Dear My Amazing Little Girl,
I cannot believe how fast the past two years have gone by. Our family has been through so much and you continue to change Every. Single. Day. Although you often asked to be "Cuddle Rocked" "like a baby," you are anything but. You are a full blown little kid with a vocabulary to prove it (not a bad one, just a lot of words.)
Talking, talking and more talking. As always, you impressed Dr. Jay at your Well Check appointment yesterday. When he walked in you said, "Hello Doctor Jay." Shortly after he asked if you put two or three words together to make a sentence. I repeated your greeting to him and he nodded his head in amazement, acknowledging that if you can put three words together so easily, he can only imagine how many you string together when you are in the comfort of your own home. As Daddy and I talked about it that night, we both agreed that you can far surpass 3 or even 4 words in a single sentence. Dr. Jay also commented to me that if you were talking this much as this age, we were in for a very chatty little girl as your vocabulary continues to expand. Your favorite question, "Mommy, what you doing?" Which you ask constantly.
Keeping up with Ellie. Your #1 goal each day. And you do it well. You love your big sister and she loves you. The two of you love to play with each other, complete with periodic fights. In the past few months you have gone from always needing to be near Mommy or Daddy, to following Ellie downstairs or playing in your rooms. It makes me miss the little girl who used to cling onto my legs as I was attempting to make dinner.
Smarty pants! You are smart and I will brag about it. You came home from day-care one day and started counting to 10. All by yourself. Not missing a single number. I was beyond impressed. Your ABCD's (because why would you stop after ABC?). You have got those down. Skip a letter, not you! That is not to say the average person can understand every letter you say, but Mommy and Daddy listen closely as you sing the "ABCD" song and you say every single letter, every single time. Shapes. You have got those down as well. Your babysitter Allison came over to watch you and you quickly let her know that you were wearing a heart on your shirt and showed her the circle toy you have. We have this game on the iPad where they say a shape and you have to pick it out from a selection of 3 or 4 different shapes. That game has nothing on you. Trying to trick you between a rectangle and square, not going to have it. An oval and a circle, not a problem. Once again, Mommy is super impressed. We were even rocking in your room and you pointed to the letter "E" on my shirt, saying it out loud and knowing exactly what letter it was. If you are this far when you just turned 2, I can only imagine what you will be like as you head into kindergarten. Keep it up little one! Yesterday one of the guys we meet at the Dr. mentioned that you will have an M.D. at the end of your name when you get older. I wouldn't be surprised (although I will be happy with what ever you become--- for the most part). :)
Stubborn. You do what you want and let us know if you do not agree with us. If you do not want to do something, you will not do it. This goes a little beyond just the "terrible twos." You have a stubbornness to you. I think you get it from your father. Potty training, only on your time. You know when you have to go and tell us so. But you don't really feel like going in the potty, so you will not. Your time, your rules. Plain and simple. Combine this trait with your brains and this could get really interesting during the teenage years. Good thing we have your sister to tell us whenever you do something you should not be doing.
Hair. I LOVE your hair! It is long and you sit still (for the most part) and let me put it up. It looks so cute and makes you look grown-up. You also love wearing hair bows. You would wear them everyday if I would let you. I do not, because I forget about them.
"I got the eye of the tiger...". Your favorite song, "Roar" by Katy Perry. You break out into the chorus randomly (in the car, at the dinner table, in the middle playing with toys), and anytime you see my phone you ask me to play the "Uh, uh, uh" song. You definitely love to sing and dance.
Coloring, playing with babies and books. "Ssshhh, Baby. It o-tay" as you hold her in your arms, pat her back and rock back and forth. You will be a great mother in the far-far-away future (like 28 years from now or so). You have the caring for the baby thing down and love your little baby doll (and any other stuffed animal you get your hands on). You love to read. And are book specific. Before bed it is usually "Brown Bear" and "Polar Bear". Sometimes you let us read to you, often times you read to us (and get the words correct for the most part). I love it! You also love to color, every night while Mommy and Daddy are making dinner. If only we would let you use your sister's markers...
Baa Baa, Binkie and Blankie. Your three B's before bed. You need them all and let us know if you are missing one. Although I am proud to say that since you turned 2, we switched out the Binkie for Brown Bear (the stuffed bear that Ellie picked our for you for your birthday) and we will not go back. The first night seemed to go okay, it just took a few extra minutes for you to fall asleep. Good job little one!
Final thoughts. You are amazing in so many ways. We love you more than you will even realize. You fit into our family from the day you were born and I cannot imagine life without you. I love having two girls and watching the strong friendship grown between you and your sister, so awesome. How did we get so lucky? It cannot get any better than this. You will always be my "baby."
