Pumpkin Perfect

Elizabeth Grace was determined.

On her first school field trip, Elizabeth was determined to find the perfect pumpkin.  But Before we could find the perfect pumpkin, first she had to make her way through the hay maze.

Then she had to climb "Mulch Mountain."

 Madeline took in the sights - chickens, ponies, pics, cows, geese and all of the preschoolers running around like crazy.

Next, Ellie tackled the tube slide.

Then it was finally time to take the hay ride to find the perfect pumpkin.

We weren't expecting Madeline to fall so much in love with hers that she carried it all the way back to the car by herself.

Ellie declared the pumpkins picked at the patch were "too cute and little" to be carved so she sent Ryan out to the store to get different ones.  I guess not cute?  Anyway, pumpkin carving at our house is serious business.

The final products:

Ryan free handed his and we used stencils on the rest.  Can you tell who carved Ellie's and who carved Maddie's?  Do you use stencils or are you more of a free hand kind of person?

Halloweens Past

Happy Halloween! 

Before I do the massive post tomorrow of everything Halloween 2010, I thought it would be fun to share a few pictures of the girls on their first Halloweens.

Our little flower, Madeline, at 7 weeks old:

Kristin had a little lamb...
Ellie at almost 8 months old

This post is linked up with the SITS Girls!

Childhood Favorites - Guest Post

Today I am pleased to be hosting C.C. from Quirky Pickings!  Make sure you stop by and visit because not only is she an amazing writer, but I have a guest post on her blog, too.  :)

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Kristin asked me to tell you about my favorite children’s book.

I’m kind of partial to a few from my childhood and a few that have come out recently that I’d like to tell you about as well.

I've been a voracious reader pretty much all my life – so long as it was material I wanted to read. In six years of junior and high school studies and the five years I studied English for my bachelor’s degree, I very rarely ever read anything I was assigned. But if it was something I wanted to read, nothing could persuade me to put the book down – everything else would have to wait or be ignored.

My mother used to get so frustrated with me when I was younger. She’d pry whatever book I was reading out of my hands, tuck me in, kiss me goodnight and leave me to what should’ve been sweet dreams. But the moment she’d gone out of sight, I’d snatch the book up again, sometimes with only the light from a miniature night-light by which to see, and read some more. She’d come back two or three times to find me reading in virtual darkness. Every night. For years.

What books? Anything of Eloise Wilkins. Mom says my favorites were Where Did the Baby Go?, Baby Dear and So Big. The Sweet Pickles readers. Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic. Robert Louis Stevenson’s A Child’s Garden of Verses (the one illustrated by Gyo Fujikawa).

When I asked her what my favorite book was, she was quick to reply: Richard Scary’s Best Story Book Ever. And it probably is the best answer. It’s got lots of stories – like the Billy Goat’s Gruff! And cute pictures.

As for now, I am in love with Kiki’s Blankie – everytime my nephew sees the crocodile which Kiki, an adorable monkey, must sneak past to rescue her blankie – he growls. It’s so cute – the growl and the story.

I am also in love with Scaredy Squirrel. LOVE this story. And fortunately, the author’s written a couple of others about him, one in which he makes a friend and one where he goes the treacherous beach.

And lastly, while visiting friends in London I discovered one called The Gruffalo, about a mouse who outwits a bunch of forest creatures by pretending to be friends with the most fearful beast in the forest. There’s no such thing as a Gruffalo, they say, but the mouse does a pretty good job of convincing them otherwise. The thing is, there really is a Gruffalo. The mouse just hasn’t met him yet.

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Thanks for the great recommendations, C.C.  I, too, loved Richard Scary as a child but the rest will be next on our list to get for the girls!

Judi B Designs Review

Our first gift from Judi B Designs came when Madeline was born.  It was the sweetest little organic cotton onesie and was so soft against Madeline's sensitive skin.

From Judi B Designs:

Only the Best for Baby.

Inspired by her desire to give babies only the best, Judi B offers apparel made from 100% certified organic cotton - a luxuriously softer, greener alternative.

Judi B clothing is free of pesticides and fertilizers, and is safe to put next to your baby’s tender skin. All our products are wrapped in charming earth-friendly packaging too!

 My girls sported the "Candy Corn Necklace" tees this Halloween season, which they both loved.  Ellie loved that it looked like she was wearing a necklace but I didn't have to worry about Madeline chewing on it.  ;)

A few of my other favorites are:

Aren't the designs so simple and sweet?  The cupcake shirt paired with a pink tutu would be perfect for a party.  As would the monkey tee and firefighter tees for those birthday themes.

Judi B also welcomes custom orders and is working on month by month sets for newborn boys and girls. 

Be sure to visit http://www.judibdesigns.com to check out all of the products!


Disclosure:  Judi B designs is a sponsor of Ellie-Town.  Other than the company's sponsorship, I was not compensated for this review.  The opinions expressed above our my own experiences.  Thank you!

Fall Harvest Party {wordless wednesday}

Ellie's first school party ever!

Halloween edible craft.

why are you sideways, future Miss America Ellie?

Parade of costumes.

Freeze dance!

