Photo Session

I decided to use my day off to squeeze in Max's photos for his first birthday. I braved taking the kids myself since David doesn't really like photos, wasn't feeling great, and had lots of work to do in the house.

I was so proud of the kids. We had to wait for 45 minutes before we even got started, yet we still got some great shots for us!

He was having a little trouble standing on his own, but was having lots of fun trying!

Getting Max to stay put on that step was nearly impossible. I had to hook him arm inside the railing to catch him there for this photo!

Ellie takes the perfect photo when she wants to cooperate! I love this little yardsale find dress on her! It suits her perfectly.

Not loving my own self, but proud of my little kiddies and being there Mommy!

My little dream is turning one and I can't believe it!

She likes to strike a pose sometimes too. It's funny becuase she doesn't always understand what the photographer wants her to do, so it makes her arms get akward, but she kept a smile and this turned out quite cute.

Having some fun between shots!

After the photos, we had to wait another hour nearly to pick out the photos. I didn't have any tears the whole time. This was so amazing of both of them, especially considering it was naptime! Good job kids, you made me very proud!

Mikey's graduation gift

Today we were riding in the car and I asked Ellie " what do you think Mikey would like for a graduation gift?" Ellie's response, "He would like a rocking horse." (serious as can be.)

I ask why. She says, "becuase he can ride it and laugh!"

First Swim of the season

Today I took Ellie and Max to The Barthlows for a Memorial Day Party. David was sick, but I was determined to let them both go swimming. I thought for sure Max would love the big pool. I was wrong! He hated it. He wouldn't stop screaming in it, even when I was holding him. It made me sad. After about 5 minutes I let Gramma take him and he felt much better just sitting there cuddling her. I'm not sure why he wasn't interested. I am hoping for better luck next time.

Ellie on the other hand, enjoyed her swiming - as long as she was floating inside the crabby - our floating tube. She got in twice and had a nice time. I got to play some with her and Erika and Amy while Gramma had Max.

We had a nice evening. Max even got to experience his first crawling around on grass, much to his Mamma's dismay. It was good to see the family and enjoy an evening outdoors before the swelter of summer hits!

I'm a Wooomen....I'm a women

After nap I was running up and down stairs preparing laundry. On one of my trips down the stairs I hear Ellie singing to herself (and Max) "I'm a wooooomen... I'm a woooomen. yeah yeah yeah.... I'm a wooomen!"

I laughed... then looked down to see her dancing back and forth in the living room wearing a white summer hat and a hot pink purse - around her kneck! It was hallarious!

Not the clearest photo, but it's an action shot of her dance!

I just had to capture this outfit!

A walk through Sears can be a good time

Today we met my college friends at the mall for a couple hours to just chill out. Ellie had a nice time playing with the Spanos girls. I think this photo is cute and just had to share it as a moment of fun for us all. Just a walk through Sears can be a party when you are 3!

They played at the play area for a while, including some hide and seek. Then we all had a carosel ride - Ellie's favorite! It was a nice morning.

Summer is coming

This past week I have gotten into a good habit with the kids of going out for a nighttime walk around the neighborhood after dinner. I like when we do this. It's great for Max, becuase the hour between dinner and bath is hard for him. He's very tired and just basically wants to be held or go to bed, so the stroller is a great way for us to enjoy some more time together yet allow him to wide down and relax.

Most of the evenings Ellie has come with us too. There have been some times recently where getting her to go outside has been a challenge. I am not sure what this is all about, but we are trying to move through it. So to encourage Ellie enjoying the time outside too, most nights it involves a stop at the park. There are several to choose from in the neighborhood, which is great.

Here are a few pictures from one evening when the 3 of us went to the park:

I really like when we get some time to wind down after dinner before the bath routine. I miss having more playtime with the kids.

Max wants to dig in the dirt too!

The past few weeks have been an adventure in trying to rescape the yard to create a play area with grass. On Friday Max and I watched the final touches go in - which involved a lot of men moving around a lot of dirt. Max had fun watching from the window. I swear I nearly heard him saying Mom, I want to go out and help!

