Our time

Sometimes I feel starved for time alone with my Husband. Sometimes I NEED a break from my sweet crew. Sometimes I am too tired to play horsey or kitty or tag or tickle monster.

Problem is we are on a tight budget, trying to pay bills and keep some change in reserve for Christmas.

So... whats the answer when you need a little break but cant pay a babysitter?

You round your kids up, get your swimsuit's ready, make a bottle to bring along and head up Pine Ln. You drop off your favorite 4 kiddo's at the enormous play center at Lifetime Fitness. You then meet your cute Husband, who looks too good in his trunks 'cuz he's lost 23 pounds, in the Jacuzzi. You sit and talk and enjoy the hot, relaxing water. You stay in there for only 30 minutes because you know its time to get your kids home for bed. So you take a deep relaxing breath, get out, get dressed and re-unite with your kids, who you are now ready to play kitty cats with.

Sometimes all we need is a jacuzzi and a 30 minute time out with our Spouse. It can be that little bit of sanity that we were desperate for.

Luke

I remember being a first time Mom. There were so many beautiful things about it. I loved being able to give this little boy all of my time and attention. I had two hands, which meant I could hold Luke's hand and my Husbands hand simultaneously. I only had to pack a small diaper bag for Church each Sunday and I only needed to gear treasures and snacks for 1 age. We never missed a bed time or a playdate or an appointment. When it was nap time there were 2 heads that would hit the pillow, Lukes and then my own. I could prepare a meal for everyone based on what Luke would eat. Going to the grocery store was never put off until Dave was home and spontaneous walks and other such outings occurred on a very regular basis.

There were a few scary things about a first baby as well. I read the "What to Expect: The first year" frequently. I wondered if binky's would cause speech delays, the day her turned 1 the bottle was taken away; never to be seen again, pajamas were never worn 2 nights in a row, diapers were changes the very minute he woke up so that I never chanced a diaper rash. I bathed him every single evening so that I could be sure that he was hitting his bed as cleanly as possible. I stressed out over, what now seems like, the most insignificant details. But what I worried most about were milestones. I remember thinking that, upon sitting up at barely 5 month old, that he was a genius. And when he crawled at 8 months old I thought "He'll probably be average, average is okay, right?" When he didn't walk until he was 13 1/2 months old I worried that he may struggle all through School, getting by with a 2.8 GPA. What if he didn't get into College? We'd still praise him and tell him how much we loved him anyways, even if he weren't quite as smart as his friend, who started walking at 9 months. I was sure that friend would win all of the spelling bee's and probably get into an Ivy League School.

Clearly Im over-exaggerating a bit but the principal was still the same. I thought that those milestones defined much bigger things then they really did. That it defined brilliance. I wondered how he'd measure up. I always worried.

Here we are, almost 7 years later, and I am proud to say that this late walker is doing just fine. He's in advanced math groups and is reading ahead by over a year. He is, what we believe to be, developing somewhat of a photographic memory. He can't wait to go to College to be a Pediatric Neurologist. His Teacher couldn't believe that a little boy, once constantly plagued by Aspergers Syndrome, could possibly come this far in this short amount of time. She said that its been a first in her career as a teacher to be this blown away by such rapid progress. It's mind-boggling to me that he has gone from speech therapy, behavior therapy, OT, and Social Skills groups. From a boy who would scream bloody murder if anything about his day was "off" and who would scratch and bite me until I would bleed. This boy who could not hold a spoon to feed himself until he was almost 2 is now a very well-liked, wonderfully behaved, smart little 6 year old who can memorize page numbers and detailed facts about all sorts of things. I think its nothing short of his hard work and a blessing from on High... and here I was, many years ago, worried that he may struggle, indefinitely, in just about every aspect of his life.

Luke has been a great example to me of what never giving up can become.

Liv can do hard things

Sometimes as Parents we set ourselves up. We do whats easy at the time and then we realize later on how hard those things become to break. At least I do.

When Olivia was almost 1 she couldn't really care less about her binky. She slept with it. And that was it. When she woke up from naps or from a good nights sleep she immediately threw it back into her bed, waved, and that was it. That binky was perfectly content in its home... Olivia's bed. It was easy. No kid with a constant pacifier in their mouth, no crying when we forgot it on an outing, no making its way into all of the hidden corners of our home, no straining to understand words through a piece of silicone and plastic.

