Conversations with Ellie 2

Me:  Ellie, Mother's Day is coming up and we need to pick out a few gifts.

Ellie:  Oh!  You get gifts for mama's for Mother's Day?

Me:  Yes!  What are you going to get Mama?

Ellie:  This! {hands me a little birdie dish from our hall table}

Me:  Hmmm.  Maybe you could pick out something new?

Ellie:  I know!  I'll get you a BIG, BIG beautiful dress!

Me:  Does it have to be BIG, BIG?  Can't it just be beautiful?

Ellie:  Nope.  BIG, BIG.  You are a grown up!



Then later today after I came back from getting a cut and highlights...

Ellie:  Mama, I missed you.  But your hair looks beautiful!

Me:  Thanks, Ellie!

Ellie:  So, did you get to pick a toy out of the treasure chest?

Me:  No, Honey.  I went to the grown up hair cut place.

Ellie:  Oh, that's not as fun is it?

And the winner is.....

According to the True Random Number Generator (every comment recieved a chronological number)


Min:  1

Max: 17

Result: 13

Congratulations to Megtruth1!  You deserve it for pumping in parking garages!  That is dedication.  :)  Hope you enjoy your Udder Cover!
 
Thanks to all who entered.  The My Milkies Milk Saver giveaway is coming up next...
 

Miss Tutu reminder!

OK.  So I totally forgot about making the no sew tutu.  I admit it.  But I just got a reminder email from Miss Tutu herself that tomorrow is the last day to get your FREE lesson.  Really, it's free.  Someday you might want to make a tutu.  Maybe not today or tomorrow, but someday.  And won't you be upset with yourself if you had the opportunity for a FREE lesson and passed it up.  Yep, thought so. 

This is a contest so be sure you tell Miss Tutu that you came from Ellie-Town.

If you miss this opportunity for a FREE lesson - I mentioned it was FREE, right? - there may be a coupon coming your way in the near future.  But it won't be for FREE.  Catch my drift?  ;)

http://misstutu.com/


photo from misstutu.com

Barbie: What a life!

Oh how nice it would be to be Barbie with her carefree attitude, unattainable body and umbrella drink in hand.  It struck me last night after a particularly stressful day.  Ellie had left Barbie sitting in her pool next to her sunglasses wearing poodle.

I looked over and thought "That's the life!"  Barbie's poodle even has her own float.

There are drinks for two, a cute bikini - which won't be in my future any time soon unless I go the Heidi Montag route (which, btw, did you see the Hills last night?  Heidi's poor mother!) and even a water slide.

Then I looked a little closer.  Barbie's hair is a bit of a mess because Ellie took out her perfect 'do and she now has some sort of a messy ponytail.  And really, Barbie can't even drink her pretty umbrella cocktail because she can't bend her elbows.

Barbie is always at the mercy of whoever is controlling her arms and legs.  Everyone around her is being creative and Barbie just has to go with the flow.

So I guess even Barbie's life isn't perfect.  Although I could really go for one of her umbrella drinks right about now!

Udder Cover: Review and GIVEAWAY!

In my 7.5 month nursing career I have breastfed in restaurants, zoos, truck stops (while traveling), coffee shops, malls, on airplanes, in cars, at play dates, holiday parties, birthday parties and much more.

I never thought I would be one those mamas. The one that just whips it out anywhere and nurses her baby. That was before I had my Udder Cover.

My Udder Cover is super cute, lightweight and has held up great after tons of washings. It goes everywhere with me because it folds up really small and can easily get shoved in my diaper bag.

So really, I owe my Udder Cover a lot. It has kept me from missing out on fun times with family and friends and lets Ellie stay in the action even when her baby sis is a hungry hungry hippo.

Now, because I love my Udder Cover and I love the Ellie-Town readers, we're doing our first GIVEAWAY! Yay! Oh, and don't think you need to be pregnant or nursing to enter. Udder Covers make GREAT gifts!

Ways to enter the Udder Cover Giveaway:

1) Follow Ellie-Town and leave a comment saying you are a follower.

2) Follow Ellie-Town on FaceBook and leave a comment saying you are following.

3) Go to http://www.uddercovers.com/ and comment here on the pattern you will choose if you are selected.

4) Link your blog, FaceBook or Twitter to this giveaway and comment that you did so (with link).

