Marley Christine Mazurek

I don't know if there are any words for this...

2012-01-18T18:07:00.001-08:00

It's A Good Thing...

2012-01-12T20:26:00.001-08:00

...that I didn't make a New Year's resolution to be a better blogger! We've been battling a wave of ongoing sickness since Christmas so I'm going to use that as my excuse. I'll try to give a proper update soon but here are a couple of pics to keep you satisfied until then. Enjoy!!

Christmas Eve Fun

2011-12-24T16:50:00.001-08:00

I love that more of everything went into their mouths instead of the house :)

New Toy

2011-12-22T20:32:00.001-08:00

Brett got me a new phone today for Christmas so I thought I'd try the Blogger app. Who knows...maybe I'll post more frequently now...it remains to be seen. For now enjoy this photo of my superstar gymnast!

Just a fun afternoon...

2011-12-10T15:15:00.001-08:00

PS-Don't make fun of Jasper's haircut...we're trying to cut costs and have been doing it at home...we haven't gotten the head cut exactly right yet...

Welcome To The World...

2011-12-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

...It's great to finally meet you!

Introducing Miles Gregory Porter

Born 12/4/2011

(sometime early in the morning; I got the text at 3:24 a.m.)

7lbs. 15 oz.

All are doing well!

CONGRATULATIONS Erin and Justin!

We are so happy for you and can't wait to meet Miles in person!

The Many Faces of Marley Mac

2011-11-29T18:19:00.001-08:00

What a goofy girl!

She's going to be HOW tall??!!

2011-11-27T15:25:00.001-08:00

Somebody told me the other day that you should take the height of your daughter at two, and multiply it by two to find out how tall she'll be full grown.

If this is true my child, who is already somewhat of a giant when compared to other children her age, will be a whopping 6 foot 1!

Oh my...

Stay tuned for some Thanksgiving photos...

Breakfast with Santa, Farm Fest and Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-11-20T14:17:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we woke up REALLY early (for a Saturday) and met Mia and Ms. Tamika at the mall for Chik Fil 'A Breakfast with Santa! Santa cow was there...

...beauty queens from the area were there...

...Cow Elf was there...

...and of course Santa!

(for as petrified as the girls look I promise they were so excited especially Marley!)

Mia danced with Santa Cow (as did Marley)

The girls rode the money eating machines...

...and so did Cow Santa!

Tamika forgot Mia's stroller so the girls shared (similarly to how Marley and Reese did this summer)

and before we left the girls spent some time playing at the play place. We were so early that both girls said "Where is everybody?"

Then Marley and I headed out to Katie's Place for their first annual Farm Fest. Katie's Place is just getting started in the Roanoke area and the goal is that it will become a residential, working farm for adults with disabilities. There are not very many options in this area for adults with disabilities so we were happy to go and support them getting on their feet!

They had a bunch of really fun activities for the kids including llama feeding...

...and 2 bounce houses where Marley spent a good amount of time!

It was a beautiful day

The fire department was there with their smoke house too

And there was a table specially designated for bubble fun...

and of course a playground!

Here is Marley striking what has become her signature pose

and Ms. Luna, who I believe Marley learned the pose from in the first place :)

Luna is in Marley's preschool class and these two had a blast hanging out together outside of class!

No Farm Fest would be complete without pony rides!

This is the horse Marley rode...has anyone ever seen a horse with blue eyes like this before??!!

We were told, yet again, that Marley is a natural on top of a horse!

(P.S.- GRANNY, look at that posture!)

And we rounded out the day with a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies (that have just the hint of lemon because I ran out of vanilla extract)

I don't think we could have had a better day!

Christmas Before Thanksgiving?

2011-11-19T19:38:00.001-08:00

Today was a very busy day but more on that later.

Just to make you smile before you head to bed I leave you with this picture from our first event today...Breakfast with Santa!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KALEY!

2011-11-07T21:37:00.000-08:00

Today was a very special little girl's birthday!

I woke up this morning thinking "WOW! Today Kaley turns 4! She's getting so big!"

Then, I called Brett and said "Remember, today is Kaley's birthday."

And then, in the car on the way to school, I told Marley, "Today is Kaley's birthday" and she got so excited! Then all day at school periodically, I would think, "don't forget to call Kaley, don't forget to call Kaley."

And then...we forgot to call Kaley. :(

So here is a very special birthday message that we made because I figure by now, she's asleep after all the birthday excitement.

We love you Kaley and can't wait to see you at Christmas!

My Little Diva

2011-11-07T06:55:00.000-08:00

Isn't she just too cute?!

Baby Shower

2011-11-06T10:25:00.000-08:00

This weekend was Erin Porter's baby shower in Woodbridge! We had so much fun and after the partyMommy, Marley, Fancy and Aunt Sarah had a girls night that included going out to dinner, staying in a hotel and a little shopping today. I don't have many pictures because, while I was SUPPOSED to be taking them, I ended up spending more time wrangling a certain 2 year-old. Marley was very, very good but then tonight, when we got home, I found out she had stolen one of baby boy Porter's new toys...oh goodness...what will I do with that girl?!

Here is a picture of the diaper cake I made. I was very proud of it for being my first try! Thanks Erin Garriepy for helping me make this for Erin Porter :)

And then an attempt at making a diaper baby. This one didn't come out quite as good as I hoped however, not bad for the first attempt.

My little Diva striking a pose

The washcloth Lollipops I made

MMM...nothing better than Kathy's Cake!

And this is by far my favorite picture of the day (although I did take a good one with Mar and so did Fancy). Here is Marley striking a pose with Erin's brother Brian! I think Brian's hand just makes it!

Hopefully I'll have more to post (including the picture of me with Mar, Fancy with Mar and the group shot of me, Mar, Fancy and Aunt Sarah) when Kath can email them!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T10:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

Cinderella getting ready to march in the annual
Town of Fincastle Halloween Parade

Cinderella and her Prince Charming

Trunk or Treat with Mia

2011-10-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went to trunk or treat with Mia at the church where she goes to preschool. Mar was so excited to wear her Cinderella costume!

Here she is before we left...

and showing off her princess cady pail!

"Ok mommy, stop taking my picture and let's go!"

Finally at the church with Mia! We have all been so super busy that this was the first time the girls had seen each other in a really long time!

She inspected every single piece of candy that was dropped in her bucket! It was hysterical!

Mia: "What else is in there?"

Marley: "I donno, let's check!"

Marley cheated at every game they had for the kids to play! She would walk right up instead of throwing from back at the line :)

And when she was told to pick two pieces of candy she usually came back with 3 or 4 :)

Here are the girls posing with Smokey the Bear and enjoying a popcorn snack before going home!

We had such a great time! Thanks for inviting us Ms. Tamika and Mia!

Lately...

2011-10-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

...We've had a lot of school events!

There was the Harley Poke Run and Silent Auction

The Annual BRAAC Golf Tournament

Well, this wasnt' from school but one silly night at home...

And today, a field trip to the Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

We've been busy!

Oh, and did I mention...it was 75 degrees yesterday...and today it snowed...

Just a link...

2011-10-03T17:22:00.001-07:00

...but check it out!

http://www.blogher.com/frame.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fromdatestodiapers.com%2F50-rules-for-dads-of-daughters

Meet Pele

2011-09-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

Meet Pele

Other Known Aliases: Marley

whether up close...

