Libby's First Christmas

It goes without saying that Libby enjoyed her first Christmas. The past week was very busy for Libby, but she spent lots of time with family and friends, enjoyed time at home with Mom and Dad, and got lots and lots of presents! Libby spent Christmas Eve visiting with Grammie and Papa Hanna before going to Grandma and Grandpa Yandek's for the traditional Italian Christmas Eve fish dinner. Everyone had their fill of shrimp and scampies and calamari. Everyone, that is, except Libby.

On Christmas morning, Libby opened presents at home with Mom and Dad. Libby must have been a good girl, because she got some really cool stuff, like her very own rocking horse. Libby also got a giant stuffed hippo to add to her collection as well as some good books. After the presents, Libby went to Mass at St. Pat's with Mom, Dad, Grammie and Papa. As usual, Libby was on her best behavior!

Mass was followed with a mountain of presents at Grandma and Grandpa's house. There were presents for everyone, but clearly, Libby won the award for most gifts!. Libby had fun playing with all the wrapping paper and playing with Uncle Tony and Nellie and Aunt Holly. The day ended at Grammie and Papa's house where there were more presents, lots of good food, and Libby's buddy, Dolly! Then finally, on Sunday, Libby got to visit with her cousins and Uncle Jerry and Aunt Lauren. The Christmas holiday was great fun for everyone--and it was so much better with Libby to share in the excitement. Now, Libby just needs to get back in her regular routine, which is going to be difficult with all the new presents around the house and Libby's newly-discovered mobility!

Merry Christmas!

Sick Again, But Still Happy...

Twelve More Sleeps

Twelve more sleeps until Christmas! Preparations for Libby's first Christmas are well under way. On Sunday, Libby went to Brunch with Santa at Dad's work. Libby was on her best behavior the entire afternoon--until it was time to have her very first picture taken with Santa! In all fairness, it was well past Libby's naptime, so she was actually quite a trooper. (And, as you can see, the first ever photo of Libby and Santa isn't all that bad!) That said, hopefully, her next encounter with the Big Guy goes a little better!

On Saturday, Libby hosted a Christmas Cookie Marathon at her house. Grammie, Aunt Reen, Aunt Lauren, Uncle Jerry, Claire and Corinne came over and made dozens and dozens of cookies and one giant mess. It was a fun day for everyone, and there are plenty of cookies to go around!

And while it was a busy weekend, the holiday festivities are just getting started! Dad starts Christmas Break on Thursday, so there will be plenty of fun Daddy-Daughter time. On Friday, Libby is going to Claire's Christmas Pageant with Aunt Reen, Grammie and Papa. Then, she'll make her first appearance at the Kerrigan Christmas Party! Good thing she's got plenty of Christmas outfits! Oh, and it goes without saying that Libby is beside herself with joy since the Browns beat the Steelers! Maybe Christmas came early this year...

Thanksgiving

As was to be expected, Libby had a great first Thanksgiving. She celebrated at home with Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Yandek, Aunt Holly, Grammie and Papa Hanna, and Aunt Reen. Libby even had her first go at "real" food. The sweet potatoes were a big hit. The mashed potatoes? Not so much. But, of course, Libby had multiple Thanksgiving outfits, so she was stylish, as usual. More importantly, because Libby was getting over her cold, she got to spend all of Thanksgiving week at home with Mom (on Monday) and Dad (T, W, and F).
The great thing about Thanksgiving--besides family, food and football--is the official kick off of the Christmas Season! Libby marked her first Black Friday shopping at Westgate with Dad. Things were a little crazy, so not as much shopping took place as there could have been. Oh well, it was just Libby's first go at it... On Saturday and Sunday Mom, Dad and Libby decorated the house for Christmas.
Libby is absolutely entralled with the Christmas tree. She's already almost pulled it down on more than one occasion. Libby is very much into all the lights and ornaments and Santas all over the house. While she doesn't really know what's going on, she'll have fun with all the wrapping paper and bows! Libby's weekend ended at Will and Henry's house where she got all dressed up in her Brady Quinn jersey to watch the Browns lose again. Oh well.