5) Leave a comment with the most random place you've ever nursed.  Just for fun.  ;)

You must be a follower of Ellie-Town to win.  The winner will be randomly selected Thursday at 9:00 pm CST and annouced Friday morning.

Make sure your email is linked to your name so you can be contacted (you do not need to leave your email in the comment form).

Ready

Set

Go!

Bugs!

Bugs!  We have been invaded. 

It's Ellie's fault.  Well, actually my fault.  I thought the "If you're a really good girl and try your best to behave you can pick ONE thing from the Dollar Spot" was a good policy.  I was wrong.  Not only do we now have the most random crap at our house - farm animals, something that resembles a Koosh Ball, cheap pumpkin bubbles, plastic cookie cutters for every occasion, and on and on and on - but now we also have bugs.

You should have seen Ellie's face when she handed them to the check out lady.  She was thrilled with her pick.  "Look!  I picked BUGS!!!" 

The cashier said, "Oh you sure did, Honey," and gave me a nervous smile.  Then the cashier asked Ellie what she would do if she saw a bug in real life and Ellie replied, "I would scream real loud like this AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" and the entire store heard her.

As you can see in the above photos, there was quite a variety in that little plastic bag for a buck.  I knew most of them but we had to ask Daddy about a few.  Like I didn't know that the peachy one was a coch roach.  Fun.

But now we have bugs.  Next Ellie want to go catch bugs "in real life."  Maybe next time she could even get a "Bug House" and catch fireflies at night.  I'm sure the next time we go back the Dollar Spot will have all of the bug catching supplies we could possibly need.  Gotta love Target.

"Hope in a Jar," or an epiphany

This will not be your typical review of a book.  It's more like an epiphany of sorts.  A few weeks ago a friend lent me the book Hope In A Jar and I read it.  I read all the way until page 332 until I realized I had already read this book before.

I'm a huge fan of Chick Lit.  When I was commuting I could easily ready more than a book a week.  So before page 332 I noticed what I assumed were similarities with this book and books I've read in the past.  But no, it all clicked at page 332 and then I remembered exactly how the book ends.  (It's a cute, fun book by the way if you're looking for a summer read.) 

I'm blaming Mommy Brain.  Mommy Brain is Pregnancy Brain compounded with months of not sleeping through the night.  It's what you can blame trying to put the gallon of milk on the cabinet shelf where you keep your glasses instead of back in the fridge.  Or tearing apart your entire house searching for the brown toddler soccer shirt that needs to be put on a 3 year old in the next five minutes only to realize you washed it yesterday and it's neatly folded in a pile of clothes waiting to be put away. 

It's Ellie saying "Mommy!  Cheerios!" because the first time she asked I walked into the kitchen and took out the cereal box.  The next time she asked I took out a bowl.  So she had to ask a third time for me to realize I still hadn't actually put the Cheerios in the bowl and handed them to her.

If you, too, suffer from Mommy Brain, don't be alarmed.  It's nothing that a good night's sleep followed by your choice of mani/pedi or massage (or if you're really lucky and not nursing on demand all of the above!)can't cure.  Good thing Mother's Day is right around the corner and I've, Ahem!, hinted that a day at the spa is exactly what this Mama needs.

But I know I'm not suffering alone.  What are your Mommy Brain moments?  Come on, you can share with us!  ;)

"Sophie Saver"

I think I have made Madeline's love of Sophie pretty clear.  Tonight while Ryan was watching the NBA playoff game/NHL playoff game/NFL Draft (seriously Sports Gods?  couldn't you have done a better job with scheduling?!) I was poking around Etsy and found The Sophie Saver.

Etsy seller "sophiebelle's shop" says: 

This item was created after a friend's son lost his beloved "Sophie the Giraffe" while out for a walk. He tossed it overboard when he was in his stroller, and his mom didn't notice. When she realized what happened, she tried to find Sophie the giraffe, but couldn't. Enter the Sophie Saver.


This is a wonderful longer fabric strap, measuring between 18-19 inches (when snapped). One end attaches to a snack cup, a pacifier or a small toy, and the other end securely attaches to a stroller or car seat. These are all things babies love to throw down, but don't fret, they won't go far. The longer length is good for smaller toys, which you wouldn't want to be so close to the child's face, and can also be tossed aside when interest wanes. Also great for the good ol' pacifier.