...or far away...

...the girl can score!
Just look at that pointed toe on the plant foot
and the follow through!
(and the pink soccer ball doesn't hurt either)

She stays hydrated...

...and when all else fails, plays parachute with the ball and goal netting!

P.S.-I just downloaded the new Blogger Interface and I'm not so sure...

Just Because She's Beautiful

2011-09-18T15:40:00.000-07:00

For Granny...

2011-09-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

...because she asked

Young Love

2011-09-11T12:19:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (and)

2011-09-07T06:41:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE JARED!

(did you forget something?)

We love you! Thanks for a great long holiday weekend with you, Allison and Rhys, we can't think of a better way to have spent it!

Friends Forever

2011-09-04T07:06:00.001-07:00

This

plus this

equals this

AND

This

plus this

equals this

Gotta Love It!

Model Material?

2011-08-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

All of the outfit selections from this week have been for the American Mall Model Search. They are here in our mall this month and a couple of weeks ago they approached me while I was shopping about Marley. I said what the heck and filled out the form. They then called us to have her come in for an audition and she became a finalist. The first outfit selection was for her to walk the runway. We chose the white capris and pink crocheted top and they loved it. They said that she had everything that companies look for for catalog advertisements and they said she was the best dressed there so thanks everyone!

We then went back for a photo shoot, or tried to yesterday and that didn't really work out because she fell in the parking lot and skinned her knee and really wasn't having it. Today we went back and here are the results. There are a couple of really good ones. Now we wait to hear back from them within the next month to see if she wins her age group. We only entered her in the photo, not the talent and runway, because if we were to do this, if people really were interested in her, it would only be for print ads and only to help build her college fund. Who knows...

More Help Needed

2011-08-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

We need more help ASAP! The directions this time are "bright colors." Marley is going to take some photos tomorrow against a white backdrop (hence the white comforter) and they told us bright colors. This equals no white and no black aka the majority of Marley's wardrobe, well that and pastels. So here are the choices. We need two outfits...and I kind of like the idea of a dress and a jean outfit but it is summer so I included many short options as well...

The dresses...

Shorts and Capri choices (the shorts in the middle could be worn with either top).

More short and capri options...

And the choices for jeans...I LOVE these jeans on her...they are just too cute...and I like the idea of a casual photo...

What are your thoughts??!!

Which One??

2011-08-15T15:40:00.001-07:00

Your vote counts...which should she wear? The directions were "something cute." Oh, and disregard some of the facial expressions, I was more concerned with getting shots of the clothes for the purposes of this post :)

These are all some of my favorites from the summer but I can't decide. I think one and six are my top two but I really love them all! I need some help!

An Evening At the Park

2011-08-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to a new park. It was one that Daddy and Marley had driven by and thought it looked promising so we thought we'd head over and try it out. It was alright by Mommy and Daddy standards. We usually take Marley to either the church or the school and both have very nice, updated playgrounds. This one was an old, public park and while Marley had a blast playing in a new environment, and cried when we left, we may just stick to the church and school.

They did however have a purple, ride-on dinosaur to feed into Marley's new obsession!

I love this picture because Daddy is in the background in his usual stand-offish, yet protective stance. Let me tell you what...this girl can climb!

At the top

At the bottom

More climbing...her tongue often hangs out when she's concentrating.

"I want to go HIGH Daddy!"

This kid loves to swing

Too cute

And then it was time to go...and no, her feet are not really that big, we just always buy her big shoes because it's inevitable that by the end of the season they will be too small. Believe it or not, these are only about a size too big. She's had shoes before that are two sizes too big and has never had an issue walking in them. We're lucky that way.

And then, when we were on our way home, I looked in the side view mirror and just had to get a picture of this...

Typical two year old!

I can't get enough...

2011-08-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

...of this darling face!

Marley's New Swing

2011-08-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

So, daddy picked up Marley from daycare last night and they ended up taking an excursion to Toys 'R Us. I'm sure the girl was tickled pink, it is one of her favorite stores because there is a train table that she can play with. I'm thinking maybe we'll get it for her for Christmas.

Anyhoo...he ended up getting her a box of dinosaurs that she LOVES and a big girl swing for out in front of the house. It's all she wants to do now, go outside and swing. I was able to switch to the sport mode on my point and shoot to grab these, I think the reason they're so blurry is because it's a point and shoot. Oh well.

I love how in this picture I captured the unsure look. Trust me, this is not the face she typically has when swinging.

Daddy and I were teaching her how to pump her legs

This is the far more typical look when she's on a swing

This one cracks me up! I think her puppies had her distracted...I was a little worried she might fall off but this kid has some stellar balance.

Oh the joy!

All smiles

Thanks for my new swing Daddy! I love it!!

Goin' on a Bear Hunt

2011-08-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

Marley started saying this over the weekend and I had no idea where it came from. Apparently Fancy knows it, or remembers part of it, from her teaching days. From what I can tell it goes a little something like this...I'm goin' on a bear hunt, gonna catch a big one, big green eyes, fuzzy little tail. Oh look, over there, it's a cave, can't go over it, can't go around it, guess I'll go through it...Go....Ahhhh....etc.

It's pretty cute!

Then, of course, she denies my request to count to ten and starts singing the hot dog song until she decides she wants to strip.

I love this kid...

Two Going on Sixteen

2011-08-07T17:44:00.001-07:00

I put Mar in the car today...while it was running...

...she got in the front seat, turned on the windshield wipers, then turned the car off.

Have I told you I love this kid?

A Special Message

2011-08-06T18:11:00.001-07:00

"Mommy, I Cold, I Needa My Hat!"

2011-08-01T16:59:00.000-07:00

"Really Mar? It's a 100+ degrees outside!"

Funny Story: Marley and mommy went out on the town this past Saturday. First we went to the bank where she promptly said "I have money please" when the woman came to the teller window. Then it was off to the farmer's market where she was quite picky with her watermelon selection. Then we went to the zoo where she got to ride the train and entertain all the other passengers with her "ooohs" and "aaahs." After that we stopped at Sam's club for a quick snack. So, needless to say we had been busy and Marley and mommy were both tired. Well Marley slept for about 20 minutes in the car on the way home and apparently that was all she needed. After about 45 fruitless minutes of mommy trying to get the girl back to bed in mommy's bed I brought her upstairs to her room where she began to play and stayed for almost 2 full hours while mommy zoned in and out of sleep. I was fully roused from my nap when I heard "Mommy I gotta go potty!" I ran upstairs and much to my surprise, found my little peanut stark naked on the floor. The following conversation is (almost) verbatim...

"Mar, whatcha doin?"

"I playin nakey mommy."

"I see that,"

"Yep, tooka my shorts off, and my shirt and then I tooka my nigh nigh panties off."

"So Mar, how long have you been naked?"

And with a shrug of the shoulders she replied...

"I no no, a yong time.")

But when it's 100 degrees out she has to wear a snow hat...

AND, on that same Saturday, prior to the what was supposed to be nap but was really nakey play time, on our way home my little girl had to go potty and couldn't wait so we stopped at Wendy's where we went into the Women's restroom. (Well, yeah, we are women so...) While she was pooping, oh yes, that's what we had to stop for because she was screaming "I go poo poo now Mommy," she started scolding to her "Little Man." (I'm thinking imaginary friend, though the way she was talking to him, friend may be a stretch). It went a little something like this...

