The Littlest One

There is just something about Madeline Grace that melts my heart. Ella is my smart, outgoing, feisty first child. She has laughing and pulling our hair all day long but little Maddie Grace is different. From the first day she was born, she was different than her sister. So laid back, the happiest baby. Yes, it took her longer to sleep through the night than it did Ella but she was so happy during the day and even during the "witching hour" that it didn't bother me as much. Maybe its because she had to be but she is much more go with the flow child than Ella is. She smiles, she laughs, she lets her sister steals her toys and she cuddles. She is my sweetheart in every sense of the word and my heart just smiles when I see her each morning.

 Don't get me wrong, she certainly has her moments and some of her toddler behavior is starting to show a little more but overall, she is just as cute as can be.

 That is why these past several months have been tough ones on her and on all of us as well. It started in December with her first ear infection. I felt almost proud that we made it 9 months before her first one, I should have known it couldn't be that easy. It started the same, a fever that kept rising, some irritability and fusiness, not eating and a trip to the doctor to find out she had an ear infection. She would go on the antibiotics for 10 days and be ok for about a week or two and then it would start over again. 

 During this time and all our frequent trips to the doctor, we started noticing something else, she wasn't gaining enough weight. At her 9 month appt in late November, she weighed just 17lbs, about 25% percentile. She has always been on the lower end of the spectrum and will probably stay there but at 12 months, she weighed only 17lbs, 11ozs so only gained about 1/2 lb. Fast forward to 13 and 14 month appts (for ears) and she was still the exact same, 17lbs, 11oz. At this point, the pediatrician and myself started getting worried about her. One main issue is that she stopped drinking formula at 12 months and doesn't love the taste of regular milk so was missing those calories and another was she always had ear infections and wasn't eating much when she was sick. So, we went into "operation feed mode." Basically anything she wanted whenever to try and get her back up because by 14 months, she had literally fallen off the charts and was below 0% percentile for all 14 month olds, a statistic you don't want. So, we tried to sneak in as much dairy as we could and buttered all foods and fed her lots of avocados and other foods that have that healthy fat. Sometimes I wish someone would put me on this diet:) So, we went back for a weight check at 15 months and she was up to 18lbs, 15oz, hooray! One hurdle crossed.

This pic was several weeks ago, she is now fully walking, hooray!

 But the ears were still a major issue. In late May, we went back to Dr Ankrah for our 6th ear infection in 6 months. Enough was enough and Dr Ankrah said that at her age, listening and making sounds is so crucial and if your ear canal is always filled with fluid, you can't hear as well. So, we were referred to an ENT who looked in her ears and said without a question, she would need tubes. We saw him about 2 weeks after her infection so the infection was gone but the fluid remained so he said it would be a reoccurring problem. 

At the ENT office waiting to see Dr Blumer, she had no idea what was to come

 As much as we didn't want to see her get tubes, we knew that we needed to stop the infections. I mean, how uncomfortable to get sick every single month. So, we scheduled the surgery for last Monday morning. We were there bright and early waiting for the doctor and nurses.

 Even though we know it is a pretty simple procedure, still seeing your baby in a hospital gown and knowing they are going under anesthesia is scary.

 She was actually in great spirits that morning but trying to keep a 15 month old who is now fully walking occupied in a surgery center is difficult.

She LOVES sucking her thumb and I have always heard that thumb suckers make great babies. Not sure if it is true for all babies, but it is working for her!

 The procedure itself went well and liked they warned us before, the rest of Monday and Monday night were a little tough due to her coming out of the anesthesia but apparently some kids get very violent and she was just uncomfortable for most of that day. However, now she is great and seems to be doing very well. And as side note, on the day of her surgery, she weighed almost 20lbs, major victory for that as well! We are really hoping that she will continue thriving and these pesky ear infections will stop because to see her smile and laugh is really the only thing you need in your day, it just makes us smile.

Ella posing, complete with hand on her hip. When I said she has us laughing all day, I meant it!

Happy Father's Day

I guess I have stated a new tradition of making videos for Father's Day. I love a good video and pictures and in making this video and pictures of our life over the past 12 months, there is one common theme, these little girls LOVE their Daddy. And it's not just love, they absolutely adore him. I wish I had on video of Maddie's face when Mike gets home from work each night, she lights up and squeals with delight until he picks her up. It is also very obvious in these pictures that these two little girls have their Daddy wrapped around their finger and there is nothing he wouldn't do to see them smile. So, Happy Father's Day to the amazing husband and father, Mike! We love you!

And of course, this video would never be possible without our amazing fathers who are now the most amazing grandfathers as well. I think it is safe to safe to say that Ella and Maddie have three men in their life wrapped around their fingers, Daddy, Papa and Grandpa. So, cheers also to my Dad, Papa and my father in law, Grandpa.

