Shelby can walk...finally!

Shelby is finally walking! She has been a little here and there for a few weeks and gets better every day. She still is much faster crawling, but is easily amused with her ability to walk! The video is sideways because I haven't loaded to editing software on my new computer yet. Yep! New computer! YEAH! That is why I have been better aboout updating my blog. My old computer was SOO SLOW! that it just took to long to do!

Sick, sick, sick, sick!

Yes, that is 4 times sick. First Ellie, then Shelby, then Jeff and I at the same time. What is worse then being sick and trying to take care of two kids...both Jeff and I both being sick and trying to take care of one who is recovering from being sick and not 100% yet and a 3 year old who is still wound up from Christmas and misses having company here. Of course, we managed to get sick after all of our company was gone, so no one was here to help. Better for them, worse fo us. I had the stomach flu and I haven't had coffee for a few days. So, I have a serious caffiene headache right now!

We all felt better today and took the girls and a friend of Ellie's to a local Hands On museum. They had fun, but it was a really crappy one. It is safe to say we won't be going back. The kids were free, otherwise I might have complained. Half of the exhibts weren't working and half had instructions in Spanish. Thair are others to try, so we will do a different one next time.

Can you hear that?

It's quiet!! After a very full house all week, it is empty, and quiet! The girls are both playing by themselves, Jeff is at the walk-in clinic because now he is sick and ... AAHH! It is quiet! We had a nice time with everyone, but it sure is nice to have my house back. I've cleaned the main level, now it's the upstairs and then the basement. I can't believe I actually want to clean. I am so excited to have my house back to normal (whatever that means), that I want to clean it too! Scary! Jeff is off this week. Ellie is off from school and activities this week. So, we are just hanging! It is nice to do that sometimes!

Merry Christmas!

Ok, it has been way too long! I know! But, now I have a new super fast computer and A LOT of family in town to entertain the girls so that I can post!

Christmas was a lot of fun this year with Ellie. She loved what she got and took the time to play with stuff as she opened it. Not sure she has a favorite new thing, I think she was over whelmed by what she got and a lot of new things she had to learn about. She just wasn't sure where to start. Her cousins on Jeff's side are here and they got a Wii and all they did was play that all day and wouldn't let her. All she wanted was for them to play with her and turn the games off. That didn't seem to happen.

THe most popular gift amonf ALL of the kids (nephews are 7 and 9 years old) was the Webble Wobbles and their house and treehouse I got for Shelby. I can't even tell you how many times I had to remind them that they were Shelby's and to let her play with them too! Who would've thought!?
We were so late getting our big Christmas meal put together that Ellie just about fell asleep at the table. We forgot to make the fresh green beans, the homemade bread didn't get done and we just had our pie at 10pm! It was good food though. Thankfully everyone was about done when Shelby puked on Grandma Ann at the table. She is sick and Jeff and I spent some time this afternoon at the walk in clinic. On the bright side, it was a REALLY NICE clinic ands we really liked to doctor.

I hope everyone had a great day! Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a very mellow day! Just the four of us, which was nice, but we also missed having friends and family. We said what we were thankful for and Ellie said baby dolls, my family and my friends! Very cute. We didn't make too much food, so we didn't over eat. We are doing projects around the house this weekend and some shopping too.

Shelby was so tired by the time our feast was ready she fell asleep in her high chair. She's never done that before. We held her to one nap today in hopes that she will sleep all night. I don't think it will make a difference, but Jeff does...and I am willing to try anything!

Lost a Wally

Shelby sleeps with a pink elephant and really sucks on it mostly. I guess it is her "pacifier". Well, we have 2 and that is only because I found a "back up" on ebay. Well, we lost one!! UGH! We are down to ONE very valuable pink elephant!! We may be breaking this habit sooner then later!

