This week I went to FL alone for a conference for work. I knew it would be hard to get away, but it was also a good time to do it with Hazel here. I was so ready to come home. I miss the kids so much!
As I was getting closer to home, I was so ready, I was clapping! I didn't bother with my bags, but ran in to get Ellie. I snuggled her from the couch. I was so happy to see her!
She had a hard time me sweeping in. I know she doesn't understand why I was away. I am sorry little bean, I wish I could always be with you!
After spending a long time with ELlie, I also had to sneak in and get Max up to hold him. He was a little confused, but just snuggled into me. I held him, kissed him and sung to him. I put him back after a few minutes, but he wanted a little more mommy time. I love my boy. I am anxious to see how he will relate to me in the morning!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Off for my business trip
Having to leave for a week wasn't easy. Luckily Ellie was off to spend the night with Gramma right before I left. That made our goodbye a bit easier and more exciting. She had a blast at Gramma's too. She stayed up late and caught her very first firefly!
I knew I could talk with Ellie, so that made it a bit easier to plan for as well. However, saying bye to Max made me feel so sad. I just didn't know how I was going to be apart from my baby at this young age for 5 days. I felt like I needed to take him with me, and nearly did. I carried him out to the car with me and gave him loads of snuggles. David took a few photos of us before I left.
At first Max was pretty solom, echoing my feelings.
Finally, David was able to get him to smile.
I pulled out of the court with a few tears in my eyes as I watched Max and David wave bye. I know my little boy was a bit confused becuase Mommy goes on errands all the time and there has never been a good bye from the driveway!
I can't wait to return little Max!
I knew I could talk with Ellie, so that made it a bit easier to plan for as well. However, saying bye to Max made me feel so sad. I just didn't know how I was going to be apart from my baby at this young age for 5 days. I felt like I needed to take him with me, and nearly did. I carried him out to the car with me and gave him loads of snuggles. David took a few photos of us before I left.
At first Max was pretty solom, echoing my feelings.
Finally, David was able to get him to smile.
I pulled out of the court with a few tears in my eyes as I watched Max and David wave bye. I know my little boy was a bit confused becuase Mommy goes on errands all the time and there has never been a good bye from the driveway!
I can't wait to return little Max!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Family Time
The night before I left for my trip, we had a family cookout on the deck and then played with some of Max's new toys - mainly, the bubble machine.
It was a relaxing evening (minus the masquitos) and the bubble machine was surely a hit.
It was a relaxing evening (minus the masquitos) and the bubble machine was surely a hit.
Family Cookout
Tonight we decided to relax and let the kids play with some of their new toys. They were both excited to be outside on the deck and to play in the new yard area we have created.
We had a picnic outside - just some simple food. We have the fans now which are a great help keeping the bugs away. Max thought it was pretty cool, but just kept eating like normal. Ellie enjoyed her sandwich and some conversation.
After dinner we opened the sandbox to let them play. Max wasn't interested at all, which was suprising. Instead he wanted to play with the balls on the empty water table and crawl around on the deck (I cringe with every crawl about how that must feel on his knees, but he is one tough cookie.)
Ellie enjoyed the sand, the bikes, the push cars and just being around us all.
We even tried out the new bubbles machine outside. It took only about 10 minutes for a whole thing of bubbles to dissapear. Both kids were midly amused. Ellie did a nice job running back and forth in them. Max was a bit confused and having a hard time doing much about these interesting bubles, as he's still trying to get this walking thing down.
They each played outside until their baths. It was a relaxing evening. I leave tomorrow for my week long training trip. I will miss them and am glad to have had a chance to relax this evening with them.
We had a picnic outside - just some simple food. We have the fans now which are a great help keeping the bugs away. Max thought it was pretty cool, but just kept eating like normal. Ellie enjoyed her sandwich and some conversation.
After dinner we opened the sandbox to let them play. Max wasn't interested at all, which was suprising. Instead he wanted to play with the balls on the empty water table and crawl around on the deck (I cringe with every crawl about how that must feel on his knees, but he is one tough cookie.)
Ellie enjoyed the sand, the bikes, the push cars and just being around us all.
