Sorry it has been so long. The reason I haven't posted is that now (because of some Google update) when I put picture on Picasa, it tries to show where they were taken (link with the smartphone). I don't want our address on the internet with Lucy's photos, so I'm trying to figure something else out. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.

Just a quick note to say hey and happy holidays. Hope we have a chance to see everyone in the near future. Sorry not more pictures. It is getting more and more complicated to post things on line these days as everybody tries to make it "easier." We'll see what we can do.

PS - Santa is Lucy's great uncle :)

Quick Update

Just got back from DC and am posting some pictures as well as the link to Lucy's Wish List. It looks like her birthday party will be on Saturday November 19th. Will keep you posted.

PS - If you order something for Lucy from the list, please let Major or I know that something is coming as we recently had a package stolen from our front porch (the thieves opened the box, removed the item, took the item, and left the box (with packing slip still included)).

All Attitude

I had to share the picture I took this morning, which is now used as the header. Lucy was mad at me because we were running late, so I didn't let her strap herself into the car seat. We usually sing on the way to preschool. I was singing, she had her fingers stuck in her ears and was either glaring at me or very purposefully out the window. What's really amazing, Major and I watched her figure out that if she put her fingers in her ears she couldn't hear anything just a few days ago. She was playing then, with Maj in the kitchen. He was talking and she would put her fingers in her ears, giggle when she couldn't hear him, pull them out and then do the same thing over and over again. I think it is awesome she figured out how to do this on her own and then used the skill to express her displeasure. I am a little worried that my 21 month old is going on 16.

Oh My Gosh Where Does the Time Go

I thought I would have more time when I finished my dissertation. I was wrong. Anyway, I've posted a ton of pictures. I'll try to write more soon.

Lots Going On

Sorry it has been so long since I last checked in. There has been a lot going on. Lucy started preschool in January. She really likes it. There are a lot of other children her age and a lot of activities. Now that the weather is warming up, they go outside a lot. She really loves being outside in the sunshine. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of germs. She was sick through most of January and February. Last week she had an allergic reaction to augmenton, the antibiotic she was on, and developed a terrible moving rash (big red bands that were hot and itchy). Her hands and feet swelled up really bad as well. They actually felt like plastic. We had to take her to the emergency room on Sunday night after taking her to the doctor Friday and Saturday. She is okay now (although a little stuffy again), but it was really scary for awhile.

I finished my dissertation and defended it successfully on February 21st. I've been wrapping up some copy edits and hope to submit it to the University by April 1. Generally, people at the university consider you finished when you defend, so everyone keeps calling me doctor. It is kind of weird but nice. Major is thinking about going back to school because he doesn't like being Dr. and Mr. Chapman.

Lucy has developed a lot. She is starting to talk slowly. Her latest new word is uh-oh. Sometimes I thinks she drops stuff on purpose so she can say it. She also says blue, boo, and hi. She is beautiful. I'll try to post some pictures soon. I am currently sans laptop, but Major promises to have something up and running soon.

Christmas is coming

Wow how the time flies by. Lucy is growing by leaps and bounds (including her brain...she is just getting to be such a smart little cookie). Besides Mama and Dada, she says Tee (Kitty) and yeah. She said no once when I put her down, but has yet to say it again. She has also said bye-bye a couple of times, but nothing consistant. She totally understands what we're saying though and will follow directions occassionaly (when she feels like it). She has much more fun laughing a people who tell her to do something though.

So many people have brought her early Christmas presents that she is beginning to think she should get a present each and every day. However, Daddy is a little bit irritated by this and I think some serious Chistmas policy changes might be in the works. I'll keep people posted.

Lucy is walking. It is has been kind of a slow process and she still plops down to crawl when she wants to go fast or if she has to go a long way. She walked from the center of the playroom to the door this morning though, all by herslef. It is wonderful, but I have to admit I am a little sad (she doesn't need me anymore :>( ). Her Daddy is thrilled.

I have a lot of work to do today, so I'll have to sign off now. The dissertation defense is coming up. I'll let people know when it is over.