Project Life: Week 12

Sunday, March 18
Lately I can't help but notice how long Elaina's hair is getting. Such a pretty golden color, with soft curls at the end, an unexpected reminder that my little girl is getting so big.

Sweet curls on a sweet girl

 
Monday, March 19
Tonight I decided to brave MOPS again, one, because Elysia is several months older than the last time I tried, two, because I was very interested in the topic (grief counseling--more reassurance that it is a field I'd like to be a part of), and three, because my sweet husband encouraged me to go. Though I had to leave early (again) and Elysia voiced her displeasure at the change in her schedule (the entire way home, and then some), I was thankful for the opportunity to go, and so thankful for Josh's support.

Tuesday, March 20
 Today we let Elaina watch some Looney Tunes when we got home, and one of her favorites episodes, the Hillbilly Hare, came on. She kept saying, "Dance, Mommy! Dance!" So we did :)

 Wednesday, March 21
Tonight while I was nursing Ellie to sleep, I heard a BOOM-WHUSH outside the living room windows. After I laid her down, I went out to find Josh taking care of our burn pile. He worked in the yard while I planted some pansies and violas in our flower bed.

  Thursday, March 22
Elysia is turning into something of a nap-fighter (I blame teething and the fact that she is my daughter), so I was not surprised when an evening stroll put her to sleep. She is the sweetest little thing and just melted into the nook in my shoulder when I picked her up.

Friday, March 23
Storm blew through tonight, but before it got here, the clouds were beautiful.

Saturday, March 24
 Today was, in a word, BUSY, but the girls were so gracious for all the running we did (six stores and a trip to my in-laws). Our third stop of the day was the local nursery, where we priced trees. Elaina enjoyed exploring the flowers, the rocks, and the display stairs :)

Elysia - 8 months

Sweet Elysia,

You are 8 months old. 

 

I shake my head when I stop to think about this, that you have been with us for 3/4 of a year. Part of me thinks, "That's it?" You seem to have always been a part of our lives, and it is almost hard for me to remember what life was like before you came. And the other part of me thinks that time is going too fast, that you are growing up before my eyes and next week you'll be going to your senior prom or something ridiculous like that and how on earth did my sweet little baby girl get so big so fast? I savor every moment with you, as fast as they come. You are such a blessing to us.

This month you are reaching new milestones, namely the addition of four little teeth to your once gummy smile. The bottom two came in first, followed by your upper right buck tooth, and just today the one next to it came through as well. You have been such a trooper about it, though your discomfort is obvious. At worst, it has made sleep a little harder to come by, but let's be honest--you haven't been a great sleeper for several months now. Daddy is having just a teensy bit of a hard time accepting that you now have teeth (easier for me since you have decided to express frustration to me during inopportune moments!), because he loves, loves the gummy smile. But he loves your little "teefs" too, and we are so looking forward to seeing how your smile develops.

You have made new strides with army crawling (sorry for the pun) and can get pretty much anywhere you want to go. One night I laid you down in our bedroom while starting your bath water, and when I turned around you had crawled almost all the way down the hall to see Elaina getting her bath. We have noticed you starting to get up on your knees, too, so it won't be long before you're doing to full-on crawl. All this movement has stalled your weight gain a bit--you are still around 17lbs--but you continue to grow and wear mostly 6-9 month clothes with a healthy dose of 9 month outfits in there as well.

Your hair has been a popular topic of conversation, among those who know you and those who don't.

 People are surprised at how thick it is, which I find hysterical given how bald you were four months ago. 

 

We continue to watch it with interest and wonder how it will look in the sun this summer.

Yesterday, Daddy and I were honored to dedicate you to the God who gave you to us, who entrusted us to your care, who is teaching me more about Himself through you. Did you know that, sweet Ellie? That at not even a year old, you are teaching your mama new things? One of the greatest privileges of my life, other than to be your Daddy's wife, is to be you and your sister's mama. My prayer is that you always know how you are loved, by your parents, by your sister (yes, she is still crazy about her Elwe-Belwee), and by the Lord.

 

I love you, sweet baby girl. No matter how fast time goes by, you will always be my sweet Baby Jane.

Love,

Mama

Project Life: Week 11

Sunday, March 11
Though the sky itself wasn't beautiful today, the weather was. After church and lunch, we spent a good part of the afternoon and evening outside. 

Elaina examines her rocks

Josh and Elysia

Josh and his girls

Monday, March 12
We got Elaina a Skippyjon Jones book for Christmas that includes reusable stickers. While reading it today, she insisted on putting all of the stickers on "Jones's" face.

Tuesday, March 13
Poor Elysia. Today, all she wanted when she woke up from her drive-home-induced nap was to get out of her carseat. But Mama couldn't resist taking a picture of her sweet, ready-for-summer, face.

Wednesday, March 14
Today was beautiful--can't believe how warm it is for only March. We took the girls to one of the many parks in town and soaked in spring.

Thursday, March 15
 Today we celebrated the 8 months we have had Elysia with us by taking her penguin picture. Of course, Elaina wanted to help....

Has a baby ever been sweeter?

Friday, March 16
Another wonderful evening at home. Tonight I took pity on the cats and finally let them explore the outdoors as well. Elaina found a piece of chalk and created some artwork, too.

Saturday, March 17
Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Kisses!

Project Life: Week 10

Sunday, March 4

A quiet Sunday preceded a very busy week. Elaina spent some time this morning reacquainting herself with a Christmas book. I guess one never can be too prepared for the holidays!

Monday, March 5

Today was The Day. After over 3 1/2 years as an agency employee, I finally, finally became a full-time Caterpillar employee. Aside from the obvious (Hello, benefits. It's nice to see you again), I am thankful I get to remain in the same work group, doing essentially the same job, but with room for growth. Here's to an actual career!

YAY!!!!!!

Tuesday, March 6

 The Winter that Wasn't is sort of turning into the Spring That Wasn't, Either, but I have really been enjoying the warm(er) weather. Today Josh grilled out and we took our first trip to Dairy Queen. It definitely met with Elaina's approval, too!

 

 

Wednesday, March 8

Mom had her semi-annual checkup in Peoria today, so we were able to have dinner together. Elaina was beyond excited. We had been telling her that her grandparents would be coming, and she kept repeating, "I see Gwanma and Pampah!" She danced around the kitchen for a full five minutes when we first got home, and then Mom and Dad gave her a gift that truly is her love language--Mercer Mayer books--and I thought the smile would break her face. It was really nice to see them, and I'm looking forward to seeing them next weekend for Elysia's dedication.

 

Thursday, March 9

 Elaina fell asleep on the way home from work, so Elysia kept Josh company while I made dinner.

 

Friday, March 10

 Perhaps another sign of teething, Elysia has taken to gnawing on her high chair tray while she eats. It makes a huge mess, to say the least. How can something so annoying be so ridiculously cute at the same time?

 

Saturday, March 11

Today we went to Josh's folks so I could get another lesson in the art of the enchilada. (This time I came armed with pen and paper, so I'll actually have something to reference when I try to make them myself!) It was beautiful day, so I got to spend some time outside with Elaina, too. I sat and watched her play, saw the sun dance through her hair, listened to her narrations, and I was quieted by how thankful I am to be her mother. She and her sister are such blessings to me. And sometimes it is hard. But it is so very worth it.

Josh and Rita

Elysia practicing her crawling skills

Elaina and her wagon

Sweet baby girl...getting so big.