1. We continue to get the house ready to put on the market. This includes painting the deck until 9PM on a very hot Monday evening. On a positive note: the deck and done and we don't have to do that this weekend.
2. Last night Ellie was lucky enough to go play at her friend Henry's house while Mom and Dad went to a United Way event. Very nice to have such great friends that will watch her so we don't have to pay a babysitter.
3. Last Saturday we had a last minute get together with our friends from Boone. RJ and Nick went to the last Barnstormers game, while Sarah and I played with the girls all evening. We usually have to plan times to hang out months in advance... it is very rare we can do it on a days notice.
4. For about a month Ellie was crying whenever we dropped her off at day-care. Something much have changed because we have gone a whole 5 days this week with no tears! It is so much easier when she says "Bye-bye" instead of crying and reaching for you.
5. On Tuesday I took the afternoon off to go help out my sister with new baby Liam. Of course her house was still clean and the laundry was done, so all I could help out with was emptying the dishwasher and making dinner. While Megan slept, Liam and I hung out and watch soap operas. It was AWESOME!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Baby Liam!
Pictures of my sister and brother-in-law's little bundle of joy:
The only downfall--- there is a good chance he will be an ISU fan. To each their own.
Ellie meeting Liam for the first time. Yes Ellie, Liam does have a 'nose' and 'eyes' and 'mouth'. We had to hold her back from pointing out those features on him. 
And a few days later when I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with him.Such a sweet little guy!
Friday, July 22, 2011
5 on Friday
1. First, and most importantly, congrats to my sister and her husband on the birth of their little boy, Liam Anthony!!!!
2. Our nephew/Godson (see above) was born on Thursday, July 21st at 4:55PM. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 5.8 ounces (to be exact) and was 18 1/2 inches long (although his Dad said that he thought they could have had another 1/2 inch if they would have stretched him out a little). I was honored to join them during the birth- it was amazing and Megan did such a good job. Mike was a pretty good coach as well.
3. I was trying to get Ellie to say "Liam" this morning when we were looking at the 120 pictures I took of him during his first 2 hours of life. She just said "Baby." She did wear a sticker saying "It's a Boy" to day-care in honor of him. That girl loves stickers.
4. Last weekend we made the trip to Manning, Iowa for my cousin's wedding. We didn't get to stay at the reception long, but still had a good time.
5. Ellie had a follow-up with the ENT since she had the ear infection the other week. The Dr. said everything looks great and he would be surprised if she had another infection. I should have had Nick get that in writing...
2. Our nephew/Godson (see above) was born on Thursday, July 21st at 4:55PM. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 5.8 ounces (to be exact) and was 18 1/2 inches long (although his Dad said that he thought they could have had another 1/2 inch if they would have stretched him out a little). I was honored to join them during the birth- it was amazing and Megan did such a good job. Mike was a pretty good coach as well.
3. I was trying to get Ellie to say "Liam" this morning when we were looking at the 120 pictures I took of him during his first 2 hours of life. She just said "Baby." She did wear a sticker saying "It's a Boy" to day-care in honor of him. That girl loves stickers.
4. Last weekend we made the trip to Manning, Iowa for my cousin's wedding. We didn't get to stay at the reception long, but still had a good time.
5. Ellie had a follow-up with the ENT since she had the ear infection the other week. The Dr. said everything looks great and he would be surprised if she had another infection. I should have had Nick get that in writing...
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Baby Shower Decorations
Last month I had the wonderful opportunity to throw a baby shower for my sister and future nephew/Godson. It was one week after my big exam, so I tried to make it as simple as possible. This is what I came up with...
I found this super cute graphic from http://www.etsy.com/:
Then I added some ribbon and the various goodies I had picked up:
Thank you Costco for making it easy on me (see pre-made fruit bowl and veggie tray!)
And of course, a picture of the Guest of Honor, our mom and myself before the guests arrived (and a better picture of the baby cake).
I found this super cute graphic from http://www.etsy.com/:
This little guy quickly became the theme for the shower, and I used him as much as possible.
