I'm amazed at how much Ellie thinks of Francisca. That little girl barely knows her; we've received only one letter from her and generally had very minimal interaction. But Ellie thinks of her often.
Today she walked in from Miss Sarah's and put a pile of pennies on the table and said, "Mommy, these are for Francisca." Then she walked away.
She's only been given pennies a few times in her life. Instead of asking to go shopping, she wanted to give her money to Francisca. I thought that was so sweet.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Memorial Day 2012
Today was a relaxing day. I love the extra days home. Although the days seem to fly by, i still cherish them. This morning I made pancakes, with the help of both Max and Ellie. Then we visited Laura and Vince's for a bit of a walk around the property and hanging out. Max was most impressed with the dog, Louie. I was able to get a couple cute photos. They were dressed for the outdoors to keep the bugs away. We got to see the pond. Ellie got to pet the Chicken, Gladys. We inspected the garden and looked for ripe blueberries. Ellie even enjoyed trying to get Mikey out of bed (ended up being a bit shy for it, but enjoyed watching Laura do it.) The kids do like going up there. It just takes them a little while to losen up and relax. They are always sad when we leave, especially Ellie. 
Sunday, May 27, 2012
First Swim of the season
Ellie was really excited for today because we had our first pool party of the summer at Aunt Vicki and Uncle Jerred's. Not only does Ellie love to go swimming, but she loves running around with the kids up there, and she was thrilled to show off her new swim suit! Ellie was brave; she jumped right in and only got out when we main her for dinner and the thunderstorm. She was running and jumping. She even had David catch her as she jumped in from the diving board a few times. She had a blast!
Max also enjoyed the water very much. Even though it was a bit cold, which I thought might slow him down, he was not deterred. He swam in a tube; he jumped from the side; he splashed and laughed. He too really enjoyed the afternoon at the pool party to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend! I love the long weekends and the extra time with the family.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
You're not cold yet
Tonight we took Ellie and Max with us to the local funeral home for George's Aunt Madeline. Ellie knew Miss Madeline when she was little and used to stay with Gramma. The kids were well behaved. Mostly they colored and tried out all the new couches. They were giving hugs and cuddles and laughs. They were hanging out with the older cousins. It all went well. There were many people who showed to pay respects to Miss Madeline.
All was going smoothly when we were saying goodbye to Mom. Ellie gave her a big hug and saw Miss Madeline's open casket behind her and asked what that was. I picked her up and showed her it was Miss Madeline's body and assured her that Miss Madeline's soul was in Heaven with God. She was a little quiet, and seemed to be okay with things. As we walked back over to the aunts and uncles she announces not once, but twice or three times, that she wants to touch Miss Madeline. I wasn't quite sure about that, so told her to ask Gramma. Gramma sort of said, okay and took her up and let her touch her hand. Ellie asked questions - why is she cold? We explained that when you die, your blood stops moving around your body and you get cold. After that, I walked away and left Gramma and Ellie to keep chatting.
They returned over to us all a few minutes later. Uncle Jerred took Ellie for a hug. Ellie gives him a hug and then looks him in the eyes and says very matter of factly, "You're not cold yet." Uncle Jerred replies, "I'm glad Ellie."
I had to turn away because I was laughing so hard. From the mouth of Ellie - so much matter of fact curiosity. I love that little girl.
All was going smoothly when we were saying goodbye to Mom. Ellie gave her a big hug and saw Miss Madeline's open casket behind her and asked what that was. I picked her up and showed her it was Miss Madeline's body and assured her that Miss Madeline's soul was in Heaven with God. She was a little quiet, and seemed to be okay with things. As we walked back over to the aunts and uncles she announces not once, but twice or three times, that she wants to touch Miss Madeline. I wasn't quite sure about that, so told her to ask Gramma. Gramma sort of said, okay and took her up and let her touch her hand. Ellie asked questions - why is she cold? We explained that when you die, your blood stops moving around your body and you get cold. After that, I walked away and left Gramma and Ellie to keep chatting.
They returned over to us all a few minutes later. Uncle Jerred took Ellie for a hug. Ellie gives him a hug and then looks him in the eyes and says very matter of factly, "You're not cold yet." Uncle Jerred replies, "I'm glad Ellie."
