These Days...

... this girl is walking everywhere with both arms adorably extended upward and a big smile on her proud face. I still get surprised when she walks around the corner. Where did my baby go? She gives kisses upon request, which is often. When I ask her if she wants to go brush her teeth, she drops whatever she's doing and toddles to the bathroom as fast as she can go, saying "Ahhhh" the whole way. Sister loves her dental hygiene. She is now fully weaned and made that process easy on me. She snuggles into my shoulder every night while I sing to her before bed. If I think it's getting too quiet and go looking for her, I almost always find her reading a book. She gets super excited when she sees a dog or a picture of one, and Ginger tolerates lots of snuggles and pat-pats. She loves to skype, pointing to the computer and signing more.

...this girl continues to amaze me with her curiosity and heart. She will stop in the middle of a Target trip to say, "Hey, Mommy. You know I love you?"  When we pray to Jesus, she wants to make sure we're talking to the real Jesus - "the one with long hair."  She prays for him to help her with the "shin" in her heart. She knows he lives in there... and in her tummy, apparently. When some of our family recently went through a difficult time, she prayed daily that God would "make them not sad and make them happy." She quickly understood the concept that Cara is more important than her toys (thank you, Rachel Jankovic), and has really made an effort to share her toys. When I was sick on the Fourth of July, she was so sweet to me - patting my back, asking me if I felt better, helping me out around the house as much as she could. In dance/gymnastics class she is doing so well at listening to her teacher, following instructions, and trying new (hard) things. She still looks for me through the glass to make sure I'm watching.

... our family is designing (and hopefully soon building) a chicken coop. If you had asked me six months ago if I would consider raising chickens, I would have laughed.  But I'm really excited about the learning opportunity for the girls (and Daniel and I!) and of course for the fresh eggs! Although our GF experiment is on hold until Daniel sees the doctor, we are trying to limit it to some degree, and consequently have tried a few new yummy recipes. We are getting excited for our upcoming trip to see family in a few weeks. For a month or so now, the girls have been going to bed at the same time, and while most nights are quiet and uneventful, Daniel and I smile at each other when there's a few rounds of giggles while they settle down. Above all, we are thankful. Although there are certainly challenges and disappointments in our lives, we are doing our best to live with grateful, content hearts. Thankful for all of the above and so much more. God is faithful and so so good.

eleven months

this girl is:

approaching a year so very quickly

 looking older, longer, toddlerish

becoming more outspoken when things don't go her way

saying "mama" "dada" "ayah" (elli) and "da" (duck and dog)

loving to explore the world around her 

crawling, cruising, climbing

beginning to stand up all by herself

 giving sweet kisses (for reals!)

voluntarily giving lots of snuggles

doing the actions to 'wheels on the bus'

making smacking noises while having tea parties with her big sister

practicing "pat-pats" on ginger and getting pretty good at it

trying to color (after sampling the chalk/crayon/marker of course - she's impartial)

 still nursing four times a day and loving it

eating anything and everything i give her

but especially loving meat of any kind and strawberries

needing a cup of water whenever her sister gets one

still taking two naps, but doing fine on a day when she misses one

still sleeping about eleven hours at night

  

this girl is:

- precious - fun - strong - ticklish - flexible - busy - communicative - playful - curious - passionate - relational - sweet - loved -

Easter

 I loved Easter this year.  First of all, my parents came to visit, which makes any weekend awesome! We had a sweet, relaxing time with lots of books, sandbox time, tricycle rides and snuggling.  Perfect. 

 
 Three out of four smiles is not bad.

On Sunday, our church did things a little differently this Easter - we met at a local children's amusement park, opening it up to the surrounding neighbors, sharing breakfast tacos and the Good News.

There was no scurry to get all done up in Easter finest or to hurry and get the Easter eggs hidden; instead, there was an eagerness to be amidst our brothers and sisters, serving in joy!  Children shouting "Jesus is alive"; families connecting to the body of Christ; and at least two prayers for salvation as a result of Easter Sunday.  What an awesome God we serve!

Sunday was also a special day in our family, as Elli expressed a desire to have Jesus living in her heart, and acknowledged Him as her Lord and Savior to the best of her three-year-old ability.  Truly a day to celebrate and remember.

See that grass growing?  I got the idea from Pinterest, and absolutely loved how it turned out!  No annoying easter grass making a huge mess and showing up for weeks on end!  Elli enjoyed helping me plant and water it!  We had a little Easter egg hunt when we got home from church. 