Halloween

2 Snow Whites. This is Ellie and our neighbor Faith.

The neighbors got a new Golden puppy

I can't figure out how to do a slide show and my patience just isn't there tonight. So, here are some of my favorites. Some of Ellie (Snow White) at school with her friends. And some at home with Shelby the pumpkin. The only trick-or-treating Ellie has done is at the merchants in downtown Tecumseh. So, this was her first time in the neighborhood. She had fun and was so polite! She would just take one piece and then, of course, everyone encouraged her to take more. But she was so good everytime. Here are some pictures.

Ellie takes mom to school

Ellie has been begging me to go to school with her. So, with my mom here to watch Shelby I went to preschool today. I even dressed up for halloween. I know, I can't believe it either. At 9 pm last night I ran to Target to get something. It was so great to see Ellie at school. She is very outgoing and she did great. She didn't follow me around or beg me to play with her. I helped the teachers and played with all of the kids. The kids had a halloween parade and and then sand 3 songs for the parents and then got to do a little trick-or-treating. The weather was so nice today, they all got to end the day on the playground.

The weekend and more

We had a nice weekend. My mom and Michael are here. Yesterday we worked on the office/playroom. We got it painted and Jeff and Michael built a built in desk that covers an entire wall One work station for me and one for Jeff. AAHH!! My own desk!! Yeah! The other side of the room is set up with the girls' toys. Today we went to Chicago and went to the Children's Museum. We had a great time. Both girls played hard. Just in the two months it has been since last time we went, Shelby can do a lot more. She is really getting a personality and she is funny.
Ellie likes school now. Well, I think she always did, but wants to go now and doesn't beg me to stay. I am going to school with her this Friday. I promised her when my mom was here to watch Shelby that I would go with her one day.
Puck is having a hard time adjusting...not sure what his problem is, but he pouts and since we put up the invisible fence we have to drag him out the door.
Jeff loves his job and I LOVE it here. I see us staying for a long time! It is great to be happy! We still miss our friends dearly and I am glad we are close enough to visit regularly!

Our little girl is 1!

I can't believe Shelby turned one yesterday! We had a small party last weekend in Tecumseh and went out to eat at Red Robin last night! They sang happy birthday to her and she eat a lot of her ice cream sundae!! We came home and gave her her present and let he play for a little while before bed! Here are a couple of pictures of her!

Update

Well, I still haven't downloaded pictures, but maybe tomorrow! We still have not painted anything! UGH! We did get the invisible fence put in for Puck. The movers are bringing our stuff on the 15th and I really would like to have some of the rooms painted. It is so hard to do with the girls! Shelby is in to EVERYTHING! The girls are trying to figure how to get along. Shelby torments Ellie and Ellie hits and pushes her back. I'm trying to teach Ellie how to play with Shelby and not just tell her to get away. Shelby wants to be wherever her sister is. Cute, but not if your Ellie wanting to do "big girl" stuff. They did better this weekend. Ellie still gives me a hard time about leaving her at school. At this point I really think it is just for me. Her teacher says she stops crying as soon as I hit the doorway. I knew that because I couldn't hear her. But it really is a pain in the A-S-S! She has friends now and so do I! YEAH! I am part of a moms group. Nothing formal, just moms and kids (sometimes just moms) getting together. Usually something going on most days. 10-12 moms show up usually! Nice to have moms that show up. Best thing is the 3:30 park date...it gets me through that last LONG part of the day. Will miss those this winter.

No time

I was about to give an update and Shelby woke up and we need to go get Ellie at school. Thinkgs are great, house is great. I'll write more later and post pictures.

No more tears!

It hasn't been easy, but it is getting better. Ellie still tells me she doesn't want to go to school and it is a struggle to get her dressed and out the door. She does not want me to leave her when we get to school. But, somehow we have managed this week with no tears! Yeah! It is absolutely heart wrenching to leave her crying hysterically for me! Made me cry too (after I got out of her class)! We are going to our first playdate since moving here tomorrow. Ellie made friends with a girl named Julia in her class and we are going to their house to play. I joined a mom's group and we have been meeting people through that also. The mom who organizes the group has a son in Ellie's class too! We miss all of our friends A LOT, but are managing to make a few new ones. We are looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend.

