Monday, November 15, 2010
Another tooth - GONE
Ella lost another tooth yesterday - this time on the bottom. Her middle left tooth.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
School
Ella has been in school now for a few weeks and is becoming much more independent, going into the building by herself and walking to her classroom. On Tuesday, Charles needed to take an order form into school for me and Ella whipped around and said, "Dad, I don't need you to go in with me." Ha ha!!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
TEETH!
For a few months now, we thought for sure that Lexi was getting teeth, but to no avail. Then just a few short weeks ago, she finally popped through her bottom left tooth and about 2 weeks later, here appeared baby tooth #2 - on the right side.
AND THEN...
To my shock and amazement, I'm flossing Ella's teeth one night and lo and behold, she has a new tooth. Apparently one of her 6 year (although some people call them 5 year) molars has appeared at age 4!
UPDATE
We went to the dentist on Wed, Sept 22nd and the dentist was shocked to see the 2 molars and the 2 (yes 2) loose teeth on the bottom. He said that she is about 2 years ahead of schedule with her teeth. She also has 3 cavaties starting, so we'll be getting those filled here in a few months.
AND THEN...
To my shock and amazement, I'm flossing Ella's teeth one night and lo and behold, she has a new tooth. Apparently one of her 6 year (although some people call them 5 year) molars has appeared at age 4!
UPDATE
We went to the dentist on Wed, Sept 22nd and the dentist was shocked to see the 2 molars and the 2 (yes 2) loose teeth on the bottom. He said that she is about 2 years ahead of schedule with her teeth. She also has 3 cavaties starting, so we'll be getting those filled here in a few months.
Oh my.. when it rains it pours (Thursday, September 9th)
I can't believe it's been almost a month since I posted! Ella has a week of vacation before she started school. Spent a few days with Grandma Ellen and a few days with me.
One of those days, we had a Mommy & Me day. First we got all of our hair cut off - probably about 20" + combined and donated it to Locks of Love. What cute hair cuts, I must say! Then we went and took Ella's school supplies to school and had lunch at McDonald's. Then went and painted pottery at Glazed Expressions - rather pricey - $68 for the two of us and our pieces of pottery. Ella painted a Monster Truck bank that she picked out all by herself and I painted a popcorn bowl. Both turned out really well. Then we went miniature golfing, where Ella did a really great job - getting par on I think almost all of the holes on the 'back 9'. What a great little golfer!
The next day she was home with me while I worked and she did really well. It was a trial run since she'll be home with me every afternoon after school while I work for a while.
Saturday, we had a picnic at church to kick off our Neighborhood groups. Groups of families who get together periodically to pray and socialize. Unfortunately, none of our 'neighbors' were there - but we had a nice time anyway - even with Lexi peeing on me.
Then we headed to the State Fair on one of the hottest days of the year! But we couldn't not go. We had a great day and the girls did wonderful!
Sunday was a down day for us before Ella's very first day of school. We arrived about 7:45 (5 minutes before the bell would ring). Ella was very excited as the bell rang and we went inside. She needed just a little bit of help getting to her room. When I picked her up at the end of the day, she didn't have a lot of say. Just that things were ok and she had 2 snacks and lunch - priorities, I guess. Chocolate milk at lunch was probably her favorite thing. She didn't remember any of her classmates names.
So after I pick her up, we come home and she gets to play or whatever while I finish out my work day. I'm so thankful for the flexible arrangement and it helps to save us some big bucks each month. Ella does very well with finding things to do - playing inside or outside, or doing crafts. I have been very pleased with her occupying her time.
The same day that Ella had her 1st day of school, Alexis had her 9 month check-up. She's certainly a different kid than Ella. She weighed 18 lbs, 9 oz and was 27" long, compared to Ella who was 22 lbs 8oz and 29 1/4" long.
The following Wednesday, we won a contest from a local TV station, so we hosted a BBQ in our backyard, where they brought the meat, dessert and all kinds of goodies for us, PLUS we were on TV for the 5:00 PM & 6:00 PM newscasts. We had so much fun and almost everyone we invited was able to come. Ella, her cousins and friends had so much fun being on TV!