Love you!
Mommy
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Monday, March 24, 2014
Growing Up!
Our little baby is growing up and this weekend made it even more real as:
- we took down the baby gate dividing the basement and the main level. Genevieve is now ready to tackle the stairs and we are not as afraid of her falling down them.
- she opts to walk into day-care more than being carried in.
- we passed the soft sippy cups onto my sister and ordered more of the hard plastic big kid cups.
- she used a booster seat instead of her highchair (because we had friends over with a younger child who used the highchair). Then this morning she wanted to sit in the booster seat instead of the highchair.
- she talks and sings constantly!
- she does not need me watching her every move when we are playing with friends.
- she skipped her nap and was not a bear at the end of the day.
- she goes to the pantry and picks out her own snack and breakfast.
I cannot believe how fast the past 2 years have gone. Tomorrow is going to be bitter sweet.
- we took down the baby gate dividing the basement and the main level. Genevieve is now ready to tackle the stairs and we are not as afraid of her falling down them.
- she opts to walk into day-care more than being carried in.
- we passed the soft sippy cups onto my sister and ordered more of the hard plastic big kid cups.
- she used a booster seat instead of her highchair (because we had friends over with a younger child who used the highchair). Then this morning she wanted to sit in the booster seat instead of the highchair.
- she talks and sings constantly!
- she does not need me watching her every move when we are playing with friends.
- she skipped her nap and was not a bear at the end of the day.
- she goes to the pantry and picks out her own snack and breakfast.
I cannot believe how fast the past 2 years have gone. Tomorrow is going to be bitter sweet.
Friday, March 21, 2014
5 on Friday
1. Since we did not have dance class due to spring break, we had a Frozen Party on Wednesday night with our neighbors instead. The girls loved the fresh popcorn and M&Ms, along with watching an entire movie in one sitting! It is suck a cute movie!
2. The difference between Ellie and Neve--- while watching Frozen there is a Snow Monster character and the girls take differing views on him. Ellie's response is that she wants me to fast forward past those parts because she doesn't like the Monster. Neve's response: "I like him!" and asking where he is when he is not on the screen. Guess who the more adventurous child is...
3. We celebrated Nick's birthday on Thursday! Nick took the day off to go biking, and then we went out to dinner at Jethros. He finished up the day by putting some new breaks on his bike (his super awesome birthday gift from the girls and me).
4. Ellie was really excited for Daddy's birthday and woke up an hour early because she wanted to sing "Happy Birthday" to him. Neve must have had the same idea, because she woke up 2 and a half hours early. Let's just say I was tired by the end of the day since it was Nick's special day and I was in charge of the girls.
5. Sure enough, just as I expected--- once it was officially Spring Ellie thought the weather should be warmer and winter jackets should be put away... I have no told her the weather forecast for tomorrow yet.
2. The difference between Ellie and Neve--- while watching Frozen there is a Snow Monster character and the girls take differing views on him. Ellie's response is that she wants me to fast forward past those parts because she doesn't like the Monster. Neve's response: "I like him!" and asking where he is when he is not on the screen. Guess who the more adventurous child is...
3. We celebrated Nick's birthday on Thursday! Nick took the day off to go biking, and then we went out to dinner at Jethros. He finished up the day by putting some new breaks on his bike (his super awesome birthday gift from the girls and me).
4. Ellie was really excited for Daddy's birthday and woke up an hour early because she wanted to sing "Happy Birthday" to him. Neve must have had the same idea, because she woke up 2 and a half hours early. Let's just say I was tired by the end of the day since it was Nick's special day and I was in charge of the girls.
5. Sure enough, just as I expected--- once it was officially Spring Ellie thought the weather should be warmer and winter jackets should be put away... I have no told her the weather forecast for tomorrow yet.
Monday, March 17, 2014
5 on Friday (or Monday)
1. We have been busy. And we are only going to get busier as the girls get older. Maybe I should change the name of the post to "Random Happens on Whatever Day I Remember to Post Them." The 5 on Friday thing does not seem to be working. And maybe I could even include a picture or two! Wouldn't that be exciting.
2. We cannot wait for warmer weather. A few nice days have been very much enjoyed, and ended with two little girls fast asleep within minutes of laying them down for bed. Oh the magic of fresh air!
3. Speaking of fresh air... it was so needed after we had a sick house (all except Ellie) the other week.
4. Happy Saint Patrick's Day! The girls are sporting their green (or as much green as we can get a 1-year old with a VERY pink wardrobe) and we are ready to celebrate tonight with Irish beer (or maybe just a beer of my choosing).
