Growing up the younger child

Ellie would've never gotten to ride on one of these at the mall when she was one. I shielded her from such things for as long as possible. However, when your big sister does it, of course a one year old needs to try too.

Max really enjoyed his first mall ride in a rocket! (Compliments of Grannie of course)

Greetings

While Grannie and Millar have been here taking care of the kids, one of the best things is coming in after work to the greetings Max has been delivering recently. He gets so excited when he hears me or sees me. He requires me to go to him and hold him immediately. It's so exciting the way he squeals and the smiles he gives me. If Grannie is holding him he reaches for me so much - it's nearly a dive.

Max's excitement has also sparked Ellie to give me a bit of a running hug and smile on most days too. It makes me feel good when I come home from the long days away from my kids.

Although I wish I was home with them instead of working, I am thankful for the "Mommy Party" when I arrive home.

Making up songs

Ellie has had a recent thing with making up some songs. Tonight she made up a song called Gramma and the Ocean. I said, I had no idea how that song went. She said that was okay, because she does. So after I sang her other songs, she proceeded to sing "Gramma is in the ocean, floating in the ocean" or something along those lines for about 2 minutes, and that was that.

She's a funny girl.

A nice summer evening

Tonight we decided to meet Katie and the kids at the park so we could all hang out and the kids could see Grannie and Millar before they leave. We took some pizza to the 144 park. When we arrived and Max saw the slide, he was so excited. He started grunting and jumping and making sounds towards it. He was clearly so excited!

We had fun having dinner at the park and watching the kids play. Max enjoyed his first time freedom at a park. He climbed; slid and just toddled around. All the kids enjoyed swinging especially having Millar push them.

They also liked playing in the sprinkler fountain. The girls looked so cute soaking up the rays of sun and sprinkles of water.

After a while, we decided to go visit Yo Bubble! I'm in love with this place and enjoyed taking the girls there and letting them have too many toppings on their yogurt!

My little pointer

Max has recently decided he really likes the game where you pick him up and let him point to something as he says "ba" or "pa." You are then expected to walk to the item and let him touch it and tell him about it.

He especially likes the Pussy Willows on the mantle right now.

It reminds me of a story my mom told me about when I was one. My Grandma used to walk around the house with me and let me point to things and say "what's that?" According to mom, I thought this was the best game in the world, and it became pretty time consuming!

Remembering to play

This afternoon Ellie slept late and I was done my work. It gave me about 15 minutes to just play with Max. He was in a physical mood. We were on the couch and he was just bouncing around like crazy. I was able to take a moment and just bounce him up and down and play with him. I felt a little like I used to be able to stop and play with Brant or Mikey. I wish I was able to set my mind in a state to do this more with my very own son. It's amazing to be there bouncing him about, making him laugh, laughing with him and just knowing that's my very own little boy that I get to keep in my heart forever as I watch him grow. I love playing with my children!

Ellie quote

I took Ellie to Target with me tonight to spend some time and help get the necessities we are very low on. She was such a big helper. We would pick something out, then she'd run to the end of the isle and put it in the cart and run back to me.

In the midst of this, near the end of the trip, she prounouces loudly, "Mommy, when we get home I'm going to fall in love with you forever!"

I just smile. So does the lady in the isle with us as she gives me a look.

Finishing the bathroom mural

During naptime Saturday I finally decided to add a few finishing touches to the painted mural I started in the kids bathroom. I had mentioned to Ellie my plans recently and she had begun questioning me on a regularly basis as to when I would complete the rainbow and her name.

During naptime, about 3 hours, I had fun playing with the colors I had. I added many touches including a pink cloud with Ellie's name written in purple to mark her towel holder, a boat in the ocean with Mommy, Daddy, Max and Ellie painted in it, a few more clouds, a kite, some birds, a blue airplane flying into a green cloud with Max's name painted on it to mark his towel, and the big anticipated (3 colors - purple, blue and green) rainbow, underneath of which became a light house in an ocean island.

David got Ellie up and brought her into the bathroom to see what I had done. I stopped to watch her face. She walked around the corner, raised her face with a smile and a big "aweeee" of appreciation, followed with a slew of compliments about what she liked and how pretty it was. She really did appreciate the colors and the paintings and even her name. Then after about 30 seconds she said, "When will you finish the rainbow Mommy?"

I laughed and asked what wasn't finished. (Becuase this had been a dilema for me which I had saught feedback from both David and Grannie who said the 3 colors were fine). Ellie's response, "You are missing Yellow, Red, Orange and Pink Mommy."

