More counting and letters!

JJ's getting pretty good with counting and letters. I have to say that I don't think it's because I'm doing all that much with to teach him. I think it actually has more to do with PBS on in the background while he's playing. He knows most of his letters and not just in order of the alphabet song which means that he's really recognizing them. He counts to 5 and recognizes all single digits (though some of them are hit and miss on remembering what they are called). Jim and I discovered that spelling "paci" is not going to be a good way to talk about his paci without him getting the idea that he needs it right then. We'll have to start spelling the whole word because he now recognizes that combination of letters. Granted they sound similar to the word as it is said, but that's still pretty good for a two year old! He's also finally showing an interest in books which he never really did before. I still can't sit and read a book to him without him insisting on turning the page before I'm done reading a sentence! And that's with me reading fast. It's still better than when he wouldn't even let me open a book!

Blog Slacker!

I need to coin a pithy name for being a blog slacker (I'll take suggestions)! I fully intended to share stories from Christmas and the time after, but to be honest, I don't really even remember what I was going to share. I'm sure I'll think of it later, but for now you'll have to just take my word for it that we had a great Christmas and New Year. I will take solace in the fact that I was busier enjoying the process of making memories than spending time writing about them.

We did have a great time over the holidays. And of course the fun doesn't end there. We went to a Valentine's Day banquet that was put on by our church. I got to re-purpose a bridesmaid dress (Rock on, Lindsey!) to wear for this, so I was really excited to look pretty! Unfortunately, in all my excitement, we forgot the camera. We did get one photo at the banquet for posterity. However, I don't have a scanner. You again will just have to take my word for it that we both looked fabulous!


Frosty Trees!
We got a great deal on a train table. We very much dislike Toys R Us after the experience of getting this train, but it was still a great deal so we won't complain. Much. It was a lot of work to set up because JJ kept wanting to play (go figure) and he just wouldn't let us get it together. But then after he went to bed, we got it, so I took a picture. I hasn't looked like this since!!

JJ also got to enjoy Toddler Tuesday at the Mall of America when they opened the Nick Universe butterfly house for free. He kept chasing the butterflies and growling at them. He's such a predator!


JJ also is learning his abc's and counting. Yes, I'm a naughty mom and am using videos to teach him (as well as all the other ways to do it, too.) He's actually doing really well considering. I'm sucha proud mommy!

A Busy Holiday Season

It has been a busy holiday season here at the Hammill house and I'm sure that it was busy at yours! They don't get the term "hustle and bustle" from nowhere! We never got our Christmas cards in the mail, though we did receive a number of them- to those of you who sent out Christmas cards, thank you! It was wonderful to receive them. And I hope that everyone's holiday was wonderful and I wish everyone blessings for the New Year!

We started the "season" with Thanksgiving at my mom and dad's. Colleen joined us there as well. It was a lot of fun just hanging out and talking. Mom made a wonderful turkey with all the requisite Thanksgiving side dishes. Gotta love the great food!


We avoided the Black Friday shopping craziness, but we did find ourselves at the mall that Saturday hanging out. The kids enjoyed perusing the music shelves. We even caught Ally dancing! She was caught off guard when she realized we were watching, but then put on a show for the camera- only to find herself getting tangled up!


Later that evening, we set up the Christmas tree and both kids helped to decorate. JJ helped to undecorate and redecorate, as well!

He had to help wrap Christmas presents as well- unfortunately, he thought the best way to help was to lay down on the wrapping paper! So, I did what anyone would do in that situation and I wrapped him up! After all, he is one of the greatest gifts!

We spent Christmas in Ohio- he did very well on the road trip- as usual! We are super lucky!!! He decided that he also wanted to help at Poppa's house and helped vacuum up his crushed cereal!


And that's just the pre-Christmas festivities!!! More to come....