They really do love each other!

1) Sitting around the table I asked everyone to tell about their favorite part of the day so far.

Amelia:  I know!  My favorite part of my day was the fire-drill we practiced at school.
Me:  Oh, good one. Very nice.  Evelyn, what was your favorite part of the day today? 
Evelyn:  Ummmm.  Pick up thith!

She loves to wake up from her nap and immediately get herself ready to pick up her "thith" from school.  Can't wait to see her.  Yesterday, when we got to pick up, Evie could see her waiting in line.  Evie lit up and began waving and yelling from her car seat:  "HI MELIA!  HI!" Amelia laughed and waved back from her place in line.  "Hi, Evie!"  Evie continued to wave and smile, "MELIA!  MELIA, COME ON!"  Amelia continued to wait in line for her turn to get into our car.  Evie didn't understand why she wasn't coming.  "MELIA!  YOU WONNA COME?!  COME ON MELIA!"  And when Amelia finally came to the car and settled into her seat, Evie asked her with a smile, "How yer day as skoo, Melia?"
The sweetest. 


2) Yesterday, I gave Amelia a small lecture about listening/obeying me...the first time she is asked/told to do something.  My lecture was not well received.  I "hurt her feelings."  A dramatic response I hear often when she's in any kind of trouble.  She cried and pouted and stomped around for a bit.  Evie followed her every move, watching her with great concern.  She kept asking her questions.  Some I could understand, some I couldn't.

Evie to Amelia:  You want Dada?
Amelia: yes
Evie ran to me with great urgency:  She wants DADA!
Me:  Daddy's not here, Evie.  Leave sis be.

She couldn't let her be.  She wanted to fix whatever was wrong.

Amelia sat on the couch.  Still pouting.
Evie climbed up onto her lap.

Evie in a very empathetic tone and big worried eyes:  You sad, thith?
Amelia with arms crossed:  Yes!  I'm sad! Very sad! 
Evie:  Awwwww.  You want me?  You want me thith?
Amelia:  Yes, I want you Evie.
Evie giving her a big hug and stroking her hair:  Aw.  Don't cry Melia.  Don't be sad.  
Amelia finally cracked a smile...and hugged her back for a lonnnngg time. 
Evie:  You happy now?  Yeth?  Aw...thith...you happy now?
Yes, she's happy now, and both are giggling.  

Meanwhile, I'm am simultaneously laughing while rolling my eyes at all of the dramatics...but mostly filling up with a warm fuzzy feeling.  I love it when they are on the same team.

3) I have mixed feelings about Barbies since Amelia first took at liking to them at age 2.  But lately Barbies are my best friends.  They LOVE to play Barbies together.  I mean just the two of them.  And for long periods of time.  And they don't fight.  Usually.  (Today Evie did poke Amelia in the eye with Barbie's stiletto, while Barbie was wearing them).  But during a long stint of Barbie play.  I heard this conversation:

Amelia:  Evie, what do you think I should wear?  Should I wear this dress or this one?
Evie surveying the choices of sparkly Barbie outfits:  Ummmm.  Dis one.
Amelia:  This one?  Okay.  I'll wear this one. 

I had a flash forward to 10-12 years from now.  Sisters.  Separate from Mom and in their own sisterly world.  Sharing secrets, asking each others opinion on clothes, boys, and other worldly topics.  I felt grateful...for two beautiful girls.  Two beautiful and wonderful and very different sisters.  Grateful that no matter what path they take, they will always have each other to come home to.  

Just a little bit...

 Three weeks of illness in our house.  First Amelia with a mild enough virus, she can take it like a big kid now.  But the little one, well, she caught the same virus but managed to turn hers into a nasty bout of croup and then a secondary infection.  Croup is no joke.  I feel for parents of children with asthma or allergies...not a good feeling watching your child struggle to get air.  Not a good feeling at all.  Lucky for us, modern medicine provided us with some oral steroids that opened up her airway and got things flowing pretty quickly.  Easy as that.  I might mention that steroids in a two year old are no joke either...major burst of energy and some serious crazy behavior.  So, that was fun.  Along with frequent trips to a steamy bathroom or trips outside wrapped up in winter garb and blankets to breathe in some cold night air...Oh hey, Ev!  Let's go outside at 1:32 am in the freezing cold Michigan winter while you're hacking your lungs up to see if we can't catch a glimpse of that moon tonight!  See it?  Behind all those wintry mix/snow clouds?  No?  Okay then.
She was confused, angry, cranky, tired and coughing, coughing, coughing.  And me?  Sleepless, for almost 3 weeks straight.  She is better now.  She still coughs, and wakes up, crying and upset.  But it's better.  Thankfully.
During waking hours we deal with another kind of sick...sick and tired of the fighting.  So. Much. Fighting.  Sisters fighting.  Little sister, tormenting Big Sister, mostly.  Oh, and Big Sister...so much drama.  In fact, the world just might come to an end because Little Sister pushed Big Sister (or scratched, hit, tried to bite, kicked...you name it).  Usually I don't blame her for the drama...because it is getting really old...but sometimes...really?  And the time-outs are NOT working.  And Little Sister has figured out that it is quite an attention getter...to get into trouble.  And she tells on herself, regularly.  And I often hear the Big Sister telling her to go tell on herself.  And the minute her dad steps foot in the door each evening, she confesses everything.  Just puts it all out there, like yeah, I did those things, and I have no idea why, I just did them, and then I got in trouble.  And she corrects us when we tell her to say 'I'm sorry' to her sister for hitting..."no mama, i scratch Sissy."  Oh right.  Excuse me.

