Simply Having Another Christmastime!

Mary the Christmas Elf

So, after a more than three month long unintentional hiatus, the Yandek Family is back, having decided to make at least one more appearance before 2012 goes the way of the Dodo.  It's not like you've missed anything since mid-August.  To be honest, it's been kind of boring, Dad started a new old job, Mary had a second birthday, there were some holidays, other birthdays and, oh yeah, WE HAD ANOTHER KID!  No big deal.  It goes without saying that life has been hectic in the Yandek House of Estrogen.  Rather than trying to cram all the happenings into one post, we're going to focus on the here and now and get everyone caught up over the next few weeks. 

A rare moment of sisterly love and affection.

Although it's still November, today marked the official beginning of the Christmas season, as Santa paid a visit to the Yandek Ladies.  Despite the fact that Libby and Mary were literally bouncing off the walls in anticipation of his arrival, they immediately went into socially inept mode when he showed up.  It was like Ralphie in the department store trying to get Libby to say "Monster High Doll" or to get Mary to say anything.  Catie, however, was just fine.  She cozied up to Santa, won the award for "Best First Picture Ever with Santa" among the Yandek Ladies, and then puked all over the guy.  He should not feel special in this regard.  SHE PUKES ON EVERYONE.

Catie and Santa

The girls did warm up after a time, and they enjoyed the visit.  Santa has been educated on what to bring next time he comes, he got some cookies for the road, and he left some presents and candy canes for the girls.  It certainly was a great way to officially kick off the season, even though Libby did comment to Mom that this Santa was different from last year.  Pretty astute for a 3 year old...

The Fam

Christmas is going to be a lot of fun this year.  Libby and Mary are really excited about the whole "package."  They helped put up the lights outside, they helped decorate the tree and set up the nativity, and can't wait to help make and eat Christmas cookies.  After cookies were made for Santa today, Mary took it upon herself to put a hurtin' on the finished product.  Let it never be said that Mary got cheated out of something.  Ever.  Safe bet?  Mary will dominate Christmas!

An Eventful Week

Libby and Aunt Holly in the wild

This past week was the last week of Summer Vacation for Dad, and it also happened to be a week off for the girls from daycare.  This worked out in the girls' favor, as it turned in to a week of all of Libby and Mary's favorite summer activities (plus one or two of Dad's!).  On Monday, Libby and Mary went to Kiddie Park with Dad and Grammie Yandek.  No matter how many times the girls go, every time they pull in the parking lot, it's like the first time they've ever been there.  Mary, especially, can't even control herself.  She starts shaking and laughing to the point where strangers offer her a paper bag...

Libby and the Browns at the Stadium

Tuesday was a regular day with Grammie and Papa Hanna and the girls spent some time with Aunt Reen and Claire and Corinne on Wednesday morning.  But Wednesday night was Libby and Daddy Time!  It was off to Cleveland Browns Stadium for Browns Family Night.  Libby and Dad had a great time, although they stayed out way past Libby's bed time.  Libby's highlights of the evening, in order: 1) Fireworks, 2) Ice cream 3) Popcorn 4) Video games on Dad's phone 5) Browns football.  For Dad, the highlight of the night came after the fireworks ended and Libby turned, with a big smile and said "Thanks, Daddy" and followed that with a kiss.  It doesn't get any better than that...

Libby and Mary with Noah and Maddie

On Thursday, Libby and Mary went to their other favorite place--the zoo--with Dad and Aunt Holly.  It was the normal routine: "zoo bus", elephants, McDonalds, stinky rhinos, giraffes, cotton candy, monkeys, etc.  Then, Libby and Mary spent Friday with Grammie Yandek and Aunt Holly, and they got to help make (and eat) cookies, which is always a fun treat.  Then, on Saturday, it was Sean's 1st Birthday Party.  The girls had a great time eating and playing with everyone.  It really was an eventful and fun week for everyone involved.  While there is still plenty of summer left, school has started (already?!?!?) and the new baby is coming soon, so things are really about to get weird...

