Ellie B is Two Month Old

On July 21, Ellie turned two months old.  It FLEW BY.  In this picture above, it's her first official bath when she was almost four weeks old.  She was OK for the first couple of minutes, but wasn't thrilled when I started washing her hair.  But now, as long as water doesn't get in her eyes or nose,  she's fine with it.  She had had a ghetto bath the day before as she had poop all over her and I hadn't gotten the tub down so she got cleaned down in the small bathroom sink.  And here's the difference between kid one and three; not only would I have never dreamed of doing THAT....most of her baths since have been me holding her over the side of the tub in the bath while either Adam or Abbey is in there.  She loves it...kicks her feet and swims and Abbey just LOVES to "help" by rubbing her belly with the washcloth or "rinsing her" and handing me her towel if she's already out of the tub.

Pam stopped by on June 29  Pam is such a good Mom to Katie...she needs another one? ;)

While my sister and Mom were here, Todd's brother Alan stopped by to meet her the first week of July.  Love this photo.

Right around a month old, she started to smile.  But NOT in this photo lol.  She's about 6/7 weeks here.

Hmmm That's better.  She does love her swing...often taking naps in it.  For the first month, she often slept in it, but now she sleeps most nights in her bassinet.  For the first couple of months she'd take these mega naps in the middle of the day like 10:30/11 until 2/3.  Out like a light.  Then do that again at about eight in the evening until 1 or 2 starting at a few weeks old.  (though she's kind of changing now).

Rockstar Abbey comforting Abbey...Abbey HATES it when she thinks Baby Ellie is leaving.  Erin has taken her a few times and now when she sees her or big Abby hold her, she flips out because she doesn't want her gone.  But, she can get a bit rough "patting" her on the head....! Adam has adjusted well.  He likes to ask people if they like Baby Ellie and then say "She's teeny tiny!".

Here she is at her two month appointment on July 23.  Ten pounds and five ounces...and 221/2 inches. Fiftieth percentile across the board...I have an average baby!  Poor kid...didn't realize her first round of shots was coming...she was VERY upset. I had to feed her before we left and then she fell asleep for much of the afternoon, poor kid.

And here's from "way back" when she turned two weeks, when I had Mary do her photos.  She slept the whole time!  Mary said she never had such an angelic newborn.  The pictures turned out beautiful.

And when Tammy brought Mckenzie over at a few weeks old, it was so cute how she just loves babies.  Bring her back Tammy!

I took this photo below last week...a few days after she turned two months.  She rolled over last week.  From her stomach to her back.  And cried like a turtle who fell on it's back....startled by herself!  Ellie so far is more easy going...she can be comforted for a bit when she's hungry instead of having to eat THAT MINUTE.  Sometimes, she's content on her mat for nearly an hour or rocking in her swing.  She doesn't smile easily, but sometimes I catch her just grinning at me and it's so cute.  Her Dad can make her smile.  She likes to be held with her face on the shoulder, NOT cradled.  Her belly is sensitive and she has to cry to make herself poop sometimes.  You can tell if she's gassy, but she can't quite settle down.  She's such a cuddle bunny with her Mommy.  And her color is still IMPOSSIBLE to label :)  A lady of mystery!  When she cries, it's pathetic and much harder to hear than the other two....  it's so sad and lonely...you just want to help her!  And did I mention she's a breath holder when she's crying? Yeah, she turns read and a little purple. Dr. Liepke was a bit surprised...!

Abbey's Date

Last Sunday I had a special date with Abbey.  I had been wanting to take her to her first movie for a while.  Todd had run around a lot during the week and so I told him he could stay home; we didn't have to go out on Sunday as usual.  He told me I could get out and do something if I wanted, but I knew Abbey was dying to get out.  So I decided she would have a date day.  (I was worried that Adam would feel left out but he was over the moon when Daddy said he'd play the Wii with him, so not to worry.  Adam is a homebody, to be honest).  I decided to take her to Despicable Me 2 since she loves the first one so much.  I didn't know what to expect.  We had a couple hours, so I took her out to lunch at Friendly's.  She was over the moon happy when we walked in, she clearly has missed all our breakfast dates before the baby came while Adam was in school.  She had on her glasses, as you can see, and she did a little dance to the booth.

