Family Photos 2016

 We took our family photos early this year in order to take advantage of the beach backdrop.  It was the end of September and HOT.  I was in a complete sweat in jeans and of course Liv did not want to cooperate.  She would rather roll in the sand so we got down and dirty with her.  They turned out great thanks to a photographer who rolls with the bunches and is ready for the perfect shot at all times.

Thanksgiving Weekend 2016

How is it that a four day weekend seems to fly by faster than a two day weekend?  We spent the weekend eating, decorating and running.  My husband thought it was a good idea to burn some calories before eating such a big meal on Thanksgiving so we ran our local Turkey Trot Thursday morning, which I think will become tradition.

I wasn't going to do it but I ventured out for a little Black Friday shopping in the morning and last minute we decided to head to Millville for their Jolly Holly 5K and Christmas Parade.

Saturday we picked out our Christmas tree at R&J Farm, complete with a Santa sighting and pony ride.  So far HoHoHo (as Liv calls Santa) hasn't scared her enough to produce any tears.  Some hesitation is there on her part but no tears YET.

What's Going On At 20 Months

I hate to admit it but I think we are entering the terrible two stage already b/c it has been meltdown city combined with whiny child syndrome in our house lately.  Que the tantrums on the floor or ground anytime Liv hears the word no or is instructed to do something other than what she has set her mind to. After she threw a fit in the middle of an intersection last week, I waived the white flag, called my husband to come home and went for a run to blow off some steam. Yup, I just admitted to needing space from my 20 month old b/c she was so difficult to deal with #momtruth

With that being said, not every day is bad.  She has also been more of a lovey lately.  I have received more hugs, kisses and hand holding than ever before.  My personal favorite is when she pats me on the back as if saying it will all be ok.

So here is a quick update on what 20 months looks like:

Sleep: 12 hours at night with a 2 hour nap during the day

Eating: Pizza, pancakes, pretzels and ICE CREAM are her favorites lately.  She is not picky on the flavor and will eat anything you put in front of her. Liv is still consuming 3 (4oz) bottles of milk a day in the morning, before nap and at bedtime....shhh don't tell her doctor.

Diapers: Holding strong at size 4

Clothing: 18 month pants which sometimes stay up if they are stretchy otherwise they have to be 12 month size and 2T shirts. We are absolutely loving Cat & Jack from Target. They have the cutest patterns, softest material and you can't beat the price. 

Social: She is talking up a storm, which I can decipher about 80% of the time. She put two words together for the first time last week and said, "Raining outside." However, the rest of the time it is one word at a time.

Nicknames: Livie Bears and Bubbies

Likes: Wiggles, Wiggles, Wiggles, pumpkins, swimming, being outside and Babas

Dislikes: Getting her diaper changed and listening to instructions

Halloween 2016

I would consider this our first "real" Halloween because last year Liv just sat in the stroller and did not go door to door trick or treating.  My little monkey loved wearing her costume and it worked out perfectly since the 2x she wore it there was a little chill in the air.

We started our Halloween festivities with costumes in music class on Thursday

The Halloween Parade in our small town is one of my families favorite nights of the year.  The police and fire dress up and hand out candy, bands march, schools & sports teams parade on floats and even our local reigning queens are escorted in cars. Unfortunately, this year was rainy and windy all day.  However, the show goes on rain or shine.  Many people pulled out of the parade due to the weather, but 15 mins before the start the rain stopped.  So we enjoyed the much smaller parade but made out well on the candy since there were so few people spectating.

We decided to continue the fun and took off to spend some quality family time together on Friday.

She loves all things fall like her momma and says "cheese" for you to take her picture

 Saturday included our annual pumpkin carving party at a friends.

Sunday, we celebrated my nephew's birthday since my brother's family was in town.

And finally on Monday we went trick or treating on Halloween.  Not sure we could have fit one more thing in our weekend.  But my favorite part was watching Liv experience all aspects of Halloween, from dressing up, running from door to door, to being completely satisfied with the first lolli she received.