My First Roadtrip!

With Uncle Tony and Nellie

Libby made her first official out-of-state roadtrip last weekend, when she went to Rochester, NY, to visit Uncle Tony. Of course, she came down with a cold along the way, but she was her usual personable self the whole weekend--almost. Let's just say that Libby was not totally digging her sleeping arrangements, and spent the better part of Friday and Saturday nights keeping (mostly) Mommy and (barely) Daddy awake. That said, it was a successful first road trip!

Looking adorable out in the cold!

Some of the highlights of the weekend included Libby's first football game. Luckily, she went to see Uncle Tony's team--St. John Fisher College--so the home team actually won (unlike all the Browns games Daddy goes to!). Libby also got to see the University of Rochester (where Uncle Tony went to college) and Mt. Hope Cemetery (where some famous people are buried--Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony). The low points of the weekend included not being able to eat all the yummy food that everyone else was having...

With Dad at the football game!

As usual, Libby was on her best behavior. She endured the four hour car rides like a seasoned veteran. The weekend ended with a pizza dinner with her cousins, who came over for a visit on Sunday. Libby stayed home from daycare with Mom on Monday and with Dad on Tuesday, since she's still not 100%. Hopefully, she'll be good to go for Turkey Day on Thursday! Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Feeling Better

Pants off, dance off!

This week was a much better week for Libby (and Mom and Dad!). She finally recovered from a bad cold and double ear infection. And what did she get to celebrate? Shots, shots and more shots! On Wednesday, Libby had her nine month check up, which, of course, came with two shots. At nine months old, Libby weighs 23 lbs. 12 oz., she is 29 inches long/tall, and she's in the 97th percentile all the way around. Wednesday was also Aunt Holly's birthday, so Libby took her first trip to Melt...mmmm. Some day she will get to enjoy the goodness!

"I can take my medicine all by myself!"

This was another busy weekend for Libby, as well. On Saturday, Libby had her nine month and Christmas pictures taken. We can't wait to see how they turn out. Libby also made a new friend--Bella! Bella tried to teach Libby to crawl, and she showed Libby how to play the piano...the early reviews aren't good. But the good news is, there's plenty of time for improvement! On Sunday, Libby got her H1N1 shot and then went to visit her friend, Noah. Noah has lots of fun toys and he likes to share!

Checkin' out a new toy!

If all goes according to plan, Libby will make her first trip to visit Uncle Tony next weekend. And, of course, Libby is looking forward to Thanksgiving. Especially since the doctor said Libby can try real mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. No more of that baby food stuff!

Smiling Through it All

On Saturday, Libby will be nine months old. This is extremely good news, since month number eight was difficult for all parties involved. As if cutting three teeth at the same time were not bad enough, Libby has spent the last week battling a bad cold and a double ear infection. She has not been eating well, she has not been sleeping, her nose runs constantly, and she has not been able to go to day care. It's been tough on Mom and Dad, too, trying to get sitters and taking time off work. Special thanks to Aunt Reen, Aunt Holly, Grammie and Papa for all their help!

It wasn't all bad news for Libby, however. Halloween was lots of fun. She spent lots of time with her cousins, which is always entertaining. She's getting very good at holding herself up. And, according to the doctors, she's healthy in every way (except for the nasty cold!). Libby weighed in at 23 lbs. on Monday when she went to get checked out, which means she's put on about 15 lbs. since February (almost as much as Dad). As a matter of fact, when the doctor made the comment that someone wasn't missing too many meals, we weren't sure if she meant Libby or Daddy.

At the end of the month, however, Libby has managed to get through it all with a smile on her face! That's why we love her!

Libby's First Halloween

In the chicken "coop."

Goin' for a walk.

Playing with the pumpkin.

Is Aunt Reen a good witch or a bad witch?

Happy Halloween!

Fancy Halloween Pants and Three Front Teeth

As per usual, Libby has been quite busy these last two weeks. She celebrated her dad's 33rd birthday with her family, she had some informal Halloween pictures taken, and she went on a shopping spree with Mom, since she is very quietly growing out of her 12 month clothes. Oh yeah, and she's been working on cutting her top teeth. Needless to say, this last activity has caused everyone in the Yandek household to lose some sleep over the past few nights. Hopefully, everyone will get back to sleeping, since those three top teeth finally came through today! So, that makes five teeth for Libby!