"No, no little man, you no do that little man, no sir little man, I said stop little man."

"Mommy, my little man is being bad!"

"Little man you need a time out, no sir little man, you in trouble little man...etc..."

The whole time I could hear all the women waiting to use the restroom laughing. So, upon our exit from the bathroom stall I said something to the effect of "Betcha didn't know there was a little man in there." All I could think of was leprechaun.

Do leprechauns wear snow hats when it's a 100+ degrees out?

No matter, for my girl it's snow hats in the summertime...

The Girl Has Got Some Hair

2011-07-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

Don't you think? Fancy dried it for her after her bath tonight...look how long it is! I just can't get over it. Fancy said it curled back up afterwards and look at the wave it still has!

Crazy! She's 2!

My Little Golfer...

2011-07-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

...is spending the next few days...

...with Fancy, Granddad (and her friend Reed)...

...in Williamsburg...

...without Mommy and Daddy...

When did she become such a big girl?

Model Material?

2011-07-14T17:56:00.000-07:00

**Disclosure statement: This post may come of as bragging, and truthfully, it may be a little bit, but more it really is just a reporting of what we hear on a daily basis!

Truthfully, I hear it all the time.

"Wow, she's so pretty she's model material."

"Look at that gorgeous hair! I would kill for hair like that!" (And I think, yeah lady so would I!)

Some people go on and on and it really gets embarrassing. I mean yeah, we think she's cute, but we're also biased. But then, I watch the girls on "Toddlers and Tiaras" and I think, well yeah, Marley's cuter than her.

And then, I come back to real life and say there is no way that we could ever make that lifestyle work if we did get approached about her modeling, though wouldn't it be great if she could because all she earned could go into a college fund.

And yeah, she's won a couple of Williamsburg area photo contests but Fancy would have to be her stage mom!

But then, pictures like this come out of my camera and I wonder...could she be?

I mean she doesn't look particularly happy, but what models are? And yeah, she has a little bit of leftover food on her face from dinner, but what kid wouldn't?

Sometimes she even stuns me.

*Keep scrolling for more...past the Daddy's Little Helper post and beyond.

Daddy's Little Helper

2011-07-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

"Look at me mommy, I'm helping Daddy!"

Daddy and Issac are building a new fish tank stand and Marley figured there was no better way to end a Saturday than to help Daddy.

I think this was the part where she said "haha, it tickles me"

Look at that focus and intent!

A little comedic break

Oh, yeah, and a potty break. This is what happens when she says "No mommy, stay, I do it myself!" No, you're not seeing things...Yes, she's sitting on the pot backwards.

Back to work, I'll hammer this nail with this piece of wood for you Daddy!

Yeah, so she did pretty good with that hammer, she didn't hit Daddy at all and...

...she started that nail all by herself!

But then decided the hammer was far more work than her piece of wood.

Takin' a break to hang in the tree...

...and nail something under the front railing with that trusty piece of wood.

"Look Pop!"

"Aren't you proud of me?!"

What a great way to end a Saturday

Annual Family Beach Photos

2011-07-08T18:18:00.000-07:00

Get ready for it...there are A LOT of photos in this post...

And without further ado...here are this year's Annual Lindberg (/Bednar/Mazurek)Family Beach Photos!

Gotta love the beach, tie-dye and the 4th of July!

Want To Join My Pirate Crew?

2011-07-05T17:34:00.000-07:00

Well much to our dismay our beach trip wasn't nearly long enough and we are back home. However, Marley got in some great play time with cousin Evan. (Ainsley isn't quite old enough to handle the two of them, but I think she enjoyed watching.) Both 2 year-olds are quite into Jake and the Neverland Pirates on the Disney channel so after dinner the other night Fancy got Marley a skull cap like cousin Evan's and got them both pirate swords. There was no hesitation putting them to use!

I'll share this year's family photos soon!

Happy Fourth of July

2011-07-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

GoCart Marley

2011-07-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

We're at the beach enjoying the 4th of July holiday with Fancy, Granddad, GC, Uncle Mike, Uncle Christian, Aunt Natalie, Evan, Ainsley, Aunt Sarah, Cousin Scott and Ben. Tonight we at one of our favorite beach restaurants, Mike Diana's, and then Daddy took Marley on the GoCarts. Technically, you have to be 3 but because she is so tall they didn't even question Brett. The girl is definitely a speed demon and much to her dismay they got the slowest cart on the course, but you'll see that they ended up "winning" because Daddy wouldn't let anyone lap them so they were the first to come in when the whistle blew.

Marley At Gym

2011-06-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

Marley LOVES her gymnastics class once a week and I finally remembered that I had a video camera with me. She's getting quite good and will be as independent as Ms. Stephanie and Mommy let her be on each of the apparatuses. Her favorite though, by far is the bar. Whether single or uneven, she loves to "skin the cat" and hold herself up, and doesn't often want to wait for the spot. She's also pretty well versed, at this point, on the beam, though the video below was taken at the end of class and you can hear her protest when it comes time to do the forward roll. They all say she's a natural but she will likely be too tall, though Ms. Susan, the owner of the gym, says not to count her out just yet!

Enjoy!

Daredevil

2011-06-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

Bet'ya thought she was gonna hit the tree...

Red Cowboy Boots

2011-06-13T18:58:00.001-07:00

Red Cowboy Boots...

...are a must have in every girl's wardrobe...

...and are only topped when paired with the matching Red Cowboy Hat!

I wish I could pull it off like she can!

Scroll down for more of this Lil' Darlin' singing Jesus Loves Me

Jesus Loves Me and Happy Birthday Auntie Em

2011-06-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

This girl knows Jesus loves her :) She came home singing this song tonight and it was so cute I just had to get it on video! She still gets a little mixed up on the verse "They are weak but he is strong" but still priceless. She also tells you all about the cookies she made this afternoon and wishes Auntie Em a Happy Birthday. Enjoy!

I just can't get enough of this kid!

To Make You Smile

2011-06-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday: Happy Summer

2011-05-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

Tonight

2011-05-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

Tonight Marley was acting weird.

Tonight we had leftover ribs (because I forgot them for lunch and brought the leftover corn instead...talk about buzz kill!)

Tonight I pondered everything that I have to do in the last week of school and beyond.

Tonight I finished pulling together all of Marley's stuff for her trip to Arizona with Daddy.

Tonight I didn't do as well on my test as I have been doing in my board certification classes.

Tonight I have a headache.

Tonight I vowed to...

clean my house

study harder

exercise ('cause my joints really hurt)

and

BECOME A BETTER BLOGGER!

I have a lot to catch up on...I know...and I will...and I will probably post date it seeing as how I want things chronologically for Marley when she gets older. SO, my vow to you my faithful readers (all 3 or 4 of you) is to use some of the time that Marley and Daddy are away in Arizona, living the life of high school graduation, swimming pools and good times with family, to catch up on some blogging. I need to tell you all about Erin's wedding, Easter, the beach with Fancy and GC, and just some of the goings on around these parts!

More to come...I promise...but you're going to have to scroll in the future because all the new posts are going to be after this one...

Saturday Lunch at Panera

2011-05-22T03:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had lunch at Panera with Daddy after he was done at work. We had fun just hanging out and being silly. Here are some pics from my phone (not the best quality though) of our fun lunch.

