tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172767482024-03-23T12:52:26.079-05:00Carpe DiemAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816929643644946388noreply@blogger.comBlogger461125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-12417029579912228482021-10-28T11:11:00.005-05:002021-10-28T11:12:01.454-05:00Sloan is 3!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNqVZ0LTnsCD17fnKN9hmMZCotx4ja8u0-nJqw1F5MZbLeXN0k-ZmAQ1wvA5eR4-v3S8KreKFDFauTp5DUC-uOcUUBxpjUEeUYFjnLWj3wt0u3VTtg9VzO4nJ-8ZjUE8B7F0WSA/s4032/Sloan+3+years+old.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNqVZ0LTnsCD17fnKN9hmMZCotx4ja8u0-nJqw1F5MZbLeXN0k-ZmAQ1wvA5eR4-v3S8KreKFDFauTp5DUC-uOcUUBxpjUEeUYFjnLWj3wt0u3VTtg9VzO4nJ-8ZjUE8B7F0WSA/w203-h271/Sloan+3+years+old.jpg" width="203" /></a></div> Dear Sloan,<p></p><div class="Ar Au Ao" id=":ys"><div aria-label="Message Body" aria-multiline="true" class="Am Al editable LW-avf tS-tW tS-tY" g_editable="true" hidefocus="true" id=":yo" role="textbox" spellcheck="false" style="direction: ltr; min-height: 240px;" tabindex="1"><div>Yesterday we celebrated your third birthday! We had a party with the three friends from school who you talk about the most (Isla, Adell, and Piper), and you were really excited for cupcakes and gifts. When they got to our house you went outside yelling and thrilled for their presence. We got you a doorway swing/hammock contraption, and you've already done several flips. You were also given a big girl bicycle, and I anticipate you learning to ride it quickly. </div><div><br /></div><div>You love going places, and last week when given the choice on different days you wanted to "run errands" and wanted to go to Costco instead of going home. You enjoy going to childcare at the gym and "playing with friends" while I "exercise." One day you ran into the childcare room and exclaimed "I'm here" as if they had all been waiting for you. You're the most social and friendly (and brave) child on the playground and befriend children so easily. You love babies and are so quick to notice them and their pacis or crying. People continue to be amazed by your climbing skills and general athleticism. Last summer you climbed a tree in a neighbor's yard and got up pretty high. Then you were swinging on a branch and saying "wahoo" and "I'm strong!" Unfortunately you then fell face first. You cried for maybe a minute (and way less hard than when you have a tantrum), and then you wriggled out of my arms and said "do it again. Go away" because you don't like it when I try to spot you. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKY_Wv9tHAArMD9mfCgBcCMp-Y_pPF2dyR8E4jEFV774dP9_e8-4p5cad7Uvt9CwXGV0J4NXwWnfIaLN2Rl4jVBE4wfjSs_WULwUS-I2OguSQxdpPQWRexLHVoH_NVZeC3lCapZQ/s4032/Sloan+2021+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKY_Wv9tHAArMD9mfCgBcCMp-Y_pPF2dyR8E4jEFV774dP9_e8-4p5cad7Uvt9CwXGV0J4NXwWnfIaLN2Rl4jVBE4wfjSs_WULwUS-I2OguSQxdpPQWRexLHVoH_NVZeC3lCapZQ/w185-h247/Sloan+2021+park.jpg" width="185" /></a></div><div>You have changed so much in the last few weeks. You've added a LOT of words to your repertoire and are communicating so well; several people have noticed it, and the other night when you and Ella Kate were bathing together EK exclaimed "Sloan is telling me exactly what she means. She's doing SO good." We all love hearing your thoughts.</div><div><br /></div><div>Your typical day begins when we get you out of your crib at 7:30, and you have about 20 minutes to eat and visit with Jackson and Ella Kate and then we take her to school. Both Jackson and Ella Kate love to be the one to wake you up. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you go to MDO from 9-2 and enjoy your friends and your longtime teacher Bertha May. On the other days we often visit the gym and the park and run errands. You love going to the Discovery Museum, and Gan and Poppy just gave us another zoo membership so you'll love visiting it again too. You love going to any playground, riding your bike, swinging outside. playing with Myla or the Clark girls, feeding the birds, and basically being active. Your nap is around 1:45, and I wake you about 2 hours later. I love cuddling with you after your nap while you eat a snack and I sing songs or read books. You like it when Daddy does a "launch" of you onto the bed or makes a slide with a blanket for you to play on. Bedtime is at 8:00, but sometimes I hear you talking or singing almost an hour later. For a while we heard you belting out "Let It Go" from your crib. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVZ_3NsufyqRmM1_E5ac_8Gh6gvNPg8EqCKvHqDuFVCe8xkea4pwOXr0dbILY237dput_FbKeWOnGXWYa91YagtDy1EwCnGmx_O3CqdzqfyTrMXXq4MvvdHgnFQ1vfgZSHGM62g/s4032/Sloan+2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVZ_3NsufyqRmM1_E5ac_8Gh6gvNPg8EqCKvHqDuFVCe8xkea4pwOXr0dbILY237dput_FbKeWOnGXWYa91YagtDy1EwCnGmx_O3CqdzqfyTrMXXq4MvvdHgnFQ1vfgZSHGM62g/w143-h205/Sloan+2021.jpg" width="143" /></a></div><br />Yep, you're still in your crib. You sleep in a sleep sack and have never tried to climb out during your sleeping times, although you can definitely remove your sleep sack and could climb out if you wanted. We need to try potty training again soon and have a well visit Friday; I"ll bet you're still 90% for height.</div><div><br /></div><div>Recently you have begun enjoying more sedentary activities for more than 5 minutes too--play doh, kinetic sand, crafting, painting, and some imaginative play with baby dolls and Little People. This last summer you enjoyed avidly watching the diving team at the pool. You could sit and watch for 30 minutes at a time. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jSWlCbWqJGhXsqmfeE2i5NHCp8bTZVrhXS9PezEk_Gd1D4d8nuipMmf5EQpN8rkAWUy_Rd3Oj24Kg6BHkxshKsKhCWAvPinUOdON1dcGVi47k_Ug6tMJq7hwE-4SdN9wKB14ew/s4032/Sloan+bike+2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jSWlCbWqJGhXsqmfeE2i5NHCp8bTZVrhXS9PezEk_Gd1D4d8nuipMmf5EQpN8rkAWUy_Rd3Oj24Kg6BHkxshKsKhCWAvPinUOdON1dcGVi47k_Ug6tMJq7hwE-4SdN9wKB14ew/w150-h200/Sloan+bike+2021.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>The pandemic continues on, and you've been exposed to Covid twice in the last few months and had to quarantine for 8 days. We can't visit your beloved library anymore because it requires 2 year olds and above to wear a mask, and you just can't keep one on. Otherwise life is going on pretty much as "normal," and you're here for it! We are excited for your third year and love seeing you grow and your personality develop. We love you so much, Sloany.</div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Love,</div><div><br /></div><div>Mama</div></div></div>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-22721321005169780512020-12-07T22:21:00.001-05:002020-12-07T22:21:08.130-05:00Sloan is Two!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFz-Ir1Hes2agf8RoqSB4U6sQCX60vJyz-niA4OEt8T6gg5n3ggKel9-UOccRjyU0VlXF2iSzz9Q9iqqaaSuNkjfoEuDDSt0C1MqMlA5Ehyphenhyphennfk_51IqXN1YhOh0p7PKYTkD8oqtA/s2048/Renaissance+Park+Mini+Session-+The+Roberts+Family-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFz-Ir1Hes2agf8RoqSB4U6sQCX60vJyz-niA4OEt8T6gg5n3ggKel9-UOccRjyU0VlXF2iSzz9Q9iqqaaSuNkjfoEuDDSt0C1MqMlA5Ehyphenhyphennfk_51IqXN1YhOh0p7PKYTkD8oqtA/w133-h198/Renaissance+Park+Mini+Session-+The+Roberts+Family-13.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear</span> Sloan,<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sweet girl, you are actually 25 months now, and I am so glad
to finally be writing this snapshot of what you’re like at this age. You are
remarkably physical and so adept at climbing, scooting, running, and kicking a
soccer ball. This summer I had a child at the park run over and exclaim in fear
“Your baby is climbing the ladder,” and I replied “I know! That’s her 100<sup>th</sup>
time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You love to be challenged physically
and are brave and fearless. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This summer
you would jump straight into the pool and run straight into the waves. We let the
waves knock you down once, hoping it would deter you, but you just laughed and
carried on.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Daddy took you and Ella Kate to Coolidge Park recently, and
he was amazed by how far up a tree you could climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You love big slides, and the park really is
one of your happy places. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You particularly
like it when Ella Kate pushes you in the big kid swings because she does an “underdog”
and pushes you entirely too high. The first time she did it, I was so afraid,
and you smiled and laughed so big, enjoying every minute. Speaking of laughing,
your laugh is amazing. It is one of the best things about you, and it seems to come
from you so deeply inside of you. Ella Kate is a pro at getting you to laugh. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Xoe1gxpBY2zm0bzS-cVmKY4bRbNv3YjEcO4HiBPNcHpMkLda9Z8B9Lso-X_pxfQmiqsqFQraq5J6Mtl9333W1K75WHxFeB-4vZLjWzSaRI31F6HH1LOJ9CudSCRDtGyd8KpKUw/s2048/Sloan+soccer+fall+2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Xoe1gxpBY2zm0bzS-cVmKY4bRbNv3YjEcO4HiBPNcHpMkLda9Z8B9Lso-X_pxfQmiqsqFQraq5J6Mtl9333W1K75WHxFeB-4vZLjWzSaRI31F6HH1LOJ9CudSCRDtGyd8KpKUw/w150-h200/Sloan+soccer+fall+2020.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Being outdoors is your preference, and you absolutely loved
your first trip to Woodland. Your favorite part may have been the 4-wheeler
rides. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You also get to ride in the
bicycle trailer Daddy bought, and as long as the rides aren’t too long, you
really enjoy that too. You got a Strider balance bike for your birthday, and you
are enjoying it. You’ve been riding a scooter since you were about 14 months
old, and you’re so good at it. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You like knocking down towers that we create and you laugh
every time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have a few favorite books,
and you used to cry when Brown Bear Brown Bear would end. Now you’ll bring me a
favorite book and pat where you want to me to sit down. You also will say “doh”
and get a cutting board/mat and head to the table when you want to do Play Doh.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You love Bertha “May” your Mother’s Day Out teacher for the
last year, and now you even run for the door to head to MDO saying “May, May.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bertha May is so sweet, and I am so very thankful
you enjoy MDO so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your friend and
our neighbor Isla is in your class, and in fact, her name was one of your first
words ever.<br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUuG9tqieVrT0AN2OfVEGIQhrr543sX4dXbnMbFSmyEyahiAk-CNyDpW4o2ob1vPGk54FQ06s0JW9CgkoCPO69qlaHYOajfDGcbGXMm18is3oFp21nylzgNXdRFNb3tMx1A2XaQ/s4032/Sloan+fall+2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUuG9tqieVrT0AN2OfVEGIQhrr543sX4dXbnMbFSmyEyahiAk-CNyDpW4o2ob1vPGk54FQ06s0JW9CgkoCPO69qlaHYOajfDGcbGXMm18is3oFp21nylzgNXdRFNb3tMx1A2XaQ/w148-h200/Sloan+fall+2020.jpg" width="148" /></a>You’re saying a few phrases now, and it’s so fun to hear.
