Because the preschool play video really is that bad,
Thank you to all of our family and friends for making this past year so special. We are blessed to live in Ellie-Town and cherish every day filled with the adventures our Elizabeth and Madeline.
We wish you a safe and happy holiday and look forward to more fun in the new year!
xoxo,
Ellie-Town
December 24, 2010
December 22, 2010
Up.
Who replaced our baby with a mountain goat?
Doesn't it figure that when they are doing the crazy stuff you want to photograph their hair is in their eyes and they don't have leggings on? Ah, well...
December 20, 2010
On Vegetarianism: thoughts from a 3.75 year old
While discussing Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus over lunch...
Me: Ellie, this year I want you to try everything for dinner on Christmas Eve and on Christmas.
Ellie: OK. I think I can try. I'll do my best.
Nonna: And Ellie, we're going to have lobster! Will you try lobster?
Ellie: Uh-uh.
Nonna: Why? Why won't you try lobster?
Ellie: I don't eat animals. I let them back into nature.
Nonna: Are you related to Auntie? You are, aren't you?
Ellie {smiling}: Yes!
Nonna: So will you try a bite of Auntie's lobster?
Ellie: Auntie eat a lobster?!?!? No way! Auntie wouldn't eat a lobster!
Me: Ellie, this year I want you to try everything for dinner on Christmas Eve and on Christmas.
Ellie: OK. I think I can try. I'll do my best.
Nonna: And Ellie, we're going to have lobster! Will you try lobster?
Ellie: Uh-uh.
Nonna: Why? Why won't you try lobster?
Ellie: I don't eat animals. I let them back into nature.
Nonna: Are you related to Auntie? You are, aren't you?
Ellie {smiling}: Yes!
Nonna: So will you try a bite of Auntie's lobster?
Ellie: Auntie eat a lobster?!?!? No way! Auntie wouldn't eat a lobster!
***************************************
Auntie did a stint as a vegetarian while studying abroad and then once back home. She even had a vegetarian entree at our wedding. But her desire for a burger eventually was too much for her to resist. To my knowledge, Auntie and Ellie have never discussed vegetarianism.
The above conversation took place while Ellie was eating a hot dog.
After just finishing Temple Grandin on HBO {AMAZING movie and OnDemand right now. Go watch!}, the quote that stayed with me the most is "Nature is unkind, but we don't have to be." I would love to pass this on to Ellie but I think not yet being four, the concept might be out of her reach.
I want her to have informed opinions on what goes on her plate but a diet of Go-Gurts, Hershey Kisses and apples isn't quite hitting all of the levels of the food pyramid.
What is the appropriate age to reveal ham comes from a pig and turkey is from a turkey? Any tips to help me out?
December 18, 2010
A Symphony of Coughs
Or Picking up tissues is a full time job.
My sickies.
My sickies.
Even with runny noses, they still are cute all cuddled up watching Seasame Street. The good news is the antibiotics are kicking in and they are on their way to a full recovery.
Happy last weekend before Christmas!
and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NONNA!!!!! We know this will be your best birthday yet!
December 17, 2010
Tornado Touchdown
A tornado has blown through our house. If tornadoes were named like hurricanes, this one would be called Madeline Claire.
Tornado Mads has blown through and nothing is safe in her path. Presents are carried to different parts of the house, ornaments thrown on the ground, cups pulled off the edge of the table with juice spilling everywhere. Her list of destruction goes on and on and on. Just when you think she can't reach/break fill-in-the-blank, you glance over your shoulder and it's trashed. Speaking of trash, she is also becoming quite the garbage picker!
At Madeline's 15 month appointment her {amazing} pediatrician, unprompted, had this to say:
You know you can start time-outs, right? She's ready to get the concept.
Um, I know. She's already had a few. The pediatrician also let me know that their little egos and self-esteem are fragile and for every one negative thing you say in a day, you know things like "Nonononononononono! Don't put that in the toilet!", you should also say two positives.
Dr. B. said that on particularly challenging days you can turn it into a game. So I've said things like, "Wow, Madeline, it sure is nice for you to help Ellie by wiping her nose." To which my sickly Ellie said, "Yeah. Thanks, Mads," in her sad, pathetic, sick voice.