Bumps, bruises, tears, teeth and a whole lot of rain

Last weekend Ellie smacked her head really bad. It is still healing! Yesterday she and another little girl collided while running at the play area at the mall! We freaked again. She said it hurt, but no swelling! There is still a bump over a week later and it is black and blue! She has had a really rough time adjusting to me leaving her at school! It just tears me up every time. She did better Friday, so I am hoping tomorrow is good too. She told me she wasn't going to cry but that she doesn't want me to leave. UGH! Another tear filled morning?? I'll let you know!
Shelby had one tooth on Thursday and has 4 now! She still only has one on the bottom, but 3 on the top now.
Good news! We are closing on our new house on the 23rd! Yeah! Only about another week in the hotel. We are going to Tecumseh this weekend to get some of our stuff. We would like to keep the house furnished while it is for sale. We have a steady flow of showings on our house and as of Friday we are a 2nd choice for someone if the other house they want doesn't work out! Wouldn't that be nice!?

Rain, rain go away!

Normally I am all for the rain. If I had a yard, I would be all for the rain! Put me in a hotel with 2 kids and a dog, I am done with the rain! We have been spending time every day at the park or the pool since we have been here. That is the only thing that has kept my sanity! After 2 days of rain, I am about to lose it. Ellie has her first full day of school tomorrow and then the weekend! YEAH! We like weekends! Especially because daddy is here! He has been travelling a couple of days a week! Which doesn't help with the sanity thing! If we can get everything done, we may move up the close date on the house! Cross your fingers...it's my sanity!

1st day of school!

Ellie started school today. She was a little anxious and said she was scared because she didn't know anybody and that everybody would be a stranger. So, all the way the there this morning (30 minutes from the hotel, but only 10 from our new house) we talked about that. We get to school and go in and I tell her I'll be back in a little bit and she waved and said "bye, mom". Hhmm! That's it? I guess she had it all talked out. So, meanwhile, Shelby went to the nursery while I went to orientation. Shelby cried off and on the whole time. They managed it though, because no one ever came to get me and she was not crying when I went back to get her. Ellie had a great time and is excited to go back on Friday. Glad we decided on 3 times a week, she likes it and I think she needs it. Ok, I need it too! Especially in this small hotel room for another 4 weeks!!

New house!

Well, we bought a house! We close on the 30th! So, the hotel stay has an end in sight, although it is still 4 weeks away. But, Ellie starts school this week and she goes 3 mornings a week, plus gymnastics is one morning a week. Our house is in St. Charles and is on 1.5 acres. It's 4 bedrooms with a den and a finished basement. Needs a little work, but mostly just making it the way we want it. Not anything we can't move into right away. We are going to paint the interior and put down and epoxy floor in the garage before we move in.

Great long week at the lake!

We just got back from the lake today. The girls and I (and Puck too) went down to the lake last Wednesday and Grandma met us there. Jeff was on a business trip and met us there on Friday. The Rawlings family came down Saturday morning and my dad and his wife got there Saturday afternoon. We had such a great time just haning out. Virginia, Liam and Ellie had so much fun and were so good and fun to be around. Logan and Shelby cruised around together, getting in to everything, falling down, bumping heads, etc. One of the things we miss most is hanging out with them. It was great to see Heidi and Jeff too. The travel time to the lake was about 3.5 hours with stops...not too bad at all! We were glad to find that out.

Update!

Not even sure where to start. We arrived in the Chicago area on the 15th. It was a mad rush to get out the door and it took us uver 6 hours to get here! We went out house hunting the next day and were in sticker shock mode!! WOW! Can we afford to buy something half way decent in a nice area? I had a rough first week with Jeff starting work. It always takes me a while to adjust to change and having Ellie constantly asking to go see her friends and grandma didn't help! I took the girls oout with the realtor and we looked at 5 more houses. The girls did great! They have been troopers through all of this! Friday we went to a jumpy place...the Jump Zone! Very cool! We had a great time. I met another mom and she invited us to come play and she also told me about a local gymnastics place. So, I signed Ellie up and she started today! And loved it! Saturday we went back out and looked at a few more houses and went back to 2 that we had already seen. After getting our heads wrapped around the fact that we are living in a more expensive place and houses cost more here, we put an offer in on a house last night. We are still negotiating and hope to have a new permanant address soon.

