So So Thankful

So I'm a little late on the Thanksgiving post because we were traveling (more on that in the next post) but just wanted to pause a moment and say that I'm really thankful for this little man,

And this old cat, my photo editor,

And so thankful I have a mother and role model such as this beautiful bird. I'd be lost without her.

But if I had one thing to be most thankful for, it would be this little lassie. She never fails to make me realize there is nothing like a good laugh and with her around that good laugh is always just around the next corner. 

We fight like two polar bears after the same fish, but my world would be a much different one without her. My roommate, my band mate, my best friend/arch enemy, my buddy and seriously the love of my life - Mabel Jane.

Dear Mr. Easter Bunny...

There's only room in this town for one of us... and I ain't leaving.

Not-so-sincerely,
Mabel Jane

Mae Day! Mae Day!

In honor of my widdle buddy, I thought I'd take a look back. As some of you know, Mabel turned three last Sunday, so let's go on a little history adventure, shall we?

This is Mabel Jane on the day when she blessed this world with her presence. Funny thing is, I don't think she weighs that much more now than she did on this day.

Before we start skipping to the annual photos here's Mae at one month old, just chillin. 

Here's Mae right around her first birthday. I chose this picture because my photo editor told me it is his favorite photo of all time, simple as that.

Here's Mae on her second birthday, just rockin the piggies and getting ready to blow out her candle.

And here's Mae today, a few days removed from turning three, in her brand new apron that she got from her friend, Kim. Also ever-present you can see her new Blackhawks hat. I asked dad to take me to the store to get a Blackhawks hat and when Mae woke up from nap she really wanted one, too, so we went back and got her one.

And so it is that I say happy birthday to the lovely and talented and always bursting with fruit flavor, Mabel Jane Skertich. You are the love of our lives and the light of our home (I know, super deep, right? But it's true, Mae).

Life in the Big City

What have I been up to? Welllllll...

Went to my first football game - this one was a Nebraska/Northwestern showdown up in Evanston. The game was awesome. Well, maybe that's an overstatement - the game was fine, the gigantic bag of popcorn accompanied by a large cup of fresh-squeezed lemonade was awesome. Dad and I had a blast.

Been hanging at Nana's and playing some ball with Papa in the backyard.

I have a best friend at school. We went on a field trip and spent the entire day joined at the hip. Her name is Nadia.

As always, spending loads of quality time (and loads of not-so-quality time) with Mabel Jane, often in my Polar Bear hat if the weather permits.

And went to Dad's work the other night to pick something up. He asked me if I wanted to take the elevator or walk up the 170 stairs to his office. Two roads diverged in the woods and I... took the stairs. Mission accomplished.

When Harry Met Mabel

So Harry Connick Jr. has a really solid rendition of Frosty the Snowman, but after hearing Mae drop her version on me, Harry needs to move over, Mabel Jane is coming through.

Mae's Potty Adventure

Well, I'll tell you - the little gal in the house is turning out to be quite the big girl. A mere six months after I, the intelligently unchallenged and extremely talented Finley Skertich, mastered the art of the big girl potty, Mae is like, "Um, Fin, what the heck took you so long?"

This morning we were doing our regular routine. Dad was just about to leave, we were eating breakfast with Mom and waiting for Miss Stace and all of a sudden Mae is like, "Momma, potty." We get her out of her chair, she takes off her diaper, sits down and I read her a book. One book, that's all it took.

It continued throughout the day. With no prompting, no reinforcement stickers, no rewards, no book reading, no nothing - the wee wittle kid just took her own diaper off and walked over and went potty - FOUR FREAKING TIMES!

Don't mean to get graphic but I can hear all the doubters saying, "Yeah, right, Fin, like she really went in there." Well, what's up now, haters?!

I'm Your Ice Cream (Wo)Man

About 50 seconds in there is a Mabel Jane special dance appearance.

Happy Father's Day

So look, I know this blog is all about me, but even I'm not so narcissistic to think that today is about me. So here's a pic of my Dad, on his day, with the Bell, Mabel Jane.

And to all you Dads out there, here's to you.