Snowfabulous February

So Tuesday we got like 2 inches of straight ice with maybe an inch of snow coating it.  The ice is what has caused us to be out of school for 4 days now.  This morning we awoke (at 7am) to at least 2 inches of snow that had fallen overnight.  It has not stopped snowing since then, and it is now 10am.  Right now actually the snow is falling quite heavily.

Due to the fact that I have a toddler with loads of energy to kill, I decided to take Jude outside.  He only lasted for 5 minutes maybe.  It was like 20 degrees.  He is currently wearing socks, footie pajamas, jeans, a sweater, a jacket, a scarf, and my gloves.

This is a scene out of A Christmas Story.  Literally.  Jude is so top heavy with that huge coat on.  He fell over and began whining because he couldn't move.  So much like Ralphie...

Is it just me, or would these pictures be so much cuter if I could crop the ridiculous, oversized gloves out of them.  Poor Jude.

"Hmm, need to ponder this..." - Jude

"Hey, you there" - Jude

I am fascinated by pictures of snow covered roofs against the snowy, cloudy sky.  This one is cool to me because you can't even see where the roof and the sky meets.

This is my attempt at showing how deep the snow is.  Underneath our footprints is a solid layer of ice.  You could hear it cracking as we walked across.  Doubt we get out of the house anytime soon.  I have some better pictures of this I will post later.

Cabin Fever

Cabin Fever- we definitely have it around here.  Normally, Jude and I do not spend every day all day at home.  Obviously, on normal weekdays I have work, and he goes to the sitter.  Even on weekends, though, we are always running errands or going shopping or meeting up with someone.  We are both going crazy.  We can't go outside, because it is just too cold to be safe for him with our lack of appropriate gear.  We can't go anywhere because our driveway and road are still covered with ice patches.  I haven't spent this many consecutive days in my pajamas since college probably.

Jude is frustrated too.  He is being such a whiner.  He is getting in to everything.  He is testing boundaries left and right.  He is destroying anything he can.  Pent up energy isn't good for adults, much less toddlers.  Hope it warms up enough soon so we can do something.

Jude the Mad Science Dude

Due to the 15* temps we are still having around this place (which has resulted in not 1, not 2, but 3 snow days) Jude's hair is like this constantly.  He looks like quite the mad scientist.

Snuggling in Snow

Last night our overnight low was something ridiculous for Texas such as 9 degrees.  I don't even want to imagine what it felt like with the windchill.  Luckily, Jude was able to sleep peacefully all snuggled in his blankets.  I love how he scoots his head up next to his bear and sheep.  (this is done intentionally on his part.  I never place him there.)  Anyway, I think I take a picture of Jude sleeping once a month.  I have no intention of stopping that anytime soon.  He's just too sweet!

Epic Snowfall- Toddlerhood

Snow 1/9/11 from Ashley Doner on Vimeo.

Snowonderful

We are getting quite a bit of snow today in DFW.  I was so excited to take Jude out in it.  Last year, it snowed several times, but he was too little to enjoy it.

I mostly videoed this experience.  Unfortunatly vimeo is being stupid.  He wasn't sure what to make of the whole experience.

However, he really did love it.  He walked up and down the driveway countless times.  In fact, when I tried to take him in, he literally threw a huge fit.  (This is also on video.)  He is in love with snow it seems.  I'm going to take him out again later on after his nap.

PS- see his gloves.  They are actually mine.  I haven't been able to find any in his size yet.  I just threw this over his sleeves.  Looks ridiculous, but it works.

Pajama Parties

So since we've had several snow days, its been a non stop pajama party in our house. Here are some pics and vids of Jude having a good time and just generally takin it easy, enjoying having momma and dad home for the fun.

Snow day 1

Snow day 1 cont- can you guess Jude's new favorite beatles song? I'll give you a hint. It's not 'Hey Jude'

Snow day 2- Ok this video is not really playing, but he's started a new 'trick'. When I put him on his tummy for tummy time (which he still hates, as you can tell) he does this head butt crawl scoot thing which I was trying to document. What the heck?

Believe it or not, he's actually watching Harry Potter. He's really amazed by the television. Go figure since I am one of those psycho mom's who plans to limit tv time to 30 minutes a day.

I love how cuddly he looks with his bear and burp rag and boppy.

I finally have his attention. (I impressed him with my patronus charm.)

SMILE!!!