Ella Kate was upset one day and you came <br />over to her, patted her back, and asked
over and over “What happened?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another
morning Daddy came into your room alone to get you out of your crib, and you
said “Where’s Bubba?” Bubba is your nickname for Jackson, but you can now say
Jackson very clearly. In fact, a few weeks ago you were on the tire swing and
you yelled very loudly across the entire park “Jackson! Ella Kate!” as if you
were summoning them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You love it when
Jackson takes you upstairs to his room or when he takes you outside.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-EWlVuhAWVQDeMrr489BhjFwAV0sJZDJrJKUBKmNXte8ZtE2RB2njN3wcd9i0WW6DuZ9kHdSeQEACI20or64bb51Rnw77OE0JRaYL57TqoJrLLeStp1IGpgiToxcIO1gQ0MEPw/s1924/Sloan+HHI+2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1924" data-original-width="1443" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-EWlVuhAWVQDeMrr489BhjFwAV0sJZDJrJKUBKmNXte8ZtE2RB2njN3wcd9i0WW6DuZ9kHdSeQEACI20or64bb51Rnw77OE0JRaYL57TqoJrLLeStp1IGpgiToxcIO1gQ0MEPw/w150-h200/Sloan+HHI+2020.jpg" width="150" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You are a wonderful sleeper, and we usually get you out of
your crib around 7-7:15. If you wake earlier, you’re content to be in your crib
and “talk” until we get you. You sleep in a sleep sack and with your puppy or bunny,
and you love to suck your thumb. Remarkably, you still only suck it when you
have a lovey or are in the carseat for a while. You nap around 1:30 until I
wake you up at 3:30. You love your nap sleep, but when you were younger we
learned that you would nap as much as we let you and then want to sing and talk
in the middle of the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bedtime is
at 8:00. We sing a song to you every night (Dear Jesus) and give you your
lovey, and you’re always happy to go to bed. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">This last year was pretty eventful for you with chronic ear infections, including an ear infection that was staph and required two oral antibiotic and two days of shots. I am so glad we were able to get tubes for you and that since then you've barely been sick at all. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You are a pretty good eater and seem to like grazing, and
when you’re finished at the dinner table, you start throwing your food. Right
now, you love to eat pouches with fruit and veggies, chicken noodle soup,
homemade energy balls, your morning “bar” (Nutrigrain bar), smoothies, and yogurt.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Your personality is really starting to shine, and it is
delightful to see. You like having my lap all to yourself and often push your
siblings as hard as you can to move them out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With the pandemic that began last March, you have had so many changes.
You were used to having me all to yourself during the school day, and then
suddenly Jackson and Ella Kate were home all the time (and never leaving) and
then needing constant help with virtual school (and on their Ipads which you
wish you badly you could have but you aren’t allowed to touch).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure you also missed our playdates and
trips to the parks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With you only being
one year old at the time, it was beyond your understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we finally broke strict quarantine and
began playing outside with the Clarks, you entire face lit up with excitement.
It was so precious to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You also
began to love to be held by Laurahelen and wanted her attention as much as
possible.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dT0GF0XDB6hBUouexIgR0NNsx4scFz-IyH5xzPISrdk9g8KRHG6CrLSRuxtJidsMvU6WJQAV5_SQz35kHoJaKluIxAVws6yZsSdglpTsM-eonwuNFB7jUKakj1u7eVqcEwER0g/s2048/Sloan+summer+2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dT0GF0XDB6hBUouexIgR0NNsx4scFz-IyH5xzPISrdk9g8KRHG6CrLSRuxtJidsMvU6WJQAV5_SQz35kHoJaKluIxAVws6yZsSdglpTsM-eonwuNFB7jUKakj1u7eVqcEwER0g/w150-h200/Sloan+summer+2020.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Although the pandemic is still ongoing, we were able to
celebrate your second birthday with a few friends and with some separate family
gatherings and you enjoyed all the sweets. You were so precious trying to blow
out your candles. We are excited for this third year of your life, and we all love
you so much.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Love,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mommy <o:p></o:p></p>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-32362125848901101662018-07-16T12:40:00.001-05:002018-07-16T12:40:53.972-05:00Ella Kate is Three!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzJT6qzk-5HM06BqigolYaZUXS99CoF8tC1-SxtSuSOjz2HTuXitWX8wkOEW0NBCESsSu011wguha4UZwWbxsxSUPtiRwcjVW1oKceFLiSkUMhlpspLOWsdTYRuwTv9hygFdggw/s1600/ek+christmas+at+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzJT6qzk-5HM06BqigolYaZUXS99CoF8tC1-SxtSuSOjz2HTuXitWX8wkOEW0NBCESsSu011wguha4UZwWbxsxSUPtiRwcjVW1oKceFLiSkUMhlpspLOWsdTYRuwTv9hygFdggw/s320/ek+christmas+at+3.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dear precious Ella Kate, </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br />
We just celebrated your third birthday, and I've thought so much about how good God is to bless our family with you. You bring so much life and fun to our family. Your grandparents asked what to give you for your birthday, and I told them that you like doing things more than toys and suggested gymnastic classes and a trip to Chuck E Cheese. You received both, and you immensely enjoyed your first "him-nas-tic" class.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</div>
Your third birthday party was a water party with sprinklers, water balloons, and a plastic pool with a slide. You love the water and the beach, and of course, you love cupcakes too. You asked for my little ponies to be your party decor.</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
You're such an interesting child. You can be so fearless, yet you still cry almost every Sunday when I leave you for Sunday School. You'll start preschool this fall and go on Tuesday and Thursday from 9-2. I pray you will enjoy it and adjust well. </div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAn8ktxR0QPfeXH9BcBhHob4cuXNozxpNB3mxBcGwNDvbTBuURsiFIqOF_CaFNTMkAkbJImDEWupDD8KTzVHz5QP1nOBMluuEfcszU2kfSfgxwWlUQGqQrFvlTDslBpuyHJJdfTw/s1600/ek+38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1255" data-original-width="1041" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAn8ktxR0QPfeXH9BcBhHob4cuXNozxpNB3mxBcGwNDvbTBuURsiFIqOF_CaFNTMkAkbJImDEWupDD8KTzVHz5QP1nOBMluuEfcszU2kfSfgxwWlUQGqQrFvlTDslBpuyHJJdfTw/s320/ek+38.jpg" width="265" /></a><br /><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
You speak so clearly for your age, enunciating each word; so many people notice this about you. You can also be very dramatic. On occasion you break our get-out-of-bed without an emergency rule, and you'll declare "But mama, I'm SO frightened." </div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
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You are a rule pusher and bender. You can spot a loophole a mile away, and you are not afraid to use it. You may have gotten that from me! You're clever, and you keep us on our toes. You're a fast runner, a good climber, and pretty tough. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTB8keA2nuLUMPCkmdmHkp-vx0n23BXD-va5sx-yoO-3R2CGcJ2bOo-1itahkTnRCNU_c7MnvC1sYch_GoNx2C8P34syD3ZgJCi6CoK8uyhBrrzFMDxJvGn_EVfr7dBUxEbYzmQ/s1600/ek+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTB8keA2nuLUMPCkmdmHkp-vx0n23BXD-va5sx-yoO-3R2CGcJ2bOo-1itahkTnRCNU_c7MnvC1sYch_GoNx2C8P34syD3ZgJCi6CoK8uyhBrrzFMDxJvGn_EVfr7dBUxEbYzmQ/s200/ek+3.jpg" width="200" /></a>You love to eat, and we have no idea where you put all of the food that you consume! You're so petite, but it is not uncommon for you to out-eat me at a meal.<br />
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You gave your beloved pacis to Campbell this spring, and we were so proud of you! The transition went really well given your deep affection for your "pap pap."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGd0B0BZ-U-cK7ioozU80r9VBT7rJT2cH_kncVlB_cqxhaXLCyjL1QGwCeLC88SAz8krLFFn4Lup8UW4Ve149ZoOPJ5dksN2DfggkHbmI8B20XWA_kt1R7g5ZAQg5VdvacYvmaQ/s1600/ek+37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGd0B0BZ-U-cK7ioozU80r9VBT7rJT2cH_kncVlB_cqxhaXLCyjL1QGwCeLC88SAz8krLFFn4Lup8UW4Ve149ZoOPJ5dksN2DfggkHbmI8B20XWA_kt1R7g5ZAQg5VdvacYvmaQ/s200/ek+37.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Highlights of this past year include you being a flower girl in Bess (your favorite babysitter) and Barrett's wedding. You especially loved the reception and dancing and said "I want to stay at this party ALL NIGHT LONG." But we didn't because you needed your sleep! You also transitioned so well to your big girl bed that your Daddy made for you. <br />
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We hope your third year is wonderful and love you so much.<br />
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Love,<br />
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Your Mommy<br />
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p.s. Ella Kate just turned 5, so I figured I better finish this half written letter. It's a good thing I email myself notes about her as the year progresses :)</div>
Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-49907141416547130892018-01-12T10:01:00.001-05:002018-01-12T10:01:26.772-05:00Jackson is Four!Dear Jackson,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidy1U7m5SbXuPcpIb2UejzcRx-FjYjWHFljkJ4qWbBbK1zDFy1KU9DXlIPnERTz2YwGvF9JSgfHl9Mhyphenhyphenu2PTNZQg4n8xDmZQu30EJ58GPSiCShKCEnf6uOy8BShfrlntw2IQzpww/s1600/kiddos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidy1U7m5SbXuPcpIb2UejzcRx-FjYjWHFljkJ4qWbBbK1zDFy1KU9DXlIPnERTz2YwGvF9JSgfHl9Mhyphenhyphenu2PTNZQg4n8xDmZQu30EJ58GPSiCShKCEnf6uOy8BShfrlntw2IQzpww/s320/kiddos.jpg" width="320" /></a>You seem so tall these days, but you're still at 50th percentile for height and weight. This year you had specific requests for your birthday: you wanted a bounce house party with no big kids and a Spiderman cake. Our neighbors gave us a bounce house, so it was easy to accommodate your party request. It's funny that you wanted a Spiderman cake because you are completely uninterested in Spiderman otherwise; your request was probably a result of Grandma showing you cakes on Pinterest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rlnR-80LfD2j4bKGToiUn6iJAzxwxNilG-jNDOsPrmPC2NdWzE8dwsscFRiuPj7HLhVcShkmMnbuoV3oc-1mFIaQ73qbXNxE7roA0wnYW_pfMiMbagJX4sTRQ7zlVkFo97ndPg/s1600/Jackson+cupcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rlnR-80LfD2j4bKGToiUn6iJAzxwxNilG-jNDOsPrmPC2NdWzE8dwsscFRiuPj7HLhVcShkmMnbuoV3oc-1mFIaQ73qbXNxE7roA0wnYW_pfMiMbagJX4sTRQ7zlVkFo97ndPg/s320/Jackson+cupcake.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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We enrolled you in preschool last fall because we thought you would enjoy it, and to our surprise and disappointment, you really didn't like it. You never cried and didn't have separation anxiety, but you told me several times that you didn't like school and would rather be with Ella Kate and me. After a month of preschool you woke up screaming one morning, and when I went to your room you couldn't open your eyes. I tried a warm compress and even prying your eyes open, but you kept crying. It was terrible. After 10 minutes and a quick google search, I said "Jackson, if you don't want to go to school today, you don't have to go." And voila! Your eyes opened. And that was enough for us to withdraw you from preschool since we were only sending you for fun (and hadn't been crazy about your teachers either). This fall you and Ella Kate will both go to preschool at a more low-key church preschool, and we pray it will be a better fit. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKie0rN18uVQ93eXodFNG2icCvHuNXL7fSKcOm17_O8DFwEuYHr7bJn33A8Tv3_m6JaYCwIP9CRDAi2YgPbHUcMbwarlC5ZbgbfJJkB4NT9g1NYeA_5Q5Zq9gd6eScOn2kbx39iQ/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKie0rN18uVQ93eXodFNG2icCvHuNXL7fSKcOm17_O8DFwEuYHr7bJn33A8Tv3_m6JaYCwIP9CRDAi2YgPbHUcMbwarlC5ZbgbfJJkB4NT9g1NYeA_5Q5Zq9gd6eScOn2kbx39iQ/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I asked you a few questions as I was writing this and here's some favorites:<br />
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Favorite color: red<br />
Favorite friend: Betsy<br />
Favorite things to do: Eat ice cream and play outside<br />
Favorite food: broccoli<br />
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Just FYI, I do not think broccoli is your favorite food, and there are many desserts you would choose over ice cream :) When asked "what do you want to do when you grow up?" you have recently been saying that you want to be a "daddy." When asked "where will you work?" you have responded "Kentucky" since your father worked there so much during his training. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNCOpI3fUCQUG7ahLdViu5uke9C3nOHUhEt92ysfDIvQX8LM7jxx8_JNpzAND0AipGjs_L-5fWZ4RP9_bMOf1jx2qtlRgP1XjStvwbBp7uF_onnrZIX-Aw26ouAixfqANbkkwSQ/s1600/IMG_5820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNCOpI3fUCQUG7ahLdViu5uke9C3nOHUhEt92ysfDIvQX8LM7jxx8_JNpzAND0AipGjs_L-5fWZ4RP9_bMOf1jx2qtlRgP1XjStvwbBp7uF_onnrZIX-Aw26ouAixfqANbkkwSQ/s320/IMG_5820.JPG" width="256" /></a>You continue to love your sister, animals, continents, and to bring us all so much joy. You're very smart and know much more about animals than the typical 4 year old (or adult for that matter). You are in a Sunday School class with your teacher Ms. Jan and love playing with your sister and friends. Ms. Jan called a bird a "parrot" one day in Sunday School, and you told her it was actually a macaw. You can be so precise.<br />
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We love you very much,<br />
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Mommy<br />
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p.s. I figured I better publish this since Jackson will be 6 in less than a month :)<br />
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<br />Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-80040122220049348752015-11-20T09:43:00.001-05:002015-11-20T09:43:45.509-05:00Rediscovering My Love of MusicBefore I had children music was one of my great loves. When I was in high school I was obsessed with Pearl Jam, finding bootleg concert CDs in Oxford, England and pushing my way into its mosh pit in Charlotte. Every season of my life is marked by a song or two, and when I hear the particular song, I'm taken back so quickly. In the last three years, I guess I just haven't found the space to explore and enjoy new artists (or even old ones). Last Saturday night my husband and I went to a concert of an artist I had never even heard of until recently. I had only listened to one song pre-concert, so I did not really know what to expect. And wow, it was like rediscovering a part of myself. For almost two hours I sat still and just listened. My favorite song of the night was called "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gs3fg_WsEg">Dancing in the Minefields</a>," and it was the most perfect picture of marriage. I <i>cried. </i>I've never cried the first time I have heard a song, but Andrew Peterson nailed it in this song. It was beautiful to hear my feelings so aptly described in music. And that's a big part of music--hearing your feelings or experience described and shared by another person.<div>
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p.s. I'm grateful for my two children who are playing upstairs (without me).</div>
Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-67441568100344872362015-07-20T18:06:00.000-05:002015-07-20T18:06:41.944-05:00Ella Kate is Two<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TviGQsR6ISj5JfgN987JQ4M25TfdmoofGSKI7yD2leMFPD8fsgvOK2vFWnd9WQ5F1KcP-0wnvNUv5vEBWnPSGWWat4-zJ8V3vuYj9J52TIGjZpMRlZG_B2KsDj6PmiywEJGm4A/s1600/Beach+%2526+Ella+Kate+is+2+382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TviGQsR6ISj5JfgN987JQ4M25TfdmoofGSKI7yD2leMFPD8fsgvOK2vFWnd9WQ5F1KcP-0wnvNUv5vEBWnPSGWWat4-zJ8V3vuYj9J52TIGjZpMRlZG_B2KsDj6PmiywEJGm4A/s200/Beach+%2526+Ella+Kate+is+2+382.JPG" width="200" /></a>Dear Ella Kate,<br />
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You bring so much energy and life to our family, and we were all excited to celebrate your second birthday last weekend. You were so happy all weekend long; I think you like being celebrated and surrounded by family, new toys, and cupcakes.<br />
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There are many things we love about you, and here are a few highlights: you're the best hugger. You wrap your arm tightly around my neck, and despite going at a fast speed most of the time, when you're tired, you cuddle. You seem to make great pains to enunciate each word you say, and you will attempt any word and have for a year now. It's so fun to see someone so little say such big words, and sometimes you speak with such drama like when you say "monster" or "that's terrible mommy." Your giggles and smiles are wonderful. You're really verbal too, especially when your brother isn't around. You're now regularly saying sentences like "It's a sunny day mommy" or "That's funny Jackson."<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccUlvCIJvSvFH9e2gWpiQiCWsHxGh32uzGV_iAhXspcVXOWKkQi6hks0gx6aU4oUXNzDhlLM9iSonVvmZPhUnXnBLIcgkIW1DLNfr2p_FFcKm-_vTxobqqicfLY3k65c1PXEG4g/s1600/ekblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccUlvCIJvSvFH9e2gWpiQiCWsHxGh32uzGV_iAhXspcVXOWKkQi6hks0gx6aU4oUXNzDhlLM9iSonVvmZPhUnXnBLIcgkIW1DLNfr2p_FFcKm-_vTxobqqicfLY3k65c1PXEG4g/s200/ekblog.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
You're still fearless and have joined Jackson for some his firsts (like climbing the ladder on the big kid playground). In fact, you mastered the scooter you guys got for Christmas before he did. Despite not fearing many things or animals, you're cautious when it comes to other humans and take a while to warm up to people. You're also determined and clever. A most recent example is when you pulled a chair into the kitchen and used it to climb onto the counter, so you could open a cabinet to get your pacifier. With two bouts of strep and three ear infections in six months (last winter/spring) plus your eczema, we let you soothe yourself with your pacifier a lot, and you developed a deep affection. In fact, yesterday when I gave your paci "for just one minute" you replied "God bless you." <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgOOV4Rm-2WqHv97QyZzjUarUdi7lCfKB-oZUcrfKvl9MbUIYWfa_M8uvocuVaAa4H33z5FlTX_Kd66u5GmcwsUPzogiGrgtOzYrEBWBHvkyrUWi7Qi5Dj5Iv5nT55L6KZXgleQ/s1600/Beach+%2526+Ella+Kate+is+2+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgOOV4Rm-2WqHv97QyZzjUarUdi7lCfKB-oZUcrfKvl9MbUIYWfa_M8uvocuVaAa4H33z5FlTX_Kd66u5GmcwsUPzogiGrgtOzYrEBWBHvkyrUWi7Qi5Dj5Iv5nT55L6KZXgleQ/s200/Beach+%2526+Ella+Kate+is+2+004.JPG" width="133" /></a><br />
You're a pretty great eater and would be even better if you did not parrot everything your brother does! If he says something is "yucky," you agree without even tasting the offensive food. But you still eat green beans by the handful, drink salsa with a chip, and love almost all fruits. Your voracious appetite is especially cute since you're still very small (although you're well above average in height), and you have a sweet tooth like me. You love swinging ("higher, higher") and are fearless and brave. We were at a birthday party and a neighbor told your cautious brother to "hit the pinata like your sister" because you aren't afraid to whack something and are already showing some athletic aptitude and interest. You like trying to do handstands and flips and love wrestling on the bed with your daddy. You have so much energy; it's a joy to watch you in action.<br />
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You are finally sleeping past 7:00 most mornings, and we had a few mornings recently past 8:00. You like your naps and have even tried to climb into the crib when tired. You nap from 1:30-3:30 or later, and it's not unusual for me to wake you. Bedtime is around 8:30. You sleep with 2 blankets, a soft dolls, and 2 pacis. If I give you more than 2 pacis, it's a problem, and you let me know quickly.<br />
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Jackson is definitely your best friend, and you two play together a lot. You are a good little mama and carry your baby doll around while you bounce her and say "sssh sshhh." You enjoy coloring. You insist on "do it myself" and regularly drag chairs into the kitchen so you can see what I am doing. You're also not phased by spankings and time out and often say "I'm sorry" multiple times a day. You're a strong-willed little girl.<br />
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A few months ago I asked you if I should pray before bed or if you would like to do so, and for the first time you prayed and said "Dear Jeeeeessssuuus, abcdefgh, amen." Needless to say, you bring so much joy and fun to our family, and we are thankful for you.<br />
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Much love,<br />
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Your mommy<br />
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<br />Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-78911025311313354912015-03-13T13:56:00.000-05:002015-03-13T13:56:13.739-05:00Friday FundayI am spending today in a continuing legal education course, so of course, I have no excuse not to blog! Thankfully Nilsa's <a href="http://somispeaks.com/2015/03/13/friday-funday/">Friday Funday</a> provided me with an easy blogging template for the day.<br />
