Pre School, Changes & Ellie's Heart

Audrey's first week of Pre-school began a few weeks ago.

It was also....

Ellie's first week of transitioning from not having a playmate.

First week with our "new" truck.

Daddy's first week of being "home" for the summer.

Mommy's first week to try to adjust to all these changes....

Audrey was super excited even getting dressed in her "school" outfit she had chosen earlier in the day, shoes & backpack and all & waited by the door at around 7pm the night before her first day of school.... I finally got through to her that this would just be a practice and that tomorrow would be her first day of school. Eager as ever, she got ready first thing the next morning and waited by the door for the 30minutes leading up to when we were to leave... :)

Time to say goodbye to sister!

(who truly had no idea what was coming--look how happy she is to hug & say goodbye to Audrey...)

Her Daddy chose to come home one day early from a special road trip, so that he could take his darling little Audrey to school on her first day. And also, in part, because we both weren't quite sure how she--and her Mommy!--would do, emotionally on this big step being "away". (Literally, 5 houses away...)

She was so excited to start school that she apparently had to be told to turn around to say goodbye & wave for pictures her Momma requested. :)

First day of Pre-school! What a big brave girl!!

And then there were the other two of us.

Ellie & Mommy.

Crying our little eyes out on the front porch.

Not really....having Ellie sobbing her little heart out was probably a distraction from any emotion I could have had. Truly though..Ellie Lu was heartbroken!

It was one of those sad & sweet moments of motherhood.

I tried comforting...she cried harder.

I tried distracting...she cried harder.

I tried offering a snack (this girl likes food)..she ate it but continued to cry.

Then I suddenly realized...this would be the first day all Summer that I only had one child with me. Which meant I could do something I've been longing to do since last Summer! I could take my ONE child on my bike seat with me!!

So away we went, just she & I.

My baby Girl.

She finally stopped crying as we rode away, we talked about what we saw, what we heard and I kept telling her how much I Love her.

She seemed to enjoy the ride and I LOVED IT!

Then we got back to the house just in time for a little snack.

Then I noticed the time & said it was time to go get Audrey.

Ellie RAN to get her shoes & started getting whiny & crying again.

She just could not handle the change! She loves her sister so much!

On our walk back home, Audrey saw that her Daddy had begun the walk to meet us.

She started yelling to him:

"Daddy! Daddy! I'm all done with school now!"

And ran, jumping into his eager waiting arms.

PRECIOUS!

Can you bottle this sweetness up??

Then we decided to take Audrey out to celebrate her first day of school in style.

With Frozen Yogurt!

My Dad & Brother Mike just opened up a yogurt shop nearby--FroYo Nation--a few days prior, so what a perfect opportunity for us to see it for the first time & as a special celebration for Audrey!

Grandma Lu met us down there, of course!

A spoonful of sweetness, makes the tears go away!?

Daddarazzi.

Two big girls, one little spoon.

Wait a minute.

And here's what we were riding in style in!

Our "new" purdy Blue, 2nd vehicle with carseats stick shift which I am actually enjoying learning how to drive, Truck!!!

As of Today Audrey has attended 9 days of school! The first 3 weeks were "transitional" days, so they were only one or two hours.

Today was her first day of all 3 hours. She seemed tired, but said she "just loves school!"

I really could not have seen it coming that she has so easily adjusted to this new change! She was truly ready for this! We knew she would like it eventually, but by day 3 when I took her and asked her to please come back to give me a hug before she ran off into the schoolroom...I knew that she really did love it, and that I'd be fine too. :)

Ellie.... has yet to have a tear-free day with out her sister. The first few days were rough :) I spent the majority of the time Audrey was away from us, comforting her sad little sister, Ellie. We watched Sesame Street & cuddled, we ate snacks, we did puzzles and built blocks, but there were stressful off & on tears. We visited a dear friend who just had a baby, we take walks around the neighborhood and we've spent a few of the days running errands. I can tell though, that we aren't in a good groove quite yet. Ellie is so emotional on Audrey's school days. My intention is that Ellie & I can have a sort of fun Mommy/Ellie time at home, maybe even doing our own school-at-home projects. Potty training was also on the to-do list this fall, but there seems to be too much going on to begin something big like that just yet. Maybe in another few weeks...