 She was happy to read her books, color, peer at the people behind us and "talk" to me.  She was pretty happy.  She picked out grilled cheese and fries, but only ate the fries.  Of course.  I don't know why I don't just order her fries when we go out.  My salad was actually so gross, I didn't eat, but I didn't let that ruin the day.  We headed to Wal-Mart to grab a few things and I checked in with Todd, who said Ellie was sleeping, so we headed out to the movie, albeit late, I figured it didn't matter as I assumed she would have a tough time adjusting.

I was wrong.

We went into the theatre (me cursing myself for not bringing my good camera, of course) and I got tickets, a lemonade and Mike and Ikes...trying to find a candy I thought she'd like for the whole theatre experience.  I took this photo on our way in.  She was pretty excited.  We walked into the dark theatre and I was worried she'd flip a little.  But she knew exactly what to do!  We walked near the front to an empty row and sat down.  It's funny because she can't keep the seat down with her weight.

I snapped this photo when we first go there of the movie and then my phone died.  Sometimes that's a good thing...so I don't get too preoccupied with the photo taking!  Abbey did so well.  She switched seats a couple times trying to get comfortable and she only talked once and she actually whispered it.  Abbey had fun and so did I.  I can't wait to take her back.  And best of all, she just loved having a special day.  Me, too.

And by the way:  Big Girl Abbey peed on the potty for the first time on Saturday, July 27.  She said STINKY STINKY and ran to the living room bathroom and went!

A Lemonade Summer Day

The cottage. Every time we pull in and get out, Iam reminded why we bought it.  We have spent a fair amount of Sunday afternoons there since April.  Above is Adam on the lawn mower...they both love to get on that thing and we've since basically put a stop to it, but it was cute.  Below is Miss Abbey, who we discovered can climb up trees quickly ...and well.  But let's get to last weekend.  As to why I call it a lemonade summer day.

When I was a teen, they'd show this Country Time lemonade ad, referring to the 'dog days' of summer ( which I know actually is August, but stick with me).  A kid in swim shorts, running across the yard and a tire swing.  I'd think, I want that.  Whether or not I wanted it for me or my future kids, I don't know.  I just wanted whatever that feeling was.  

We stayed the night for the first time, me getting brave and doing it with Ellie.  It was hot, but not intolerable on Saturday.  By the time we got there, it was nearly seven.  The kids ran around and we got them into bed around 9pm.  I wish I'd taken a photo, because it was the very first time they slept in regular twin beds.  We weren't sure what to expect, but they did great!  Got up at 6:30, which is way too early but later than I thought they'd sleep.

While I worked to get Miss Ellie asleep, Todd was outside trying to get a fire going.  Earlier in the day, I said it was my main reason for wanting to spend the night.  I LOVE camp fires.  Ellie fell asleep at 9:30pm and slept until nearly four am, exhausted, it seemed, by the heat.  Todd and I had a nice time by the fire until after midnight, having a little Red Cat, until the bugs drove me in.  Of course, I had some S'mores, too.  Took awhile to get the fire going, especially since there was a giant tree stump in it that the neighbors who put the dock in put there.  They had cut down an old gnarly apple tree that made their life harder putting the dock in and out and even took the stump out.  Stumps don't burn easily, let me tell you.

The next day, we went to breakfast at Kristi's diner 'around the corner' and had a great breakfast.  We then drove to Cape Vincent to see what was going on.  The waterfront there is gorgeous...it's where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence.  There was a French festival going on that we discussed returning for, though we never made it.   