I could only laugh as I shared her concern all along!

I love my Ellie Bean and her ability to appreciate the things I try to do for her, as well as her honesty in calling out things similar to me. She surely makes me smile.

After I got Max up, I also brought him in to show him what I'd done. He too geniunely showed interested in the changes in the wall. We walked around with him pointing to things making sounds like he does when he's trying to talk - ooohhhhs and ahhhs. We talked about his plane too. I was glad he showed me some love and appreciation as well.

My kids are great! :-) and I know I'm partial. It was a really nice weekend though.

Visit to Glen Echo, MD

We finally took the trip to see Glen Echo Daddy has been planning. We b-lined for the Carosel, which was built in 1921. The place is very cute and you can see how this would be a happening place in the 19020's and 30's.

The kids enjoyed the outing, even though the weather was very hot. We had a nice family ride on the big propper carosel and Grannie took some photos for us. Thanks Grannie!

After playing around for about an hour, we headed to a nearby Irish restaurant for dinner. The kids did very well. Max sat at the table like a big boy. He was eyeing up Millar's dinner here. Ellie entertained herself with coloring, first on paper, then her cup!

What a great way to end the weekend!

Studying in church

Ellie and Mommy usually go to church each week. We have a little routine. Ellie is very good in church. Today, I looked over from the message, prayers and songs to just admire my little 3 year old sitting there like a big girl. She was flipping through the pages of the hymnal as if quickly absorbing all the information. I can only imagine that 10 years from now this will be a very different site.

Max's first kiss

Today as we were leaving for church, David carried Max over so I could say good bye. I usually kiss him and walk away. Today, I looked in his eyes and smiled. I asked him if he would give Mommy a kiss. For the first time, he leaned towards me with his wet slobbery lips and pushed them on my face. It was adorable! I was so excited, I had him give me another one.

I told Ellie, your borther just gave me my first kiss. Her response was something like, how sweet and as she continued towards the front door.

This little moment brought a bit of tears to my eyes :-)

Max is climbing now

Tonight after dinner I insisted on a walk around the neighborhood with only a stop at the small park. I really wasn't even expecting to get Max out of the stroller, however, he clearly had a different idea. When I parked his stroller he began his jabbering which sounds and intonates as he's trying to talk. He was pointing to the swingset and slide. So I went ahead and got him out.

I tried to let him swing in the tire swing with Ellie, but he surely wasn't interested and nearly slid himself through the center onto the ground to get free. He had his eyes on something else. I gave in and let him try to climb. I didn't think he could, but boy was I wrong. The only help he needed to get up to the top was for someone to assure the middle of his foot found the center of the crossbar. He headed to the top and boy was he proud when he got there.



Ellie enjoyed swining like a big girl for the whole time!

I can not believe my little boy is so mobile and looking so big. Time flies. I can't remember life without him, but I also can remember where the last year of my life went either. I try to stop and look at him as he walks and plays. He's so busy all the time, it makes the time feel like it's flying by even quicker with Max's bundle of energy.

I love you Maximillian!

Taking Ellie to see Winnie the Pooh

Today when I woke Ellie from her nap and told her we were going to take her to see the Winnie the Pooh movie, she was so excited, she literally squealed with delight (and this is probably a first she's ever woken up like this before, usually she's quite moody to get up). She even laid on her back kicking her feet in the air until I suggested she get dressed. Of course that meant, she needed to wear a dress :-)

After dinner, Grannie, Ellie and Mommy set out to the movie theaters while the men cleaned and put Max to bed. Ellie was very excited when we told her they had seats left (it was opening night). We went in to get some treats and get our seats. We got good seats in the front row, sat down, began snacking and waiting for the movie to start.

While waiting, Ms. Sara's family walked in. Ellie was so delighted to see them. She even asked Mr. Jim if he wanted to sit with us. She really does love them all very much. She was tickled with Erin waiving to her from up high and kept wanting to look back to see her and her reactions throughout the movie. It's cute how much she looks up to Erin.

We enjoyed watching the previews as well. There was even a short skit about the LochNess Monster before the main feature started. We all enjoyed watching that. Ellie even let me cuddle her a bit for that portion.

Ellie must have eaten about half a bag of popcorn and half a box of chocolate candy. I eventually took it away from her. I'm not sure what happened to her self monitoring. We told her that her tummy looked like Pooh's in the movie - growing and gurgling.

