Bathtime Buddies

These are the pictures that kids end up resenting their parents for later in life. However, last night, they had a great time and didn't mind posing at all! I literally had to pull Mya out of the tub kicking and screaming!

Kissing Bandit!

Mya can't resist hugging and kissing her twinkie friends, Brooke and Addison! I have joked to their Mommy that Mya is somewhat of a "sexual predator." She goes in for the attack whether the girls want it or not. They usually just stand their with a stunned look on their face as Mya shows them some love! It seems so wrong to tell Mya to "stop hugging and kissing." I have put her in timeout for hitting and pulling hair. But, is it wrong to put her in timeout for being too loving?!

Meeting Kylie

Today we got to meet Kylie Clare O'Neill! She is so tiny and beautiful!

The O'Neill FamilyMya meets Kylie.Mya kisses Kylie. Mya kisses Daddy.
Auntie Rachel gets to hold Kylie.... getting baby fever!

Uncle Matt gets to hold Kylie.
Mya grew tired of not being able to hold baby Kylie....so she got her own baby and showerd her with kisses too!

Me + New Camera = TROUBLE

On Valentine's Day Eve, I knew my procrastinating husband had yet to get me a Valentine. When asked what I wanted, I told him please do not spend money on flowers. Although they are lovely, I would rather have something that wouldn't wilt and die in days. I also appreciate the gift of flowers on a day that is unexpected, not on a day where florists mark up the price 50% because it is "the" gift to give. So, I told him to just think about something that I could enjoy for a little "mommy time off." I was hinting at a mani/pedi or maybe, if I was lucky, a massage. But...never in my wildest dreams did I think that he would get me what I have wanted for a VERY long time. He surpised me with a brand, spankin' new camera! I was/am super excited! As most know, I am a bit of a freak about documenting every moment in my daughter's life. I love to capture the happy, sad, funny, pathetic, etc. faces she makes! Now, I'm afraid, my obsession has been increased!! I am having a great time snapping pictures. Matt has even started taking pictures too!

I am still trying to figure out the new camera. I definitely think I need to take a class and learn the ins and outs. But, for now, I will share some of the photos I've taken of my very favorite subject, Mya Isabelle. So, enjoy the faces of Mya!

Mya and Her Boys!

Mya is so lucky to have two of the sweetest boy cousins! They absolutely adore her and shower her with attention! This week we decided to venture to South Barrington and go to Pin Stripes. It is basically a trendy version of a bowling alley. The kids can bowl for $5 bucks everyday from 10-12 and parents are free. They even spoil the kids with fresh fruit and yogurt. Mya wasn't too interested in bowling, but she loved eating the yogurt, running around, watching her cousins, and trying to join in on all the birthday parties taking place. Mya and Tyler watched Brady bowl!Just. a. little. to. the. right!

Handsome Ty-roni!

On Friday, the boys came over for a playdate. It was absolutely beautiful outside so we decided to take advantage of it! We went a walk and played in the snow.Could this be much sweeter? Brady was walking hand-in-hand with Mya. He'll be such a good protector of his cousin.

Brady is king of the snowmound!So's Tyler!Brady wrote all of their names in the snow! He is doing such a good job of learning his letters and sounds!

Mya was NOT happy to come inside! I had to snap a picture of her pathetic face. I was trying to sidetrack her by taking her picture. It didn't work! I'm a bad mommy and was laughing at her while she whined/cried....her latest favorite pasttime!

My little snowbunny!

Fun with Daddy

Lucky for Mya (and Mommy), she was able to have some quality Daddy time over the weekend!

My mom was in town this weekend so Matt said he would stay home with Mya so I could have some "girl time" with my mom and sister. I also knew he was planning to do some "shopping" for Valentine's Day.....more about my awesome gift in a later posting! When I left, Mya was napping. Mya's morning outfit was laid out and ready to be put on Mya after her nap. It was a darling little dress and leggings. When I got home, Mya was wearing the outfit in the picture below. The picture doesn't quite do the outfit justice. I started cracking up when I saw her. My question to Matt, "You didn't take her out in public like his, did you?" His response, "Yeah, what's wrong with it?"

Outfit: White body suit, teal leggings, and her "Ugg" boots.

On Sunday, we decided to get out of the house and play outside. Mya was bundled up and ready to play. Mommy likes to walk on the cleaned off sidewalk with Mya. Daddy likes to stick her in the snow and watch her fight to get out.

Mya was intrigued by the snow on her gloves. She just LOVES the snow and playing outside!

Snow!

There definitely hasn't been a shortage of snow this winter! So, we decided to make the most of it. We bundled Little Miss Mya up and let her at it! I thought she would be a big wimp, but she loved it! In fact, she screamed when I brought her inside and screamed all of the way to the grocery store. I was freezing and she was having a blast! I promised her we could go play with her cousins after her nap. She held me to it! Luckily, they like playing in the snow too! Mya is bundled up and ready to go!

Checking out the scene.

And, she's in.... up to her knees!

My Little Marshmellow!

Walking with Mommy. Notice the depth of the snow! Wowsers!

The aftermath...she is NOT happy!

Mommy kept her promise! Mya with her cousins.

Blizzard Boredom

Today was yet ANOTHER day of being held up in our house due to SNOW! We are expected to get even more snow tonight and tomorrow. I prefer to not be out and about on the roads in these conditions. But, that means we are pretty much stuck inside all day. Mya is really good about playing and running around the house entertaining herself. However, eventually she gets restless and whiny. I have to be creative about what to do with her that will keep her entertained. I guess you could say blizzards cause creativity! Here's some things we did to cure our BLIZZARD BOREDOM!

Mya helped Mommy with a new banana bread recipe. Her job....the banana masher!

Mya has recently been very interested in Mommy and Daddy going potty. You often hear the little pitter patter of her tiny feet running towards the bathroom so that she doesn't miss the opportunity to flush. Today, she tried to sit on my lap. So I thought, when better to introduce her to her very own potty? I put the toddler potty in her bathroom and she was instantly amazed! She practiced going potty before bath....and after! She doesn't quite get that she has to GO to the bathroom, but she was very proud of herself for sitting on it. We clapped and cheered in excitement! I don't think she's quite ready for potty-training, but we sure are enjoying pretending!

Mya is also very fond of brushing her teeth. She begs to brush and loves watching herself brush in the mirror.

Bathtime is probably her least favorite part of bedtime routine. She is just too anxious to go potty and brush...again!

One more try at the potty! I thought it was hilarious that she held her hands together. It looks like she is "thinking." Note she is soaking wet. She ran to the potty before I could wrap her in her towel!