Redemption

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Summer Days

In spite of the illnesses that won't quit for Claire, we are having a really great summer. Maybe it's because we are coming out of the longest winter I have ever experienced, but I can honestly say I am enjoying each and every one of the little perks that summer brings. The workload with kids seems to be cut in half... mainly because it takes us about 15 minutes to get loaded up into the car instead of the usual 45 - just because we wear less clothes! And being outside is just an all around happier thing. :) I'm thinking we should pack up and move to a warmer climate - at least until our children can dress and entertain themselves.

She wasn't particularly thrilled about the idea, but Ella has been taking swimming lessons - and is definitely becoming more comfortable with the water. It did take a small bribe - I mean reward. Note the following picture with her long awaited Arial Princess Doll:

Grabbing candy at the 4th of July Parade!

Chillin'

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Ella's 3 Year Photos

I snagged a fabulous Groupon deal and had a great photographer take these shots for Ella's 3rd Birthday... as well as some Easter ones of the girls. Mommy even got caught in a few!

Sisters

One of my favorite things these days, is watching the relationship between these two develop. They are so different in most ways... yet so alike in one... DRAMA. There is no doubt they are females! I even question whether or not they may have entered some rare and bizarre form of early PMS! Overall however, there is such a precious balance of personality between them. Ella is cautious, a rule-follower (most days), and prefers to read or watch movies. While Claire is impulsive, not-so-much a rule-follower, and can rarely be found sitting still unless a bag of chips is involved. Being so close in age, they seem to constantly compete for my attention - but it's amazing to me how in spite of that, they absolutely adore eachother. We anticipate several benefits to their relationship and personality differences... one being that Claire will likely play a key role in bringing Ella out of her shell throughout life, and another being that Ella will likely be the one we count on for the "inside scoop" on her sister's escapades.

It kills me that the days pass so quickly and they are growing so fast... and at the same time, I absolutely can't wait to see what life brings for them. And while we most definitely did NOT plan to have babies 16 months apart, I can honestly say now that I LOVE that we did. Such a neat thing for the two of them... I just hope and pray that they always feel that way.

Easter, 2011

Happy Mother's Day to Me!

Let's be honest here. There are days when this picture holds more truth than I care to admit... :) But in spite of how crazy it gets... I've never been happier... never felt more fulfilled... I love them to death. Thanks girls, for reminding me daily of the things that really matter in life. I love you more than you'll ever know.

Ella

Well, I did my best to keep it from happening... but in spite of all my efforts, Ella turned 3 years old a week ago (er... 3 months ago, when I started writing this post). It has been as they say... a fast and furious transition from toddler hood to "little girl".... emphasis on the "girl" part of that. :) She adores anything and everything pink, princessy, and fancy. She's been taking ballet for the last couple of months and loves every minute of it... (mostly because she gets to wear a tutu)! We cannot say for certain that the Joffrey Ballet School is in her future...but assuming we can soon convince her that the mirrors in her dance studio are meant to reflect her flawless pirouettes and plies, rather than the length of her tongue, I'd say her chances are pretty darn good!

Turning 3 brought many new freedoms and experiences... including her very own "big girl bed". I'm quite confidant that she would have stayed in her crib for another 6 years without ever considering the possibility of crawling out - but I do think she was gradually catching on to the suspicion that most kids her age were no longer being held against their will. While putting her to bed one night after a visit to some friend's who were already in their own real beds, she politely said: "Mommy, can you take these bars down?". Busted. The transition has been an easy one for her and more importantly, us. :) In fact, the poor, tentative, yet content child has yet to realize that she could actually come and go as she pleases... and continues to wait in her bed until we come to get her. (Case and point: yesterday during her nap she yelled: "Mommy, can you come get me out of this bed???") Here's to hoping that lasts throughout high school. ;-)

So Happy (VERY) Belated Birthday to my girly-girl. We're in no hurry - but somehow at the same time, we can't help wonder what you will one day become. I'm guessing you'll never be too fond of camping, or contact sports... but your sweet, sensitive spirit, love of art, reading, and baking... will undoubtedly lead you to do some wonderful things.