Christmas 2010 and Snow!

Grandma Y helps Ethan with his new trucks

Trains! 

Ethan's new chair- he immediately crawled in with his new book with wheels

Trying out his new dump truck

Auntie Sarah made Ethan his very own duck

hanging out with cousin Jack

Waving out the window at Papa, Daddy, and Uncle Ken as they shovel the driveway

Ethan hates being bundled in so many layers- eventually he gave in and enjoyed riding his sled

Ethan and Daddy

Trying out Marshall's fort

Cousins!

Ethan loves his trains!

 Practicing our coloring.  Ethan can't decide if he'd rather color with or eat the crayons-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a wonderful Christmas with our families.  Ethan embraced all things Christmas- the tree, decorations, the cookies, and of course the gifts!  He quickly learned that under all of those pretty wrappings, were fun toys!  Cars, trucks, trains, and books, were among his favorites.  I loved preparing for Christmas this year!  Knowing that we were creating a magical experience for our little guy was pretty cool! 

The day after Christmas, we had a huge snow storm.  Connecticut got 16 inches.  So, needless to say, we spent much of the week in CT in our jammies, playing games, watching Elmo, and playing with cousins Madeline, Jack, and Marshall.  Ethan loves playing with his cousins, and as he's gotten older, he's even trying to wrestle a bit with Jack and Marshall!  I guess boys will be boys!

The day after the storm, we ventured out to play.  It was a little stressful getting out the door as Ethan hates getting winter layers on.  It's so hard for him to understand why he has to wear big clunky boots, lots of layers, a hat, and mittens -- and boy does he let us know that he HATES it!   Once we were out and about for a while, and Ethan observed his cousins playing, he began to enjoy the snow. He liked riding in his new sled. but wanted nothing to do with walking around in the cold stuff.  I'm really hoping that he'll grow to love the snow, otherwise, we may have to move to California!

We've noticed that Ethan is understanding more and more of what we are saying to him and asking of him.  He can show us where his eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hair, belly, hands, fingers, feet and toes are.  And he is learning more and more animal sounds.  He cracks us up when he doesn't know one of the sounds and makes one up.  For example, if we ask what a frog says, he'll growl- interesting!  The other day we asked him what Mama says, and he replied, "No, no, no!"  He's a real comedian!

When Ethan was smaller, parents used to always come up to me and tell me what their favorite age was.  "Oh, 9 months was great because they finally sleep"  Or "12 months was great because they are getting more independent."  I have to say that I have enjoyed every single stage and age thus far.  Some have certainly been more challenging than others, but I am just loving this ride so very much.  Every day brings something new to smile about.  This little guy brings so much complete joy to our lives.  I've never been much of a resolution girl myself, but if I had to make one, it would be to take time each and every day to count my lucky stars that I've been blessed with such an amazing family!