So today, I woke up feeling defeated.  Overwhelmed.  Tired.  I felt like this cycle of sleeplessness and fighting, and whining and drama would never come to an end.  Ever.  That I would not ever walk about in my own space ever again, or sit in my own space, or sleep in my own space, ever, again.  Or listen to nothing but silence ever again.

And today Ford would be gone 14 hours.  And I knew this.

And on his way out the door this morning, he said to me..."you know, it's only temporary."

Yeah, I know that.

And then he said, "someday they won't want you."

Yeah, I know that too.

And then...they had a great day.  They did.  They played together.  Little Sister did scratch Big Sister, and hit her once or twice.  But it was less dramatic, at least.  Amelia pulled out the awesome Big Sister card and played it well, all day.  I felt encouraged.  Amelia made me and many other people cards and pictures, like she does everyday.  Because she loves to give them.  And Evie was happy.  All day.  And then Amelia picked up the entire living room before dinner without being asked.  And Evie made funny faces and said lots of her funny 2 year old stuff that makes me laugh out loud.  And was just generally so cute because she is just that all of the time...cute.  And I painted all of their piggies and all of their little fingers pink and purple and they were soooo happy about that.  And then Evie, with her naked bottom on the kitchen floor trying to put her big girl underpants on "aww by mysewf," stood up with the brightest face, clapped her hands and exclaimed, "I did it!'  By mysewf!"  Even though both legs were in one hole.  I congratulated her and bent down to help her fix the issue.  She wasted no time in wrapping her little arms around my neck, squeezing me tight and genuinely and happily announcing..."Oh mama!  You da bast!"  To which I replied, "Aww, what did you say?"  She repeated herself and Amelia yelled from the other room..."I think she is trying to say, YOU ARE THE BEST!"

So, THAT is what I needed.  Not my own space.  Or even sleep.  Just a little bit of...something.  Because through it all, they know I love them.  Even when I am impatient and tired, and sick myself.  They know they are everything to me.  Even when life is not perfect.  And by not perfect I mean bananaland.  
And I know they love me too.  With their whole little beings. 
It was a good day. 

The close of the summer...

Many a day has passed since posting last. I apologize to my 2nd born...sorry Evelyn. There just does not seem to be enough time lately to gather my thoughts...at least not enough to formulate a witty, entertaining, sentimental blog post...The kind I like to compose late at night, when all is quiet. It seems that the past few months, there has been very little of just that....quiet. Life is scheduled and busy and chaotic and fun and chaotic and challenging and amazing. And tiring. So tiring. Since I last posted the following things have happened along with 27,000 other things that I won't be able to list...

1. Ford graduated from law school. Can I get a hallelujah?
2. Evie started talking. I mean real words. Lots of them.
3. Summer break started.
4. Ford began studying for the bar exam.
5. We moved out of our rental and into my parents' (move #4 since moving to MI) while Ford mostly studied for the bar exam and worked just a little.
6. Ford took the bar exam...and thought it was really hard.
7. Evie grew.
8. Amelia grew.
9. Evie got more teeth.
10. Amelia got her first loose tooth biting her corn on the cob on the 4th of July.
11. Evie caught her first fish.
12. Amelia got her hair chopped.
13. Evie continues to grow the cutest mullet ever.
14. The girls and I got swine flu after attending the Ingham County Fair. While this could not be proved...I'm sticking with it.
15. Amelia turned 5. She was sick on her birthday. Major downer.
16. Amelia lost her first tooth the next day.
17. We moved out of my parents' and into a HOUSE. OMG. (Yes, I said OMG and by the way..move #5) It's a rental, but it's a house, people. And everyone has their OWN room. And there's a swing set out back. Sigh...
18. Evie grew some more, and began speaking in sentences...like my favorite "I yuh you mama."
19. Ford started his year long clerkship with a federal judge. Fancy.
20. Amelia started her 3rd and final year of preschool.
21. By the grace of God, we all managed to survive law school and the bar exam.
22. We had a great summer with family and friends and took trips north to Mackinac, Cross Village and Houghton Lake.

I just might be back at this. For the two of you who still check to see if I am alive...

