Big Girl Glasses

That's what we've been reminding Elyse.  She's wearing big girl glasses!  We call them "big girl glasses" because they no longer have those special cable temples that wrap so neatly around her ears (and, as of late, have caused her earlobes to stick out quite noticeably).  We picked up her new glasses this morning, and she has adjusted without a hitch.  They're snug enough to stay secure, so we are thankful for that!  Emily has already given them a good tug, but they stayed on quite nicely :)  I must say, though it was hard to say goodbye to a couple hundred buckaroos, it is great to see her wearing glasses that fit her!  Her prescription has changed a bit, but nothing too significant.  Elyse has a little book entitled "What Will I Be Today?"  Each page is a profession, and of course, she loves the Eye Doctor.  She did inform me today, however, that she'd like to be a boat when she grows up.  Hmm...  

Yay for purple glasses!!!

Eight Great Months

Emily is just not allowed to be eight months old!  Em's had a busy month of learning all sorts of things, most of which keep us laughing.  She lives up to the reputation of being sweet & spunky, and she's always surprising us with the funny little expressions she makes or the goofy things she does.  I'm cherishing these simple months with her (the months that don't yet involve mobility), as I'm not sure how long they'll last.  This month, Emily learned to sit on her own.  That might be the highlight of her month as far as milestones go, but she has definitely been having fun.  She's been rolling over both ways more often, and she'll pull her knees under her, but only if she's getting tickled.  She LOVES her toys.  She will fight for the toy she wants, and she will also let out a nice screech when she doesn't get it.  Her latest antics include bopping to music & pulling off her left sock consistently.  She'll almost always leave her right sock alone, but that left one must have some significance.  She's living up to my mother's "hunch" that all 2nd daughters on our side of the family are left-handed (me being one of them).  We'll see!  She's discovered that she can make fun sounds like, "ra-ra-ra" and "ba-ba-ba."  She's said a few "da-da"'s, but nothing consistent in calling our names yet.  She's back to sleeping through the night after our rough patch, and it does Mommy good!  She's still up by 7am, but I'll take it.  Her bedtime right now is typically around 6:30, and she's still holding on to that evening nap most days.  Speaking of bedtime, she gets all riled up at bedtime.  I'm not sure how this got started, but she thinks that every time she goes down to bed, it's play time :)  She usually just starts laughing, and then she  immediately rolls over to play.  I usually can't resist tickling her a few times, and I always feel badly leaving her there.  Elyse steps in and does her fair share of entertaining, though, so I'm not sure why I feel badly  :)  Emily is a good eater, and I can tell she's going to be a fan of fruit!  She's fairly patient, too, which is handy when I'm getting interrupted by a certain other little girl at times.  Em just has two bottom teeth at this time, but I have a feeling more could be on the way.  Okay, I know they're on the way, but... you know.  Here are some of my current fun's and not-so-fun's for this age:

fun's:
* Em can sit up now in the bathtub!  Let the fun begin!
* I love, love, love going to get her up from a nap.  Smiles galore!
* She still scrunches up her face and most of her upper body when she knows she's going to get tickled :)

* Em still cracks up at almost whatever Elyse does.  Love that!
* She's into clapping things together- the best is watching her face as she does it.. it's like she's holding her breath.
* Em's so ticklish just about everywhere.
* She's not spitting up nearly as much as she used to.  YAY!
* She loves bath time, and lately her newest trick is to eat the bubbles.  Yum.
* She plays with her feet whenever possible.
* Emily still fidgets all the time, which is so funny to me!  Her fingers are always moving.
* This should be under the not-so-fun category, but she gets so startled when Jordan sneezes or coughs (which he's been doing a lot of lately), and it's hilarious to watch her jump!
* She's started twirling her feet like little windmills.  This means nothing, but it's something I did as a baby, too :)  I'm so thankful that I could pass on such a special trait to both of my daughters.  Ha.

not-so-fun's:  
* I'm not sure how intentional it is, but Em is pretty persistent in getting my attention when I leave the room.  If Elyse is playing with her, she's fine.  BUT, if she's alone & figures it out, she is NOT a happy camper.
* As snoopy as she's getting, she's not nearly as much of a cuddle-bug as I'd like :(  When she had the flu last week, however, I enjoyed every minute of the times she'd just crash on me.
* Emily does have a temper.  I'm sure she got that from me, but we can always blame Adam & Eve.
* Emily is starting to get on Elyse's nerves a bit.  Can't say I blame Elyse, but it's just been a good opportunity for Mommy to teach Elyse a lot about sharing.  I have to laugh, as I know it's only the beginning.  Emily's hands just grab at EVERYTHING.
* We about have a world war on our hands when we need to wipe Emily's nose.  2 weeks ago, this was not an issue.  After her recent bout of flu, she has turned on us.  BAD NEWS.
* My baby is getting big.  Seriously, I wish I could bottle her at this age, but I say that about every age :)

We love you, Emily Mae!