Marley decided that instead of her grilled cheese she would eat half of daddy's sandwich. She only took about 2 bites of the meet hanging off the roll before she decided she'd stick with the grilled cheese. Goofy Girl! I'd like you to notice how long her hair is people! It's unbelievable really. When I brush it after a shower and can get it straight it comes below her shoulder blades!

Cool Mama, chillin with her chocolate milk

She decided daddy should wear her hat and thought it was the FUNNIEST thing ever!

Smoochy, smoochy

Gettin' ready to head out!

Lunch out...what's more fun than that?

Congratulations!

2011-04-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

Erin and Brent we are so happy for you and it was so much fun!To many years of happiness and love!

Can't wait to see you again soon!

New School Pics

2011-04-19T04:41:00.000-07:00

Many of you who read this blog know of the issues we had, back around Marley's birthday, at daycare. For those of you who don't, the short of it is that we had quite a few incidences in which Marley was being bitten, repeatedly, and by different kids. Our sweet girl (though we all know she can flip a switch) was not in any way provoking these 'attacks' and was not retaliating in any way. So...we switched daycares. Six bitting incidences in 7 months was just too much for us and the last two were severe, breaking the skin, and scarring.

We were lucky enough to plead our case to a new daycare down the road from work and they made a spot for her. No, they like everyone else around here, had no openings, but they made one for our girl.

One of the many benefits of switching daycares is that Marley had another round of 'school pictures' taken. And check these out...

I mean really?! These are school pictures?!

Downright gorgeous!

Yeah, we like this place...for many reasons!

Belated Birthday Pics

2011-04-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, her birthday was March 13th and her party was March 12th and now it's April 12th , but I'm sorry folks...life just catches up with you.

Here are the belated birthday pics from the Tinkerbell 2nd Birthday Party! It was pretty small because over half of the little friends we invited couldn't make it but she still had a blast being the center of attention. It was interesting though to watch her with friends in her house. She's never had any issues at daycare with sharing but when they are her toys, in her house, well lets just say there were a few diva moments at the very beginning but we worked through them easily enough.

These are the pics from Aunt Sarah's camera. We had a special Tinkerbell camera also but I actually have to go get that developed and haven't made it there yet.

The Tinkerbell cupcake cake and smash cake (both of which still have left overs in our outside refrigerator...time to clean out you think?)

A close up of the cupcake cake. It's a Tinkerbell treasure box on top with fairy wing rings.

This thing was mostly icing, Marley was in heaven! She thought it was hilarious when everybody sang happy birthday to her! Yum!

It was such a beautiful day! We couldn't have asked for better weather so we spent a good chunk of time out on the back porch blowing bubbles

That bowl of bubble soap was a hot commodity

She was trying so hard to blow the bubbles that she would put the stick right up close to her mouth then would stick out her tongue and say "Yucky"

It was great day and Mar had a blast! Thanks to all that could be there to celebrate her special day and to those that celebrated from afar!

Monday Funday

2011-04-11T18:33:00.001-07:00

Mondays are Fundays

Time for playing in bed

and snuggling

and cheesing it up for the camera

Yep, Mondays are Fundays!

The Goings On...

2011-04-05T19:13:00.000-07:00

Things have been down right crazy around here! Just a quickie update (no pics yet, sorry). So, between moving to the big girl bed, the second birthday party, some beautiful weather, a fun trip to the children's museum in Lynchburg, switching daycares and, above all, POTTY TRAINING, we haven't really had much down time around these parts.

Yes, you read right my friends, she is fully potty trained, in only panties (with the exception of naptime and nighttime when she wears her "nighttime panties"), and very few accidents! (If you want the trade secret I learned from working at an ABA school just let me know!) We armed ourselves with a timer, lots of "candy" and those special treats for when she went and BAM...done in a weekend! We were also very lucky that daycare has been following through. The first week she went in panties they kept her on a 45 minute schedule but they've phased off of that because now she initiates when she has to go! That positive practice, I have to say, worked beautifully!

I promise to update with pictures of the princess soon!

Golf Lessons

2011-03-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

The best $5 ever spent...and an afternoon learning how to golf with daddy...does it get any better?

Nope, don't think so...

Children's Museum

2011-03-20T02:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we took our newly turned 2 year old to the Children's Museum in Lynchburg. She had such a good time exploring that we did get a membership, even though it takes just over an hour to get there.

They have a farm section where you can "pick corn," play with toy animals in a barn, ride rocking horses, milk a cow and crawl through an ant farm underground. There was cardio section where you could learn all about the heart and walk through models of each chamber. There was a raceway space where you could race golfballs down different tracks. There was science section where you could investigate the cause and effect of golf balls and hairdryers. There was a section upstairs devoted to the colonization of Virginia with a huge model river with real water that the kids could play in. There was an indoor zipline, various climbing tunnels and slides that ran from floor to floor of the entire building, an exhibit all about birds, and an astronomy tower. There was puppet play, a stage where you could get your jam on, and the best part of the ENTIRE thing for Marley, a room where you could paint on the glass walls! There was A LOT for her to do and she loved every minute of it.

Here she is playing with the farm animals. Crawling through the ant farm
And a whole section devoted to different cultures...here I think they were playing with the different types of balls from either Ancient Greece or Egypt.

And you know, what's a Children's Museum without a seesaw right in the middle of an exhibit?!

I know she though we were crazy when we told her this was a heart. She's used to the ones that people draw for her on paper or on the trampoline at gymnastics.

The stairs between each level lit up as you stepped on them. She thought that was fun!

Here we are making "stained glass" out of construction paper and celophane.

Marley and Daddy at the top of the astronomy tower (it actually has an observation deck)
We can't wait to go back! And bring Mia!

Marley and Mia

2011-03-19T15:49:00.000-07:00

Two curly-headed cuties

Where one goes...

...the other often follows

and Forever...

...Friends

As Promised

2011-03-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

Scott, Ben and Diva Marley at the end of our (previously blogged about) "Fancy" weekend!

To see more about that weekend scroll on down...

Excuses

2011-03-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

Warning this post is nothing but excuses!

I know we've been AWOL but there's been a lot going on...daycare changes (excuse), a big birthday (excuse), and well, just life (excuse). I know there are some very specific pictures that people want to see but they are in my car and I have a headache (excuse) so I will be posting those soon, I promise but for now here are a few from my phone of my big girl...

This is the outfit Auntie Em made for Marley for her birthday! (Disregard the paci, she had just woken up from a nap) It's just too cute! I can't wait to order more clothes!! I'm blessed that when she tries things out for her girls she does for Marley too...the perks of family :)

Here's my big girl (doesn't she look so old?!) walking through the mall pulling her new Tinkerbell Build a Bear. Auntie Sarah and I took her on Friday as a birthday activity. She saw a display animal with skates and a leash so she wanted those on her bear but we never have them fill her bear all the way because she likes them soft. Well, that doesn't so much mix well with skates because it wouldn't stand up on it's own. So, after numerous times of Marley saying "stand up, stand up" Sarah and I took turns holding it up while she pulled it behind her...quite the sight to see I'm sure!

And a shot of my "Cool Mama"

And speaking of "Cool Mama..." this video cracks me up because at the beginning she says "no pictures" and pulls the phone down...then she says she's going to be ten...perhaps 2 going on 10!