Jeff left tonight for a business trip and will be meeting us down at the lake on Friday. We are leaving tomorrow and we are looking forward to getting out of this hotel! Grandma Ann is meeting us there and then the Rawlings family is coming on Friday and my dad and Kathleen are coming Saturday. They haven't seen Shelby since she was a few weeks old. She is 20-21 lbs. now and crawling everywhere!

We went down to the Children's Museum in Chicago and had a great time. I can't wait to go again. Here are a few pictures.

Pros and Cons

I am sad to say there is not much to report about our "happenings" because we have been slaving around the house. Shelby is still sick and has taken some extra work and Ellie is being a big help with her sister and understanding that mom, dad and Grandma are trying to get the house ready to sell. AAHH...the house...moving has it's pros and cons:
PRO: you go through your belongs and pitch "stuff"
CON: you realize just how dirty your house is that you have been living in
PRO: the house lookds really good and clean, just how you've always wanted it
CON: Your moving so you don't get to enjoy it
I could go on, but I am on a short break. I'm tired, I'm sore, I am so over this! Can we be done already! Jeff's mom is trying to talk me in to staying another week, however all that would mean to me is dragging this cleaning/pitching thing out for one more week, minus Jeff! Not going to happen.

Move update!

Here is the latest...we are hoping to put the house on the market early part of next week. And then Thursday after gymnastics head West! We are staying with some friends Thursday night and check in to our new "home" on Friday. We will be staying at the Marriott TownePlace in a 2 bedroom suite with a full kitchen. This was way less then renting a furnished apartment. We booked it for 2 months and hope to find a house (and sell ours) and close with in that time frame. Ellie starts her new preschool the week of Labor Day! She is enrolled in the 2 times a week program and on the wit list for the 3 times. If a spot opens before school starts, I will put her in that. Also, emailed a mom I knew here in Tecumseh who moved to the Chicago "area" about 1.5 years ago. We haven't been in touch, but I happen to still have her email Anyway, she lives abot 7 miles from the hotel! Aahh! A familiar face. :)

Inside the mind of a 3 year old

So, we just assume that when we tell our kids something like "we are moving" they get what that means. I mean, to us, it is pretty simple. Pack, leave your house, buy a new one and unpack. Well, after some time of being told she was going to leaving all of her friends and her grandma, Ellie finnaly had a breakdown! She just strated crying and told me she didn't want to move. Which, of course, made me cry! Way to be supportive, mom!! Later in the day she asked Jeff is she could get a new doll house and work bench. When he asked her why she needed new ones, she said she liked playing with them. She thought we were moving and leaving all of our stuff behind, including Puck! How sad is that!!? Broke my heart. We still talk about it daily and I think it will take her a while to get adjusted.

Preparing to move SUCKS!

Ok, I'm going to bitch a little! I am so tired of going through things and pitching "stuff"! How did we get so much "stuff"! The yard has been cleaned up! The blue wall painted! Most of the house has been gone through and "stuff" thrown out! We have taken some to storage. After the last garage sale, I have decided they really aren't worth having! What a pain to prepare for one and then sit there the whole time and then clear out what is left! UGH! Not worth it! Used the money we made to buy a GPS...love it! ANyway, we are running our of time. Hope to have the house on the market in 2 weeks and I am stressing. AND, could someone please help Shelby crawl! She is so frustrated and all I do is bale her out when she is stuck and crying...like right now!

T-ball!

Hey batter, batter! Not really! 2 times at t-ball and all we do is throw the ball and hit to mom and dad. Just drills! Ok, I understand they have to learn the basics, but it is so boring! Ellie is focused for about 20 of the 30 minutes. She looks so cute in her uniform though!