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<b>The highlight of my week</b> was the seven hour break I had yesterday! Both children have been sick and sleeping poorly since Sunday, and I've been exhausted and grumpy. We haven't been able to go anywhere since one or both have had fevers (and I don't want to infect others) and it's been raining most days, so this week has felt loooooong. So I was extra grateful that my in-laws planned a fun day with both children. I had lunch out with Blake, did chores, watched Blue Bloods, got a pedicure, and almost finished my library book. Lovely!<br />
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<b>The low point of my week</b> was just seeing how grumpy I get when I don't get good nighttime sleep (so many night wakings) or breaks (because naps were a mess). I love being a stay at home mom, but man, it's really hard when the kiddos are sick.<br />
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<b>The best book/article I read</b> was the library book I just finished: <u>The Sins of the Father</u> by Jeffrey Archer.<br />
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<b>My favorite photograph I took </b>was snapped with my Iphone (so not that great) of my son wearing only an apron and underoos, pretending to be a baker.<br />
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<b>This week's workouts</b> were limited to two runs of a little over a mile each plus some walking since I couldn't go to the gym (because kids had fevers). Last week I tried two P90x classes and made it to the gym 3 times! My goal is to be in shape by April 18 since Blake and I have registered for a 5k with friends.<br />
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<b>The best money I spent </b>was on my lunch date yesterday with my husband.<br />
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<b>My weekend plans</b> include a night out with friends tomorrow to celebrate a birthday and check out a new upscale bar and bowling alley. <br />
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p.s. I'm thankful both children seem to finally be fever free!<br />
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<br />Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-78376087792544730802015-02-26T22:21:00.001-05:002015-02-26T22:35:36.652-05:00Jackson is Three!Dear Jackson,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5EfXKCeGW2EBPTIndGJA0O9KX5o6wW98_38BBFcNgR0bYJUI2C1RpboCybHKIUzOqUMktNqCR9pgpmzikjd30cLKlM1Isy0zv2OAOUZLIiieGAg_1HOqf2s4wKRzxxu8YMBqiA/s1600/jackson+cake+candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5EfXKCeGW2EBPTIndGJA0O9KX5o6wW98_38BBFcNgR0bYJUI2C1RpboCybHKIUzOqUMktNqCR9pgpmzikjd30cLKlM1Isy0zv2OAOUZLIiieGAg_1HOqf2s4wKRzxxu8YMBqiA/s1600/jackson+cake+candle.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>You've had an eventful few weeks. A week before your birthday you took a fall down our outside stairs. You busted your lip, bled and cried a lot, and ended up losing one of your two front teeth as a result. You were fully recovered in less than 24 hours, but your father and I needed several more days to feel "normal." You're such a careful and cautious child, so we were especially surprised that you were our first to incur such an injury. While the incident was scary and sad, God's faithful provision for us was so evident. Our neighbor Kate (a former ER nurse) was at our house in under 5 minutes, and within 10 minutes we had a dentist and another nurse looking at your dangling tooth. We received all of that medical care, visited the dentist's office, and were back home in about 45 minutes. That night you went to your first sleepover with your Daddy, the Kean boys, and the Royal boys and had a blast. You were so thrilled to be going despite your injuries, and cabin was all you would say after your nap.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWIjiMjdBx7Oni29AZY8GFDbrUGqqxhNKXVyMWNR4CwpbVg9bs8TOKR5RxkYUJ1Aq7hvA4ofZBfXqSJEw7F2pXJ-nLiqhh5a62Ls1sjJMwC70gu8DHM1GzLfnQl0BkazUkE007A/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWIjiMjdBx7Oni29AZY8GFDbrUGqqxhNKXVyMWNR4CwpbVg9bs8TOKR5RxkYUJ1Aq7hvA4ofZBfXqSJEw7F2pXJ-nLiqhh5a62Ls1sjJMwC70gu8DHM1GzLfnQl0BkazUkE007A/s1600/family.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
The word your Dad and I still use most often when talking about you is "joy." You are so kind and loving, and the Lord is using you to teach me about what His love should look like. Pretty incredible since you're only 3. For example, last night we went grocery shopping together. The bakery gives children free cookies, and your first question to the bakery lady was "Can I have a cookie for Ella Kate too?" (since she wasn't with us). When I put some broccoli in our cart you said "thank you for getting my broccoli mommy." If I hand you a water when we're in the car, before you'll even take a sip you tell me that "Ella Kate needs a water too." You almost always think of her before yourself. You are also an encouragement to us saying things like "Ella Kate, I like your new dress;" "You're a good mama;" or "Great job" when I'm helping with a puzzle. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTwu1tSFu6aAJIVAI5gL19ByKe9gshGNbZov0U7YPzUiaUbxXj0BCbR2aKWK7MSe4LPrEZb7Def0EIYmfq-2eE6mJE8BAojUyvoq8C6tUq6cADyyRnTd2y9EfEXq-PlLzmNH26A/s1600/famkly2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTwu1tSFu6aAJIVAI5gL19ByKe9gshGNbZov0U7YPzUiaUbxXj0BCbR2aKWK7MSe4LPrEZb7Def0EIYmfq-2eE6mJE8BAojUyvoq8C6tUq6cADyyRnTd2y9EfEXq-PlLzmNH26A/s1600/famkly2.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>You love people and notice every little thing. For example, if you see someone for the first time in 6 weeks, and they're not wearing their glasses or Livestrong bracelet, you want to know where the missing item is. Animals are some of your favorite toys, and thanks to your Grandma, you probably have about 100 very well-made animals, a stable/barn, and lots of wooden fencing. You often say that the horses are your favorite, and they all have names--Traveler, Sandy, Valentine, etc. <br />
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Your typical day begins between 6:45 and 7:15. You wake up and quietly stay in your bed until we come to get you. I rely on our video monitor to know when you've woken. You've only ever gotten out of your "big boy bed" one time after a nap or night time sleep. You're such an obedient child. Most mornings we watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (because it's Ella Kate's favorite) in my and daddy's bed for a little while as we wake up, and then we have breakfast. You and Ella Kate usually play for a while, and a lot of days this winter we have just stuck around the house. You are content to just play at home and can be so imaginative with your toys, pretending blocks are cupcakes or necklaces are candy or water for your horses. Other days we may go to the gym, and you often don't want to leave the toys. You still love the Children's Museum and always looked forward to a class called Zumbini that we went to for a few months. You like the library, Publix (free cookies:), and just about any other place we go. You're just easy to please.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuhmO6O_f8ZrV8Vq0qDVLqwFTuGHhhrx-AV2tVBoClw9lw4OJeJUghcne1RWu5YlKfzSfb8agJKbDPDKLaUrc3B_FlN4tKp_IBTzB5EolDu57UxI-KdK4-v3uctsEjBfBDEBlOw/s1600/Jackson's%2BThird%2BBirthday%2B079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuhmO6O_f8ZrV8Vq0qDVLqwFTuGHhhrx-AV2tVBoClw9lw4OJeJUghcne1RWu5YlKfzSfb8agJKbDPDKLaUrc3B_FlN4tKp_IBTzB5EolDu57UxI-KdK4-v3uctsEjBfBDEBlOw/s1600/Jackson's%2BThird%2BBirthday%2B079.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><br />
You like to know what to expect, and most days you eat broccoli, fruit (apple, cantaloupe, and strawberries are the regulars), and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch. You nap from 1:30 until I wake you up around 3:30. We eat an early dinner when your father gets home from work around 5:15, and you like to wrestle with him on the bed, play hide and go seek, and just play. You also like watching television and get to watch a show before bedtime; you almost always choose Dora the Explorer. Bedtime is at 8:30. Either your dad or I pray with you, sometimes read a book, and tuck you in with your blanket and puppy and octopus plus 3 books. Yep, you insist on sleeping with your books. <br />
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You have an exciting year ahead. We started potty training 6 days ago, and you're doing great. We are planning on swimming lessons this spring and maybe soccer too, and this weekend we are registering you for preschool for next fall! We are planning a beach trip for May, and you're going to be so excited. You love pretending to be at the beach and don't remember your first 2 trips since you weren't even 2 years old for either trip. I look forward to experiencing it all with you.<br />
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Much love,<br />
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Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-4312461018941646692015-01-21T22:20:00.004-05:002015-01-21T22:20:41.763-05:00My Old Blog Self :)Over the last few weeks, I've had to look up several things on my blog. Yeah for an easily searchable journal! And tonight I ran across this gem in an old <a href="http://chubbyoldgroundhog.blogspot.com/2006/07/dating-mishaps.html">post</a> about dating mishaps:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">"And from what I have observed, once you have children, stories centering around bodily fluids and functions and sleeping habits become fascinating and appropriate to share with others, even large groups of acquaintances!" </span><br />
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Oops, guilty. Maybe not with large groups of acquaintances, but it's amazing what seems appropriate to talk about when you're living with sleep deprivation at the hands of an infant. Or maybe it doesn't even seem appropriate, but you're so weary, you're not even thinking about what is coming out of your mouth. As I read some of my old posts, it makes me want to write now. I hope I'll have them mental space and desire to do so soon. <br />
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p.s. I'm thankful for the glorious sunshine this week.<br />