We're Still Here!

The fam in Lake Erie

There's lots to report since the last post, as summer has flown by (as it usually does!).  And, while the heat even lets up from time to time, Libby and Mary haven't stopped going--it's been one exciting adventure after another for the ladies, as they try to get as much "Mom and Dad Funtime" before New Sibling compromises Mom and Dad's time.

The Splash Sisters

The high points of the summer so far, along with June's Salt Fork vacation and the Fourth of July parade were a trip to Uncle Ed and Aunt Cathy's house in Vermilion and a week in Marblehead with Mom's family.  It was in Vermilion where the girls got their first-ever encounter with Lake Erie.  Libby was a little tentative at first (more on this later), while Mary had no qualms barreling right in.  Libby finally warmed up, and the girls each enjoyed the lake in their own way--Libby floating lazily on a raft and Mary jumping head-first into the waves!

The annual "How Tall Am I" shot at The Patio

The week in Marblehead was a great success, because it entailed a week-long sleep over with cousins Claire, Corinne and Declan.  So, no matter what happened or what the plans were, it was going to be a good week for the girls.  The big hit of the Marblehead week was the pool in the backyard complete with waterslide!  Once again, Mary was thrilled to try out the slide and swim in the pool by herself with her swimvest.  While Libby enjoyed swimming and jumping, it wasn't until Wednesday that she finally went down the slide.  Of course, she loved it, but she wasn't quite ready to try it more than a few times.

At Marblehead Lighthouse State Park

 Events of the week included multiple trips into Lakeside, where the girls enjoyed donuts from The Patio, went shopping for jewelry and Libby played her first round of putt-putt (with Dad, Uncle Jerry, Claire and Corinne).  It didn't take her long to figure out how to best manage the course--rather than "teeing off" from the designated area, she would place the ball just inches from the cup to better maximize her putting ability.  After a bogey on No. 1 (to be expected on her first hole ever), Libby found her stroke and finished with a 19.  She liked it so much, and did so well, that she and Dad went back and played again later in the week.

She's already a better putter than Uncle Tony

The girls also got another go-round with Lake Erie, this time at Bay Pointe beach.  The conditions were much different fromt their first time, as the waves were rolling in pretty high and pretty fast.  The girls were much more comfortable this time around, and they especially liked jumping head first into the waves as they came crashing in.

Mmmmmmmm, Patio donuts!

Of course, vacation wasn't all swimming and playing.  There was lots of eating as well.  Along with the aforementioned Patio donuts, the girls made multiple ice cream runs to Dairy Dock, went to Bruno's for pizza and made cupcakes with Dad.  The other highlight of the trip was the old arcade games in the rec room.  All the kids enjoyed the sights and sounds, although they didn't really have a clue what they were doing!

Superfly!

There has been more than just vacation, however.  The girls have continued to "decorate" their bedroom and have really gotten used to bunking together.  There have been trips to the zoo and the park as well as hours spent in the pool, both at home and elsewhere (thanks cousin Emma!).  They've also played with their friends Will and Henry, had a surprise visit from Aunt Nellie and had lots of fun during their regular weekly visits with their grandparents.  Suffice to say the girls are loving life right now.  Which is good, as it's all going to change.  Soon.  Very soon.

Knee High By the Fourth of July....Already?!?!

The girls on their first boat ride.

It's hard to believe that the Fourth of July is right around the corner, as it seems as though summer just started.  But, as has been previously chronicled, Libby and Mary are making the most of the warm summer months.  Since Memorial Weekend, the girls have had adventures too numerous to discuss.  But as always, there certainly are highlights...

Papa and Libby fishing.