There have been other changes these last two weeks. Libby has really started to expand her diet. She has had beef and gravy, chicken and vegetables, and today she had macaroni and cheese. It smelled like a can of Cheez Whiz, but Libby absolutely loved it. Libby has also started eating her little puffs. She is able to pick them up off the table and chew them up. And, just in time for Halloween, Libby has developed her creepy Halloweed laugh--she sounds kinda like the Count from Sesame Street. Ha, ha, ha!

Dad Likes This Picture, So He's Posting It

"I don't know what you're talking about? Of course I'm being a good girl!"

Libby's Silly Sounds

Miss Libby has been a very busy lady this past week. On Thursday, Libby got her flu shot and got to spend the whole day with Dad: they played, went to the grocery store, sang songs, bought toys and watched Libby's favorite show, "Jack's Big Music Show"! Libby did a great job with her shot--it was much more difficult for Dad than it was for her. On Saturday, Libby went to her cousin Claire's fifth birthday party and had lots of fun with her family and friends. Today is Columbus Day, so Mommy didn't have to work. Libby and Mom were together all day hanging out and having fun.

Libby has become very good at making all sorts of faces and noises. Her favorites include giving the raspberries, clicking her tongue, coughing to get attention and snuffing and making a doggy face. Oh, and she likes to bounce. A lot. She could go in her exersaucer all night long!

It's back to daycare and Miss Chrissy tomorrow. Dad's birthday is next week, and then it's on to Halloween! Libby has already had her Halloween pictures taken and she can't wait for the big day!

Eight Months Old!

Wide Awake

Clapping

It's Beginning to Feel A Lot Like Fall!

Dressed for the Elements

It's been awhile since the last post...Daddy was in Austin, Texas, last weekend, so he was a little busy. The last two weeks have been business as usual for Libby. She is in the routine at daycare, making new friends and learning new things. Libby has mastered the fine art of clapping. Not only that, but she will clap if asked and she will clap to express happiness or excitement. Libby is also an accomplished high-fiver. She and Dad now high-five on a regular basis.

With Claire at Her Soccer Game

With the weather starting to change, Libby is getting all sorts of fall and winter clothes. She got to wear her new hat and mittens on Saturday at her cousin Claire's soccer game. Libby spent a good part of the day on Saturday playing with her cousins--they always make her laugh. And then on Sunday, Libby visited her friends Will and Henry for some quality playtime. And finally, Libby is happy to report that Mom and Dad finally bought that minivan she wanted. It's official, we're a family now!

Once Again, Daddy Dresses Me!

It's probably pretty evident, but once again, Daddy was in charge of dressing Libby. But, all in all, that might not be a bad thing. Life has gotten back to normal for Libby. She has made a full recovery from her first real illness. She is back to eating regularly, sleeping (almost) through the night, and playing with her friends at daycare. Libby is very active these days; she really is trying to go mobile. It won't be long before Mom and Dad are chasing her all over creation. There is not much else to report, as things have been pretty quiet in Libbyland. Although, Libby did finally get her Halloween costume, and it's going to be great! The real big news of the week was Libby got to spend Tuesday celebrating Mom and Dad's Second Anniversary! Oh, and she had to help console Dad after the Browns game, but that's another story!

Libby's Ready for Some Football

Seven Months and One Virus

Today is Libby's Seven Month Birthday! She spent the day hanging out with Aunt Reen, Grammie and Papa, Uncle Jerry and Aunt Lauren, and Claire and Corinne. It was a busy day for Libby, but it was lots of fun. The big news of the week was Libby's stomach virus. Sparing all the details, Libby had a very difficult week. Through it all, though, she was a trooper. She had some trouble sleeping, and was upset at times, but overall, one would never know she was sick. The silver lining to the cloud was that Libby got to spend two days at home with Mommy, since she could not really go to daycare. Happily, Libby seems to be over her illness and is ready to get back to daycare tomorrow!