We even tried out the new bubbles machine outside. It took only about 10 minutes for a whole thing of bubbles to dissapear. Both kids were midly amused. Ellie did a nice job running back and forth in them. Max was a bit confused and having a hard time doing much about these interesting bubles, as he's still trying to get this walking thing down.
They each played outside until their baths. It was a relaxing evening. I leave tomorrow for my week long training trip. I will miss them and am glad to have had a chance to relax this evening with them.
kisses
I was putting Ellie to bed tonight. We had finished prayers and songs and were on to kisses. She gave me my normal kisses and then kisses my nose, then was kissing around my face and said, "I am trying to kiss your chin."
So I let her kiss my chin.
Then she proceeded to kiss my ears - each - twice, then my head. She was so cute and maticulous about it, looking at me and smiling with each little good night kiss.
She's a sweat little girl my Ellie Bean!
So I let her kiss my chin.
Then she proceeded to kiss my ears - each - twice, then my head. She was so cute and maticulous about it, looking at me and smiling with each little good night kiss.
She's a sweat little girl my Ellie Bean!
Friday, June 24, 2011
The perfect summer evening
Tonight Ellie and I went up to The Holtzople's in Gettysburg for swimming and an ice cream social. Daddy stayed home with Max, becuase it was quite a late start time. Plus, Ellie and I need some Mommy time in preparation for my week away.
We were the first to arrive, so Ellie had some special time with her cousins - swinging and looking around. I enjoyed talking with Vicki, Jerred and Dad for a while.
There were about 20-30 people there - many kids and just a relaxing group. Ellie and I swam with the group for about 1 to 2 hours - hard to know as I lost track of time. Ellie is such a big girl in the pool. She even enjoyed jumping into the deep end while Shawn caught her. She had fun playing with the other girls and is showing no fear of the water. It was fun watching her play with confidence and enjoy the people and kids.
We had a nice bunch of junk food upon getting out of the water. It was very dark and it was a special treat for Ellie to be up this late. She was very interested to see her first fire flies. We tried to catch one, but couldn't. That's a goal for us this summer.
After ice cream she played on the swing set with the kids for another good 30-60 minutes before we finally headed back down the road at nearly 11pm. It was a late evening and she was such a big girl. She didn't fuss or complain and said it was her favorite thing - getting to swim at Aunt Vicki and Uncle Jerred's. She likes their pool.
She stayed awake the whole way home. We sang some songs and then listened to Gino's songs for a while. When we made it home, she even admired the stars and looked for the moon. She is growing into such a little girl. I can imagine lots of fun summer evenings ahead of us. I like being able to keep her up late and spend long periods of time doing grown up things with her. She really is such great company!
We were the first to arrive, so Ellie had some special time with her cousins - swinging and looking around. I enjoyed talking with Vicki, Jerred and Dad for a while.
There were about 20-30 people there - many kids and just a relaxing group. Ellie and I swam with the group for about 1 to 2 hours - hard to know as I lost track of time. Ellie is such a big girl in the pool. She even enjoyed jumping into the deep end while Shawn caught her. She had fun playing with the other girls and is showing no fear of the water. It was fun watching her play with confidence and enjoy the people and kids.
We had a nice bunch of junk food upon getting out of the water. It was very dark and it was a special treat for Ellie to be up this late. She was very interested to see her first fire flies. We tried to catch one, but couldn't. That's a goal for us this summer.
After ice cream she played on the swing set with the kids for another good 30-60 minutes before we finally headed back down the road at nearly 11pm. It was a late evening and she was such a big girl. She didn't fuss or complain and said it was her favorite thing - getting to swim at Aunt Vicki and Uncle Jerred's. She likes their pool.
She stayed awake the whole way home. We sang some songs and then listened to Gino's songs for a while. When we made it home, she even admired the stars and looked for the moon. She is growing into such a little girl. I can imagine lots of fun summer evenings ahead of us. I like being able to keep her up late and spend long periods of time doing grown up things with her. She really is such great company!