Elli would have done it over and over again all day long.

When she had found all of them, she lined them up and counted them in true Elli fashion... "one, two, three, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, two, three, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve".

Despite a low-grade fever (due to teething, I think), Caroline joined in the fun a bit.

I'm not sure she got what all the hype was about, though.  Maybe next year.

She likes to move it - move it!

Thursdays are quickly becoming one of our favorite days.  Elli started her first dance/gymnastics class.  This class is exactly suited to her developmental needs, which means I'm one happy Mommy with a very happy three-year-old.  They do learn real ballet, tap, and gymnastics skills, but in a fun and creative environment.  Yesterday, for example, they worked on first position, but they also got to expressively dance like several different animals. 

During the tap portion, they practiced shuffle steps (I think that's what they're called?), but they also sat in a circle and tapped their toes as part of a story time.  Elli enjoyed every single minute!  She frequently seeks me out through the glass and gives me a shy smile.  This was only the second week, but already I noticed a big difference in how she followed her teacher's directions and participated in class.  Last week she might have just run around in circles for most of the class, too excited to actually dance!  :)

Dance is challenging her coordination and ability to listen and watch closely so she can do what her teacher asks.  At this point, gymnastics is stretching her gross motor skills beyond her comfort zone.  She tries to bring her legs up to the bar, she balances (even hopping!) on the balance beam, then leaps off onto the mat.  She attempts somersaults and hand stands.  In the next few months, I have a feeling she will grow leaps and bounds!

Oh, and I just have to point out her gymnastics teacher (bottom right) who has more energy than the entire room of three-and-four-year-olds, God bless her. 

Nine Sweet Months

Sweet Caroline, there are so many wonderful things about you at nine months. Your daddy and I love to witness your precious personality budding right in front of us, and we feel so blessed that we get to be your parents.You and your big sister sure do make this an amazing adventure!

You love to blow raspberries with your tongue.  You blow the sweetest kisses.  

You can say Da-Da and Ma-ma.  You can sign "more," "milk," and "all done."  

Sometimes you say "ah duh" when you sign all done.

You give the biggest, wettest, sweetest kisses. And you always aim for the mouth. Oh, how I love them!

You smile easily. You have a deep, raspy chuckle. You giggle the most at your big sister.

You got your daddy's dancing gene and do a little bounce and wiggle anytime there is music.

You crinkle up your eyes when you smile sometimes.  That precious, gummy smile.

You are constantly drooling and gnawing on your fingers, but no teeth have made an appearance yet.

You are eating pretty well, although you definitely prefer yellow and orange veggies.

You are crawling, scooting, squirming, diving, rolling, pulling, jumping, and standing. 

All.of.the.time.  

Your new confidence suits you quite well.

Peek-a-boo is still your favorite game.

You are so curious about everything.  You watch closely everything your big sister does.  

You are busy and silly and sweet.

We love you so so much!

Celebration

This past weekend was good.  Very good, in fact. 

Not only did we get to enjoy a long weekend with both sets of parents, but we got to celebrate two special little girls!  On Saturday, we had Elli's birthday party, which was fun and crazy and silly as only a room full of three-year-old's can be.

 Loosely western themed, we made construction paper cowboy hats.

 

We played some "snake in the boot."

We sang "Happy Birthday" to this special girl, who specifically requested blue "tuptates" for her birthday treat.

We had a pinata.

This picture never gets old.  He went all Braveheart on that pinata.  "Freedom!"
And Elli was all, "Boys..."

The bouncy castle was our grand finale, and it never disappoints.  Elli has such sweet friends, and having them come over was so special to her!  (And thanks to Gwampa for letting me have your pictures!)

Although Caroline slept through a good portion of the party, she did get a kick out of the balloons afterward.

On Sunday, we got to celebrate Caroline's baptism.

The service was so sweet and memorable.  Caroline didn't cry at all, and we loved having both sets of grandparents there.

I loved how after the actual baptism, we walked down the aisle and our brothers and sisters in the Lord had the opportunity to pass the peace to Caroline.  You can also see Caroline's favorite part of church in these pictures - name tags.  She will dive towards anyone (stranger or friend), as long as they are wearing a name tag. 

We praise God for two such special reasons to celebrate!