I knew I wanted to make a diaper cake. What a great way to provide the new mommy with tons of necessary things, have a cute decoration, and be able to use it as a game. First, I made the diaper sections (followed by two additional layers not pictured):
I knew I wanted to make a diaper cake. What a great way to provide the new mommy with tons of necessary things, have a cute decoration, and be able to use it as a game. First, I made the diaper sections (followed by two additional layers not pictured):
Then I added some ribbon and the various goodies I had picked up:Although it isn't the greatest picture, here is the finished product (see the very bottom for a better picture):
I think I had a total of 20 different items on the cake. Mainly items that came recommended by Ellie and her parents (excluding the ISU hat that is on the top- that was not recommended by us at all.)
I printed out the giraffe graphic and made circles to be used on various items.
I printed out the giraffe graphic and made circles to be used on various items.
As part of the party favors, I did mini water bottles with the giraffe head.
Then I made sugar cookies using baby blue sugar.
Which was then packed like this:
And set out at the party:
To make the expectant Mommy's life a little easier, I had people address their thank you card envelopes, and printed out thank you cards that went with the theme (super easy and very cost effective vs. buying thank you cards in the store).
I wanted something else for the guests to do while they waited for everyone to arrive. I had originally tossed around the idea of making a cloth ABC book and having each guest color a letter page... but then Megan's 4th grade class did an ABC quilt for her--- so that idea was scratched.
Instead we did "Words of Wisdom for the Mother" cards.
Then I made sugar cookies using baby blue sugar.Which was then packed like this:And set out at the party:To make the expectant Mommy's life a little easier, I had people address their thank you card envelopes, and printed out thank you cards that went with the theme (super easy and very cost effective vs. buying thank you cards in the store).I wanted something else for the guests to do while they waited for everyone to arrive. I had originally tossed around the idea of making a cloth ABC book and having each guest color a letter page... but then Megan's 4th grade class did an ABC quilt for her--- so that idea was scratched. Instead we did "Words of Wisdom for the Mother" cards.
For games we played "Time to Eat". You taste/smell each food and try to guess what it is made up of. 
I also removed the diaper cake from the middle of the room when we were playing "Time to Eat". Then we played the "Memory" game, trying to remember what was on the cake.
We also played "Name the Baby"... can you guess the baby names for these animals?
Goose Goat Swan
Owl Whale Tiger
Monkey Eel Skunk
Giraffe Crocodile Kangaroo
Of course there were the prizes for winning the games. Every new Mommy and Daddy need a little "Energy." And since new parents tend to wash their hands like crazy, this Bath and Body Works hand soap is perfect. (A friend of mine gave us this as a baby give and we loved it!!)
No baby shower can be complete without food.
I took the easy way out and ordered these cake balls for the dessert. They came from here: http://www.abiteofcake.com/ I have only had the strawberry one, but it was yummy!
Using my little giraffe heads again, I topped a few of the cake balls with the decoration.
And here is the final spread:
I also removed the diaper cake from the middle of the room when we were playing "Time to Eat". Then we played the "Memory" game, trying to remember what was on the cake. We also played "Name the Baby"... can you guess the baby names for these animals?
Goose Goat Swan
Owl Whale Tiger
Monkey Eel Skunk
Giraffe Crocodile Kangaroo
Of course there were the prizes for winning the games. Every new Mommy and Daddy need a little "Energy." And since new parents tend to wash their hands like crazy, this Bath and Body Works hand soap is perfect. (A friend of mine gave us this as a baby give and we loved it!!)
No baby shower can be complete without food. I took the easy way out and ordered these cake balls for the dessert. They came from here: http://www.abiteofcake.com/ I have only had the strawberry one, but it was yummy!
Using my little giraffe heads again, I topped a few of the cake balls with the decoration.And here is the final spread:
Thank you Costco for making it easy on me (see pre-made fruit bowl and veggie tray!)And of course, a picture of the Guest of Honor, our mom and myself before the guests arrived (and a better picture of the baby cake).
Can you believe that the baby cake has 156 newborn diapers in it?!?!
I loved throwing this shower, and coming up with various ideas. I know this post is REALLY long, but I wanted to share everything (and have a record of it for myself). I think Megan and Bunky had a great time, I know I did.
