  In fact, I think they appreciate it...we have been home a lot more and they are happy.  They talk about Libby all the time and let me know when she's crying, hungry, happy, etc.  I know those 3 are going to have some nasty fights...but they are going to grow up the best of friends!

Happy 2 Months, Libs...or Lib-a-saurus as daddy calls you!  You have completed our family...and make us happier than we ever could have imagined!  We love you!!!

Our Wedding Picture

Abigail drew us a "wedding picture".  I LOVE the heart!  And how Rob's hand bends backwards to hold mine!    So sweet!

In other news, Caitlin came down with some stomach virus and had a LONG night.  She's feeling better today..and refers to our couch as "my sick bed."  She's watched Calliou Christmas 5 times...so I'm ready for her to get better so I can get that squeaky whiney voice (Calliou, not Caitlin) out of my head.  But she was a trooper..and today I saw her putting "buckets" (bowls) next to all her dolls sleeping!  ;)

And in a Libby update, she is 7 weeks tomorrow.  I can't believe how fast these 7 weeks went by.  I am going back to work on Monday...it's soon but since it's only half days and I'm done mid-May (plus a day off coming up already and Spring break in 2 months), I figured it was time.  We will see how I get out of the house with 3 kids dressed for school...and on time!  Wish me luck! 

Libby is still only sleeping 2-3 hour stretches at night, although last night she did a 4 hour stretch (unfortunately I was up with Caitlin so it didnt help me out) so maybe we are getting there.  She will still ONLY sleep with me, she refuses to sleep in her bassinet and I can't exactly let her cry it out because she has the most ridiculous cry.  She doesn't cry often, but when she does, it's a SCREAM!  There is no wimpering or warning...it scares me every time she does it! 

Libby continues to be a great baby who just goes with the flow.  She takes naps in her car seat like a typical 3rd child!  I'm still feeding her, but she takes a pumped bottle when need be...and even took her 1st formula today (just trying it because I'm leaving emergency back-up formula with her sitter) so she's a easy-going, go-with-the-flow baby! 

She's my cuddle bug!  She loves to be held!!!!!  She makes everyone in our family so happy!

That's our little update!!!

New Years Eve

The weekend before New Year's Eve, Rob and I (and Libby) went to Joe's parent's Wedding Blessing (like a renewal ceremony).  It was a really beautiful service and reception.  I was really looking forward to it...and it was a great night out!!!!  The girls headed up to Bass Lake with Nana and Papa.

The day before New Years Eve, Rob and I headed up and joined them at the cabin.  We began the weekend at a local "establishment" watching the Bears game.  It was a great way to kick off a fun, relaxing weekend!

On New Years Eve, we did a lot of relaxing and spending time as a family.  I couldn't imagine a better way to end what was one of the best years in our lives (it was the year Libby joined our family)..and welcome what we can hope is an even better year!

We spent the day shopping, doing puzzles, playing card games, eating and drinking...lots....and relaxing a lot!!!  We did stay awake to see the countdown...although it was the count down in New York...but that's okay! 


Ringing in the New Year with my 4 favorite people


The girls all "helping" Nana with Libby.  Too cute.


Caitlin set up a tea party...and Daddy was happy to join in the fun!  What a great daddy!!!!


Miss Libby in her new snow suit!  Warm!!!!

 They got a few inches of snow and the older girls couldn't wait to get outside...


Abigail



Caitlin


Our snowman


The girls having a snowball fight with Papa.  Libby was watching with Nana in the window (you can see them)...Libby loved to watch the snow!


Dance Party to ring in 2013!

It was a great time...and a great start to what we hope will be our best year yet!!!!!

Christmas Day

I can't believe it.  I took a grand total of 5 pictures from Christmas Day!  I really failed at my picture duties.  I'm so sad I didn't do a better job...I didn't even take a picture of our tree/presents on Christmas morning!

The girls work up at their normal 7:00am time.  Daddy headed downstairs to start our Christmas gift...our new Keurig.  We had gotten it a month before, but since it was our Christmas gift to each other, I wouldn't let him use it till Christmas morning.  It was worth the wait!

After we got everything organized (Christmas music on, coffee drank, Libby fed, Cinnamon rolls in oven), the girls came down.  When they came downstairs, the first thing Caitlin saw was her new Cinderella bike.  It was all she wanted and she was so excited.  Abigail was so happy for her that she ran downstairs into the basement and found her old Cinderella doll to put in the basket.  She didn't even look at her gift.  But when she finally saw her new Stuffie, she was very excited.  They had a great morning opening gifts.  We tried to slow things down, but they were too excited.  Rob and I only exchange stocking stuffer fun gifts...so the morning was for the girls.  An hour later, our room looked like toys'r'us.  Both girls got their dream lites and a soccer ball.  Some of the other gifts included a Vet set, singing Ariel, leap pad games and gel skin, tea set, hair set, bath toys, art supplies, princess dresses....oh, and tickets to Princesses on Ice.  It was a really great morning!  (When we got to Nana and Papa's house, they asked what the girls got.  Caitlin was excited to tell them all about her Cinderella bike!  When they asked Abigail, she said, "A new tooth brush"....ha!


"My new cinde-wella bike"


:My Stuffie (pillow with pockets to hide things from my sister)"


Libby's new bath toys..she's pretty excited!

