The Library and Getting Lost

photo from here

Elise and I went to the public library today for baby lapsit, which is like storytime for kids under two, but more interactive. We played pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo and read nursery rhymes. Elise loved it, especially playing with all the other babies. Next week we'll try harder not to be late.

I didn't get lost on my way to the library this time, which is good for me. (And I only had one small detour on the way home.) Last time we went to the library, I accidentally turned into the fire station, and this group of muscly firemen in shorts were standing around about to do some sort of drill. They all stared me down as I turned around. What did they think, that I was there to personally report a fire?

I did get lost going to Wal-mart yesterday, though. We usually go to the closest Wal-mart, which is a "Neighborhood Market" that only sells groceries. I needed a few other things that I could only get at a "Supercenter," so we ventured out. I had to call Matt to help me figure out where the heck I was. I call Matt at work a lot these days. I'm sure it's pretty annoying, especially for someone who pretty much never gets lost.

Besides finally figuring out how to get to the library, I have also been driving on the freeway a lot lately. Holly's baby, Hudson, who is 2 months old today, has RSV, and he was in the hospital from Sunday until last night. I'm so glad he's home and getting better. I made a couple of trips to Holly's to help out with the older kids so my brother-in-law Jonathan could visit at the hospital. Can I just say that driving on the freeway is scary?

(If you haven't noticed, I hate driving in general. I'm not very good at it, and I don't have much practice, though I've gotten more practice lately. I don't have a good sense of direction, and driving makes me nervous. I've only had a driver license since July of 2010.)

Anyway, I love having the library so close. When we lived with Holly, the public library was too far away to be practical. I just finished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (thanks for recommending it, Casey!), and now I'm on to Life of Pi. After seeing the movie, I really want to read The Help, but I'm still on the waiting list. Does anyone have any good books to suggest?

Elise at 17 Months

Elise is almost 17 months old now, and she is so much fun. I am so glad I get to spend my days with her. She is smart, vivacious, and happy.

We had to do Elise's 15 month appointment late (new insurance + new doctor's office + Christmas in California = 16 month appointment instead of 15 month). For those of you who are interested, at 16 months Elise was 33.5 inches tall (97th percentile!), 22 lbs 13 oz (40th percentile), and her head measured 18 inches (40th percentile).

She is full of energy and so ready to learn, which are both things I love about her.

Speaking of Elise being full of energy, the two of us made our first trip to the Mesa public library recently. That meant that I had to spend time getting a library card, figuring out where to find the board books, etc. Needless to say, Elise was done before I was. While I was searching for a book on the shelves, a teenage library employee saw me struggling to hold Elise, who wanted to run wild. The girl smiled at us and told me, "She's funny. She's all hyper and stuff."

Yes. Yes, she is.

Elise is super vocal, and she has been erupting with so many new words and phrases lately. Today she said several things I had never heard her say before, including broken, washcloth, and all through the town (while we sang "Wheels on the Bus").

One of Elise's favorite activities right now is looking out the window in her room. If I open the blinds, she asks to be picked up so she can see birds, cats, dogs, airplanes, trees, whatever, and we have to talk about it all. Then she cries when I put her down. She could look out that window forever.

Another favorite activity of hers (but not my favorite) is constantly removing her shoes and socks. Then she'll try to put them back on, but she isn't as good at that, so I end up having to help. I probably put her shoes on more than a dozen times a day on average.

Elise also loves to write right now. Pen is a little messy, so we usually stick with a pencil. She even has her own notebook.

And last but not least, Elise loves music. And dancing. Dance is the word she uses for all things associated with music, from a song she hears, to a piano, to a hymnbook at church, to the computer (where I play music for her). Here she is playing Matt's keyboard. Elise got three Raffi CDs for Christmas, plus another African Playground CD, and now we listen to kids' songs all the time.

And she loves to sing along. Here she is singing along to "Down by the Bay," which was one of my favorite songs when I was little. She also likes to sing along with "Popcorn Popping," "The Itsy Bitsy Spider," and "Wheels on the Bus."

I had iTunes Visualizer on. That's why she's staring at the computer the whole time, and why she says ball at the end on the video.

We're working on colors too, but so far all she'll do is repeat what we ask her to say.

Elise can also spell her name (with a lot of help). When she sees words, I know she recognizes that what she's seeing is letters because she will say E and S (which, apparently, are the only letters there are). She likes to try to sing along when I sing the ABC's to her.