I loved throwing this shower, and coming up with various ideas. I know this post is REALLY long, but I wanted to share everything (and have a record of it for myself). I think Megan and Bunky had a great time, I know I did.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The Chair
I love this chair Santa brought me for Christmas. 
It is just my size so I can get into it by myself.
Check this out, I can sort of stand on it.
Check this out, I can sort of stand on it.Wait, I CAN stand on it!
I don't think I am supposed to be doing this...
Monday, July 18, 2011
Tube Recovery
She didn't really like the surgery part. Other than that- she was pretty happy. She loved having drops put in her ears (and the cotton balls that followed).
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Scotcheroos
Ellie helped me make scotcheroos the other week...
Her job was to taste test after I was done with the spatulas.
Her job was to taste test after I was done with the spatulas.
She approved.Saturday, July 16, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
5 on Friday
1. We got the railing up on the front deck last weekend. Only thing left to do is the stair, and that shouldn't be too hard. Then onto the next project.
2. We went out to dinner last Saturday night. The first place we were going to go was closed, so we ended up at a slightly fancier place than we had planned. I was a little worried about taking Ellie to a "white table cloth" restaurant, but she did great! In fact, as we were getting up to leave an older lady at a nearby table stopped us to say: "Before you leave, I just have to tell you that not only is your little girl is adorable, but she is so well behaved. You should be proud of how you have raised her." TOTALLY MADE MY WEEK!
3. I managed to step on a old, rusty nail Tuesday night. As a result, I got a tetanus shot. Do you remember the last time you had a tetanus shot? I didn't.
4. Last Sunday we were invited to celebrate our friend, Henry's, 3rd birthday at Ashby Wading Pool. What a wonderful water play place for little people! If you have never been there and live in the Des Moines area, check it out:
5. I finally finished "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" book. It took me until over half way through to actually get into it. But in the end, I liked it. I am debating on if I want to start the next one in the 'series.'
2. We went out to dinner last Saturday night. The first place we were going to go was closed, so we ended up at a slightly fancier place than we had planned. I was a little worried about taking Ellie to a "white table cloth" restaurant, but she did great! In fact, as we were getting up to leave an older lady at a nearby table stopped us to say: "Before you leave, I just have to tell you that not only is your little girl is adorable, but she is so well behaved. You should be proud of how you have raised her." TOTALLY MADE MY WEEK!
3. I managed to step on a old, rusty nail Tuesday night. As a result, I got a tetanus shot. Do you remember the last time you had a tetanus shot? I didn't.
4. Last Sunday we were invited to celebrate our friend, Henry's, 3rd birthday at Ashby Wading Pool. What a wonderful water play place for little people! If you have never been there and live in the Des Moines area, check it out:
https://www.dmgov.org/Departments/Parks/Pages/Ashby.aspx
5. I finally finished "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" book. It took me until over half way through to actually get into it. But in the end, I liked it. I am debating on if I want to start the next one in the 'series.'