You'll find many uses for this wonderful strap...

I immediately call Ryan over to look at the picture. 
 

As I say "This is genius!" Ryan, at the same time says, "Oh no!  Don't do it, Sophie!"

I still think it's genius and might start stocking up on "Sophie Savers" since Sophie is my go-to baby gift these days.  Maybe I would just attach it to one of Sophie's legs instead .  Then it would just look like she decided to bungee jump instead.  I think of Sophie as an adventurous type.

Happy 101 - My First Award!

Thank you to Shannon at Webbisodes for my very first blogging award, the Happy 101 Award!  I might be a little too excited about it.  ;)   

I hope everyone will stop by to say hi to Shannon.  Her daughter, Gillian Grace, is such a cutie and her last post titled "Dirt Alert" is something I can totally relate to! 

Thanks again, Shannon!

So here are the rules of the Happy 101 Award:

1. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

2. List who gave the award to you and use a link to her blog (or hyperlink).

3. List 10 things that make you happy.

4. Pass the award on to other bloggers and visit their blog to let them know about the award.

10 Things That Make Me Happy

I admit I had to think about this for a little bit.  When was the last time I was asked what made me happy?  Yeah, it's been a while.  So here it goes...

1. 
   
   Seeing my girls together.  My heart was not prepared for the happiness this brings me.  They are each other's favorite people and I love every second of watching them together.
2. 
   
   Starbucks.  More specifically a Venti Carmel Macchiato and a Reduced Fat Banana Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake.  It's like an instant mental vacation.
3. 
   
   Buying Gifts.  I love buying gifts for people.  I start brainstorming ideas way before the holiday I'm shopping for and I love it when the recipient opens the gift and you can see they love it, too.
4. 
   
   Jimmy Buffett.  Another instant vacation.  Some of the most fun I've ever had has been at Buffett concerts.  Usually before we ever even walk through the gate.  I've had to take the last few years off but am already looking forward to going this summer...and I think it's not until July!  As a random fact, I did once actually blow out my flip flop at a concert.  If if had to happen, what is a more perfect time?  And that leads me to...
5. 
   
   Flip flops.  If I could I would be barefoot always but since that is unfortunately socially unacceptable, flip flops are the next best thing.  I love a good pair of broken in Reefs!
6. 
   
   Eating outside in the city.  It might be the thing I miss the most about city life.  Brunch especially.  For some reason they just don't seem to do brunch in the 'burbs.  So good food, a beautiful day and a mimosa/bloody mary/beer/glass of wine and I am a happy camper.
7. 
   
   The first snow.  I realize it's not even May yet but the first snow makes me so happy.  It puts me in the holiday mood and gets me ready for Christmas trees, shopping, baking, parties and all of the fun between Thanksgiving and New Year's.
8. 
   
   Watching our Wedding DVD.  We don't do it enough. 
9. 
   
   Swimming.  In a pool, lake or ocean.  I love the feeling of floating and that second before you go under water.  Definitely looking forward to swimming weather!
10. 
    
    Listening to Ellie talk {Maddie, too, but even more when she has real words!}.  Today Ellie asked me "What are stars?"  I did my best to explain that the sun is a star and the other stars are really far away.  Then she told me she hoped they made really small space suits because she doesn't want to wait until she is a grown up to go on a space ship and visit outer space.  I love her!  And I can't wait to hear what Maddie is going to say first.

So there are my 10 things that make me happy.  Now I would like to award the Happy 101 Award to:

a belle, a bean & a chicago dog

Embraced Chaos

504 Main

Eco Modern Mom

one love mama

Congrats, Ladies!  :)

"Have A New Kid By Friday"

Well, you know.  Not a new kid, just a better behaved kid.

I was so skeptical when I heard about this book but after celebrating Ellie's birthday for two weeks straight, the girl thought the world revolved around her and need to know that isn't the case.  So you could say I was desperate.  And needed something to work fast.  I give Dr. Leman 5 days and he gives me a well behaved child?  Deal.

One of the first principles in this book is "say it once and walk away."  I laughed when I read it.  Out loud.  He must be joking.  I say the same thing 20 times and she doesn't listen, there is no way she'll listen when I say it just once!  But you know what?  It works.  The first time. 