5. Neve knows when she needs to go potty. She tells us before she goes potty that she needs to go. She even asks to sit on the potty in the hopes of earning an M&M. But she doesn't actually go potty on the potty. On Saturday she was adamant that she was not going to wear a diaper. We did not have anywhere to go, so we put big girl panties on her and went about our day, having her sit on the potty every hour or so. She had to go. She told us she had to go. But she wouldn't go on the potty. Then she squatted in the living room. Luckily we caught her in time and ran her to the bathroom before it made a mess someplace other than on her clothes. She still would not finish going potty on the potty. Back to diapers we went (which she was OK with at this point). I should have figured that with Ellie being so easy and young to potty train the next one was going to be more of a challenge. She is young, we are not in a hurry--- but when she demands to wear big kid underwear and refuses to go potty on the potty it creates a bit of a problem.
6. Ellie is so excited for Nick's birthday this Thursday. And the first day of Spring. She talks about it every day! I hope she is not too disappointed when the weather does not change to warm as soon as Thursday arrives. I think in her mind spring means playing outside with the neighbors every day.
7. Ellie is also excited for Neve's birthday next week. Her and I went to the mall the other weekend to pick out a present for her to give to Neve. We spent 40 minutes in the Games & More Store at Valley West. She loved it (for her and Neve)! She finally decided on a teddy bear that just happened to be wearing a Happy Birthday t-shirt. Do we need another stuffed animal in our house (for anyone who has seen our basement)... no. Was it super cute watching her decide what to get her little sister... yes. The bear it is!
8. We celebrated Nick's birthday with his Mom and her husband Saturday night. Nick decided he wanted to go to Buffalo Wild Wings, but we talked in the car that if it was too busy we could go to Jethros instead. Ellie heard us talking. She was really hoping that Buffalo Wild Wings was going to be too busy. Sorry Ellie, all the ISU fans waited until after we were done to arrive.
9. Ellie's Princess Points have been working great. She even took us out for frozen yogurt the other week (bonus!). Lately she has just been collecting them. Not spending them and not saving them for anything. Just taking her nap and banking her Princess Point. I find it interesting, but I am not sure why.
10. "What you doing?" aka Neve's favorite question. She asks it ALL THE TIME! Nick says she wants us to say it back to her and it is a game. I going into long explanations on what I am doing, because I think she is genuinely interested in the happenings of my life (because sitting in a car riding home after work is very interesting). Maybe Nick is correct, but I am going to pretend.
2. We cannot wait for warmer weather. A few nice days have been very much enjoyed, and ended with two little girls fast asleep within minutes of laying them down for bed. Oh the magic of fresh air!
3. Speaking of fresh air... it was so needed after we had a sick house (all except Ellie) the other week.
4. Happy Saint Patrick's Day! The girls are sporting their green (or as much green as we can get a 1-year old with a VERY pink wardrobe) and we are ready to celebrate tonight with Irish beer (or maybe just a beer of my choosing).
5. Neve knows when she needs to go potty. She tells us before she goes potty that she needs to go. She even asks to sit on the potty in the hopes of earning an M&M. But she doesn't actually go potty on the potty. On Saturday she was adamant that she was not going to wear a diaper. We did not have anywhere to go, so we put big girl panties on her and went about our day, having her sit on the potty every hour or so. She had to go. She told us she had to go. But she wouldn't go on the potty. Then she squatted in the living room. Luckily we caught her in time and ran her to the bathroom before it made a mess someplace other than on her clothes. She still would not finish going potty on the potty. Back to diapers we went (which she was OK with at this point). I should have figured that with Ellie being so easy and young to potty train the next one was going to be more of a challenge. She is young, we are not in a hurry--- but when she demands to wear big kid underwear and refuses to go potty on the potty it creates a bit of a problem.
6. Ellie is so excited for Nick's birthday this Thursday. And the first day of Spring. She talks about it every day! I hope she is not too disappointed when the weather does not change to warm as soon as Thursday arrives. I think in her mind spring means playing outside with the neighbors every day.
7. Ellie is also excited for Neve's birthday next week. Her and I went to the mall the other weekend to pick out a present for her to give to Neve. We spent 40 minutes in the Games & More Store at Valley West. She loved it (for her and Neve)! She finally decided on a teddy bear that just happened to be wearing a Happy Birthday t-shirt. Do we need another stuffed animal in our house (for anyone who has seen our basement)... no. Was it super cute watching her decide what to get her little sister... yes. The bear it is!
8. We celebrated Nick's birthday with his Mom and her husband Saturday night. Nick decided he wanted to go to Buffalo Wild Wings, but we talked in the car that if it was too busy we could go to Jethros instead. Ellie heard us talking. She was really hoping that Buffalo Wild Wings was going to be too busy. Sorry Ellie, all the ISU fans waited until after we were done to arrive.