She is loving gymnastics! I'll try and get some pictures this week.

Fun, Fun, Fun!

We have been having a lot of fun lately! We took a lond weekend trip to Chicago. While were there we went to the Museum of Sience and Industry. Doesn't sound like a fun place, but it was a blast. So many cool things to look at and do. Both for Ellie and us. Here are some pictures:

We were back for a few days and then off to the lake for the 4th. Jeff's sister and her family arrived Friday for a month. We had our annual 4th of July party and had a ton of people there. SOme friends of ours have a little girl who was born 2 days after Ellie. They were so cute together. They only seem to see each other once or twice a year, but they always have fun together. Ellie made it most of the way through the fireworks and Shelby woke up during the noise. She watched from our bedroom window and was in awe! She tried to grab at them by hitting the wondow, it was so funny! Ellie has been "fishing"! The nephews and Dad and Uncle Dan all had fishing poles. Ellie has one too...Princess one, of course. She can't catch anything with it, but she can cast like a pro! She also loves to be there when someone catches a fish.

VBS Drop Out!

Ok, I'm done! After attending vaction bible school myself this week, I'm done. I don't think Ellie cares one way or another. She wants to go, but wants me to stay. So, we made if 4 days and we are not going back for the 5th and final day. Oh, well! Maybe next year!

Fun with the cousins!

All of the kids had so much fun playing together in Montana. The boys were great with Ellie and she wanted to do everything they did, including fishing, swinging on the rope swing and riding bikes. She wanted her own bike to ride like they did, but they don't rent her size. Thank goodness, we would've been riding a lot slower then we did. We rented a bike trailer and she sat in it and said she wanted her own bike...over and over and over!!

Back from vacation!

We are back home and it sure is nice to be here! We had a great week in Montana, but we were all happy to be home! We met my mom and Michael and my sister and her family there for my mom's 65th birthday! We went to Yellowstone...a must see for everyone! Had a way to up close experience with 2 buffalo!! Saw Old Faithful. Ellie looked for wolves (didn't see any)! And Shelby got a few breaks from looking at the seat of the car (and whoever was riding in the 3rd row). Ellie had SO MUCH FUN playing with her cousins and vice versa. Wished we lived closer. The house we stayed at was great! and the back yard was the best. We panned for gold, biked alot, went swimming, went to a Dinasour museum, Jeff got to go fly fishing and Montana is absolutely beautiful! The weather was perfect...sunny and 75-80 all week! Will post pictures when we find the camera.

Prince & Princess Camp

Ok, so I am not sure why it is called Prince and Princess camp and not sure why it is at a dance studio. Acrcording to Ellie, they didn't dance. My guess is the prince/princess part is to attract the kids. We are there, so I guess it worked. Either way, Ellie had fun and it was a nice break for me. And, I found out I can sign her up for pre-ballet in the fall. Hope it works with her school schedule. She loves ballet.

How many swimsuits do we need?

More then 2 I found out this weekend! So, here is how it went down. Ellie in the pool in the backyard. She plays, she is done, gets out plays outside and decides she is done swimming and wants to take her swimsuit off. Ok, we are dressed and playing outside. Then, "Mom, I want to go in the pool again." Ok, so I get her other suit because the first one is wet. Repeat what happened with the first suit. Well, now we have 2 wet suits and a 3 year old who won't put one back on. Don't blame her, I wouldn't want to either. "Mom, can I get in with my clothes on?" Sure. She gets the clothes wet and decides to take those off. And, here we are in the backyard with a naked little girl. Ok, so we need more then 2 suits!!

My Dancing Princess

Here is a video of Ellie dancing with the Barbie 12 Dancing Princess Movie. Note the movie and music is on the TV and that is what she is following.

How about Shelby?

Yum, Ice cream!

Nap time!

