Hands down, the best pic of Sam so far. He loves to give these goofy half smiles. I can't help to chuckle each time I see this pic. What a sweet boy!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Long Weekend is Over
So many faces, so many miles and so many moments worthy of a post, but I am too tired and the laptop battery is quickly fading to put much effort into creating coherent thoughts. For now, I'll leave these two little gems.
While at Grandma D's house, Ella was dumbfounded by a certain item she found in the bathroom: bar soap. As we were washing her hands, she curiously asked me "the rock has soap?" I quickly realized this was her first experience with bar soap as we and daycare only use liquid soap. These moments always give me an appreciation for her perspective on the world.
Ella provided a few more chuckles today as I learned my sweet girl is a bit of a clepto or a chocolate addict. It depends on how you look at it. The bare cabinets and empty refrigerator were sure signs a trip to the grocery store was needed. I always dread taking both kids to the store by myself. Even if it goes smooth, it is always an adventure. We grabbed a few items and after 20 minutes, I found myself waiting in a fairly short line to check out. As I was loading the groceries on the belt, I was telling Ella, who was sitting in the front of the fire truck cart, how much I appreciated her excellent behavior while we were at the store. Words, I uttered, a bit too soon.
She asked to ride the "horsey" before we left. Since she was so good, I was happy to oblige. I pulled the cart to a stop, came to the front to help her out, and started chuckling. Chocolate was dripping down her face and she was gripping a half role of Rolo's. The problem: I didn't buy them or serve them to her. We beelined back to the register, so I could properly pay for the candy. I tried to contain my laughter, as did the cashier, and explain to Ella that the candy isn't for taking and is a special treat when mommy gives it to her. Every word I uttered, I suspect, was lost on her. Next time, I plan to watch her more closely as we are checking out.
I hope to blog more about some of the moments from this past weekend, like our trip to the cemetery with a curious toddler and my child's obsession with flip flops, but suitcases full of clothes still liter our bedroom floor. A few quick notes on Sam, he is such a sweet, sweet boy, and he treated his parents to seven hours of continuous sleep, not one but two nights at my mom's house. Oh what a blessed gift. Love that little man.
While at Grandma D's house, Ella was dumbfounded by a certain item she found in the bathroom: bar soap. As we were washing her hands, she curiously asked me "the rock has soap?" I quickly realized this was her first experience with bar soap as we and daycare only use liquid soap. These moments always give me an appreciation for her perspective on the world.
Ella provided a few more chuckles today as I learned my sweet girl is a bit of a clepto or a chocolate addict. It depends on how you look at it. The bare cabinets and empty refrigerator were sure signs a trip to the grocery store was needed. I always dread taking both kids to the store by myself. Even if it goes smooth, it is always an adventure. We grabbed a few items and after 20 minutes, I found myself waiting in a fairly short line to check out. As I was loading the groceries on the belt, I was telling Ella, who was sitting in the front of the fire truck cart, how much I appreciated her excellent behavior while we were at the store. Words, I uttered, a bit too soon.
She asked to ride the "horsey" before we left. Since she was so good, I was happy to oblige. I pulled the cart to a stop, came to the front to help her out, and started chuckling. Chocolate was dripping down her face and she was gripping a half role of Rolo's. The problem: I didn't buy them or serve them to her. We beelined back to the register, so I could properly pay for the candy. I tried to contain my laughter, as did the cashier, and explain to Ella that the candy isn't for taking and is a special treat when mommy gives it to her. Every word I uttered, I suspect, was lost on her. Next time, I plan to watch her more closely as we are checking out.
I hope to blog more about some of the moments from this past weekend, like our trip to the cemetery with a curious toddler and my child's obsession with flip flops, but suitcases full of clothes still liter our bedroom floor. A few quick notes on Sam, he is such a sweet, sweet boy, and he treated his parents to seven hours of continuous sleep, not one but two nights at my mom's house. Oh what a blessed gift. Love that little man.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Road Trip
We survived our first long car trip. We spent the majority of the day in the car on our way to Nebraska to visit my family. Much to my surprise, the drive was fairly pleasant. Sam slept almost the entire trip. Almost. We were 25 minutes from our final destination when Sam started fussing. We debated plowing through but my bladder was overflowing, so we had multiple reasons to make a pit stop. Sam appreciated the bottle, but did cry the remainder of the drive. He wasn't too happy being strapped back in his car seat. He was more than ready to be sprung from that contraction. I can't blame him, spending more than four hours strapped down isn't enjoyable.
As for Ella, she was such a good sport and awake for most of the drive. She enjoyed spotting everything from cows to trains outside her window. She also spent some time reading stories and flipping through mom's magazines.