You keep us guessing & laughing,

and we love you to pieces!  

Satisfied

I've had a lot of time for reflection over the last 7 days.  Our house has been plagued by flu, and despite the "great" excuse to be home together as a family for the last week, I've found that it's been anything but fun.  You'd think sitting on the couch with my hubby watching a movie after the girls are in bed would prompt the nice, quiet conversation we look forward to on an evening with nothing but time.  Instead, our conversations run along the lines of, "Can you please pass me a Kleenex?" or, "what time did you last take cough medicine?"  Times like those make me so thankful for health on a regular basis.  My girls have been struggling to stay happy & awake, and we've gone through more tissues around here than seems humanly possible.  I've missed talking with my husband, being with others, and I've missed giggles from my girls.  Okay, though this might sound like one big WWWhhiiinnnnnnnee, I must say that times like this have the power to renew perspective.  I only had one day of sickness (unlike my dear husband, who has been laid up for four days & counting), and I found that I genuinely missed caring for my girls during those 24 hours.  Times like this remind me even more of what a privilege it is to take care of my family.  BUT, beyond that.  I am so thankful for the grace to say that I'm not looking for satisfaction in health or happiness.  I've already found it in Christ... and keep finding it in Christ.  Mommy's been doing a lot of singing to her girls this week.  We've been rocking & cuddling on the couch, and I've had lots of opportunities to sing over my girls.  And as I listened to this song by Matt Maher today, I am unspeakably grateful that God sings over me.  Wow.

      Sing Over Your Children

I flirt with the world

It steals my love for You

My fear grips my faith

And I am left unmoved

Your gaze stops my heart

Your voice fills the dark

Your love is the spark that lights this life

So we rise

Out of the depths you cry

"Come and be satisfied!"

Father, you sing

Father, you sing over Your children

You quiet the storm

Inside my shipwrecked soul

Your Spirit will lead

It calls the wayward home

At the sound of Your name

Our sin is washed away

In Christ we're crucified

In You we die, in You we rise

Out of the depths you cry

"Come and be satisfied!"

Father, you sing

Father, you sing over Your children

Let us see through Your eyes

We are Your great delight

Father, you sing

Father, you sing over Your children

And we're singing along

Your daughters and sons

We're singing Your song

We are Your children.

Welcome, Owen Isaiah!

My new nephew arrived this morning, and he couldn't be cuter.  He came just over 3 weeks early, but he seems to be doing just great!  I'm so happy for my sister, as I know her girls will love having a little brother...  just as she and I did many, many years ago.  And, he's a better man because of us.  *cough, cough*  Anyway, I'm so thankful he's here safe and sound.  I can't wait to hold this little guy in April!

More Snippets

* We've had the flu all week.  We're not better.  I'll leave it at that.

* My husband was a wonderful nurse on Monday, and not only did he man the house, care for the girls stupendously, but he also took Elyse to the library, grocery shopped, and even bathed the girls.  I am impressed :)  He also brought home...

Yes, what a guy.

* Elyse had two appointments this week: pediatrician & ophthalmologist.  She did poorly for one, and okay for the other.  I found out she is 75% in both height and weight, and she apparently despises those who examine her ears, nose and mouth.  At the ophthalmologist, however, she requires a new prescription, and she tolerated getting her eyes dilated fairly well.  Who would have thought that someone looking in her ear was more offensive than someone pouring drops in her eyes?

* Lesson learned the hard way: The eye doc gave Elyse a special pair of "disposable" sunglasses to sport around while we made our way home (the sun was shining rather brightly).  Anyone who has had their eyes dilated knows that it can be very uncomfortable to navigate sunshine without sunglasses.  She looked absolutely hilarious in these things (as you can see), but I was determined to make them fun for her, if possible.  We had lots of "don't take off your special glasses" talks on our way out of the office, to the car, in the car seat, etc... and I was almost convinced she would heed my wisdom.  Nope.  As soon as we got on the highway, her glasses were on the floor, and we were a long ways from home.  She was VERY happy when I put them on in our driveway so we could wear them the 25 feet to the house.

* Emily Mae learned to "bop" today.  She's groovin' to tunes & grinnin' like crazy.  Oh, yes, we encourage it!  She may still look a bit like Rudolph with her bright red nose, but she's as cute as can be.

* Tonight, the three of us girls sat down on the couch to sing some bedtime songs.  I started singing "Jesus Loves the Little Children" and at the same time, Elyse suggested, "Away dinda Manger!"  I had already started singing my song, so I continued (I know, so mature).  Out of the corner of my eye, I see Elyse close her eyes slowly and let her head fall dramatically to her chest as she let out a huge sigh.  :)

* Elyse has been telling me "sweet dreams!" as I leave her room at night.  I love it.

* Emily has been giving me sweet dreams by sleeping like a champ, despite being sick!

