Ellis at 18 months

We have a 1 1/2 year old! Wow has the last year and a half flown by. If you would've told me when Ellis was born that in 18 months we'd have her and a 3 month old I would've thought you were crazy. Oh how our plans are not always THE plan. And even though it's crazy, we're loving it! Ellis is so much fun right now and Matt and I can't get enough of her. She talks all the time and is constantly on the go. She'll do anything for a laugh and continues to LOVE attention. I'll try to list most of the things she's doing right now but she's gaining new skills so quickly that I'll probably forget something.

Ellis you:

• Weigh 24 lbs and are 32.5 inches
• Love to read books and will sit in your room "reading"
• Love to sing. You are starting to sing the words to your favorite songs, even when they're not on. Some that you like include: Old McDonald, The Wheels on the Bus, Head Shoulder Knees & Toes, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
• Like to put bows & headbands on yourself and your "babies"
• Feed, rock, pat and put your "babies" to sleep
• Talk/Jabber non-stop
• Like to sit on the potty but haven't gone yet
• Tell us about your day at "school". You tell us the friends that you play with and are especially fond of Hannah
• Can answer most questions with a yes or no, mainly no
• Like to play with your shape sorter and puzzles
• Like for people to quiz you (about their names, items in the room, etc), you always ask for "mo" (more)
• Have started stringing words together. I have a feeling you'll have some sentences pretty soon. 
• Are really trying to communicate your wants and needs. You'll repeat the same thing over and over until we understand what you're talking about. 
• Are a great eater. You love meat and fruit and still eat a good variety of veggies
• Say your prayers. You always say "Amen" after your prayers and we've been working on you saying more of the prayers. At school last month you missed the prayer before lunch and started crying. They thought you didn't like your food until you put your hands together. They prayed with you and then you were happy and ate lunch.
• Are very helpful. You like to get sissy's paci and softie for her when she's tired. You also give her toys all the time.
• Are very affectionate. When you get on a roll with kisses you keep going and going!

Our big girl 

"Mom, I really think the picture would be better if the chair were over here..."

 "See? Perfect!"

Everyone needs a hair bow, even the "babies"

Ellis really enjoyed decorating the tree

Miss Serious (she'll smile all day, until the camera comes out!)

Ellis,

Everyday we are amazed by how much you know and your little personality. You are such a joy to be around and every day with you is so much fun! We love listening to you read and sing and play with your toys. You are turning into a big girl! You are so sweet and we're so blessed to be your parents. We love you!

Love, 

Mommy & Daddy

Nora at 3 months

Nora turned 3 months on Friday, November 29th. This month was a bittersweet one for me because I was trying to enjoy every moment with her before returning to work on Monday. I think that it's been harder for me to leave Nora than it was to leave Ellis. By this age Ellis was on a good sleep/eat/wake schedule and Nora is still a little unpredictable. I think that this has made me a little more protective of her and that she's been held (aka spoiled) a little too much. I was dreading sending her to daycare because I didn't know if they would be able to take care of her like I do. So far they've said that she's the perfect baby and is always content. It helps that she's a lot happier now that I've figured out that dairy and wheat really seem to bother her.  The allergy tests we did all came back negative but the doctor said she could still be sensitive. As long as I stay away from dairy and wheat she's a pretty happy girl. Here are some facts about Nora at 3 months and of course some pictures!

Nora you:

• Weigh 10 lb 4 oz and are 23 1/2 inches long
• Are awake more during the day (sometimes for 3-4 hours)
• Are consistently sleeping 5-6 hours at night, eating at 8, waking around 2 and then eating again around 5 (I wake you up for the 5:00 to get in as many feedings before daycare as possible)
• Still eat every 2-2.5 hours during the day
• Wearing 0-3 month clothes but some of the pants are getting short
• Cooing and smiling
• Love your big sister, every time she talks you smile and coo back, it's really sweet
• Have rolled from your tummy to back a few times but I think it was an accident (we have to start somewhere, right?)
• Love to cuddle. You would be content to sleep on my chest for all naps and at night if I let you
• Only want your paci long enough to fall asleep and then you immediately spit it out
• Have your very own softie that you love to grab and hold next to your face 

Nora,

You are such a joy to our family. You have the sweetest smile but also seem very serious. You keep a close eye on what's going on around you (I don't blame you, sometimes Ellis can be a little wild). I can already tell that you and your sister are going to be very best friends. It seems like you already have your own language and way of understanding each other. We are so glad that God gave you to us. We love you!

Love, 

Mommy & Daddy

Family Fun

These are a pictures from a few weeks ago when it was still warm and sunny. Ellis loves playing outside. I'm glad that we had a warm fall so we could enjoy it as much as possible.