The movie was cute. Ellie really laughed a lot at the physical comedy. She liked seeing the characters exactly as they are drawn in their books. When the movie briefly switched to a different drawing like format, she really wanted them "back to the way they are supposed to be."

In the end we all laughed when E-OR got his tale back and Pooh got his big jar of honey. It was a great movie to take Ellie too. I think it will be in our future again.

By the end of the movie Ellie was ready to move on. When we got outside we let her walk around the flowers a bit and get a little motion out.

After a few minutes, she was tired and ready to be carried to the car. I gave her a piggy back. We came home and got her bath, hair washed and in bed. It was a very fun girls night out!

Ellie Moment

A normal day in the life of Ellie consists of her riding this little train around the house probably 100 times. This morning when I came up from working in the basement for lunch, this is what greated me!

Notice the winter pink cap she insisted would make her cute in this new butterfly outfit consisting of her new purple wings compliments of Grannie!

Not so proud mommy moment

This evening after dinner Ellie had a new twist for one of her favorite games - role playing. Tonights game was Ellie is the Mommy and I am her baby. Ellie has to leave me home so she can go away for a long time on a business trip.

Some highlights from the game included the moments I was pretending to cry when she zoomed off on her train/bike smiling at my sadness. She would return and want to be greated with excitement and hugs to welcome her home.

After a few rounds of the game, she invited Grannie to play the Daddy. While they were "away on their next business trip" Ellie picked two stuffed animals off the shelf and asked Grannie - aka Daddy - to pay for the toys to bring home to the Babies...

This game went on for a good half hour until bedtime. I was a bit awestruck at home much she enjoyed this. I sure hope I have taught her something good about being a mommy - not just that mommies leave their crying babies at home.

Separation Anxiety, or is it just plain anger

Sometimes when I'm preparing Max for bed, it's easier for me to just leave him to play in his room while I escape to fetch his toothbrush. It's usually a total of 30-60 seconds, but to Max it seems a heart break. Within seconds of me leaving his room and shutting his door with him inside, the tears are flowing loud enough that when I get downstairs both Grannie and Daddy are asking me what happened. The heartbreak is so severe that 30 seconds of separation results in tears all the way through to finally getting his clean good night pacifier.

Grannie says it's a bit early for separation anxiety. I think it's quite possibly Max being mad that he is contained because he surely doesn't like being restricted in any way. Either way, these are surely the little things I am thankful babies do not remember.

A list of other things that Max despises today include - having his 8 little teeth brushed, having his nails clipped, often even having to sit still to get clothes on and most definitely being restrained into a chair to have his hair cut! Ellie and I try to help him understand that life is full of these little obligations and it's best to just get over them. I wonder how long it will take Max to learn this?

Putting Ellie to Sleep

Tonight David worked late, so I put Ellie to bed myself. It's always quite interesting to do because in these times where we spend this time together alone and talking, she always enlightens me about a few things in the world. Here are tonight's pearls of wisdom and one lines from Ellie.

1- When I was reading her one of her Fables from the big blue book, I reversed a word or something. Ellie stops and corrects me. I proceed on and it happens again. I am amazed because I don't really think she's read this story that often. I made a comment indicating she had some memory to set me straight on these few mix ups. She stopped, thought, and looked me, "Mommy, when you get the words wrong, I will stop and teach you the right things to say." She was quite serious about this too.

2- As we were finishing up prayers, we thanked God for all his great things in the world. I asked her what things she thinks God may like her to do to help take care of his world. Somehow that sent her mind to Heaven. Immediately the tears started flowing, "Mommy, but when I go to Heaven can I take Blankie Bear?!" Trying to avert a breakdown I quickly smiled and hugged her. My response was, "You are a silly girl because you are not going there for a long time. But if you want, you can surely take Blankie Bear when you go." Relieved a bit, she allowed me to begin her songs.

My Ellie girl is so sweat and very smart. She amazes me the way her mind works. Her ability to analyze things is going to surely give us both a run for our money.

Ellie's bumper sticker

Ellie's slogan may be a bit long for a bumper sticker, but David and I agree it goes something like this:

"Life's one big fairytale, I am a princess, and every day should be Christmas!"

Max's bumper sticker

Max is really into bouncing around and climbing right now. It's really his favorite thing to do. Last night when we were in an ice cream shop, and he couldn't help but crawl all over the seats and try to start on the table, I decided you can sum Max's desires in life up with a simple bumper sticker slogan:

Life is a jungle-gym; Climb It!