The 2012 version of the annual Salt Fork vacation was a big hit.  The girls loved spending time with Mom and Dad, Grammie and Papa, Uncle Tony and Aunt Nellie and Aunt Holly and Matt.  The girls ate to their hearts' content (thanks Grammie), played with all kinds of new toys (thanks again, Grammie), went on their first boat ride, swam in the big outdoor pool and enjoyed one of Uncle Joe's campfires.  Libby did get the chance to go back to the Little Sky stables for another horseback ride.  Although they saddled up the same horse for Libby as last year--Scout--Libby wanted nothing to do with riding.  She pet the horses, walked around and even checked out guard-peacock, but would not get on the horse.  Mary did not come along, as it would have been very difficult to keep her reined in, so to speak.  Although there is no doubt that Mary would have taken Libby's place in the saddle.

Mary checking out some wildflowers.

Speaking of Miss Mary, while she is absolutely cute and adorable, she is a daredevil who must be watched AT ALL TIMES!  While Libby was very tentative with the pool, Mary had no fear.  She kept trying to dunk her head under the water and would take off running without warning.  Her reckless enthusiasm and joy have left some scars, however, as she took a few tumbles at Aunt Holly's house that left her a little beat up (Mary gets so exciting about things and picks up such a head of steam, that she rarely remembers to watch where she is going!).

Mary "eating" ice cream.

Prior to Salt Fork, the ladies celebrated Father's Day with Dad and Papa Hanna.  Libby picked out the most amazing gift for Dad--a Lego-Star-Wars-In-The-Style-Of-Abbey-Road t-shirt.  Pretty awesome.  Every time Dad wears it, Libby gets super excited, which makes it totally worth it.  After brunch with Mom and Dad, the girls went to Papa Hanna's to play, have dinner and, ahem, "eat" ice cream.  Mary Frances is an ice cream freak, and, much like her walking travails, tends not to pay attention while she's eating (see results above).

"I'm much neater than my sister!"

Some other fun things the girls have done include a zoo trip with their friend Greta, "Meet the Trucks" at Lakewood Park with friends Henry, Bryce and Quinn, a morning at Kiddie Park with Aunt Reen and Dad, story time at the library, and another season of soccer for Libby.  All great times and great memories.  Speaking of which, the girls are making some great times and memories of their own as they are officially moved into their new room.  After much adjustment, the girls are co-habitating in peace.  They are getting along very well and miss each other when they are apart.  And, while they might not realize it yet, they are going to be spending alot more time together in the not so distant future, as their still unnamed sibling will be arriving soon!

Another Fun-Filled Memorial Day Weekend

Mary and Dad on the "Zoo Bus."

With the arrival of Memorial Day Weekend comes the unofficial kick-off to summer.  Now, as already documented, Libby and Mary are all ready well into the swing of things for the summer.  However, that did not prevent them from taking full advantage of the long Memorial Day Weekend.

Mary and Libby on the big turtle.

Things kicked off a little early, as Dad took Thursday off to spend the day with the girls.  The best part of the day?  The splash pad at the rec center!  The girls pretty much had the place to themselves and enjoyed every second of the splashing water.  It's so much fun taking the girls different places this year, as Mary is much more attentive and excited about things.  Also, the girls do play well together (when they are not fighting over a particular toy), which makes it a little easier to do things.

Libby the Bun Head.  Currently her hairdo of choice!

In keeping with tradition from last year, Saturday morning was spent at the zoo as a family.  Libby and Mary are very lucky to be able to go to the zoo quite often, but it's always a treat when the whole family gets to go.  This trip was special for the girls as it was the first time they made it up the hill to see the fish and cats and monkeys.  While they enjoyed the animals, their favorite part was probably the tram ride up the hill.  The "zoo bus" was a big hit!  The girls enjoyed all the animals, as well as the bubbles, stuffed monkeys and McDonald's lunch.  While Mary spent the better part of the day in the stroller and Libby walked all over the place, it was Miss Mary who fell asleep on the way home (which is odd, as in the car is the one place Mary doesn't EVER sleep).

Mary and Libby waiting for the parade to start (and the only moment Mary actually sat still).

