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!