2013 begins...with some frowns and some grins!

Ok, I know that's a cheesy title but it fits.  January and February both had their share of ups and downs, in various ways for our whole family, but to keep it on the lighter side, this post will stick to sweet pics of our sweet girl.

She wasn't always a little sweetie these past couple months...  We've got quite a feisty, stubborn, defiant little lady on our hands some days!  But, we did have our share of fun times. :)  We all passed around a stomach bug for about a week at the end of January, then poor Maelee had another bout of it for about a week in mid February...  but before and after those brushes with the bug were some enjoyable moments below.

Early in January, after Maelee got her first "reward" for earning 10 stars- a babydoll that opens and closes its eyes!  She was thrilled :)

Early Jan- Another sad farewell to more of our nearest and dearest friends :(  

The kiddos- James, Maelee, Ethan, and Tyler (who we miss dearly!!!)

At Alice's Tea Cup in early Jan- Desiree and I with sweet Brooke (Tyler's mommy) before their family's move back to GA.  Sniff.

Enjoying her new, post- Christmas paint set

Some hot cocoa overlooking the East River

Sporting the awesome South Africa tee from our dear South African friends (who we also miss dearly!!!)

Out to breakfast during a short but sweet visit from Nana in mid-January while Steve and I had a night out in Atlanta for Steve's work holiday party

One of the daddy/daughter duo's favorite games of racing back and forth down our hallway-

"5, 4, 3, 2,1- Off to the launching site!"

And here's a slideshow from January:

Then, February began with a lot of white!  Just a dusting of snow at first, then some heavier snow fall several days later.

A small glimpse the first weekend of Feb...

With a lot more to show the second weekend!

So much fun sledding!!!

And so much fun enjoying some hot cocoa after the cold!

A little pre-Valentine's Day PJs party with her little "school" group

Starting Heart Day off with some yummy heart pancakes

Then off to a nearby Nursing Home, sharing love and cheer with the residents

Our yummy gift from Nana & Pop-Pop

My little baking assistant :)

Taking in some fun cards, complete with lights and music!

Nothing but smiles and giggles for Nana & Pop-Pop during their quick weekend trip up in mid-Feb

One of Maelee's favorite NYC activities- the Carousel at Bryant Park

A little rain can't stop our party-goer before good pal Marissa's celebration!

Birthday Party Fun!

With best bud, Marissa

Ending the month with some of our NYC family- little "brother" Ethan and big "brother" James :)

And a slideshow from February:

I mentioned earlier Maelee's feisty side but also wanted to include some of the more comical developments from these past couple of months.  She is still quite the chatter box, and pretty much talks non-stop...  It is adorable and hysterical at the same time (if not a little exhausting at times, too!). And the "but, why's???" hit full force where just about every response from us was followed by the famous question.  But some of the funnier sayings are just expressions that she says that just sound plain odd coming from her.  She'd start off a statement with "Actually..." or respond, "Oh, ok" and for some reason, it just made us chuckle to hear.  Then lately, she's started making excuses for any reprimandable behavior we catch her on.  Example:

Mommy- "Maelee, remember, we don't grab.  Please ask nicely if you want to see what I'm holding." (as she yanks something out of my hands)
Maelee- "No, no, I was just trying to help you!"


Mommy- "Maelee, remember you need to be gentle with Parker" (as she grips his neck)
Maelee- "No, no, I was just giving him a hug!"

Oh, my- it begins already!  Not sure where she gets any sort of tendency to be defensive... smirk.

Anyhow, each day she says something new that makes us laugh and she really is Miss Personality.  We can't believe she's so close to turning THREE!!!  Wow.  The year has already had its share of tough moments, but her sweet smiles make us excited for what the rest of 2013 has in store.