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<br />Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-45896049174090135992014-09-29T22:01:00.001-05:002014-09-29T22:01:48.877-05:00A New RoutineThe last time I can remember consistently working out was about the time I started dating my husband Blake. I ran a <a href="http://chubbyoldgroundhog.blogspot.com/2009/05/you-could-be-lucky-winner.html">4 mile road race</a> in May 2009 and about a month later I went to Nicaragua for two weeks and got some sort of intestinal bug that took at least a month or two to go away. Since I got sick every time I ate, I finally quit exercising, and by the time the bug ended I was thinner than usual (lost muscle) and spending the time I'd previously spent at the gym or running with Blake. I didn't mind the trade and loved spending my evenings with him. Over the past few years I've walked a lot, gone to the gym some, but between two pregnancies, the related recovery, and a torn meniscus/surgery, I've not consistently really worked out--meaning the sweaty, fast heartbeat kind of workout that gives me the rush of energy I craved in the past.<br />
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Now that I'm most likely finished birthing babies I've decided it's time to attempt to develop an exercise routine of sorts. So for step one we joined a gym with excellent childcare. Step two is getting my daughter Ella Kate to stay with the strangers in the childcare. Today I ran a mile in 9:40 on the treadmill, which is the furthest I've run since I had part of my meniscus removed in April. And Ella Kate made it 20 minutes with only a few minutes of crying. We gotta start somewhere!<br />
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I'm super motivated by numbers and goals, so I think I'll work up to running a 5k and work on my one mile time. I think a 9 minute mile is a good short term goal. My weight is where I want it to be, and I can wear all of my clothes; but I'm guessing my body fat is not in a healthy range. And I could definitely use some toning. So I've asked a trainer at the gym to test my body fat. Interestingly she said she didn't think numbers mattered and wanted to know why I needed to know my body fat percentage. I explained that I think body fat percentage is much more of a health indicator than weight and that numbers motivate me. <br />
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p.s. I'm thankful for our new gym and the kind childcare workers.Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-48951291306537594342014-09-23T21:55:00.001-05:002014-09-23T21:55:11.120-05:00EsquireSince the beginning of August I've been trying to get a written explanation of the PMI removal process from our current mortgage holder (I won't bore you with the details of why). After speaking with several customer representatives with a poor command of the English language who clearly did not understand the basics of a mortgage, I sent several emails and made several more phone calls. <br />
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Over a month passes with no response to my requests. So I send a final email and just happen to end my email with "Gratefully, Ally R., Esquire." And BOOM! I receive a certified letter, signature required from an assistant vice president on card stock with a real blue ink signature. It never ceases to amaze me how people treat me differently when they learn that I am/was an attorney. <br />
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Before we bought our home, I lived in a loft that had occasional maintenance issues. If I sent an email from my gmail account, I often never received any response whatsoever. I found that if I sent the exact same e-mail from my work email account (a law firm), I would received a response within minutes. This was over the course of years with the same building manager; it's like he didn't remember I was an attorney unless I used the work account, and I guess only attorney tenants deserve responses?<br />
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Oh well, at least my continuing ed and paying dues has some upsides while I don't work.<br />
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p.s. I'm thankful Jackson and I will be able to see my oldest niece play softball tomorrow evening.Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-77479071365544156782014-09-15T14:02:00.002-05:002014-09-15T14:02:52.839-05:00It's OfficialI've lost my mind. On Saturday we met our friends and their three boys at Touch A Truck, which is an annual event here at the Riverpark that includes an array of vehicles (dump trucks, ambulance, bus, street sweeper, etc.) that children are allowed to "drive" and touch. I was holding Ella Kate and realized I didn't see Jackson anywhere. I glanced around and got that anxious feeling I occasionally get at the park when I realize I can't quickly find him. I asked my husband if he saw Jackson, and he and my friend Kate look at me in amazement...and inform me that I'm holding his hand. <br />
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p.s. I'm thankful for fun and relaxing weekends.Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-20635184337754201242014-09-04T21:30:00.005-05:002014-09-04T21:30:55.999-05:00Friday Five<div>
1. This week I had a quick (and rare) lunch at Panera alone. As I placed my order I repeatedly thought I could hear Elmo giggling and talking. As a parent of two young children, I'm familiar enough with Elmo and definitely familiar with phantom cries/sounds (like I imagine I hear a child crying over the fan in our room, but when I check the monitor Jackson is asleep), but I've never quite imagined cartoon sounds. After a few minutes I finally realize a mother has her iPhone in a stand with what must be an Elmo video loudly playing for her child as he eats his lunch. I guess I see how it can help keep your child quiet and to each their own, I suppose, but I was pretty surprised someone would think it was socially acceptable to play a cartoon so loudly that I could hear it across the restaurant. </div>
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2. I've had two girls nights (really just dinner) out in the last two weeks. Tonight the discussion included homeschooling, breastfeeding, prayer requests, and similar topics. Last week was a totally different group of women, and I drank hunch punch for the first time since college and ended up talking about sex. A rare topic of conversation at my age and season of life.</div>
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3. My new goal is to have a date night every other week. We have two dates in the last month under our belt now, so I hope this will become our routine. I believe our marriage needs to be our priority (before our children), but practically I have a hard time actually doing that.</div>
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4. My children had sweet time with their grandparents this week. Jackson would probably live with my mom if he could.</div>
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5. I'm on a real reading kick. A lot of what I'm reading is easy fiction (the Divergent series, for example), but I've got some non-fiction in the line-up too. One of my favorites of the summer was <u>To The End of June</u> by Cris Beam, a non-fiction book about the foster care system. It read easily and opened my eyes to how poorly we're caring for so many children as a society. </div>
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p.s. I'm thankful that I started my day with a walk with my friend Chasie. Happy Friday!</div>
Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-9407722661372017792014-08-26T11:48:00.001-05:002014-08-26T11:49:00.254-05:00These Are The Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the exception of last week when we were in the throes of a very nasty case of Hand, Foot, & Mouth Disease, in the last month I've often thought "these are the days." Our children love and cherish their dad and me, and they love and enjoy each other so much. They want to hold hands and make each other smile. They delight in the smallest things. I just can't imagine a sweeter time. My son seriously believes that when I kiss his head (after he runs into the corner of the counter) it makes it all better. My daughter lights up when she sees me.<br />
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I'm trying to soak up these moments and revel in them instead of some of the challenges of this season. It's incredible how my days currently hold such high highs yet also include such exasperating moments. At the end of the day I often find myself so weary yet reflecting on the goodness of our days together. I just can't imagine a more rewarding way to spend my time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vnaqxB244cUWarATIGBLw2NgIOKq2byNjht6MDLShh7x2JidLs8UOeSfQCyNfbDwWjQIqT7RTw0gnMm4I5XCGLxLjuMBm5gvNevj9EnAASg0viBEXQeVM3Nx0-jXGmHfGM1LYA/s1600/Ella+Kate's%2BFirst%2BBirthday!%2B138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vnaqxB244cUWarATIGBLw2NgIOKq2byNjht6MDLShh7x2JidLs8UOeSfQCyNfbDwWjQIqT7RTw0gnMm4I5XCGLxLjuMBm5gvNevj9EnAASg0viBEXQeVM3Nx0-jXGmHfGM1LYA/s1600/Ella+Kate's%2BFirst%2BBirthday!%2B138.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwrc4zwIsCEUUK88bX2Hc5RIB8zq23svCkkLArn71CuzcU-y1ARVmuYRl05Z_RXC1OIvRd7IW9UP6FTlKK0cR0eTy1gXrGLWr_Qb4iBMok-1LAqOoVueREnE0pzytqBl3HVEAHw/s640/blogger-image--353834726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwrc4zwIsCEUUK88bX2Hc5RIB8zq23svCkkLArn71CuzcU-y1ARVmuYRl05Z_RXC1OIvRd7IW9UP6FTlKK0cR0eTy1gXrGLWr_Qb4iBMok-1LAqOoVueREnE0pzytqBl3HVEAHw/s200/blogger-image--353834726.jpg" width="150" /></a>When I was in high school people often said "these are the best days of your life" and that prospect made me really sad. And it certainly hasn't been true for me. Falling in love with my husband and our year of dating was one of the happiest seasons of my life. And seven years ago, I traveled alone in Europe for six weeks and lounged on beaches in Spain, Greece, Malta, and Portugal. I visited places I had wanted to see for years (parts of Switzerland, Sevilla, Cadiz, Granada) and set my own leisurely pace each day. And now again, I'm somewhat setting my own pace each day, although a needy one year old often sets the tone too. On days like today (when no one is sick<br />
and the sun is shining:) and we take a neighborhood stroll, read books, I teach Ella Kate to kiss Jackson's boo boo and he stops crying, she grins because I give her mandarin oranges, and he's ecstatic because he gets to wear his $5 Old Navy train tee shirt, I think surely these are some of the best days of my life. <br />
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p.s. I am so thankful Ella Kate's rash and blisters are healing.<br />