Another year is in the books

I know I have said this several times but I just adore Ella's (and soon to be Maddie's) preschool. I know I obviously don't have anything else to compare it to but our family has just loved it since it started and this year was just the same.

Ella on her first day in September 2012, (at the old house)

Ella on her last day, May 2013 with her teachers Mrs Monroe and Mrs Scott

Ella grew up so much in 9 months!

 A friend of mine with older children said "you will be amazed how much Ella will learn in the 3's" and boy was I. It is no secret Ella is a rule follower and loves to learn so she just loves school. Her vocabulary has grown so much, her letter recognition and writing letters and names is pretty amazing as well. Ella loves to do puzzles and one thing her teachers commented to us was her keen ability to do a puzzle (takes after her mathematical Daddy for sure).

Ella's best buddies, Caroline, Ella, Kinsley and Laura

 And her relationship with her friends is so special to see as well. Ella loves her school friends and a couple of them have been together for a couple of years and have a strong bond.

They celebrated summer birthdays on the last day. All summer birthday kids are lined up being sung to.

 Ella would run into school in the morning and her teachers said she always came in with a smile and ready to have fun.

That cupcake sure is yummy

 We had a great final day celebrating this great year with all the kids and families and even Maddie had a blast playing on the big kids playground.

 Next year, Ella will be in school 4 mornings a week and miss Madeline is going 2 mornings a week. I hope she loves it just as much as Ella has and I know she will thrive just as much.

 It is not just the learning aspect, it is sense of community that Ella and our whole family has really found there as well. Everyone is so welcoming and we have found some really great family friends through her school. There are Moms night outs and even though school ended three weeks ago, we still have weekly play dates and see "our" friends a lot. I say "our" because Ella's friends and parents have become our friends.

Climbing the mountain one last time before summer

 Miss Ella James, I am so proud of you and your love for school and I truly hope it continues throughout your years. This preschool has helped you grow so much and for that we are grateful. 

Cheers to an amazing year and now onto summer fun!!

The best week

May is coming to a close and June is quickly approaching but before summer officially begins, I want to post about a great week I had. I have to admit, before becoming a Mom, I thought Mother's Day was a little over advertised by the card, flower and jewelry companies. I probably didn't give my own Mom enough love and pampering before (sorry Mom.) But since becoming a Mom, I adore this weekend. It is one I look forward to all year and Mike and the girls never disappoint.

It started mid week with a special muffins with moms at Ella's preschool. Mike gladly came from work to watch Maddie so I could focus on my oldest. Having one on one time with her is rare these days so I cherished every minute.

 They made us an invitation 2 weeks ahead of time inviting us to their class and everyday Ella asked if today was muffins with moms? Finally, after waiting and picking out her outfit 2 days in advance (it had to be a fancy dress!), it was time. She couldn't wait to show me around her class and what she does each morning as she arrives. After they welcomed the moms by singing us a special song, we sat at the table and enjoyed the muffins and fruit. They gave us special pins they had made with their picture on them and bulbs to plant as well.

 After eating, it was free time to do whatever we wanted. We read some books in the book nook, did some magnet letters and then finished up with some painting. She was showing me how she could paint a "S". When it was time for the moms to leave and the kids to stay, some got very sad and Ella got sad for a second but was fine. She adores school so much which makes this mama so happy. It was a great morning.

 That weekend was a gorgeous weekend and the first one in awhile where we could spend the entire weekend outside and not cooped up inside because of the rain.

 These two played on the swing set all morning long. Maddie LOVED playing in the top fort and Ella loved having a little playmate around her. Mike and I said to each other a dozen times that weekend how great it will be in a year or so when they can go outside and just play together without needing constant supervision like Maddie Grace does right now.

Peek a boo, where's Maddie Grace?

 We also planted an herb and vegetable garden that weekend. After completing the swing set, Mike was inspired to keep building so he built me this garden and we went to the nursery and bought lots of vegetables (3 different kinds of tomatoes, 2 different kinds of peppers, eggplant, cucumber, romaine lettuce, watermelon, basil, cilantro and mint.) He also got this water catcher to capture our rain water and that is what we water the garden with. He is turning so green in his old age. So far, we have a few peppers and tomatoes, we will see if we grow anything else.

 Mother's Day morning, I awoke to an amazing home cooked breakfast by Mike and Ella. Complete with waffles topped with nutella, strawberries and raspberries. It was delicious! After getting ready and playing a little outside, we went to the greenway in Charlotte.

Like I said, the weather was just perfect and we walked around for awhile before having a lunch at a nearby restaurant. When we got home, both girls took long naps and we enjoyed the quiet on the screened in porch. I think the quiet may have been the best gift of the weekend!

 Later that night, after more gifts (I told you they spoiled me rotten) and dinner, we had another great dessert made by Mike. Crepes filled with nutella (can you tell we love nutella?), and more fruit, whipped cream and powered sugar. It was definitely not low fat but oh so good!