Such a big boy
Max continues to grow and gain confidence in his abilities to walk and get around. Millar says he has seen him take up to 7 steps. Personally, I've seen 2 or 3 at a time before he confidentally dives into my arms having allt he confidence in the world his mommy will catch him. He dives with a smile that is so precious and fullfilling!
He is enjoying his push toys alot too. He especially enjoys pushing the buttons and having a little dance to the tunes!
Here are a few other pictures I captured of my boy. I love his curls!
He is enjoying his push toys alot too. He especially enjoys pushing the buttons and having a little dance to the tunes!
Here are a few other pictures I captured of my boy. I love his curls!
Monday, June 20, 2011
preparing Ellie for my week long business trip
I've been dreading telling Ellie I will be away for a week. I know it will be hard, becuase when I was away for just one night a couple months ago, there were tears at bedtime. I knew I needed to tell her a few nights in advance, and not just when I was leaving. So, when I was putting her to bed (about 4 nights before leaving) I told her. The conversation went something like this:
Mommy, "Ellie, remember when Mommy had to go away overnight and Daddy put to you to bed?"
Ellie, "Yes. I cried."
Mommy, "Well, Mommy needs to go away again for a few nights this time to work."
Ellie, "I will come with you."
Mommy, "I wish you could honey, but I have to work. Who would watch you while I work?"
Ellie, looks me straight in the eyes and very seriously says, "You will Mommy." (As if I was asking the dumbest question ever.)
Mommy, "I wish that I could honey, but that will not work."
I proceeded to explain to her that she will have Grannie and Millar here this time as well, which will make it special. I also told her that Gramma wants her to spend the night with her one night too. So that will be something else special to look forward too.
After listening to all this and processing, she responds with, " That will be fun. I will have lots of people here with me - Max, Daddy, Grannie, Millar, Gramma and G."
To this I laughed and explained they won't all be here, but she will have fun.
Mommy, "Ellie, remember when Mommy had to go away overnight and Daddy put to you to bed?"
Ellie, "Yes. I cried."
Mommy, "Well, Mommy needs to go away again for a few nights this time to work."
Ellie, "I will come with you."
Mommy, "I wish you could honey, but I have to work. Who would watch you while I work?"
Ellie, looks me straight in the eyes and very seriously says, "You will Mommy." (As if I was asking the dumbest question ever.)
Mommy, "I wish that I could honey, but that will not work."
I proceeded to explain to her that she will have Grannie and Millar here this time as well, which will make it special. I also told her that Gramma wants her to spend the night with her one night too. So that will be something else special to look forward too.
After listening to all this and processing, she responds with, " That will be fun. I will have lots of people here with me - Max, Daddy, Grannie, Millar, Gramma and G."
To this I laughed and explained they won't all be here, but she will have fun.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Father's Day
Today is father's day. We had our first Father's Day family picnic at the Holtzople's farm in Gettysburg today.
David got a nice outside fan and some chocolates and cards for Father's day. I also made him a nice big breakfast, which he had to share with Millar... and eat without his coffee (another story :-). )
The party was nice. Jerred and Vicki bought crabs. The immediate family was all present and accounted for, which was nice. The kids all really ahd a nice time. Only about 3 or 4 of them really need naps these days, so it'S getting a little easier to do these daytime things.
I'm not sure how much Max enjoyed the day, but Ellie sure did. SHe was in the pool swimming for a good 2-3 hours straight. I wouldn't be suprised if she was nearly a prune when she finally got out becuase she needed to use the potty! Good job to my girl for not considering the pool a potty!
Max did brave the pool. This was a great thing, since the first time I tried a few weeks ago resulted in pure screaming. I think it was becuase I was much more gentle this time around and slow about how we got in the water. I held him for a good 30 minutes while we splashed and bounced and played and just got used to the cold temperature. My boy definitely does not like the cold (unlike his sister).
He even eventually enjoyed being moved around in the little crabby floaty.
It was a great family weekend!
Cousins having fun! THey were like ping pong balls trying to get them together for a photo.
Ellie practiced her jumping and got very brave with Daddy's help. What a great daddy!
In his patriotic swim suit, compliments of Will, and ready to go!
Warmed up and having fun!