Max is a little walker and climber

Max has really taken to moving. He has recently decided that walking is going to be his first choice of transportation - unless it's absolutely necessary to go quickly of course, in which case he still reverts to his hands and knees.

I love to watch him walk towards me. He gets such a smile of pride and happiness on his face. The closer he gets to me, the bigger the smile on his face. Once he gets close enough, he usually just falls into my arms with excitement. However, today a few times, he managed to walk all the way over and give me a hug in his pride!

Although he would prefer to just start out running, he is doing a great job of really practicing his walking. Apparently while I was at work today he walked all the way from the kitchen windows into the living room windows. That's like 40 feet! He will be running in no time!

I'm pierced mommy

I was putting Ellie to bed tonight when she said, "mommy, I'm pierced."

I asked her to repeat herself, thinking I heard wrong. She said the same thing again.

I told her I didn't know what she meant and asked her to explain. She says, "you know, very thirsty."

I laughed and said, "Oh, you mean parched."

She's such a cutie. I love the way she remembers odd words and tries to reuse them. She's a smart little cookie.

Haircuts and drama

Both kids have needed haircuts for a while, but I have been putting it off, mostly because I was in love with Max’s little curls in a way I never thought would be. You see I have always been a fan of the buzz cut for boys and men alike. I decided that this afternoon was the time to make it happen.

Hazel, Ellie, Max and I set off to Columbia Mall around 3:30. Ellie had a good nap; Max had no nap at all.

Upon arrival we went straight to Cartoon Cuts. Ellie and Max were quick to be taken. Ellie had already asked that I hold her hand while Grannie held Max for his cut. Ellie was first and into the chair like a champ. (This was a big difference from her last cut.) The nice lady who cut her hair did a fabulous and quick job of it. She even called her princess, making Ellie very happy.

Max sat down on Grannie’s lap and immediately knew something was up and he was going to be asked to do something he didn’t want to do. He started fussing at first, then it turned disgruntle. He was quickly red faced, full of tears and breaking a sweat. He was a mess. I convinced Ellie she didn’t need to hold my hand and she agreed I could go to Max. She was very sweat. The lady with her even had to ask her not to worry about her brother and look ahead. As I tried calming him down without luck, he just got more upset. Even his pacifier didn’t help too much. We tried, but the fussing kept going. Grannie tried holding his head still (as is seen below):

About 15 long minutes later, it was over. We brushed Max off as best we could. He was sweaty, hot, red, and breathing very rapidly. I kissed him lots and so did Grannie. We paid, let Max’s stylist a big tip, and then we walked out. What an ordeal! Here are the after shots:

Grape Lollipop still on her lips! First lollipop she ever crunched down in 1 minute flat! I guess she wasn't taking a chance of Mommy saying wait till after dinner.


Poor little man thought both Mommy and Grannie had betrayed him!

The rest of the outing went okay. We got them each some new Keens – compliment of Grannie. Hopefully these are finally a pair of shoes he can wear about and will stay on his feet. He has some wide feet!

As soon as Max hit his car-seat for the ride home, he was asleep from pure exhaustion. My poor little cute baby boy!

When we got home and walked in the house David asked, “What did you do with Max?” Millar and David were both very impressed.

A visit from great friends

This weekend we had a long awaited visit from the Sturtz family. We all look forward to their visits; Ellie especially looks forward to having Sully over to spend the night. I think she planned a repeat of the last time because she had so much fun.

They arrived on Saturday just after naptime and the house buzzed with excitement. After a bit of an initial hide when they walked it, as is typical for Ellie when she really likes someone, Ellie didn’t take long to warm up. Everyone had fun catching up, playing, and having a nice big pasta dinner. Max even ate his first meatballs.

After dinner we took a walk to the playground to stretch and let the kids be kids. We had lots of fun at the little neighborhood park. On the way down, Ellie and Sully were riding on their dad’s shoulders as Tanya and I walked in front. Ellie decided to announce that Tanya looks very small. As is normal, Ellie can throw some one liners at us. We proceeded to tell a few stories about a few other one liners that, as Howdy put it, “from the mouth of babes” is always an honest observation. This age is so precious.

On the way back from the park Ellie lost a flower she had picked and was in desperate need for picking another. As we passed a mailbox I noticed something that at first I thought was a weed, so I allowed her to pick it. Just as I realized it was indeed a flower (which there was many others), everyone starts saying let’s go… Here comes Ellie having pulled half the plant out of the ground and very proud!

