Our "Special Treat"

So, last night before bed, Logan and I were again talking about the day he was born--a favorite topic. I told him that one day he would have to tell me what he did the day that Elly was born because I still didn't know what he did that day. He said that he couldn't because he doesn't remember very well. I commented again on what a special day it was the day he was born and then said that the day Elly was born was a special day too. Here's a snipet of our sweet conversation:

S: "Do you know why it was special?"
L: "Because we got a special treat."

S: "A special treat?"

L: "Yes, that's what it is when you get a new baby--a special treat. Not like a candy treat, just a treat because its something that you love SOOOOO much."

I think I'll tuck that one away.

Here's our "special treat" at 5 months.

Some things I don't want to forget about her at 5 months--she now leans toward me and holds out both arms when I come near or start talking to her if someone else is holding her.

My very favorite thing though is that as soon as I pick her up she smiles sooooo big and then she reaches out with both hands and very gently touches both sides of my face and just rubs my face. She literally takes my face in her hands and it reminds me of how a blind person would memorize a face with his/her hands. She doesn't do it to anyone else and it just melts my heart!

Tagged...4th Folder, 4th Picture

My friend Darla tagged me to post the 4th picture in the 4th folder on our computer. It is Logan helping Jarrod with yard work when he was 20 months old. Man, he's little...time is flying by much too quickly!!

I tag Kimber, Colleen, Jess C. and Jennifer P.

Flashback Friday

Change

I have to be the first to admit...I HATE change. I resist it at every turn, I flee from the idea of it and I buck with all of my might against it. It doesn't really matter if that change is good or necessary, I still don't enjoy any part of the process. Lately it seems like nothing in my life is very stable (okay, with the obvious exception of my marriage...don't go worrying about that...) We went to my parents on Thursday night for a few reasons--1. so that the kids would have one more night at their house 2. so that Logan could see them actually packing up and moving and 3. on some level so that I could see them moving. To say that I'm not happy with this move is so much of an understatement. I have had to tell myself and Jarrod has had to tell me over and over again that this move has nothing to do with me, with us or with my kids...because OBVIOUSLY it doesn't, but that doesn't make it hurt any less. The fact that we could see them whenever we wanted to and often did see them is forever going to change. The fact that my kids love them beyond words and love to just be with them is probably one thing that is not going to change, but the relationship and amount of time that they spend together will inevitably change. That's not an easy thing for me to swallow. I think that a lot of that has to do with my grandparents moving when I was a little girl from the house down the street from ours to a place that was several hours away. That relationship inevitably changed and was so much less than it was before they were gone. I pray that God will somehow protect that special bond that my kids have with my parents.

Now, in the midst of this change, we are having to change how we do our small group. We have an awesome small group and a group that I, especially, draw a lot of strength from. But...because of life and good times and good things....we need to form two groups out of our growing one. Jarrod and I have been through pretty extensive training in "small groups" and small group theory and logically, I know it is time. It is a great problem to have, of course, but it doesn't make me like it. I hate it. I wish that you could accomplish the same intimacy with a large group, but you obviously just can't. Obviously, the friendships won't change and we'll still be together at other times, but its still a change of my "support" group if you will. Again, I know and pray that God has great plans in this...but I still don't like it and I especially don't like the timing of it. I like to cacoon myself and my family for the year after I have a baby...looks like God has other plans in store and like them or not...I'm having to roll with them.

4 (and a half) Months

Ellyse--December 21, 2008--4 Months old

Due to the holidays, we weren't able to get Elly into the doctor until yesterday.

She's 14 lbs. 1 oz., 24 1/2 inches long
She got a great report from the doctor and we are so grateful for a healthy, precious baby!

Things that she's doing now:
-Rolling over back to front
-Beginning to get separation anxiety
-Grabbing, batting and holding onto everything
-Pulling her pacifier out of her mouth and consistently putting it back in

She is an unnaturally happy baby--really, I'm not just saying this because she's mine and I'm not "bragging", tooting any one's horn, etc. I honestly have not seen a happier baby. Even when she's ready to fuss, she has to smile first and then again in the middle of it, and then maybe one more time at the end of the fussiness.

She still needs to be holding something to go to sleep, if its not her hair, its a little grasp of her blanket or even her sheet, but really...she just prefers to hold a hand. I'm afraid this one's not going to be an independent one--she's really attached to people and she would definitely prefer not being alone at any time--including when she's going to bed. She likes to have the sound of people's voices all the time.

She loves Logan. She searches for him everywhere and when she hears his voice her head snaps around and her eyes look everywhere until she sees him. He's then rewarded with a HUGE smile...it warms a mommy's heart!

Its Raining, Its...Icing??

We were supposed to go to my friend Darla's today because sweet Brylie had rented a movie over the weekend that she wanted to show Logan. I had no idea that the roads would be icy or even bad. I did see that we had a few icicles on the house, but it looked like they were melting...nope...there was a nice "wintry mix" coming down on them making them look as if they were melting. Darla called me back and told me that her sweet husband didn't think it was a good idea for us to get out...so...we've spent the day iced in. Not too great of a day in my opinion...especially when my dear husband comes in around 10:30 complaining that he doesn't feel so good. Keep in mind that he was sick with some sort of respiratory virus for the past near week...he finally got some energy back on Saturday and we were able to get some "house" stuff done. Today, it seems that he's gotten a stomach bug...nice! Isn't it the kids that are supposed to get sick and bring all of this "junk" into the house? I'm a little worried for Elly...she's been pretty fussy today, but so far nothing to be alarmed about.

Anyway, I thought that I'd take a few pictures...since I seriously doubt my logustrum or my knockout roses will survive this one. Did I mention that it was 80 degrees on Saturday??? Crazy!

This tree now has twice this amount of ice--and its been one hour since I took this picture!

Christmas Part 2

Here are a few more pictures celebrating the Christmas break at Annie's house and at Pops' house.

My kiddos love their Auntie and Uncle "Drew"


Mimi and Elly

Logan adores his Pops

Hunting gear...next year is the big year!!!

Elly and Jarrod's precious Nanny

The "ladies"--Sarah, Annie, Elly, sweet Gramma and Auntie Lorre