The next day, Thursday, Ella had her first soccer practice. She did well and listened intently and made friends quickly with Taylor. At their first game on Saturday, Ella & Taylor were little scoring machines - even though they don't keep score. The entire first period (15 minutes, I think), the other team didn't get the ball on their half of the field. When Taylor was out of the game, Ella took the reins - so well, in fact that another one of the parents came up to us and asked us about Ella's background playing soccer. Other than at home, this was her first official game. The parent thought we should talk to the organization about putting her in a older group. Charles & I aren't so sure about that yet, so we're going to let it sit for a few weeks. She's only 4 and we really don't have a huge reason to ask about moving her up. She's just learning the game, for now.
Fast forward a couple of weeks to Labor Day weekend - planning to have a nice relaxing weekend at the lake turned into replacing our shower door (in our bathroom) and doing stuff around our house because it was too cold to go swimming, boating, tubing or ride on the waverunner and without any of those things, Miss Ella would be very disappointed! So we spent a few hours there to get our things for the winter, visit with the Anliker grandparents, Brenda, and a few others and then head to my parents to sleep and spend some time with them on Sunday. We were lucky enough to see my Aunt Debbie, my Uncle David from Florida, and my brother & his family before we left to come back to Urbandale. It turned out to be nice because then we were able to do things around our house on Monday.
Other general updates:
Alexis has boycotted any type of true baby food since about 2-3 weeks ago. Once she got a taste of table food in Dubuque at Renae's Final Vows, she has kind of decided that baby food is not for her. It's been exciting to see what she likes - pasta, including macaroni & cheese, cooked carrots and sweet potatoes are her favorites. She's also tried ribs and chicken and is drinking milk well from a sippy cup, although she really prefers it when we hold the sippy cup for her. She is climbing up the stairs and is working on figuring out how to come back down and pull herself up to stand on everything! Starting to take a few steps while we hold onto her hands and back to sleeping through the night - we had a brief spell where she quit - and then she got into a habit of falling asleep on us while we rocked her. So we quickly bit that habit in the butt and now we're back to a quiet household at night.
Ella is growing up before my eyes, turning into a beautiful little girl. She is able to get herself 100% ready in the morning, although if we want to prevent plaque build up, we do need to do a once-over on her teeth, but she gets up, makes her bed, changes clothes that she picks out the night before, packs her backpack, picks out breakfast, does her hair, etc. She is saying some amazing things too. Earlier this week, I was making cookies for a funeral at church and was explaining to Ella how we prepare a meal for the family following the funeral. A little while later, she asked if she could have one of the cookies to celebrate the dead guy. Oh Ella - you never cease to amaze us!
One of those days, we had a Mommy & Me day. First we got all of our hair cut off - probably about 20" + combined and donated it to Locks of Love. What cute hair cuts, I must say! Then we went and took Ella's school supplies to school and had lunch at McDonald's. Then went and painted pottery at Glazed Expressions - rather pricey - $68 for the two of us and our pieces of pottery. Ella painted a Monster Truck bank that she picked out all by herself and I painted a popcorn bowl. Both turned out really well. Then we went miniature golfing, where Ella did a really great job - getting par on I think almost all of the holes on the 'back 9'. What a great little golfer!
The next day she was home with me while I worked and she did really well. It was a trial run since she'll be home with me every afternoon after school while I work for a while.
Saturday, we had a picnic at church to kick off our Neighborhood groups. Groups of families who get together periodically to pray and socialize. Unfortunately, none of our 'neighbors' were there - but we had a nice time anyway - even with Lexi peeing on me.
Then we headed to the State Fair on one of the hottest days of the year! But we couldn't not go. We had a great day and the girls did wonderful!
Sunday was a down day for us before Ella's very first day of school. We arrived about 7:45 (5 minutes before the bell would ring). Ella was very excited as the bell rang and we went inside. She needed just a little bit of help getting to her room. When I picked her up at the end of the day, she didn't have a lot of say. Just that things were ok and she had 2 snacks and lunch - priorities, I guess. Chocolate milk at lunch was probably her favorite thing. She didn't remember any of her classmates names.