Ellie slep a lot, lethargic from the heat.  Todd laid down and I took the kids out. Adam had been saying until that point that he didn't want to go swimming. Now he did, so I went and got Todd and got their swimsuits on.  Abbey jumped right into her Daddy's arms.  

You can see Adam was a more reluctant.  He wanted to, but was scared.

But then he got in and loved it.  I even ended up getting in, though I've been cautious of lake swimming since 1994 when a snake with teeth went after me ( ask Pam, it's true!).  It was nice ...and upon reflection it felt like that feeling...that lemonade summer feeling...

Abbey and I went to town to get food to grill and band-aids for Todd, who cut his foot.  Elle slept again while I was gone, woken up as we finished eating.  We left after 6, sweating from the humidity but happy for a nice family day... Doesn't Ellie look cute here??

Adam's School Zoo Trip

On May 29, when Ellie was just over a week old, it was Adam's school field trip to the zoo.  She was too young for me to leave and an adult had to go.  Uncle Bobby brought him.  These are the photos he sent at my request.  Despite what the picture implies, Adam had a good time.  But it was HOT.  And for some reason, he was NOT happy about wearing his school shirt.  I don't remember another time where he threw such a fit about wearing a shirt.  It is an ugly color, but he never really seemed to notice!  Despite fielding phone calls for him and the teacher because Bobby couldn't find the group, all went well. I was sad that morning because I was missing something that Adam was doing for school.  I felt the pressure of being there for three kids.

Since then, I've been able to let that go of that a lot, though not completely.  He came out of his bedroom the other night saying he was sad.  Which isn't that uncommon lately...he's been learning to talk about feelings.  But then he burst into tears, which is unusual, and I was trying to sing to him while feeding Ellie and it wasn't enough.  I sent him over to his Daddy, who comforted him and he even fell asleep in his lap.  I know Todd is just as good as me, but I felt guilty.  I carried him into his bed and sand him "I'm a Square" which he wanted and it was OK.

When Adam got home that day, I asked him what his favorite animal was that day.  The tiger.  He is growing up so fast.

July 16, Today

It's really hot.
This morning, well 11:30ish, I took the kids over to Kingsford Park for an Oswego Mom's Group playdate, which I haven't attended one in months.  It started at ten and by the time I got there, there was a few Moms left, not the type I relate to at all.  It was OK.  Kids loved the sprinkler, but it was too hot for Ellie and had to kind of drag them out of there after about 45 minutes.
Miss Abbey just ran around and had such a time.  You could hear her laugh across the park.  That's Abbey...you know when she's happy and when she's not.  Speaking of, Todd's stepmother stopped this morning and Abbey had a super tantrum.   She had been doing REALLY well the last week and a half,  but we all know she doesn't do well with unexpected change and she assumed she was leaving with her.
Adam was more reserved, but told me he liked it.  Both kids playing with the kids that were there.  He was ready to go home, though.  He is playing his new Jake and the Neverland Pirates game on his leapfrog I bought him yesterday at Target.  He loves it.  I brought them there because I wanted to get watershoes and floaties to use at camp, but let them walk around and browse in the air conditioning. Abbey picked out a smurf figurine of all things and a little mermaid figurine (of course).  I never let them buy toys when they were with me, so they were thrilled.  Ellie slept.   Both days.  She usually sleeps really hard in the afternoon...like 11 or 12 until 3 or 4.  Makes it easier to do stuff with the kids.  It was my first trip to a store with all three and Adam "helped" by pushing a second cart.  He was so proud...of course I had to help him a lot and the back of my feet got plowed a few times!  In the check out line, I warned the woman behind me that we were slow.  She told me she was busy admiring how well bahved my kids are!  I told her luck of the draw...it isn't always that way. She told me part of it was that I was so calm.  Huh?  WHAT?  I guess I was.  I have felt calm in those situations since I had Ellie.  Like, there's no point in getting stressed because I am VERY out numbered and there's no way I can control for it!

