18 mos old already?

Mal is now 18 mos old - time has truly flown by!  As you can see it's getting a bit trickier to get her to sit for the monthly photos.  She is a very independent lil gal - learning to use her words and impressing us every day.  She definitely uses the N-O word quite often but is also very familiar w/ animals, body parts, and starting to count (w/ assistance) to five.  She keeps busy at weekly Wiggleworms classes where she has conquered her fear of the parachute and loves the bubbles, also goes to playgroup at the park district to mingle w/ other tots.  She loves going to Family Swim at the gym where she loves to go under!  She keeps her parents on their toes that's for sure!

She doesn't seem to mind the cold Chicago winter (good thing) but has showed some signs that she misses summer by putting on her fancy sandals (see pic below) on a daily basis & making Melissa & Doug ice cream cones out of her kitchen.   She'll be ready for our Mexican vacay in February!

Look out Grant Achatz!

Santa brought Mallory a kitchen, food & some pots & pans.  She's been very busy creating some interesting stews for us to taste w/ various food combinations!

Trip to Indy - Dec 2012

After our trip to SC, we travelled to spend some time with Nannie, Boppo, Mimi, Aunt Kerry & Uncle John & Seanny P, Justin & Zach and some friends as well. 

Christmas in Fort Mill

We travelled south to Grandma & Grandpa Melsons to spend the holidays with Uncle Kip & Oui and Auntie Katie & Uncle JR and Cousin Ben.  Mallory had a great time seeing everyone - especially had a great time w/ Cooper & Hadley - G&G's pups.  Mal liked to play catch w/ them and follow them around the house - and jump in their crates.  Mallory really loved playing in Grandpa Ted's Model T as well. 

Holiday Photo Shoot

Here are a few pics from our Christmas Card photo shoot by our friend Michele Wagner.  Who knew it would be 70 degrees on 12/2 - Mal might have been a bit toasty in her cape & hat!

Tis the Season!

The Melson family is enjoying a very busy December.  We kicked off the Holiday season with a first visit to Zoolights at the Lincoln Park Zoo with the Petersons & Bhagwanjees.  Mallory is fascinated by the Christmas tree and has been really good to not pull ornaments off the tree.  She can locate the Santa, fish, walrus & other ornaments & always gets excited when she sees it lit up!

Thanksgiving in Chicago

This year for Thanksgiving, Nannie & Boppo came to the city for Thanksgiving dinner at our new place!  We had a wonderful time with them and Mallory enjoyed her first T-Givin where she got to actually eat!