So after I pick her up, we come home and she gets to play or whatever while I finish out my work day. I'm so thankful for the flexible arrangement and it helps to save us some big bucks each month. Ella does very well with finding things to do - playing inside or outside, or doing crafts. I have been very pleased with her occupying her time.
The same day that Ella had her 1st day of school, Alexis had her 9 month check-up. She's certainly a different kid than Ella. She weighed 18 lbs, 9 oz and was 27" long, compared to Ella who was 22 lbs 8oz and 29 1/4" long.
The following Wednesday, we won a contest from a local TV station, so we hosted a BBQ in our backyard, where they brought the meat, dessert and all kinds of goodies for us, PLUS we were on TV for the 5:00 PM & 6:00 PM newscasts. We had so much fun and almost everyone we invited was able to come. Ella, her cousins and friends had so much fun being on TV!
The next day, Thursday, Ella had her first soccer practice. She did well and listened intently and made friends quickly with Taylor. At their first game on Saturday, Ella & Taylor were little scoring machines - even though they don't keep score. The entire first period (15 minutes, I think), the other team didn't get the ball on their half of the field. When Taylor was out of the game, Ella took the reins - so well, in fact that another one of the parents came up to us and asked us about Ella's background playing soccer. Other than at home, this was her first official game. The parent thought we should talk to the organization about putting her in a older group. Charles & I aren't so sure about that yet, so we're going to let it sit for a few weeks. She's only 4 and we really don't have a huge reason to ask about moving her up. She's just learning the game, for now.
Fast forward a couple of weeks to Labor Day weekend - planning to have a nice relaxing weekend at the lake turned into replacing our shower door (in our bathroom) and doing stuff around our house because it was too cold to go swimming, boating, tubing or ride on the waverunner and without any of those things, Miss Ella would be very disappointed! So we spent a few hours there to get our things for the winter, visit with the Anliker grandparents, Brenda, and a few others and then head to my parents to sleep and spend some time with them on Sunday. We were lucky enough to see my Aunt Debbie, my Uncle David from Florida, and my brother & his family before we left to come back to Urbandale. It turned out to be nice because then we were able to do things around our house on Monday.
Other general updates:
Alexis has boycotted any type of true baby food since about 2-3 weeks ago. Once she got a taste of table food in Dubuque at Renae's Final Vows, she has kind of decided that baby food is not for her. It's been exciting to see what she likes - pasta, including macaroni & cheese, cooked carrots and sweet potatoes are her favorites. She's also tried ribs and chicken and is drinking milk well from a sippy cup, although she really prefers it when we hold the sippy cup for her. She is climbing up the stairs and is working on figuring out how to come back down and pull herself up to stand on everything! Starting to take a few steps while we hold onto her hands and back to sleeping through the night - we had a brief spell where she quit - and then she got into a habit of falling asleep on us while we rocked her. So we quickly bit that habit in the butt and now we're back to a quiet household at night.
Ella is growing up before my eyes, turning into a beautiful little girl. She is able to get herself 100% ready in the morning, although if we want to prevent plaque build up, we do need to do a once-over on her teeth, but she gets up, makes her bed, changes clothes that she picks out the night before, packs her backpack, picks out breakfast, does her hair, etc. She is saying some amazing things too. Earlier this week, I was making cookies for a funeral at church and was explaining to Ella how we prepare a meal for the family following the funeral. A little while later, she asked if she could have one of the cookies to celebrate the dead guy. Oh Ella - you never cease to amaze us!
Monday, August 16, 2010
GREAT Weekend (Monday, August 16th, 2010)
We had a very bittersweet day on Thurday, August 12th. Ella's last day at daycare. So we took 4 dozen Krispy Kreme donuts to celebrate. Who doesn't like Krispy Kreme donuts? She has been at the same daycare since she was just 13 weeks ok. Wow - how time flies. We are so appreciative of all of the great care and learning she got while in their care. Good thing is that Lexi still goes there....
We had a great weekend! Went to Lost Island on Friday morning. Beautiful day - sunny and warm. The water temp was 80 degrees. We spent a lot of time on the waverunner, swimming and on the boat. Ella played most of the day with Jeff (Peggy & Greg Pfeffer's middle son). Ella's little cheeks got burnt (even with 70 SPF sunscreen on) and Lexi even enjoyed a little swim. Friday evening, Don & Brenda brought their waverunner up, so then we were able to go out on the lake with them. We had a lot of fun.