Once back at the house, it was 8pm and Max was done. I quickly ushered him to bed and served the kids some brownie sundaes. Millar and Hazel arrived home to have desert with us. Everyone was enjoying the night. We followed it up with another showing of Jungle Book. Ellie was excited to sit by Sully on the couch. Sully wasn’t so sure… I think the quote for the photo below was something along the lines of, “I’m not sure if I can trust her.” As he looked at her from across the couch and Ellie wanting to nearly cuddle him.

Sully on the other hand only wanted to get close when he wanted to talk with her and she was looking the other direction. He expects eye contact when speak, which I think is very cute.

We all got to bed just before 11pm, including Ellie. She was a tired little girl. We had a fun family night!

Conversation with Max

He's only one, and there are not many words that anyone understands, however Max is trying more and more to get his opinions across.

An example of this was happening this afternoon. I was on the phone with someone from work and allowing Max to play in the room. I started to get up to leave, he turned and yelled at me - as if to tell me to sit back down and stay with him. When I did this, he smiled with happiness and went on with his playing.

Then, as I continued to talk, he held a kids radio up in the air pointing it towards me and jabbering on about something. The tone in his voice was as if he was asking me to do something or offering it up as something for me to play with. When I didn't take the hint, he proceeded to toddle over to me carrying the radio. It required him walking about 2 feet. He persisted and it was so cute!

Finally, he really doesn't like noises, that is, the noises that don't come from him such as the dust buster or vacuum. So, when I was trying to clean up after dinner he made some very loud yelling at me from the other room, then followed up with his normal wince. Even the look on his face is one of disgust when this happens. It's quite funny really!

I love my big boy. It's hard to believe he's turning into such a little todler already!

Conversation with Ellie

This afternoon before nap Ellie was looking at the photos from when she was born. She usually asked me many of the same questions each time - including, "Why am I crying in this picture Mommy?"

I think she likes me to tell her the standard answer I have used for years, "Becuase you wanted Mommy to hold you."

Today I answered it slightly different and triggered a whole new conversation. My response, "Becuase you had just come out of Mommy's warm belly where you were peacefully floating around enjoying your ride when this big hand reached in to get you and bring you out into the world."

She looked at me a bit confused and then asked, "How did the doctor get me?"

Me, "He cut a little line in the bottom of Mommy's tummy so he could reach you."

Ellie, "Why?"

This conversation went on for a few minutes while we discussed that it was time for her to come out and live on the outside and that we were happy and excied to meet her. I reminded her that as soon as the doctor's put her with Mommy she stopped crying and we cuddeled. She smiled at that.

It's so interesting watching her little brain go. I'm sure there was more to the conversation that was adorable, but I just can't remember it at this time.

July 4th in Frederick

Today was a pretty laid back holiday. We decided to take the family into Frederick for the standard local evening. We had a late dinner on the canal at Five Guys. The place was packed, so we ate outside. Ellie was really enjoying herself, becuase I heard a phrase I rarely hear come out of her mouth, "Mommy, this is a really good dinner!" (Mommy's PBJ and some grilled cheese)

Max even tried some of my Cheeseburger and enjoyed it! Well done Max!

We then walked around Baker Park a bit and it was so busy with people. At one point it was a bit overwhelming for Max. After having some Rita's ice, we headed back to the parking garage where we meet up with the Latimers and the Conrad's to watch the fireworks.

Ellie enjoys meeting up with her cousins and Max really enjoyed seeing another little boy, Logan, who spoke his language. Logan is 16 months and greeted Max with something like, "Bah Bah Bah BAHHHHS!" Max just looked at him and smiled! It was amazing to him that someone else spoke his language. He followed then with his favor greeting - sticking his pointer finger out for a buzzzzzzz. At first Logan was a little confused, but quickly learned Max's language. It was very cute!

We were not sure that we were going to get to see fireworks as the rain started coming down pretty hard. But we must thank the city of Frederick for perserving, so that we didn't have to let a load of kids down!

Both Ellie and Max enjoyed the fireworks, even though we watched them from the cover of Aunt Katie's surburban. I was pretty impressed with Max not crying, as loud noises usually make him uncomfortable, and he's pretty vocal about it :-). I captured this photo of Max right after they started. He was definitely amazed at the color and the lights.

Mommy holding her boy!