Good Morning Sweetheart!

Every morning, when my older child deigns to join us, I say the same words, "Good Morning Sweetheart!" I never know what is going to come out of her mouth. This week I decided to record it (this post will be updated every day this week). Keep in mind, every day, this is her response to "Good morning sweetheart."

Monday: Is Grandma here?

Tuesday: We saved cantaloupe for you(sounding slightly grumpy about it).

Wednesday: What story do you want to read?

Thursday: Sneak, Sneak, Sneak! (she was "sneaking" up on me while I was obviously looking at her coming)

Friday: Adwen is playing with that (pointing at the VCR, which hasn't worked for years)

Shhhh...Don't Tell Elspeth

I am playing with her ball

For Isaiah

Naturally I am posting this for all our family and friends to see, but this one is directed at my amazing nephew, Isaiah.

Isaiah is a great soccer player (as is his brother), but a little more scary, he is a great goalie. That means at times it is Isaiah and the other team, Isaiah owns the net he protects, and his mother has to watch over and over praying that today, he is not injured (high probability as a goalie), and that he comes up victorious.

I have never been able to make the trip over two and a half states to see either of my amazing nephews play soccer. I have had to experience their successes vicariously through their mother's blog and videos they are kind enough to burn so I can watch them over and over again. One thing I know is that Isaiah is above average when it comes to the PK. This is the event that separates goalies from wannabes. If you don't know what I mean, ask someone who plays soccer.

Isaiah, yesterday Uncle Jeremy and I played soccer for the first time in far too long. We joined a group of crazy people, who play for 2 straight hours, just for the joy of the game. Uncle Jeremy would have made you proud. He was all over the field, even scoring 2 goals (2/3 hat trick). He was amazing. But what made me think of you was the last time he rotated into goal, he was blocking everything, looked like a real goalie.

I didn't see the foul in the box, my blisters had taken me off the field, and I was busy stealing Uncle Jeremy's coat when I realized how cold it was to stand still. I heard laughter on the field so I looked up and realized they were lining up a PK against my husband. I thought of your mother, and how she must feel every time someone lines up against you, that person wanting badly to get that ball past you into the net. I thought of how you must feel when you see that ball, the tension of waiting, wondering which direction to choose.

I am happy to say that Uncle Jeremy stopped the ball cold, much like you do over an over.

You would have been proud.

I was.

What I find when I leave them alone with Daddy . . .

Shhh.... Don't Tell Elspeth

. . . I'm playing with her bike.

Firsts

Addie is at a time of life where everything is a first, AND she is old enough to show her pleasure at the experience. Yesterday, Spring found us at long last, and in an inspired moment I dug out the swing Mamgu and Dactu gave us last year. Ella is nearly too big for it, but Addie was in love!
We experienced our first power outage last night (at least the first since Ella was born). I would have slept through it if Ella hadn't started screaming "MOMMY TURN THE LIGHTS BACK ON" about 3:30 this morning. Addie was crying by the time my slept fogged brain negotiated the dogs and other misc items to get to Ella's bed.

I tried to explain that the power was out and I couldn't turn on the light. Ella's response? "Put new batteries in it."

Aunt Dana and Uncle Andy saved the day. They gave us a flashlight (5 years ago)as a house warming gift that has a lantern function, that made a great nightlight. They gave Addie a sleep sheep (last Christmas) that plays the same rain sound their sound machine plays all night, that returned both girls to equalibrium. While we made our way back to bed by the light of our cell phones (we own one flashlight - now in the girls room) Jeremy and I felt lucky that the temp was mild and we didn't have to worry about the furnace.

This morning very cranky girls woke up(I am including myself in that number). In a moment of inspired parenting, Jeremy suggested that Ella get in the tub with Addie. Not only did she, but she took the wash cloth and "cleaned" Addies legs.

Another First. Addie, unused to actual real LIVE attention from the older sister she adores lit up like a Christmas tree. Crankiness averted.

Score one for the parents.

Green Light

You may remember those halcyon days of playing Red Light, Green Light and "What time is it, Mr. Fox". These days are just beginning for our Elspeth and we have signed her up for an organized sports clinic on Saturday mornings (mostly to burn some excess energy off!).

Here is what we have discovered so far:

1 - Elspeth does NOT like Simon Says, ever.

2 - When the class is playing basketball, Elspeth plays soccer

3 - When the class is playing soccer, Elspeth is playing tag

4- Red Light, Green Light is fun to the extent that no one is asking you to sit down (notice Ella circling in the background below eventually ditching the game when they have an injury time-out and she doesn't get to run anymore).

9 Months

Today was Adwen Kate's 9-Month Well Baby Check-up.

Prognosis: Healthy, if not a little goofy like her sister.
Weight: 20 lbs 15.5oz. (80th percentile)
Length: 29.5 inches (97th percentile)

All developmental markers are being met as expected with the exception of teeth. As she can't force them out, and its not time to worry yet, he let that go. Dr. wants us to introduce meat and try regular milk protein formula. We are nervous but willing to try (about the milk, not the meat).

While you were out

While Elspeth was at school, her new bed came and we moved all the furniture and wall hangings so we could surprise her with her cool new room

She was happy to find her big girl bed waiting for her.
She crawled right in and rolled a bit.
Tried a little bouncing . . .
And declared it good.

Ella sings "My Cool New Big Girl Bed" Song

On the Move

For the most part Addie is happier now that she is mobile and can steadily follow her family throughout the house.

Unless someone leaves a roadblock . . .

You will turn to find someone cute relentlessly following you . . .
Only pausing for sustenance (what do you mean I have something on my face?) . . .
Or to sit up and give us a cute grin . . .
Or a certifiably goofy (but 100% genuine) grin . . .
A mobile Addie has added a real touch of fun to our house!