Shelby is doing her best to keep up with her sister. She can roll around to get to any toy she sees and wants. She is all over the place in her walker and loves that! She is usually happy as long as she can see Ellie! She is a great eater, unlike her sister! I blame part of that on myself and so have been trying to give Shelby everything I can! Well, she likes ice cream too! I can't believe I gave her some. She loves her new stroller too! We took her out of the infant carrier because she was getting so heavy. She is 18 lbs. already!

Both girls love the bike trailer and we have been biking around! Not as much as we should, but we run to the store. I am going to ride it to the park today.

The Parade!

Ellie loves parades! The MOMS Club was in the Memorial Day Parade and Ellie had such a blast. She worked the crowd, waving at everyone! I'm not sure our group will be allowed back in a parade though! We had a hard time keeping up and then our group couldn't stay together and ended up extending a good LONG block or more! It was fun though!

End of school!

Ellie's 7 weeks of school is over! She absolutely loved going and I know she is going to miss it this summer. So, I am signing her up for activities. I am definately a rookie at this. I am having scheduling conflicts. She is going to Princess Dance Camp, taking swim lessons, playing t-ball and doing gymnastics. Seems like enough!

On the last day of school Ellie's class had a little program. Her first of any kind! She wanted me to sit next to her, so I did (she was on the end). She sand a couple of the songs and then got a diploma. What a big girl!

My little angels!

Ok, so they aren't angels all of the time! They are both still sleeping right now, so I am feeling the angel part. Plus, with pictures like this...

We had a fabulous Mother's Day. Jeff took us and his mom to Henry Ford for their brunch. The food was so good and so much to choose from. We ended up sitting at the table right next to the cookie decorating table. So, Ellie's thought of eating any actual food was shot from the beginning. She had a major sugar high when we were done. Shelby sucked on pineapple most of the time and thought how can life get any better then this. After that we went to the museum and encouraged Ellie to run (and run, and run)! She did finally come down off of that. I guess it was pretty funny, we don't let that happen too much.

I am going to enjoy 4 hours at the spa today. Spa gift from mom and babysitting gift from mother-in-law. YEAH!

School all by herself!

Too cute not to post these pictures of Shelby!

Rookie mom took a picture today. Ellie had her first day of school today all be herself. On the way there she asked if I was going to and I told her no, that I was just dropping her off and I would be back to pick her up later. Her response was an eager "OK"! She got there, took her coat off ran in the door. Mrs Burdine asked her if she wanted to say bye to me, she came back over, gave me a big hug and kiss and said "Bye Mom, have fun!" What a big girl! I left with a huge smile on my face. I am so proud of her.

Here is a funny story...when I was there on Tuesday a little girl came up to us and said, "Hi, I'm Genvieve". Well, the only Genevieve Ellie know is the main Barbie character in The 12 Dancing Barbie Princesses. Her favorite movie at the moment. And she dances all over the house pretending to be Genevieve. So, Ellie's response was "No, I am Genevieve". We went back and forth a few times while I tried to explain that was her name like Ellie was hers, but I finally said ok. The little girl had the funniest look on her face.

The highlight of her day today must have been the snack. Not sure what it was, but when I went to pick Ellie up she ran up and jumped in my arms (gotta love that, she actually missed me) and said "mommy, I had a snack". Great, anything else happen today..."Yeah, I painted yellow!" Ok, so we need to work an a better system to find out what she learned in school. We'll get there.

First day of school!

Ok, definate ROOKIE MOM! No pictures from yesterday...Ellie's first day at school. Jeff is out of town and it was a little crazy trying to get out the door. I worked in Ellie's class and she did great. The class sang her Happy Birthday, gave her a birthday crown, a book and then she got to pick something out of the birthday box. She picked a sucker and then I had to explain to her that she needed to put it in her pocket until we were done with school. She did! Whew! I was in the art room. I really thought Ellie would be clingy and want me to go everywhere with her. She did check back in with me periodically, but she was great. No accidents, no hitting, no screaming! What a big girl! Tomorrow she goes by hereself. She is ready, not sure I am!