An Unfortunate Streak

Oh so many things. Let me start by saying that tomorrow, Monday April 23rd, is Ford's LAST day of law school! He still has finals but no more classes. It's truly hard to believe. Can it be real???
Next, it's been a rough week for little Evelyn. She took her first trip to the emergicenter...she's fine but it was eventful. She's a little trooper, but she suffered a deep and nasty cut between her thumb and first finger. How? Well, sadly this mishap happened during a moment of happy and synergetic play between two sisters. The girls were playing together with a toy top, Evie watched while Amelia pumped it vigorously to make it spin. Evie reached in and grabbed it at the wrong moment. I knew it when I saw her face. It was deep. There was blood. She wasn't happy. I grabbed her and raced to the kitchen sink. As Ford and I were tending to Evie, I turned to see a very pale and quivering lipped Amelia, her big browns flooded with worry. Now I had two kids in need. I gently assured Amelia that Evelyn was going to be fine. She couldn't hold it in any longer. She burst and then confessed while wailing, "it's my fault, I did it to her!" Guilt. My heart went out to the kid. I hugged her tight and told her it was NOT her fault and that it was just an accident. She didn't believe me. I hugged her some more. She sobbed. Now two kids crying.
So, time to divide and conquer. This was one injury Boo Boo Bunny was not cut out for. Ford had Evie duty and I stayed home to take Amelia's mind off of what was about to go down at the emergicenter. A tough decision for me...what child to be with? I'm the mom, I'm supposed to be with them when they get hurt. But let's face it, Ford is better emotionally when it comes to trauma...as he put it "when they get (badly) hurt it gets you straight in the heart." He's right. I learned this about myself my very first day of motherhood. I don't do well when my babies are in (physical) peril. I sort of crumble. Thought I'd be better at it and for sure better at it by now. Guess I'll have to work on that.
By Ford's account, it took two people to hold Evie down (she is amazingly strong) while the doctor poured hydrogen peroxide directly into the wound, inspected it and decided that while the cut was deep, gluing it would suffice...no need for stitches. Whew. Three or four layers of glue later, and only after the doctor left the room did Evie stop crying and immediately began giving Ford the business about what the heck just happened to her. While babbling, she began pointing toward the door, he asked her if she wanted to go home, she giggled nervously and nodded her head, like "heck yeah I want to go home!" She didn't cry about it again. Didn't even care about her bandage. On with life as usual. Keeping the band aid dry for 5 days was a bit of a challenge but we did it. She's healing nicely. Amelia seems to have healed as well.

Then two days later, Evie tripped and smacked her head HARD on the bottom crossbar of our dining room table. Even Ford reacted with an loud and unsettling "WHOA!!" I fully expected to pick her up and see blood pouring from her brown bone. But alas, spared again...just a nasty goose-egg. I have learned in my 4.5 years that those are quite common and usually harmless at this young age. Good to know. Dr. Frank in Nashville had his share of visits and calls from us after most of Amelia's bad head bonks. God made those little heads hard for a reason. Real hard. Good design.

But then, yesterday a fever set in with no apparent symptoms other than extreme crabbiness...she did seem more sleepy than usual. An infection? The beginning of a cold? Today, though the fever broke, we noticed red spots around her mouth and a few on her bum, a decreased appetite (although ice-cream was not a problem tonight)...I'm suspecting hand, foot, mouth disease. Sounds nasty but relatively common in children. Amelia had it at 12 months and with same progression of symptoms. A trip to the doc tomorrow to rule out anything else and then we deal. Let's hope this is the end of this unfortunate streak...did I mention we all had the stomach bug last month while Ford was on his spring break? Even the babe. THAT was a real doozie. To remind myself (years from now and several stomach bugs later) of this first bout of family stomach virus I will just quote Amelia yelling as she is running through the house and while Ford is running Evelyn to the kitchen sink (a little too late I might add) while I am lying on the bathroom floor unable to assist but listening to it all..."I'LL GET THE GREEN BOWL, I'LL GET THE GREEN BOWL!!"

Bottom line is even the second time around, these injuries and illnesses are still hard on baby AND mama. And daddy. And sister too. I am smarter than I was the first time around, and there is something to be said about that, but my heart doesn't ache for them any less.

Washing Machine Dance

When Evie hears the washing machine, she dances her special "washing machine dance" which she made up on her very own. She's inspired by rhythm and the washing machine gets her every time...

Pebbles...

It's been a while...I realize. What I will remember about this time of life, (ie. last semester of husband's law school; a busy and talkative, 4.5 year old attending and LOVING 1/2 day pre-school 5 days a week; and a 14 month old to CHASE, feed, play with, hold, pick up and kiss superficial boo boos after falling 227+ times a day, coerce into napping twice a day along with well, just everything else that happens in LIFE)...it boils down to this...I AM TIRED. Once everyone is asleep I have a few quiet moments to ponder what I might do before I crash...so so many things that I could do before I crash...and unfortunately, writing a new blog post is far down on the list. I am feeling a little guilty about this, but I will remember to remember that this time of our lives is tiring. But so rewarding and sweet and funny and all worth it.