Besides that, we spend our days dressing and undressing baby dolls, playing at the playground nearby (where Elise loves to collect acorns and swing), reading books (especially We're Going on a Bear Hunt), napping, and playing with toys. Elise is still nursing occasionally, and we're hoping to wean her soon (she's not interested in weaning). Cheese, crackers, and broccoli are a few of her favorites. Elise thinks throwing out the trash and getting the mail are fun activities. I think Elise is almost ready for potty training. And she is getting her canines. I think that just about sums it up.

This really is such a fun age. Minus the teething.

Update

Since I haven't had a normal blog post in a good long while, I think I will fill you in on what we've been up to. It's been a busy time!

I have a new nephew! Hudson was born in early December.

Doesn't Holly look too good to have just had her fourth baby?

Hudson and his Grammi

in the outfit we gave him (what a handsome man)

on his blessing day

I kept asking Holly if I could just take him with us when we moved. She said sure, but we'd just have to bring him back when he got hungry (which is every few hours). It was worth a try though, right?

Then we went to California for Mike and Amber's wedding. Just a few photos here, but click here for more (and better) pictures.

Here's one I didn't take (Elise the photographer did) of Elise and Natalie.

Grandma and Grandpa's house was lots of fun, as always. We stayed right through Christmas.

Grandpa is always so much fun.

We discovered a nearby playground, and Elise had her first ever go on the swings. How did she not encounter swings before, you may ask? I'm not sure, but I do know she loved them.

After playtime, Elise put in some serious practice time on the piano with Aunt Natalie.

(In all seriousness, Matt and Natalie played such a great organ/piano duet at church on Christmas Day.)

Elise just loves to harass this poor, old dog. Hazel was pretty patient with her, though.

And Elise was also obsessed with my cell phone while we were in California.

She loved this book, I think because it was small and had a picture of a moon and a picture of a dog in it.

Laying on the floor by the Christmas tree while reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas is the best way to get into the Christmas spirit, after all.

coloring with Grandma

Grandpa, Grandma, and Aunt Ann on Christmas Day

And don't forget the lovely Natalie.

Matt and Elise, all geared up for present-opening

one of Elise's presents (of many, too many)

She's really good at this puzzle already.

We all ate very well, thanks to my amazing mother-in-law, Patti.

Elise helping Grandma water the flowers

We had such a nice trip to California. But at least it was also warm and sunny in the place we were going back to.

Ryland and Elise watching out the window for the arrival of either Daddy

Target toy clearance trip with Holly and a van full of kids

That's five kids in car seats, people!

one last Costa Vida trip before we moved

Unfortunately Matt was working and didn't get to come. Unfortunate for him because he didn't get yummy food or exciting company like we did, but also unfortunate for me because Elise was out of control (notice that while I take this picture she is standing up in the high chair I had her buckled into).

Umm...

Then we moved to Mesa, after six months of living with my sister, Holly, and her sweet family. We miss them so much already, and we're so grateful for their generosity toward us.

Then we went to Disney On Ice in Phoenix. Free tickets and we found free parking? You can't get any better than that. We even got to sit by Holly's family.

It was really a lot of fun, even if it was way too late for Elise.

And now we're here in Mesa, working on sorting out our rented town home. By "sorting out," I guess I mean getting the carpet replaced (it smelled like cat urine), sanitizing as we go, and slowly but surely unpacking.

We've also been enjoying the antics of this sweet kid.

If you've actually read this ridiculously long post to the very end, you may now consider yourselves officially updated.

Fun on Ice

Disney characters and artwork ©Disney, Disney/Pixar characters ©Disney/Pixar

We went to see Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3 on Wednesday night at the United Airways Center in Phoenix. It was so much fun! I couldn't believe how amazing the ice skating was, Matt loved the lights, and Elise danced to all the fun music.

Buzz, Woody, and a few others on the ice

I wanted Elise to wear her hat for this picture.

Apparently, she had other plans.

We even got to sit with my sister, Holly, and her family. They loved the show too!

just before the show began

I was glad Elise was too little to ask for a souvenir or a treat, because they had all kinds of fun things for sale and I would've been tempted to get her something!

Mickey and the gang made a few appearances too.

simply captivated

I got some videos of the show, but you can see some better ones here.

Instead, I'll share this video of Elise dancing. I didn't catch it all on camera, but she was really getting into the music, clapping her hands, and rocking out.

If you're interested in getting tickets, see my previous post for instructions on how to get a great deal! I would definitely recommend seeing the show.

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.

Don't Forget to Get Your Tickets!

Disney characters and artwork ©Disney, Disney/Pixar characters ©Disney/Pixar

Elise doesn’t know yet, but we’re going to see this show tonight! I’m so excited.

