Second Grade Happenings

Second grade has been full of fun these past couple of weeks. Thursday night was his singing program which was so cute. The songs were upbeat, and fun, and it was just under 30 minutes. Perfect! The other kids really enjoyed it, and Ethan was so excited to get to perform!
In other second grade news, Cats Cradle is making a come back! I remember when this was all the rage when I was in grade school, and how things come in and out. All the kids seem to wear these strings around their necks right now, and it's nothing but witches brooms, Eiffel towers, and hand cuffs. It's fun to see him playing the same games we did as kids!

Weight Watchin'

It was the moment of truth today as Emilee went to the doctor for her 1 year check and weigh in. Our doctor gave us the goal for Emilee of 16 and a half pounds (preferably 17), still well below the weight chart, but steady gain from where she was last month (and incidentally, a full pound to gain in 4 weeks).

She did it!

She was exactly 16 lbs 9.4 oz! Hurray! She's still not on the chart like I said, but it was steady growth. Her height stayed about the same at 65th percentile, and her head circumference stayed steady as well, which is great. She's busy sleeping off her pokes right now, for which I am grateful. But mostly I'm grateful that my petite little girl is growing and gaining! Way to go, Em! Maybe we'll have you out of that rear facing car seat by 18 months!!!

Happy Birthday Emilee Jane!

Aside from having a nasty cold, Emilee had a pretty fun birthday!

There were presents. . .
and bows . . .
And a "little miss tiny" cake for smashing . . .
and a big cake for the rest of us to share . . .
and singing . . .
and tasting . . .
and snarfing . . .
And Smashing!
It was a wonderful day for a sweet little girl! Thanks so much to everyone who helped us celebrate today! Happy Birthday little miss tiny!

A growing girl

It is hard for me to accept that a year has gone by since this enchanting little creature came into my life, but the calendar tells me that tomorrow is my baby's birthday. She is my darling little angel and I love her so much. Here's a little slide show of how she's grown, as well as some of the pictures from her 1 year pics we took this morning. I love you fluffy duckling, you'll always be my baby!

Helpers

Many hands make labor light. Or at least, I think that's how it's SUPPOSED to go. . .

my latest creation

Here is my latest creation for Emilee. I started this one right after Christmas, and finished it just in time for a post-valentines day debut. . .

Here is the smocking up close
Aunt Keren's favorite part are the bloomers. . .
And red shoes courtesy of a valentine delivery from Grammy. Thanks Grammy!
And if I do say so myself, I think it was worth it. My favorite I've done so far.

Have you ever seen such a sweet little valentine?

Feeling the Love

Yesterday was a wonderful love-fest around here. The morning started with the traditional arrival of the "valentines fairy." She comes in the middle of the night before Valentines day and puts treats down on the table for everyone. This year it was giant Hershey kisses. Chandler snuck downstairs before anyone and dug into Aidans, the little stink bug.

It's been our long standing joke with the kids, that I pretend that I don't know who she is, but they really know its me. (same with the Easter Bunny) Anyway, Ethan made me this cute valentine at school. . . click to see the message.
And then, the valentines fairy's helper (a.k.a. Gordon) let me know that there was an appointment at 11 for me to go get a massage! It was my first ever massage, and it was heaven. Thanks Gordon!

For dinner, we had valentines pizza, a family favorite. When Aidan walked into the kitchen and saw it, he said, "oh, good idea mom!" and then motioned with one finger for me to bend over closer to him. I did, and he gave me a great big kiss on the cheek. Perhaps my favorite valentine for the day.
We had chocolate fondue with strawverries for dessert, it was a hit!
Hope you had a great Valentines Day too!

So Sleepy

I came home from Cub Committee meeting the other night to find this at 8:15. They were both out. Sweet Dreams!

Erring on the side of ridiculous. . .

Look at this massive snow storm we got last night! It's a good thing they canceled school this afternoon, don't you think? Those treacherous roads. . . I can't imagine even trying to drive! Oh wait. . . I did drive. . . the roads are just wet, because it's RAINING!. . . can you tell I'm annoyed? Well, Aidan's excited for the "snow day" anyway, if you can even call it that!!! Oregon needs a serious reality check.

The Pajama Game

I think it would be fair to say, that since Emilee was born, any sewing I've done has been for her. I've made her some pretty cute things that have taken a lot of time and detail. (watch for a post about a new dress, coming soon!) So, when I realized that Ethan had worn these PJ's for about 2 weeks in a row, every night, I asked him why. He said they were his absolute favorite, and even though I pointed out that he's about 8 inches too tall for them, he just couldn't bear to put them aside. He loves them. Grammy made them when he was about 5. He picked out that beautiful fleece with her. . .So, I decided to make the kids day. I went to Joann's, and picked out the ugliest, loudest, race car fleece I could find, flames and all (and it still could hardly compete with the old ones). I ran home and whipped these up before he got home from school, and the kid has never been so thrilled. I should make him PJ's more often, he appreciates them so much, they take no time, and they make him happy.
Aidan was having a hard time being left out. But his PJ desires were a little more complex. He's been bemoaning the fact that he is too big for blanket sleepers now. They just don't make them in his size (that I can find). And, he's also always cold in the morning and looking for something snuggly. So, I trucked off to Joann's again, and looked for another piece of ugly, loud, motorcycle this time fleece. Mission accomplished. I got a pattern and brought it home and stretched it to his size. Two days later, his dreams are also coming true. . .Everybody's going to sleep well (and warm) tonight! Sweet Dreams!

Snaggle

Here is Emilee's Gilly-Goo-Fang front tooth coming through. It's pretty cute! (click to blow it up big)

A map of the world

Grandma and Grandpa gave the kids this awesome floor puzzle for Christmas. The kids love this gift, and have put this puzzle together multiple times since Christmas. And want to know what the best part is? (according to them)
When the puzzle is done, you can use it for a nap mat! It is made of squishy foam peices, and the boys always make it into a bed after they are done . It's quite a fun ritual. . .Thanks Grandma and Grandpa! This has been an awesome toy!

Groovin'

Chandler has been working on his moves over the last few days. He found this setting on the piano that plays some background music to the note you play, and he has been caught many a time just jamming away over there. We especially love his signature move, the sweeping arm circle that flies out to the right. Usually it's a little slower and a bit more graceful :) , but you can get the idea here. . .

Duets

Emilee has a new favorite toy, the piano! She plays it all day long, but especially if someone else is playing, she's right there. Whenever Ethan goes to practice, she is right there beside him, playing the bass line. Sometimes he loves it, and sometimes it drives him crazy. I just keep telling him he's so lucky to have a little piano buddy!