I had to turn away because I was laughing so hard. From the mouth of Ellie - so much matter of fact curiosity. I love that little girl.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
A new friend
This evening Ellie met a little girl in the neighborhood who is also four and will start kindergarten the same year as her. If we all stay living in the same place, they would even ride the bus together from the same bus stop. This was very exciting to Ellie.
The girls were really cute. They met at the playground. Mckenna was learning to go across the monkeybars, which is something Ellie's really been trying to learn how to do. Ellie encourage McKenna to try jumping to the second bar, one of her perfected tricks. McKenna encourage Ellie to try grabbing at the next bar, her recently perfected trick. It was cute watching the girls teach each other. By the end of the night, Ellie could go most of the way across the monkey bars without falling. It was really cool to watch her.
They had fun trying to show each other things and also riding bikes. They wanted to keep playing. When it was time to go, they gave each other hugs. It was adorable.
Now, as Mommy, I guess it's my job to try to foster this relationship for her. This is the part I'm not so good at. But I will try. Ellie had a lot of fun.
The girls were really cute. They met at the playground. Mckenna was learning to go across the monkeybars, which is something Ellie's really been trying to learn how to do. Ellie encourage McKenna to try jumping to the second bar, one of her perfected tricks. McKenna encourage Ellie to try grabbing at the next bar, her recently perfected trick. It was cute watching the girls teach each other. By the end of the night, Ellie could go most of the way across the monkey bars without falling. It was really cool to watch her.
They had fun trying to show each other things and also riding bikes. They wanted to keep playing. When it was time to go, they gave each other hugs. It was adorable.
Now, as Mommy, I guess it's my job to try to foster this relationship for her. This is the part I'm not so good at. But I will try. Ellie had a lot of fun.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Family outting to the basketball courts
The evening we walked down to the baseketball court with a couple balls and no strollers (for the first time). We hung out down there for about half an hour. The kids played on the park, on the courts and even on the volleyball courts for a bit. David and I got to shoot baskets for about 15 or 20 minutes. It was relaxing. The kids are getting to such a fun age!
U MD Graduation
Today was college graduation day for Robert and Gino. The whole family joined the dinner celebration last night in Rockville and today Ellie accompanied me to the 3 hour graduation ceremony. She was such a champ. She was well behaved. She sat still and played on my iphone, ate her snacky lunch, and drew in a little notebook for over 2 hours. The last 30 minutes were slightly challenging, but once the streamers started flying, they entertained her. Everyone was impressed with how she sat there and pleasantly entertained herself.
Near the end of the ceremony I was holding Ellie and asked her if she wanted to come to U MD one day and go to college. She quickly replied No. I asked innocently, Why, do you want to go to VT instead? No she says. After a few minutes she says, I'll go here Mommy.
It's cute becuase I think the struggle is really she still can't imagine a day where she will live apart from me. How sweet. I love this phase. I hope she always wants to be near me (like Katie and my Mom).
I was hoping she would pick up something from the atmosphere and the speakers. I'm not sure how much she was listening. I was listening. It was a great ceremony. I think everyone should attend a college graduation with inspirational speakers once a decade to remind us that the world really is at our fingertips and inspire us to truly do good in the world and be our best.
There was never a doubt in my mind Robert and Gino would graduate, with honors and will go on to do great things. And, it was great to be apart of celebrating another fantastic milestone with them!
Near the end of the ceremony I was holding Ellie and asked her if she wanted to come to U MD one day and go to college. She quickly replied No. I asked innocently, Why, do you want to go to VT instead? No she says. After a few minutes she says, I'll go here Mommy.
It's cute becuase I think the struggle is really she still can't imagine a day where she will live apart from me. How sweet. I love this phase. I hope she always wants to be near me (like Katie and my Mom).
I was hoping she would pick up something from the atmosphere and the speakers. I'm not sure how much she was listening. I was listening. It was a great ceremony. I think everyone should attend a college graduation with inspirational speakers once a decade to remind us that the world really is at our fingertips and inspire us to truly do good in the world and be our best.
There was never a doubt in my mind Robert and Gino would graduate, with honors and will go on to do great things. And, it was great to be apart of celebrating another fantastic milestone with them!
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Babies
Preparing for Ellie's first baby shower experience has brought forth a lot of questions about where babies come from this week:
* Mommy, how do babies get inside your belly?