I don't often post about the trials we face in our daily routines. Keeping it light, you know...but that's just not always reality. Let's face it.
Anyone who knows Amelia knows she is smart. She is fiercely independent. And she is particular. We've struggled with clothing in the past. The way it feels, how it fits...basically overall comfort. And there were many a costume changes daily, so many changes, can't even count how many per day. This was a hard one at times...I won't go into detail but just know...it was HARD. I am happy to say, that this once very large hurdle, has become but a pebble in our path. Amelia has matured and overcome most of her issues with this one, to the great relief of her parents. A mere phase. Thank the LORD.
That's not to say that we, meaning her parents, are not on edge every now and again when we see Amelia (who has picked out her own outfits since she was 1.75 years old) pull something out of the closet or drawer that has proved challenging in the past. And by challenging, I mean, sit down, take off your coat and shoes, we're not going anywhere for at least a half an hour...
Today, Amelia pulled out the tights. Tights. Seem innocent enough? Not in the history of this house. Tights belong in a group of fashion-wear that, well, just never should have been invented, apparently. But none-the-less, we have a pair or two in the sock drawer, as Amelia has always understood their fashion value, of course.
And feeling fashionably inspired this morning after a long and luxurious shower, Amelia decided on a frilly short-sleeved shirt and matching purple skirt, and...tights.
Now, Amelia had a tummy bug yesterday and stayed home from school today to recoup. No need to dress up or even dress for that matter...jammies would have been fine. But Amelia likes to look her best. Ford walked by her room and saw her quietly sitting on her bed attempting to put these infamous tights on by herself and he saw her struggling...key word here...quietly. However, out of habit, I'm sure, he immediately leaped into "diffuse before the explosion" mode.

Ford: Amelia, honey, you aren't going to school today, you don't need to put on tights. Just put on something comfy.
Amelia obviously had her mind made up and continued with her plight.
Ford: Amelia, why don't you just take those tights off?
Amelia, sweetly and calmly: Dad, be your own mind.
(I believe she meant to say "mind your own business").

She happily wore those tights all day, even though the crotch was sagging most of the time and gravity had caused the ankles to bunch after just a few hours. I even hate when that happens.
Amelia? Fine. (Proud of you, Amelia). :)
A corner has been turned.
And yeah, Ford, be your own mind.

Sweet...

Sometimes the sweetness can be overwhelming.

Our bedtime routine includes standing in front of the crib holding Evie and swaying gently back and forth in the quiet, darkened room to soft music. She takes this as her cue to settle in and get snugly. Her own routine involves adjusting her lovey upon my shoulder (or Ford's), laying her head down on my shoulder, and often patting my arm while she starts to doze. Tonight she did her normal routine and I had one of those moments where I felt extra happy and grateful just to be holding her, feeling her little hand pat my shoulder and listening to her soft breathing and sucky sounds. I spent a few seconds trying to ingrain that feeling into my brain...knowing this stuff doesn't last forever. I whispered "night night sweet baby, I love you...can mommy have a kiss?" She picked up her head, smiled behind her sucky and giggled softly. She nodded her head as if to say, 'Sure Mama, you can have a kiss.' Then she leaned in and I kissed her soft cheek, she turned her head away without a sound and laid back down on the lovey, upon my shoulder...and went to sleep.

Love this laugh...

Evie and I stayed in today while Ford took Amelia to the sledding hill. Great sunny day but pretty cold. Caught this moment of hilarity on tape while we played in our tree tent set up indoors...fully equipped with sleeping bag, books and toys. Evie loves it in there. Check her out.

Happy Christmas, Happy Birthday and Happy New Year!

