Winter!

It's been two months since I've updated the blog, but at least I have some cute pictures to add! In my defense, I have a pretty good excuse. As most of you probably know, we're going to be welcoming another baby to our family this summer! I'm due July 14th and things are going well so far. I've been really sick and exhausted (pregnancy with a toddler--need I say more?), hence the lack of blog postings. We had an ultrasound this week that showed a healthy (and already very active) baby. I'm just finishing up my first trimester, so I'm hoping the "morning" sickness (such an unfair name) will let up soon and my energy will start to pick back up (it didn't happen this soon when I was pregnant with Meredith, but a girl can hope, right?). The other big difference this time around is that I'm showing so much sooner! I'm so excited to see who this baby will be and to watch Meredith become a big sister. I'm sure she's up for the challenge!

Two months brings a lot of changes for a little girl, so here are a few of Meredith's newest tricks:

-She now shakes her head "yes" and "no" and really means it!

-Her favorite word is "this"--she uses it seven thousand times per day and it can describe anything from Mia and Philly to what she wants to have for lunch; did you know "this" was such a multi-purpose word? She's added "that" in the last few days, but it hasn't gained the same level of popularity just yet.

-She's walking everywhere and does steps like a pro

-Mere learned how to blow her nose after a recent cold. She was tired of the booger sucker, so she took matters into her own hands after some coaching from Mimi and Papa

-She seems to comprehend everything we're saying and even reacts to conversations when you think she's not listening

Blowing her nose. The next step is to teach her what is appropriate to blow your nose on. For example, tissues are good, Mommy's sweater is not. Last night after her bath, she was trying to blow her nose on her toes. It's really interesting to see where we're finding boogers these days.

At Grandma Rooney's on Christmas Eve; Grandma was holding Ian while Meredith explored everyone's presents. Cousin Ian (and Uncle Patrick and Aunt Vero, of course!) stayed with us over Christmas. It was so wonderful to have the cousins finally get to meet and hang out for a few days!

Christmas morning at home. Philly loved his new monkey!

Christmas Day at Mimi's

Mere in her Christmas dress in front of our tree. Notice that the bottom 2/3 of the tree only has lights and ribbon and that our village is missing. Want to guess why??? :)

Taking down the Christmas tree. Chris and I were working while Mia and Meredith supervised. Mere thought the plastic bin for the ornaments was great to sit on. We kept asking "How big is Meredith?" This picture is her answer--"So big!"

Meredith's first trip out into the snow to play. She did okay until she got snow on her gloves. She had a melt down and was ready to come inside.