Ellie is eight weeks old today! WHAT!  How did that happen?  She slept kind of through the night twice...Friday night was 10pm until 5am and on Saturday night at camp it was 9:30 until four am.  Not last night.  I was basically up with her from 1:40 until 5am when she fell asleep lying on my bed on her belly as I rubbed her back.  Her stomach bothers her sometimes.  Her second big consistent sleep time in in the evening.  Anywhere from 9-10 until she wakes up.  She is really good at holding her head up and she already rolled over the other day!  She still loves to cuddle on my chest :)  Ahhh growing up too fast! She looks different already!!

Day With the Neighbors

On Monday, we had had a playdate with Erin and her two younger boys, Danny and Jonathon.  After ten minutes of Abbey trying to run into the road, we decided to head to Breitbeck.  The kids love it there.  Below is Adam pretending he's in jail.  He loves to play that game.

This picture is too much...Adam loves Jonathon because he will do wild boy stuff with him!

Adam, let me take a picture.  FINE, Mom.  Love the face.

Tell me this picture isn't hilarious!  Daniel is pretty serious for his age and he gets worked up.  It's hilarious because Adam is the opposite.  Most things roll off his shoulders.

Danny wanted a serious picture with his brother.  This was the compromise.  Ellie slept the whole time.  Erin and I got to talk while the kids played.  Both my kids tried to escaper for a walk, so I took them all for one.

OK, this is RARE!

She rolled over when I got closer.  DIfferent perspective of Abbey.  By an hour and a half and a box of Munchkins later, the kids wanted to leave.  Everyone was sweaty, so we decided to meet at Oak Hill.  She went home first because her kids wanted bathing suits...so I stopped and got my kids ice cream first!

We got there first and Adam was excited.  Abbey decided she wanted the swings and when I told her she had to wait until Mrs. T. got there, she had a tantrum.  FInally I told her she could stay with me or sit in the car.  She chose the car for about 20 minutes then came and joined us and had a blast!  I had to drag her out of it.  All and all, a good day.  Nice to spend time with Erin and her kids.

Ellie's Second Week

This was Miss Ellie at eight days old.  Pretty girl.

A visit from Bethany and Brianna...brought yummy enchiladas.  Todd's request.  They are really good!

And handmade personalized cupcakes...so cute!  Ellie Cakes!

Adam ate his before I could get a picture.

Ellie's monkey.  I meant to take her picture with it each month.. Missed month one already!!

And Sarah came by.  We had pizza for lunch and she cuddled Ellie.  On the day Ellie turned two weeks old, I took her for her formal photos.  Those two weeks flew by....

Summer Is Underway

 Last Friday, the kids were bouncing off the walls.  It's summer, so I herded them into the car to find something to do.  We got Happy Meals in Fulton and then drove up to Clay so I could get lunch at Panera and then find a playground.  The school across from Target had a playground, but I couldn't get to it.  So I decided to head to the Volney playground.  But as I stopped at Tammy's for emergency bathroom use (Yeah, enough said on the family blog), the rain started.  Sigh.  I drove to Oswego, praying for it to stop so that I wouldn't end up at the McDonald's.  And it did.  I took them over to Trinity because I knew I could pull the car right up close as Miss Ellie slept.  Abbey was happy to go down the wet slide, which made Adam happy.  He wanted it dry!  And the swings!  She loves those.  We stayed an hour until Abbey took off and didn't come back so I told her we had to leave.  You know, usual Abbey.

 Say hi to Ellie!

 On Sunday, we went up to the cottage.  It was the first trip since I had Ellie were I didn't feel stress.  The kids had a blast, especially when Daddy sprayed them with the hose while he was working on getting rid of a wasp's nest under the dock.  This was my view while taking care of Ellie inside.  It's always so relaxing there.

