Souvenirs from China!

Each year for our Gotcha Day anniversary we will give Gigi a little souvenir from China that we got her during our visit there. This year in addition to the little chicken toy we also gave her a little beaded bracelet because it would probably be too small for her to wear next year. It's very pretty & I can still remember picking it out in one of the shops at our hotel, the White Swan. There were so many lovely things to choose from.  I really enjoyed shopping for little treasures for her. I can't believe we're already celebrating two years home together!  I wonder what we will give her next year from the China treasure box!

We had a fun night together reminiscing about being in China and what it was like to meet her for the first time. She liked watching the video this year. Every time another baby would come out she would say, that's Gigi. Then when she finally came out she didn't think that could be her. She recognized us but she didn't think that baby was her. I guess that's a hard concept for a 3 year old to grasp.

For our little chicken!

We were told in China that "Gigi" meant little chicken. So we were sure to get her several chicken souvenirs while we were there.  We couldn't wait to give her this chicken! He sings, dances & lays eggs. She was delighted, as you can imagine!!! 

Happy Gotcha Day!!!

Yes!  We actually put Gigi in the same outfit she wore two years ago today when we met her for the first time. We did it last year too...by looks of the length of the pants I have a feeling we won't be able to do it next year. She actually loved it & didn't want me to take it off.  The little orange toy she's holding was what she had with her that day as well. It's a little blurry in this picture but even if it was clear I'm not sure you would know what it is. We're still trying to figure it out! 

Two years ago today...

Every day feels like "Gotcha Day" but today is extra special as it was two years ago today that we met Gigi for the first time!  I thought the first year zipped by but that was nothing compared to how quickly this year has gone by. She's growing up so quickly.  When I watched the video of our Gotcha moment this morning I just couldn't believe how little she was. Tonight we will celebrate together & she will get a little gift that be got her in China.  I wonder what it will be??? I can't wait to open the box of goodies from China to pick something out for her. It will bring back lots of wonderful memories!

Bye Vero Beach! We'll see you next year!

Our last meal in Vero Beach

Ok Nana no excuses....Gigi fed herself for every meal for the last 8 days!!!!  She's a big girl now!!!

Thanks Bottle Fairy!!!!

The bottle fairy left Gigi a really nice letter & a wonderful surprise. She must have seen her playing in the bookstore bouncing on the inflatable alligator, because lo and behold, there he was sitting on top of the TV ready to play!!

The letter that the bottle fairy left with the alligator told Gigi how proud she was of Gigi for successfully leaving her bottles behind and moving to big girl cups. She also said that her good friend the Potty Fairy was also proud of her, and could not wait to bring her a special surprise for pooping on the potty when she is ready. Sadly, the letter also said that this was the last present the Bottle Fairy would be bringing since there are so many other little boys & girls who were ready to stop drinking from bottles and move to big kid cups!!

Our baby is one step closer to not being a baby anymore. Sigh!! She is a big girl now, but she will always be OUR baby!!!

Looks like the Bottle Fairy was here again...

Wow! It looks like the Bottle Fairy came again. I can't wait for morning to see what it is!  It also looks like the Bottle Fairy left Gigi a note.  Hmmm...when we got a note from the Potty Fairy that was the end of the surprises from her. If that's the case then I guess the Bottle Fairy must think Gigi is a big girl now & won't need any more bottles!!!  The other day I asked Gigi if she wanted to use a bottle when we go home & she said no & when I asked her why she said because she's a big girl so I'm sure the Bottle Fairy is thinking the same thing!

Thanks Bottle Fairy!!!

Bottle Watch 2011 - Day 8!

Wow!  What a difference a week makes!  I cannot believe that our vacation is almost over, but at the same time I am thrilled that Gigi has been completely bottle-free for over a week now!  She truly does not even consider the bottle an option any longer or hesitate to drink from a sippy cup, a straw, or whatever is available. 
The Bottle Fairy must be impressed as ask, because today she left TWO presents for Gigi.  She must have heard Gigi asking for sunglasses because she brought her new Little Mermaid sunglasses that Gigi just loves.  She also brought her new Rapunzel

Ready for the pool!

Making a Nature Journal

Another beautiful day I'm Vero Beach!!!

Good morning!!!

Wake up Gigi, wake up!!!  Wow! I can't believe our vacation is almost over!!!  We leave tomorrow. Today is going to be a great day of swimming & fun! 

Last night we saw the Pooh Bear movie. It was absolutely delightful!  I didn't think it would affect me as it did but when it started I got all choked up & started crying. Pooh was such a huge part of my childhood & maybe it was being there with Gigi & seeing another adventure we read about come to life but I was a mess. Then when they all fell in the pit I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe!!!  It was great 100 acre woods humor!!!  And we loved it!!!

My Pretty Princess!!!

Our Balcony

This year our balcony is humungous compared to last year. I guess all of the rooms are a little different. Even our room is so much bigger too!  Lots of play area for Gigi!  I wonder if all of the rooms on the fourth floor are this big? 

Well, we're nearing the end of our vacation. Only two more nights but it has been amazing! Gigi has done almost all of the activities for her age group & she loved them all!  Today I think she makes a bear or a bunny??  And there's another Tot party that she can go to.

I wish we had internet access to upload more pics than just the few on our phones but we'll post a bunch on Facebook from home next week.

Gigi just woke up...off to another fun day!!!  Bye.

The Sun is so much bigger here!!!

Ready for another fun day in the sun!

Having fun at our favorite Vero Beach book store!

All dressed up for lunch....so pretty!!!

She grew so much since last year!!!

Day 3 Was Bottle Free!!!