I wouldn't be suprised if the men heard him grunting and yelling at them through the window!

I am hoping this enables him to run and play and enjoy his backyard a bit more as a kid.

Cat food for breakfast

Wednesday morning I had to work from home with the kids becuase Mom has been sick. I have always managed to do this and feel nearly productive and not horribly neglectful. (Though sometimes, I don't get to play as much as either Ellie or I would like...)

We came downstairs and I locked the gates and left Max to play in the playroom for a few minutes (at most 2), then went to get on the computer. I realized it was really quiet. I went around the corner to look for Max to find him on his knees, one hand on the floor in front of the cat food, the other hand full of Lady Grey's food shoveling it into his mouth nearly smiling (as if he'd found his very own breakfast and was so proud.)

I freaked!

I sweep into action, pick him up, saying no and yuck over and over again (becuase I'm nearly so grosed out I want to run away) and instantly sweep his mouth of any bits I can find - which, there were several in there. He begins screaming bloody murder in anger ... as if I had nerve to take away his breakfast he had proudly found himself!

Although the mental image is still clear as day, i have no photo to add becuase I was so discusted I could not consider wasting the time that might enable him to actually eat the food. (Sorry David... who wanted a photo for Max's wedding day of him chowing down on cat food nuggets!)

Using the walker like a pro!

Max's motor skills are just growing at an amazing pace. He has taken a fascination to the little plastic push walkers we have upstairs. When he sees them, he just can't wait to get to them - he will fuss, fight, and have temper tantrums just dying to get to it to give it a whirl.

When he gets to it, he pulls himself up and starts pushing. He does a great job, until he hits an object. Then he fusses like crazy for me to come and turn him around so he can go back in another direction. It's adorable! He's doing so well not falling. His feet can nearly keep up with it when he's on the carpet. THe next test would be to bring one down on the hardwood. I may wait a few more days for that test!

I bet he'll be walking by his first birthday!

counting the "Mommy Days"

The big question from Ellie each morning and each night is, "Is today a Mommy Day?" When I respond yes, she is very happy. If I say no, she immediately wants to know how many more days she has to go before she gets to another Mommy Day.

This week, she has taken it a step further. Once we got to her first Mommy day, she was excited, but started counting down the number of Mommy days she had left. This morning it was, "Today is my last Mommy day, right?"

I want her to enjoy all her days. I know she has fun at Miss Sarah's. I find this geniounly flattering that she enjoys her Mommy days... though I sometimes wonder does she just enjoy the freedom of relaxing at home and taking it easy. I hope the days of Ellie wanting to spend time with me never end. SHe truly is great company and I enjoy our little conversations and her points of view on life. She likes to stop and enjoy the things us adults just pass by - like walking along the raised parts of the sidewalk to see if she can keep her balance. It's just so cute! I think we'd both be happier with more Mommy Days!

Pink Tools

David was working on the shelves in the living room again this afternoon. Ellie heard him making a noise, so she went in to see what he was doing. SHe asked David what the tool was that he was using to make the noise. David said, "It's a rasp."

Ellie immediate says, "When I am older, I will have a pink one of them."

David found this very funny becuase a rasp is not a common tool apparently, and I doubt she will find it in pink.

Fast forward an hour and Ellie sees David using a drill. She asks him what that is. He says, "it's a drill.

Ellie says, "When I am older, I will have a Pink Brill."

David corrects her, "Drill Ellie."

Ellie, "A pink Drink!"

LOL.... she loves her Daddy!

Ellie's first Sweet 15 birthday

Saturday night we went to Daddy's friend Julio's little girls sweet 15th birthday party. These things are apparently like mini weddings full of tradition in some cultures. His daughter was dressed out in a huge, fluffy, pink dress. There was a stage, dances, bridesmaids/court,etc.