The Party!

Today was Ellie's 3rd birthday party! Is she really 3?! Yes, on Tuesday she will be and that is also her first day at school. I am working that day and we are taking cupcakes for her birthday. What a lucky girl to start school with a party. SHe had a blast today and all of the kids were so good and had so much fun. The cake was good, Ellie LOVED all of her presents and we actually got to play outside. We had some sack races and pin the glass slipper on Cinderella. I think all of the kids tried out Ellie's new scooter. It was just nice to be outside and seeing all of the kids having so much fun. Shelby and Logan have been mostly inside since their lives began, so I know they loved the fresh air! Is is Spring?? I hope it is here to stay! Dad is out of town all week! UGH for all of us. We don't like it when dad is gone. But, we manage! I was a little stressed about Ellie starting school and the potty thing. But she is doing great. I think she one accident all week! And, she stopped playing outside and came in and went! YAH!! I'll post again later this week after she starts school! Wish us luck! I probably need it more then her!

Long overdue update

We got a new double jogger. No excuses now! Anyone up for a walk or run let me know!

It has been way too long, I know!

The girls and the MOMS Club have been keeping me pretty busy and then when the girls go to bed I am exhausted! Shelby is 5 months old and smiling and laughing a lot. Ellie was doing something really bratty the other day and Shelby was watching and just started into a big laughing spell. It was cute, but bad timing because what Ellie was doing was ugly behavior. Great, they are working together already.

Ellie will be 3 in two weeks. I can't believe it! WOW! And starting school too. Little Indian asked me to bring snack her first day, which is her b-day, so we are bring cupcakes. Nothing like a little party to kick off your first day at school. I'm getting a little nervous, ok, a lot, about taking her to school. I know she will adjust...it's harder on me, I know!

Dance, gymnastics, sports?!?!

Wow, with Ellie being 3 soon, all of a sudden the opportunities seem endless. She loves dance and I think she would be great at dance or gymnastics. Then there are sports. We are going to skip soccer, but sign her up for t-ball. I was looking at one of the dance places in Adrian and they tell you where to buy the appropriate attire for practice!! What?!?! She is 3 and it is her forst dance class. Not to mention they tell you how to where your hair. And, if you don't follow these guidelines you will b e asked to sit on the class. So, we will not be going there, seems a little extreme! There is a class in town that starts in May and there is also gymastics in Clinton. I am going to do one thing at a time and Preschool is first. After that adjustment we will add something else in.

Here is my dancer.

Preschool, here we come!

Ellie will be 3 in about 5 weeks and I am starting her at Little Indians. I signed her up today. There was one opening and she will go Tuesday/Thursday for 2 months before summer break. She is very excited about it. I'm kind of freaking out. I know it will be harder on me then her, but I also know that she will be fine. My baby is growing up!

Potty trained!! YEAH!

After 7 months of ups and downs I am giving Ellie a well deserved title of "potty trained"! I don't have to ask (or beg) for her to go, she just does it on her own. Most of the time telling me "I'm going to do it ALL by MYSELF!" And she does! YEAH!! Big girl!

For all of you who are still potty training or just starting, hang in there! I think it is the hardest thing I've had to do yet as a parent (well top two anyway)! It was way harder then I had thought it would be! I am just glad to be there!!

Recuperated!

We are on our way to being healthy! We feel much better and I still have a slight cough, but we are much better. We don't have all of our energy back, but we are finally going to venture out today to play at Lenawee's Child!

When will it end?

We have now confirmed Ellie has pnuemonia and I went to the doctor yesterday and I now have bronchitis and pnuemonia. UGH! Please help me now! This is the first time I have really been sick since have kids. I guess that is pretty good considering Ellie is almost 3. However how do you rest and get better? I guess time will tell. Shelby is the only one in the family who has not been sick...let's hope it stays that way.

Ellie is starting to feel better and is tired of being in the house! I don't blame her, so am I! She asked me yesterday if we could go somewhere different. She may get to go to Grandma's today. We will see how she is doing.

