This is for YOU...Grace and Renee.

I was told that a couple of my nieces regularly check the blog.  I must say that I feel quite honored to know that these two sweeties are regular readers.  Wish I could see you in person, girls!  Ah well...hopefully in a few months.

I'm just shopping around.  Whew...grocery shopping takes a lot of concentration.  (note tongue sticking out)

Hmmm....what do I need? I should have written a list.

Oh, drat.  I forgot the flour.  That's all the way back in aisle 2.

Ready to check out!  I've got a doll, a few blocks and the flour mom mentioned.

I'm so glad I went shopping.  These blueberries are mmmm....mmmm...good.  Especially, since I smeared them all over my face.

What's new?

1) AU has figured out how to open doors and turn the water on in the bath tub.  

2) She waves bye-bye every time she leaves a room.

3)  AU went through a picky stage after we got back from Christmas vacation.  I was sure that her palate had been ruined b/c her daddy snuck her a few cookies and some junk food.  Thankfully, things are back to normal again.

4) We are in the middle of a snow storm.  Yeah!!  Joel was able to come home early.

Happy Birthday, Joel!

Yesterday, Joel turned 38.  We celebrated by going to a local diner (diners are big here in Jersey). 

Our local diner complete with pictures of Elvis, Betty Boop and  Beatles songs playing in the background

I may not take pictures of my daughter wearing signs of how old she is...but I do get Joel to advertise his age.  We will now forever remember what he looked like at the age of 38.  You can see how much he's grown by looking back at last years picture:)

These are the "chicken fingers" we ordered off the kids menu for Audrey.  She wouldn't touch 'em.

What would a blog post be without a picture of our little cutie?

Christmas 2013

People.  I'm going to admit that I've been a little stressed about my lack of posting.  I don't know why.  Maybe it's because it has been over a month and there are SOOO many pictures to post?  I'm all about brevity, but this post is gonna be long!  So, hang onto your hats.

Yippeee!! 

AU's first stocking

My first card wall...I may have been a bit too excited about checking the mail for cards everyday

AU enjoying her first slice of bacon.  I think she liked it

Fun times with Oma

Fun times with Aunt Alexia!!

Josh relating his excitement

Sometimes, I let Opa hold me....

He's so fun!

I have a question!

All the Ueckers TOGETHER!

Cousins!  

So, what's new?

1) AU is walking!  She's still a bit clumsy, but she's doing great.

2) We are enjoying music class together.  I sing and dance  like a fool and she loves it.

3)  AU slept like a champ at Oma and Opa's house.  Maybe there is a chance we will travel more.

4)  Joel is turning 38 soon.  Yikes!

5)  Here a few memories I will never forget about this Christmas.  The girls fixing Milton's hair and the laugh Oma, Opa, Joel and I had over a game of dominoes.  

6)  AU did great on the airplane.  So did Joel:)

7)  I guess this post wasn't as long as I thought it was going to be! phew!

Weening Weekend

Do you know what got helped me through sleepless nights, crying fits and leaky boobs? (Sorry for you men reading this....which will probably only be Milton and Joel).  Weening Weekend.  Every time I slept by Audrey's crib because of teething and etc...I would count down in my head.  Only 4 more months until weaning weekend. 

Emily, graciously joined me at a fabulous resort in NJ and made the trip so much more memorable!  I'm sure she truly looked forward to weening weekend as she couldn't consume milk (and many other yummy foods) for at least 6 months.  She's a rock star!!  You know what else?  There wasn't ONE single lull in conversation the entire weekend (I kept track).  It was amazing.  

AND kudos to our hubbies for watching the kiddos overnight by themselves!!  We married some amazing guys!  I think I'm gonna have another baby, JUST so I can go on another wine weaning weekend. J/K...but seriously, you should think about it, emily:)

Here we are with Santa!  I'm pretty sure he was WAY younger than me.  

Selfies before dinner (or is it supper?)  Ain't Emily PURDY!!

One of the many "hot springs"  You can see the human doggy door we swam through to the outdoor pool.  AMAZING.

A Day In the Life of Audrey

First, I wake up.

Then I eat.

I dig, dig, dig for toys

I walk, walk, walk and wear, wear, wear mommy out (I'm not walking w/o help, yet)

 Then I sleep...zzzZZZzzz  (hopefully!!) and eat some more.  

I dump ALL my toys on the floor.

Then, Maddie and I take turns waiting for daddy at the front windows.


Then I eat AGAIN!!!

After supper I try to push all the buttons on the remote...

Bath Time!!  Then it's nighty-night!

Oh Christmas Tree!

Our Christmas decorations were all about child-proofing this year......

A Little People nativity set from Oma and Opa!

Our tree which is out of reach from tiny, exploring hands.....

and the view of the tree in the dark.

I must say that this tree was SO much easier to decorate than the huge one we usually haul up to our living room.  Maybe this guy will become our yearly tradition???? I'm sure I'll appreciate how small it is when it's time to stow it away for the year.  Can you believe there are only 3 weeks left till Christmas?  We are counting down the days, here!

My First Year of Mothering-What I've Learned

I've thought a lot about this post that past week, but I don't have a lot of time to compose it.  Take it with a grain of salt!

Sleep:

1) Be sure to put a nice fluffy rug by your baby's crib.  You'll likely sleep there many a night....No matter how many "expert baby sleeping" books you read.

2)  Never ask a mom how her newborn is sleeping.  I realized this AFTER I asked many a mom this exact question.  If baby is sleeping well...it's a great question.  If not...well, the mom may feel a bit judged and totally annoyed with you if your baby is sleeping well and hers is not.

3)  It's easy to become VERY angry with someone who is innocently snoozing while dealing with a screaming infant in the middle of the night  (i.e.-hubby)

Cuteness:

1)  You really will believe that your baby is the cutest ever.  You may even look up contests to enter their image in while they are sleeping (oops...my secret is out).

2)  Seriously, there is nothing cuter than a baby in footie pajamas.  Okay...well, maybe a baby taking a bath....wait, a baby bundled up in winter gear with chubby cheeks.....no...a baby snuggling with a puppy...and the list goes on forever.

LOVE:

1)  Nothing will make you angrier with your spouse than child rearing....and nothing will make you fall more in love with them....I recently learned that my husband sings "Jesus Loves You" to my daughter every night before bed.  Melt my beating heart...although, I'm pretty sure the same organ turns to ice EVERY time he asks me where her shirts are stored.  REALLY?  I've showed him a million times (I love you, Joel!).

2)  I fall a little more in love with my daughter every morning when she wakes up.  Her hair is disheveled, her diaper stinky and her hugs...AMAZING.


Facebook:

1) It's impossible NOT to go crazy posting photos of your little bundle of joy.

2) Try not to post too many status updates regarding your lack of sleep.

That's it for now...anyone have anything to add to the list?