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Playground Fun
We took a walk to the nearby playground the other month, while the main one was underwater. It wasn't our favorite playground, but it worked.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
18 Month Stats
Although late, Ellie is still closer to 18 months than she is 24 months... so I will still post this (notice her 15 month stats are making their first appearance on the blog today). Eleanor still has iron issues and we are going to recheck her at her 24 month check-up. Other than that she is doing great! Her development is right on track, or a little ahead. She continues to grow like a weed, and has the stats to prove it. Her weight gain relative to her peers has slowed down some, but she is still above average. Here is her record to date:
Height: 33 3/4 inches (96th percentile)
Weight: 27 pounds (64th percentile)
Head Cir.: 19 inches (90th percentile)
Height: 32 1/2 inches (96th percentile)
Weight: 25 pounds 9 ounces (86th percentile)
Head Cir.: 18 3/4 inches (91st percentile)
Height: 30 3/4 inches (93rd percentile)
Weight: 22 pounds 7 ounces (73rd percentile)
Head Cir.: 18 1/4 inches (84th percentile)
9 months
Height: 28 3/4 inches (87th percentile)
Weight: 20 pounds 6 ounces (77th percentile)
Head Cir.: 17 3/4 inches (81st percentile)
6 Months
Height: 27 1/4 inches (the nurse wrote down 94th percentile, but Nick and I thought she said 84th percentile)
Weight: 18 pounds 4 ounces (89th percentile)
Head Cir.: 17 1/4 inches (86th percentile)
Height: 27 1/4 inches (the nurse wrote down 94th percentile, but Nick and I thought she said 84th percentile)
Weight: 18 pounds 4 ounces (89th percentile)
Head Cir.: 17 1/4 inches (86th percentile)
4 Months
Height: 26 1/4 inches (99th percentile)
Weight: 16 pounds 8 ounces (96th percentile)
Head Cir.: 16 3/4 inches (68th percentile)
Height: 26 1/4 inches (99th percentile)
Weight: 16 pounds 8 ounces (96th percentile)
Head Cir.: 16 3/4 inches (68th percentile)
2 Months
Height: 23 3/4 inches (93rd percentile)
Weight: 13 pounds 6.5 ounces (99th percentile)
Head Cir.: 15 1/2 inches (68th percentile)
2 Weeks
Height: 20 1/2 inches (85th percentile)
Weight: 9 pounds 2.5 ounces (95th percentile)
Head Cir.: 14 1/2 inches (89th percentile)
At Birth
Height: 20 1/2 inches
Weight: 8 pounds 15.4 ounces
Friday, July 8, 2011
5 on Friday
I cannot believe it is Friday already! The past week went by way too fast. Now onto the update:
1. On Saturday Nick's mom and husband, Jeff, came down to help rebuild our front deck. The old one had some rotted posts, and we wanted to make it look nice and new for when we put the house on the market. Nick and Jeff accomplished a lot, and we are hoping to finish the deck up this weekend (we still need to put on the railings). Thanks to Linda for playing with Ellie (I am sure that was hard work) and Jeff for helping with the deck! I think we sent them both home pretty tired.
2. On Sunday our Boone friends came for a visit. While the weather turned out a little cooler and definitely not sunny enough for me- we still made a trip to the beach a block away. The trip to the lake didn't last long (it was a little cold), but the backyard baby/grown-up pool seemed to work out well. It was wonderful to see everyone again, and to see all 4 girls together!
3. Ellie was not so sure about all the new people in her house on Sunday when she woke up from her nap on Sunday. I don't think I have seen her so quiet in a long time. It was weird. It was super cute to see her and Lucie (who is 1 month younger than her) hug before Ellie went to bed. Awwww!
4. Monday we went to the Waukee parade with the Beltman Family. Two cute little girls sure does bring in a lot of candy and toys. I LOVED seeing their little 3 year old (I say little because Ellie is almost as tall as her and I am pretty sure Ellie weighs more than her) run to grab the candy. I cannot wait until Ellie gets to that age. It was priceless. That will probably be the last time we hand out with the Beltman Family of 3... in less than a week they will turn into a family of 4! Congrats in advance on the arrival of Baby Bubbles!!!!
5. On Wednesday Nick and I meet Mike and Megan for lunch after their Dr. appointment. Although Baby Bunky and Baby Bubbles had due dates 1 day apart, it sounds like their birth dates will not be. Megan has made a very comfy home for Bunky in her tummy, and as of now he is not ready to come out... but you never know when he will change his mind! The other big news of the week was that Nick and I are going to be Godparents to Baby Bunky!!!!! We are absolutely thrilled and cannot wait to actually meet the little guy. It is such an honor and privilege to be asked to play that role in a child's life. You may now refer to Nick as "The Godfather" (that is according to me, not Nick).
6. BONUS: Happy Birthday, Mom!!!! I hope you take time out and relax a little today!
Yes, I know there were lots of "!" in today's post. I guess that means it was a good week?
