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 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 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.

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

The past week has been full of sickness! Two weeks ago, Charles & I were each home a day with Lexi (no illness determined). Last week, I decided to take her to the doctor as she wasn't sleeping or eating well. Turns out she has Hand, Foot & Mouth. No wonder she didn't want to eat - she has lesions in her mouth - another reason why she didn't want her bink (pacifier). At the same appt, I had our doctor take a quick peek at Ella's rash. Too bad, the peek wasn't quick - turns out she has a staph infection. Tests came back negative for MRSA though - thankfully. Charles was home with her for part of Thursday, as was I.

So we skipped going to the lake (*sad*), and instead stayed home. We had a movie night with Ella, made some homemade salsa, and did a little shopping and lots of cleaning up at home. It was nice to get some things picked up and 4 bags of stuff taken to Goodwill - more to come as I'm purging!