Alright, alright!

If you're going to harass me on Facebook people, I guess I better get on this. See, peer pressure really is quite effective! :)

I, of course, planned to get Christmas on here before I returned to work. That didn't happen and then reality has been pretty hairy these past 2 weeks. Thank goodness for the suprise of having Friday off. A 4-day weekend was just what the doctor ordered. Speaking of doctor, we may well be taking Addison there tomorrow. Seems we've all been sick since I returned to school. Hmm...coincidence? I think not. I have been sick twice in the 9 days since I returned. Lovely. Thankfully Jeff has stayed healthy (until today) and as usual, picked up my slack. What would I do without that man? Let's not even try to imagine... I would like to ask, if you're so inclined, to lift up a prayer. Adjusting to teaching after being off for 15 months has been rough. It's improved a bit now that Addison is sleeping better at the sitter's, but still. My heart continues to ache as I put her to bed each night, knowing I won't be spending the entire next day with her. I'm still blessed beyond measure to have had the time I did, and summer will be here in no time. At least that's what I'm telling myself. The outpouring of support has certainly helped. I've been so touched with the many emails, texts, and calls. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for thinking of me and Addison during this adjustment. And you can add Jeff to that as well. He's struggled more than he thought he would. That morning drop-off is just not fun, even when you know your baby is in great hands, has a super fun playmate, and has a day of fun ahead. Hopefully this time will pass in the blink of an eye and who knows what God has in store for me next. I'm just praying that my life lines up with His plan. That's all I can ask for.

I really did plan to do the Christmas posts but I'm just too sleepy. I'll do my best to get it done tomorrow. And if I don't, feel free to give some grief. I know you all will.

Children's Museum

We went to the Children's Museum Thursday with our friends from StrollerFit. We haven't been since August and there's been a big change in what Addison can do there now. She enjoyed the Playscape area and it was her first adventure with sand. I was afraid she'd try to eat it but she really just seemed to like the texture. We loved the slide and the carousel and can't wait to go back again.

So these pictures obviously aren't from the Museum. Just a couple of cute ones with Addison in front of the tree. Too bad I didn't get my act together in time to use one for a Christmas card, huh? I promise we'll send them next year!

Santa is Scary!

At least to Addison he is! We went to Season's Gardens a couple of weekends ago and I was very impressed. Santa was amazing and had such an old-world charm about him. He just seemed to exude magic and it's too bad Addison didn't share my opinion. We walked right in and the picture was free! The first two were from my camera and the third was emailed to me from them. We will definitely try this again next year and hopefully have better luck.

These pictures were taken at the Children's Museum. Again, Addison wasn't too thrilled.

I thought I'd join her for the last picture. You know, Santa needed to know what I wanted for Christmas. He said he knew I had been a good girl this year...

Addison's friend Audrey wasn't too fond of Santa either.

But check out Carter! This boy had nerves of steel! I'd say the girls could learn a thing or two from him. :)

She's finally walking!

This kiddo didn't seem to be in any hurry to start walking. She had been taking a few steps here and there starting in November at about 13.5 months. This was about the same time I started walking so I guess I shouldn't have been too surprised. Then lo and behold, she really took off on Thanksgiving Day when we were in Tennessee. I was so glad that my parents could see this milestone! She walked back and forth, from room to room, around the island, and just had a ball. These pictures were taken when we were back home and Jordan was in on the fun. It's a bittersweet moment because while I enjoy her independence, she is becoming just that - more independent from mommy and daddy. I love that Addison still wants to be held and carried and I still eat it up. All too soon I won't be able to pick her up and cradle her in my arms. So I make sure to do it often these days!

November

I just love when Addison sits this way. She is so darn cute!

She loves the snowflake puzzle from one of her Christmas books.

Reading with her Sissy. Addison LOVES it when Jordan is here to visit us for the weekend.

We had another Thanksgiving dinner the Saturday after the holiday. Addison thought it was pretty yummy! Daddy sure is a great cook. :)

Addison loves to play with Daddy's phone. And who can resist that smile?

Can you see why these two make my heart smile? I AM SO BLESSED!!!!!!!!!!

Mimi's here! Mimi's here!

It was such a blessing to not be teaching this semester because I was able to spend some extra time in Tennessee. Mom came up Saturday and took Addison and me back Monday. Then Jeff came Wednesday and we returned to Indiana Friday. It was busy and there was lots of driving, but of course it was worth it. Addison was SO excited to see Mimi when she arrived. Check out that warm welcome! Doesn't it just melt your heart? She couldn't get enough of her Mimi during this week and mommy just might have been a tiny bit jealous!

Alexander and Addison's Playdate

Addison loves playing with Alexander! Good thing too, since she'll soon be getting lots of playtime with him when mommy returns to work. We've been going to visit Miss Jolisa and Alexander since Addison was tiny so she's very comfortable there and I'm so grateful. And yes, she's in the monkey outfit again but that's because it's the same day as her one-year pics at Vicki's! Alexander loved the train ride-on and Addison loved to push him on it. It was so cute!