And so it goes. Just when things get easy, you're on to the next "phase."
Although, I guess we should have seen it coming.....
I've never seen a three month old with such an adorably devilish grin.
Tornado Mads has blown through and nothing is safe in her path. Presents are carried to different parts of the house, ornaments thrown on the ground, cups pulled off the edge of the table with juice spilling everywhere. Her list of destruction goes on and on and on. Just when you think she can't reach/break fill-in-the-blank, you glance over your shoulder and it's trashed. Speaking of trash, she is also becoming quite the garbage picker!
At Madeline's 15 month appointment her {amazing} pediatrician, unprompted, had this to say:
You know you can start time-outs, right? She's ready to get the concept.
Um, I know. She's already had a few. The pediatrician also let me know that their little egos and self-esteem are fragile and for every one negative thing you say in a day, you know things like "Nonononononononono! Don't put that in the toilet!", you should also say two positives.
Dr. B. said that on particularly challenging days you can turn it into a game. So I've said things like, "Wow, Madeline, it sure is nice for you to help Ellie by wiping her nose." To which my sickly Ellie said, "Yeah. Thanks, Mads," in her sad, pathetic, sick voice.
And so it goes. Just when things get easy, you're on to the next "phase."
Although, I guess we should have seen it coming.....
I've never seen a three month old with such an adorably devilish grin.
December 15, 2010
Big Boss' Christmas Gift
My first year working in the Big City, I would cut through Macy's to get to my train. Only working my job a few months, I wanted to make a good impression on the Big Boss but I had no idea what to get the owner of a company, especially when my budget was next to nothing.
One day, a short time before Christmas, I was walking on the red carpet laid with Christmas greens, reindeer and ornaments hanging above my head when a pyramid of gold boxes on a display table. The boxes were tied with satin ribbon with a pine cone and a sprig of holly attached.
Godiva.
Late for my train, I purchased the largest box on the table and charged it on my Macy's card. If a pretty box of chocolates didn't send good tidings from a 21 year old to her boss I wasn't sure what would.
On December 23rd, I knocked on the office door and the Office Manger told me to come in. Immediately noticing my gold box, she told me to put it on his desk. A glance to the right and I saw a desk piled with boxes of all different shapes, sizes and colors.
I didn't see the Big Boss that day. And when I returned to work on December 26th, I waited for him to mention my gift. He didn't. Nothing the next day, or the next day either.
On New Year's Eve, while I was working in my office, the Big Boss' wife and children came in to say hi. They were sight seeing in the big city and had taken the train in from the 'burbs. On their way out, Big Boss' wife told the children to thank me for the yummy chocolates. The five and three year olds glanced my direction and muttered a thank you.
Kids, you're welcome. I am sure you enjoyed the $85.00 box of exquisite goodness from a world class chocolatier.
Oh who am I kidding? You don't know a bite of Godiva from a bite of a Hershey Bar. But so glad you "scarfed it all down in one night" like your mom mentioned.
The next year? The next year the Big Boss received a nice holiday card with a gift certificate much more proportionate to my holiday bonus. In other words, tiny. ;)
*********************************************************************************
This story was inspired by Mama Kat writing prompt 1) Describe a Christmas gift that was not well received.
December 14, 2010
Cookie Decorating!
We have a brave friend.
Every year, Michele hosts a cookie decorating party at her house and lets the kids go to town with icing and sprinkles. When there are six kids 4 and under, you know it's not going to be pretty. Or it is pretty if you like sprinkles all over!
Decorating and tasting go hand in hand.
Ellie was concentrating so hard on her decorating and Madeline was waiting to snack on the finished product.
YUM!
And the mess.
Thanks, Michele!
December 13, 2010
Christmas Program Pictures
Not video.
I like you. I like that you visit Ellie-Town. I will not subject you to motion sickness from our video that was taken while passing the camcorder back and forth while passing Madeline back and forth.
It's not pretty.
But we do have pictures!
Right before the program was about to begin. This is half of the group, the important {to us} half.
Excited to open her "You did great in your first ever play!" gift from Nonna and Poppa.
Madeline AKA Christmas Cookie Monster. She can pack sugar cookies away like I've never seen before!