<br />Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-80752357836720653222014-07-02T15:21:00.001-05:002014-07-02T15:21:33.890-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Watermelon<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFrgdga0aBNPhTj0Nx-eV7YJ2p0-8HJXa48jOapDwJa2xlJ-LcvPBqwjBnE2OpBTINMehg35CXGa5Au6IZN1WyOaFSa4KbvYNVWqAe7bJPeaj6tthWYlU5XuJ1HcJBllm0CnoeQ/s640/blogger-image-1019904629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFrgdga0aBNPhTj0Nx-eV7YJ2p0-8HJXa48jOapDwJa2xlJ-LcvPBqwjBnE2OpBTINMehg35CXGa5Au6IZN1WyOaFSa4KbvYNVWqAe7bJPeaj6tthWYlU5XuJ1HcJBllm0CnoeQ/s640/blogger-image-1019904629.jpg"></a></div>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-55041776271710314662014-06-26T21:26:00.000-05:002014-06-26T21:26:19.737-05:00Ella Kate: One Year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_cZTir7M6FlSRKzI_oPFZDac2fBM-THyyChc0HQGfY9UH2KBlbAJHKYTV8g9MbzXHR0j8qUPoEMUOUifK_ljsLLm7G823-cjGWaX4gXIvMv7pksyPBFJrnMhpGWjgzPOWsvxgg/s1600/EK+Monthly+etc+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_cZTir7M6FlSRKzI_oPFZDac2fBM-THyyChc0HQGfY9UH2KBlbAJHKYTV8g9MbzXHR0j8qUPoEMUOUifK_ljsLLm7G823-cjGWaX4gXIvMv7pksyPBFJrnMhpGWjgzPOWsvxgg/s1600/EK+Monthly+etc+023.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a>Dear Ella Kate,<br />
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You'll be a year old soon, and I wanted to write this to give you a snap shot of your life and personality at this age. We often describe you as fearless and a live-wire. You have so much energy! You've busted your lip four times in the last few weeks as you run around like a bull in a china shop. Speaking of running, you took your first steps on Mother's Day (when you were just 9 months old) and by the time you were 11 months old you were walking 95% of the time. You also say "bird," "dada," "ball," and "bye bye." Today you said "dirt" for the first time, which is fitting because you love playing in the dirt and outside in general.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrhYl-LhUTCrkURS7bm86bIKhGcxdfEmcfhS_KEFHlmHHsTI7jyASxqTE0Y2PWsXZmq_qcs0sHmo7OYfXtHa5d40i6SAtlGI8YZZEqenXzbBThfLSjpFP0t6C916WW3g2QDbWrA/s640/blogger-image--410304504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrhYl-LhUTCrkURS7bm86bIKhGcxdfEmcfhS_KEFHlmHHsTI7jyASxqTE0Y2PWsXZmq_qcs0sHmo7OYfXtHa5d40i6SAtlGI8YZZEqenXzbBThfLSjpFP0t6C916WW3g2QDbWrA/s200/blogger-image--410304504.jpg" width="150" /></a>When you were 9 months old you also began refusing to let us feed you with a spoon. You like to do it yourself and enjoy almost every food, especially green beans and mandarin oranges. Despite being a good eater, you're a peanut which makes your early walking even cuter. You've consistently been 25% for weight and 75% for height at our well visits, and I'd guess you weigh about 18-19 pounds now.<br />
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You rarely sit still unless you're in your high chair or stroller or if we're reading you a book, giving you a bottle, or holding you while standing. You really like being held and walked around and when you're fussy that is usually the solution. You won't sit still for a television program or to cuddle. You love balls and enjoy playing with cars and things you can put in your mouth.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0_qyegLK0DfMpQHfvak-rVSjLYN2pNQ0QteCpGzX9MFtehGaxi7LnepRV8Y1cLQGmaEYNEoF5OQFfMuPRlbQ0J_fnM5s3sI22_R0RAbXkbRM-Cv-ACAzFBao0TtZaEM0CXULpg/s1600/11+months+Fathers+Day+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0_qyegLK0DfMpQHfvak-rVSjLYN2pNQ0QteCpGzX9MFtehGaxi7LnepRV8Y1cLQGmaEYNEoF5OQFfMuPRlbQ0J_fnM5s3sI22_R0RAbXkbRM-Cv-ACAzFBao0TtZaEM0CXULpg/s1600/11+months+Fathers+Day+006.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>Most mornings you wake up around 6:30 or 7:00 (if I'm very lucky:) and after a bottle, you and I (or the whole family) often go on a walk to beat the heat. You enjoy our walks, and I love your company. You're so pleasant early in the morning. We eat breakfast around 8:00, and you usually have fruit and eggs/waffles/zucchini bread/Organic Os. Then you and Jackson play until your nap around 9:30. You usually sleep really deeply, and I wake you at 11:00. After nap we either play, read, sing songs, have a play date, or go to the Discovery Museum or zoo. You love the Discovery Museum, especially all of the climbing things. Your next nap is around 2:30 and lasts until almost 4:00. Sometimes we fit in a quick trip to the museum after nap, run errands, or just play around here. Today we went to the pool, and you liked every minute of it. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIyEYhE0-8g4JKCjI8ujCz866d9NplppZEZE4oLhu5WF9djKhKt_Eaar2kS2pFKKO_cuuLb11TysrO7NYubhUmUqww01ccit4wcMN6BQYzPdbyiMPpXxkFUvJulHfzPOCKQyIQQ/s640/blogger-image-1725158672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIyEYhE0-8g4JKCjI8ujCz866d9NplppZEZE4oLhu5WF9djKhKt_Eaar2kS2pFKKO_cuuLb11TysrO7NYubhUmUqww01ccit4wcMN6BQYzPdbyiMPpXxkFUvJulHfzPOCKQyIQQ/s200/blogger-image-1725158672.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
You adore our plastic kiddie pool and will almost dive into it. You love the bath tub too but refuse to sit still because you like to plop down repeatedly and make splashes. Needless to say you regularly have bruises on your bottom, and we generally bathe you in the kitchen sink. Bedtime is at 7:30 or 8:00 depending on how you've napped, and you always go down easily. You sleep with a paci and would probably keep a paci in your mouth most of the time if I would let you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-joALxO16srO1w1-NEE73dToE0ZFbhvHvOlEQ_HXlZWqn_GYPxbRghMhLj6wRrzhPkEM582hYGT09Zbz2SxfBbnUlrTJlMImCLiuamk95tF6nRoUhJk2ll0vPfKWXlk1BYGHVnQ/s1600/children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-joALxO16srO1w1-NEE73dToE0ZFbhvHvOlEQ_HXlZWqn_GYPxbRghMhLj6wRrzhPkEM582hYGT09Zbz2SxfBbnUlrTJlMImCLiuamk95tF6nRoUhJk2ll0vPfKWXlk1BYGHVnQ/s1600/children.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a>You and your brother enjoy each other so much. This morning when you and I got home from our walk Jackson met us at the door, squealing with excitement and you practically jumped out of the stroller to be with him. Like Jackson, you have the best smile and are often so happy and grinning, especially when your dad, brother, or I come in the room or pay attention to you. Your grin when when we tap your finger with ours and say "ding" is priceless. And you immediately start clapping when I begin singing "If You're Happy and You Know It." Jackson often tries to tickle you, and you giggle the entire time. You're so full of life little girl!<br />
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Oh, how I love having you as my daughter. I've wanted a daughter for so long, and you're an answer to many prayers. I look forward to seeing who you become and doing life with you; our family feels so much more complete with you in it. We're excited to celebrate you & your first year of life next month.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOYOguwkgtbcvvVGtlzrmAYN6_rMafE9CLTeux7zNDSqazemtli0ghHxglXq1GdCBOB29FkgAWdySY1s5dtM6CPhno9hxEB75-Qr0yJnFf_VyLa4O0_CLIYMJ5CvrMp0ICi8RuQ/s1600/ek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOYOguwkgtbcvvVGtlzrmAYN6_rMafE9CLTeux7zNDSqazemtli0ghHxglXq1GdCBOB29FkgAWdySY1s5dtM6CPhno9hxEB75-Qr0yJnFf_VyLa4O0_CLIYMJ5CvrMp0ICi8RuQ/s1600/ek.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a>Love,<br />
your mommy<br />
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p.s. I'm thankful you're mine.<br />
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<br />Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-1597736335151046652014-06-19T09:04:00.001-05:002014-06-19T09:04:22.284-05:00Introversion<br />
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My sophomore year of college I shared an apartment with three girls. It was a hard year for lots of reasons, but after I took the Myers Briggs test during my spring semester I discovered one of the reasons I was pretty unhappy. The test said I was an <a href="https://www.personalitypage.com/INTP.html">INTP</a> with pretty strong introversion. My immediate reaction was that I couldn't be an introvert because I was so outgoing and social. Then I learned that introversion was more about how you get energy and that I was likely drained (rather than energized) by social interaction. And it totally clicked why living with three girls was exhausting me. After that year I mainly lived alone (until I got married) and absolutely loved it. <br />
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My husband Blake and I are both energized by alone time, which is definitely challenging now that we have children. As I've reflected on parenting choices over the last two and a half years, I've thought a lot about what I want to teach my children. One thing I emphasized a lot with Jackson was learning to enjoy his own company. While I could care less if he's an introvert (and actually think life is easier in some ways an extrovert), I want him to be able to entertain himself and not need constant companionship--plus I knew we'd have another child, and he would need to be able to function without my constant attention. And wow, whether it's what I've emphasized, genetic, or just by chance, Jackson loves being alone. After two hours at the Discovery Museum yesterday, Jackson played outside by himself for almost 30 minutes--mainly sitting in a chair and surveying our yard. He loves to "read" alone and work on his projects (moving dirt, cutting the grass, organizing various things, etc.). This picture is what I saw when I looked out the window yesterday; Jackson just sitting in a chair.<br />
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With a second child, it's been much more challenging to give her opportunities to be alone. I've started putting her in her crib with toys for 5-15 minutes stretches, but her brother usually ends up wanting to be with her or giving her toys and interacting with her. When her brother isn't home she'll play alone for a few minutes but is definitely accustomed to having him around to help entertain her. Now that she's walking 99% of the time she's seeming more independent and exploring more on her own. Of course, different personalities are what makes the world go round, and we love seeing their individual personalities emerge.<br />
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p.s. I'm thankful for our new family routine of taking walks in the morning.<br />
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Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-6742692564399532242014-06-11T09:29:00.002-05:002014-06-11T12:17:18.074-05:00Our Life: Shark TankIn November of 2012 my husband and his employer decided to part ways, and Blake decided to start his own company. That same month we found out (unexpectedly) that I was pregnant (with Ella Kate). Blake's initial plans were with a partner (a former coworker who lives in Australia), but over the first 6 months of the company's life, the partner's wife became very ill. Needless to say, his partner couldn't focus on their company and was consumed with helping his now almost completely blind wife relearn a lot of life's tasks. He eventually decided that a business venture wasn't possible, and Blake began moving forward completely alone.<br>