Eight Months

I am so bummed I didn't do a six or seven months post. They were such sweet months.  You grew and mastered so many new skills, and we all love seeing your sweet personality shine more and more.  What an answer to prayer you are, baby girl!  You light up a room with your ever-present smile.  At six months: you were inching yourself around a bit; sitting up with help; eating a few solids; and experimenting with all kinds of vowels and consonant combinations.  At seven months: you could scoot anywhere you wanted to get (albeit slowly); sitting up all by yourself; eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables; and playing your very own version of peek-a-boo.  At eight months: you are scooting like a pro (always with your right foot and left arm); bringing herself up into a sitting position; just beginning to crawl; and planking longer and with better form than I can. :)

 

You adore your big sister and shadow her around everywhere.  You give hugs and (big, wet, open-mouthed) kisses freely.  Peek-a-boo is still your favorite game.  You started clapping on your eight month birthday, and now you do it all the time with such an expectant look in your eyes, just waiting for me to notice.  Whenever I'm working in the kitchen, you are right under my feet, exploring the lowest drawer or smiling at your reflection in the refrigerator.  Your baby babble melts my heart every time.

Oh, I'm sure there's mischief ahead (see below expression), but for now, sweetie -- you are truly delightful and fun and sweet.  Your daddy and I are so crazy about you, Care-Bear.  Elli is your biggest advocate and your best friend already.  She goes to bed an hour after you do, but she usually tip-toes over to your crib and peeks in at you.  Last night she whispered to me, "She's so shweet."  She loves to make you laugh, and the only time she makes you cry is when she squeezes you too tightly.  You are a loved little girl.

Three

Okay, I couldn't even type in the title of this post without tearing up, and I'm really not a crier.  Oh dear, this is only going to get worse, isn't it?

My sweet Elle-belle, 

Today you are three, which just seems impossible.  You're no longer my little baby and part of me kinda misses your bubbly little infant-self, but at the same time, I'm totally digging your energetic, hilarious toddler-self as well.  You make every stage so fun!  In a later post, I'm going to let you tell us more about who you are at three years old, but here are a few moments from this past year that I don't want to forget:

• This year was monumental in your life for one simple reason: you opened up your heart to little Caroline and became the world's best big sister.  Seeing your eyes light up the moment you saw her (and how you patted your knees, saying, "Right here." because you wanted to hold her) will be one of my most treasured memories.  But the thing that really gets me is that you still light up when you see her!  You are so excited to come with me to wake her up from naps, and you are so delighted to spend your days with her.
• If I could bottle up every thing you say, I totally would.  Your vocabulary and clarity have increased astronomically this year, and I just adore all your precious toddler thoughts.  Beyond the content, you have way of saying things that is all your own.  Sometimes I think you sound like you are bilingual (although, sadly you are not), because you will say things like "the house de me."  Your 's's tend to sound like 'sh', which can make for some pretty funny moments (for example - "I sitting on the potty), but also make for some adorable words like "shweeming."  And finally, I can't get enough of how you say Christmas - it sounds like "Tritmush." 
• As I watch videos from earlier this year, I am struck by how fluid and kid-like your movements are now.  You add in extra spins and kicks just because you can, and your little strut is just hilarious.  We have a lot of dance parties at our house, and girl - you have got some moves!  Those are undoubtedly from your daddy. 
• One thing you get from both of us is your love of arts and crafts.  (I should clarify - the arts are from Daddy, the crafts are from me... I lay no claim to artistic ability whatsoever, but I love me a glue gun!)  You will spend the longest time coloring or painting, and you are never happier than when we do a craft project together.  Your projects are usually intended by your own choice for someone, although Mommy is not terribly consistent about mailing them to the recipients.  :) 
• Recently in BSF, you heard the story of Jesus ascending into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father, and you've been fascinated by this ever since.  Often, when we talk about praying to Jesus, you will beg to go "up in da sky and seeeeeee Him!!!"  I hope and pray your desire to see and know your loving Maker will always be this strong!  

I could go on and on.  You bring our family so much joy and laughter; you are a kind and loving daughter and friend.  Your daddy and I feel so blessed to have you as our firstborn daughter, our family's big sister, and our little friend and companion.  God is so good!

Love you so much.
Mommy
!

Five Months

 Our sweet Caroline is getting so big!  She rolls; she scoots; and she's getting pretty good at grabbing toys (especially her big sister's!).  These bright eyes are constantly watching what's going on around her, craning her neck to see what Elli is up to or where Daddy is going.

