No more Pacifiers

Much to Clair's, and mama's dismay, the pacifiers have gone away as of today. Claire is on her third anabiotic in a one-month period of time and we're off to see the ENT on Tuesday. I know what I'm going to be told, which is, but to put tubes in if we can't stop the air infections. I would much rather avoid that and put clear through what Max went through. So we have to do everything we can first to Lloyd an operation. This means, that the Almighty and soothing pacis had to go away this morning. 

I didn't realize when I told her to put the paci night night, like I have done every morning for over a year, that it would be for the last time. When I think about those moments, I honestly get teary-eyed, watching my children's childhood progress beyond baby stage.

Clair did a great job going down for her nap. She had me show her where the pacifiers used to be. I told her they were all gone to help her ears. She didn't cry at naptime and really fell asleep within about 15 minutes. I was amazed.

I was hoping that bedtime would be as smooth, but not so lucky. It took nearly 2 hours, and many tears and fussing at the beginning, before she went to sleep. I had to send the hard one in to deal , daddy. I escaped to the basement to exercise away the stress. I might be a bad mom, but I couldn't handle it.

She is now peacefully sleeping. I wonder how nighttime will go. I think I've resigned myself to snuggling her if she wakes up crying. She such a brave little girl. It amazes me that when each of them had to give up their pacifiers, it truly was a less dramatic than I expected it to be. Children really do evolve so well to their environment.

Character Counts

The school lets each teacher pick one student a month to give a character counts award too. Ellie has wanted to get this award since she started kindergarten. This month it was finally her turn. She received the award for being Caring. See the sweet note from her teacher in th picture below. 

As part of this celebration we go to school and have lunch on the stage while the guidance counselor distributes the awards. Ellie was so pleased to have is there. 

I'm proud of my girl!

Was today a let down for Ellie?

Ellie loves the fantasy a movie creates. For a while she has very much enjoyed the Dolphin Tale movies. Now since these are based on a real dolphin I have allowed her to believe that they are based on real people, without really doing my research. As much as meeting the dolphins Winter and Hope, the two dolphins, Ellie really wanted to meet Sawyer and Hazel from the day she saw the first movie. I warned her that they may not be at the hospital, but it honestly hadn't dawned on me that they were fictional characters. Silly me of course.

Upon arrival today we finally found the Winter and Hope and watched them for a while. But they weren't able to get close, and they had to watch other children get their chance to touch the Dolphins. This was hard on them. I felt like they were disappointed, as much as I tried to encourage them having fun and appreciating the moments. 

Later we watched a story about the making of the movie where it was revealed that not all wheel and some of them are made up after a mix of people who cared for winter along the way. Ellie and I haven't had a chance to talk about this yet, but I am sure if she caught this she is disappointed. I know it was disappointing for me. 

They've been looking forward to this day for two months, and I knew it would not amount to what it did in their heads. I was nearly disappointed to see that they come, because I hate the thought of my children growing up and having to realize the world, in many ways, is not near as magical innocent and sweet as they would like to think that it is. They asked me why they didn't get to touch the dolphins today and I was honest and told them that we didn't pay the money for them to do it. Probably should've had a deeper conversation around how the money is used to help the aquarium do it's rescue work, but I didn't. Maybe that's a conversation for tomorrow.

In the end, I do wonder if today was a letdown. I hope that reality of the day was still amazing, and they saw some wonder. I believe this innocence and hope enables them to grow into a wonderful fantastic human beings God has planned for them.

Day 6 family trip to Orlando

Well, today was a day dedicated to universal studios island of adventure park. The purpose was to experience something different and specifically the Harry potter themed area and rides. 

It's been a long week. Everyone is tired. The kids are punchy. And Max is half sick. The day was off to a rough start as even Clair showed signs of wearing down after a fit going into the park when we would hang out at the front gate while she buckled her stroller and pooped In her diaper. Opps. 

David and I did escape to enjoy the new coaster the incredible hawk and it was pretty cool. It shoots you up the hill like a rocket launch instead of the slow gentle climb one is used to with big coasters. That jolt gives a nice starting kick. 

We spent the morning in Dr Seus land before finally arriving at Hogsmead in the afternoon. It was packed. But I surely enjoyed seeing the books and movies become alive. I also enjoyed a couple ciders as we wondered through the land and waiting for out tour of Hogswart. The whole thing was awesome. I'm not sure if anyone else really appreciated it like I did.  I think Ellie tried. I think Hazel probably did. But otherwise it may have been just another park. Definitely my Mom didn't really enjoy the day which is sad. I am glad we went. Although I imagine most of the crew would have preferred another day at Disney. 

Tomorrow we are off to meet Winter the dolphin finally. The kids have been looking forward to this since we told them about the trip. I think it is the most anticipated event. I sure hope it holds up in their minds.  I'm a little worried what will happen if it doesn't. 

The kids have been great this week. We've been up early and out unt past 9 each night. They are going nonstop except Clair's in stroller naps. I'm tired and my feet hurt.  I'm sure they are tired. But they are handling this like pros! I do hope we can afford more family trips. There's always more to do and our kids are proving they can handle traveling.  This is a great thing for me!  I better start saving. 

"More" rides spring 2015

Each of the kids is really at a different stage in childhood for this Disney trip.  This means each has their own personal favorites, and they are not shy letting us know.

When Clair likes something, she asks for more with the sign regularly and then when that isn't immediately acted upon by being allowed to go another round, she throws a loud scream out when leaving the ride and moving on to the next. Clair's Disney favorites where It's a small world and poohs adventure. 

Max let's you know what he likes and doesn't like. He asks to go on them again. His favorites were the two rollercoasters - goofys and thunder mountain - as well as the Swiss family Robinson tree house which he nearly ran through. after his second rollercoaster he was so proud of himsel for going and not being scared. When I asked him how it was he looked back at me and smiled, "I told you I know roller coasters mommy!" I think he walked off that ride another inch taller from pride. 

Ellie likes the rides that distinguish her as the big girl of the family. We went on space mountain on day 1 and that remains her favorite. She really likes going I it with mommy and daddy and that the others weren't old enough yet. She enjoys most of the rides honestly. She really enjoyed peter pans flight and wanted to take me on it. I missed it for Clair's nap. 

Speaking of Clair's naps, it amazes me how this girl will curl up in the stroller and take a two plus hour nap on the go. I've never had a kid that would so that! 

I love the kids, their differences, the stages. They are amazing to watch and be width. 

Sibling love

My kids love each other. They show this to me every day. And I am so very greatful each time I see it. 

Everyday at least a couple times Max comes up and just kisses and cuddles Clair. She snuggles him back and often gives him a real hug back. 

Ellie's world is lit up by a hug or acknowledgement from Clair. She is helpful with her. She loves for her to see and experience new things - like the characters. 

This evening Max gave up his stroller for Ellie when she said her legs were tired. He gladly jumped up and gave her his ride. Then he walked along side and held the stroller and joked with her. He was so pleasant! I was so proud and I told him this!

I love my kiddos! They make me proud. 

The sweetest torture

Is lying with Clair while she tries to fall asleep in our king bed on vacation. She LoVeS laying with me and gets so excited when I'm with her. In between her singing and floppig about she rubs me and makes sweet sounds. 

This stage is precious and will be gone before we know it. I am so thankful for this. I hope she can tell and that my patience or lack there of don't make her think I'm not loving it!