Until... that 1 time, that turned into 3 or 4 times, that turned into every day. When I let her take it out of bed with her. Slowly it went from a sleep aid to a best friend. She became that kid, as Ella was, who could not go any place without it. Would not take it out of her mouth except to drink or to eat. It was out of control. And it was my own doing.

Yesterday I was fed up. I hated this binky. Hated. So I took the plunge. Olivia transitions quite well and I knew it needed to be all or nothing. So, out of the blue, I walked into the kitchen and jabbed several slits into it with my steak knife. Handed it back to her and watched the scene unfold.

She put it into her mouth, looked at me with a questionable stare and immediately took it right back out. She held it up to me and whimpered, "binky!"

"Darn it" I said, "It's broken"

She played along for a while and then tried again. Same result. This happened throughout the evening. In the mouth, confused look, right back out. She tried to get me to fix it but I had to let her know it was just not something I could do. It was broken and that was that.

I was sensitive to her concerns. I gave big hugs and we yelled a lot of "darn its" and "Oh Man's" but it clicked. She got it. Her treasured companion was no longer doing its job.

But, you see, my Liv can do hard things!


So, that was it. I thought we'd hear a lot of yelling and crying but we haven't. It's been easy. She's talking more, its been wonderful. She slept great last night and is taking a nap without it as I type this post.

I am so thankful for a little girl who can go with the flow and transition well. We have had others who had major struggles in this area. (Luke)

Farewell binky, we have loved you but its time for you to go. And I couldn't be happier about it. Olivia will get there...

3 months

I think I love this shot because it shows just how big all of her 0-3 month clothes still are. I love, love that she is still teeny-tiny. It just makes me happy.


At 3 months

- I can hold my head up pretty well now. My Mom rarely ever does "tummy time" with me. Mom and Dad need to get better at this. They say every time they lay me down Olivia is all over me. I dont mind it though.

- I love to smile. Mommy didn't get a smile in at this mini photo shoot because I was ready for a bottle 10 minutes before hand. My Mom still likes my stoic looks.

- I laugh when my Mommy plays peek-a-boo. My Siblings really go gaga over this trick.

- I sleep 12-13 hours a night but only take a few hour long naps during the day

- I have gotten much happier through the day. I can sit in my swing, mamaroo, on the couch, or on my play mat for a long while without fussing. I was a little colicky for a few long weeks but I am coming out of that... we are all happy for this.

- Still dont like driving in the car. I just feel sorta' abandoned back there

- I adore my moby wrap and will sleep for 2 or 3 hours in it if Mom will let me.

- I really like my hands. I put them in my mouth all the time, they taste pretty good to me and it was a big day realizing that I have control over those 2 things.

- I wear a size 1 diaper

-I am 9 pounds 7 ounces

- I talk all day long. My Mom thinks I will be a social butterfly like my Sister Ella

- I drink 3 ounce bottles

- I LOVE to snuggle and to be held close and tight

- I am still swaddled each night, though I have broken through it by morning.... I am the first to do this using the Miracle Blanket at this young of an age.

-I went on my first airplane ride this past month. I was such a good girl and didn't make a peep the entire time. I loved being with al of my Grandparents, Aunts/Uncles and Cousins. It was the BEST!!!

- I got 2 new Cousins this month. They are super cute and cool and I cant wait to play with them as much as I can. I'm glad they're here with me now cuz even though playing in Heaven was cool Earth is super awesome... love you Hailey and Nathan.

- I am sweet and happy and cuddly and tiny and beautiful and incredible. My Family really, really adores me.

over it

Is anyone else totally over Halloween? Man, it's been like the never-ending Holiday. And I have my own opinions on why we even celebrate it to start with. Bur its fun to see the kids all dressed up and I have a major love affair with candy, so I've always been a fan of that part.

This year I just feel its been going on too long. Im sure part of that reason is that Im on this crazy-hard diet and I cant have ANY sugar. So here I am, setting out candy corn and donuts for School parties, passing out candy to Church Trunk-Or-Treaters, passing up all sorts of goodies at Halloween festivities... its rough! But I have yet to have a single taste and that self-control has really surprised me.

So, I will be glad when all of the Halloween stuff is over and done with. Im off to eat my apple.

Happy Halloween

from a Pig, a Butterfly, a Strawberry Princess and a Chef.