* Mommy, how does God give you a baby?
* Mommy, does God take a Mommy and Daddy baby and give them a baby?
* Mommy, will God give Max and I a baby one day
Proceeded by a lot of playing at having a baby up her dress and even slowly having it be born. It's all cute to watch her little mind wonder, but I'm not really ready to give answers to these questions at four yet. I tried to give just enough information to satisfy curiosity, as the books say. I'm not sure the curiosity was satisfied before I changed the topic a few times. Oh well.
The baby shower was a lot of fun. The girls loved helping open the presents. This gaggle of girls from Emily down to Amy is quite a mess. They represent a bundle of energy. We kept thinking there would be some chilling out as they aged, but I just don't think that's really going to happen. I think the energy source will just change, but they will still be loud and feisty! It's cute though.
* Mommy, how do babies get inside your belly?
* Mommy, how does God give you a baby?
* Mommy, does God take a Mommy and Daddy baby and give them a baby?
* Mommy, will God give Max and I a baby one day
Proceeded by a lot of playing at having a baby up her dress and even slowly having it be born. It's all cute to watch her little mind wonder, but I'm not really ready to give answers to these questions at four yet. I tried to give just enough information to satisfy curiosity, as the books say. I'm not sure the curiosity was satisfied before I changed the topic a few times. Oh well.
The baby shower was a lot of fun. The girls loved helping open the presents. This gaggle of girls from Emily down to Amy is quite a mess. They represent a bundle of energy. We kept thinking there would be some chilling out as they aged, but I just don't think that's really going to happen. I think the energy source will just change, but they will still be loud and feisty! It's cute though.
A second attempt for curls
Ellie really wants to have curly locks. I finally gave in and attempted to curl her hair today with the old curlers Rachelle gave me from college. I was a little worried she'd complain about the heat, but she seemed to handle it well. She was patient while I put them into her hair. We let them sit for about 20 minutes before taking them out. I was thinking that would be great for her little girl hair. Unfortunately, within an hour, it was flat. Her hair appears to be as hard to curl as her mothers. Ellie was excited about the process though. She surely is a girly girl. Here's a beautiful before and after. She was all dressed up for Aunt Vicki's baby shower.
Daddy Love and Engines too
This morning Daddy went outside to mow the yard. When the engine started I told Max, "There's Daddy, mowing the grass." Next thing I know Max is gone like a shot. He's on his way down the stairs. I asked where he was going. He turns around looks over the edge of the step back up at me and yells with gusto, as if I know nothing but should, "DADDY!"
I laughed and told him to come back upstairs and I would let him look out and see Daddy. He ran back up the stairs. I lifted him up to our window and he relaxed as he watched Daddy mowing. But just seeing him for a couple seconds wasn't enough. Max needed to watch the whole process. I ended up getting him the stool and he stood there watching Daddy while he mowed the whole back yard.
I laughed and told him to come back upstairs and I would let him look out and see Daddy. He ran back up the stairs. I lifted him up to our window and he relaxed as he watched Daddy mowing. But just seeing him for a couple seconds wasn't enough. Max needed to watch the whole process. I ended up getting him the stool and he stood there watching Daddy while he mowed the whole back yard.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Growing up with a big sister
Max is all boy, except when he's trying to mimic his big sister and play with some of her toys. He's rough and tumble. He loves to play ball, carry rocks and climb. He's a daddy's boy!
And when Max is left to his own devices, he's quite into putting on some of Ellie's dress up shoes. I really think it is the physical challenge and accomplishment of putting on shoes. He has shown interest in trying to put on his own shoes and socks now for about a month. Sometimes he does pretty well getting his tennis shoes on too.
David doesn't really like to see him walking around in Ellie's sparkley shoes or pink high heels, so I have recently added some boy boots to the dress up chest. They were a big hit! (with Ellie too)
Childern are so funny and curious. I love watching him try to put them on and then clop around the house in them for an hour, riding his bike and playing with his toys!
And when Max is left to his own devices, he's quite into putting on some of Ellie's dress up shoes. I really think it is the physical challenge and accomplishment of putting on shoes. He has shown interest in trying to put on his own shoes and socks now for about a month. Sometimes he does pretty well getting his tennis shoes on too.