We are looking forward to getting back to the swing of things soon! We are missing a playdate with Ash and Mas today and it has been way too long since we have seen that family. Hope we can do it next week!

Sleep anyone?

That's all I want! A little sleep! No bathroom calls, no feeding Shelby, no crying Ellie (ok, so she is sick) and no husband snoring...just some sleep! Please!
Almost took Ellie to the ER last night. Her fever was so high at midnight that she was in hysterics. We ended up holding her down and forcing Motrin to try and break it. We did! But it was really freaky! She went back to sleep after a little while, but we were up checking on her the rest of the night! I think she was tired though, she fell asleep at 6:00pm in her chair at the dinner table. Never had that happen before! Shelby on the other hand slept from 9:30 to 6. Now if we can just get them to sleep on the same night it be heaven for me!
I am hoping Ellie is better soon, I am tired of being in the house!
I took the girls to the doctor yesterday and Shelby weighed in at 12 lbs. 4 oz. dressed! That is crazy! She is getting so big!

Sick of Sick!!!!!

First Jeff was sick and now Ellie! UGH! We have been cooped up in the house. I did get out yesterday for a while. We have just been hanging around hoping Ellie gets better soon and that nothing gets passed along to Shelby or me!! So far we are ok! Ellie's really high fever broke momentarily and then was back, just not over 103 like before. That lasted 2 more days. No fever this afternoon and evening, so let's hope it stays that way. We have been getting her up at night to alternate meds to try and break it! We are all in need of a good night sleep! Maybe tonight is the night! Let's hope!

Dress up for all!

Ellie's fever broke, but she is still sick. So, we are keeping her in. We play dress up every day, but today we added to it, dresing everyone up! Ellie is napping now and, of course, Shelby is not. So another day without a nap for me! Glad it is the weekend and that Dad made it home late last night!

High temp, low temp

While the temps are staying low outside, they are running really high in my house. Ellie had a little cough yesterday and added a runny nose to that today. I decided to take her in because of all of the stuff going around. By the time we got there at 2pm her tamp was 103.1!! OUCH! We have to alternate Tylenol and Motrin every 4 hours including the overnight. Thank goodness Jeff will be home tonight (I think...at the moment his plane is still delayed in NYC). He has been sick too, so not sure how much help he will be. Ellie has bronchitis and pneumonia! I am trying to explain to her that she needs to stay away from her sister and she is not getting the whole contagious thing!
I've managed on my own all week and it hasn't been too bad, but we are ready for Dad to come home! Just getting prepped for next month when he is gone for 11 days! UGH!!!!!

Timing?!

So, timing is everything! It never fails! When I am home alone for bedtime, it really doesn't matter when I last fed Shelby, she ALWAYS wants to eat when it's time for Ellie to go to bed. I've made adjustments, planned the timing and boom! Shelby needs to eat at that moment! Not only that, but she is rather vocal at the same time and he big sis wants to know what is going on! UGH! Then, if that is not enough, Puck ALWAYS wants to go out when I sit down to feed Shelby and then ALWAYS wants back in before I am done! Jeff's gone the rest of t he week, so maybe I will have it mastered by then! With all the travel he will be doing this year I hope it gets better!

Growing! Growing! Growing!

Shelby is getting so big! I know, most say she is still tiny! But, I just put her in the Fuzzi Bunz we put Ellie in at 7 months and Shelby is only 3 months. I also just found another box of Ellie's clothes and put her in one of the outfits that I found a picture of Ellie in when she was 9 months! As some have put it...she is getting round! Here is a picture of her enjoying her Bumbo.

We went to Kelly Inflatables on Friday right when they opened at 11. We bounced and had lunch and then left. We were the only ones there the whole time! I can see doing that a lot! It is close and cheap and good exercise for all! Yes, I was jumping and running too! So, on any given day if you are driving by and see my van, come on in! Wore everyone out, see picture above of Ellie!