I can't even believe the whirlwind of events that have taken place these past few weeks! So much activity and so much to be thankful for. Let's start with our birthday girl...
Evie is ONE! One whole year with sweet little Evie rounding out our little family. Joy, laughter and amazement are the 3 main words that come to mind when I think of her. She is growing leaps and bounds and like her sister, tends to act older than her age. She is testing out her legs lately. She took her first step on December 13th with Amelia and I there to witness the exciting event. She has been practicing ever since! She's speedy with her walker and loves to just stand up and balance. She just hangs out for a while, standing, pointing at things, making her talking sounds. Speaking of speaking...she's been working on her vocabulary! Dada, mama, up, duck, wawa, uh-oh, Santa, soft, star, grandpa, sister (some of these words sound a bit like "dada" but we know the difference), she says "huh?" with her hands turned up when she is perplexed or looking for someone. She also makes a multitude of animal noises...monkey, dog, horse, bear, lion, rooster. She is great at communicating, with words and with sign language. She laughs, almost with relief, when we understand and say back to her what she is requesting. And what she is usually requesting is food or milk. Those signs she has mastered.
She thoroughly enjoys food. She hums her food songs while eating. She has different songs for different foods. I thought today, I wonder if she will always hum while eating. After lunch today, Ford was changing Evie's diaper in the bedroom and she must have been asking him for more food as I heard him say to her..."Evie, you get three meals a day, and a few snacks. Got it? You just ate, kid." I had to laugh out loud.
It's great fun watching Evie and her sister develop their relationship. They love each other so much and yet, like sisters do, they fight...often. So far, for the most part we have been letting them work it out on their own, unless someone gets physical. It's usually Evie. We are teaching her to be "soft" and "gentle" but she is automatically on the defense when big sister comes around as Amelia at times displays her senior status...likes to show who's boss. I often over-hear Amelia saying things to Evie like, "Evie, if you do that again, there is going to be a consequence." But, truth be told, Evie can hold her own. Let's just say, I'm not all that worried about her. We've got two strong-willed little ladies on our hands. Should make for some interesting teenage years.
We introduced cow's milk to Evie this past week. So far it's a no-go but I said the same thing about solid food 6 months ago and look at her now. She spits the milk out and makes terrible faces.
She's got 4 teeth now, 2 on top and 2 on bottom. Cuteness.
I had an Amelia deja-vu moment with Evie yesterday. Ford was trying to read to her before nap and she was not sitting still, as usual, for book-time. This is common with Evie and book-time, she's much too busy and has too much exploring to do. So I said to her "Evie do you want milk?" She laughed and made the sign for milk. I said, "okay, but first you have to lay down and finish book-time with Dad and then you can have milk." She totally laid down and waited for Ford to finish reading. Stinker understands everything we say. Amelia often shocked me like that at this age as well.
Christmas was fun and crazy and exciting and full of memorable moments. Amelia was so excited for Santa to come and was amazed at all of the magic Christmas brings. Love seeing Christmas through her eyes. She was the most enthusiastic present opener this year, announcing each gift with a loud and truly excited voice. She was just as excited for her sister's birthday and did not forget about Evie's important day despite all the Christmas activity. Amelia LOVES to give gifts and I love to watch her give them. She talked for weeks leading up to Christmas about all of the things she wanted to buy for Ford and I. A very giving girl and I am thankful. I got a bright pink sweater and a Rudolph ornament from my sweet girl on Christmas morning.
Amelia has had a fun and exciting Christmas break but misses school terribly and I am so glad for that! She cannot wait to go back tomorrow. What a blessing to have a child so enthusiastic about school, and what a blessing to have her enrolled in such an amazing pre-school with teachers we've missed very much. I've already cried about Amelia's graduation from ONS. Sigh...
Here's to a fantastic and exciting and blessed New Year! Hopeful for good things in 2012.

Tis the Season...

Evie cheering for the Christmas tree!



Looks like Evie's celebrity mug shot. But really, just fun with food in the hair. Aw, poor Ev.


"Look, Mom! I drew the whole 'activity' scene!" Did it all on her own. The sweetest. Warms the heart.


Someone is FIRED UP about Christmas! She dressed as a Christmas cheerleader and cheered in front of the Christmas tree...it went a little somethin' like this..."I SAY BABY, YOU SAY JESUS...BABY! JESUS! BABY! JESUS!"

The season is upon us. The season for Christmas trees and decorations, Christmas music and Christmas cheer, snowflakes and coziness, and anticipation...not to mention law school finals and midnight Christmas shopping and hurried Christmas baking and wrapping...when I am going to do the wrapping??...and not enough sleep and Christmas rushing and sometimes, yes, sometimes Christmas stressing...
So...I have attached a few images that remind me what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown. And I have two little presents of my own who make it all worth while...one who was even delivered Christmas Day one whole year ago...

Winter

Winter is here. The first snow came last night. Lots of it! Turned out to be the perfect winter's night for a 4 year old. The best part was it was totally unplanned. Amelia was adamant that she would be playing in the snow after dinner. We tried to explain that it was very cold out and the snow was really wet, she didn't care. She was out the door with Ford all bundled up to "take a walk" in the snow. She came in one snowman later covered in wet icy snow, drippy nose and rosy cheeks but pleased with her first snowman of the year. She jumped in the bath, hot cocoa with mini-marshmallows waiting. To top it off, a little Rudolph was on television. Amelia's first time. Cozy in her jammies, hair still wet from her bath, warm cocoa in her tummy and tucked under a blanket between Mom and Dad on the couch (Evie was asleep in her crib), she watched Rudolph and the Abominable while she nervously chewed on the blanket in anticipation. Her first experience with the Abominable and all his scariness...and she couldn't stop talking about him afterward. And how come he wasn't as scary after her had no teeth, anyway? :)
A four year old's winter memory.

Mama Mia!

It seems Evie is learning a trick or two every day now. Some new ones and some new and improved...
Mama Mia (pictured above)
Waving...she's been doing this for a while but now she waves at EVERYONE. Random strangers even.
She is getting the gist of blowing kisses although her hand starts at her chest instead of her mouth...but she's got the swinging out action down and her intentions are good.
She says "Uh Oh" in response to anything that is dropped, whether it's on purpose or not.
She goes to sleep by herself! I almost gave up thinking this would ever happen for one of my babies...but she does it. The set up: Sucky, lovey, soft music, sound machine, dimmed room and a little snuggle, swaying and humming...lay her down. She's out without a peep. It's truly awesome.
Singing. She's been doing a lot of singing, in her crib in the car, while she's getting her diaper changed...I love it.
Tantrums. This is a nice one. She's continues to arch her back and scream when she doesn't want to partake certain things, namely getting in her car seat, being placed on the floor to play when she'd rather be held, or being placed in her exer-saucer. Feisty that one.