The highlight on Sunday was a Pump It Up party for Will and Henry's birthdays.  Mary spent some time with Grammie and Papa Hanna, while Libby bounced, climbed, slid, and ran like a madwoman.  There was also cake, candy and a meltdown when it was time to leave, but it was a nice treat for Libby.  Speaking of which,  dinner on Sunday was pizza--currently Libby's favorite.   It's really nice not to have to eat nuggets for every meal every day.  Slowly but surely, the girls are expanding their culinary limits.

After a hard day at the zoo.

Monday was spent attending the parade with Will, Henry, Bryce and Quinn, followed by the whole group going to the park.  It was so hot that after the park, Libby and Dad went to "The Flip-Flop Store" (aka Target) and bought a great big pool for the backyard.  Since then, the girls have been in the pool every day (and probably will be everyday until it comes down in the fall).  That was definitely the best part of the weekend.  It's very cute to see Libby check out the upstairs window every morning to make sure that the pool is still there!

A Full Summer Already!

The soccer star showing off her ribbon.

There's been lots going on for Libby and Mary, so let's get right to it.  As of the last post, Libby was just starting her first foray into organized sports.  Well, after five weeks, Libby successfully completed her session of Mini Kickers.  Libby can dribble and trap, and she knows not to use her hands and to be a team player.  The highlight was today's meeting, at which the parents could participate in the drills and warm ups before playing a kids vs. parents soccer game.  Libby and Dad both broke a sweat en route to the kids beating the parents, 2-1.  For all her hard work and good listening, Libby got a ribbon.  And because she did so well and likes it so much, she is already signed up for the next session in a few weeks...

Hi, I'm Mary and I'm adorable.

While Libby was doing something "organized," Mary has been busy embodying "disorganized."  She has become quite adroit at creating chaos and destruction wherever she goes.  It's not difficult to tell where Mary has been, as the tell-tale carnage is everywhere.  Mary is doing great, though.  Especially since she's had to deal with Libby moving in with her.  In prepping for Baby #3, Libby and Mary are currently in Mary's room, as Mom and Dad finish repainting the other bedrooms and moving all the furniture.  The change has been great for Libby--she's sleeping much better.  Mary, on the other hand, who has always been the sleeper of the two, has been having some rough nights.  Hopefully, everything will work itself out soon, and the adjustment period will be over so everyone can get a better night's sleep.

Weeeeeeeeeeee!

Two weeks ago, Libby and Mary made their first trip of the season to Kiddie Park.  Libby still loves it, and Mary is much more into it this year.  The best part for everyone is that the girls can pretty much ride all the rides together.  Mary is much less inclined to look for trouble if she is strapped in next to Libby.  Not sure how that all works, but it does, so no one's questioning it.  The girls had fun riding all the rides, and as per usual, the tantrum at the end signified a fun time.  It was especially fun to have Grammie and Papa Hanna come along!

No, Tiger, Libby is over there...get her!

The girls also got to go back to the "Outside Zoo" (not to be confused with the Rainforest, aka "Inside Zoo").  We hit the usual favorites: elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and flamingos.  But we also got to see the bears, reindeer, camels, tigers and mini African horses (or whatever they're called).  It was such a beautiful day and all the animals were out and active.  Again, Mary was much more into the experience than in previous trips, which made it much more fun.

The Yandek Ladies on the Merry Go Round.

Other activities include going to the various parks around town, flying kites, practicing riding our bikes and blowing lots and lots of bubbles in the backyard. The girls also went to a Pirates and Princesses Party where there was music, dancing, a conga line and a real pirate!  FYI, Mary does a great pirate noise!  It's not even June yet, and the girls have already had a full summer!  All that's left to do is at least one Tribe game and vacation!  And it looks like Dad's going to be home a little bit more this summer, which means more time for trips, adventures and ice cream!

Flying a kite in the park!