 Being the Mom to these two munchkins is the absolute best and I am so grateful for them and their Daddy each and everyday.

And a special belated Mother's Day shoot out to my Mom (DeeDee) who was and still is my biggest fan and supporter in everything I do and such an amazing grandmother to my girls. Happy Mother's Day to  Mike's Mom (Grandma) who raised three incredible children and is adored by her 6 grandchildren and all of our grandmothers, Grammy, Grandma Ange, Bama and Grandma. We are so blessed to have you all in our lives and hope the day was special for each of you.

Life lately

Warning, this post is packed full of pictures. I wish I could break it up between a couple but time is just flying by and I don't want to forget a minute or forget to document anything so here we go!

This spring has been wild here in Charlotte, one day hot and more springlike and another rainy and cold. This has definitely been the coldest spring we have had in awhile but when the sun does shine, you can find us outside. 

One of the most fun things about having two girls is dressing them alike! I like when they can wear coordinated or matching outfits and Ella absolutely LOVES matching Maddie and asks everyday to wear matching outfits!

 She also loves giving her little sister a "little", sometimes huge push on the swing. Good thing little sis is such a trooper.

 Most afternoons post naps, you can find us strolling around the neighborhood. When I walking, I saw these two sweet girls holding hands. Be still my beating heart...

 In the end of April, we headed down to Seabrook for a long weekend. We were hoping the end of April would be perfect beach weather, but mother nature didn't cooperate too much. It was a little colder and rainier than moral but at least, we were at the beach!

When we first arrived, she couldn't wait to get down to the beach even if it was about to storm.

Another amazing sunset

 Maddie Grace found some pretty hiding places at the beach house, the cabinets of course. DeeDee and Papa's house is not exactly baby proof so Maddie loved getting into all sorts of trouble.

 Basically, she loved everything about the beach! Climbing in cabinets, swinging, hanging out on the back deck and swimming which I don't have any pictures off but we went to the indoor pool everyday and both girls loved it.

 Of course, the afternoon w left, the clouds parted and the sun and warm weather came out, perfect timing.

 So we had to get down to the beach one last time and run around and play

 The water was FREEZING

This was 5 minutes into the drive home from the beach, I think someone had a good time and was worm out. 

 Ella's preschool has this great spring carnival every year and we went and had a great time as usual.

Look, we found Woody and Jessie!

 These two love their baths and "sometimes" can be the best of friends

 We have also been busy with Ella's non school activities. She is still in gymnastics and shockingly is getting more brave. She loves to hang on the bars and pull her feet up but she is still a little chicken and won't do a full flip yet. In her words "maybe when I am 4, I will flip."

 Our big sister is also still loving her soccer shots and when DeeDee and Papa went to Spain a long time ago, they got her an official jersey of one of Mike's favorite players. Ella loves wearing it and Daddy of two girls is so happy to see her in it. I think she thinks it is kind of like "dressing up" but she sure does look official in her jersey and cleats!

Dribbling through cones

Like mentioned several times before, Ella naps about 75% of the time but some days, she just has quiet time in her room. On those days, after MG wakes up from her nap, we still go strolling but this is usually how I find Ella, fast asleep.

Check out Maddie's devilish grin with the thumb in her mouth, oh I could just eat her up

 Last weekend, we got together with some friends for a Derby/Cinco de Mayo party. While the big kids were busy playing elsewhere, the next generation of trouble makers had fun playing together. There are all within 3 month of ear other.

From L to R: Libba - 16 months, Braelyn - 17 months, Maddie - 14 months

 This week was a big first, her first dentist appt! I have admittedly put it off longer than I maybe should have because we all know this chicken little is scared to death of doctors after her stitches so I was completely fearful of this visit but this girl rocked it. The pediatric dentist was so nice and gentle and Ella got x-rays and loved sitting in the cool red chair and watch cartoons.

 She was a little hesitant at a couple moments but overall, she did great and when we left, she asked if we could go back again tomorrow so I guess that's a good review. And I am happy because the dentist said her teeth looked great and he could tell she never sucked her thumb or pacifier because her teeth very perfectly straight! Score!

 Today was such a fun morning. I got to accompany Ella to school for muffins with moms in her class. She made me an invitation a couple weeks ago and has asked everyday if today was the day when I got to come with her. She picked out her own dress two days ago because she said "she needed to look extra fancy." This girl is soooooo girly!

One of my favorite pictures of the two of us

Ella couldn't wait to show me around her class and show off her painting skills. It does look like a nice snake though! 

We have been busy busy busy as always but having so much fun in the process. Not to get too deep but we know a little girl who is going through a hard time lately health wise and I am just so thankful that I have healthy and happy children. I know our friend is going to recover soon but it is just a reminder of all that we have to be thankful for in life. This mother's day weekend, I will be kissing and hugging my little ones a lot because they make my life fun, exciting, hectic, sometimes frustrating but always filled with love and I wouldn't change a thing.