This was a fun evening. Our Ward did a Trunk-Or-Treat party and the kids had a blast. Charlotte slept through pretty much the entire thing, yes even through the blasting music put on by DJ Jeff... a Ward member who's the best DJ I know. Luke and Ella ran around with their friends the entire time and couldn't wait to get their coveted candy bars. We were lucky in that that day it was around 75 degrees... almost unheard of this late in the Fall. So we were all celebrating that as well.

Olivia started out the night with a bang. She ran right out to the dance floor and danced for about a full hour before she got so sleepy that she wanted to be held the rest of the night.. a rarity for her. As we walked to the car to open up the back for candy goers she started to squeal with delight. She thought we were going home to sleep.

Poor Ella had a rough night. She got tackled to the ground a couple of times by some boys. One of which was pretty brutal. This kid was literally shoving her into a mass of bushes over and over again. I happened to look over there as it was happening and ran over there to stop it. I could see her screaming and stumbling up. As soon as she would get up he'd knock her right back done. I have never been so angry in my life. Poor girl was terrified. But she's way more forgiving that I am and was back to her joyful self in not time, though she woke up with a nightmare that night about the run-in.

All in all it was a fun-filled night. The kids got waaaay too much candy and now I have to stare at it all day as it calls my name.

good taste

Poor Sammy came over for a playdate today... he is a good sport.



I think Olivia needs a lesson in playing hard to get.

I promise... no more kisses next time Sam.

Charlotte Ryan's blessed day

Since the reason for our California visit was for this special event I thought it only right to blog about it first.

On Saturday, October 16. Dave was able to bless Charlotte at Dave's Parents home. It was a beautiful morning filled with our Family. In the past we have blessed our Babies at Church, but I can't express how beautiful this intimate, beautiful setting was.

Dave gave her a lovely blessing.. though, due to Charlotte needing to eat 5 minutes earlier, some may have needed to strain their ears to hear it.




Charlotte's middle name, Ryan, is from this handsome guy. My Brother and one of my best friends.



Good looking group, huhh. This was the smallest our little circle has ever been as we only had Family there.. okay, I see Bob as well but he's Family in our eyes.

She was much happier after she had a full tummy.. and after I took off her bonnet (which was my favorite part of her entire dress)

I had another dress that I was totally in love with. Unfortunately, due to the fact that someone was born 5 pounds, it was waaaay too big and I had to sell it. But I was quite happy with this last minute change up that I purchased.

Thank you to all who were there to make this day even more special. It was an extra treat to have Aunt Bonnie and 3 of her 4 gorgeous girls in town. We love you all.

Quad

This is the first picture we actually have of all of the kids together. Its not a great shot, Olivia did NOT want to sit still (as usual) but it makes me happy and I cant wait for many, many more shots of this crazy group together.

Big

This little knucklehead is not my baby anymore. He hasn't been for some time. He is big. 6 1/2 to be exact. And I marvel at how that happened.

When I was growing up I always wanted my first Child to be a boy. The big brother. The protector. So I was thrilled when I had that first ultrasound which told me that my hopes for a Son were confirmed. And I knew immediately that he would be sweet, kind and very handsome. And he is.

Luke is an incredible kid. He loves music, namely Band of Horses and Iron and Wine. He cant get enough out of learning and he constantly has his nose in a book. I never thought I'd hear myself tell a Child to stop reading but with Luke I just have to sometimes. He started football this year and has really been enjoying it. I think he still likes baseball the best but I have been so proud of his efforts at trying something totally new. He is a great friend and is getting to be so much fun. I could pal around with him all day long. He is super funny and I love to hear his newest jokes, they are actually starting to make sense. I feel like I could talk with him forever, and I try, until he tells me that he doesn't want to talk anymore. I think I wear him out with all of my daily questions.

Luke has started to get a little sassy since starting 1st grade. Its actually pretty funny. He has never been a kid who talked back or made rude comments. Never. He has always done what he's been told. He is a dream. But he's recently started to make little snide comments. And, as much as we need to be more stern with him here, we sometimes can't help but to laugh. Its just all so out of character for him. And sometimes he can really be quite witty.

I love this boy who is growing up before my eyes. He is turning into the coolest kid and I adore every second that I get to spend with him.

magic?

I actually went to the trouble to "get ready" yesterday. Meaning, for the first time since I had the baby I dried and straightened my hair. No ponytail for me. I know, fancy, right?

So I came downstairs looking like this...

nothing too fancy. No make-up, no formal dress... just hair down.

Luke ran over and looked at me with a questioned stare.