Quinten Turns 8

When Ellis was three weeks old,, I attempted my first outing with three kids and no Todd to Quinten's eighth birthday party.  (Pretty nuts ...I remember his baby shower like it was yesterday!). I hired a mother's helper...Brianna...to go with me.  One of my better ideas as it turns out.  It made all the difference!  She's really good with the kids....Abbey's tantrums don't even phase her....and she's naturally a very helpful person.  And she went in the pool with the kids....Adam headed right in, but it was cold and he got out.  Poor kid was walking around with goosebumps and I didn't even realize it!  Abbey found a float she loved...but got out when she heard 'pizza', she was on it!  Adam didn't eat pizza, chips or cake.  Just ice cream...I think he had the cold I had for two weeks.  Nothing like a girl loving her pizza...

Mrs. C. offered to hold Ellie for a while.  Look how tiny she is!  That's Annaleise on her Daddy's lap.

Brianna with Abbey.  She was so excited.  She'd get in, then out and run around throwing stuff in.

Birthday boy getting ready to jump in!

Adam spent awhile in the sun room playing with the toys, warming up.  He LOVED the pinball machine in there.  Just as we were about to leave, he warmed up to the idea of getting back into the pool.  Typical Adam!  Both kids hit at the pinata, but were inside when it broke.  Brianna was nice enough to collect bags of candy for them.  The whole thing went way better than I expected.  I think because Ellie is more laid back than I expected.  Meaning she doesn't implode if I don't feed her every two hours :)  Nice to celebrate another year with Quinten.  He's very sweet and considerate, thoughtful and kind.  He's also ALL BOY which Adam LOVES!  How time flies.  Seems like I was just writing about his seventh birthday....

First Week Home

I got home Friday afternoon and was happy to see Adam and Abbey.  I was OK.  Tired.  Wasn't sure how the kids would be.  But from moment one, Adam was OK with baby Ellie.  Maybe a teeny bit of jealousy here or there but not much.  He's been in love with her.  The next day I told Todd to go to work as he was stressed out from everything he got behind on during the week.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but Ellie slept a lot during the day.  The biggest challenge, and still is, preventing the other two from going hog wild while I'm feeding her.  So, tell me this photo above isn't adorable.  Adam wanted to hold her that day and he did so well.  He doesn't get upset when she cries.   He goes shhhhh shhhh like an adult.  It's heartwarming.  He wanted me to turn on Madagascar for her this day.  So cute.  He held her for like 20 minutes.  Erin and Abby ran over that day, too to see her.  Erin just LOVES babies!

Daddy with his three kids.  Yeah, that's a bottle of milk in Abbey's hands.  We FINALLY cut the cord on July 4, Todd calling it her Independence Day.  For the last 2 years, it's just been the one before bed. but she has LOVED it.

On Sunday, Grandma Kathy came by with cupcakes for the kids.  She wanted them to help her frost them, but Adam wasn't into it.  Abbey helped.  She stayed a lot of the afternoon.  I took a nap.  I was exhausted.  I had Ellie with me.  I was so tired.  Still am.  The very biggest challenge of this whole three kid thing!  She stayed so long, I woke up and sat with her while Todd took his turn at a nap!

 This is six day old Ellie.  She was sleeping only in her swing.  Love this photo.

 My Favorite.

 A visit from Tammy later that day (Memorial Day, by the way).

 And Jackie came by on Tuesday at seven days old and brought some AMAZING Canale's ziti that fed me all week!  Isn't this a pretty picture?

 My little Eleanor awake and alert.  Eight days old. Wednesday morning while Adam went back to school after a week and half off. I took this while Grandma Kathy was here to take Abbey to story hour, which she really enjoyed.  She came back and took her that Friday, too, while Adam was at school.

And I just love this photo.  I mean, Abbey has a way of making me smile!

Before I knew, it Ellie was EIGHT DAYS OLD!  I found that I was less stressed than I had expected.  Ellie actually sleeps through Abbey's tantrums.  Who knew.  Actually Abbey was doing to that point.  Then it sunk it that Ellie was staying....