As we watched Fiorella enter and the traditions ensued, Ellie was facinated. Her eyes were big. She loved her dress, the cake, the dancing! It was cute and a little scarey too - Ellie sure does love her dresses and being a princess!

We need to watch out, beucase I think she's going to want a "princess party" like we were calling it for her 4th bday.

Mamma

I have been waiting for Max to say the words Mamma with great anticipation for about 6 months now... (yes, perhaps that was a bit early). With the speach delays we have been focused to by the doctors, I think I anticipated it more with Max then I did with Ellie. Well, last week, I can't remember the first day or moment unfortunately, he started using the word. It was so exciting for me to hear him say that and look at me. When I pick him up, he will smile and sometimes lean his head and body into me! I love hims so much. As for the word Mamma, he's on a roll and he hasn't stopped!

I think Max's definition of the word Mamma is something along the lines of "object of my immediate wish." He will just go on and on "Mamma. Mamma. Mamma. Mamma. Mamma." until he gets what he wants. Sometimes, it's me. Other times, it's a toy. Sometimes a bottle or pacifier or even Daddy. It's quite cute.

Although he may overuse the word a bit these next few weeks, I still love it so much!

Cuddling on the couch with Owen

I showed up at Sara's today to pick Ellie up only to find her sitting on the couch snuggled next to Owen while he reads to her. She growled at me to go home so she could stay put.

As I talked to Sara for a while, then looked over, I found her lying in his lap!

Oh Ellie Bean....

The evaluation

Max hasn't been interested in doing much in the area of speech. So Dr. Clarence decided we should have him evaluated to make sure everything was okay. Today was the day.

Two nice ladies, Cathy and Gretchen, showed up at nap time to evaluate Max. He was in his usual good spirits. Considering it was nap time, I think he did fabulous. He didn't show them all his skills, but mostly. They were here for about an hour. He played with them and entertained their directions pretty well.

In the end, they said he is mostly operating at the level of a 10 month old in most areas. One or two may have been 9 months. They say this is perfectly normal for this range, which includes that for both boys and girls. IN the end, they said that it's very likely due to the fact he was pretty sick for a while and probably not hearing all that well, he is just a little delayed. They expect us to continue to whitness the huge jumps in skills we have seen in the past 2 weeks over the coming months, as long as we keep a monitor on his hearing!

YEAH Max! Mommy is so happy for you! Well done buddy!

Vacation is okay, as long as blanky can come too

Tonight while getting Ellie a bath I told her we would go to the beach this summer with Aunt Kaite, Erika, Amy, and Gramma. She started to get excited and then stopped with an important questions, "and we can bring blanky too?"

I assure her we can.

She thinks. Then expands upon then, "and we can put blanky in the bed with me."

Me, "sure Ellie. That will be fine."

Then responds with, "and she will just see her Mommy when we come back." (aka June Puppy). Root of this question is becuase when we went to Scotland I told her we could only bring blanky becuase we needed to minimize packing.

Me, "Ellie, you can even bring June Puppy too."

Ellie, full of smiles and excitement, lets out a squeal of excitement!

Qtips

Both my kids have always loved to have their ears cleaned out with Qtips. Tonight was really funny though.

I went to give Max's ears a little clean. He was in his PJs, with Paci in mouth, teeth brushed, relaxed and ready for bed. When I stuck that Qtip into his left ear and turned it, out popped the pacifier simultaneously with a look of pure joy and feel goodness all over his face. It was as if it felt so good, he couldn't do another thing in life... (This from the kid that always manages to keep his paci in his mouth when he sneezes!)

Nite Nite Ellie Bean

Every night before I get in bed I check on each kid. I usually check their heads to assure they are not too hot or cold. Then I give them a kiss. For Ellie, becuase she's now accessible in her big girl bed without a rail, I will kiss her head or head once sometime. I always tell her that I love her before I leave, even though she is sleeping.

Everyone once in a while she stirs and wakes enough that after I tell her "I love you my girl." She will repeat back, "I love to you."

