Work Weekend

Emma Claire when I returned home yesterday:

"mommy, I missed you today"

Daddy Day

Brad is super-daddy. It is a daddy weekend because I work. First of all, he gets Emma Claire dressed... As cute as she can be. Complete outfit (not backwards - except for the turtleneck), matching tights and perfect piggies.



Took both kids to see Marjorie, took them along to his haircut, AND to Target.
Arnold ate two large rice cereal portions. And - this is the icing on the cake - Emma Claire was napping when I got home.

Approaching Three

As we approach the big 3 ("mama, is it my birthday yet?, I am ready for my birthday"), I am realizing how grown up and independent Emma Claire is becoming. Even the "twos" fits, etc. are becoming less and less frequent.

She started her "on her own" Little Gym class on Friday. I was definitely a proud parent, watching as she, and all the other kids, followed instructions and had fun in class. She would look out into the lobby and wave every so often. Unbelievable.

Seems like the world of extra curricular activities open up now at age 3, which I am excited about. Now... what to participate in? I am anxiously awaiting the Golden Valley Parks and Rec Summer catalog's arrival in the mail! I signed her up for "Kids Club" at Brookview, starting on Wednesday mornings in February.

Emma Claire has always been one to love to "go" and "do" things. I am excited to continue to watch her learn and grow and develop interests. I am also excited for our world here to continue to open up and to make meet new people. More to come...

Fancy...

Emma Claire and best pal, Addie

Observation of a Toddler

Emma Claire: "boys stand up and girls sit down on the potty".

Time to move the camera...

out of the crib.

Arnold Daily Note 1/25/11

I always enjoy the daily notes from Calvary. It is fun to hear the highlights of Emma Claire and Arnold's day. I thought Arnold's from yesterday especially was sweet.

"Rolling over a lot more on his own. Arnold gives the best hugs. Nothing more adorable and sweet than a hug from something so tiny and cute :-) Enjoyed jumping in the jumperoo!".

What Kind of Restaurant is This?

Emma Claire: "Mama, I want milk"

Me: "How about water, Emma Claire"

Emma Claire: "But, I ordered milk"

Beauty Shop

Emma Claire Feeding Arnold

Arnold's First "Solid" Meal

Arnold tried his first taste of food other than my milk yesterday. The best part was seeing him sitting up in the highchair. Emma Claire agreed to "share" it with him, so that he could eat "breskast" (even though it was lunchtime - he was eating cereal). It was pretty anti-climatic (as I remember it being with Emma Claire).

Arnold didn't much care for the cereal - didn't look very appetizing to me either. He managed a few bites and then had enough. We will keep trying, though.

The video here is mostly for Rowie and Opa's sake (please excuse my appearance - we had a VERY lazy Saturday :-)

Watching Arnold

Arnold sleeping soundly...



Good morning!!!...

Little Gym Awards Ceremony

Emma Claire has been going to classes at Little Gym since before she was able to walk. Up to this point, they have been parent/child classes. That is "our thing". Arnold usually goes to school on Fridays and Emma Claire and I have a "mommy day", starting off with our gymnastics time.

Yesterday was the end of the semester and the "Awards Ceremony". Next week is a big transition (for me, at least). Emma Claire will be starting "Funny Bugs" class, an hour long class - without parents. What just happened - where did that time go? Is she possibly grown up enough to take a CLASS without my participation? I was a little emotional about it. However, I am super excited to sit out in the lobby with the other moms, visit and watch Emma Claire learn. She is definitely ready. In fact, if I try to help her with a skill in class, she swats me away and says "no, no, no, I want Traci to help me".

Just Cold

-15 (actual temp) right now. Winter is starting to make me a little crazy this year.

Regression

I have been bragging on Arnold for being a superstar sleeper for the past week. We had one 12 hour stretch last week followed by a 10 hour night.

Well... One thing I have learned about parenting (and life, for that matter) is the only consistency is change. Arnold has decided to wake up and be wide awake from 2-3:30 am for the past two nights. He is happy, smiling and content so long as he is being held and walked. As soon as he I sit or put him down, it is over. Finally he can't stay awake anymore and I am able to put him down.

Naturally, it happens on the nights I need to at least be minimally mentally on my game and be into work the next day. But, that is part of the deal, right? Can't complain. We are pretty lucky. I just feel the need to explain why I look like (at least feel like) I have been hit by a truck :-) today.

American Girls Outing

Diane (Grandee) has started a tradition of taking the girl grandchildren (Emma Claire, Quinn and Lila) to the American Girls store at the Mall of America for lunch at the bistro and shopping. Saturday was our second annual outing. This store is a little girl's dream.