" Mommy... what happened?"

"What do you mean?" I replied

"You look so pretty. What happened?"

and then came the best part...

"Did you use magic?"

I suppose I really should put in a little more effort so my Son doesn't think I need magic to make myself look presentable.

2 month stats

Charlotte had her 2 month appointment today. Its crazy to think that, at 8 pounds 6 ounces, She is an entire pound smaller than Luke was when he was born. I love how tiny she is, less than the 3rd percentile, though she looks big to me. It's a nice way to keep her small for as long as possible. Her hight jumped up from the 20% at birth to the 50%. She's getting longer quickly and the Dr. suspects we'll have our 4th tall kiddo.

I love these appointments because its so fun to see how they've grown. I hate these appointments because shots stink. I went ahead with a shot of my own, the flu shot, so that I could empathize with my girl.


gotta love those smiles early on. It almost looks pained... but adorable.

2 years old

This munchkin is so, so much fun. I really mean it when I say that I can't get enough of her. She is super silly and sweet. She loves to give hugs and kisses to our entire Family. She is kind and fun. I just adore her.



Here are a few things about Liv at age 2.

- She has gone from only being willing to watch "Elmo" to now enjoying Backyardigans, Yo Gabba Gabba, Blues Clues and Little Einsteins. I am grateful for this shift.

- She has been doing speech therapy, due to 6 month's of fluid in her ears, for about 6 weeks now and her language is coming along so quickly. She has been without the fluid in the ears since early August so we assume that is why she's picking up her speech so rapidly. Its amazing what happens when it doesn't sound like you're underwater!

- Olivia adores her baby Sister. She has transitioned so beautifully from our baby to a big Sister. She will bring Charlotte her blankets, binky, diapers. She holds her bottle and kisses her constantly. She's such a nurturer.

- She loves to play and climb. She has amazing balance and can even stand on 1 foot for extended periods of time. In her evaluations with the County she scored about a year ahead in her physical abilities. Dave hopes this means that she will be a good athlete. Okay, so do I.

- She still calls Dave Mama. Its hilarious. She can say "dada" perfectly but she just wont go for it. Dave has gotten used to it and now answers when called.

- Liv is our best listener. Its a beautiful thing.

-She's quite obedient and gets very upset when she gets into trouble.

-She is a great dancer. Really, she can bust out some pretty darn cute dance moves.

- A few days after we got home from the Hospital she decided she wanted NOTHING to do with her bed. She slept that night in a twin bed in Luke's room and never looked back. She loves to be big and has yet to get out of her bed until she wakes up.

- She wants to go pee pee on the potty so badly. She will take off her diaper and sit on the potty constantly. I know I need to jump on this excitement but I am really just too busy right now. Maybe after Christmas I will go ahead with it, if she lets me hold her off.

- She has gone from the 25% in height and the 10% in weight to the 90% in height and the 25% in weight. The Doctor and I had a big celebration at these amazing numbers. Her BMI is below the charts due to her huge difference in weight to height. This has proven to make clothes difficult to fit. We need the length but that makes the waist huge. Tall and skinny.. we may be in trouble.

- She loves the bath!

- We love her light brown hair and her big blue eyes.

- She is so, so cute and fun and angelic. And super, super silly. We have such a great time and are so blessed to have this girl in our Family.

4th

I almost forgot about this fun onsie.

2 months old

-I love my swing and my mama roo. I will finally fall asleep in my swing on occasion, my Parents are very grateful for this.

- I could happily be held all day long. I love it but my Mom say's Im being unrealistic.

- I still HATE to have a dirty diaper, I will scream immediately and stop just as soon as Im clean again.

- I have a pretty cute smile and I like to flash it. I especially love to smile at Olivia, I really like her.

-My head is getting stronger every day but its not due to tummy time. My Mom never remembers to do that with me... hey, Im the 4th.

- I sleep about 8-10 hours a night. Im pretty awesome.

- I can still wear a newborn diaper but size my Mom started to pull out the size 1's this last week.

- I love to be around lots of chaos and noise. Mom says its a good thing.

-I drink 3 ounce bottles now

-I never spit up and my Parents are so happy about it

-my 2 month appt. is next week but Mom suspects Im about 8 1/2 pounds.

- I cant wait to see my Grandparents, Aunts, cousins and especially Uncle Ryan (Im named after him so Im hoping he's as cool as Mom say's he is) in a week and a half. That warm pool at Papa's house is calling my name.

