Cousins on Christmas

It was so great to have all of Grandma and Grandpa's grand-kids together for Christmas. Here is an example of how they played together . . .

If you're bored

If you are bored and looking for 7 1/2 minutes of entertainment you're in luck. This Saturday Anabelle was on fire talking for about 15 minutes straight. About what exactly we can't say. This 7 1/2 minute video is the max I can upload for week so you miss the start but you should still understand just as much as we did. And here is a FISH BUMP from Anabelle to all of you!!!

Happy Halloween!

Our Pink Caterpillar and Hula Girl had a great halloween "season!" With parties, events, and capping it off with Trick-or-treating!

And of course there was pumpkin carving! Anabelle did a great job scooping out the seeds (and eating them after mom roasted them). Macy was a little unsure of their slimy consistency.

And as a bonus ... Maggie as Belle from Beauty and the Beast!

Maggie the Seamstress

A little while ago Anabelle decided she wanted to be a caterpillar and started telling everyone. Maggie wasn't going to let her be disappointed so she figured up a plan to make her own costume.

It started with a trip to the craft store for a piece of fabric. Then it had to be sized up on Anabelle. Yes, she is under that pink sheet.

Then the caterpillar needed some legs so Anabelle helped stuff some socks (and yes they were new clean socks, not dads old socks).

Some more sewing and adding some sparkles then it was time to stuff the costume. Anabelle and Macy were both a "HUGE" help.

And now look how happy she is when Maggie puts it on her for the first time. Way to go Mom, you're the best ever!!!

Payton Comes to Town

We want Payton to come live with us. Anabelle and Macy had so much fun playing with their cousin. As expected there were some sharing issues but the number of hugs they shared far out weighed any issues.

Normally it takes several days for the girls to warm up to Uncle Danny but less than an hour after Danny got here they were sitting on the couch with him.

Saturday we stopped quickly at a park with a downtown view but it was way too windy to stay longer then a couple pictures.

After some cold pictures we went down to the Westside Market and watched Shannon in her element buying port wine cheese, pesto, pumpkin rolls, pretzels, mangos, etc, etc. Then out to eat for a Cleveland specialty overstuffed Panini. The Beast laughs at the size of an overstuffed panini. Later in the day the weather warmed up and the girls played in the wagon in the backyard.

To cap off the weekend uncle Danny got everyone worked up with some ready-set-go races. They were absolutely hilarious.

CHRISTMAS IS TOO LONG BEFORE THESE KIDS CAN PARTY TOGETHER AGAIN!!!!

The three amigos

We had the best treat this week with our cousin Payton coming to visit us in Rocky River. We had a short movie and snack before bedtime. Payton and Macy are so good at sharing!!!

AAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

If you want to laugh hysterically then this is the video for you. A couple of nights ago at dinner Macy started doing some screaming and Maggie and I couldn't help but laugh. That obviously fueled the fire and they were cracking us up. So here is the video:

There is also a fun video of the girls playing in their little tent a couple days ago. Just check the left side of the screen to find it.

Pumpkin Patch Trip

This Saturday we had a 75 degree sunny day, perfectly timed for a trip to a local farm. We got to take a hay ride, pick pumpkins, drink cider and see animals. It was an amazing trip and the girls loved it. Macy's highlights were cider and pointing at the cows. Anabelle loved picking out pumpkins for everyone and looking at the big piggy. Here are some pictures:

My little ragamuffins

Both girls recently had their well visits with the doctor and although they are very healthy overall the doctor looked at me and said, "Do you feed your kids?!" They are both little peanuts!

Macy is 14th percentile for weight, but you wouldn't know it when you watch her eat! The girl can put away some food!

And Anabelle is 31st percentile for weight. But she is a non-stop snacking machine! And a dancer and a mover. So, I'm not too worried and I think it benefitted the girls because now they are getting even more food and snacks! And we found out they both LOVE beef!

Anabelle, by the way, is having a blast at school! The teachers say she is still very quiet and shy but she has fun. I'm sure she'll come out of her shell soon and they won't be able to get her to stop talking. :)

PARTYYYYY

Have you seen me sing and dance? Check me out rocking out at mom and dads.