American Girl Place

My Samantha doll was a Christmas gift from Santa in 1988.  The Pleasant Company catalog had been coming to our house for years prior, but it said for ages 8+ so we had to wait.  Christmas Eve that year was pure torture.  I had a good feeling that Santa was going to grant my only wish that year and I would run over to find my very own Samantha under the tree.

Fast forward more than 20 years and I am now able to pass my Samantha doll and the American Girl experience on to my girls.  Ellie has been to lunch at the American Girl Place five times, but always for a friends' birthday.  When we were planning her cousins' visit, we knew that American Girl Place would be in our itinerary.

Not only a shop and restaurant, the American Girl Place also has a photography studio, doll hair salon {which promises they can bring back Samantha's curls!} and doll hospital.  A large bookstore is street level and contains historical fiction as well as books teaching how to do various crafts, how to handle tricky situations and build self esteem.

We began our day with a little shopping and Abby got her first American Girl doll, a Bitty Twin that looks just like her.  Ellie picked out the Bitty Better Kit and a sleeper for her baby.

With the big girls thrilled, we headed to lunch.

The dining room couldn't be cuter, and while $22 is pricey for a kid's meal, it's a deal for four courses in the city.  There are sticky buns to start followed by a fruit/veggie/cheese tray.  Ellie and Ryan had the Mini Picnic Lunch which consisted of a mini hot dog, mini hamburger, mac & cheese and fruit skewer.  I had a delicious chicken sandwich with salad. 

Part of the fun of having lunch at the American Girl Place is to have seats for your dolls.

And don't worry, if you don't have your own doll, there are plenty you can choose from to borrow for your meal.  Madeline met this guy:

All of the girls, ages 1, 2 and 3 took great care of their babies. 

While the youngest cousin {4 months} and only boy took a rest.

We stopped by to visit the Elizabeth doll one last time before we went home.  Elizabeth and her best friend, Felicity are being retired at the end of this year.  If Ellie gets her way, her Elizabeth doll will be under her tree when she wakes up on Christmas morning this year.

When the store employee who took this pic asked Ryan if he and his brother were twins, he told her, "Yes.  Didn't you know we were the models for the Bitty Twin boys?".  He was thrilled when she cracked up.

Everyone, dads included, had a great time.  Thanks for another great visit, American Girl Place!

Revist to Ellie's Garden

A little while ago I relaunched the "Decor" section of Ellie-Town.  I wanted to give you a little sample of what you will find so here is a revisit to Ellie's Garden....

Welcome to Ellie's Garden. The room was inspired by the Pottery Barn Kids Flower Balls, but is an eclectic mix of store bought and custom creations.







Dollhouse, table, and floral bedding - Pottery Barn Kids
Decal - Etsy seller Old Barn Rescue

Curtains made by Nonna
Flower balls and decals - Pottery Barn Kids

Flower Pegs - Land of Nod

Flower Cards - Land of Nod
Furniture - Ma Marie by Stanley Young America
Silhouette - Sarah Tams

Anywhere Chair - Pottery Barn Kids
"Prince Did Come..." Canvas - Climate Housewares
Book Rack - Land of Nod
Chandelier - Ikea

Ellie loves this room.  We selected black furniture because we thought it would grow with her better than white and I have to admit, I just love the look of it.

Thanks for visiting Ellie's Garden!  Coming soon to Decor is a Mermaid's Bathroom and a Playful Playroom. 

It's the simple things.

Like having a car that starts. 

I'll start at the very beginning, it's a very good place to start and all that.

I took the girls to run a few errands that could have been done anytime in the next few days.  We stop in BB&B to grab Mustella shampoo and body wash for Madeline and Method Kid 3-in-1 in apple scent for Ellie.  After BB&B, we needed to make a Target run for diapers and wipes.  The diapers and wipes were the only things we needed. 

Everything was going great.  The girls were on their best behavior in the store and Ellie had the cashier rolling.  I gave her our bag to hold for her "job" and she looked right at the cashier and said, "I get a job.  You know, cause I'm a big deal."  Of course you are, Elizabeth Grace.

We walk out the door and it's windy, both girls are in the cart.  First we stop by Ellie's side and drop her off so she can get her arms in her booster seat straps.  Next we go behind the passenger side to buckle in Madeline.  She fights me, as always, arching her back and trying to figure a way out.  I win.

After swinging back around to get Ellie buckled, I climb in the car, buckle myself turn the keys and.........the CD of Silly Tunes pops out.  Then there is clicking.  Then lights flashing.  Shit.

Turn the key again....nothing.  I dig out my cell phone that was buried in the diaper bag and it has one bar.  Fabulous.  My first call is to Ryan, my second call is to Honda Cares and my third is to Nonna.

Ellie was starting to get a little worked up.  The "oh for goodness sakes!  Our car is BROKEN?!"s were getting extreme.  But once I dialed up my mom and she said she was on her way, Ellie chillaxed. 

"Nonna's coming?  Here?  To get us?"

"Yes, Nonna's coming here to get us."

"Oh.  Yay!  Nonna is my super hero!  Nonna will save the day!"