More soon! (I promise)

A Birthday Trip to the Zoo

2011-03-13T20:13:00.000-07:00

It was beautiful today so we took our 2 year old to the zoo for her birthday after brunch with Fancy, Granddad and Aunt Sarah.

I can't believe she's two!

More from the Tinkerbell birthday party once I get the digital pictures from Aunt Sarah and the Tinkerbell pictures developed and scanned!

Wordless Wednesday: More Fancy

2011-03-09T20:06:00.000-08:00

Everyone Girl Needs some Fancy

2011-02-26T20:26:00.000-08:00

Today (okay, really last Saturday but I back dated the post to the correct day and therefore am using the term "today") my mom treated Marley and me to a Fancy Nancy tea party at Yankee Candle in Williamsburg. We caught wind through our wedding photographer. Helen, at Colonial Photography, is one of our favorite people and has recently started getting contracts for all of these fun events. She (and her crew) did Marley's Santa pictures this year too. Helen also holds a children's photo contest every year. Marley was a winner in 2009 and we're waiting to hear about 2010. The 2011 photo contest is going to go National and Helen thinks Mar can give them a run for their money (or she's just saying that, but I'm going to choose to believe she really means it)!

So, back to the Fancy Nancy tea party.

Do you know who Fancy Nancy is? Well she's Marley's Fancy's namesake of course. When we were trying to decide what my mom would be called, cause let's face it, she's just not a "grandma" we tossed around quite a few ideas including "grandnan" which stuck for a while. But then, Brett had the superb (that's a fancy way of saying great) idea to call her Fancy since her first name is Nancy, and for us...we'll it stuck! So of course when the opportunity arose we decided to take her to the tea party. We've considered it before because they're all over Williamsburg, but we just didn't think she was old enough. We still weren't sure she'd appreciate it but she did and it was awesome! We all had a blast.

Here are the pics Helen took today (ok, ok, really a week ago but I already explained that). I know I went picture posting happy but they were all so fun!

Close to (if not) the best shot of the day...half of her pics are with the earrings and half without.

She's so intent on her book!

This one's just for giggles. Brett and I joke all the time that we can't have another kid cause Marley got all the best features from the two of us but looking at this pic I'm not so sure! Check out those ears! And she looks a little cross eyed...or maybe just cross that we're interrupting her reading with the flash from the camera.

Much better but what is she looking at?

So Fancy!

Just kicking back for a little relaxation and reading

Back to the book (I think I'm going to blow this one up and put it over her reading corner in her bedroom)

Striking a Fancy pose

She looks shy...but she was really picking her nose...and maybe trying to eat it??!!

Look at me!

Cheeseball

Then we started to bribe her with a lollipop because she wasn't being the most cooperative and here she is ready to come and get it...

And she has it...

The funniest part of the whole sitting was probably when it was her turn and she walked right up to the white drape and told Helen "sit" and pointed to the bench. It's something when you're kid poses herself for her pictures.

I also have some pictures on my camera from today (that day) so stay tuned...

Gymnastics

2011-02-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Marley finally started back to gymnastics after taking about a 2 month hiatus because she had been repeatedly sick. And, the best part of starting back? Mia started with us! These two really are two peas in a pod and can't get enough of each other. And my child, well she's often the ring-leader, trouble maker extraordinaire and all the others follow her lead. There's more of her daddy in her than maybe we thought...

Plastic Egg Shakers...the littlest things bring her joy...I got some plastic eggs this weekend and intend to make them into musical instruments for her at home.

On the trampoline...I think it's great that Mia is looking at her like "what the..."

Jumping and bouncing is this girl's life!

Well it is a trampoline track so why not run on it...

Gettin' some air with assistance from her best friend Mia

Goofy Girls!

Marley started walking across the beam by herself!

Then everyone starting praising her and she froze

It's hard work on a Thursday night after a long day at daycare

The big beam with Ms. Stephanie

"Don't let go!"

Monkeying around

Oops...she dropped

Hanging from the high bar!

She's pretty fearless...for the most part...glad we're back in the swing of things!

She's A Natural...

2011-02-20T19:14:00.000-08:00

...Cowgirl!

Now, isn't this picture a little frightening? My little speck of a girl, sitting, straight as a rod I might add, atop this massive, massive horse? It's a trick of the camera, my friends, that it looks as though she's there by herself. If you look closely in the bottom left corner of the picture you can see Alan's pant leg. She was escorted and was supported while on this great beast...but it does look kinda cool that maybe, just maybe she wasn't.

We spent Friday evening at my boss' house which happens to be a farm. One of the girls in our STARS program had written a persuasive writing to have girls night and was able to persuade Angie. So girls' night it was and Marley had a blast on the farm. I know she looks quite serious while on this horse but I do think it's concentration. Once she was off she asked to get right back up.

It's a half "look at me mommy" and half "I'm scared outta my wits" face.

They say she's a natural around the horses and that I should do something about that. Yeah, once the lottery rolls around we'll be all over that. In the meantime afternoons at the farm will have to do.

The girl can't be happier than when she's bouncing or jumping and the Leonard's big trampoline was right up her ally! When it wasn't the horses it was the trampoline.

She also got to see the cows

And that really, really large bull (that's close enough Alan)

She also got to feed the chickens and "pick" the eggs (is pick the right word?) She was so proud of her eggs and she got to bring a dozen fresh, Marley picked eggs home that she ate for dinner tonight.

After we got home Friday night it was time to feed the fish. We have had our first two fishie losses. It seems with our new light one of our fish contract "ick" because it was so stressed out and two of them, her two purple fish, ended up dying. It was so sad to see her standing at the fish tank saying "uh-oh fishie, fishie, fishie, uh-oh mommy, fishie sick." Ah, the circle of life...

Being silly with daddy on Friday night

She's a crack up this one

Then yesterday daddy went up to Northern VA to visit Justin and Marley and I went to lunch and the park with Mia and Tamika before I came down with the stomach but that has been rolling through school. Here are the girls at the playground.

They really enjoyed themselves!

Coming up this week Fancy comes to visit! And, Marley's going to be moving into her big girl bed...hopefully

And the Verdict Is...

2011-02-02T18:35:00.000-08:00

...inconclusive...

I got the call this AM from the doc and she said that the official radiology report said her chest x-ray was clear but when she looked at it she felt there were some questionable spots so we're treating her for pneumonia to be on the safe side. It's possible that we got a false positive on her flu test, that can potentially make her x-ray look the way it did or it may still be RSV but since there is question we're hoping to knock whatever it is out with a round of antibiotics (which won't do anything for the flu or RSV since they're both viral). If the cough isn't better by Friday we're to bring her back to the doc.

So, she's out of daycare for the rest of the week. Brett stayed home with her today and Fancy drove all the way from Williamsburg to stay with her tomorrow and Friday! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Both Brett and I are running short on leave at this point so my mom coming is a HUGE help.

Hopefully the "severe, explosive, red diarrhea" that is possible with this particular antibiotic won't occur until after Fancy leaves this weekend...It's not so easy on the system but she's allergic to the Z-Pak that they prescribe for everything these days so "severe, explosive, red diarrhea" it is...

What Could It Be?

2011-02-01T20:32:00.001-08:00

The Flu?

nope, test came back negative

Pneumonia?

not likely, but we did the chest x-ray anyway

RSV?

The most probable...