And perhaps my favorite is this...
While playing with her big sister on the floor recently another fight ensued. Amelia was hoarding the nesting/stacking blocks with her back to Evie. Evie was trying hard to get a few. A scream and then a scream in response...back a forth a few times. I encouraged Amelia to teach Evie to share by giving her a few blocks. It worked. Amelia shared, Evie shared back. The rest of the playing session was amicable.
Later, that same day...the same scenario, same blocks...but this time, Evie hoarded two blocks right off the bat, held them close to her chest and stared right at her sister and shook her head "NO." Wow, 10 months and taking her stand. Right on.

The 9th month

Evie is quickly approaching 10 months! Her 9th month has been action packed. She's officially on the move. She's crawling! She took her time a bit on actually moving forward...mostly she'd just hang out on all fours, rock back and forth, go up to downward dog, down to her belly and then push herself up to sitting. Next, she invented her own way of getting about thus negating the need to travel via hands and knees...more of a roll or two up to sitting, then roll again up to sitting. It worked for her until one day I put some Gerber Sweet Potato Puffs on the floor a few feet in front of her...wa la...now she crawls. She loves herself some Puffs..who knew they'd be so motivating.

Some other tricks she's pretty much mastered this month...
Loves to clap! All the time. Claps to music and for happiness.
Itsy Bitsy Spider may be her favorite song and she does the moves! So cute.
She's also enjoys and participates in patty cake.
Still thinks peek-a-boo is just as hilarious the 700th time as it was the first.
She is, already (and has been), quite musically inclined...loves instruments, loves music, loves to dance. Bounces and smiles and claps when she hears music.
She's enjoys eating now! Eats it all. Well, mostly the baby food I make, and Puffs and Cheerios. :) She's had baked potato chunks and pieces of banana...about to embark on the world of soft table foods.
She does the sign for "more" when she wants more to eat or drink. We are working on other signs.
She's got a temper! Watch out for this one. When she's got something on her mind and things don't quite go her way...she throws back her head, arches her back and wails. It's all very dramatic and reminds me a lot of somebody else I know.
She's go 2 teeth! Both on the bottom.
Her 9 month appointment went well. She's doing great and developing normally. She's even right on time for separation anxiety...she didn't care so much for the nurses doing their thing...cried a bit when she got weighed and clung to me.
She says "uh oh" when she drops (or throws) something to the floor. She says "ma ma ma" and "da da da."
She enjoys roaring. Most animals do roar, in case you didn't know...lions, bears, cats, scarecrows, even ducks.
She thoroughly enjoys the fish tanks at Meijer. Total happiness when she sees them. Giggles and laughs the entire time and then cries when I pull the cart away. Kind of sad.
She LOVES her sister. Today, however, I believe they had their first fight. Screamed back and forth at each other until Evie cried. Then they made up, and love each other once again.
She was baptized last weekend. It was a great day and a special moment for me. Emotions still well up when I think about how God granted me not one but two miracles. God bless Evelyn!

Some important things...

Oh my. Posts are few and far between because this life is BUSY! I wish I had more energy to write. I wish I had more time to write. I think of things to write about almost daily. But...husband in law school, a 4 year old, an 8 month old, and of course it would help if I had my own computer...excuses, yes, but good ones. So I write when I can, and I wish it was more.
So...some important things:

1. Evie cut her first tooth! And it was hard for everyone. She was so cranky these past few weeks. But now she's happy. Until the next tooth. The front bottom right tooth has arrived. I can't believe it. This does indicate that time is truly flying by.

2. Evie is up on all fours! She spends a lot of time of her tummy excitedly moving her arms and legs in and out...much like a pollywog swimming. But in the past few days, she's done a few push-ups with tummy off the floor and then up on her knees. Crawling is next!

3. Amelia decided, on what seemed to be the last weekend of summer, to swim. I mean really swim. Goggles on, held her breath, went all the way under and paddled...until she was swimming almost half-way across the width of the pool. Just like everything else in her life, she just decided that it was time. She was ready. And now she swims. It was awesome. A really proud moment.

4. Amelia has an exaggeration number. 120

5. Evie is falling asleep on her own these days. She welcomes her bed and I am so grateful. Maybe it really is a little easier the second time around?

6. Amelia and I have started reading the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. I actually have the book series from my childhood. She LOVES listening to them. Her first chapter books. I have to admit...I love the influence these little girls and the way they lived are having on her already.

7. Evie LOVES herself some puffs. I mean she can eat some puffs. She's currently 75/25 as to what she actually gets in her mouth and what ends up elsewhere...floor, under her butt, stuck to her cheek...

8. Amelia attended her pre-school open-house tonight. Excited for year 2 of pre-school! Ford and I laughed at how much different it feels this year....for all of us it seems. We were all a little nervous at last year's open-house. This year? No chance. She acted like the senior of the school.