Last night, I was tucking her in and she was still clutching her nightly tissue. As I helped her get situated with a missing blanky bear, I suggested she hand over the clutched and warn tissue for the trash. She did without any concern. I thought that was the end of it, as she was asleep. She looks up and says, "Mommy, I need a new tissue please."

I give her a tissue, she scrunches it up in her hand and roles back over to go back to sleep. Silly Ellie Bean.... a.k.a. Tissue Queen

Max is great company

Tonight since David had the living room torn apart, I took Max to run errands with me. We went to Walmart. He was such good company.

It was pouring down rain, and he got very wet. He never once winced, just smiled!

As we were walking through the store, he kept reaching back to touch me, and every time I would tickle his hand, he laughed. THis went on all the way through the store. He made other people smile at him and smiled at them. He charmed the check out girl too!

Then, after an hour in Walmart, we heading towards home. He was still smiling and dealing great with the rain, the car, and just going with the flow. I even stopped at the liquor store from some Magners. He smiled at the guys that helped me fine the Magners and laughed when we spun around in the store waiting for the guy to return with the Magners.

He is just such a wonderful little boy with a happy outlook on life. He is curious, and friently, and mommy's little boy! I love you Max!

Daddy, How are you going to take down the wall?

This morning we told Ellie Daddy was going to take down the wall in between the living room and dining room. Ellie was perplexed. He looked at this wall and looked at me and back at the wall. After a few moments she says, "But Daddy, how are you going to take down the wall?"

She even went to get blanky and hold him and have him watch.

We laughed and she repeated it. It was funny. I gave her a chair to sit in to watch the demolition begin. She watched for about 5-10 minutes, then said she was bored and wanted to go play. It was cute though.

Once it was all done and the new shelves were in, she was quite excited. Ellie BEan is full of curiousity! I love that about her.

Mischief

Max loves to be in the place I do not want - dirty places like under the table, in the trash, in the laundry room and even the bathroom! oh boy!

The crawling game

This weekend I was able to spend a lot of time just playing on the floor with the kids. I found a game Max loves! He tries to crawl away (which he is supper fast at right now) and I make a sound like I’m coming behind him on the floor. He then jumps, , stops abruptly, sits up, turns around and starts laughing loudly! Sometimes, he even starts coming back at me, head down awt my level and then tries to bang his head into mine, full of excitement of being chased and even more excited if we bang heads!

We did this for 10 minutes or so on Thursday night. He loved it! He laughed so hard. He had me laughing too… I love playing with the kids when we just start laughing at one another. Having kids is a great way to remember to enjoy the simple things in life – like smiling at one another, laughing with each other, and just being together!

Maple Teething biscuit, I don't think so

I've officially created a monster. At lunch, I gave Max half of an Oreo cookie. Fast forward to dinner, I gave him one of his Maple organic teething biscuits, which he usually enjoys for quite a long while. Then, I proceeded to sit down to eat my Oreos.

Max, sees said Oreos, throws biscuit on the floor and squeals for my cookies!

What do I do, well, first I tell him No, he has lost his dessert. Then he screams. So, bad mommy laughs and gives him his Oreo. Who can really blame him. I know well that no cookie beats an Oreo cookie. I guess Max already knows the secret to life at 10.5 months!

Note* Upon finishing the cookie, he looked down at my hands to see where I was hiding the rest. He's sitting here banging, asking for more.

Mommy, my bed is more comfortable

After daycare on Thursday night Ellie got sick very quickly. We ended up at the Dr. office at 7pm and she upchucked EVERYWHERE! we were both nearly naked by the end of the clean up. Luckily, the ladies there were all extremely nice. Even the janitor said to her as we left, " You are a pretty little girl, even when you are feeling so bad."

Friday I tried to work from home with Ellie. She still wasn't feeling well. At one point I had her lying on the couch watching a movie when she started crying. I asked her what was wrong. Her response, "My bed is more comfortable Mommy." So off to bed we went.