Saturday brought more beautiful weather and more red cheeks. A lot of family was up at the lake including friends of Trudy (Grimm) Eaton's and Peggy (Grimm) Pfeffer's. Lots of kids, so Ella kept plenty busy. She really enjoyed Andy Pfeffer and Karissa Origer. Then Colten, Laura & Carmen came up, so Ella & Colten played together most of the afternoon. They had so much fun jumping off the dock, going tubing, and jumping on the big inflatable trampoline on the lake.
Saturday night, Lexi didn't sleep well. I ended up putting her in bed with us, so we could all get some sleep. Once she woke up for the day, I went to get her a bottle and came back. Then she was copying Ella while she said, "Uh-oh". Too cute!
Sunday, we just decided to head to Poky for most of the day. We usually eat lunch with my parents and then head back, but we had plans to celebrate Alan Banwart's 30th birthday with him at Halderwood Farms. We had a great time and sat with Carl & Sara Gerber and their little pumpkins - Noah, Claire & Elle. We had such a great time and the girls were very well behaved. Lexi got to try Veggie Straws (veggie potato chips in the shape of straws), mac & cheese and some cake.
Ella stayed at my parents house on vacation for a few days before she starts school on the 23rd. I'll pick her up later in the week and have a Mommy & Ella day.
Lexi has been pulling herself up on all sorts of items - chairs, couches, boxes, etc. She's starting to get a little more brave and take some steps. No teeth yet - but she is certainly getting many tastes of good food.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010
Two weeks from yesterday, our little girl will start preschool. It's hard to believe that she's old enough to start school already. She is very excited and we did some school clothes shopping this weekend and she was very excited!
Friday afternoon, we all headed to Williamsburg, Iowa, to do some shopping. New shoes for Charles, new shirts, shorts & capris for the girls, new pair of pants, cardigan, polo & blouse for me! Woo-hoo! Great sales!
Then we made our way to Dubuque to celebrate with my aunt & Godmother, Renae, on making her Final Vows to the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Holy Family. A candlelight prayer service on Friday night was Ella's highlight followed by a bar-like reception: Lemonade, beer, wine, meat & cheese, peanuts, pretzels -- yum!!!
Saturday morning we took a little walk on a trail along the Mississippi River before heading back to the hotel to get ready for the Final Vows celebration. What a beautiful and moving service followed by a beautiful reception. Lots of friends & family were present and a lot of fun was had.
Then we headed back to Des Moines, but not before a stop at one of our favorite restaurants - Hickory Park in Ames. Both girls were phenomoially behaved and the food was delish. We ordered plenty, so we could have leftovers for at least a few meals.
Ella & Lexi both seem to be doing well following their illnesses, although Lexi still isn't eating all that well, but she still had wet & dirty diapers, so things are working well. Over the weekend, she got to experience her first REAL table food - mashed potatoes, cookies & some noodles. She's getting to be such a big girl - she'll officially be 9 months old already on Thursday.
I love my family!!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Last night was Monday, so the girls & I flew solo again since Daddy was golfing. 'Why does Daddy always have to golf with his friends from church?' is what I hear each week from Ella. 'Because it's good for Daddy' is my response. Although last night, it was harder to say that as Ella had a 101 degree fever and Lexi hadn't eaten all day at daycare (refusing 3 bottles a number of times). But everyone survivied - including Mom.
Lexi did eat about 6 oz for me, which was an improvement over her time at daycare. Ella was content watching the Summer X Games on ESPN (skateboarding and motorcycle racing). Both girls were in bed by 8:00, which gave me some time to get some things I needed done.
Both of them were relatively happy, even though they were sick. Lexi was sitting in her Bumbo chair on the island and Ella was working on her iron-beads. Lexi and her were talking back and forth - sooo fun! Even though Lex can't make words (officially), she can still talk with the rest of us. Both slept through the night, although Ella's dreams are getting much more vivid as now she's screaming throughout the night.
Oh what I wouldn't give for a full night's rest without interruption, but then I remember that I'm a parent and I'm not sure that's even possible anymore.
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