She's still under the weather...we'll keep you posted!

Minimal Monday

2011-01-31T18:59:00.001-08:00

Not a whole lot to say...though I will go on record with my opinion that a fever of 104.7 ON THE WEEKEND is a bit excessive. Clearly she's feeling a bit better now...hence the blurry action shots.

The girl is enamored with her fish tank!

She's a sly one...this corner by the fish tank is her new favorite pooping spot (she's gonna love me for that later...)

The only way I could get her to smile this afternoon was by teaching her to shout "DIVA" which she would then laugh and say "funny..." this is what I got during one of her Diva Tirades...

She's still not quite her usual self (though the cranky and fussy Marley has been much more the "usual self" lately) but she is feeling better. The extreme weekend fever miraculously just disappeared on Sunday morning after reaching a peak in the middle of the night. She does have some ear tube drainage right now, lovely, but otherwise hopefully on the mend.

I think she produced that fever over the weekend cause she knew it was my goal to potty train her...don't worry Mar...we'll do it this weekend instead!

Color ID

2011-01-24T15:08:00.000-08:00

She's growing up way too fast!

Marley and Mia

2011-01-23T12:01:00.001-08:00

This is Marley with her good friend Mia. We hang out with Mia and her mom a lot and the girls were in My Gym together, swim lessons together and Mia is going to start gymnastics with us when we start back (hopefully in February). We've also been to the pumpkin patch with Mia and her mommy and numerous outings to the mall so the girls could play inside where it's warm. Yesterday, during our outing to the mall, another mom at the play place was talking about Build-A-Bear. Mia had never been so Marley decided to show her the way...it was too cute! The girls didn't pick out full outfits for their new friends, only underwear, as we're all going to tackle potty training soon!

They had a blast...as they always do!

Just For Jeff

2011-01-22T17:43:00.000-08:00

I posted these pics (or thought I had anyway) right after Christmas when Jeff and Joyce came over to visit. Since the post has been lost, and because I got harassed about it today :), I decided to re-post these pics...Just For Jeff!

Marley loves her "Uncle" Jeff!

Just Cause It's Been A While

2011-01-21T17:27:00.000-08:00

Just thought we'd drop in to say hi. Not a whole lot more to say really...she's still recovering from her surgery and has been running a fever off and on ever since. We have her post-op on Monday so that should give us some answers. Otherwise, we're just getting back into the swing of things after Christmas and the drama (with the ears) that unfolded afterwards.

I thought maybe I'd just smother you with this darling face...Enjoy!

Sensational Sarah

2011-01-20T17:16:00.000-08:00

This week Kelly over at Kelly's Corner is hosting a showcase for singles so I thought I'd participate and introduce my younger sister...

This is Sarah

She is 24 years old and currently living in MD, about an hour outside of the DC Metro Area. She works at Hood College as an admissions counselor and prior to that had the same position at her alma mater, the University of Mary Washington, in Fredericksburg, VA. She is about to start her Masters Degree in Human Sciences with a General Psych concentration.

There is plenty that I could say but really the best way to get to know her is to experience her. She is a whirlwind; incredibly fully of life and passionate about many things.

A family girl to the core, she likes to spend her free time surrounded by those she loves (though it often requires her to travel). She is especially fond of her nieces and nephew and is a fantastic Aunt; hopelessly devoted to them and indulges in her right to spoil them rotten.

She may have a tendency to be VERY loud, but it only fits with her boisterous, outgoing personality. You've got to have energy to keep up with this girl!

She loves to shop, go to movies and (occasionally) bar hop but can also be perfectly happy curled up under a blanket on the couch reading a book or vegging in front of the TV. While she's perfectly content doing all of these things she can also be spontaneous; a last minute trip to the zoo, an unplanned day trip or taking off a couple extra days from work to add to her Christmas vacation, she's game.

So show me your spontaneity...Leave me a comment with your email if you'd like to get to know her!

P.S.-References available upon request from her previous roommates :)

Under The Weather

2011-01-09T18:01:00.000-08:00

Sorry, no pic to this post just a little update...

Marley is under the weather yet again with yet another ear infection. We got a call last Wednesday that she was running a fever of 101.8 at daycare and we had an hour to get there. I was on a way to an IEP meeting and Brett had no car seat so I called back to my work, found a car seat for us to borrow, and Brett was on his way. He was going to try to bring her back to work with him until after my meeting but no such luck as she threw up twice while with him. Then Thursday Brett went in to work really early, then came and picked Marley up for the bulk of the day, took her to the doc that afternoon to confirm the ear infection, brought her to me at the end of my work day then went back to work. Luckily for me I was able to work from home on Friday. I worked for quite a while Friday morning (and in the afternoon after our appointment), prior to when she woke up, but her fever was so high in the middle of the night (103.7ish) that I called the ENT first thing Friday morning and they agreed to squeeze her in. By the way, she flat-lined her tympanogram in her left ear which means what she is hearing is significantly muffled.

Her first set of tubes fell out at the end of November and we've had at least two ear infections (with significant fluid build up) since, within about 2 weeks of each other; of course the ENT agreed with me that she needs new tubes, how could he not. So this Wednesday we go back in for a new set of tubes and to have her adenoids (actually there is only one) taken out as well. She'll be home on Thursday and Friday but luckily for us I was able to entice Kristen (with some cash and free food) to come back to school early and do some all day babysitting for us!

She's continued to run a fever on and off since Wednesday...here's praying that she can stay fever free at daycare tomorrow and Tuesday OR that the snow comes through so I have a couple of snow days from school because I CANNOT miss any more work and neither can Super Daddy!

Questions

2011-01-04T19:25:00.001-08:00

Do you like my 100% South American, possibly made from Baby Alpaca hair, rainbow striped socks I got for Christmas from my fav Brother In Law?

Is it wrong that, when coloring with Marley, her daddy always colors the eyes in the pictures red or bloodshot?

Is it wrong, that when said daddy fell asleep early on me tonight when he was supposed to be putting Marley to bed (because, truth be told, he works hard and is exhausted so it's no fault of his own), that I plopped my daughter down on the couch in front of her Tinkerbell movie for the gazillionth time since Christmas, at her request, so I could finish working?

Ah well, she's asleep now

Such is life...

Does It Get Sweeter?

2011-01-03T19:28:00.001-08:00

The girl just loves her puppies, and now that she knows how to be a bit gentler, they love her back.

Well, "Japer" is just now starting to appreciate her affection!

But her "RoRo" has always been there to give it right back!

See You Soon!

2011-01-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

"Yuh you" Granny and Pop!

Dear Uncle Christopher

2011-01-01T19:08:00.000-08:00

Uncle Chris,

It gave me great pleasure to watch Marley rip open that bag, pulling out her gift, squealing "Eeerrnie!" Truth be told, we don't watch Sesame Street at home and I wasn't sure she'd know who he was, but she surprised me once again.

Your gift now has a place of honor in her toy bin and she pulls him out frequently; so he can hang with her...

...jump with her...

...and simply bring her joy!

Thank you for thinking of our girl this Christmas! Our love is with you, always.

Love,

Bethany

P.S.-Stay tuned for a video of Marley and Ernie sliding!