David doesn't really like to see him walking around in Ellie's sparkley shoes or pink high heels, so I have recently added some boy boots to the dress up chest. They were a big hit! (with Ellie too)
Childern are so funny and curious. I love watching him try to put them on and then clop around the house in them for an hour, riding his bike and playing with his toys!
Curls
Ellie's very into things she thinks are beautiful. I hope this doesn't get too bad as she grows. I only encourage it moderately.
Last week she discovered the waves that braids can leave in her hair. Ever since then she's been asking me to leave her hair in braids over night so that she can enjoy a day of "curls."
Tonight I finally put her in about 10 pigtails. She enjoyed the process and the way she looked with all those braids. I suspect that's what's next.
Last week she discovered the waves that braids can leave in her hair. Ever since then she's been asking me to leave her hair in braids over night so that she can enjoy a day of "curls."
Tonight I finally put her in about 10 pigtails. She enjoyed the process and the way she looked with all those braids. I suspect that's what's next.
Hush Little Baby
Max wasn't much into books for the first year and a half. He has recenty started to enjoy a few key books. Once he finds something he's attracted to, he wants that same book night and morning.
Recently he has been a big fan of the Lullybye book made for the song Hush Little Baby. We got this book when Ellie was a baby and I usually sing it to the kids. Max really likes to help with singing songs. He has recently started filling in the last word of each lyrical phrase within a song.
When we read this book now, he has started sitting beside me in the rocking chair and filling in the last words. It is so cute. He's such a little boy sitting beside me in the chair, but he's growing so fast. He's stubborn too. Sitting beside me wasn't my idea; it's the idea of my very independent little boy!
Recently he has been a big fan of the Lullybye book made for the song Hush Little Baby. We got this book when Ellie was a baby and I usually sing it to the kids. Max really likes to help with singing songs. He has recently started filling in the last word of each lyrical phrase within a song.
When we read this book now, he has started sitting beside me in the rocking chair and filling in the last words. It is so cute. He's such a little boy sitting beside me in the chair, but he's growing so fast. He's stubborn too. Sitting beside me wasn't my idea; it's the idea of my very independent little boy!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
My mother's day
Today was a relaxing mother's day with both kids able to assert their opinions, have fun with their cousins, and say Happy Mothers Day (or nearly). It was a gorgeous sunshiney day. We started with a relaxing morning at home. We then joined the extended family for brunch. We have 15 people about half kids. They all did really well, enjoy their food and each other's company. Mom enjoyed her time too. Max even nearly sat still, or stayed near the table for about 90 minutes. I was really happy with everyone.
After brunch David and I took the kids to try a new park. We hung out for about an hour and then came home for naptime. It was a relaxing afternoon. I cooked a nice dinner with Greek Braised Meatballs that were almost as good as my favorite restaurant.(I am quite proud of these!) We had a lovely evening playing out front. The kids really like to go out and visit our neighbor Larry each evening. They are developing a cute relationship with him. Bathtime and bed went smoothly and I even squeezed in a workout. I wasn't very faithful to my diet, but I will try to get back on track tomorrow. I allowed myself some fun today.
After brunch David and I took the kids to try a new park. We hung out for about an hour and then came home for naptime. It was a relaxing afternoon. I cooked a nice dinner with Greek Braised Meatballs that were almost as good as my favorite restaurant.(I am quite proud of these!) We had a lovely evening playing out front. The kids really like to go out and visit our neighbor Larry each evening. They are developing a cute relationship with him. Bathtime and bed went smoothly and I even squeezed in a workout. I wasn't very faithful to my diet, but I will try to get back on track tomorrow. I allowed myself some fun today.