Snow Day - Day Two

So by the time last night was over, Dallas had received a record breaking 12 inches of snow. This is a record for my life. I've only experienced that much snow a handful of times, and always when visiting northern relatives. I documented many pictures of our house and neighborhood, because honestly, when will this happen again? I even recorded the melodic sound of a bluebirdsinging in pristine whiteness. And of course I documented Mr. Jude because this snow was signficant! He's still not impressed. In fact, I eventually quit the photos because he cried. Jude rarely cries, so this was saying something. Maybe my child is a southerner despite his genetics.

Our street covered in snow. Too bad today was trash day. The green cans really don't add much to the picture. Also, too bad the trash men decided not to come out in inclement weather.

Our little house...

Another street view

Our little bistro table...

Jude and Sadie

Mr. Chubby Cheeks Teddy Bear

I wanna pet my snow dog

My hand is so much more interesting and tasty than snow.

Alright, I'm done being patient.

Because I don't just love Jude....

Michael and I have enjoyed time together too this snow day. We took a pic together first thing this morning, although you really couldn't see the snow in it. We enjoyed 'sleeping in' until Jude woke us up, drinking coffee, and watching the snow come down. I've promised him that I will play wii with him as well. The best part is we get to do it all again tomorrow. Since Denton has already gotten 6 inches of snow and is predicted to get at least 2 more inches before the night is through, the school district has gone ahead and cancelled. Have I mentioned I love my job? It's nice to have a job dedicated to children's safety any time there is bad weather...

Our back yard when the snow had started about an hour ago. (6:45ish)

The buildup of snow a little after 7...

4 inches in or so.... With Michael's bare footprints... Yankees....

A favorite- You can see two Eastern bluebirds on the fence. Pretty cool.

* Snow Day *

This is Jude's THIRD snow day! I have to say living in Texas and the fact that Jude is 3 mos old- this is amazing. Global warming is a crock. I'm pretty excited to spend the day at home with my two men. However, I'm also sad we are losing our day off for Good Friday. Win some, you lose some, but it sure is beautiful. Michael calls it confectioners sugar snow. Perfect.

Michael and I ran outside to take some pics in the snow while I was getting ready for work. Silly school didn't call until 7 to tell me it was canceled. I was almost walking out the door at that point. It's nice having pics with the hubby again. We rarely take pics together now that Jude is here.

When Jude woke up at 7:45, I corralled everyone for more snow pictures. I wish we had our own personal family photographer to take pictures of all 3 of us wherever and whenever. Since we don't, I guess I will just have to settle for pics of Jude and Momma and pics of Jude and Dad.

Jude was not even interested in snow. The whole time he just kinda had this expression of 'uhh how do I respond to this'. I was surprised because when he woke up this morning and I was the one who appeared over the edge of his crib, he broke out in to giggles and fits of insane laughter. Apparently I was a kill joy with my snow play.

After Jude took his morning nap, the snow was still coming down, and in large clumps too! After he ate, I convinced Michael to go out in it again. I was excited because I got to put Jude in his bear outfit for the 2nd time. I bought the silly thing on clearance because we thought we would be in New York for Christmas. It drives me nuts that he didn't even need it after all. I insist on using it when there's snow. Lucky me, it's snowed twice here.

This time Jude was totally weirded out by the snow, but he wasn't really in to it either. I guess he is still too young to care or get it. Next year, if our winter is this cold, I bet he will get more in to it. That will be exciting to see!

Anyway, so far on our day off, we have enjoyed hanging out. The snow is absolutely beautiful to watch coming down. Once again, I am growing wistful of the idea of moving to somewhere with snow days more often.

Until then, I am thankful to be in Denton, because it seems like we always get a little taste each year!

Christmas Dos

You may recall that we celebrated two Christmases this year. Our second Christmas was celebrated with the in laws at the end of January. Really, it was just us opening up presents for Jude with the tree up. Still, here's a couple good ones.

Ice Day 2010

When Jude was 11 weeks old, we had an ice day. These days are always filled with mixed emotions because on the one hand, I get the day off. On the other hand, I lose my day off in May. This particular snow day was pretty annoying because we had only been to work 2 days since Christmas. I wasn't even burnt out yet! Jude and I had fun though with the camera. He was making some awesome faces! He's become quite the Mr. Personality.

Here he is in mid sentence. Usually saying something like 'ahhhooooooo'

Hmm really mom?

So excited!

Ok is it just me, or do his eyes look adorably sweet here?

Mommy, you're so funny...

Personal fave- frog tongue strikes again

It's pictures like these that make me wonder if Jude will be one of those lucky people who can do the eyebrow raise thing. If so, I will be jealous. And also very proud.

Confusing this kid again...

More froggy time..

Happy little froggie!