Dr. Leman has excellent strategies on how to deal with all different kinds of behavior issues.  He suggests "natural consequences" vs. time-outs for punishments but has other ideas of when a time-out should be used.  Dr. Leman says that these basic strategies will work on small children all the way up to CEO's.  He comments that the earlier you can change your child's "Attitude, Behavior and Character" the easier it will be to get the results you want.

But even though Dr. Leman's principles are simple it doesn't mean this discipline strategy is easy.  It takes work.  A lot of work.  You the parent have to follow through every time or you are back to square one.  So if it means leaving a park play date after 5 minutes (which I had to do), you do it.  Because the next time you are at the park (or whatever situation) (s)he'll be better and you'll be giving yourself a high-five in your head.  ;)

Ellie still has her days, but those days are much fewer and far between and now we know how to handle the situation much better.  As the author of "Raising Your Spirited Child" writes, we are working towards progress, not perfection.  We have made tons of progress and I'm proud of us. 

Hopefully this will help someone else in their time of discipline need.  :)

Dear Madeline Claire,

My sweet baby.  I love you more than words can say.  You are a beautiful girl and mean the world to mean.  I love watching you learn every day.  How you are almost waving, almost army crawling.  You are absolutely amazing.

Baby Maddie, if you could do just one thing for me I would be so grateful.  If you could please (pleasepleasepleasepleasepleasePLEASE) sleep through the night tonight I would be so happy.  You would make your mama the happiest mama in the world.

You see, Darling, I had pregnancy insomnia for a few months before I had you.  And you are now over 7 months old.  So that means it's been about 10 months since I have slept through the night.  Which, in case you don't know yet, is a really REALLY long time to have not gotten a good night's sleep. 

Your daddy and I should have bought stock in Starbucks with all of the Via's I have drank since you've been born.  So if you would just do this one teeny tiny favor for me I would be forever grateful.  Even better, if you can do it every night I'll even write it in your Baby Book as a milestone!

I know you can do it, you've done it once before.  Try hard, Lovebug and I hope to see you when it's light outside.

Love,
Mama

Monthsie 7

Nonna bought "Monthsies" for Elizabeth when she was born.  I loved them, passed them on to our niece and now they are back for Madeline.  People frequently ask where I found them but the seller is no longer in business.  Is there anyone else out there who makes Monthsies? 

Here is Madeline in Monthsie 7...

Checking out her piggies.

She's very into texture these days.

And putting everything in her mouth.

"Huh" which is Maddie for "Hi!"

This is how things ended.  Maybe Madeline will be our gymnast!

Please let me know if you have a rec for Monthsies.  There have to be more out there somewhere...or I'm totally going to copyright the idea and buy a silk screen machine ASAP.  ;)

We had a great day...

Cue the Fresh Beat Band..."We had a great day, it was a super way, to spend some time together..."

Besides having my breastfeeding revelation that I am not much more than a dairy cow, I did take some pics of the girls. 

We picked Auntie up at her apartment in "The Big City" and headed to the zoo.  I guess being born in the city makes you a city girl for life.  Ellie wants to move back.  Bad.  She is now asking constantly.  I'm right there with her we just need to A) Win the lottery (I'm done with walk ups ;)  )   and B) Convince her dad.  Because even if we won the lottery I'm not sure Ryan would give up suburban life.  At least for now she has Auntie's apartment to visit.  Ellie was making declarations of never leaving Auntie's and she's 3.  I shudder to think what the teenage years will bring!

Anyway, we picked up Auntie and went to the zoo. Auntie had been out of town for work for a few weeks so she had the day off. We had a great time and Ryan even met us for lunch!

Sleeping Andean Bear

Sleeping Madeline Claire

Auntie and Ellie being silly.

Auntie bought Ellie a snake.  She REALLY REALLY wanted one.

Then the snake got his first (and only?) ride on the Merry Go Round.

Maddie got her first ride, too!  She rode like a pro!

It was a great day!  Thanks, Auntie!

My New Girlfriends

Hey Ladies.  I saw the demo and let me just tell you, I know EXACTLY how you feel.  You and me?  We're like kindred spirits.  Our pumps even make the same sounds. 

