Christmas Morning, without pictures!

Well, Christmas morning came and went with not one picture taken! We do, however, have video. I'm doubting the long amount of video that we have will make it to this blog, but I am hopeful! If I can get that to happen, I will let you know. Until then, I need to write about Addie Kate's 2nd Christmas before I forget!

I woke up sick as a dog on Christmas morning. Took a Zantac (when I was pregnant, my reflux was so bad that I thought I was going to throw up - I was hoping that was the problem that morning) and got back in bed while Tommy got Addie Kate up. He then went downstairs and got the video camera ready for me to bring Addie down. When she and I got downstairs she immediately went to her new things from Santa, and one by one, brought them to me! She's so funny doing that! She took a little time out from her gifts when she realized Daddy had the video camera out - she had to go over there and talk and point to it!

Santa was good to Addie, no surprise there. She got a kitchen set for her playroom, and she loves to take things in and out of the cabinets on it. She's still a little young to know what to do with it yet, but I figured before her 2nd birthday or Christmas next year, she'd really be ready for it. (When you have a birthday and Christmas so close together, and both at the end of the year, Santa has to be really selective in providing toys that will last and grow with her all year!) She got a little inchworm that when her little legs grow she can bounce on and ride! Santa also brought her a smocked tiger dress and new bloomers to prepare her for next football season. She got some toddler crayons and a huge coloring book. Santa also knew that her favorite thing ever is books, so he got her a few - including a Christmas peek-a-boo flap book - which is the current favorite in books. Lastly, much to Daddy's demise, Santa got her some really girly dress-up clothes. He figured we weren't far away from this! She got fairy wings, a pink tutu, a princess scepter/wand, and tiara. I'm not big on the princess thing, but I figured that's part of being a girl and growing up! In her stocking were some baby flash cards (which I had no idea even exsisted, but friends of ours love them, so she got some too), a bathtub book (I'm telling you - LOVES books!), safety pops (suckers, which she showed no interest in), and Gerber Graduates yogurt melts (which she pitched a FIT for until I opened them and gave her some - amazing how they learn the packaging that they are familiar with!). And then my body knew Santa was done because I had to run back upstairs and enjoy the stomach bug. Thankfully, Tommy fed Addie breakfast and kept her occupied while I took every drug I could get my hands on. I meant I was not missing Addie's first real Christmas! (she was only 8 weeks old last year and slept through it all!)

I came back downstairs and we finished up Christmas. Addie Kate opened up a new gold bracelet from Mommy and an American Girl Bitty Baby from Daddy (thank goodness for the trip to NYC!), some Sandra Boynton books, Pinkalicious, and Purplicious (apparently a favorite of girls!). All in all, I think Addie Kate was beyond excited about Christmas morning!

Tommy was good to Mommy too, as usual! Hopefully he feels the same about Mommy to Daddy! Addie Kate really enjoyed helping us unwrap our presents. Her favorite from us is the Bitty Baby and kitchen set. She also likes her little bracelet - she's worn jewelry ever since she was born, so when I got the bracelet out for her, she immediately held her hand up for me to put it on! So sweet!

We then headed down the road to Lexington for more Christmas festivities... stay tuned!

The Nutcracker

This post is about three weeks late, but the weekend of this event, and every day past it, was ridiculously busy! Regardless, here we go!

Heather thought Addie Kate and Lawson could handle The Nutcracker this year, so we attempted it, with my strict ticket-buying rules of "seats beside the exit!" We got there a little late (getting 2 kids out the door, with newly opened toys and a poopy diaper, was tough!), but Addie Kate did great during the first half. The only time she even flinched was during the cannon shot of the nutcracker army against the mice army. I just immediately grabbed her and took her out. The second half was a different story. She didn't care for any of it. The music during the second half is a bit louder, so I'm attributing it to that. She didn't cry out and wasn't rude or aggravating to anyone (except maybe me!), but just kept whining (could have been louder if not for the passy!) and reaching toward the door. Oh well, she's only one, so I thought she did great! I was very proud of her and look forward to seeing her growth for next year's performance! Lawson stayed during the whole show!

After the ballet, we were able to go backstage, see the props, and meet the dancers. Addie really enjoyed this part, so did I!

Here are some pictures of our fun day!

Addie Kate and Lawson under the Christmas Tree! Yes, they match and are precious!

"Hey Lawson, there's presents under this tree!"

Usually it's Addie Kate playing with her ears!

Ooh! Love my new toy!

"Here Addie, let me show you how to do it. I'm a pro!"

Aunt Heather with Lawson and Addie Kate during intermission.

My girl and me backstage

Lawson and Addie Kate going to check out the (fake) fire!