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And now over a year later, Blake has developed a website, catalog, extensive quality program, sample kits, manufacturing relationships, and 50 page plus business plan. He had a little help with the website, and his father worked on the quality plan; but he did all the rest unassisted. It's really been incredible to see how varied and developed his skill set is and how willing he is to learn new things. The idea of doing what's he done makes me feel overwhelmed and exhausted, but Blake had an entrepreneurial spirit and a confidence in his ability in his industry that energizes him. <br>
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As a family it's been really weird (and sometimes very stressful) to not have income for over 18 months, but it's also been a reminder of God's goodness, grace, and provision. We've been thankful to have so much equity in a home we've only owned 3 years as well as savings to make this process possible. And now that we're reaching the end of those financial ropes and realizing that a capital investment is essential for Blake's company to succeed, Blake has been meeting with potential investors. As we discuss evaluations, equity, and other common investment terms, I frequently think of the television program Shark Tank that we have watched. The financial sacrifices we've made and the sweat equity Blake has invested in his company are routinely portrayed on Shark Tank and remind me that we're not totally crazy to make some of these (calculated) risks. <br>
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And even if the investment doesn't happen, we have been so blessed to have Blake around so much more than when he had a traditional job. He's only had to travel for work a few times in the last year and has been able to spend so much time with our children, helping neighbors/friends, and developing relationships that he wouldn't have otherwise had the time/flexibility to pursue. With that said, I'm praying and hoping that a capital investment will happen, and Blake has the opportunity to take his company to the next level. I have so much confidence in him and this venture and would love to see what happens with proper funding.<br>
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p.s. I'm thankful my husband is braver than I am!Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-18698235587113971062014-05-12T21:32:00.000-05:002014-05-12T21:32:28.478-05:00Mother's Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfQ5G5cKmZV2f3jyVML4yPjdsmiH4j4m9C-BmlNbsBQqkiRTgG8MzQb0P1xgY6NbORgwI1wO0gf7ZpVXFcuuaY_LZhzXhPh-i3t9N43omHARfe-CEczeh-ryPYB-0493QKYWqrA/s1600/me+ek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfQ5G5cKmZV2f3jyVML4yPjdsmiH4j4m9C-BmlNbsBQqkiRTgG8MzQb0P1xgY6NbORgwI1wO0gf7ZpVXFcuuaY_LZhzXhPh-i3t9N43omHARfe-CEczeh-ryPYB-0493QKYWqrA/s1600/me+ek.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Sweet Ella Kate took her first steps on Mother's Day--such a wonderful gift and one day before she turned 10 months old. I've been so ready for her to start walking, so she can keep up better with her brother (and not eat everything on the ground). She took more steps numerous times today, so here's hoping this isn't just a fluke. <br />
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My in-laws ended up going out of town on Saturday, so Blake sent me to their house that evening so I could sleep late and have a leisurely Mother's Day morning. Alone time and rest is how I recharge, so that was the best gift he could have given me. I think I could have spent the entire day in bed, but I managed to get up at 10 so I could swing by Starbucks and Target before heading home to join the family for a trip to the Market. Both kids were thrilled to see me and extra sweet. I called my mom and had given her a card (painted by Jackson) and gift earlier in the week. We spent the evening with Blake's dad and step-mother, and it was a great day. </div>
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I thought a lot about the moms in my life as well as my friends who long to me mothers but aren't yet and those who have lost their moms. I prayed a lot for a woman who recently lost both of her children and her mother in a tragic accident; I cannot imagine her day. Or my friend who had a double mastectomy today and has 2 young children to care for as well. I have much to be thankful for and am so privileged to be a mother.</div>
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p.s. I'm grateful for fresh strawberries, and Jackson being able to eat some out of a neighbor's garden.</div>
<br />Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-11896692250579323412014-05-05T21:49:00.001-05:002014-05-05T22:34:45.256-05:00Five Years Ago Today....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vOXpdgeIQihBWYqgxsmdFtsMh7vn-NkEnyn34ONfau86XRPZ-TwEop0ozmRPSsAPsFxqQM3e8ED8ZP8bDHQ7SZbtUAqjHMrjQOvrSdwOL6mMwC-QnNavujk0tKLDrejf0Cn01A/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vOXpdgeIQihBWYqgxsmdFtsMh7vn-NkEnyn34ONfau86XRPZ-TwEop0ozmRPSsAPsFxqQM3e8ED8ZP8bDHQ7SZbtUAqjHMrjQOvrSdwOL6mMwC-QnNavujk0tKLDrejf0Cn01A/s1600/033.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>my husband Blake and I were on our <a href="http://chubbyoldgroundhog.blogspot.com/2009/05/last-thursday-i-had-my-second-date-with.html">2nd date</a>, celebrating Cinco de Mayo with some of our neighbors. Tonight we took our 2 year old and 9 month old to a Chinese buffet in hopes of satisfying my husband's craving. While a buffet is almost always a bad idea, it's an especially bad idea with 2 children 2 and under. I won't bore you with the details, but suffice to say it was a waste of money and time and we learned our lesson. The only upside was watching our baby girl devour vegetable fried rice, fruit, and noodles and seeing Jackson try new things like egg rolls and fortune cookies.<br />
<br />
It's fun to look back and think about how carefree and easy life was just 4 years ago. Blake and I were just getting to know each other, and now here we are in a pretty labor intensive stage of life with 2 babies, a house, a dog, and a new business. Love how life works out and how quickly things can change. Oh how I used to love coming home to an empty, quiet loft and going to the gym at 10 p.m., and now I'm kicking myself because I'm not in bed yet (and it's 10:40) and my sweet little girl will wake me up before I know it wanting her morning bottle and her brother will wake soon after ready to play. I'm feeling so blessed to have enjoyed a season of singleness and now to be immersed in a season with my little family. <br />
<br />
p.s. I'm thankful for this incredible weather and time outside. Picnic in the park tomorrow for lunch!Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-1815391865648477052014-04-11T11:35:00.001-05:002014-04-11T15:22:15.303-05:00Jackson is Two!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Jackson,<br>
<br>
I guess these letters are going to be our tradition, and since tomorrow is your second birthday I'm finally writing another one. Almost every night after you go to bed your father and I talk about how you are an absolute joy. There's just no better word to describe you, and I thank God for you daily. You're so quick to smile, laugh, and give out kisses and hugs, and we feel immeasurably blessed to have you in our lives.<br>
<br>
Most mornings I wake around 7:30 or so and turn on the video monitor to see if you're awake. Often you're awake and just sitting in your crib quietly, playing with puppy and octopus (blanket also goes to bed with you:). Daddy usually gets you out of the crib, and you do a roll call: "Mommy, Daddy, Sissy, doggy?" On the two mornings of the week that your Daddy is gone to Bible study when you wake, you look for him (even calling under the bathroom door) and have even cried. If Ella Kate isn't awake, we wake her up, and you're always so glad to see her. You usually call her "Sis" but have also started saying "Ellie," which is very similar to what you call elephants. While I feed your sister, you either play or watch Daniel Tiger. Breakfast begins a little later--or sooner if you get in your highchair. You've started doing that when you're hungry. Breakfast always begins with a banana, and then you usually have some combination of the following: eggs, toast, muffins, blueberry waffles, fruit, or Organic Os. Milk follows later, and when you're finished you throw your cup in the sink. A lot of days you insist on putting on shoes, so we have to take your footie pajamas off and get you dressed for day.<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnllhuNlK9DkIWuBFoJgCFYRo3NDN2bIQJliX5nLzEYQ75XqIvpyACj8dNi5Smk8Hq5w3wlZCjTZLSLvISBOi-PDPaon-4CSY8kM012dcTLgrdZmxgcOOC1psSW8e2V-IjtLHvA/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnllhuNlK9DkIWuBFoJgCFYRo3NDN2bIQJliX5nLzEYQ75XqIvpyACj8dNi5Smk8Hq5w3wlZCjTZLSLvISBOi-PDPaon-4CSY8kM012dcTLgrdZmxgcOOC1psSW8e2V-IjtLHvA/s1600/016.JPG" height="133" width="200"></a><br>
Our mornings are almost always at home since your sister naps, so we sing songs ("Wheels on the Bus," "Old MacDonald" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider" are favorites), have dance parties (the Jackson Five Pandora station is our usual), read books, and you play on your own or with your sister a lot while I do chores. We have play dates with Betsy a lot, and you're always quick to hug and kiss her.<br>
<br>
I am often floored by how sweet you are to your sister. One day we were dancing, and Ella Kate was in her exersaucer and you went and danced beside the exersaucer so you could hold her hands and help her dance. You frequently bring her toys to her as well as her pacis, teething rings, and anything else you think she may need or want. When you see that I'm getting things ready for her nap you tell her "bye." She takes up a lot of my time lately, and you're so patient about it all. <br>
<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6CgqoJm69yIhd24m3X9HuvaYVNQW9bP5pY3DhMLVsraGQr5MVo2zf7jDnxQelKebT5vAU0Q6wKnCQFLz1vj7EXCBo4kHqmzGuMwsF1-rl_6hbeICRGYIj0BaH5j5MhF9qfKGjQ/s1600/Iphone+Photo+Dump+2014+120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6CgqoJm69yIhd24m3X9HuvaYVNQW9bP5pY3DhMLVsraGQr5MVo2zf7jDnxQelKebT5vAU0Q6wKnCQFLz1vj7EXCBo4kHqmzGuMwsF1-rl_6hbeICRGYIj0BaH5j5MhF9qfKGjQ/s1600/Iphone+Photo+Dump+2014+120.JPG" height="200" width="150"></a>We eat an early lunch, and you're still a really good eater. You love smoothies, and when I turn the Vitamix on you bring me your cup so I can fill it up. You love snacks and call them "soap-ies." You grin so big when you get milk twice a day. Your nap is around 1:00 (or whenever your sister's second nap begins so I can get a break), and lately you've been napping about 2 hours. After your nap we may go to the aquarium, park, store, or the Children's Discovery Museum (a membership was part of your gift from Grandma).<br>
<br>