The thing is, my time's about halfway finished. Madeline is already 7 months and I'm thinking I'll go for a year and then quit. But you girls?  I'm not really sure.  I'll do some research and let you know.  I hope it's good news.  I know you probably get a warm fuzzy feeling, too, to know that you are providing nourishment to those who need it but you have to have some ending point in sight otherwise it might just get tedious.  Or overwhelming or just not fun anymore.

Like I said, girlfriends, I'll do some research and get back to you.  We became members today so we'll visit the Farm at the Zoo often.

Hugs and kisses,

Kristin

First Easters

Hello.  My name is Kristin and I am that mom.  You know, the mom that dresses her children up like Easter animals and puts them in their Easter baskets to take pictures.  I did it to Ellie three years ago and just a few weeks ago, I did it to Maddie.

But to my defense I have never put my kids in a carved pumpkin or put them on a table at Thanksgiving like the turkey ala Martha Stewart. 

So I plead guilty. Here is a collage of the evidence - Madeline is the bunny, Elizabeth is the duck:

But, see, no animals were harmed in the creating of fab Easter photos. 

Peer Pressure at the Park

The number of hours I have put into trying to convince Ellie to drink out of a cup with no lid is staggering.  It might rival the amount of time Congress debated the healthcare issue.  She would not have it.  She would bite the cup, put her tongue in the liquid and every other crazy thing you can imagine.  But yesterday that all changed...

Ellie and I walked {Maddie rolled} to the park after naps.  There were a bunch of kids since it was like 80 something and not a cloud in the sky.  Our little neighbor A was there with his grandpa.  He's five AND in kindergarten.  Hot stuff as far as Ellie is concerned. 

A was showing off - climbing up high and making sure Ellie was watching.  Ellie followed closely behind him trying to keep up.  A is a sweet kid and always nice to Ellie.  After running around for a while they both stopped to get drinks.  Ellie ran over and grabbed her Playtex Tumbler {pictured above - a really good transition from a sippy to a real cup} and A got his drink.  A walked over to Ellie and said, "Oh, you still drink out of a baby cup," like he was totally disgusted.

Ellie shot back with, "This is NOT! a baby cup.  This is a cup with a lid just like my momma drinks her coffee from!" but you could tell A's words had stung.  Ellie's ego was bruised.  She shook it off and they continued to play together until it was time to head home.

As soon as we walked in the door Ellie said, "I'm all done drinking out of a cup with a lid.  Let's try a grown up cup."  And we did.  She spilled a little the first time but that was it.  She was determined to get the hang of it.

I wish peer pressure always worked to my advantage.  In 10 years I'll be dreading peer pressure at the park!

Perfect Teeth

Ellie had her first trip to the dentist yesterday!  She had a great experience going for a ride in the big chair, wearing her cool shades and getting her teeth counted and polished.  Cookie Dough won out over Cherry and Bubble Gum.

Dr. M said that Ellie has perfect teeth and that she was a great patient.

Ellie getting her "bib" put on.

Relaxing in the chair with her "cool shades."

Counting all of Ellie's teeth.  10 on top, 10 on bottom.

Showing off her Prize, such a good girl!

Gone Fishin'

I may have the only three year old girl who has begged to go fishing for months. Yesterday Ryan FINALLY took her to get her Barbie fishing pole - which they were sold out of so she picked a Princess one instead - and as soon as they got home ran out to the lake to try fishing.

Ten minutes later I get a phone call with Ryan yelling "Oh my God she caught a fish!!!!  All by herself!  With no bait!"

Here are the pictures they came home with:

Our girly girl fishing with her Princess fishing pole in "a pretty dress."

Reeling it in!

Ellie and her perfect little fish.

A close up of her first catch!

She was thrilled with the entire experience until it started flopping all around.  Then she freaked out, called him slimy and said she didn't need to go fishing again.  Such a girl!  ;)

Thank you, OnStar!

What is your worst parenting fear?  Baby rolling off furniture?  Looking over and seeing your baby chewing on fillintheblank?  Mine has always been locking my keys in the car with the kids inside.

When Ellie was a newborn this happened to a friend.  She has a Honda Pilot, too, and if you press unlock and don't put the keys in the ignition fast enough, the doors lock again.  Since then I have been totally paranoid.