Poor little thing has been up and down this weekend. This morning she slept in very late, again telling me her bed is just more comfortable. I sure hope she's feeling better tomorrow for good! If only we could take away all of the sick in the world.

Mommy, I can't live with you anymore...

Tonight after dinner we were in the living room just playing. Ellie and I had a little make believe set up with blocks, cars and bridges. Max was there playing along as well. Ellie was in her normal evening wear - pink dress, crown and rings.

When David came in, she got up and said, "Daddy, dance with me at my wedding."

David danced with her. She proceeded to turn around and tell me in a very serious voice, "Mommy, I can't live with you anymore. I got married now."

David and I chuckled at the amusement in saying this, and I tried to play along. I said how sad I was. She responded with, "I will be back soon."

A few minutes later, she was asking me to dance with her at her wedding again! This is one little girl who has spent more time thinking about her wedding then her Mommy ever did!

As the evening progressed, we also played a bit of cinderella role playing. I was in the family room giving Max his bottle and Ellie comes in, craws up on the couch, gets under the blanket and tells me, "THe wicked queen is coming to get me. I must hide."

Daddy proceeds to play along. Finally, Max uncovers her and when I suggest the game is over, she says, "I must now be awakened by the kiss of my prince."

I asked, "Who's your prince?"

Ellie, "You Mommy!"

So, I kissed her awake, played along telling her how happy I was she was back with me!

Bedtime readings make Max laugh

We aren't quite coordinated enough to have joint story time very often, but tonight we were able to make it work out. David sat down to read to the kids together. The story of the night was Mr. Brown Can Moo.

Max's admiring the sounds David is making.

Max thought the sounds in this book, made by David, were hallarious! Max's laugh is so genuine and real, that you just want to see it again. So after David got a laugh, Ellie would repeat for another laugh. I even found myself getting in on the action. It was so much fun. We all had a blast just laughing, thanks to Max laughing. It was a nice moment.

Mother's day 2011 in New Market

We had a pretty typical Sunday on mother's day, which was generally what I wanted. Ellie asked me to wear a dress to church today, so I indulged her. She loves her dresses. Before we went, I asked for a few photos with the kids. I think they turned out pretty good.

The girls before church.

Max is preparing to head off for his morning nap.

I'm so thankful to be Ellie and Max's Mommy! It's the best job I've ever had and I only hope I do an alright job of it for them!

My left handed slugger

Tonight after about 5 minutes of trying out her big girl bike, which is extremely hard to learn to ride on a hill i might add, Ellie decided to give it up in favor of trying out her t-ball set for the season.

After a few tries as a righty, I turned her around to try as a lefty. She was amazing! I think we have a little slugger on our hands.

Batter Up!

That T sure can fly!

It's amazing when she actually gets hold of just the ball and not the tee too!

A grand display of public affection

Ellie and I went to breakfast before church this morning. We had a lovely breakfast and were sitting there talking when she dropped her stuffed friend "Seal." A nice lady stopped and picked it up for her and made a joke and went on to the restroom.

We were about to leave and Ellie says, "Mommy, I need to say goodbye to her first."

Me, "Who, Ellie?"

Ellie, "The lady." (meaning the lady that picked up seal)

Me, "Ok."

So, we stand by the bar and wait a few minutes for the lady to return.

As she walks up Ellie stands there in her pretty pink church dress, clutching seal, face with a big grin and arms open wide! The lady indulges Ellie and bends down and Ellie gives her a huge hug!

It was so cute. I'm not sure why she felt the need to return the care in that way, becuase I often can't get Ellie to look strangers in the eye or say Thank you. But she did. It was so cute. Several others in the restaraunt noticed the little bean's gesture and were quite impressed as well!

Celebrating Mother's day with the family

We decided we would take Mom out to dinner with all the grandkids tonight in Frederick. We started with a very hectic but tastey dinner at the Pretzel cafe place on Market we like to go. The kids are always happy to see one another and get a bit crazy. We ended up eating in shifts and after about 45 minutes, Aunt Katie said it was time for us to leave and head to the park.