When presents and breakfast rolls were done, we packed up and headed to Nana and Papa's house.  After breakfast cocktails and breakfast, we began another round of presents!

The girls got new roller skates (complete with elbow, knee, and wrist guards) which they are very excited about.  Caitlin got a tangled doll and her horse, which she thinks is the coolest thing ever.  Abigail got a Cinderella carriage for her new Cinderella and Prince Charming.  They also got a new table for their tea set..and lots of other great presents.  Libby got a gift certificate so she can buy herself diapers, etc.  :)  Rob and I were spoiled as always.  Rob also got a gift certificate for a night away at Key Lime Cove..and there were lots of fun things (shirts, book bags, etc) for the girls whent we go!  Very excited!!!!


Skating girls


Christmas baby..she looks so sweet!

After our great Christmas morning, we had about an hour to head home, change into our Christmas clothes, and head to great Nani and great Papa's house for Christmas dinner.  It's always so much fun to be with all the family.  The food is out of control.  Rob's grandma made 101 raviolis by hand..and I'm sure they were all gone.  Delicious!  And again, our girls were spoiled rotten with lots of cute clothes and fun toys, including a lite brite, fun books, and pillows they can draw on and then wash off.  Rob and I also left with a whole lot of loot!  And Libby left with a Godmother...Auntie Stina!  It was a great great great Christmas evening!


The girls with Auntie Brina and Uncle Tom.  Isn't this a great family picture?  I told Deb I'm putting Rob and my heads on their heads and calling it our Christmas family picture since we didn't take one!  :) 


A view of some of the crew


Libby and her Godmother, Auntie Stina

Christmas Day was perfect!!!!!  The girls had such a special 2 days...and were ready to stay in their pajamas and play the entire next day..and this mama was too!  :)

Christmas Eve

Christmas Even has always been, and continues to be, my favorite day of the year.  It's full of Christmas traditions like mass, traditional food, family, and gifts...and then add to that the "magic" that Santa is out there and will be stopping at our house tonight...magical!!!!!

Christmas Eve was as great as ever..maybe the best Christmas eve yet!!!


Joe's parents stopped by to meet Libby.  They had Christmas gifts for the girls which was so sweet!!!


The girls getting in some cuddle time with Grandpa!  Shortly after, Libby took their spot and stayed there happily for most of Christmas eve!


Our little Santa baby!  It was so much fun having Libby there for Christmas...and am even more excited for next year when she will really get to enjoy the magic of Christmas!


The girls with their dinner.  Thanks Uncle Joe for making mac-n-cheese!  Abigail's meal basically consisted of Holy Bread..I am pretty sure she ate a whole loaf!


Miss Lucy enjoying a Christmas meal...for a few minutes!

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The Christmas table.  Crab legs, oysters, clams, lake perch, pierogies...all our favorite Christmas eve traditions!


The cousins!


Can't even imagine what next year will bring with 5 princesses!!!!!


Lucy opening gifts.  We got her this princess castle.  It was so cute because she was so excited that she couldn't stop looking at the box.  She didn't realize that Uncle Rob had already put it together and was behind her surprising her.  He kept saying "Lucy...look here" but she wouldn't stop looking at the box.  I'm sure her reaction was priceless when she finally turned around (I only had a view from the back).


2 of my tu-tu Christmas girls (and yes, Libs had Christmas tu-tu pajamas too!)


Abigial LOVED her Madeline doll.  She loves Madeline books so much, and was very excited to get not 1, but 2 Madeline dolls!


Caitlin's new American girl doll.  Her and Lucy got twins...and now get to join big cousin/sister Abigail at the American Girl store next week for tea!!!

The girls got so many wonderful gifts, it's hard to even begin to name them all.  Caitlin got bunk beds for her doll (big hit with all the girls), a personalized lunch box (this girl loves lunch boxes), a running suit, lots of cute clothes, Elmo movie, and more!  Abigail got a Barbie room for Princess and the Popstar (another favorite), mermaid Barbie, lots of cute clothes including a favorite princess shirt, Princess movie, personalized bath towel (her 1st big girl towel without a hood on it) and more!  Libby also got gifts..she got a personalized piggy bank, a snow suit, and 2 personalized things for her room!!!  I was very excited about the personalized things for her room because I had never taken down the things that said "Caitlin" when the 2 older girls moved to their bunk beds...


Her Libby sign from Autn Katie..and her Libby bank from Gma and Gpa.


Her Libby Winnie the Pooh sign from the Blandfords.

Rob and I were also spoiled!  In addition to our big Secret Santa gifts, we also had so much fun with the guys gift (tradition started years ago) and girts gifts.  Guys gifts included:  Notre Dame shirt, sensor light, rubs for meat, and Moonshine book.  Some of the best guy gifts ever (would have been better if there had been a coozie....thanks Jules ;)!)  Girls gifts included bracelets, gift certificates, exfoliant, body wash, and coffee mug.  Those gifts are as much fun to shop for as they are to recieve!!!!

We put the girls to sleep at my parents around 8:00, then the adults opened gifts.  Arond 10:00, it was time to head home.  The car ride home is always my favorite because the girls look at the window so intensely.  This time, they saw Rudolph's red nose flashing!  ;)  When we got home, we got Santa his cookies, milk, and shot (to keep him warm), we put the reindeer food outside (something the girls make at school), we read The Night Before Christmas, and then we went to bed and let Santa work his magic!!!!

Next up..Christmas Day!