And finally, Mom and Dad are happy to report that all is well with Baby #3.  The baby is healthy and has a gender (which we don't know).  Names are still being bandied about (read: if Baby #3 is a boy, his name may be Baby #3), and Mom is still doing her best to get past the not so fun parts of being pregnant.  But, in all, things are good, and at least Libby knows enough to know that a baby is coming.  It's possible Mary is on to it as well, as she has been doing lots of extra cuddling with Mom.  It's as if she knows her world is about to be turned upside down...

A Journey Begins With A Kick

Dressed For Soccer

In what may or may not turn out to be the beginning of a storied and illustrious sporting career, Libby took her first steps toward her pending superstardom (at least in Mom and Dad's eyes) with her first soccer practice yesterday.  Although at first she was much more excited about the outfit than she was about the actual practice she did rather enjoy it.  Libby and  Mom went shopping for some new "soccer shorts" and socks.  Libby chose the argyle socks for the first day, or, as she called them, her "diamond socks."  When it was time to go on the field, there was a bit of separation anxiety, but Libby (and Mom) got over it and moved on to the more important skills.  By the end of the first day, Libby could dribble and trap the ball and she did a great job listening to the coaches and cooperating with the other players.  When it was time to go, Libby was already looking forward to the next practice!

And, We're Back!

Libby and the Easter Bunny

Okay, so it's been almost two months since the last post.  Things have been a little crazy around these parts.  Have no fear, the Yandek Ladies are doing just fine.  A lot has gone down since Libby's birthday celebrations in February, so let's get right to it.  Obviously Easter Sunday was just a few days ago, so that seems like the logical starting point.  Easter was a great fun for the girls--three egg hunts, coloring eggs, meeting the Bunny and plenty of time with family.  All in all, a great holiday.

Grammie and Mary coloring eggs

The girls took part in three separate egg hunts, one in Rocky River, one on their street and one with their cousins on Easter Sunday.  In each case, the girls pretty much dominated.  It took Mary awhile to get the hang of things.  The first time around, she was more interested in picking up the eggs, shaking them, and then chucking them as far as she could.  No interest whatsoever in what was inside.  Not so for Libby, who was quite away of the candy goodness nestled inside each tiny treasure chest.  She made sure to collect as many eggs as possible.  Mission accomplished.

The troops before the egg hunt

The girls colored eggs at Grammie and Papa Yandek's house this year.  Libby did very well--much better than the disaster that was last year.  Mary also did well, except for when she tried to eat the wire egg holder and got dye all over her face.  Then on Easter, the everyone went to church, including Aunt Reen, Papa, Claire, Corinne and Declan.  After church, it was back to Grammie and Papa Yandek's for brunch before moving on to "ClaireandCorinne'shouse" for the rest of the day.  It was pure craziness, but the kids had a great time, so it was well worth it.

The happy bucket head

Easter isn't the only story, of course.  Dad has been home on Spring Break, so there have been trips to the zoo, trips to the park and lots of playing.  Likewise, the girls are both going to story time at the library, where they read stories, sing and dance, and Libby gets to make a different craft every week.  There have also been a few trips to the pool and lunchtime visits to Mom's work.

Bouncin' around the room...

In March, the girls helped celebrate Papa Yandek's and Aunt Lauren's birthdays.  They also went to Rochester to visit Uncle Tony and Aunt Nellie.  The highlight of the trip was a visit to an indoor inflatable playground.  Libby has a bit of her father's fear of heights, but she tried everything, including the "really big slide."  Major props for trying to climb the wall, even though she didn't get very far.  That's okay, next time!  Mary did great, too.  They had a few things for the younger kids, and Mary wore herself out in a hurry.

This is about as far up as we made it...

In other news, Libby and Mary will be moving into a new bedroom together, which has been planned for quite a while.  It probably would have happened by now, but Dad has taken his sweet time putting the finishing touches on the paint job.  While Mary has NO PROBLEM sleeping, Libby goes in cycles of sleeping well to needing someone with her all night.  Hopefully sharing a room will help her sleep better.  And if not, too bad.  The move is a done deal, since the girls need to make room for their new baby brother/baby sister, who will be arriving in the Fall!