David got a nice outside fan and some chocolates and cards for Father's day. I also made him a nice big breakfast, which he had to share with Millar... and eat without his coffee (another story :-). )
The party was nice. Jerred and Vicki bought crabs. The immediate family was all present and accounted for, which was nice. The kids all really ahd a nice time. Only about 3 or 4 of them really need naps these days, so it'S getting a little easier to do these daytime things.
I'm not sure how much Max enjoyed the day, but Ellie sure did. SHe was in the pool swimming for a good 2-3 hours straight. I wouldn't be suprised if she was nearly a prune when she finally got out becuase she needed to use the potty! Good job to my girl for not considering the pool a potty!
Max did brave the pool. This was a great thing, since the first time I tried a few weeks ago resulted in pure screaming. I think it was becuase I was much more gentle this time around and slow about how we got in the water. I held him for a good 30 minutes while we splashed and bounced and played and just got used to the cold temperature. My boy definitely does not like the cold (unlike his sister).
He even eventually enjoyed being moved around in the little crabby floaty.
It was a great family weekend!
Proud Mommy Moment
We had the bright idea of letting the kids play in the new sandbox during the party. This resulted in a lot of sand getting drug into the house. ALthough I was having a hard time dealing with it, I was trying to look beyond it.
Apparently Grannie found Ellie is dispare looking down at the floor with disgust. When asked what was wrong, Ellie's reply, "I really hate the floor like this." (Referrencing the sand piles everywhere.)
Hazel said she looked just like me... ha ha.
Apparently Grannie found Ellie is dispare looking down at the floor with disgust. When asked what was wrong, Ellie's reply, "I really hate the floor like this." (Referrencing the sand piles everywhere.)
Hazel said she looked just like me... ha ha.
Max's first birthday party
Saturday was a busy day. We had everyone over at 4pm for a cookout to celebrate Max's big day. It was a lot of work getting the outdoors ready for our first outdoors party here in New Market too. It was worth it though.
The guest list was just perfect - Mom &, Dad, Holtzople, Latimers, Perrottas, Great Grandpa, Great Uncle David, Grannie and Millar, our friends the Thompson's and us of course.
Me and my baby boy!
Max with Mommy and Daddy before his party!
Max with both Grannie and Gramma at his party!
Max didn't get all the sleep we would've hoped for, but he was a trooper even though he was yawning before dinner was served.
He enjoyed playing with his aunts and cousins before dinner.
Max and Aunt Vicki playing.
Dinner done, waiting for cake!
He enjoyed talking with Laura and Vince during Dinner.
After dinner I opened his presents, becuase he was NOT at all interested.
We then did the cake, which also wasn't near as interesting as it was for him on his real birthday. He did enjoy eating most of it though.
After that, he played for a few moments before Aunt Katie and Gramma took him upstairs for his birthday bath and to prepare for bed. Mommy went up with a bottle at 7:15 and he was asleep in his crib before most people left. He slept the whole night through. He sure was tired from all the excitement!
(Photos to come when I can collect them from people, as my camera battery was found dead during the party... slack mamma)
Ellie had a lot of fun at the party too. In fact, we think everyone did.
The guest list was just perfect - Mom &, Dad, Holtzople, Latimers, Perrottas, Great Grandpa, Great Uncle David, Grannie and Millar, our friends the Thompson's and us of course.
Max didn't get all the sleep we would've hoped for, but he was a trooper even though he was yawning before dinner was served.
He enjoyed playing with his aunts and cousins before dinner.
He enjoyed talking with Laura and Vince during Dinner.
After dinner I opened his presents, becuase he was NOT at all interested.
We then did the cake, which also wasn't near as interesting as it was for him on his real birthday. He did enjoy eating most of it though.
After that, he played for a few moments before Aunt Katie and Gramma took him upstairs for his birthday bath and to prepare for bed. Mommy went up with a bottle at 7:15 and he was asleep in his crib before most people left. He slept the whole night through. He sure was tired from all the excitement!