1. On Saturday Nick's mom and husband, Jeff, came down to help rebuild our front deck. The old one had some rotted posts, and we wanted to make it look nice and new for when we put the house on the market. Nick and Jeff accomplished a lot, and we are hoping to finish the deck up this weekend (we still need to put on the railings). Thanks to Linda for playing with Ellie (I am sure that was hard work) and Jeff for helping with the deck! I think we sent them both home pretty tired.
2. On Sunday our Boone friends came for a visit. While the weather turned out a little cooler and definitely not sunny enough for me- we still made a trip to the beach a block away. The trip to the lake didn't last long (it was a little cold), but the backyard baby/grown-up pool seemed to work out well. It was wonderful to see everyone again, and to see all 4 girls together!
3. Ellie was not so sure about all the new people in her house on Sunday when she woke up from her nap on Sunday. I don't think I have seen her so quiet in a long time. It was weird. It was super cute to see her and Lucie (who is 1 month younger than her) hug before Ellie went to bed. Awwww!
4. Monday we went to the Waukee parade with the Beltman Family. Two cute little girls sure does bring in a lot of candy and toys. I LOVED seeing their little 3 year old (I say little because Ellie is almost as tall as her and I am pretty sure Ellie weighs more than her) run to grab the candy. I cannot wait until Ellie gets to that age. It was priceless. That will probably be the last time we hand out with the Beltman Family of 3... in less than a week they will turn into a family of 4! Congrats in advance on the arrival of Baby Bubbles!!!!
5. On Wednesday Nick and I meet Mike and Megan for lunch after their Dr. appointment. Although Baby Bunky and Baby Bubbles had due dates 1 day apart, it sounds like their birth dates will not be. Megan has made a very comfy home for Bunky in her tummy, and as of now he is not ready to come out... but you never know when he will change his mind! The other big news of the week was that Nick and I are going to be Godparents to Baby Bunky!!!!! We are absolutely thrilled and cannot wait to actually meet the little guy. It is such an honor and privilege to be asked to play that role in a child's life. You may now refer to Nick as "The Godfather" (that is according to me, not Nick).
6. BONUS: Happy Birthday, Mom!!!! I hope you take time out and relax a little today!
Yes, I know there were lots of "!" in today's post. I guess that means it was a good week?
Friday, July 1, 2011
5 on Friday
1. Last week we celebrated my parent's 40th Wedding Anniversary in the Wisconsin Dells. We had a great time!
2. While at the Dells, Ellie spent lots of time at the water park. She loved it, and is such a fish. I think she was a little sad on Monday when she didn't get to go swimming. I say this because she was walking around the house before day-care holding as tight as she could to her swim suit and beach towel. She was not happy when she had to leave them at home.
3. She also had a great time with all of her cousins, aunts, uncles, and of course, Grandma and Grandpa. She is still saying, "bye-bye, Mi" and "all done, Mae-Mae" (for Mike and Megan, respectively). When Nick and I mentioned Grandma and Grandpa's name at the dinner table the other night, Ellie looked around to see where they were. She looked a little disappointed when they were not there.
4. Since Ellie was such a fish, we decided to enroll her in swimming lessons! They don't start until August, but Mommy is very excited. I am sure Ellie will enjoy them as well.
5. With more free time, I have started reading 'fun' books again. Right now I am reading "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." I just started, so I don't have any real opinions on it... yet.
2. While at the Dells, Ellie spent lots of time at the water park. She loved it, and is such a fish. I think she was a little sad on Monday when she didn't get to go swimming. I say this because she was walking around the house before day-care holding as tight as she could to her swim suit and beach towel. She was not happy when she had to leave them at home.
3. She also had a great time with all of her cousins, aunts, uncles, and of course, Grandma and Grandpa. She is still saying, "bye-bye, Mi" and "all done, Mae-Mae" (for Mike and Megan, respectively). When Nick and I mentioned Grandma and Grandpa's name at the dinner table the other night, Ellie looked around to see where they were. She looked a little disappointed when they were not there.
4. Since Ellie was such a fish, we decided to enroll her in swimming lessons! They don't start until August, but Mommy is very excited. I am sure Ellie will enjoy them as well.
5. With more free time, I have started reading 'fun' books again. Right now I am reading "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." I just started, so I don't have any real opinions on it... yet.
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