It's Still Libby's Birthday...

The birthday girls and the Ariel cake...Take Two.

So Libby's official birthday was the 7th, and it was quite the occasion.  After birthday parties for Libby and Mom on consecutive Sundays, Libby finally got to celebrate her day with Mom, Dad and Sis.  Libby woke up all excited for her big day.  She got to open a few presents early--a mermaid t-shirt that she wanted and a Mulan Barbie--before heading off to daycare.  Libby and Dad made cookies to take to daycare for her birthday, so there was a little celebration in the afternoon.

Opening presents in the morning.

In the evening, when Mom came home, Libby got her big surprise--a Disney Princess bicycle.  This gift was an absolute hit.  She loved it.  And it matched perfectly with the Disney Princess bike helmet she got for Christmas.  The weather was atypical for February, so Libby actually got to try out the bike outside.  She needs a little work, but it should be smooth sailing this summer!

Check out my new bike!

After dinner, Mom, Dad, Libby and Mary went for a special birthday treat at Malley's.  It was great that we pretty much had the place to our selves, because the girls were like little kids in a candy store.  Well, actually, they are little kids and they were in a candy store...just sayin'.  Everyone enjoyed the treat, although Mary was a little under the weather, so the party ended rather quickly.

Stop with the pictures already and let me eat my ice cream!

Overall, it was a good two weeks of birthday for Libby.  So hard to believe that she is already three years old.  It does not seem like that long ago that she came home for the first time.  Now she's acting more like a teenager than a toddler...  She still loves her Mom and Dad, so we are going to take every opportunity to have more extended celebrations!

Early Birthday Celebration

The Birthday Girls cutting the cake.

Libby and Mom had an early birthday celebration on Sunday, in order to celebrate with Grammie and Papa before they take off on an extended vacation.  Obviously, Libby doesn't mind an extended celebration of her birthday that will included two Ariel cakes, two loads of ice cream and lots and lots of presents (Disney Princess stuff, mostly)!  It's Mom's birthday, too, but that kind of gets lost in the glitter and glam that is Libbyfest...

Funny Faces!

The theme of Sunday was Disney Princesses.  Libby got two new princess shirts before the party.  Mom and Dad are guessing that she purposely spilled juice all over the first, just so she could wear both in the same day.  The girls all made princess crowns to wear at the party, the watched Little Mermaid and then devoured an Ariel cake that Mom decorated.  Libby's gifts included a princess t-shirt, a Snow White sweat suit, a princess swim suit, a mermaid shirt (her other favorite, because, as you surely know, Ariel is a mermaid), and other fun clothes.

Mary and Declan on the move.

The best part of the party was playing with cousins...with everyone running around (and Mary and Declan got in on the fun), the place looked like a war zone.  Actually, Libby and Mary have spent lots of time with their cousins in the new year.  Last weekend, Libby went to her first movie--"Beauty and the Beast" in 3D.  Claire and Corinne came along for the fun.  Libby did great--she wore her glasses for the whole movie, sat through the previews, ate lots of popcorn and only really got tired of sitting in the last twenty minutes or so.  That's pretty good for a young lady who can't sit still for more than a few minutes at a time.  While the girls were at the movies, Libby and Declan hung out at Declan's house.

Screwing around...

Earlier in the month, Libby and her cousins went to The Q for Disney Princesses on Ice.  Of course, everyone loved the show.  And it wouldn't be a  Disney event with out MERCHANDISE!  Libby got a Snow White figure, a Cinderella cup and a princess pennant.  Not to mention popcorn, candy and a sno-cone.  Libby's dentist is going to love us!  Libby dressed for the show in her Snow White dress.  The seats were so close to the ice, the girls wanted to know why they couldn't go out and skate with the princesses.  Thanks to Papa Hanna for getting the girls the hook-up!

At Disney on Ice!