9. Life is busy and full and hectic and at times stressful and going by much too fast. And I love my girls.

Birthdays and Stuff

Girlie update:
Evie is hilarious, and still rolly. She is not crawling yet, but she rolls everywhere! All around the room. She discovered the magazines under the coffee table and enjoys pulling them down. She even rolls toward me to try to get to me when I am far from her. She's still a mama's girl, though she and her daddy have been getting reacquainted these past few weeks he has been on break. Her new favorite thing is to shake her head "no." Though she seems to do it for fun most of the time, there are moments when she does use this new skill at the appropriate times. She LOVES her big sister. Amelia has taught her how to scream. Which is fun. They scream back and forth to each other and then they both crack up laughing. Evie gets so excited...she gets her little hands and feet turning and turning and her pretty eyes get huge when Amelia comes near her and then Amelia proceeds with taunting her and making fun noises 2 cm away from her face. They love to be close to each other..to play or to snuggle. Evie grabs Amelia's hair and tries to pull her close so she can eat her nose.
She is eating solids...which she hated at first. But we are working on it and she's learned to enjoy quite a few things. I continue to introduce her to new foods regularly. So far she's had cereal, sweet potatoes, squash, beans, pears, prunes, apples, and peas. Loves the fruit of course.
She continues to dodge taking real naps during the day. True cat-napper. My goal has been to change this sleep behavior before school starts. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone were on some sort of schedule??? That would be a dream. Getting her to fall asleep on her own continues to be a challenge. She is literally exactly like her big sister was at this age. Which tells me their behaviors in the sleep arena must have more to do with me, and the patterns I've helped established, than I thought. It's difficult to listen to my babies scream. I just hate it. Period. But I've been working it out and she seems to be getting the idea...the idea that going to sleep in one's own crib when one is so extremely exhausted, is not actually torture.
She gets cuter everyday. And more fun. And it's all going way too fast..

Speaking of...Amelia turned 4 a week and a half ago. So exciting and so unbelievable. We have been so busy with birthdays and then a family trip Up North, I have not had the time to post recently about all of the exciting things going on. Shame on me, as this blog does serve as a bit of a baby book/journal. But as I look back and read this someday, i'll be reminded about how crazy exhausted I was at the end of each day...because let's face it, having kids is exhausting...only in the best way that a person can be exhausted of course.
And you know what else is exhausting but totally fun? Birthdays. Amelia had 4 celebrations, 4 cakes and lots of gifts from friends and family. She got a guitar this year. She told Ford the night she opened it..."Dad, I have a great idea...instead of getting up tomorrow and watching kid shows, let's have a jam session." He couldn't have been happier.
Sure enough, first thing the next morning she ran to his side of the bed, tapped him firmly and whispered loudly..."Dad! It's time to jam!" :)


And now, another Amelia story:

Last night while putting Amelia to bed, she asked if she could rock with me. We don't do this very often anymore, for a few reasons...I do miss it, and I was happy to oblige. As we were rocking, we were discussing the events of the day, namely her 4 year well visit at the pediatrician's office. She was not too thrilled with being at the doctor's office, (at all).

Me: Just think Amelia, you won't have to go back to the doctor for a check up for a whole year...you'll be five! You'll be so big then.
Amelia: Yes, so big you won't even be able to hold me.
Me: Oh yes I will! What you have to understand is no matter how big you get, you'll always be my baby...so I will always hold you.
Amelia: Even when I'm 19???
Me: Of course.
Amelia: Even when I'm YOUR age?
Me: Even when you're my age, I'll still hold you.
Amelia: Welllll...how about when I'm your age, I'll hold YOU.
Me: Aw, you would hold ME?
Amelia: Welll, actually...how about we just hold each other?

Me fighting back tears: "I'd like that."

It has been quite some time since I've posted. There are a few reasons for that...but mostly it's just been very a busy summer with a 3.75 year old and a 7 month old in tow! Evie is growing leaps and bounds before my very eyes. She is a healthy, happy girl and has the sweetest personality. She had her 6 month appointment a few weeks ago and is in the 90th percentile in height (26.5), weight (17 lbs 8 oz) and head circumference (43.7 cm). Ninety percent across the board...she's perfect! She still has a reputation for having the cutest rolls around but in my opinion she is actually trimming up a bit. :) She is getting stronger and in the past few weeks has been sitting up by herself. She has discovered the art of mobility by rolling all around the room...just waiting for her to take off crawling soon. She has been a bit clingy to mama...but it only takes her a few minutes and she eventually warms up to everyone. She LOVES her sister...she thinks she's pretty hilarious most of the time, other times, after she gets over the shock or being bombarded with hugs and loud crazy noises, she just watches her every move. They are already becoming good friends. One of my favorite things...watching their relationship grow.
She has started eating solids but it has been a slow go in that department. She absolutely did NOT care for rice cereal or oat cereal for that matter. I have since introduced sweet potato, squash, avocado and peas. She loves the sweet potatoes but can take or leave the others. Ford seems to have the magic touch with feedings, as she does much better for him.
Naps continue to be a challenge. She does not seem to have a regular sleep schedule during the day. So we work on it.
As she grows and her personality develops, I find myself laughing at her most of the day. She is sweet and funny and super snuggly...she is truly a gift and I can hardly remember what our lives were like without her. Our Evie.