Audrey Lynn--your Daddy & I are so proud of you! On your very first day of school your two teachers told me you had "mastered it all & wanted to begin teaching the other children!" I was not surprised to hear that! :) And every day thereafter they have made similar comments about how well you are doing. You are like a little sponge, soaking all of the Goodness of the world in. And your Kindness to others is evident. I love that you love school! I pray for you every day you are away from me. Just know that we are proud of who God created--Beautiful You!!

Love, Your Momma who misses you.

Ellie Lu--We'll get there soon. I promise. We'll enjoy the time we have together before another big change comes and alters it for us. I plan to get to know you better and snuggle you up lots during this season. So please let me. My heart breaks when yours does, but we will be fine. Thank you for loving your sister so deeply! You are a Gift!

Love, Your Momma.

Wearing our boredom on our sleeves, feet, faces...

This is what happens when you have...

a. Been sick & housebound

b. Had a Mommy who has been sick & housebound

c. Find contentment in silly everyday things

d. All of the above

You find a "scrap" paper of a heart-cut out and insist on "wearing" it.

After not taking a nap, you walk out of your room "wearing" two plastic tupperwear on your feet, shuffleing around...When asked what you were doing you say:

"I just wanted to make you laugh Momma!"

And you did :) You know me, the most surprising sights make me laugh the most! :)

Like gigantic vests that swallow you whole!

Or pushing the chair on the ground while laughing hysterically. Momma asks you what you are doing and you explain how your shirt is pulling the chair around..not you.

**Apparently when we are bored around the house a common activity is to Wear things?! Funny!**

We had fun today, didn't we?

Dear Audrey Lynn,

Every now and then we go on dates together. You love these. I especially love these.

Today we had one of our dates.

I had signed us up for a 3-6yr old Tie Dye class.

I'll have you know, I do not like the messiness of tie dye, nor do I love the look, I never have. But for the sake of a fun outing together I decided to put my own agenda aside & give it a try.

We loaded up into the car and were off. One reason why I love being with just you is that you have my undivided attention. We talked about the mountains we saw with snow in the distance, we talked about what we were doing, where we were going, animals you love, we talked about horses, we talked about Ellie. How big you are getting, about being kind to others and how proud of you I am...

Once we arrived to the school, we were both a little overwhelmed by all the Saturday activities going on in the school and about where to go. You hugged me closely, clenching me with your little legs, resting your head on my shoulders while I reasurred you this would be a lot of fun, reminding you of my answer earlier in the morning when you asked if I would be with you the whole time.

Yes, baby girl. I wouldn't leave your side.

We talked about the things on the walls that we saw as we walked through the long cold hallways and finally reached our destination. The preschool room.

You'd never been in a classroom before. You, nervously, introduced yourself to whoever would listen. I was so proud. I was nervous too. I let you lead us.

We signed in, gathered our things and began our craft, as instructed.

Once the "Tie-dyeing" was threw, it was a free for all with about 12 other children, 6 and under, running around playing. You played in the puppet section with two other older girls. I watched as one of them demanded you give your puppet to her. Another one bumped you. You looked for me with soft eyes... I came close and stayed with you, just like I told you I would.

You came away from that area and grabbed two very small toy people and asked if we could "talk" to eachother, like we do at home.

So we did.

Then the room got louder and more chaotic. You came straight for me and hugged me. Curling up into my arms like you do when I know you are sad or overwhelmed.

You asked if we could please go home now, because you really missed Ellie. I reasurred you this is a special day, so we'd be doing things a little dfferently then being at home with your sister. Whom you love.

I wanted to leave too. But we pushed on.

Then it was circle time. This was new to you, so I explained and you listened. You were asked questions from the teacher and you answered them perfectly in your words.

I was a few inches behind you, eventually you found youself in my lap and I loved this.

After more playtime we left. We had a race for the outside doors. As we both ran, I looked over and you had such a joyous smile on your face. I knew being with your Mommy, your comfort, was what made you happiest. I was happy too. We found some swings, then some dandelion flowers. You picked one especially for me.