- I still love my baths and never make a peep when Im in it.

- I love to look at my toys, mobile, the balls hanging from my Mama Roo and the fish hanging from my swing.

- I really like music and white noise. When I have a hard time falling asleep my Mom turns on the hairdryer and I settle in almost immediately.

- I am still on the Neocate formula and Previcid. Both have proven to help me to feel so good and happy, Im grateful to have them.

- I am starting to coo and its super fun.Plus Mom says I look super cute when I do it.

- I pretty much hate the car these days. Is it too much to ask to just skip all of these car trips and to just stay home and be held?

- i am cute and tiny and awesome.

Daddy

This is my Dad. I love this picture because it pretty much sums up the last several years. My Dad, the bike rider extraordinary. He is more in shape than any of his kids, or their spouses. And you better believe that he thinks thats pretty cool.

When I think of my Dad several things come to mind. Sports cars, watching him polish up his big, black Army boots until they shined, listening to him "read books" This consisted of getting out a book to read but never actually reading the words written on the page. He would make up his own versions. And they were always much, much better. I have laughed so hard that I cried. Dad still does this with the Grandkids and all us kids are usually right there laughing along.I think of honesty and fierce loyalty. He has great class and always instilled manners into his kids. I think of his big office on the 2nd floor of a Military Base in California. I loved going with my Mom to see him. I loved that my Dad was a Colonial in the Military. He made me proud. There is nothing like being a little girl and watching your Dad get saluted everywhere he'd go. I knew he was respected and important. That left a valuable imprint on me. I remember Saturday mornings as he'd spend hours cleaning and polishing his red Lexus, my Dad is a major perfectionist. He called me "Jilly-Will-Doodle-all-the-day." or just plain "doodle" I loved having a nick-name that only Dad used. I loved the Sundays when he'd get me ready for Church. We'd be in his bathroom together and he'd dry my hair. It was always so special when he'd do it. I felt beautiful. Growing up I loved sports and I was pretty decent at them. I loved that I felt close to my Dad when I'd win a race or a trophy. I was athletic, just like him. When ever I had a bad dream he would run into my room and sit with me until I fell asleep. I think of Scuba Diving and PADI. I think of his deep voice and how I loved when he'd speak in Church. When my Dad is talking I would love to watch people watch him. Because I knew what they were thinking... he is brilliant. I think of perfectly organized sock drawers. I think of ducks. But mostly I think about love.

I always felt safe.. who would dare mess with my Dad? I am proud of my Dad and knew that I was, and am, lucky to be his Daughter. I adore my Dad and feel blessed to have him as my Dad.

Happy Birthday Daddy! You make 63 look pretty darn fantastic.

tell me sweet little lies...

Luke has a new friend this year in School. They sit at the same table. His name is Liam and he's a big liar.

Every day Luke will come home will several stories that seem, to him, too good to be true. Thats because they are. And the thing is, Luke believes him. Luke does not have a deceiving, manipulating bone in his body. He has never lied to me. Really, never. Its not in him to be dis-honest, even if it means he'll be getting into trouble. I love this about him.

Yesterday he informed us that Liam is simply amazing. That he lives a very exciting life. You see, he has hunted Grizzly Bears in Canada and killed a Polar Bear during one of his treks through the North Pole. And last weekend, while on a boat, he killed a Great White Shark with a pocket knife. See? Liam lives quite an exciting life. And Luke feels that he is so lucky to be friends with such an incredibly adventurous 6 year old.

This morning we had a little talk about Liam. I had to let Luke in on his little secret.. that he's a major fibber. I tried to do it carefully so that he wouldn't feel disappointed that Liam was not what he appeared to be. And from the other side of the room Ella piped in with some great wisdom.

"Luke, Liam choses to tell lies because he just wants people to like him."

She was right on the money, pretty wise for a 4 year old, huhh?

A few minutes later Ella started talking about what they were currently learning in School. Apples. She proceeded to talk about the fact that there was such things as white apples. Luke couldn't stand for this mix up in facts. He had to challenge it.

"There is no such thing as white apples. There are red apples and green apples and even yellow apples. Not white. They dont exist."

Ella was adamant about the fact that there were, indeed, white apples. For her sweet teacher would never lie to them. To which Luke tilted his head and replied...

"Ella. Miss Allison tells lies because she just wants people to like her."