Happy to be finished with her stage debut!
While Mads was snacking, Ellie went to visit with friends.
There is one chunk of video that I hope to edit down to be watchable. It has the part where Madeline and Ellie are waving at each other and is super cute. I'm working on it. ;)
And because December is photo overload, tomorrow we'll have pictures cookie decorating at a very brave friends' house.
I like you. I like that you visit Ellie-Town. I will not subject you to motion sickness from our video that was taken while passing the camcorder back and forth while passing Madeline back and forth.
It's not pretty.
But we do have pictures!
Right before the program was about to begin. This is half of the group, the important {to us} half.
Action shot!
Excited to open her "You did great in your first ever play!" gift from Nonna and Poppa.
Madeline AKA Christmas Cookie Monster. She can pack sugar cookies away like I've never seen before!
Happy to be finished with her stage debut!
While Mads was snacking, Ellie went to visit with friends.
There is one chunk of video that I hope to edit down to be watchable. It has the part where Madeline and Ellie are waving at each other and is super cute. I'm working on it. ;)
And because December is photo overload, tomorrow we'll have pictures cookie decorating at a very brave friends' house.
December 10, 2010
The Christmas Play
Dressed in her A Little Bit of Sweden dress and snowflake tights, we dropped Ellie off the regular preschool way except in the dark.
She hopped out of the car and held her teachers hand as they walked in the back door to get ready for the play.
Despite being on time, Madeline and I went into "God's House" {the preschool term for church} and found a row of seats to reserve more than half way back. A little while later Nonna and Poppa arrived, then Ryan, then Auntie.
After a few more minutes of Madeline taking everything out of Nonna's purse, the preschoolers began to walk in through the middle aisle holding hands and looking very serious. When they recognized someone in the audience, each child would get a huge smile and start waving like crazy.
Finally Ellie walked in, the same as the rest. Totally serious until she saw our row of familiar faces, then a huge smile took over. Elizabeth was the first letter in Christmas and I was a little nervous for her to go first. She walked right up to the front of the stage and held her letter, it lasted less than a minute and then she was back in her seat on the stage.
Ellie sang the songs, did most of the movements and smiled every time she looked out into the audience and saw us. Half way through the play, Madeline was sitting on my lap and realized that Ellie was on stage. Mads immediately began waving like crazy saying "Eh-Eee! Eh-Eeee!" Ellie tried to play it cool and did a little wave and mouthed, "Hi Mads!" to her sister.
Before we knew it, the children were standing and taking their bow. Ellie did great. No tears, sang her songs and held her letter.
After the play, Ellie opened a gift from Nonna and Poppa and we enjoyed Christmas Cookies and brownies at the school. Ellie was so proud of herself, dancing all around.
In the car on the way home Ellie said, "Next time I think I should be on a bigger stage. And one without chairs. And next time I'll have a speaking part......"
Sure, Ellie. And next time I'll be able to eat the same day as the show because I'll know she can handle it and it won't be a disaster!
{pics and video to come!}
Do you have a school program this holiday season? Are you a nervous wreck like I was or cool, calm and collected?
She hopped out of the car and held her teachers hand as they walked in the back door to get ready for the play.
Despite being on time, Madeline and I went into "God's House" {the preschool term for church} and found a row of seats to reserve more than half way back. A little while later Nonna and Poppa arrived, then Ryan, then Auntie.
After a few more minutes of Madeline taking everything out of Nonna's purse, the preschoolers began to walk in through the middle aisle holding hands and looking very serious. When they recognized someone in the audience, each child would get a huge smile and start waving like crazy.
Finally Ellie walked in, the same as the rest. Totally serious until she saw our row of familiar faces, then a huge smile took over. Elizabeth was the first letter in Christmas and I was a little nervous for her to go first. She walked right up to the front of the stage and held her letter, it lasted less than a minute and then she was back in her seat on the stage.
Ellie sang the songs, did most of the movements and smiled every time she looked out into the audience and saw us. Half way through the play, Madeline was sitting on my lap and realized that Ellie was on stage. Mads immediately began waving like crazy saying "Eh-Eee! Eh-Eeee!" Ellie tried to play it cool and did a little wave and mouthed, "Hi Mads!" to her sister.