* I have been stretched a LOT during these days of sickness.  I am reminded of how blessed we are with health on a regular basis.  I'm also reminded of what true love looks like.  I'm learning how sinful I am & how beautiful God's grace & favor are towards me ALL the time.  All he has shown me is grace, love and mercy.  Wow.

* This post is noticeably missing more pictures, but it's for the best.  We're lookin' a little shabby these days.  Maybe the flu shot isn't a bad idea after all?

Suzy's Zoo

I resorted to keeping track of the girls' info/funnies on a calendar hanging in their room.  As I was meandering through the dollar section at Target a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a Suzy's Zoo calendar that was just the style I wanted to use for 2011.  It was only a few days later that the irony hit me.  I often think of my small domain as Suzy's Zoo :)  Here are some of our happenings of late:

* We had such a wonderful Christmas.  We headed up to Indiana to celebrate with my parents, as it had been way too long since we joined them for Christmas.  It was just awesome, marked only by the not-so-fun absence of my sister and her clan... staying put while they wait for the arrival of their little guy, due ANY DAY.  Have I mentioned how excited I am?!?!  

* I've got another niece/nephew in the oven, courtesy of my sweet sister-in-law, Bethany (I guess I should give Seth some credit, too :) !  I am so ecstatic, I can hardly stand it.  

* The girls have LOTS of new entertainment around the house, after such lovely gifts came their way.  Elyse is enjoying all of her toys so much, and as a result, so is Mommy!  Emily is enjoying them, too- she loves to play with just about anything she can get her hands on.

* Em is finally sitting up!  It's so fun to see her sit up so straight with such a concentrated expression on her face.  She has her fair share of topples, but she's doing pretty well.

* Elyse has started asking where "Baby Daddy" is.  What?  Not sure how that came about, but I have a feeling it goes hand in hand with Baby Emily.  Poor Jordan :)  Thankfully, she hasn't made it a permanent label, but it's sure to get a laugh out of Mommy.

* Elyse has another fun phrase, "I like that!"  She will comment that she likes that song, or that cd, or even that breakfast :)

* Jordan so graciously shared with Elyse that Mommy and Daddy "make out."  Thank you, hun.  Today I listened to Elyse repeat, "Mommy?  Daddy and Mommy make OUT, Mommy, Daddy and Mommy make OUT!!!"  Why do I have a feeling that will come back to bite him?

* Emily is jabbering all the time these days.  She's into saying "ra-ra-ra" and has even let out a couple of "da-da" noises.  It's so fun to watch her enjoy her voice!

* Elyse describes everything lately as "little, tiny" OR "big, big, big, big."  She doesn't always get them right, though, and lately our bed has been the little, tiny bed.  The other day she noted that Elyse was big, big funny :)  AGREED.

* Elyse is also into making everything take a nap.  Her milk takes a little, tiny nap, and so does her blanket.  She loves to see Daddy resting on the couch (which doesn't happen very often, much to his chagrin) and note that "Daddy's takin' a snooze!"  

* Speaking of blankets, Elyse has really started to get clingy with blankets.  She doesn't have a favorite, but they seem to be the new companion.  If she's sad, she immediately asks for a blanket.  If we're sitting on the couch together, she MUST have a blanket present.  I'm not sure if this is normal for a 2 year old, but it sure is funny.  Thankfully, we've still been able to leave the house without them :)

* Elyse has also learned to ask us to sit by her.  She says, "Sit-a-by-a you, Mommy, sit-a-by-a you!"  She pats the floor, just to make sure we get it :)  

* Emily is really turning into a clown.  Seriously, she's just waiting to goof off with someone!  I sure am curious as to what personality this little gal will develop.  She seems to be a stinker!

* Em cut her first two teeth while we were up in Indiana (it's always something, right?) - the first bottom tooth on Christmas Day, and the second bottom tooth 2 days later.  It could have been worse, and we only ended up with one night of sadness.

* Jordan and I both got sick on the tail-end of our trip, and we had to delay our departure a day to make sure we were road-worthy :)  Thankfully we made it home in one piece.  Rats, another day at Mom's and Dad's. :)  

* Tonight, Emily was sitting in her high chair, playing with a rattle while I got her dinner ready.  She dropped the rattle (NOT unusual), and Elyse walked right over, picked it up and handed it to Emily.  I make sure I went right over to Elyse to tell her what a kind gesture that was, and how kindness shows love to Emily...  Anyway, Elyse got a shy little expression on her face, reached over for the rattle, threw it on the floor, picked it up, and handed it back to Emily.  Yes, she then looked at me with great anticipation for praise :)  Back to SQUARE ONE.

* We hung out with friends on New Years' Eve until after 2am.  Seriously, that might be a personal record since mommy-hood.  I definitely paid for that later.  These two didn't get the memo that Mommy would have loved to sleep in :)  Happy New Year!!!