Elmo Party

We had a few friends to the park where I put together a little Elmo Party for this cutie of mine. It was all things Elmo. Balloons, cake, cupcakes, plates, napkins.. you get the picture. And Olivia was in her own little Elmo heaven.

Ashley made this amazing cake for Olivia, isn't she the greatest!? Thank you Ashley, you are the best and we so appreciate you sharing your talents with us.

opening presents was lots of fun.

The Birthday girl... she's so super cute

I love this 2 year old

Thats right people, she has a binky in her mouth. And she's 2. According to many books and Doctors, Im a failure. But I can not bear to loose the perks associated with this gem. Not yet.

100% Beef

We went to McDonalds tonight for Dinner. Dave has been gone on his man date with Bob all day long and wont be home until late tonight. This means McDonalds for my kids.

Luke got a double hamburger, he eats like a man lately. Ella got Chicken.

Luke sat down and started reading the bag which read "100% pure beef. 0% anything else."

Now, you and I know what that means. Luke, evidently not so much.

He exclaimed "Ella, mine is the best because it's 100%. Yours is 0%. Sorry."

I couldn't help but laugh. He thought it meant that everything else on the menu, Ella's chicken, was a big 0! Only the beef was 100%.

Im loving it!

2 and at the Zoo

I cant believe that my little girl is 2. She is just the sweetest, cutest little thing and none of us can get enough of her.

This will be a short little Birthday post because Im tired and need to start Dinner (we'll do the sweet, sentimental post later on). So we'll just say that we had a great day at the Zoo. (You'll have to forgive the photo quality as we forgot our camera and these are all taken on Dave's phone)

Liv loves the Zoo, especially the monkeys. She was making the sweetest little Monkey sounds the entire time, she has the cutest little voice ever.

we never, ever buy "park food/drinks" but when its your birthday you get to do special things like get a $4.00 slurpee in a cool cup

...and get a yummy Watermelon sucker, which really is just a bribe to stay seated so that we could get outta' there sooner and quicker.

We are excited for her little Elmo party at the Park tomorrow. She's an Elmo fanatic and I think she's going to go crazy with all of the Elmo garb all over.

8 weeks

There are no words to describe how in love I am with my beautiful Charlotte.

Date.. take 1

If you are lucky enough to go on a date with this cute 4 year old you are in for an incredible evening. Here are a few things that you will enjoy.

While you are at Ann Taylor Loft she will sit in front of the accessory stand and ohhhh and ahhhh at every single sparkly item. And there were a lot of sparkly necklaces and headbands. She will continue to try on many of the before-mentioned and she will make cute comments about how brilliant she looks. All of the store clerks and whom ever walks by her will comment on how darling she is and how much fun you're going to have with her as a shopping buddy.

She will tell you stories that will make you so to know her. Like how the boys at School were making fun of Kenzie because they noticed that she wears a pull-up. She will then go on to say that she stood up to her classmates and insisted that they stop their teasing immediately because Kenzie is nice and she is her friend. And then she would go on to comfort a crying friend, because it breaks her heart to see her so sad.You will then be left wishing that you had a friend like Ella when you were 4. Fiercely kind and completely loyal.

You will almost cry at her bravery and her commitment to being a good friend. Because, as she will tell you, she's not afraid and because thats what Jesus would have done.

You will love to see the looks on peoples faces as this tall, skinny little blondie in pigtails waves at them. Just because she wants to say hello. Because, as she will tell them, she thinks that they are beautiful.

You will snicker at the little things she says such as "o' nuts!" when she spills a drop of her melted ice cream.

You will marvel at how, for a girl who's life revolves around sugar, she eats her Cherry Garcia Ben and Jerry's sooooooo slowly.

You will wonder how a 4 year old can have such a huge personality. And can be so social. And so incredible.

You will love when she'll hold your hand for a bit. Because, unlike her 6 year old Brother, she really doesn't do that anymore.

You will get to see her face light up and her voice go a million miles a minute as she see's something glorious in a shoe store window. Twinkle toes. And you will want to buy them for her just because you have never seen anyone so excited. But you wont... because they are $40.

If you are lucky enough to go on a date with this character you will get to see her busting some serious moves in Gap when she realizes that "Girls just wanna' have fun" is playing over-head. And you will sit back and watch the looks on peoples faces as they stop in their tracks to enjoy her sassy dance moves and to smile at her. And you know what they are thinking. Because you think it too. She is a riot.