Heather and her little man

Addie with the Asian dancers

Addie Kate with another dancer. She's thinking, "I can do this one day!"

Happy Birthday Daddy!

December 20th was Tommy's big 30th birthday! He and I were in NYC to celebrate, so on the 19th, before he and I flew out, Addie Kate gave her daddy his birthday presents and helped him open them!

Yay! Daddy's 30!
Oooh! Tissue Paper! And Daddy's getting a gift from the Lilypad - one of my favorite stores! (Shows Mommy was in a hurry wrapping!)

Ooooh - Rock Band for the Wii! Can I play Daddy?

Tommy and I had a wonderful time in NY, even though we were away from our girl for three nights - the longest we've ever been away from her! It was COLD! We were about two hours delayed in leaving (But we were in first class, thankfully! There are perks to flying around the world and being away from your family!), and as we approached landing in Newark, I could certainly see why. White everywhere! Beautiful, fluffy snow. Inches and inches of it, and even feet of it in one big spot where the snowplows piled it all up! We stayed busy eating our way through the city [pizza (Original Rays and Patsy's - a little hole in the wall on Park Ave. across from Serendipty and the BEST pizza I've ever eaten! We just happened upon it!), Little Italy (can't remember the name of the restaurant!), more pizza, Serendipity (AMAZING! 2 hour wait and worth it!), Tavern on the Green (Absolutely gorgeous!), Stage Deli (a traditional favorite), etc.]. When we weren't eating we shopped a lot (got a little something special for our girl at American Girl Place - pics of T there to follow!), saw Phantom of the Opera on Broadway (Tommy's main reason for going) (and FYI - there were no tickets to Wicked at the TKTS booth and we didn't make it back down there to try on Saturday - ugh!!!), went to see the new (and old) Yankee Stadium, played in the snow (not really, but did have to slosh through it nonstop), and just enjoyed being there together! We didn't make it to Ellis Island, something we both wanted to do, due to the nasty, cold weather, but it's in the works for a summertime trip.

Tommy, Addie Kate and I love you so very much. We know how truly lucky we are to have you in our lives and we love you more than anything in the world!

Tee... Tee... Tee... Tee

Addie Kate LOVES our Christmas Tree! For a while, every afternoon, she'd come into the foyer and just walk around it and talk all about it! I was able to get a little bit of it on video, but not near enough of the cuteness!



Just FYI, we have garland draped along the bannisters on the stairs, and on the landing that looks over the foyer. She is so cute and gets confused (or educationally relates maybe?) with the garland and calls it a "tee" too!

Congratulations Uncle Paul and Aunt Sue!

On December 13th, Addie Kate's Uncle Paul (my brother) and Aunt Susan (I guess now that title's official!) got married! It was a beautiful weekend and a beautiful Christmas wedding. All of us Schreibers are so excited to officially welcome Susan to our family!

Tommy and I were both in the wedding, and chasing Addie Kate, so very few pictures were taken. I am in hopes the fabulous Mr. James got some great pics of us that I'll be able to share soon! Until then, this is what I was able to capture - they certainly do not do this day justice!

After the Rehearsal Dinner at a local bar. Poor Suan, people kept buying her drinks! I finally intervened and told the bartender, "No More!"

Seth, Chris, Paul, Tommy, Michael, Susan, Brett, Me, Sarah, Ben

At the Bridesmaid's Luncheon:

My girl and me

Addie Kate LOVES her Aunt Sue!

My Mom, Addie Kate (who was DONE taking pictures and ready for a nap!), Me, Susie

And Addie Kate getting dressed for the wedding. She takes after her mama and loves the freedom of no clothing!

Family Photo Shoot

Addie Kate's Gam and Pop had a friend of theirs come take pictures of the whole Sweatman family at their house on Sunday. Angelia, the photographer, did a fabulous job! (Which started my Christmas card stress all over again! Some people are just going to get two pictures!) I had to share them with all of you. I am so excited about how well they turned out!

Addie Kate was in a great mood! She had just woken up from her morning nap, which is her happiest time! However, she is still a one year old and direction-following isn't her strongest asset just yet. Sweet Tori was sleepy and ready for a nap. And, it was dreary outside. You can't even tell any of this from how great the pictures turned out! Here are some of my favorites (The pictures uploaded in the reverse order from which we took them. We had just the three of us taken first and whole family last.)

And here are some of the out-takes:

"Yay!" She was clapping for herself, and I was laughing!

I love this look on her little face. It's so her!

And, she's done. Then I had to jump up quick to catch her fast little self, from going into the pool!

Here, the photographer told her to say "cheese," and she did! Apparently her little mouth doesn't make a smile when she says it!

Blowing bubbles, of course!