Mann Christmas

We had our Christmas celebration with the Mann side of the family on December 19th since we were going to be in Amarillo on Christmas.  It was nice to get everyone together and we had a really good time.  We celebrated my birthday that night too. It was extra fun because Chloe was actually old enough to participate this year and boy did she have a good time!

 She got this totally awesome couch that is just her size from Grandma and Poppa

 Wanting to look at my bubble bath

 Smelling

 Such fun on the couch!

 Happy Birthday!

Past bedtime

Trying to keep up with Chloe during the celebration was kind of a full time job so we didn't very many pictures from the night, but it sure was fun!

Eye Surgery

Ok, time to get caught up on the happenings in the Mann house.  We are going to have to go back in time a little and I considered skipping some of these posts, but figured if I want to look back on the blog to remember things I might as well put everything in. 

Chloe was born with a clogged tear duct and it never opened up like most do.  Her eye cried a lot and it was constantly gooey and yucky so the pediatrician, and some family with personal experience in this area, suggested we take her in to get it cleared out.  We had it done on December 12.  It was a quick day surgery and went well.  The doctor found the blockage and cleared it out and inserted a little tube that was supposed to stay for 3 months to help keep the duct open. 

Chloe was a trooper and did so good.  Poor thing woke up from the anesthesia super mad and it took us a while to get her calmed down, but after that she was pretty much back to normal.

 Before the surgery

 After the surgery

Sweet Baby

Her little frog she got to pick out

So earlier, I said she was supposed to keep the tube in for three months.  Well, one night she got to rubbing her eye and somehow pulled the tube loose.  Naturally it was a rainy Saturday night and Clint was at work.  Thankfully we were able to get ahold of the doctor and she was nice enough to meet me at her office and remove it for us.  So instead of three months Chloe kept the tube in for about 6 weeks.  I was disappointed, but the doctor says there is only about a 1-2% chance that we will have to go in and redo the surgery so I am hopeful. So far her eye has been perfect, so we just continue to pray that it stays that way.

It's a little hard to see, but the tube is hanging out of her left eye.

Nothing like being so behind in blogging that whole process is already over before I even get it documented.....

Surprise

The other night I was making dinner and Chloe was playing around in the kitchen with me.  I wasn't paying super close attention, just enough to make sure she wasn't getting into anything she wasn't supposed to.  She eventually got tired and wondered off to play with her Daddy while I finished.  When I opened my cabinet to get a pan I got a little surprise. 

It made me smile.  So cute.  Now that she is fascinated with putting stuff in things I have a feeling I am going to find many more of these little surprises.  It makes my day a little more exciting.  

New Skill

Chloe learned a new skill and she is quite proud! I love this face!

Busy Girl

My little Chloe is a busy girl.  She is always into something, exploring something, or helping with something.  One week she was really busy and I decided to grab a few pictures so I could share a little bit of what happens in my house.

 Dishes she stole from the dish washer.  Taking them somewhere else to play with them.

 Closing the dishwasher

 Loves the silverware

 What?

 Playing with a Christmas ornament

 Pulling her basket

Never a boring day at my house!  She keeps me busy, but I love watching her play and wondering what is going on in her little imagination.  

Thanksgiving!

We spent Thanksgiving with Clint's parents this year.  It was a very relaxed time of family, food and fun.  Chloe had a great time sampling all the good things.  She was just getting over a really bad tummy bug so she was all about food.  Her favorite was the pumpkin pie.  As soon as she saw anyone with a piece, it didn't matter who it was, she was right beside them with her little mouth open.  It is pretty hard to resist that!

Chloe also got to open her birthday gifts since we had to cancel her party.  She loved it!

 Eating Cheerios

 Playing with Hillary

 Cleaning off the table with Uncle Tim

 Clint watching football

 Watching Aunt Karen make whip cream

 Opening her birthday gifts

 Cutie pie

 So much fun paper!

 Favorite toy

 I want it out!

Playing with Grandma

 Sitting in her window sill

Begging for pumpkin pie

We hope everyone had a very Happy Thanksgiving and took time to thank God for your blessings.  No matter what was happening in your life I am sure there is at least one thing you can be thankful for!

12 months

12 months!  I can't believe you are 1 year old!  We all survived our first year as a family of three! Whoo Hoo!  

This month you decided that you needed to carry things around with you as you walked around.  You decided one thing at a time was too easy that you should do two things at a time and usually two in each hand.  That made you fall a lot but you were determined. 

You continued to sleep better at night.  You became fascinated with "helping" Mama with the dishes and the laundry.  Your help usually made the chore take twice as long as normal, but you were so cute I didn't mind.  

This month you didn't start doing too many new things, but you sure worked hard perfecting the skills you already had.  You are walking like a pro, you eat pretty good most days too.  You still love your walks and love to touch the trees and bushes while we are out.

We have truly been blessed to have you as a part of our little family.  You bring us so much joy and we love you more than we ever thought possible.  I can't wait to experience the next year with you!!!

 Helping with the dishes

 Two at a time!

 Reading with Daddy

 Tasting Mama's hot chocolate

 How did she get back there?

 Practicing her drinking skills

 Love Dada

 Mama stealing kisses

 So grown up

 Helping Mama make bows

 Carrying the wrapping paper around

 A pile of friends! (I cannot make this picture sit up right but it is so cute!)

 Point!