She nurses about every 3-4 hours and has tried a few bites of cereal, mostly for practice at this point.  I've realized that starting solids is probably a bigger transition for me than anything else!  Mealtimes are about to get a little crazy!  She loves all the attention Elli gives her when I do feed her.  "Good job, Yai-yai!  You do it!  You do it!"

 She continues to be a great sleeper, taking two long naps and one cat-nap during the day, and then sleeps about twelve hours at night.  She went through a phase where she would wake up around five in the morning and just chatter away.  I am hoping we are done with that! 

 Her little personality is definitely starting to peek out, which is really fun!  She is relatively quiet, especially in public.  In fact, she just plain loves to be home, becoming very happy and active when we walk through our door.  She is easy-going and really only cries when something is wrong.  She laughs the hardest for her daddy, especially when he "helps" her chase Elli around the house. Like her sister, she is very curious and wants to be held so she can see what is going on around her.  A bundle of joy, we just can't help but smile every time we see her!

We love you, little lady!

Four Months

 Even though it's only been a few years since Elli was Caroline's age, I had forgotten how much I adore having a baby around.  The sweetness, the cuddliness, the delicious squishiness.  I can't get enough!

Caroline is all these things and more, making her absolutely irresistible!

At her four month appointment, she measured 25.5 inches and weighed 14lbs 11oz, which put her in the 50th percentile for both. Pure perfection... but we already knew that.  Those chocolate eyes are not going anywhere, but is it just me, or is her hair getting lighter? 

She is smiling and giggling up a storm, especially at her big sister! Whenever Elli is in the room, she is watching her intently.  Caroline rolls from back to front every time I lay her down and occasionally makes it to her back again.  She is very interested in her toys and loves to read books.

 

Caroline continues to be an awesome sleeper, usually going twelve hours at night, although I do sometimes wake her up for one feeding before I go to bed.  On a normal day, she takes two long naps and one short one in the early evening.  I am learning, however, that with two littles and my job, there are a lot of "abnormal" days.  No matter what kind of day we are having though, she is rarely fussy or needy.  I'm so thankful for my sweet, content baby girl!

First Day of School

 Just like that, summer is over, and the fall semester is up and running.  Life is just a little bit crazy right now as we reenter our routine and schedule.  Our jobs are busy and exciting right now, but if I'm honest, I really hope I can learn quickly how to juggle mothering, work, and homemaking a little bit better.  If you happen to come over, please don't judge my un-vacuumed floors or scatter-brained meal plans.  I'm working on it.  :)

This girl was pretty excited to be getting back to school.  A few weeks ago we had to turn in some forms at her school, and she wanted to stay so badly!  In fact, while getting ready for school this morning, she asked me, "I stay and play with all toys?"  

 When we got to school, she got a little bit nervous when I took her to a new classroom with a new teacher.  The two other kids in her class were familiar faces, though, so hopefully she'll warm up quickly.

 So much has changed since her first day one year ago.  She's taller, she can jump and run much better, she is so much more verbal.  And of course, she is a big sister this year.  Such a good one!  When I tried to get her to stand in front of our house so I could take a picture, she wanted Caroline to be in it as well.  Happy to oblige. 

Three Months

 Oh my goodness, I love this sweet girl.  I know I allude to this in almost every post, but how on earth do three months slip by so quickly? 

The reason I am almost two weeks behind posting these pictures is because I wanted to try to take some more when Daniel was home, because as you will see... Caroline was much more interested in chewing on her little fingers than smiling for the camera.  Daddy always gets big old smiles from her, but photo shoot number two never happened.  So enjoy the drool my friends.

 Oh yeah.  This little miss has definitely discovered her hands.  I love when her two hand find each other and fold together on her chest like she's praying.  Gets me every time.  As does that little tummy.  So kissable.

 She continues to be a great baby, eating every 3.5 - 4 hours, sleeping 10-11 hours at night and beginning to transition to three naps a day.

I did manage to capture one sweet little picture of her without her hands in her mouth. Those big brown eyes are mostly interested in her big sister right now.  She follows her all around the room, turning and twisting around to keep her big sis in sight.  Elli loves the attention and gets a very proud smile when Caroline smiles at her.  

The girl wants to roll so badly, and is working very hard to make it happen (more pics of that soon). She laughed for the first time for both Daniel and I on August 13, and so of course we will make absolute fools of ourselves to get more.  She is such a happy girl.

 See?