Sub-Santa vs. The Real Santa

2010-12-27T18:31:00.001-08:00

I waited to take Marley to see Santa until we got to Williamsburg because Helen, from Helen's Place, our wedding photographer and baby contest holder, was the one taking the pictures at Yankee Candle this year. On Tuesday we packed up Marley and went to go see Santa, unfortunately when we got there Helen whispered to me that it was the "sub-Santa" and we could tell. It's kinda hard to smile with that beard I'd say. Anyhow, after they took her pics Helen told us we really should come back for the Real Santa because he was so much better and when Brett called me that afternoon wanting to know if we had already gone to see Santa because he wanted to take her, it sealed the deal, so we decided we'd go back on Christmas Eve to see the real Santa. What do you think?

The Sub-Santa

The Real Santa

I don't really think there's much question about who was the better Santa.

Regardless, I was proud of my girl! She didn't cry either time, she identified him as soon as she saw him both times and just walked right up and let him put her on his lap. It was great, we did have to do a little bit of bribing with mellows though to try and get some good smiles (which didn't really happen the second time, maybe she had a headache from when got that bruise smacking her head on the bed rail).

I still think Santa took his best pictures last year...I'll scan those and post at another time.

Christmas

2010-12-26T19:10:00.001-08:00

Little Miss woke up bright and early on Christmas morning, 5:00 AM in fact. We didn't wake anyone else up until closer to 7:30 but when we did she was ready to open some presents!

Here she is standing in front of the Santa tree.
One of her presents was one of those new pillow pets. She thought that it was great.She really tore into her presents.
Santa also brought her a Tinkerbell Doll with a blanket attached.
Coming downstairs after Santa presents for the family tree, wrapped in her new Tinkerbell blanket.
Aunt Sarah got Marley a bouncing ball with a monkey cover. She loves it! She even rolls over it on her stomach, landing head first on the floor.
Here she is opening her presents from GC and GMM. What could it be?
Rapunzel! "I just saw this movie!"
And what else? Maximus, he was in the movie too!
Waking up so early, opening presents, Christmas breakfast and stockings can really tucker a girl out...and her daddy...
Santa also brought Marley a full size MagnaDoodle because she liked her little one so much. She loved it!
Then today (as you can see if you continue to scroll to the next post) it snowed and snowed and snowed some more! Here was Marley's face after the mug of hot chocolate she had after she and daddy played for a few minutes in the snow. It's all over her face...and her shirt...
As I also previously posted, Marley also got a princess blow up bed from Fancy and Granddad. Little did we know it would actually become a slide.

On her way up...
At the top...
And then...
SLIDE!
Mommy and Daddy got Marley a little Tinkerbell computer since she likes to play with everyone elses' when they have them out...it has proven to be quite effective in keeping the real computers in one piece
A little computer time with Fancy
Now if only I could figure out how to turn down the volume on the "tinker" music.
Doesn't it look like she's going to be the one starting classes in January instead of Mommy and Daddy?

Here she is tracing Rapunzel on her MagnaDoodle. I love it when she pulls all her presents together.Playing with Rapunzel's hair
She's pretty, but Marley also likes watching her Tinkerbell movie that mommy and daddy got her.
We had a fantastic Christmas here in Williamsburg, not just Marley but Brett and I too! It was a great time. Brett had to leave today and Marley and I are packing up to leave tomorrow. We're sad to go but then on Tuesday Granny and Pop come to visit from Texas and we get to have another mini-Christmas with them!

Snow, Snow and More Snow

2010-12-26T11:51:00.000-08:00

It started snowing here in Williamsburg last night and hasn't stopped. I think right now we've accumulated 10+ inches. Brett shoveled the driveway for my parents before he left today and now you can't even tell. He took Marley out in the snow today for a total of about 5 minutes before she had too much and had to come back inside. She's got great snow pants and a fantastic snow jacket and plenty of hats however, she does not have snow gloves, she only has thin cotton gloves. Ultimately that's why they had to come back inside. Her hands got cold from picking up the snow so she took off her gloves only to realize the snow was colder without the gloves on.

Here they are making snowballs, which you'll see in the video below, they throw at Mommy.
Isn't this an unreal amount of snow?I'm flashing back to last year when we tried to fly out to Texas before Christmas and got stuck for two days because of the snow.Marley and Daddy cuddled in bed and drank hot chocolate to warm up after playing in the snow. Marley loved the hot chocolate!Enjoy the videos!

Merry Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T19:15:00.000-08:00

Merry Merry From Our Family to Yours!

Welcome To The World

2010-12-22T19:23:00.000-08:00

Ainsley Elizabeth Lindberg

Greeetings From Williamsburg

2010-12-22T17:45:00.001-08:00

(Sorry about the text)

Marley and I have been in Williamsburg since Saturday evening, spending time with Fancy, Granddad and Aunt Sarah and getting ready for the big Christmas holiday! We are having a great time but Marley is missing her daddy so we thought we'd send a shout out and let him (and everyone else) know what we've been up to!

Marley and Mommy right before bed saying "hi" to daddy.
Marley riding in the car today...she figured out that she could put her fist in her mouth. She was being quite the silly girl.
After we went to visit Santa (the sub Santa) yesterday we had Five Guys for lunch because there isn't one readily available in Roanoke. Marley munched away on her hot dog and french fries, mainly because she got to "dip" in the ketchup (much to mommy's dismay). When daddy gets here on Friday we're going to go back to see the "real" Santa. We waited to go see Santa once we got here because Helen from Helen's Place, our wedding photographer, is the one taking the pictures. The ones we got yesterday were great...even if the Santa wasn't.
We also don't have a Manhattan Bagel in Roanoke, or anywhere even near by, so we've been there too. When we were there Marley picked up her bagel, peaked through the hole and said, quite clearly, "I see you!" Her language is really coming along, she's now stringing together 2 and 3 word sentences!
This was the darling diva this morning before we went out for lunch with Jessica and Reed. Marley loves her friend Reed and they play really, really well together. Reed is the same age as cousin Kaley so I can't wait till the cousins can get back together again.
And since we've been here there hasn't been a whole lot of time that the girl has been without marshmellows. In this picture she had snagged the WHOLE bag from the pantry closet. Don't worry daddy, we've since rationed the marshmellows.

Marley can now climb out of the crib that's at Fancy's, or at least made a very good attempt the first time I put her in the other day, so the lucky girl got to open one of her Christmas presents early. She got a Princess blow up bed that is on the floor in Mommy's room. It's been a bit hit or miss since she is sick right now with, yep, you guessed it, an ear infection, but there have been quite a few times she's slept in it. She also really likes to play in it, hiding and jumping like a monkey. *I say jumping like a monkey because while she's jumping she says "No, No monkeys."
And here she is tonight while we were at the nail salon, sitting next to Fancy while her nails dried. She really liked pushing all of the buttons on the front of the dryer.
I have plenty of other pictures on my camera...these were all taken with cell phones (pretty good quality huh?!)...I just need to get my scan disk jump drive so that I can post those. More to come!

ABCs

2010-12-14T20:05:00.000-08:00

Yep, another round of sickness hit our house but thankfully, it wasn't Marley. It was however me...blogger extraordinare of the Mazurek household...so once again I'm making explanations for my lack of blogging.