We drove to a nearby restaurant, were seated and ordered yummy lunch. Have I mentioned I loved being with just you? We talked about the colors and the artwork we saw on the walls. We talked about what our favorite parts about today were.

We talked about lemonade, ice cubes, fire engines.

You were delighted they cut off the crusts on your Peanut Butter & Jelly.

We ate. We paid. We left.

Hand-in-hand we walked the streets of that cute little downtown until we got to our car.

As I was putting you into your carseat you said:

"I Love having special days with you, Mommy"

I do too, baby girl.

You got almost all the way home but dozed off as we turned onto our street.

You fell asleep as soon as we got home and I placed you into your bed.

Mid-way through this post you woke up from your nap. You smiled a big smile at me as you came out from your nap. We hugged, we cuddled, we talked about how much fun we had today. Then we shared an Oreo snack.

Two for you. Two for me.

When Sister woke up we 3 girls went out to paint our nails on the porch.

Your choice, Hot Pink.

I love you so much sweet Audrey.

In your words before bedtime often go: "We had fun today, didn't we?"

Yes. Yes we did.

Love, Your Momma.

Corn on the Cob Cuteness

Dear Audrey & Ellie Lu,

Just when I think you girls could not possibly get any cuter... you have your first corn on the cob tonight. Absolutely adorable. Audrey, you seemed a bit nervous biting into, although you lovvved posing for pictures with your cob. Ellie, you dove in like a champ finishing yours, sister's and whatever kernels you could find left on mine! Yup, you girls are about the cutest thing doing just about anything....but I'd say eating corn on the cob falls somewhere at the top of the cute list. :)

Love,

Your Mama

My heart overflows some days

Here are some recent pictures I had taken for Father's Day. These are his girls :) He loved them. He loves us! I ordered a large black & white of the one below with their precious profiles pressed together. They are so adorable. There were many to choose from, but I am so glad I chose these three.




The above picture was captured in between shots. It was totally candid, and makes my heart melt looking at it. I love it for many reasons but one is that looking at this picture, I realize my life will never be the same. These two little girls have stretched my heart larger than I could have ever imagined. They have helped to give me confidence in myself and as a mother and provider for their every needs. I adore them both more than any words could possibly describe. It is a selfless, I would, do and have done anything to meet your needs above my own, sort of love. It has not been easy, but their sweetness makes it easier. Often, I find myself cherishing a moment and praying "Thank you Lord for this moment right now." Storing each one up in my heart.


They are helping to shape me into the woman God has so dearly called me to be. After being a servant to the Lord and a submissive, encouraging wife, it is the highest calling a woman could ever have. To be a Mother. To be their Mommy. My life will never be the same, and I absolutely could not feel more blessed to have such an important role in their lives. They are my pride & joy. I long to hold them, giggle with them, kiss them, comfort them. My heart aches for them & with them.

Praise be to God for their lives.

Praise be to God for teaching me true selfless love.

I praise you Lord Jesus for your precious girls:

Audrey Lynn & Ellie Lu

Audrey-Pie

1 month old

2 months old

21 months old--today

My Dearest Audrey,

You have grown so much, you have learned so much, you have so much personality and have brought SO much joy into my life. How could it be that just a few short months ago you were a tiny newborn who I adored looking at? I could have studied your face for hours.

Your face is still my favorite sight. I adore looking at you even more now that I know you so well, my precious. I used to whisper to you all the time, "Do you know how much I love you?" I think you know now, but in case you have even the slightest doubt once your little sister arrives I want you to know that the spot in my heart for you will never be replaced, filled, or forgotten. I have a hard time understanding what it will mean for my heart to expand even more with another child. I know it will happen since I already love Ellie so much. We will all have to make room in our hearts for little sister. She already has such a huge advantage having you as her big sister. What a gift to her! You loving her could never be a better gift. I am so excited for us all to meet her, but I'm more excited for Ellie to meet you and to get to know you as well as I know you. You could not have been a more precious love to me in the past 21 months. We'll get through the next few months together, welcoming home baby sister. This could be one of our very last days together, just the two of us, so I wanted to thank you, sweet Audrey, for making me love being a Mommy so much more...

I'll Love you Forever,

Mommy