We did something last week that we have never done before – Madison and I ran and played in the rain. We hadn’t done it because it had either not been raining or been raining at night. So, we took advantage of the warm day we had had and the pouring rain to have fun and potentially calm thunderstorm fears. It was a lot of fun!
Madison asked to go take a stroller walk after Ellie woke up today. I asked where she wanted to go, and she said (surprise, surprise), the park. We had already been outside most of the morning, but I usually don’t turn down a chance to walk; so, off we went. When we got there, she did not head for the slides or the swings. She found a tree to practice her tree climbing skills. Granted, it was more like climbing across the tree than climbing up the tree, but it kept her busy for a good thirty minutes. She was incredible elusive for pictures,
but I managed to catch a few. (Does this conjure up senior picture memories anyone??)
Meanwhile, Ellie busied herself in the shade. First she ate leaves. Madison and I say, “No eatin’ leaves, Ellie! You’re not a cow.” I am just relaying this in case you are around her and hear her say it – she is not calling Ellie names, just reminding her not to eat grass! You can see her going after it in this picture.
Then, I put on Madison’s sunhat to see if it fit Ellie. Madison doesn’t wear it, and Ellie’s hat is too small for her head. She took some model-esque pictures…. if you ignore the drool cascading down her chin, and the snot running out of her nose! (We are all battling a cold right now.)
Yesterday, we got to go walking with Tara and Grace and then play at the park. It made me miss my Columbus friend even more, but what a good chance it was to reconnect. I took pictures, but they were, I discovered after getting home, “demo” pics. I had left my camera card in the computer. So I have no tangible evidence of the fun that was had as the girls ran, picked flowers, swung, slid, talked, chased, rode, and hugged good-bye. But their friendship was re-kindled as I hope it will be in the years to come.
It is not that we haven’t been doing anything; it is that I haven’t taken time to post. My motivation for posting has been waning lately. I think it makes a difference that we are closer to family which is one of the major reasons we have kept this post going. But at this point, I also see it as a journal for the girls to chronicle their lives. I have not done a good job with baby books – something I thought I would actually be good at! So, this has replaced that. So, here is an update:
Madison and Grace reunited for a play date in a pool a few weeks ago. Her grandparents, who live in the area, invited us over one morning when they were watching her. Although there was little interaction in the pool – they were both too busy “swimming” and jumping into the water – they did reconnect during lunch and the playtime afterwards. Madison would feed Grace sticks of celery in between laughter.
Then, there was Fun Night in the community. It started with an Amish vs English softball game. (I don’t know the results; we got there too late.) Then, it progressed to helicopter, ambulance, and fire truck viewings, followed by train rides, playing with cousins, and some ice cream. (We left before the helicopter dropped candy because Madison was tired and hungry and breaking down…. and so was I.) It was a partial high school reunion for me – seeing classmates that I haven’t seen for a good number of years.
Ellie is continuing to grow – flashes her smile and wins you over instantly. She got a tutu from Jeremy’s aunt (just like Madison got) and I tried to take some pics. My photographic efforts didn’t work so well, but here are a few:
My brother called one Saturday and asked if we would like to go hiking a God’s Hollow. I packed up the girls and took off. (Jeremy was working on the townhouse, and I pretty much take every opportunity to go do something when I am by myself.) The big boys climbed places I wouldn’t even consider (look carefully in the second photo and you’ll see them), while Madison and Landen stuck to the little creek – the perfect depth for them.
Finally, we have had a number of visitors – Sandy, grandparents, Ben and the boys, our neighbor Lori, and most recently, Zach, Megan, and Aunt Julie came. We hung out on the front lawn. Madison wanted to sit in chairs just like Zach and Megan – not on the blanket like Mommy, Julie, and Ellie :)
I need to get to some bookwork so we can get to the bank and get some money for groceries. So, this blog ends somewhat abruptly. Hope everyone has a great start to the week. Maybe I’ll take some time again later to blog. Blessings.
We went to Ellie’s 6 month check up on Wednesday. We had a little bit of a wait in the lobby, so she was a little out of sorts before actually meeting the doctor. He was super nice and I appreciated that he took time to talk even though he was behind schedule. She is growing on the curve – so not getting too big (or too small) too fast. He said she is doing great! And I agree :)
Here are her stats
She is sitting, rolling (randomly and only in her crib from her back to her belly… and getting stuck), moving toys from hand-to-hand, eating lunch and dinner (I’m supposed to add breakfast to this as well), swinging, jumping in her exer-saucer, growing teeth, smiling, and loving her sister. She is also showing a little stranger anxiety recently, so we’ll see what becomes of that. I can’t believe how fast the time has past, and although I do not really enjoy the first few sleepless, worrisome, makes you feel incompetent months, I feel like I somehow missed out on some of her moments. I am going to work to soak in the little things as these minutes turn into days and days turn into months. Keep growing, loving, and smiling, Ellie. I love you!
