Izzy turns One!

Happy Birthday, Izzy Lou!

Today was Izzy Lou's first birthday. Izzy started off by treating herself (and us) to sleeping in a little late until 7am. Then she got to wear her brandy-new Yo Gabba Gabba sweatshirt and go to Ziggy's where she was greeted by her friends wishing her a very happy birthday and got pancakes for breakfast. Yum! She got to help bake her cake and spent the morning playing. We joined for the candle blowing and singing and for some yummy carrot cake. Izzy wasn't quite sure on what to make of the candle and attempted to put it out with her finger. Ouch! Nothing a little frosting couldn't fix! Izzy also got a cute singing cookie jar for her birthday. Thank you, Ziggy :) Izzy wasn't much for the camera but her friends sure were. Sadly her best friend Gwennie fell asleep before cake time but once Izzy had some frosting in her she was happy.

We brought her home with the intention of a short nap and then go out to the Ecotarium. Well, maybe tomorrow, since Izzy slept the afternoon away but got up by 4pm so we could at least take a spin around the neighborhood in her wagon. Daddy ran with her for a bit up and down the street. She loved that! Then she went to the store with me to get pizza for dinner and eclairs for dessert. Two of Izzy's most favorite foods! And some grapes so something healthy got eaten, too. Auntie Gail called during dessert and helped us sing Happy Birthday. Some of the eclair got in Izzy's hair so a birthday bath was in order. Finally we settled down to watch TMBG 123's and then bedtime. Phew! What a day! Happy Birthday, kiddo. Hope you had fun :)

Wow, look at all of that frosting.

Sugar always gets me in a good mood :)

We want cake! Where's our cake?

Mya and Paige pose for the camera.

Nice card. I like cupcakes :)

And Eclairs!

Grammy Lou sure knows how to beat a theme!

Izzy watches TMB atop her new lion. Rawr!

Tuckered out after a long day.

But not so tired that she wants it to end!

Good Night, Izzy! Happy Birthday, kiddo :)

Daddy takes Izzy for a Ride

Sunday was so nice that we finally assembled Izzy's new wagon that GrandMa and GrandPa got her for Christmas and took it for a spin around the neighborhood. Izzy just had a big grin on her face the whole time. Especially if Daddy went fast. That's my girl!

Testing the wheels out inside first.

Izzy takes the handle.

Daddy takes Izzy for a ride outside.

Whee!

Saturday on the South Shore

Saturday we went down to Ikea to pick up a toy box for Izzy and then stopped by Uncle Fred and Aunt Laura's house for a bit before heading home. Griffin took a bit of warming up to us being in his house but he was good about showing Izzy the right way to play with his toys though Izzy had no trouble figuring out how to use his lion walker/ride-em toy. I guess we chose one birthday gift for her well.

I'll take it!

Seriously? Seriously.

Izzy, you're supposed to walk on your feet, not your knees.

Where'd Izzy go?

There she is!

Going to CNY

This week was winter vacation so we went to visit Great Grandpa and Aunt Jeanne out on Jack's Reef. Grammy Lou and Uncle Ben came along too. Izzy had a great time playing in the huge family room. She practiced walking with the big green ottoman and learned how to climb up the satirs to the main house. Izzy was climbing up all over the place. She particularly liked the exercise bike since it also had pedals that spun around. When she would get tired, Grandpa would rock her and sing lullabyes.

On Tuesday, we went to Heid's where Izzy showed a preference for the spicy coneys over the bland hot dogs. Good choice! Then we went to the playground where she practiced climbing some more. That night Izzy had an early birthday party complete with an eclair and presents from Grandpa and Jeanne. Then she got to have a bath in the sink until she tried to climb out. No, no, Izzy! We can't wait to go back to visit again when it warms up a bit.

Izzy helps Great Grandpa with his crossword.

Izzy practices walking with the ottoman

Playing on the equipment at the lake park.

What eclair? I didn't see an eclair.

What a lovely card

Ooh, what's in this bag?

Check out my new sweater and this cool Pooh candle.

Are you looking at me bum?

Cheeky Monkey!

Grandma and Izzy play a round of Monster Bowling before bedtime.

Today, two steps. Tomorrow, the world!

Daddy takes Izzy for a Spin

On Valentine's Day, Daddy took advantage of Laura and Justin's hardwood floors. This made for a Dizzy Izzy Lou.

Hearts and Swords

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day was a fun one with family and friends. We started the day with a yummy breakfast including bacon and a dutch banana pancake that Daddy made for his girls. Then we had a few little gifts. Izzy got a couple new books and a little heart filled with chocolate. Yum! After a much needed nap, we went over to Laura and Justin's house to get together with friends. We got to meet a couple newer kids on the block, Claire and Cadence. Izzy showed off her new tricks including pulling herself up and crawling like a real kid. She also got to eat donuts and chocolate cake. Laura declared that she's no longer a baby but a little person now. What a compliment! Izzy showed her appreciation by knighting Laura with a foam sword.

First Izzy must duel with Sir Claire of Babylot

Next Izzy must defeat Sir Laura of Burnalot

There can be only one!

Way behind

I've become too lax with posting so I'll be doing a bit of catch up. Especially with winter vacation coming up and Izzy's first birthday (Already?!?!?!). Be warned, I'll be back-dating so that when we get to look back on this blog in future years, it will be in some semblance of chronological order.

Auntie Gail comes to Call

This weekend, Great Aunt Gail came to visit Izzy. We had fun playing on the floor since it was a bit too cold to go outside. Then we had lunch with Uncle Ben and Grammy Lou at Weintraub's. Afterwards, Aunt Gail treated us all to some big cookies from Widoff's. Yum!

Fun with a Cardboard Box

One of the best parts about the new car seat is that it came in a huge box. Perfect tunnel size for a little peanut.

Peek-a-boo!

What does this do?

Cool tape

Raaawwrrr!

Daddy, it's easier to get to you from the outside.

Finally made it through!

Car Seat Upgrade

Grandma Patty Lou gave Izzy Lou her big birthday present a little early this year: a big girl's car seat. We took Aunt Laura's advice and got the 3-in-1 Graco Nautilus. It is quite comfy. I wish I had a seat like that! It even has a cup holder. We didn't get the pink one since it was quite an ugly pink that looked dirty before it was even used. So dark gray it had to be. Izzy has been quite happy not to be strapped into her carrier and my back appreciates that as well. The new view has kept Izzy up most rides but hopefully that will wear off soon. She'll be exhausted but still insists on staying awake. So much to see!

Izzy helps Daddy unpack her new seat

Ooh, check out this cup holder.

It's a perfect height to practice standing on.

Taking a spin in the new seat to Rutland State Park

Two sillies in hoods

Hanging around with Dad

Saluting the sun