Block Party!

Libby Playing in the Yard

Yesterday was the first Westover Avenue Block Party! Libby had a great day hanging out with old friends (Will and Henry), making new friends (Jack and Audrey) and playing with Mom and Dad. The picnic started with a bike parade for all the kids on the street. Libby, Will and Henry went with the Star Wars theme, as Libby and Henry rode in the wagon while Henry rode along on his bike. Libby spent the rest of the day playing while the grown ups did grown up things. All in all, it was a fun day...and the Browns won! Yeah Brady!

Libby and Henry in the "Millenium Wagon"

Libby had another great week. She is doing a great job at daycare, having fun with Miss Chrissy and making new friends. She is still having a sleepless night every now and then, but she has been doing much better. And, with her seven month birthday right around the corner, the changes will keep on coming!

Because Sometimes, Daddy Dresses Me

First of all, Libby wants everyone to know that she is a Brady Quinn fan. Derek Anderson played well last night, but that was a very bad interception. He should definitely be traded or cut as soon as possible. That way, Libby can wear her Brady Quinn jersery every Sunday this fall!

Libby has been a busy young lady this past week. She started daycare with Miss Chrissy on Monday. If the first week is any indication, daycare is going to be a very good thing for the whole family. Libby really seems to enjoy being there--she has lots of fun and is making new friends. And now with school starting again for Dad and Grandma, the routine of daycare will be a big positive!

Libby's other big news of the week is she finally had some teeth pop through. Her bottom front teeth have started to work their way out. This is obviously an exciting development. However, it has also been keeping everyone up at night, as Libby is experiencing the pain associated with teething.

And finally, Libby had her six-month check-up this week. She weighed in 20 lbs. 12 oz. and is 28 inches long, putting her in the 97th percentile all the way around. If Libby stays this tall, she could be a volleyball player like her mom (we're hoping she inherited Mom's athletic ability). Six months in, and Libby is a happy, healthy baby!

Just Because Dad Likes This Picture...

Libby's 15 Minutes

Tonight, Libby, Mom and Dad went to the Westlake Porter Library for the Westlake Westshore Arts Council Art Show. Why, praytell, would we do such a thing? Well, as you can see from the picture, a photograph of Libby was featured in the show! Mom's cousin, Molly, who takes all of Libby's "official" pictures submitted a number of pieces for the show. Three of them were chosen, including this one of Libby in Mom and Dad's hands taken on February 14th--when Libby was exactly one week old. So of course, we had to go see Libby's picture. I think Libby was a little upset that no one recognized her or asked for her autograph, but she got over it rather quickly. Great job Molly and great job Libby!

Vacation Libby, Take 2

Libby spent the first week of August at South Beach Resort in Marblehead with lots of family! Grammie and Papa Hanna, Aunt Reen, Uncle Jerry, Aunt Lauren, Claire and Corinne were all there for most of the week. So were Grammie and Grandpa Yandek, Uncle Tony and Aunt Holly. While on vacation, Libby did none of the following: golf, have a chili dog from Nettie's, ride the Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point, have a beer at the Roundhouse at Put-in-Bay, ride the Miller Ferry, have a Patio donut or play bocce or cornhole. That's what everyone else did.

Libby spent her vacation swimming in the kiddy pool, playing with her cousins, and taking lots of naps. She also took her first spin on a swing, wore suntan lotion, and took lots of walks down by the bay. Libby very much enjoyed her time in the pool. She kicked her legs like crazy and splashed anyone and everyone who came near.

The other big news from Libby's second vacation is that she turned six months old. She changes so much from month to month, it's almost hard to believe. Libby is eating all sorts of fruits and vegetables, laughing all the time, and fixating on various random objects. She loves to feel the textures of new things and is still putting pretty much everything into her mouth. Oh yeah, and Libby starts day care next Monday! Here's hoping Mommy and Daddy survive!

Six Months Old!

Libby on her six-month birthday!

Lots of Stuff Going On

Sitting up in the Tub by Herself

Hanging with My New Friend Camden

Reading Some Books