Before we knew it, the children were standing and taking their bow. Ellie did great. No tears, sang her songs and held her letter.
After the play, Ellie opened a gift from Nonna and Poppa and we enjoyed Christmas Cookies and brownies at the school. Ellie was so proud of herself, dancing all around.
In the car on the way home Ellie said, "Next time I think I should be on a bigger stage. And one without chairs. And next time I'll have a speaking part......"
Sure, Ellie. And next time I'll be able to eat the same day as the show because I'll know she can handle it and it won't be a disaster!
{pics and video to come!}
Do you have a school program this holiday season? Are you a nervous wreck like I was or cool, calm and collected?
December 9, 2010
Elizabeth is a Cool Kid.
Elizabeth is featured on the Cool Kids Blog today!
Tomorrow I'll let you know how the school play went. Ellie is not the only one without a speaking part and her teacher told me that she's been doing great at play practice. I'm cautiously optimistic.
December 8, 2010
Wordless Wednesday: First Snow{Man}
Happy Birthday, Ryan/Daddy! We hope this is your best year yet!
love,
Kristin, Elizabeth & Madeline
xoxo
Wordless Wednesday linked up at:
December 7, 2010
Deck the Halls with Holls of Bolly
Fa - la - la - la - la - la - la - la- la.
Oh boy.
With Ellie's first year of preschool and dance class comes her first school play and dance routines. Let me tell you, she's a little nervous.
She is me.
I honestly don't know how many Christmas carols and shuffle-hop-steps a not yet four year old can remember. She is trying to keep it all a big secret, which is so adorable. When I ask her what songs they are singing for the school program she gets a big grin and says, "You'll just have to wait and see."
I know we will for sure be serenaded with "Silent Night," "This Little Light of Mine," "Deck the Halls" and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" because they seep into her everyday life and she just starts leaking Christmas carols out of her mouth. I'm not kidding, she will be putting her coat on and break out into "This Little Light of Mine" or while playing with dolls "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" will come out.
The other day I asked her where she learned "Deck the Halls." She said, "You mean 'Deck the Halls with holls of bolly?' Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la? Oh, I learned that around here."
Um, no. No you didn't. At least not enough to know all of the verses, but whatever, we'll keep it a secret.
Do you know that scene in Parenthood? The movie, not the show. It is towards the end and Steve Martin's son is in the school play. It all goes to hell with the scenerey falling down around them. Yeah, I'm really hoping that doesn't happen Thursday night.
The good news is Ellie doesn't have a speaking role. Or is that not good news? I need more info before I can make a final call on that one. Either way, the less stressful news is that Ellie doesn't have lines to memorize for the play, but she does have a job critical to the plot of the play.
Be thinking of us at 6:30 pm on Thursday, OK?
Thanks.
Oh boy.
With Ellie's first year of preschool and dance class comes her first school play and dance routines. Let me tell you, she's a little nervous.
She is me.
I honestly don't know how many Christmas carols and shuffle-hop-steps a not yet four year old can remember. She is trying to keep it all a big secret, which is so adorable. When I ask her what songs they are singing for the school program she gets a big grin and says, "You'll just have to wait and see."
I know we will for sure be serenaded with "Silent Night," "This Little Light of Mine," "Deck the Halls" and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" because they seep into her everyday life and she just starts leaking Christmas carols out of her mouth. I'm not kidding, she will be putting her coat on and break out into "This Little Light of Mine" or while playing with dolls "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" will come out.
The other day I asked her where she learned "Deck the Halls." She said, "You mean 'Deck the Halls with holls of bolly?' Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la? Oh, I learned that around here."
Um, no. No you didn't. At least not enough to know all of the verses, but whatever, we'll keep it a secret.
Do you know that scene in Parenthood? The movie, not the show. It is towards the end and Steve Martin's son is in the school play. It all goes to hell with the scenerey falling down around them. Yeah, I'm really hoping that doesn't happen Thursday night.
The good news is Ellie doesn't have a speaking role. Or is that not good news? I need more info before I can make a final call on that one. Either way, the less stressful news is that Ellie doesn't have lines to memorize for the play, but she does have a job critical to the plot of the play.
Be thinking of us at 6:30 pm on Thursday, OK?
