Fun in the Snow

I did it. I braved the ridiculous cold and took Lydia out for some fun in the snow. All by myself. She loved it and didn't want to go inside, but her California-girl momma felt that 20 minutes was enough time in freezing temperatures. Maybe her more warm blooded daddy can take her out for a more decent amount of time.

The Dress

Lydia received this dress from her Grandma Brown as a birthday present.

We immediately tried it on. It didn't fit across her back. I was devastated (because it really is the cutest dress ever), but my smart momma had sent a gift receipt along with the dress.

The very next day, Ryan headed out to our closest mall to exchange the dress for a bigger size at JCPenney, only to find that there was no JCPenney at that mall (even though we were both positive there was). He was then sent on a wild goose chase by google text for the next hour or so.

He finally found a JCPenney, only to find that they did not have the dress!

I called every JCPenney within driving distance (and there are a lot!). Not one of them had the dress. Meanwhile, my mom drove to 2 JCPenneys in California and was unable to find the dress.

I checked the internet. Sold out.

So finally, I decided to just exchange the dress for something else. I found a few items at the store, took Lydia into the dressing room and began trying on. A thought came to me: try the polka dot dress on her one more time.

Feeling silly, I did. As I put it over her head, I realized the bow could be untied, something I hadn't noticed before. Once I untied the bow, the dress slipped easily over her head, and adjusted just fine to her little body.

It fit perfect.

She'll be wearing this dress every day until she outgrows it. Just to make the effort of 3 people in 2 states worth it!

This is what happens when you open up the dresser drawers of a 2 year old and tell her it's time to get dressed. Beanie, gloves, nightgown, striped pants that are 2 sizes too small and Christmas socks.

2 Year Old Picture with Mono

We had a fun little photo shoot this morning. It's our plan to take a picture of Lydia at each birthday (a few days late this year) with her favorite stuffed animal, Mono (pronounced Moe-no) the Monkey, made by our friend Jonathan. Mono is Monkey in Spanish.

I got the idea from a magazine somewhere. The article suggested taking a picture of your child in the same chair each year to watch how they grow. I thought it would be cuter to see how Lydia (and Mono) age together. So far, he is still intact- all limbs, eyes and ears accounted for.

She's getting much better at holding still for pictures. It helped that she got to hold her little buddy. She was eager to have him be in the pictures with her.

Even though she's getting better at staying in one place, we still had some hiccups.

After hearing the click of my camera, she would say "Awwww....cute picture," then run to see the picture on my screen.

Here is one of many results of her vanity.

Some more "cheese" poses

And here she is with Mono last year. She was so wiggly that Ryan had to hold her still and keep Mono in his hand.

Evolution of a Photo Shoot

Our friend, Emily, made Lydia the cutest apron for her birthday. Lydia loves wearing it, so I made a big deal out of taking her picture in it, hoping she would get excited and pose. She was eager to pose (for once), and went to the wall smiling and saying "Cheeeeeese." I was so excited!

But before I could get my slow camera to respond, she had already thought up a new idea. Instead of ME taking HER picture, she would reverse that and take my picture with her camera!

I reminded her of the cool pockets in the apron, which got her camera out of her face for a second.

Then, she thought that maybe sitting down would be a better idea. Sure, why not? Anything for a chance at a good picture.

Got it!



Tiny disclaimer: I didn't tie the strings on the apron tight enough. It fits much better when I do. I know Emily will worry. So don't worry, Emily. =)