9. Ellie's Princess Points have been working great. She even took us out for frozen yogurt the other week (bonus!). Lately she has just been collecting them. Not spending them and not saving them for anything. Just taking her nap and banking her Princess Point. I find it interesting, but I am not sure why.
10. "What you doing?" aka Neve's favorite question. She asks it ALL THE TIME! Nick says she wants us to say it back to her and it is a game. I going into long explanations on what I am doing, because I think she is genuinely interested in the happenings of my life (because sitting in a car riding home after work is very interesting). Maybe Nick is correct, but I am going to pretend.
Friday, February 28, 2014
5 on Friday
1. Nick and I were in Arizona last week. So this week I am covering two weeks in one.
2. 80 degrees and sunny... definitely not the weather in Iowa last week. I had a board meeting in Scottsdale, so Nick tagged along to do some mountain biking, and we extended the trip by a few days so we could enjoy the warm weather a little more. And it was PERFECT!
3. The girls took their own vacation... to Grandma & Grandpa's (x2) in Ames. They spent the first days with my parents and then the last day with Nick's mom and her husband. From the sounds of it, they had a good time. We were able to FaceTime with them, which was really nice and made being away easier.
4. While in Scottsdale I was able to visit my aunt and uncle (snowbirds living in Mesa). It was fun to see where they were living, and reiterated saving for retirement so Nick and I can live someplace warm during the winter months when we get older.
5. We were able to get together with one of my college roommates and her husband who live in the area. This is the couple that lost their young child (1 year old) to cancer last year. It was great seeing them, having them share their experience with us (although sad, it is also very enlightening to hear), and talking about the fun that is to come in their lives in the near future (they are expecting a little girl in May!) Wish we lived closer, no matter how long of time between visits--- it is always nice to see them and the conversation is non-stop.
6. Nick and I stayed at a cute little inn, bikes and cafe in Scottsdale after the board meeting. One morning we took the bikes out for a little ride on the greenbelt. Although nice, it was not what I expected and wasn't giving me the desert feel that I was looking for. So the next day we went hiking at McDowell Reserve. Now that was exactly what I wanted and it was beautiful! If only we didn't have to hop on a plane that night, we could have spent more time out there.
7. Ellie's favorite part of staying with Grandma and Grandpa Greving: Reiman Gardens. Her favorite part of staying with Grandma and Grandpa Thorson: playing with the marbles. On Monday I asked Neve if she wanted to go back to Grandma and Grandpa's house. She responded with a nod. Then said, "Me-Ma (aka Grandma) work." It seems like whenever someone is gone (outside of Daddy biking), they are at work. I guess Nick and I were at work the entire time we were in Arizona... if only work could be as relaxing as that.
8. When we picked the girls up on Sunday we celebrated Grandpa Thorson's birthday with lunch at Hickory Park. Happy Belated Birthday, Grandpa/Jeff!
9. This week was observation week at dance class. That meant Neve got to stay home with her old day-care teacher, Allison. She loved it! And Ellie loved having Mommy watch her dance. We also learned more details about the upcoming recital... it is going to be really cute and includes the Daddy's dancing with the little girls.
10. After all the excitement of the past two weeks, I think the girls are ready for a little down-time this weekend. I know I am.
2. 80 degrees and sunny... definitely not the weather in Iowa last week. I had a board meeting in Scottsdale, so Nick tagged along to do some mountain biking, and we extended the trip by a few days so we could enjoy the warm weather a little more. And it was PERFECT!
3. The girls took their own vacation... to Grandma & Grandpa's (x2) in Ames. They spent the first days with my parents and then the last day with Nick's mom and her husband. From the sounds of it, they had a good time. We were able to FaceTime with them, which was really nice and made being away easier.
4. While in Scottsdale I was able to visit my aunt and uncle (snowbirds living in Mesa). It was fun to see where they were living, and reiterated saving for retirement so Nick and I can live someplace warm during the winter months when we get older.
5. We were able to get together with one of my college roommates and her husband who live in the area. This is the couple that lost their young child (1 year old) to cancer last year. It was great seeing them, having them share their experience with us (although sad, it is also very enlightening to hear), and talking about the fun that is to come in their lives in the near future (they are expecting a little girl in May!) Wish we lived closer, no matter how long of time between visits--- it is always nice to see them and the conversation is non-stop.