I just giggled.  Really, what else can do you with a broke down car in the middle of a Bed Bath & Beyond parking lot with one diaper, no wipes, no drinks or snacks?

Nonna arrived a little while later and Ellie shouted, "Nonna to the rescue!!!!!"  She was thrilled.

Our tow truck guy came a little after that and because I was hoping we could just get a jump, I hadn't unloaded car seats, shopping bags or the diaper bag into the other car.  Unfortunately a jump wasn't going to work.  So with my new friend from Allen's 24 Hour Towing, we unbuckled, untetherred and unlatched.

Elizabeth and Madeline waved goodbye as our Pilot was hoisted onto the flatbed of the tow truck.  Ellie was a little more sad about our sick car then I expected so we made a detour to DQ for a little pick me up.  Doesn't ice cream solve all problems?

So yeah, it's the simple things in life.  Like turning your key in the ignition and having your car start that I will not be taking for granted again any time soon.

Cloth Diapers - what am I missing?

It seems that everyone is talking about cloth diapers these days.  And when they talk, they are speaking a foreign language.  Bum Genius, FuzziBunz, G Diapers, Bummis and on and on.  There are soakers and scrubbers and it all seems so complicated.

I get the appeal.  They are eco friendly and safe on your baby's skin {especially after all of the Pamper's Dry Max scandal}.  But then there is the gross part.  Cleaning poop.  Rolling up the poopy disposable diaper and running it to the nearest trash bag is enough for me.  But to scrub?  No thanks.

It's also an investment.  Which wouldn't have been an issue 3.5 years ago but this late in the game doesn't seem worth it.

So cloth diapering mamas, what am I missing?  Is there a sense of accomplishment like you get when making baby purees?  There has to be something that makes scrubbing poop appealing!

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe...

We moved to our home in the suburbs from a two bedroom, one bath city condo.  Our three bedroom, three bathroom house was HUGE to us.  Double the square footage huge.  We even had a guest room.

Now?  Well, now all of our rooms are taken.  And Ryan's twin has two kids now.  They are coming for a visit for the first time since our nephew was born and I have to say, I was feeling at little bit like the old woman ling in a shoe at first. 

Here's what we've got:

Image Credit

• a 3.5 year old who sleeps in a bed
• a 2.5 year old who sleeps in a crib
• a 13 month old who sleeps in a crib
• a 4 month old who sleeps in a crib
• 2 thirty year old couples who will sleep just about anywhere

and

• one master bedroom with a queen
• a nursery with a crib
• a big girl room with a double bed
• an air mattress in a playroom
• a pack n play
• a co sleeper/bassinet

The first time we were traveling to a hotel, a friend gave me a piece of advice:  turn that bathroom into a bedroom.  Brilliant.  Ever since that first trip, we have put the pack n play in the bathroom while traveling and poof! the parents no longer have to sit in the dark with the tv on mute once the sun goes down.

So that is some puzzle I presented above, right?  Here's our solution:

Brother and Sister In Law will sleep in the master bedroom with the four month old baby in the bassinet in the room.  2.5 year old niece will sleep in the pack n play in the {large} attached bathroom.  Madeline will sleep in her crib, Ellie will sleep in her bed, Ryan and I will be on the air mattress in the play room.

Once there are less cribs involved and sleeping bags come into play, this will be much more simple.  Until then we're shacking up like the old woman who lived in a shoe on visits.  And that's fine with us.  There were mutters of staying in a hotel but that would spoil the fun.  {and the late night wine drinking ;)  }

How did we do?  What would your sleep solution be?  They don't arrive until Friday so I'm open to suggestions!

What we already knew.

We met with our Early Intervention case coordinator.  She gave us the huge packet that contained all of the information about our Madeline Claire.  The good and the bad. 

None of it was a surprise because the occupational and physical therapists that did the evaluation were excellent at communicating every little detail to us.  So we knew what to expect.



Our "Sneak Peek" from this weekend's photo shoot.



And yet, when you are sitting across the table from a virtual stranger and everything is in front of you in black and white, well I don't think it is something you can be prepared for. 

It took a minute to realize what the numbers meant.  The standard deviations and numerical values that score the areas - social, adaptive, cognitive, gross and fine motor skills - were all a little jumbled until the case coordinator began explaining the data. 

The good news is that Madeline is a smarty pants. But we already knew that.  The bad news is she has a gross motor delay.  We knew that, too.

According to the official Early Intervention report, Madeline's gross motor delay qualifies for one hour of physical therapy a week. She is automatically enrolled in the Early Intervention program for a year but we will reevaluate in six months.

There was talk of goals and objectives.  I kept reiterating the point that we weren't worried that Madeline wasn't walking at one.  And our goal isn't for her to walk.  Our goal is to make sure she walks well, without a limp or any abnormality.  Our goal is for her to run.  To jump, skip, hop and play just like everyone else her age.

We've known that Madeline is a smarty pants.  When she couldn't crawl she invented her own way of scooting to get around.  You can't underestimate our baby.  You can't count her out.  And while seeing everything we already knew in black and white made it official, I'm thrilled that she will get the extra help she needs to catch up.  I know she will achieve the goals we have set before her.