2012 has been good to Libby and Mary so far.  They've had lots of play time, lots of time with Mom and Dad, and lots of time with their cousins.  Libby's third birthday is right around the corner, which seems pretty much impossible.  She is still working on the potty training, but otherwise she really has become a "big girl", and she'll happily tell you about it.  Mary is starting to say a few words and is all about waving and saying "HI."  The big news for the girls is that they will soon be sharing a bedroom.  They like each other now....we'll see how long that lasts!

2011 in Review

Libby showing off her mad painting skills

2011 was a big year for the Yandek Family.  Although, relatively speaking, it was a quiet one, as there were no major life changes...no babies, no new jobs, houses, etc.  And, of course, "quiet" may not be the best choice of words, after all.  For, as 2011 showed, and Mom will attest, neither Libby, nor Mary, nor Dad has an "inside voice."  2011 was most definitely loud.

Libby shredding on her guitar

Libby turned two in February (can't believe she's almost three).  She has really grown in that time.  Her vocabulary and her ability to carry on a conversation have increased dramatically.  She communicates extremely well.  She is able to tell you exactly what she wants (and doesn't want), and it is very rare that she doesn't know the right word for something.  Libby is doing very well with numbers and letters and is able to spell out her name.  While potty training hasn't been the easiest endeavor, and isn't quite completed, Libby has no interest in diapers and is very good about telling Mom and Dad when she needs to use the potty, or when she just did...  All signs point to Libby being fully trained in the near future.    Libby's interests are Disney Princesses, Dora, Disney Princesses, dancing, music, Disney Princesses and making lots of noise.  She has certain shows she likes to watch, enjoys "reading" her books, and loves coloring, drawing and painting.  Her favorite foods are chicken nuggets, Lucky Charms, fries, jalapeno refried beans, cookies, fruit snacks and wasabi peas (no idea...).  She loves animals, although you wouldn't know that by the way she gets on with Barney sometimes.  And she absolutely loves the zoo.

New Year's Eve Dance Party

As 2012 begins for Mary Frances, she is 16 months old and in the process of developing quite the personality.  Mom calls her "Destructo."  At daycare, she is sometimes referred to as "The White Tornado." Simply put, Mary gets in to everything all the time.  Mary started walking in August and has just recently started saying specific words.  She has been extremely vocal for quite some time, but the audible words are relatively new.  Currently in her repertoire are "hi", "up" and "thanks."  Every so often, however, Mary will utter something that sounds like a complete sentence, which leaves Mom and Dad scratching their heads.  Mary's favorite things to do are read and pester Libby.   Mary's favorite place is behind the chair in the living room.  She goes back there to be alone with her books and her blankets.  It has become her Fortress of Solitude.  Her other favorite thing is to annoy Libby.  She wants to do whatever Libby is doing all the time.  She will follow Libby around, purposely play with Libby's toys, and generally just get in Libby's way.  This usually ends with Libby in timeout and Mary laughing.  Mary's favorite shows are Dora and "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse."  She loves playing with her Little People and she really likes having Mom or Dad read to her.  Mary eats lots of nuggets and waffles.  She also thoroughly enjoys feeding herself pudding and applesauce.  And by "feeding", we mean "smearing it all over herself and hoping some gets in her mouth."

Happy New Year!

2011 really was a great year for the Yandek Family--a Salt Fork vacation, Uncle Tony's wedding, Mary's first birthday, a new cat, holidays, Tribe games, Sesame Street Live, sleepovers, mint chocolate chip ice cream, the Princess Ball, the Polar Express, breakfast with Santa, Kiddie Park, story time, the zoo, the "inside zoo" (the Rain forest) , the "Cookie Store" (grocery store), the "Flip Flop Store" (Target), the "bagel store", making cookies with Grammie Yandek, the bakery with Papa Hanna, Christmas shopping with Aunt Reen, sledding and playing in the park were just some of the highlights.  2011 was great.  Here's hoping 2012 is even better!