So if you haven't gotten tickets yet for Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3, it isn't too late. Visit this LINK to see an exciting clip of the show, and click on Toy Story 3 to see the video!

The show starts tonight and runs through January 22nd. Here are the show times and dates:

Wednesday, January 18th – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 19th – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, January 20th – 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 21st – 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 22nd – 1:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

The show is at the US Airways Center – 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Ticket price levels are $14, $18, $25, $40 (VIP) and $68 (Front Row).

Opening Night tickets available for "Buy One Get One Free" (excluding Front Row and VIP seating areas and limited to 6 per order). Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000 or at the venue B.

Don't forget the deal on tickets. Use the code MOMMYDEAL.The deal is 4 tickets for $44 and is good only on the $18 and $14 price levels.

Valid only on Thursday 7:30 p.m., Friday 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 5:30 p.m. This code can be used online, at the box office, and by phone.

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO USE CODE ONLINE:

Log on to: http://www.ticketmaster.com/

Type Disney On Ice and click the red search button

Scroll down to any of the following showtimes: Thursday 7:30, Friday 10:30 and 7:30, Saturday 7:30 and Sunday 5:30

Click “Find Tickets”

Go to the “Advance or Promotion Ticket Selection”

Click how many tickets you would like

Click either the $14 or $18 price level (MUST SELECT ONE OF THESE PRICES TO GET THE DEAL)

Type code: MOMMYDEAL

Click the red “Find Tickets” button

Type in the security words

Click Continue

Select delivery method, click continue

Log in or create a Ticketmaster account, click continue

Enter payment information. If you click under Price Details, you will see that it is an $11 ticket (plus facility fees and convenience charges)

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.

Disney On Ice

Disney characters and artwork ©Disney, Disney/Pixar characters ©Disney/Pixar

Disney on Ice is coming to Phoenix! My sister has been to Disney on Ice with her kids, and they have always loved it. We're excited to get the chance to take Elise!

Here's some info about the upcoming show:

THE TOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN!

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DISNEY•PIXAR’S TOY STORY 3
IS COMING TO PHOENIX, JANUARY 18 - 22!

Inspired by the #1 animated movie of all time, Toy Story 3, and memorable moments from Toy Story and Toy Story 2, everyone’s favorite characters are hitting the ice in this sensational live production coming to your hometown! Catch all the heroic action when Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the Toy Story gang escape from the rambunctious tots of Sunnyside Daycare and race for home, in their most daring adventure ever. Plus a few new faces join the fun, including Barbie’s groovy bachelor Ken and Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear. It’s the biggest Toy Story experience ever on ice, jam-packed with fast-paced adventure such as Buzz’s galactic battle with Emperor Zurg and a hoe-down on the set of "Woody’s Roundup." Relive the humor, friendship and charm of Toy Story when Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3 takes family fun to infinity and beyond!

WHEN: January 18 – 22, 2012

Wednesday, January 18th – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 19th – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, January 20th – 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 21st – 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 22nd – 1:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: US Airways Center – 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

TICKETS: Ticket price levels are $14, $18, $25, $40 (VIP) and $68 (Front Row).

Opening night tickets available for "Buy One Get One Free" (excluding Front Row and VIP seating areas and limited to 6 per order). Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000 or at the venue B

Visit this link to see an exciting clip of the show! http://www.disneyonice.com/and click on Toy Story 3 to see the video!

The best part is that I have a great deal on tickets if anyone is interested. The deal is 4 tickets for $44 and is good only on the $18 and $14 price levels.

Promo code – MOMMYDEAL

Valid only on Thursday 7:30 p.m., Friday 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 5:30 p.m.
Online, box office, and phones
Restrictions – no double discounts, not valid on previously purchased tickets or group sales. Additional fees apply.


STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO USE CODE ONLINE:
Log on to: http://www.ticketmaster.com/
Type Disney on Ice and click the red search button
Scroll down to any of the following showtimes:
Thursday 7:30, Friday 10:30 and 7:30, Saturday 7:30 and Sunday 5:30
Click “Find Tickets”
Go to the “Advance or Promotion Ticket Selection”
Click how many tickets you would like
Click either the $14 or $18 price level (MUST SELECT ONE OF THESE PRICES TO GET THE DEAL)
Type code: MOMMYDEAL
Click the red “Find Tickets” button
Type in the security words
Click Continue
Select Delivery method, click continue
Log in or create a Ticketmaster account, click continue
Enter payment information. If you click under Price Details, you will see that it is an $11 ticket (plus facility fees and convenience charges)

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, always give an opinion that is 100% mine.