First Day of Preschool

Anabelle is officially a student! Today was her first day at Rocky River United Methodist Nursery School and she did great, but mom was with her the whole time - they do a gradual intro into school. So ... tomorrow she has to do it all by herself. I think she'll do great!

Surprise, new videos

Not that anybody is counting but the last videos were posted for Easter. Here are several new videos for your enjoyment. Just check to the left.

The Big Screen

Macy is trying to give up her two nap schedule so it was the perfect opportunity for a special Dad and Anabelle day, and dad decided to go BIG. Not just taking her to her first movie but going downtown to the Great Lakes Science Center to see an Omnimax Movie. Anabelle was so excited.

She started by saying goodbye to Macy and telling her she wasn't going. When we got to the parking garage she was skipping and laughing non-stop. When the movie started she was so amazed how big it was and thought that we were moving since the movie surrounded us in the dome. It was so cute how little she was in the big chairs.

The past few days

Soooo, just so you know, this is how Macy has felt all week. The poor girl is growing teeth like it's going out of style! Here's another glimpse into our week:

Well, you still have to look good even when you're in pain, hence the beads she would NOT let me take off of her neck!

So, I thought a fun trip out to the Zoo was much deserved by all of us and we had a blast! Anabelle was most excited to see the Lions and even though they were sleeping and basically impossible to see she said they were her favorite! They were seriously so far away and so uneventful that even though she was excited about them, I didn't take a pic. Instead I found this to be a better photo op:

So, even though the start of the week was rough, we ended it happily and we were all friends again!

We're still here!!

Hi there everyone -
So sorry we have been MIA from the blog lately. Life sure gets busy with 2 little ones! Quick updates ...
Anabelle is almost 3 years old now, as she will remind you every day, "My birthday is coming up soon and I get to eat cake." and "Is today my birthday party mom?" She cracks us up constantly with her silly facial expressions, made up dance moves and random words and phrases. The other day she said, "Mom, can you do me a favorite?" She's also very good at wheeling and dealing with one of her favorite phrases being "Is that a good deal?" Above all though she is a great big sister and keeps a good eye on Macy.
Speaking of Macy - she's 14 months old now and I swear if I look at her I can see her grow. And the smile on her face is priceless - she smiles so big at the littlest things! And when she smiles her eyes get so small I don't think she can see. She's just a happy, busy girl. And her teeth are her story right now - she has 4 going on 12 teeth. Seriously. She started with the normal front middle teeth and then skipped right to the big guns - the molars. Painful! But she's doing awesome.
A couple weeks ago, we took the girls camping for 1 night and it was so much fun. We hiked, saw snakes, had smores at the campfire, caught lightning bugs, and had too much fun playing in the tent. Here's a few pics from that adventure!

So, this Watson family is doing great. Since new things are always happening, I promise I will try to keep up better with the blog!

Love you all!

Macy is 1 year old!

Happy Birthday to our sweet little Macy girl!!!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day to me!

How lucky am I!? I love my girls!

Easter at GG and Grandpa Bob's

It was basically impossible to get Macy to stand still for a picture of how stinkin' cute she was on Easter. And it was impossible to get Macy and Anabelle to happily stand still together for even 2 seconds. So, here's the pictures you'll have to settle for of our Easter!

My dad is doing better and even sat at the table and had Easter dinner with us!

Recent Videos

Hi Everybody,

I posted four new videos (check to the left video bar). If you only have time to watch one and are looking for a good laugh then watch the one below titled "What Did She Say?". We have no idea where it came from.

In general the girls have been getting along well. Macy just wants to be as close as possible to Anabelle at all times which can annoy Anabelle. We are getting ready for an exiting May with a Derby party and Macy's first birthday. Other than that just praying that the Cleveland weather will finally turn and give us something decent. Hope everyone is doing well.

Macy's Learning Quick

Macy is starting to pick things up quicker now. Two days ago she started responding to us saying HI by waving back. Yesterday Maggie taught her how to clap. The scary one is that she has started to let go of things and stand while she is playing with a toy. She does fine with it so far but I know a big crash is coming. Here's a quick clapping video, Enjoy!

Macy the Mover

Macy is on the move. She may not leap buildings in a single bound but she can climb a flight a steps with no problem at all. Here is a video of Macy buzzing across the playroom. We can't wait until it warms up enough to have the same video with Macy screaming down the driveway.