(Photos to come when I can collect them from people, as my camera battery was found dead during the party... slack mamma)
Ellie had a lot of fun at the party too. In fact, we think everyone did.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Fun on the deck with Max's new water table
Getting ready for Max's birthday party was a lot of fun for Max and Ellie. Once daddy and millar got everything set up on the deck for the kids to play with, they got to be the first to try it all out.
They had a blast!
And ended up filthy! They were so wet and dirty, we had their lunch outside for them before baths and a nap to get ready for the party.
They had a blast!
And ended up filthy! They were so wet and dirty, we had their lunch outside for them before baths and a nap to get ready for the party.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Max's first birthday
Max woke me up a bit early today - 6:30 ish or so - ready to go for the day. True to form, I made him hang out in his crib until the magic 7am becuase I think getting up before that is just too early (sorry buddy).
I woke him up with his bottle and a happy birthday! He greeted me with a smile and his normal short but loving cuddles.
We sat down in the chair so he could enjoy his bottle. I sang him Happy Birthday! We had a nice time playing in his room, getting his bottle done and getting dressed. I ended up playing with him until his birth moment so that I could snap a few photos right at the 1 year mark. He wasn't really insterested in a photo session, but in what he could get into and play with in my room.
7:29am
I love this little profile shot of him concentrating. This profile was what I staired at in sonogram photos for about 5 months!
This is what Max looks like when I say no to him. It's something like, "Really? you think i'm going to stop. come make me then.."
He was greeted with Birthday welcomes from his sister, Grannie and Miller, then he had his normal breakfast of champions - banana and cereal.
While he slept, Ellie helped me make his birthday cake! She was a great helper and enjoyed making her brother's cake. She stirred it up and even volunteered to taste as we went along.
The goal of the morning was his one year checkup, which we accomplished. Dr. Clarence says she can not believe how well he's doing. She said she was really worried about him there for a while and is thrilled he is doing so great. He is a healthy, happy, cute, big (85%) little boy growing well. He charms them easily and makes his mommy smile. Even in the doctors office he was good company and kept me on my toes too. He did have to get two shots, which he wasn't pleased with. However, this is all said and done now.
Lunch went smoothly and although he was tired, he tried desperately to avoid the afternoon nap. He finally fell asleep for an hour.
We waited for Daddy to come home before officially starting the party. Max got a bunch of big presents, so we set the up in the basement and I wrapped some paper around them, with Ellie's help. When we finally went down to let Max open them, he wasn't at all interested in the presents, but instead playing with the big red ball and the slide. So, we gave up and just let him play for a while before eventually showing him each of his big presents in turn.
Mommy's little boy!
Grannie and Millar made it just in time for Max's birthday.
He got a very cool bike from Mommy, Daddy and Ellie that converts in stages. He had some rides in this and smiled. We think this will be a winner over the coming years.
He got a very fun and enticing water table from Grampa, which Ellie is also most interested in trying.
Finally, he got an awesome huge sandbox and toys from Grannie and Millar. This was fun to sit in even without the sand for both of them.
Ellie's going to get to enjoy most of Max's presents too.
For dinner we ordered some pizza in, becuase it's about Max's favorite big boy food. While we were waiting on the pizza he opened some fun presents from Uncle Tim and Aunt Julie. He finally got a toy that is meant for banging, which is was REALLY excited about, along with a few cute outfits!
At first Max rejected the pizza, but once he finally tried it, it was woofed down in minutes. We were quickly onto the cake, which was another adventure for Max. It only took him about a minute to figure out this was delicious and he should devour it, which he in turn did!
What a happy mess!
He even tried licking his fingers clean when it was all said and done. Obviously, that was impossible with this mess.
After an attempt to clean up, we wrapped the fun up with a little outside bike riding for the kids, which was cut short by an evening storm. It was still a nice time. I look forward to many more evenings of them getting to ride their new bikes together (ellie's being from this past Christmas)
Max was really tired at the end of the day. I tried to have a bubble bath with him, but there was really mild success in enjoying that. He was finally getting into it a little, when he tried eating the bubbles - which of course tasted horrible. That was the end. He was so tired and couldn't recover from it. From that point it was to bed as quick as possible.
