We started the new year in the North Georgia mountains. Joe’s parents have a cabin in Blue Ridge, and we usually go up there for New Year’s Eve since my mother-in-law does a traditional Southern meal for New Year’s Day. We were bummed that Joe’s sister and her family couldn’t make it, but Lucy enjoyed all the attention from her grandparents.

We arrived late Friday night, and on Saturday we were up early to head to downtown Blue Ridge so Lucy could see the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which travels from Blue Ridge to McCaysville. Lucy loves trains, and she really liked getting to see one up close. We’re thinking about taking the girls on the train ride this summer.

We waited for the train to leave, and then we headed over to the park to let Lucy play. She completely bypassed the smaller playground and made a beeline for the large playground with the longer slides. She certainly isn’t timid! She spent a lot of time sliding down the big, enclosed slide.

After the slide, Lucy played at the rock climbing wall. She liked to peek through the openings and shout, “Boo!”

It was a fabulous morning. We headed back to the cabin, and Lucy took a 30-minute nap (SIGH), which meant we were all dragging the rest of the day. After sundown, we put on some Disney movies and Curious George and watched until 11:30 p.m., when we put Lucy to bed. She probably could have made it until midnight, but we decided she had stayed up late enough. The funny thing is that Lucy made it through the movies while Joe’s parents and I dozed off.

We watched the ball drop online and toasted at midnight and then headed to bed.

On Sunday, we had a lazy morning and at the typical Southern meal of greens (for wealth), black-eyed peas and rice (for luck), meat (for progress and prosperity). There was also spaghetti for the vegetarian (me!) and broccoli for my veggie-loving daughter.

We had a nice, laid-back weekend, which is what going to the cabin is all about. I’d love to the mountains one day. I always miss the peacefulness when we come back home.

Since Christmas and Hanukkah fell at the same time last year, we had a crazy busy holiday weekend. We gave Lucy her gifts from us on Friday morning since we were heading to Joe’s parents’ Friday night and then going to my parents’ on Saturday. Her big gift was a Dora coloring table, which she LOVES!

She had a blast playing all day with all her new toys.

I had to work, but at 5 p.m., we were out the door headed to Joe’s parents’ to celebrate Hanukkah. We always have a great time, and this year was no different — except for the fact that I was still dealing with the effects of my Reclast infusion. I had to miss out on the lighting of the Hanukkah candles because I was too light-headed to stand, but Lucy and Rivka really enjoyed it. They are so much more fun at this age!

Lucy had the best time because she got Let’s Rock Elmo. She is in LOVE! Also, she is his drummer. He’s pretty lucky to have her in his band.

The cupcakes also were a big hit with the kids.

On Saturday, we took our time packing up and headed to Chattanooga mid-afternoon. We had a fun Christmas eve with my siblings, even though my dad wasn’t able to join us. Lucy always has a blast with her cousins. The three of them ran through the doors separating the living room from the hallway for about 20 minutes before we opened presents and 30 minutes afterward. They weren’t loud. They just ran. And ran. And ran. Joe said the adults were trying to keep them quiet when I passed out in bed after presents, but I didn’t hear a thing.

Anyway. All the kids had a blast and got some great gifts.

I showed off Lucy’s new bath book, Barnyard Bath! We are big Boynton fans in our house.

We forgot to take pictures on Christmas Day, but we had a very nice lunch with my family (minus Ryan and his family who were at his in-laws’) and Joe’s parents. Once it was over, though, I took one of my anti-dizziness pills and passed out for the ride home. We had a fun holiday weekend, but here’s hoping everyone is healthy for next year!

Did you know that Santa lives in Cherokee County, Ga?

Well, he does, and this weekend we took Lucy to see him and Mrs. Claus. We were amazed from the moment we drove up and saw the light display in Santa’s yard. It was incredible, and little Miss Lucy didn’t want to leave when it was finally time to head home.

We had to coax Lucy to go into Santa’s workshop by telling her there were lights inside. However, she tried to make a run for it when we got to the door, so we had to force her to go in. She calmed down when I told her she would get a treat after she saw Santa (because he was giving out candy canes), but when it was her turn to sit on Santa’s lap, she L-O-S-T it. I wish we hadn’t already printed our holiday cards because this picture is a winner.

We took two other pictures. Want to see them?

Yep. Not much different. I’m hoping next year will be the magic year when she won’t cry when we go to see Santa.

After we left Santa, we went back outside to see the lights again and then had to try to coax Lucy into the main house to see Mrs. Claus. That went just as well as the visit with Santa. Lucy was pretty calm when we were watching the train circle around the village that was set up, but Lucy wouldn’t go anywhere near Mrs. Claus. On our way out, though, she had fun looking in the different rooms.

At the entrance to the main house was a Christmas countdown clock.

We had a lot of fun, and Lucy cried when we left. She wanted to keep looking at the lights. I can’t wait to take her back next year!

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Dear Lucy,
Today you turned 2 and, as excited as I’ve been for your birthday (or, should I say, your birthday party), it also makes me kind of sad to see you turn another year older. You’re no longer a baby. You’re a toddler. You’re my little girl.

You definitely have your attitude, which you have developed since your first birthday, but for the most part, we find it cute. You’ve recently started giving us your little “Whatcha talkin’ about?” look. You come close to rolling your eyes, but you’re not quite there yet. It’s ridiculously adorable.

You are talking up a storm. A good bit of it is still jibberish, but you are saying more and more words. When you wake up in the morning, you ask for whichever parent doesn’t get you up, and then, on the way to the kitchen to get your morning bup (cup), you say hi to all the cats. “Hi, Dizzy! Hi, Ah (AJ)! Hi, Dada (Callie).” You also have to say hi to your Care Bears — “Ah duh” (the purple bear) and “Meen” (the green bear). You take your two Care Bears, your Tigger and your Tigger pillow EVERYWHERE you go. We call them your entourage.

Eating is still a struggle at times. Sometimes you’ll pig out, and other times you’ll hardly eat anything. You can, however, eat your weight in carrots. It’s your favorite food, which cracks me up because what kid likes vegetables??

Bath time is still your favorite thing. The other night, you were in the tub for about 40 minutes. You would sit in there all day and play with your toys if we let you.

Another favorite of yours? ELMO! So, it was fitting that we used that as the theme for your birthday party. And, Elmo even made a guest appearance! You were in awe, and you were so sad when he left. Mommy’s eyes teared up a little watching you run up to him and give him a big hug. I love making you so happy.

Although every new stage is more fun than the last, I do wish time would stop just for a bit so I can enjoy them just a little bit longer. Time is just flying by way too quickly.

I love you so much my little sugar monkey!

Love,
Mommy