It's been a while. . .

Where has time gone? It is that time of year with programs coming up at school and church! But in between rehearsals and Christmas shopping and some decorating and a little bit of work ;), we've been having a lot of fun!

Lucy's favorite thing to do now is to feed herself everything. . . . not just finger foods, but foods with a spoon! Before when we have let her feed herself, she does it for a while and then lets someone take back over. However, there is no "helping" Lucy anymore. She wants to do it all herself. It's great that she's so independent, but not so great on days when you have less than 30 minutes for her to eat dinner!

This child is so happy when she is eating! (most of the time!)

Thanksgiving was interesting this year. We went to Rutherfordton on Thanksgiving day to celebrate with Gramma, Pappy, Aunt Lauren, Uncle Joe, Mama Mae, Papa Louis, and Charlie and Lin. Before we left that morning, Lucy was being difficult. She would get frustrated when you couldn't understand what she wanted. She hadn't slept well for the previous nights and just was not in a pleasant mood. By the time we got to Mama Mae's house, she seemed to be doing ok. . . until naptime. After she woke up from her nap, nothing could please her. She cried and cried all afternoon, which is so unlike her!

This is a "Before Nap" picture - all smiles!

Playing ball with Gramma

After we left Mama Mae's, we stopped in Statesville to see the Alexander clan. Lucy wasn't quite herself while we were there, but at least she didn't scream and cry. It was good to see everyone for just a little while - I think it's been since last Christmas maybe since we had seen Uncle Phillip and his family!

On Friday, we had family pictures. Unfortunately, when dealing with a 17 month old, no matter how carefully you plan, you cannot predict her temperament! Lucy was fussy all morning and while waiting for our photographer, we strolled around the house!

Waiting to have our picture made!

Even when she's not her best, Lucy is still cute! :)

After photos, the rest of the day was filled with crying. . .man, it was a long day! Lucy hardly napped and just couldn't be appeased. After the travel and being off her schedule and away from her house, she had reached her breaking point. Around 5 PM, she lost complete control, just sobbing uncontrollably. I laid her down in the crib and left the room, hoping she could pull herself back together with a little alone time. 5 minutes later when I went to check on her, she was OUT! She slept until about 8:30 the next morning . . . and magically, my sweet little girl reappeared again! It's amazing what a good night's sleep can do! The next pictures are just some fun ones from the weekend!

A future Converse girl with her Mommy's pearls

Dancing with bunny while watching TV

Loving on Tickle-Me-Elmo

"Riding" around the house . . . this was one of her favorite games!

And I couldn't resist this last picture. . . what with the Harry Potter recently having come to theaters! This is Lucy with her Daddy's wand. . . I guess we don't have a Muggle baby after all! :)

My little goofball

It has been busy here at the Flack house! It seems like we have been going from one place to another all the time! On Tuesday, we went to Lucy's friend Kamden's 2nd birthday party. It was a nice time with the Robinson family and some other friends from church and Lucy kept everyone at our table entertained.. . .especially once it was cake time. She took her cupcake and set it on the table, playing it like a drum until she was up to her elbows in chocolate. Only then did she decide it was ok to pick it up and start shoving it in her mouth. It was amusing, to say the least, and thankfully, her shirt did come clean! :) Kevin got some pictures on his camera so hopefully he can email them to me! She was a MESS!

On Thursday when we got home from school, Lucy ran into the guest bedroom and pulled a stuffed frog out of the animal basket. She ran around the house, hugging the frog and "talking" excitedly for about five minutes. When it was snack time, she had to eat with the frog too. (See picture above) When you ask, "Lucy, what does the frog do?" she bounces up and down rapidly. It's too cute!

Then yesterday afternoon, Daddy and Uncle David had run to the store and I was trying to get things ready for dinner. I looked over and this is what I saw . . .
Yes, my child was in the dog pen. She thought this was quite amusing - I let her sit there long enough to snap a few pictures (I couldn't resist!) but then we got out . . .after all, babies don't go in the pen - dogs do! So please don't turn me in for child abuse . . . we really don't put our daughter in a dog pen! ;)

It is such a joy to have such a happy little girl! Life is full of adventures everyday with her and I am so thankful that God chose Michael and I to be parents to this little angel.