6. Nick and I stayed at a cute little inn, bikes and cafe in Scottsdale after the board meeting. One morning we took the bikes out for a little ride on the greenbelt. Although nice, it was not what I expected and wasn't giving me the desert feel that I was looking for. So the next day we went hiking at McDowell Reserve. Now that was exactly what I wanted and it was beautiful! If only we didn't have to hop on a plane that night, we could have spent more time out there.
7. Ellie's favorite part of staying with Grandma and Grandpa Greving: Reiman Gardens. Her favorite part of staying with Grandma and Grandpa Thorson: playing with the marbles. On Monday I asked Neve if she wanted to go back to Grandma and Grandpa's house. She responded with a nod. Then said, "Me-Ma (aka Grandma) work." It seems like whenever someone is gone (outside of Daddy biking), they are at work. I guess Nick and I were at work the entire time we were in Arizona... if only work could be as relaxing as that.
8. When we picked the girls up on Sunday we celebrated Grandpa Thorson's birthday with lunch at Hickory Park. Happy Belated Birthday, Grandpa/Jeff!
9. This week was observation week at dance class. That meant Neve got to stay home with her old day-care teacher, Allison. She loved it! And Ellie loved having Mommy watch her dance. We also learned more details about the upcoming recital... it is going to be really cute and includes the Daddy's dancing with the little girls.
10. After all the excitement of the past two weeks, I think the girls are ready for a little down-time this weekend. I know I am.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Definition: Cuddle-Rock
Cuddle-Rock (v):
1. To cuddle with a young child while making the rocking chair move back and forth
2. A favorite past-time of our youngest child
3. An request presented by a 1-year old to delay or avoid bedtime
Use in a sentence: Mama, I want cuddle-rock.
1. To cuddle with a young child while making the rocking chair move back and forth
2. A favorite past-time of our youngest child
3. An request presented by a 1-year old to delay or avoid bedtime
Use in a sentence: Mama, I want cuddle-rock.
Friday, February 14, 2014
5 on Friday
1. Happy Valentine's Day! Ellie was very excited to take her Valentine bubble's to her friends at day-care. Neve opted for an applesauce pouch themed Valentine this year.
2. Last Saturday we introduce Nick and Neve to baby Alida! Neve was not so sure about Daddy holding a baby, but got over it when she realized that meant she could play with Aunt Megan.
3. On Sunday we had our monthly dinner, after a few months off. It was great seeing everyone again and we loved getting the tour of our friend's new house.
4. On Tuesday night at dinner Nick and I were discussing our upcoming trip to Phoenix. Here is the conversation:
K: And I thought we could hit up the Hard Rock Cafe in Phoenix so I can get my collectors glass.
E: Oh, you are going to Venus! That is a planet.
K: No, we are going to Phoenix.
E: What planet is that?
N: Phoenix is on planet Earth.
E: Oh. We Pluto used to be a planet, but it is not anymore.
Dang our little girl is getting smart... even if she does think Phoenix is Venus.
5. A conversation on our way to work today:
K: Guess who I get to put to bed tonight!?! (It is my turn to put Ellie to bed.)
N: NEN! (aka Neve)
K: Well, I think it is Daddy's turn to put Neve to bed tonight, and Mommy gets to put Ellie to bed.
N: (after thinking a few seconds). Daddy - Ellie. Mommy- Nen.
I guess we know who she prefers to put her to bed. My guess is it is because I sang songs to her last night when I put her to bed, and Daddy does not sing much.
2. Last Saturday we introduce Nick and Neve to baby Alida! Neve was not so sure about Daddy holding a baby, but got over it when she realized that meant she could play with Aunt Megan.
3. On Sunday we had our monthly dinner, after a few months off. It was great seeing everyone again and we loved getting the tour of our friend's new house.
4. On Tuesday night at dinner Nick and I were discussing our upcoming trip to Phoenix. Here is the conversation:
K: And I thought we could hit up the Hard Rock Cafe in Phoenix so I can get my collectors glass.
E: Oh, you are going to Venus! That is a planet.
K: No, we are going to Phoenix.
E: What planet is that?
N: Phoenix is on planet Earth.
E: Oh. We Pluto used to be a planet, but it is not anymore.
Dang our little girl is getting smart... even if she does think Phoenix is Venus.
5. A conversation on our way to work today:
K: Guess who I get to put to bed tonight!?! (It is my turn to put Ellie to bed.)
N: NEN! (aka Neve)
K: Well, I think it is Daddy's turn to put Neve to bed tonight, and Mommy gets to put Ellie to bed.
N: (after thinking a few seconds). Daddy - Ellie. Mommy- Nen.
I guess we know who she prefers to put her to bed. My guess is it is because I sang songs to her last night when I put her to bed, and Daddy does not sing much.
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