Macy's 9 month checkup

Macy just had her 9 month well visit and doc said she is doing great! Here's the stats:
Weight: 17 lb 10 oz (22nd percentile)
Height: 27.5 in (19th percentile)
Still "healthy but petite!"
She is starting to "talk" using baa baas and gooos.
And she sure loves walking all over the place with someone's help!
Anabelle, by the way, is doing great too!

In case you missed it . . .

Just wanted to point out that two new videos were posted (check to the left). The first is Pa-tucky playing airplane with Anabelle. The second is only part of a long song and dance session of Anabelle not making a whole lot of sense. Enjoy!

Just pics - Enjoy!

Ma and Pa visit!

We had a great weekend (last weekend) with Grandma and Pa Tucky in town!
The girls had so much fun playing and keeping Ma and Pa up all night long!

Sorry, it's been toooo long!

I can't believe it's almost been a month since we've last posted. And I wish we could say we were just too busy having fun, but unfortunately we were too busy dealing with lots of sickness. Anabelle had double ear infections and a very persistent fever.

Macy was hospitalized with bronchilitis, but the pediatrician still keeps saying it was RSV. It was my first ambulance ride! When we got home she had to have breathing treatments, which were very un-fun.

But she did learn how to crawl and pull herself up on the couches, tables, and such. She loves to walk while holding someone's hand. This does however mean she falls a lot more and gets bumps and bruises.

Anyhow, we're doing better now but still not in the clear. Just counting down the days till spring and warm sunshine, green grass, and days at the beach!

One-liners by Anabelle Grace

From the mouth of a 2-year-old:

First thing in the morning, before "Hi" or "Good morning, Mom" she said:
"I want candy. Every kind. All of it."

Admiringly touching the shoulder of my shirt:
"Nice shirt mom. Loooovvvveeee it."

About her doll with an unfortunate name: "Mom, Crap went poop."

And my current favorite ...
To her crying 7 month old sister: "Don't cry Macy. Use your words."

Life is full of laughs, hope you just had a few courtesy of our little comedian (who has no idea how funny she is)!

Mega Update!

Wow! It has been a reeeealllllyyy long time since we've posted much about what's happening with the Watson family North! So, let's see:

1. Anabelle is potty trained!!!!!!!

About a month ago, I (this is Maggie by the way) had a full week off work, and Anabelle was "showing the signs." So, we went for it. All I have to say is thank goodness for Santa and for Fisher Price Little People - they were both very involved in the training process. Santa doesn't like when people poop in their underwear. I'm just saying. And basically anything the Little People say, Anabelle will do. Even if mom said the exact same thing 2 seconds earlier. So, after a long week of reading lots of potty books and talking about how most of YOU keep your underwear clean and dry, we had a potty-going-2-year-old! YAY! Now when I go on the potty Anabelle says, "Mom, I'm so proud of you." It's encouraging.

2. Christmas and New Year were so much fun! Anabelle got everything she asked for (a baby doll, Little People and a purse) and so much more! Macy got everything she asked for (as told to us by her big sister) - a pink pig.

We got to spend time with Auntie Alice and all the Gibbons'. Then we were able to take a quick trip to Louisville to play with all the Watsons. It was such a nice holiday!

3. Macy cut her first tooth! FINALLY! I swear it's been 3 months that I've been saying "I think tomorrow she'll have a tooth." But poor thing. That tooth did not come easy. And although she's very smiley, Macy is saving the first picture of her tooth for a special occasion. Not sure when we'll get to snap a pic, but as soon as we do we'll post for all to see! This'll have to do for now:

4. Anabelle is signed up for preschool. Yes, believe it. I was shaking my head as I was waiting in line to register, thinking "Is this really happening?!" But starting in September, she'll be one of the newest students at Rocky River United Methodist Nursery School. She's gonna love it!

Other than that, life is as it normally is ... absolutely crazy busy! We are (already) very much looking forward to the spring so we can get outside to play, but for now we watch movies (Lady and the Tramp is the current favorite) and we play kitchen (several bowls and spoons and about a quarter cup of water = hours of entertainment).

We spend a lot of time at the nature center - yes "we." Anabelle is in Frogs and Polliwogs class so, on my days off we're still there! All in all, life is good!