Mom had a few extra hands to open her single Mother's Day Gift!

The crew walked the 3 blocks to Baker Park. The kids did a nice job holding hands and listening as we made our way. THey were so excited to see the playground. The kids played for about 30-40 minutes at the big park while Mom, Danny and Katie ate their dinner becuase they had arrived late and so did their food.

Trying out his new shoes

They attacked Baker Park with vengence!

Poney Tails in Motion: Amy and Ellie enjoyed a ride to space! :-)

Little kids enjoying the swings!

Ellie Bean having her first ice cream truck treat!

Ellie Bean enjoys ice cream at Baker Park!

Max enjoy's Mommy's ice cream!

Everyone had a great time. We even had a walk down to the other play area before heading back. The kids were all very good and I hope that we can do this again sometime.

Before heading back, Gramma took all the kids for a little swing! Ellie looks like she has something to say :-)

Ellie takes care of Max

On the way home from the mall tonight, I was allowing Ellie to watch Snow White in the car. Max was tired and started really crying. I had to concentrate on the road and just tried to comfort him through talking, but really had to leave him to it.

Suddendly I hear Ellie saying, "Max, I can't watch my movie like this."

Max, continues fussing, crying....

Ellie, "Max, I can't watch my movie like this."

Max, continues fussing... and this pattern continues for a few minutes while I am somewhat laughing to see if she is going to try a different approach.

Finally I said to her that telling him she can't watch her movie wasn't going to cut it, but if she tried to comfort him by making him laugh or talk to him or maybe sing to him, that may calm him down so she could hear her movie.

So, patient little Ellie Bean starts singing to him. First up is Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Instantly Max calms down. He loves to listen to Ellie - especially when she's trying to play or interact with him. Second was a very long rendition of Old McDonald.

It's funny becuase both these songs are ones that we sang to her a lot when she was little, but we don't really sing anymore. It's amazing how much she tries to copy the way we take care of her, in the way she tries to take care of Max. I was so proud of her for wanting to help her brother calm down!

Max's first haircut

Today the kids and I went to the Columbia mall after naps/work to get Max his first pair of shoes.

Of course, this also means a ride on the carousel, which I was wondering how I would do with both of them. Luckily Ellie was easily convinced that the "rocking sleigh" would also be fun to ride and she would ride on her favorite black hoursey next time.

After the ride, we got Max his first pair of shoes, which he was not impressed with. Unlike Ellie, who easily accepted her first pair of shoes and probably asked for more, Max fought back with several kicks, squeals and general unpleasantries. However, the kind man who has outfitted Ellie with many pairs of shoes persisted. Ellie also got a pair of cute summer sandels... the little shoe queen would've been devestated if we would have walked out without getting her something. They are cute and will be great for church too.

After the shoes we passed by cartoon cut to see if it was busy. Turns out it wasn't. I had mixed opinions about getting Max's hair cut already (before he turned one) but he was looking quite shaggy - although handsome as well (see photos from this afternoon below as I chased him around the kitchen)

I figured Max would try to get away, so I held him. Ellie sat in the chair next to us watching Dora the Explorer. Max was very good and patient, until she started cutting the hairs at the front of his face which tickled and didn't feel nice. All in all, he did fabulous and many of the women in the store commented on how good my little Max was being!

I think the haircut turned out great too! I asked to keep his little curls...

We even got a little certificate and a few locks of his little hair!

He was a tired boy when we finally sat down for dinner. He had a lot of firsts in a short period and was tuckered out.

The kids and I had a nice evening. I was proud of Ellie walking the whole night and not fussing to get into the stroller. They are finally at an age where I feel comfortable and confident going out with both of them. I'm looking forward to many more adventures with my kids to come!

Must add this cute picture of Ellie. She walked around the mall all night looking like this. The show guy gave her these stickers which immediately became tattos!