Thanks Bottle Fairy!!!  Gigi didn't ask for a bottle once yesterday!  She had several meltdowns that would have been very quickly stopped by a bottle and was on Time Out more times than she can count but we still had a really great day!!!  The un-birthday party was so much fun & the pirate dinner was wonderful!  When Donald Duck danced with Gigi I got all teary-eyed.  It reminded me of her first Halloween when we went to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Gigi, who was dressed as a pumpkin, found Donald Duck who was also dressed like a pumpkin and they danced all night long.  They've been best friends ever since.  I remember when she would only call him "Duck."  She called him that for the longest time. Then, one day she just suddenly started to call him Donald Duck, and even corrected Dan when he called him Duck instead of Donald Duck. She just keeps growing up on us which I guess is her primary job & she's doing a really great job at it!!!

All dressed up for lunch....so pretty!!!

She grew so much since last year!!!

Day 3 Was Bottle Free!!!

Thanks Bottle Fairy!!!  Gigi didn't ask for a bottle once yesterday!  She had several meltdowns that would have been very quickly stopped by a bottle and was on Time Out more times than she can count but we still had a really great day!!!  The un-birthday party was so much fun & the pirate dinner was wonderful!  When Donald Duck danced with Gigi I got all teary-eyed.  It reminded me of her first Halloween when we went to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Gigi, who was dressed as a pumpkin, found Donald Duck who was also dressed like a pumpkin and they danced all night long.  They've been best friends ever since.  I remember when she would only call him "Duck."  She called him that for the longest time. Then, one day she just suddenly started to call him Donald Duck, and even corrected Dan when he called him Duck instead of Donald Duck. She just keeps growing up on us which I guess is her primary job & she's doing a really great job at it!!!

Hi Donald!!!

Rrrrrrr!

Such a fun party!!!

Snack Time!

Having Fun!!!

TOT Time Party!

Making a prince crown!

My Sleepy Baby!

While I painted Gigi's nails she fell asleep while waiting for them to dry!  This is good timing so she will be happy tonight at the pirate dinner with Goofy & Donald Duck!  She woke up so pleasant because we were taking her to the TOT Time party & she was so excited to go!!!

Pretty Toes!!!

This is the Life!!!

Mommy's painting her finger & toe nails while Daddy feeds her a snack!  Gotta love vacation!!!

Thanks Bottle Fairy!!!

Thanks Bottle Fairy!!!

Yesterday was another successful bottle-free day!  This was Gigi's look of surprise getting her surprise from the Bottle Fairy this morning!

Ready for the beach!!!

A visit from the Bottle Fairy!

Gigi did a great job on day 1 of no bottle. She probably drank about 1/8 what she normally drinks in a day but she did snack more so I guess it all balances out.  We had a visit from the Bottle Fairy...well we thought we did anyway. She left Gigi a princess towel but after all of the excitement of getting it was over we thought about it & we're pretty sure the Potty Fairy gave that towel to her a while ago!  Oh well, Gigi just said silly Bottle Fairy!!!  Silly Mommy!  I'm sure there will be other surprises that are actually surprises from the Bottle Fairy in the days to come!!! We are so proud of our big girl!

Vero Beach 2011!

We're almost there but Gigi couldn't quite make it!  A quick cat nap will be good so we can have a full evening of fun!!!  I'm so excited to be on vacation!!!  I know Dan is too!!!

Two More Sleeps 'til Vero!!!

We can't wait for vacation! I know Gigi can't wait to play on the pirate ship again. I can't believe she still remembers it from last July but she talks about it like she went last month instead of last year. I guess that means she really loved it!  It is kind of amazing there!!! 

Fun!

Having Fun!!!

Ready for Water Day at School!

I Might Be Insane!!!

If there's one thing my daughter loves it's her bottle!!!  She will drink out of regular cups, use straws, & sippy cups but she loves, loves, loves her bottle!!!  She never used a pacifier & doesn't suck her thumb so what's wrong with using a bottle now and again?  Well, she'll be 3 1/2 soon & I guess it's time to say good bye to it. I think I'm really giving in to peer pressure because Dan & I would probably let her use a bottle for as long as she wants to but we know she needs to stop eventually. She's just growing up so fast!!!

We're going to Disney's Vero Beach resort for a week & we decided to stop the bottle while there. Gigi already knows we can't bring any bottles with us when we go & she seems ok with it. She asked if we can bring her sippy cups which we will! 

Every night when she asks for a bottle in bed I remind her that  in Vero Beach she won't have a bottle and what will she do then. She just says we have one at home. 

If she doesn't get a bottle at night she has a meltdown and it's not pretty!!!  I might be insane to try to do this during a vacation but I thought it was the best being away from our normal routine.  I'm still debating on whether or not I should pack an emergency bottle!  LOL!

Happy 4th of July!

It was a long wait but the Magic Kingdom fireworks were worth the wait as usual! Gigi was a little cautious but seemed to enjoy them more than she has in the past 2 years. She really liked the ones with hearts & stars!  They were really neat!

We had a fun family day but it really didn't feel like the 4th without the Micucci's this year!!!  We missed you guys!!!

Happy 40 Month Birthday Gigi!

Gigi is 40 months old today!  LOL! When do you stop counting months? It's just fun!  Gigi measured in at 36 & 3/4 inches on her growth chart! She grew a 1/4 inch this past month!  She weighed 28.8 pounds. 

I know she will have a great day because she will be spending it with her cousins Sagan & Ellie!  Today's lesson plan includes how to fold laundry & how to make an elegant tea party...all the necessary skills of a growing princess!!!  My cousin Jeanne cracks me up!  I just can't wait to see the videos of Gigi folding laundry!!!