The most difficult aspect of the drive was just getting out of the house. I swear no matter how much time we give ourselves it's never enough time. I had forgotten how much stuff the kids need just to survive a long weekend.
For the rest of the weekend, we plan to spend our time visiting with family, introducing Sam to more relatives and friends and just relaxing.
As for Ella, she was such a good sport and awake for most of the drive. She enjoyed spotting everything from cows to trains outside her window. She also spent some time reading stories and flipping through mom's magazines.
The most difficult aspect of the drive was just getting out of the house. I swear no matter how much time we give ourselves it's never enough time. I had forgotten how much stuff the kids need just to survive a long weekend.
For the rest of the weekend, we plan to spend our time visiting with family, introducing Sam to more relatives and friends and just relaxing.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
A Trip to Grandma's House
The "firsts" continue for this family. It started on Friday morning when Sam flashed his first "official" smile. We had seen quite a few partial attempts, but nothing like this wide, toothless beaming smile he gave Ella as she leaned in to greet him. It was so sweet. Now, if only, every greeting they share will be that loving. I can only hope.
The next big first was Sam spent his first overnight at Grandma's house (Ella went as well). Yes, my son is only six weeks and yes, I did agonize for most of the day on whether I was ready or not. My brother's wise words convinced me to do it. He told me to focus on the bonding time. I knew if I was going to be away from my kids, I couldn't spend the night pining for them or dwelling on how much I missed them. I also knew Mike and I could use some time alone and we would enjoy a solid night's sleep or so I thought.
Man, did I ever make the right decision. Oh the laughs, the drinks and the memorable lines from the evening. The best was "I didn't even know she was in there." It would take too much to explain. It was definitely one of those "you had to be there kind of moments." I'm not sure my interpretation or description of the setting would do the moment justice, but I know I laughed so hard that I couldn't breathe. Sadly, it has been too long since I've had one of those knee-slap silly kind of evenings. I even downed two shots courtesy of two different Comers. No clue the last time I did a shot -- maybe my bachelorette party, maybe Vegas? I can't remember. Surely, those had no bearing on my goofiness that night.
With the kids away, you would think we would take advantage of the childless evening and the absence of middle of the night feedings to sleep in. So not the case. My boobs woke me at 4:30. I laid in bed for a half hour debating the merits of pumping before I finally ventured downstairs. Mike decided to entertain me by playing mario cart on the WII (can you say addicted?!). I headed back to bed around 6 am, but Mike opted to keep the WII company. We actually slept less than we do when the kids are in the house. So happy we had that evening. Mike and I really needed it, so thank you to Larry & Glenda for taking care of the kids and giving us a very memorable evening.
The next big first was Sam spent his first overnight at Grandma's house (Ella went as well). Yes, my son is only six weeks and yes, I did agonize for most of the day on whether I was ready or not. My brother's wise words convinced me to do it. He told me to focus on the bonding time. I knew if I was going to be away from my kids, I couldn't spend the night pining for them or dwelling on how much I missed them. I also knew Mike and I could use some time alone and we would enjoy a solid night's sleep or so I thought.
Man, did I ever make the right decision. Oh the laughs, the drinks and the memorable lines from the evening. The best was "I didn't even know she was in there." It would take too much to explain. It was definitely one of those "you had to be there kind of moments." I'm not sure my interpretation or description of the setting would do the moment justice, but I know I laughed so hard that I couldn't breathe. Sadly, it has been too long since I've had one of those knee-slap silly kind of evenings. I even downed two shots courtesy of two different Comers. No clue the last time I did a shot -- maybe my bachelorette party, maybe Vegas? I can't remember. Surely, those had no bearing on my goofiness that night.
With the kids away, you would think we would take advantage of the childless evening and the absence of middle of the night feedings to sleep in. So not the case. My boobs woke me at 4:30. I laid in bed for a half hour debating the merits of pumping before I finally ventured downstairs. Mike decided to entertain me by playing mario cart on the WII (can you say addicted?!). I headed back to bed around 6 am, but Mike opted to keep the WII company. We actually slept less than we do when the kids are in the house. So happy we had that evening. Mike and I really needed it, so thank you to Larry & Glenda for taking care of the kids and giving us a very memorable evening.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Good news all around!
Sam slept for 5 1/2 hours Wednesday night. It was so wonderful. We so needed it. Here's to the hope we'll get a similar stretch tonight. Oh, Sam is now 11lbs. 2 oz. I had no clue he weighed quite that much.