I rocked him to sleep in my arms. I sang songs to my little one year old thinking about where we were this time last year. He's so big, so much fun, full of so many laughs! He has changed so much in 1 year. I'm so excited to watch him grow.
I ended up resting with Max in the chair for about half an hour, just enjoying some cuddles and love to end a lovely birthday. Happy Birthday big boy !
PS. At about 10 pm Max woke up and for about 15 minutes has been up in his crib trying to get someone to come play with him. THis has never happened before. I can only guess that the chocolate icing had too much caffeine and now he can not sleep. Opps! Night Night Maximillian!
I woke him up with his bottle and a happy birthday! He greeted me with a smile and his normal short but loving cuddles.
We sat down in the chair so he could enjoy his bottle. I sang him Happy Birthday! We had a nice time playing in his room, getting his bottle done and getting dressed. I ended up playing with him until his birth moment so that I could snap a few photos right at the 1 year mark. He wasn't really insterested in a photo session, but in what he could get into and play with in my room.
He was greeted with Birthday welcomes from his sister, Grannie and Miller, then he had his normal breakfast of champions - banana and cereal.
While he slept, Ellie helped me make his birthday cake! She was a great helper and enjoyed making her brother's cake. She stirred it up and even volunteered to taste as we went along.
The goal of the morning was his one year checkup, which we accomplished. Dr. Clarence says she can not believe how well he's doing. She said she was really worried about him there for a while and is thrilled he is doing so great. He is a healthy, happy, cute, big (85%) little boy growing well. He charms them easily and makes his mommy smile. Even in the doctors office he was good company and kept me on my toes too. He did have to get two shots, which he wasn't pleased with. However, this is all said and done now.
Lunch went smoothly and although he was tired, he tried desperately to avoid the afternoon nap. He finally fell asleep for an hour.
We waited for Daddy to come home before officially starting the party. Max got a bunch of big presents, so we set the up in the basement and I wrapped some paper around them, with Ellie's help. When we finally went down to let Max open them, he wasn't at all interested in the presents, but instead playing with the big red ball and the slide. So, we gave up and just let him play for a while before eventually showing him each of his big presents in turn.
He got a very cool bike from Mommy, Daddy and Ellie that converts in stages. He had some rides in this and smiled. We think this will be a winner over the coming years.
He got a very fun and enticing water table from Grampa, which Ellie is also most interested in trying.
Finally, he got an awesome huge sandbox and toys from Grannie and Millar. This was fun to sit in even without the sand for both of them.
For dinner we ordered some pizza in, becuase it's about Max's favorite big boy food. While we were waiting on the pizza he opened some fun presents from Uncle Tim and Aunt Julie. He finally got a toy that is meant for banging, which is was REALLY excited about, along with a few cute outfits!
At first Max rejected the pizza, but once he finally tried it, it was woofed down in minutes. We were quickly onto the cake, which was another adventure for Max. It only took him about a minute to figure out this was delicious and he should devour it, which he in turn did!
He even tried licking his fingers clean when it was all said and done. Obviously, that was impossible with this mess.
After an attempt to clean up, we wrapped the fun up with a little outside bike riding for the kids, which was cut short by an evening storm. It was still a nice time. I look forward to many more evenings of them getting to ride their new bikes together (ellie's being from this past Christmas)
Max was really tired at the end of the day. I tried to have a bubble bath with him, but there was really mild success in enjoying that. He was finally getting into it a little, when he tried eating the bubbles - which of course tasted horrible. That was the end. He was so tired and couldn't recover from it. From that point it was to bed as quick as possible.
I rocked him to sleep in my arms. I sang songs to my little one year old thinking about where we were this time last year. He's so big, so much fun, full of so many laughs! He has changed so much in 1 year. I'm so excited to watch him grow.
I ended up resting with Max in the chair for about half an hour, just enjoying some cuddles and love to end a lovely birthday. Happy Birthday big boy !
PS. At about 10 pm Max woke up and for about 15 minutes has been up in his crib trying to get someone to come play with him. THis has never happened before. I can only guess that the chocolate icing had too much caffeine and now he can not sleep. Opps! Night Night Maximillian!
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