In the last month or so, your learning and vocabulary have exploded. It's been so fun to see. It all began when you started wanting to look at books and have us identify things. Some days we would spend hours going through these books. Then we started having your identify the different items, and all of sudden you just started adding about 5 words a day to your vocabulary. <br>
<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRlrK8pU3JyZAIMSCsvUsuxxNMfoRDY8SbjpyYnznr02SkgYF-ByIRmUa-On3dOyT4Be_LSbVShUyRaqC06Gy355_Vw-n1iGGsPDcTHBKm0cuRgENsJOItwHtQy_6YnXiBsTjBA/s1600/Iphone+Photo+Dump+2014+136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRlrK8pU3JyZAIMSCsvUsuxxNMfoRDY8SbjpyYnznr02SkgYF-ByIRmUa-On3dOyT4Be_LSbVShUyRaqC06Gy355_Vw-n1iGGsPDcTHBKm0cuRgENsJOItwHtQy_6YnXiBsTjBA/s1600/Iphone+Photo+Dump+2014+136.JPG" height="200" width="150"></a>Two of your favorite people are Holdey (Holden) and Mallie. Any time you hear a child outside you look to see if Holdey is in his yard and you cry out his name. You love our trips to Calhoun and talk about Mallie during the entire one hour drive to her house. You love playing in the kitchen in her room and can be so focused on a task at hand. It's not unusual for you to go straight to her room and play for hours.<br>
<br>
Sadly I'm just finishing this letter about 2 months after your 2nd birthday because I got a terrible stomach bug mid-writing and had to cancel your family party. You ended up getting sick too. Thankfully we had already celebrated with Kate, Holden, Charlie, and Tucker with a little birthday lunch and cupcakes, and of course, you didn't know the difference. You loved opening your presents and have especially enjoyed a play lawn-mower that your Aunt Kristyl gave you. You love spending time outside and will play in the yard by yourself--exploring, reading, or talking to the neighbor's German Shepherd Caesar. <br>
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Most nights your daddy puts you to bed. The two of you pray together, and you often lay down on your big boy bed while holding his hand as if you're too tired to sit up to pray. I often see you lounging, kicking your feet, and otherwise enjoying your alone time in your crib before you eventually fall asleep. We are so enjoying getting to know you Jackson and look forward to this next year.<br>
<br>
Much love,<br>
<br>
Mommy<br>
<br>
<br>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-40436717586893322062014-01-31T14:19:00.001-05:002014-01-31T14:19:20.034-05:00Snow Day!We ended up with the best of the Snowpocalypse: one afternoon of fun in the snow and easily drive-able roads the next day. Of course it's been really cold and too cold to get out with my babies, but Blake and I had a date night and our family has dinner plans out tonight too. We also had some friends over for sledding down our driveway on our slope sliders. We bought them four years ago and were delighted to finally use them.<br />
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<br />Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-68785296386310493942013-12-23T22:57:00.002-05:002013-12-23T22:57:53.814-05:00Joy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC_ngP-pIpmOvLf4lACgXCZD-SnsnBlAsfZcYOMMz0MjZdJxwmatAODKbfNeXFNzbe2Qc81y98FcjHNXve5vxP2jB6imF5eQFwsDy2LJJyjW_CbNYn_e4y5eac3161l199xp6Fw/s1600/family2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC_ngP-pIpmOvLf4lACgXCZD-SnsnBlAsfZcYOMMz0MjZdJxwmatAODKbfNeXFNzbe2Qc81y98FcjHNXve5vxP2jB6imF5eQFwsDy2LJJyjW_CbNYn_e4y5eac3161l199xp6Fw/s200/family2.jpg" width="200" /></a>Oh the joy of Christmas is so evident this year as I see the celebrations through Jackson's eyes. After about 10 days of being house-bound with RSV, we've embarked on our Christmas festivities, and I'm not sure I've ever looked more forward to the get-together we hosted with my mom's side of the family. I was so ready for company and to be with people and celebrate (after canceling two Christmas dinners we were suppose to host for friends and a Bible study). Tonight I've reflected on the joy I've witnessed the last 3 days, and here are a few snapshots:<br />
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<ul>
<li>My father in law's impatience and excitement for Jackson to open his last gift tonight: a tricycle "lowrider" and hearing Jackson's giggles and "wee" as he was pushed on it through their house; </li>
<li>Our quick visit to see my great aunt and how incredibly proud she was to hold Ella Kate (as I helped) and to see Jackson. One of my prayers was that she would live long enough to meet my children, and at 93, she's done just that and has enjoyed every minute of knowing them;</li>
<li>Jackson's sheer joy at having 16 people in our house Friday night--half of whom were children--and how much he adores my mother;</li>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADAEuq4zGY2tAJsZwgsmU9w4_uVuqVWrHNOtr2M1YuR4FblKZ01-UfT45msCZz7oI2sn7NkTWNzGWy9_JVwHFfLIQQ2UmqZfjnhCgjHV2iYqhY4U_rl4ggtkTB723iBV1EgHI7Q/s1600/cousins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADAEuq4zGY2tAJsZwgsmU9w4_uVuqVWrHNOtr2M1YuR4FblKZ01-UfT45msCZz7oI2sn7NkTWNzGWy9_JVwHFfLIQQ2UmqZfjnhCgjHV2iYqhY4U_rl4ggtkTB723iBV1EgHI7Q/s200/cousins.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li>how my Dad's sister couldn't wait to give Jackson a ball when she arrived at our Christmas lunch yesterday and how his face lit up as he pronounced it "ball"; </li>
<li>how loved Blake and I felt by our friend and babysitter Bess' gifts to our family which included a "gift certificate" for an overnight baby-sitting date;</li>
<li>how excited I am by the North Face sweater pullover my in-laws got me (silly I know, but we're on a budget these days, and I've really wanted this top!);</li>
<li>seeing my step sister-in-law 8 months pregnant tonight after their years of trying to have their second child; and</li>
<li>how my friend Chasie wanted to serve and love Blake and me by keeping our children this morning, so we could have a child-free breakfast together.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCDqjU2_JEwlzixltmkWNHFi482qikPZdEpRoPJGrEGbB1tWB-FGmpbuAhaFHWzl6ITWgVHsXBC0q2m9poixfY30eWkljOcNNtFZpTl9_X-Fn1YZuLWUxm7ZKSBtKG8mjSqN-Xw/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCDqjU2_JEwlzixltmkWNHFi482qikPZdEpRoPJGrEGbB1tWB-FGmpbuAhaFHWzl6ITWgVHsXBC0q2m9poixfY30eWkljOcNNtFZpTl9_X-Fn1YZuLWUxm7ZKSBtKG8mjSqN-Xw/s200/cookies.jpg" width="200" /></a>What an incredible season this is for so many reasons. I just cannot get over how much fun this Christmas has already been simply because of our son's joy as he sees friends and family, opens boxes and bags with toys, tries new foods and treats, and stays up past his bedtime to play. I love our sweet little family of 4 and that next year Ella Kate will be almost Jackson's age and getting to have this same experience. What a good God we celebrate!<br />
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p.s. I'm thankful for the two boxes of forgotten cookies my mom made for me (that I've already consumed:) and for my bright-eyed baby girl.<br />
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Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-64719102897365935702013-12-18T03:47:00.001-05:002013-12-18T03:47:29.365-05:00Wordless Wednesday: RSV<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiybOBJIgwMNNg6cPJBBTCYFYrmm5HZU03MQnOfxrbeXx-awHfTHeA5deaALlaE8zVRtwKyFLcvlJIu9EDcPXarT2J4a5kDdnSk6_0SfIaJc5BlVj1JbYLdRjJUMw-dNgfoupLlw/s640/blogger-image--2049645844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiybOBJIgwMNNg6cPJBBTCYFYrmm5HZU03MQnOfxrbeXx-awHfTHeA5deaALlaE8zVRtwKyFLcvlJIu9EDcPXarT2J4a5kDdnSk6_0SfIaJc5BlVj1JbYLdRjJUMw-dNgfoupLlw/s640/blogger-image--2049645844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeHvMKbugnBVd1ZJahMzXc5-iUEvx6ofH9QdSA5E5ciGbr8UgEtrcaitTK_lDD74_np0VA6DqneCRomoE0UN7BwQgRYf1ka-no8uOUpkFNwVd6KmqAxFz1vlj0jymW4-Rn-ruKQ/s640/blogger-image-1159438401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeHvMKbugnBVd1ZJahMzXc5-iUEvx6ofH9QdSA5E5ciGbr8UgEtrcaitTK_lDD74_np0VA6DqneCRomoE0UN7BwQgRYf1ka-no8uOUpkFNwVd6KmqAxFz1vlj0jymW4-Rn-ruKQ/s640/blogger-image-1159438401.jpg"></a></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiybOBJIgwMNNg6cPJBBTCYFYrmm5HZU03MQnOfxrbeXx-awHfTHeA5deaALlaE8zVRtwKyFLcvlJIu9EDcPXarT2J4a5kDdnSk6_0SfIaJc5BlVj1JbYLdRjJUMw-dNgfoupLlw/s640/blogger-image--2049645844.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">p.s. I'm thankful that we seem to be over the worst of RSV. </div>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17276748.post-20026379548925480432013-12-13T21:19:00.000-05:002013-12-13T21:19:16.561-05:00Favorite ThingsI have so many random ideas for a post, but none are particularly compelling. So here are a few of my favorite things right now:<br />
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<ul>
<li>the fig preserves, arugula, gouda, and prosciutto pizza at Community Pie;</li>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_peGaFG8a_5fTJdg5s8JlVZHhTd0DDKzE-zFVqilftnMf8GgVDAV8A1baWxiEi3J4xrPJrhxK5up5oL3X8sU-7NqLJ3w_ltJB6CbsQNwAQtmmnxM84MD3jkj5FpWq-yAfzncFzQ/s1600/blakejackson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_peGaFG8a_5fTJdg5s8JlVZHhTd0DDKzE-zFVqilftnMf8GgVDAV8A1baWxiEi3J4xrPJrhxK5up5oL3X8sU-7NqLJ3w_ltJB6CbsQNwAQtmmnxM84MD3jkj5FpWq-yAfzncFzQ/s200/blakejackson.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li>how Jackson's vocabulary is expanding so quickly and never knowing when he'll blurt out a new word (recent additions include shark, football, Nanee, book);</li>
<li>our Christmas tree;</li>
<li>that my husband is currently making pink origami stars for our daughter's bedroom;</li>
<li>having holiday traditions and time with family to look forward to and knowing that Jackson will enjoy it all so much more this year;</li>
<li>the incredible way God continues to bless us and our friends, especially the long-awaited answered prayers;</li>
<li>that we have already sleep trained our daughter and I'm getting at least 3-4 hour stretches between feedings;</li>
<li>how much Jackson and Blake enjoyed their recent "boy day" together while Ella Kate and I visited my home town;</li>
<li>how excited Jackson gets when he gets to play with play dough, gets his twice daily milk, or any other treat that isn't permitted all day long; </li>
<li>friends and their sweet children who brought my sick kiddos toys and cards today;</li>
<li>that Ella Kate doesn't cry for what seems like no reason any more & is so sweet and pleasant;</li>
<li>that more days than not both children sleep until 7-7:30; </li>
<li>that Jackson currently loves praying (although he has no idea what we're doing but will continue to sign for more as soon as we say amen);</li>
<li>a surprise visit from my friend Chasie and her new beau;</li>
<li>Tootsie Roll pops; &</li>
<li>how thoughtful and generous my mom is.</li>
</ul>
p.s. I'm thankful for a season dedicated to celebrating the birth of our Savior.<br />
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Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09370597633814228380noreply@blogger.com2