Fast forward 2.5 years and Nonna had taken us to the mall and pulled into our driveway.  She unlocked the car and put her keys down.  My beloved Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag which was stuffed to the brim bumped the lock button on the way out just as Nonna was reaching for the backseat door.  But it was too late.  The kids were locked in.

Everyone was happy and I immediately called my dad to see if he could bring over a spare set of keys.  Meanwhile Ryan comes out and starts to panic.  So I could only panic on the inside.  What good would two panicky parents do?

Ryan is trying to explain to Ellie how to undo her car seat - something I have successfully kept her from for years! - and I was on the phone with 911 when Nonna remembers she has OnStar! 

I thank 9-1-1 and then try OnStar.  But you need a password or the email address on the account.  After a couple of tries we get it right and hear the best "click" I've ever heard. 

Maddie slept through the entire ordeal and Ellie thought the whole thing was hysterical.  If there was a time to lock your kids in the car, in your own driveway in a car with OnStar is the time to do it,

Now we just have to wait to see if my voice ends up on the "Thank you, OnStar!" commercials.  And when we are in the market for a new car in a few years, this will definitely be a feature at the top of my list!

That's how you and Daddy kiss.

Ellie woke up this morning and came into my room when her clock was green!  Another success!  I had fallen asleep with E! on my tv and when she came in "Bring It On Again" version 22 was on.  Ellie loved watching the final cheer and then just as the movie was ending the two main characters had their happily ever after kiss.

Ellie looks at me and the conversation goes like this:

Ellie:  They're kissin'!
Me:  Yes, they are.  They love each other.
Ellie:  They are kissing like you and Daddy kiss.
Me:  Yes, they are.
Ellie:  They are kissing like Nonna and Poppa kiss!
Me:  Yep.
Ellie:  They are kissing like me and Auntie kiss!
Me:  Well, not exactly!

I'm not quite sure how to explain that one...any suggestions?!?!

Ellie's Magic Clock

Ellie has had a problem with waking up "when it's light out" for about a year.  It was horrible last summer with her asking to get out of bed as early as 5am because the sun was up.

We didn't have to worry about it over the winter, but as soon as Daylight Savings rolled around again she was getting up earlier and earlier.  A friend recommended the OK to Wake! children's clock and it has been great.

The light turns from yellow to green when it is OK to Wake.  You set the wake time and it also has a nap setting.  Ellie has taken 2 hour naps this week!  Usually I can barely get an hour and 15 minutes out of her.

Ellie calls this her Magic Clock and is so excited to be independent and come out of her room when the clock is green.  I think I love this clock even more than she does!

As a side note, it does run on batteries and we haven't had it long enough to really comment on how fast it burns through them.  I'm hoping they last a long long time!

Breastfeeding with Boy Scouts

After a long, hot day with friends at the zoo we headed to the car.  Two at the zoo on your own is tiring!  You know how it is pushing a 35lb toddler on a riding board, 16ish lb infant and a 22 lb stroller all around on a 85 degree day.

Then we overstayed and everyone was exhausted by the time we got to the car.  It was the last 35 minute wait for the carousel that finally did us in. 

So by the time the stroller was taken apart and stored in the trunk and Ellie was in her Boulevard I had to nurse Madeline in the front seat.  I was so hot.  She was so hot.  The last thing I wanted to do was put her under the "Udder Cover" - yes, that's its real name.  I took a quick peek around and did not see anyone coming so I started to nurse uncovered.

Just as I was finishing up the first side and unlatching Maddie an entire troop of Boy Scouts begin to walk by.  Not joking.  I'm sure it sounds like a joke, but it happens to be my real life.  I quickly cover up the best I can and I'm pretty sure none of the elementary school kids saw anything inappropriate but the Scout Leaders might have gotten a free show.

The last of the boy scouts walked by and I unlatched and just as I was about to latch again the second group walked by.  I mean, really Boy Scouts?  Aren't you supposed to stick together?

The good/sad? part is I was too exhausted to even be embarrassed.  Instead of humiliation it was more of an "of course Boyscout Troop 211 is walking by right now while my 'nickels' are hanging out," feeling. Nickels is Ellie's term for, well, you can guess what it's for.  ;)

So yeah.  That's my story.  Sad but true.  And if any parents of Boyscout Troop 211 are reading this, I'm really sorry.

Am I the only one with a story like this?  Please tell me I'm not!