We had lunch at the bistro (dolls included). Your doll has her own little seat and they bring out cups and saucers (complete with a tiny pitcher of pink lemonade for her). She even gets a tiny bowl of whipped cream with chocolate sprinkles on top for dessert.

Following our lunch, we had the dolls hair done in the beauty shop (Lila even had hers ears pierced). Then, was the shopping for the perfect accessories. Emma Claire and Quinn both chose the same outfits. A little ballerina outfit for themselves to match their dolls. Very cute. Emma Claire changed into hers immediately when she got home. (and, of course, changed "Mermaid" - her dolls name, for that day anyway).

Click here to view these pictures larger

Ear Infection

Arnold had his first little illness this week. Cold, cough - turned out to be an ear infection in his left ear. I knew something was wrong when he was fussy most of the morning on Wednesday. Emma Claire: "I don't want my little brother to be sad, mama".

Well, naturally, he was all smiles and acted like nothing was wrong by the time we made it to the pediatrician on Wednesday (isn't that how it always works?!).

Sitting Up (sort of)

Arnold is well on his way to the next "milestone" - sitting up. He was able to stay upright for a few seconds at a time on Friday night before toppling over.

Arnold "Live"

Brad set up a webcam in Arnold's room for me. Now, we can see him all the time without having to open up the door and wake him. I love it.

Emma Claire and I took a look at him this morning and she said: "he's in your belly". I guess it is a bit reminiscent of those 3D ultrasounds :-).

Dusting off the Old Sax

Brad dusted off his old saxophone (circa elementary school or Jr. High) last night. After a little practice, he can play a mean "happy birthday" (first public performance to come at Emma Claire's birthday party).

Sophie howled and I think the neighbor dog was worked up, too.

Emma Claire.: "stop, Daddy - Arnold is sleeping!"

2 Daddies

Emma Claire and Brad were looking in the mirror while brushing their teeth tonight. Emma Claire: "there are two daddies!"

Arnold's First Flight

Location:MSP to DFW

Well, the night I gave been waiting for... Arnold slept through the night! He only woke up about an hour after I put him down (only because his sister went into his room and climbed into his crib), then easily back to sleep.
Emma Claire was 8 months old or so before she first slept through the night, and even then, those nights were (are) few and far between. Maybe sweet Arnold is going to be my superstar sleeper... I can only hope.

Location:Red Letter Day

Papa's Birthday Trip

Leaving for Rosebud tomorrow to celebrate Papa's 90th birthday. Emma Claire has been really excited about seeing Papa, the birthday party, the airplane, Rowie, Opa, Baby George, Auntie G and Uncle J, etc.

This morning we were talking about the trip ...

ME: Emma Claire, how old will Papa be on is birthday?

EMMA CLAIRE: "Two, just like me"

Christmas in Alabama

Christmas 2010 highlights:

• Emma Claire's "pink necklace and pink bracelet" from Santa (Arnold, however, did not get the "little pink bracelet and little pink necklace that Emma Claire had wished for him)
• Tap shoes and Shirley Temple movies
• Princess dolls and dress up clothes
• A long, long drive in which both kids were practically angels (with the exception of Arnold screaming for the first hour both ways) - thank you to Brad for driving the whole way
• Nature walk with daddy
• Communion
• Jesus Birthday Party (and chocolatey chocolate cake, made with Rowie - complete with princess decorations and an entire jar of sprinkles)
• Waking up to a white Alabama christmas
• Naps on the couch with Arnold (for Mom)
• Hours and hours of Playstation (for Dad)
• Red velvet and Caramel cake - and lots of it
• Jammies all day every day
• Photo shoot at Scotty's (he probably needed a good week off to recover after our visit)
• Rowie and Opa (intsant calm for Arnold in Opa's arms)
• Dogs, dogs and more dogs (and Emma Claire being terrified of the little dogs - scared of Izzy because she has a "beard" "like Santa does")
• "Baby" George
• Opa's traditional "quiz-style" family heritage gifts
• Family

7.5 Hours

Haaaaallelujah -
That's the stretch that Arnold slept in his crib last night before waking. 7:30 pm to 3 am.
I think he was pooped from being back to school yesterday.

Playdate at Addie's

Emma Claire: "Hey, Addie - wanna play with my sister Arnold?"

Packed and Ready to go to Alabama

Emma Claire was anxious to try out her new suitcase from Minnesota Santa last week.