Thanks.
December 6, 2010
Holiday Card Displays
In the next few days our friends and family will be receiving our holiday cards in their mailboxes. And while we are awaiting the arrival of our first card, I am wondering, like every year, what are we going to do with them when they arrive?
Holiday cards should be celebrated and I am in search of the perfect way to display friends and family in our home.
From MarthaStewart.com
Etsy
Family Fun DIY
Etsy
Pottery Barn {no longer available}
LandofNod.com
I think the one above from Land of Nod is my the current front runner but if you have suggestions, I'd love to hear them! How do you display holiday cards in your home? If it keeps the paint from coming off the walls/trim, even better!
Holiday cards should be celebrated and I am in search of the perfect way to display friends and family in our home.
From MarthaStewart.com
Etsy
Family Fun DIY
Etsy
Pottery Barn {no longer available}
LandofNod.com
I think the one above from Land of Nod is my the current front runner but if you have suggestions, I'd love to hear them! How do you display holiday cards in your home? If it keeps the paint from coming off the walls/trim, even better!
December 4, 2010
Madeline and the Christmas Tree
The reason we have Baby Jail? Here it is:
The first section where Madeline is in her white Christmas tee was the day we put up the tree. We had been telling her not to touch it all day so when she shook her head "no," it was perfect.
And do you see how much more she walks in a week?! Walking is now her primary mode of getting around, no more scooting! In case I haven't bragged enough, her PT is thrilled with her progress. :)
Hope your weekend is filled with holiday cheer! If you are in the mood for a little online shopping, check out BabyDealsDujour, The Polkadot Peacock, JudiB Designs and my OpenSky Shop. The Land of Nod has Daily Deals going on, check out the right side for the link. These sites are guaranteed to help you knock out your holiday shopping list!
The first section where Madeline is in her white Christmas tee was the day we put up the tree. We had been telling her not to touch it all day so when she shook her head "no," it was perfect.
And do you see how much more she walks in a week?! Walking is now her primary mode of getting around, no more scooting! In case I haven't bragged enough, her PT is thrilled with her progress. :)
Hope your weekend is filled with holiday cheer! If you are in the mood for a little online shopping, check out BabyDealsDujour, The Polkadot Peacock, JudiB Designs and my OpenSky Shop. The Land of Nod has Daily Deals going on, check out the right side for the link. These sites are guaranteed to help you knock out your holiday shopping list!
December 2, 2010
The Perfect Fall Photo
Photography is subjective, right?
This photo was taken at last year's Thanksgiving. The turkey weighed more than Madeline.
I love this photo because there is a bit of humor along side a beautifully set Thanksgiving table at Nonna's house. Those are my great grandmother's dishes, by the way.
Ellie wore an apple shirt and jeans with apple designs on the knees. The other pickers could not believe that she had on an apple outfit at the orchard. It baffled me. All of those clothes they sell in the fall with apples all over them? Where else are you supposed to wear them?
PS Although it's technically still Fall, it's snowing as I type this.
Thanks to Mama Kat for inspiring me to dig out these photos from before I was blogging!
This photo was taken at last year's Thanksgiving. The turkey weighed more than Madeline.
I love this photo because there is a bit of humor along side a beautifully set Thanksgiving table at Nonna's house. Those are my great grandmother's dishes, by the way.
Another favorite Fall Photo is of Ellie on her first trip apple picking in 2008. The light is shining through the tall orchard trees and I just love that this moment was frozen in time.
Ellie wore an apple shirt and jeans with apple designs on the knees. The other pickers could not believe that she had on an apple outfit at the orchard. It baffled me. All of those clothes they sell in the fall with apples all over them? Where else are you supposed to wear them?
PS Although it's technically still Fall, it's snowing as I type this.
Thanks to Mama Kat for inspiring me to dig out these photos from before I was blogging!
December 1, 2010
{not quite} Solitary Confinement
With our halls being decked, Madeline is finding herself a little more confined these days. We can't risk an entire artificial Frasier Fir toppling down on small children and even moms have to use the potty at some point during the day.
This is what I found when I looked up from emptying the dishwasher today:
Love those sisters!
This post is part of Worldess Wednesday and linked up at:
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