Pictures are impossible
It is purely impossible to get a picture of me with my kids. This morning we spent about 10 minutes trying. If it wasn't Max upset, it was Ellie. If they were both still for a moment, I wasn't happy with my own photo. I am not sure how anyone posts all these gorgeous pictures of multiple kids and/or their family. It amazes me.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
The Celtic Festival
Today while David worked on the outside of the house, the kids and I spent the day together. After dance we decided to check out the local Celtic festival at the fair grounds. We got to see all kinds of Celtic things - sheep herding, westies, swords, ancient battling, Irish hound dogs, log throwing and a few other historic sports, kilts, dancing, music and some nice people. The kids were really interested in the different events. There was a lot to do at our own pace. As we went around the grounds I tried to help them understand this was their heritage. I'm not sure how much really sank in this year, but it is definitely an event we will return to. Hopefully Daddy will enjoy it next year. Here are a few photos from the day. Max was very excited about his new ball. Mommy was very excited about the colors!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Learning to tell time
Friday morning, after Ellie was up at 6:30 am and according to David, "helped him off to work like a little wifey," I decided it was time to teach Ellie how to read the clock. Or, at least she was going to learn how to read 7 am (what time in the morning she could get out of bed) and 4pm (what time after nap she was allowed to get out of bed).
She's a quick learner and was excited at the idea of her new found responsibility and freedom. Saturday morning it worked like a charm. She wasn't up before 7, which was my goal. Later in the day she told me she wasn't ready to get up at 7, so she went back to sleep. That was fine with me!
Take 2, was nap time. I showed her what 4pm would look like and put her to bed. I thought we had this down, but after about 45 minutes, I was taking something up the stairs and little miss thing was coming down the stairs. I asked what was she doing. She explained she was done sleeping. I explained she wasn't done until it read 4 on the clock. She didn't like that, but with strong conviction, we walked back into her room together. I put her in bed. I explained that she could sit there and read until 4pm, but she had to be quiet and couldn't move around. She listened!
My little bean sure is growing up.
On Monday, she even got herself up and dressed before I was done with Max. Her independence is welcomed in ways like this!
Ellie is wearing my sweatshirt at Celtic Day after polishing off a huge cup of ice cream and being cold. She wasn't into the idea until I told her it was like a big dress.
She's a quick learner and was excited at the idea of her new found responsibility and freedom. Saturday morning it worked like a charm. She wasn't up before 7, which was my goal. Later in the day she told me she wasn't ready to get up at 7, so she went back to sleep. That was fine with me!
Take 2, was nap time. I showed her what 4pm would look like and put her to bed. I thought we had this down, but after about 45 minutes, I was taking something up the stairs and little miss thing was coming down the stairs. I asked what was she doing. She explained she was done sleeping. I explained she wasn't done until it read 4 on the clock. She didn't like that, but with strong conviction, we walked back into her room together. I put her in bed. I explained that she could sit there and read until 4pm, but she had to be quiet and couldn't move around. She listened!
My little bean sure is growing up.
On Monday, she even got herself up and dressed before I was done with Max. Her independence is welcomed in ways like this!
Mr. Independence
Max's independent streak is making itself loud and clear this month. His favorite words are "I do it." I think that's probably officially his first sentence. I hear it so much, I should be rich.
We were on a family bike ride Friday night. Instead of riding his little bike, which he is actively learning to peddle, pretty well I must add. But instead of riding his bike, the little independent son of mine, wanted to push his little helmet through the neighborhood. It starts so young!
We were on a family bike ride Friday night. Instead of riding his little bike, which he is actively learning to peddle, pretty well I must add. But instead of riding his bike, the little independent son of mine, wanted to push his little helmet through the neighborhood. It starts so young!
Sunday morning
I'm really enjoying our Sunday morning routine and visit with friends at Wiggles and Worship. It was hard finding a worship ritual that works with the kids so little but Wiggles and Worship is perfect. We are starting to make some friends and both kids feel very comfortable and I believe look forward to it.
It also helps that we enjoy a little visit to Starbucks each morning. The kids get little treats and enjoy saying hi to Miss Natasha. We've been breaking Max in. Natasha is determined that Max will like her too. This week he was really excited to see her and wanted me to pick him up so he could see her. When he saw her, his smile was so broad. Then, when Natasha engaged him in conversation, what did he say, "Daddy" with gusto!
There leaves me to explain "Daddy is his hero and everyone should know it." It was so cute.
It also helps that we enjoy a little visit to Starbucks each morning. The kids get little treats and enjoy saying hi to Miss Natasha. We've been breaking Max in. Natasha is determined that Max will like her too. This week he was really excited to see her and wanted me to pick him up so he could see her. When he saw her, his smile was so broad. Then, when Natasha engaged him in conversation, what did he say, "Daddy" with gusto!
There leaves me to explain "Daddy is his hero and everyone should know it." It was so cute.
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