Cheeky

Doing some growing...

Evie update. She had 2 pokes yesterday. Poor bugger...but she only cried for 10 seconds...then it was done. Ford says he thinks she's going to be a tough cookie. We shall see. She is growing at an alarming rate and is still sporting some beautiful rolls. She is sturdier and stronger and seems to enjoy tummy time a little more. She giggles every time she rolls to her tummy and looks about like, "look what I just did" and she thinks it's big stuff when she is stood up on her little/big legs..giggles in delight every time. She is showing more and more personality everyday. She'll be a sweet one...that's my prediction. We shall see.

She is still exclusively breast-fed although she is beginning to show interest in what we are eating...so sad as she watches the fork go from the plate to the mouth...or as she reaches out with flailing arms and wild drool spilling from her little pink lips while watching Amelia eat an ice-cream cone. Think I might start her on some rice cereal soon...though she doesn't need any extra calories. :) She sleeps like a champion at night...usually all night long which is so great for everyone involved. Naps are a bit tougher. When Evie shows signs of tiredness, we have become accustomed to saying..."time for Evie's 10 minute nap." She's a cat-napper all the way. When she does pull out a long 2 hour nap, we all celebrate. Guess I'd rather have her sleep all night than sleep all day...if I had to choose. She is cute as pie and sweet as punch. I find myself calling her Sweet Evie, especially when we are alone together and all is quiet, and she smiles up at me with a look of contentedness and sometimes she even lets out a sweet little sigh...almost like she's saying, "there's no place I'd rather be, mama."

Ford is working at a law-firm in Grand Rapids this summer. Which means he does not get home at night until close to bed-time. Dinner time is a bummer because I have found that when I am alone with both girls, cooking a large meal for everyone is tough. I'm starting to get the hang of it but Evie is still so needy and completing any project is difficult. So, I find myself scrambling to get Amelia a healthy meal before she begins to melt-down from hunger. Sadly, she often eats it alone at the table while I am cooking, feeding Evie, or trying to put her down for one of her many cat-naps. Amelia does not complain about this. Even when I am asking her for the hundredth time that day to please be quiet. Tonight I got her dinner ready then went in the other room to feed Evie and put her down. When I came out a bit later, Amelia was finished eating and was putting her plate up on the counter without being told. I felt sorry I had missed her dinner time and that she had to eat alone. I picked her up and gave her a huge hug. She felt so heavy and big...long arms and legs...kid...no more toddler. I said to her..."When did you get so big? Stop growing okay? Can't you just stay little forever?" She very seriously placed her soft hands on my cheeks, tilted her head and said, "but Mom, I just can't stay little forever." I replied, "But why not?" Again, very seriously she answered, "Because I have to be a grown-up." Me again, "But why do you have to be a grown up?" Without hesitation she responded, "Because Mom, I have to be a mom...and have my children."

I got a bit of a lump in my throat. As if she knows that her life is a journey, and that growing up is inevitable and amazingly, she already can't wait to meet her own babies.

Last Day of School

On her way to school

All done!

Big girl is 5 months!

Big day today. Last day of the first year of preschool. So hard to believe that a whole school year is behind us. I cannot express how grateful we are to have found such a wonderful and unique preschool for Amelia to attend. The experience was nothing short of amazing for Amelia...and her parents.

One of the primary intentions of the teachers at ONS is to allow our children the freedom to discover the world on his/her terms and at his/her own pace. Our daily rhythm is slowed such that the children are afforded the necessary time to see projects through. They are stimulated and enthralled by "provocations" which draw out natural curiosity and creativity. Although academics are not presented as "subjects," the children discover that to successfully convey ideas, many different "languages" must be incorporated into their daily work---painting, drawing, verbal language, photography, reading and writing plus countless more.

It was amazing to witness first hand this amazing approach to early childhood education and to watch Amelia flourish and thrive in such an environment. The use of nature as another teacher has opened up a world of wonder and has fostered a relationship with the environment that I am confident, and thankful, will stay with her always. Weekly visits from "specials' teachers in dance/creative movement, music, art, as well as visits from a naturalist spur great conversations between Amelia, Ford and I about what she did and learned at school each day...and already at 3 1/2 she is teaching her parents a few things.
She has made some great friendships and learned about what it means to be part of a community as well as part of a family outside of her own. Attending ONS has allowed her the opportunity to think outside her own little box, away from mom and dad, and through different experiences that have happened to her...good and bad...allowed to her the opportunity to problem solve and cope away from the comforts of home. That alone has given her a new sense of confidence. All of these things...invaluable.
Amelia is sounding out and reading words, writing all of her letters and loves to count...to 100 I might add. Learning has been anything but a chore...and she initiates most of it. We are so happy to have Amelia at ONS again next year..her pre-kindergarten year...and can't wait to see what amazing discoveries she makes about life, learning, nature, and herself.
So proud of you, Amelia!