Anyhow, Marley's language has really started taking off. She'll imitate just about every word we ask her to and she has quite a bit of spontaneous language. Her word repetoire includes (but is not, in any way, limited to): Mommy, Daddy, Marley, Jasper, RoRo, cookies, pizza, apple, banana, eggs, pancake, bar, raisins, milk, water, juice, vitamins (although that's not that clear), hi, bye, yeah, no, bow, socks, shoes, eye, nose, ear, mouth, foot, toes, poop, monster, puppy, duck, monkey, chicken, movie, Manny, night night, love you, sorry, please, more, I want, ornament, tree, moon, stars, "it's raining," "what/who is it," ball, Tinkerbell, Mickey, Goofy, fairy, mine, sucker, Fancy, Pop, (working on Granny), Bob-O (sorry dad) Jessica, Ashley, Michelle, Beth, blast off, ta-da, various animal sounds, the occasional "f-bomb" (and a few other choice swear words) and I'm sure quite a few more that I can't remember right now.

In addition to that we do a lot of singing and the ABC's are a favorite. This is the first time I was able to get that on tape...

Like I said, she can pretty much imitate anything...and did you catch the blast off in the middle?

The Goings On...

2010-12-06T18:11:00.000-08:00

I know that we've been AWOL for quite sometime but November was a little bit of a rough month for us in the Mazurek household. There was quite a bit of sickness and though we are over those rough patches it seems Little Miss is coming down with yet another cold.

For all 10 or so of you who follow our blog ;) you may remember right around this time last year when we first started talking about ear tubes. Well, said tubes have fallen out and there is already fluid build up. I had her at the doctor on a Friday when they told us the right tube had fallen out (not really a surprise there as the ENT had told us in October that it was on it's way out) but that the left looked good. "Good," I said, "the left ear was always the problem child." So feeling confident we were still in the ear infection free zone we left armed with a plan to deal with the stomach issues Mar was having. Then, come the following Monday morning the kid's cold had gone from bad to sinus infection/possibly a touch of bronchitis so I brought her back. Would you believe that over the 2 day weekend the left tube fell out as well??!! And, she had fluid build up already. TWO days people, two days. So, we left that day with a dose of antibiotics and with ears that they "weren't calling infected" but that didn't look good. Anyhow, the antibiotics seemed to do the trick on all of that but between the stomach issues she was having prior to the sinus infection, my being sick and Brett catching it, November was not a very healthy month in our house.

AND, to top it all off, it's snowing here in the Roanoke Valley and if any of y'all know me at all you know I'm not a fan. It's a little early don't you think? It's just the beginning of December for goodness sakes.

Okay, enough complaining (although it really wasn't so much complaining as an explanation as to where we've been). Here's what you really want to see...a video of Marley saying her animal sounds (I forgot chicken) and "singing" Twinkle Twinkle. Working those intraverbals...

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving with my family here in Roanoke and Fancy, Aunt Sarah and I continued our tradition of Black Friday shopping madness, though it just wasn't quite the same without GC.

And, in other news...

...NO, I'm not pregnant, far from it actually, jeez people...

But, I did take the plunge and register for my first class towards becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). I beginning to think it's my goal in life to see how many letters I can get after my name...Thanks to all who have supported me in starting this endeavor!

XOXOXO

I'll try not to be so blog challenged...

Have You Missed Us?

2010-11-26T12:50:00.001-08:00

October super blogger must've lost her mind during the month of November. I know that we've been MIA and I promise a more detailed post later but this is to wet your appetite!
Marley just loves taking care of her babies! We hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving!

"Apy Alowee"

2010-10-31T18:05:00.000-07:00

Marley was Tinkerbell for Halloween this year. Daddy really wanted her to be something scary but after Disney Princess on Ice a Tinkerbell obsession ensued and he gave in. She had the best costume, it glowed in the dark and the wings both glowed and had flashing lights. This didn't make for the best pictures but it was still stinkin' cute. We got quite a few compliments on her costume and on our little fairy in general.

We started the afternoon at Vinton Baptist Church for Trunk or Treat. One of the guys Brett works with has invited us to attend services in the past and he and his wife invited us this afternoon for the festivities. We really had a great time!

Daddy and his sTinkerbell

A shot from behind, they really are the best wings!

There is a little medallion on the front of her costume with Tinkerbell on it and she couldn't stop playing with it. She would show it to anyone who would pay attention.

Takin' a candy break

A little posing

Perhaps a little flying, courtesy of Jeff. All fairies fly you know (unless of course their wings are wet, duh)

Happy girl on the way back home for the Fincastle Children's parade.

For Halloween our itty, bitty little town of Fincastle closes down one of the main residential streets and has a parade. No need to do anything but participate and trick or treat at the houses along the way, but if you're so inclined to donate a bag of candy you can walk through one house and get handfuls and handfuls of candy...which of course we did...for Marley of course. Her Tinkerbell candy bag was pretty fully by the time we were done!

A shot with Mommy...why does she take such nice pictures with Daddy?

She just glowed

And then I tried to get her to pose on a rock during our walk home

Yeah, that worked out well

Once we got home Marley Skyped with Pop and Uncle Chris and was eager to show them her goggles. (Yes we started mommy and me swim lessons yesterday, no she did not wear the goggles, but she did represent in TYR!)

So that's that. We hope everyone had a happy and safe Halloween. AND, if you happen to see Marley's Aunt Sarah ask her about her recipe for Venison Stew!

What's it say...

2010-10-29T19:40:00.001-07:00

...about you as a photographer when the best two shots of the day...

...were taken upside down, between your legs?

There were some other cute ones too though.

Like this one when I said, "Marley, please don't touch the rotting pumpkin, just sit pretty next to it"

Or this one when I said, "Say cheese"

Or how about: "stand next to that tree and look pretty"

Or here when I said, "Marley, just one nice picture, it's all Mommy wants"

Or how about: "Here Marley sit in the leaves, it'll be a pretty picture"

Or, "Marley, look here, look up at Mommy, the leaves will be there when we're done"

Or when I said, "Awww Marley, don't put the yucky leaves in your mouth!"

Or how about: "It's not dental floss honey"

My personal favorite: "Yep, hear those sirens, they're coming to get you! Leaves don't belong in your mouth, they belong on the ground"

Or how's this: "No funny business, they're still watching"

And finally: "That's Mommy's sweet girl"

Ahhh, the running commentary of photographing a 19 month old...

It's a cute outfit though dontcha think?

A Pumpkin Throne

2010-10-25T17:39:00.000-07:00

Thrones built of pumpkins

aren't always

so sturdy

but eventually

you get your bearings.

Happy Fall Y'all!

She HATED It!

2010-10-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

What was it she hated you ask? Pumpkin Carving. Ok, more accurately the pumpkin cleaning. You think I'm kidding, and most of these pictures are quite deceiving, but yes, she hated it, really, really hated it. Brett told her he was really disappointed, that he was hoping they could throw pumpkin guts at Mommy. Ahem, excuse me? But alas, I needn't have worried, she hated it, was completely grossed out and didn't want to have anything to do with it. But, she put up with us (for the most part) sticking her hands in the pumpkin and smearing pumpkin guts on her.

Lifting the lid

"Uh, I'm not so sure about this..."

"Uh, no, I don't think so..."

Scrapping the guts from the inside

"You go ahead Daddy, I'm going to hang out over here"

"Is there anything left in there?"

"Look Mommy I'm not so grossed out anymore"

Maybe next year she'll be ready to throw pumpkin guts.

By the way that was my 200th post :)