And when you get home and put her to bed you will continue to think back on your time alone with Ella. Because, even though she often drives you mad, she really is incredible. And you get to be a part of her life. And you know that you are lucky.

Twins

Do you know what its like to have a very best friend? Someone who can finish your sentences and someone who you love so much that you feel like Family? Someone who likes what you like and who you can spend every day with without ever running out of things to talk or laugh about?

Well Luke does. At the early age of 4 he found a best friend. And I am so happy for him. He and Lance are so similar and yet so different at the same time. Lance is the friend that I prayed Luke would have. I mean it.



They both love to read and are among the best readers in their grade. They love to discuss animal facts and Magic Tree House books. They love to play sports and run around in Summer grass. They are afraid of almost the exact same things and they think the same girls are cute. (that may have posed a problem one day) Lance brings out the best in Luke. He pushes him to be social. He always makes sure that Luke is included.



I will be devastated to leave Colorado in 9 months. Completely devastated. But one of the reasons why I will be heart-broken will be for my Son. I can't stand the idea that he will be moving away from Lance. The thought literally gives me a stomach ache. Sick, I hate it.

But for now these 2 buddies will continue to practice their secret hand-shake, will get chased by the cute girls at lunch time. They will discuss which animal would beat whom in a fight and for what reasons. They will wrestle in the backyard and tell terrible jokes (they're getting better at this though) And they will play Wii and air hockey. They will save seats for each other in Primary each Sunday. They will laugh hysterically.

They will do all of the the things that best bud's do.... because thats what they are. The very best.



These picture's were taken after School on twin day. You will notice that even their shoes match, yeah... I know.

a half

This handsome boy is 6 and a HALF today. He has been waiting for a long while for September 11th to be here because, as I have learned as a Mom, the half year thing is a big deal. To celebrate we let him have a chocolate chip cookie. A real one. Dairy and all. He didn't like it.



Happy half Birthday to one amazing little, big boy. And you can check your new found, first grade attitude at the door. Im not a fan. (I guess we cant complain because this has really been the first of it we've ever seen from sweet Lukie)

Playing

I had forgotten that we even had this great playmat. Charlotte had a great time watching all of the lights and hitting the toys. To be honest Im not sure she knew that she was batting at them as she's still not really in control of her movements. It was still fun and the kids got a huge kick out of watching her play.

1 month

This little lady is 1 month old. Incredible.


I forget just how much of a rollercoaster that 1st month is. Getting use to running on less sleep, learning what cry's mean what. figuring out favorite positions to be held in, bottles... just a million discoveries and several hundred learning curves.


She's been a pure joy to get to know and to love. Just a sweet little baby.


We've both been hit by a few bumps in the road. Charlotte has a pretty severe allergy to dairy and even Nutramigen isn't doing the trick. As of today she's on a hypoallergenic amino acid-based formula, Neocate. I was cutting dairy out of my diet but then got Mastitis and we're not sure if my milk supply can recover from it, Im still pumping... we'll see. If the Neocate doesn't resolve the problems Charlotte's having it may be a reflux issue and we'll be off to a GI. We'll know how this stuff works within the week, Im optimistic.



At 1 month:

-I love my baths. I have yet to cry while soaking in my fabulous tub.

- I hate to have a dirty diaper. I can not stress this enough

-Sitting on the swing on the porch is heavenly. I love being outside in the fresh air and the gliding of the swing

- I weigh 7 lbs. 9 oz. (as of this afternoon's Dr. appt.). Funny how at 5 weeks I am still a pound and a half smaller than my brother was when he was born!

- I am in a size newborn diaper

-The only binky that I will take are my gum drops

-I dont like getting put in my car seat but the minute we start driving I fall fast asleep

- I love to be held most but I'll settle for my swing too.. its a pretty cool place to be

- I love music

- When my Parents forget to give me my reflux medication I have been known to projectile vomit. But I have only done this 4 or 5 times. And its only ever been on my Dad. Other than the big soakers I never spit up, its either all or nothing.

- I like to be out and going. I love all the sounds and lights of the outside World

- My siblings adore me and always talk about how cute I am. I get a little nervous when my Brother talks about how he wants to eat me because I'm so cute.

- My hair is as unruly as my Sisters and sticks straight up! My Mom said my Sisters (now) have amazing hair so Im not too worried about it. Plus Fall's coming so I can hide it with cute hats, like my new one above, for a while.

- I am cute, and tiny and love to snuggle and to be held close and tight.