As for Ella, she has gone three nights without her pacifier and luckily it hasn't been a battle. We didn't set out Tuesday night to take it away. It sort of just happened. She seemed to accept not having it and went down without a fight. Honestly, if she would have cried out for it, we would have given in. Surprisingly, she didn't cry and slept quite well. The next night, she asked for it, but we told her she did so great without it that she would be fine without it and her baby would keep her company. She again slept great and no tears. Tonight, she might have started going through withdrawal. She shed a few tears but I think she was overtired more than missing her pacifier. A few more days and I'll think I can say with certainty that she has kicked the habit.
Even better news is Ella is using the toilet more and more. She even used it on her own accord at a friend's house. I didn't ask if she needed to use it, she just walked in and did her #2 deed. I was blown away. A shopping trip for some "big girl panties" just might be in order.
As for Ella, she has gone three nights without her pacifier and luckily it hasn't been a battle. We didn't set out Tuesday night to take it away. It sort of just happened. She seemed to accept not having it and went down without a fight. Honestly, if she would have cried out for it, we would have given in. Surprisingly, she didn't cry and slept quite well. The next night, she asked for it, but we told her she did so great without it that she would be fine without it and her baby would keep her company. She again slept great and no tears. Tonight, she might have started going through withdrawal. She shed a few tears but I think she was overtired more than missing her pacifier. A few more days and I'll think I can say with certainty that she has kicked the habit.
Even better news is Ella is using the toilet more and more. She even used it on her own accord at a friend's house. I didn't ask if she needed to use it, she just walked in and did her #2 deed. I was blown away. A shopping trip for some "big girl panties" just might be in order.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Snip, Snip -- First Haircut
Ella experienced another first this past weekend -- her first haircut, well her bangs were trimmed.
To prepare her, we talked quite a bit about this new adventure. Oddly enough when we visited the library (her first trip -- she's already asking to go back), Ella picked a book about a boy going to get his haircut, so we read it multiple times before Saturday. When we arrived at the salon, she was quite curious and eagerly began exploring. We had to rein her in a bit.
Mike needed a haircut as well, so he went first and Ella gladly sat on his lap. The stylist put a smock on Ella and as she was cutting Mike's hair, she explained what she was doing. When it was Ella's turn, she was fairly cooperative. Ella squirmed a little, but the stylist said she was used to working with a moving target.
When the trim was complete, the stylist presented us with a certificate commemorating this monumental event. It even included a clipping of her hair. My baby girl is growing up so fast.
To prepare her, we talked quite a bit about this new adventure. Oddly enough when we visited the library (her first trip -- she's already asking to go back), Ella picked a book about a boy going to get his haircut, so we read it multiple times before Saturday. When we arrived at the salon, she was quite curious and eagerly began exploring. We had to rein her in a bit.
Mike needed a haircut as well, so he went first and Ella gladly sat on his lap. The stylist put a smock on Ella and as she was cutting Mike's hair, she explained what she was doing. When it was Ella's turn, she was fairly cooperative. Ella squirmed a little, but the stylist said she was used to working with a moving target.
When the trim was complete, the stylist presented us with a certificate commemorating this monumental event. It even included a clipping of her hair. My baby girl is growing up so fast.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Happy Birthday Mike
To my sweet and wonderful husband, happy birthday. Mike is 32 today. Please wish him a happy birthday. He is not having the best day, so he could use some well wishes to brighten his day.
To my sweetheart, thank you for being such an amazing partner and friend. Know that you have three people, who think the world of you, waiting for you at home to help you celebrate. We can't promise any grand celebration (would Edy's Grand Selections count? Oh wait, then it's about me not you. Ha!), but we do promise to shower you with lots of love, kisses and spit up.
I love you sweetheart and consider myself so blessed to call you my husband and the father of my children. Here's hoping your day gets better. Love you!
To my sweetheart, thank you for being such an amazing partner and friend. Know that you have three people, who think the world of you, waiting for you at home to help you celebrate. We can't promise any grand celebration (would Edy's Grand Selections count? Oh wait, then it's about me not you. Ha!), but we do promise to shower you with lots of love, kisses and spit up.
I love you sweetheart and consider myself so blessed to call you my husband and the father of my children. Here's hoping your day gets better. Love you!
Friday, May 09, 2008
Potty News
Big Ella news: She used the potty twice this week. I know hearing the latest bathroom adventures in our house really adds to your day, but Mike and I are so proud of the little girl. We made quite the big stink when we heard the tinkle, cheering, giving high fives and big hugs. We made sure she knew what a big accomplishment it was. I ask her regularly if she wants to sit on the potty, sometimes it's yes and sometimes it's no. We aren't pushing it. We figure when she's ready it will happen rather quickly, but we are certainly steering her in that direction.
Well, hands need washed, teeth need brushed and one kid needs feed.
Our big weekend adventure: Ella's first haircut (possibly). Stay tuned.
Well, hands need washed, teeth need brushed and one kid needs feed.
Our big weekend adventure: Ella's first haircut (possibly). Stay tuned.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Sleeping Beauty
Can you spot what's wrong in this picture? You may have to look closely. No, it's not the sleeping child who has her faced buried in a book. I will say it again -- the girl loves her books. Look at her pants. Yes, that's right. The pull-up is on OVER the pants, and no, I did not dress her that way. I'm sleep deprived, but lucid enough to realize the pull-up goes on first.
What is so crazy about this scene is I had found her earlier, when she was suppose to be napping, dressed in the same manner with her pull-up on over her pants. I helped her fix the ordering issue, and we talked that the pull-up always goes on first. It's safe to assume that fact didn't stick. She changed herself again because she was dirty. Ella lovingly placed the dirty pull-up right inside the door. She certainly didn't want me to miss it. In the grand scheme of things, I'm thankful she at least got a pull-up on. I can deal with one pair of soiled pants so much easier than the entire bedding set. Oh, how I love my independent little girl and the comic relief she provides.
What is so crazy about this scene is I had found her earlier, when she was suppose to be napping, dressed in the same manner with her pull-up on over her pants. I helped her fix the ordering issue, and we talked that the pull-up always goes on first. It's safe to assume that fact didn't stick. She changed herself again because she was dirty. Ella lovingly placed the dirty pull-up right inside the door. She certainly didn't want me to miss it. In the grand scheme of things, I'm thankful she at least got a pull-up on. I can deal with one pair of soiled pants so much easier than the entire bedding set. Oh, how I love my independent little girl and the comic relief she provides.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Don't Take the Boy
Another weekend brought another round of visitors, and that's fine by me. I have really enjoyed and appreciated the extra set of hands and the time with our family and friends. Last weekend, my cousin Rachel and oldest brother Scott were down -- oh, how I adore Rachel (who is the closest thing to a little sister I'll ever have, but I'll save you from that love fest). This Saturday, my youngest brother Justin and my sister-in-law Brandi came in for the day. I hated saying goodbye to them, and having my family in town always sparks a discussion about moving to Omaha. Rachel attending UNO next year certainly sweetens the deal, but how we do love KC. I joke that I could only move if I could take a few KC things (namely people) with me.
One sweet moment to share from Scott and Rachel's weekend happened as we were saying our goodbyes. My brother asked Ella is she would like to go with them. She politely turned down the offer. He then asked if they could take Sam. A wave of sadness washed over Ella's sweet face and then her bottom lip puckered out before the tears fell. She cried, "Mommy no, Sam stays." We reassured her that Sam was indeed staying with us. I'm not sure she quite believed us until Rachel and Scott were safely pulling out of the driveway. I'm thankful given the option she didn't try to banish him away. It gives me hope she doesn't feel entirely neglected by her parents.
I have some sweet pictures to post of the little man. I hope to do that before the end of the day, but I make no promises. His birth announcement still isn't finished, ugh....
Sam is asleep in the swing, Ella is in her room avoiding nap time by reading her entire collection of books, Mike is outside working and I should be doing more thank you notes, but instead I'm blogging. (Sorry, if you're waiting on a thank you note from me -- I promise it's coming.) With Ella being home three days a week, I'm not sure how much time I will have to blog. Sadly, it's my only real hobby right now, so I hope to find time. However, if there are delays in posts, please understand why.
One sweet moment to share from Scott and Rachel's weekend happened as we were saying our goodbyes. My brother asked Ella is she would like to go with them. She politely turned down the offer. He then asked if they could take Sam. A wave of sadness washed over Ella's sweet face and then her bottom lip puckered out before the tears fell. She cried, "Mommy no, Sam stays." We reassured her that Sam was indeed staying with us. I'm not sure she quite believed us until Rachel and Scott were safely pulling out of the driveway. I'm thankful given the option she didn't try to banish him away. It gives me hope she doesn't feel entirely neglected by her parents.
I have some sweet pictures to post of the little man. I hope to do that before the end of the day, but I make no promises. His birth announcement still isn't finished, ugh....
Sam is asleep in the swing, Ella is in her room avoiding nap time by reading her entire collection of books, Mike is outside working and I should be doing more thank you notes, but instead I'm blogging. (Sorry, if you're waiting on a thank you note from me -- I promise it's coming.) With Ella being home three days a week, I'm not sure how much time I will have to blog. Sadly, it's my only real hobby right now, so I hope to find time. However, if there are delays in posts, please understand why.
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